Lucan

Lucan GAZET TE FREE

See our guide to the best of local Easter shopping WHERE2SHOP: P17 RECYCLE THIS COPY. KEEP DUBLIN TIDY.

YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

April 21, 2011

www.gazettegroup.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away

Strike it lucky: Young bowlers go fundraising THESE bowling pupils from St

Football: Westmanstown Gaels celebrate Feile success Page 40

Bernadette’s Senior National School paused just long enough at the Superdome in Palmerstown for the Gazette to take a nice group shot, as Rebecca, Tara, Briana, Daryl, Lee and Levon were busy having lots of fun with their classmates. The junior bowlers were visiting the centre as part of their fundraising efforts for their upcoming sports day in June, striking an impressive €2,000 with their efforts.

Full Gallery on Page 10

Exclusive: Bernard Brogan talks ahead of the league final Page 37

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 MOTORS ....................... 26 TRAVEL......................... 30 BUSINESS .................... 31 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 32 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 34

Councillors ‘give up’ on Dublin Bus plans Claims company Q PAUL HOSFORD

has ‘failed to listen to communities’

COUNCILLORS in Lucan have “given up” on Dublin Bus engaging with the community on Network Direct changes.

All 26 members of South Dublin County Council passed a motion at last week’s

council meeting calling on the company “to ensure that the views and concerns of the communities within South Dublin county are taken on board in a real way, further to the consultation process”, and further demanded “that no residents of the county will be without an easily accessi-

ble bus service as a result of the review process”.

Fine Gael councillor William Lavelle, who described himself as “a loyal Dublin Bus customer”, said that Dublin Bus had failed to listen to Lucanians.

Full Story on Page 5

2 LUCAN GAZETTE 21 April 2011

FastNews Hedeghogs seek runners LUCAN Hedgehogs’ Special Olympics club is looking for women to go the distance for them.

The club, which is a sporting and social club competing primarily in basketball and bocce, is looking for women who are doing the Womens’ Mini Marathon this June to consider doing it on their behalf.

To contact the club to offer assistance, call 086 873 8195.

New salt barn now complete COMMUTERS in Dublin Mid-West will be able to hope

IT’S YOUR STORY Moriartys’ wedding joy to receive more help in adverse weather conditions, with the building of a new salt barn now complete.

The facility, which is based on the N4/Fonthill junction, is now ready for service, with the council looking to review its whole gritting plan.

Discussing the facility, the council said: “The salt barn has undergone practical completion and is now ready for service.

“It is expected that the barn will enhance and provide additional resources in the 2011/2012 gritting season.

“It is also the council’s intention to review the entire gritting programme for the 2011/2012 season,” said the council.

Laura Moriarty was a truly beautiful bride when she married New Zealander, Samuel Darragh, at at St Patrick’s Church, Corracrin, Emyvale, Co Monaghan recently, where she was given away by her father, local businessman, Luke Moriarty. Pictures: Joe Monks

Lovely Laura’s big day Q MORIARTY STAFF

THE management and team of Moriarty’s SuperValu, Palmerstown, would like to congratulate company director, Laura Moriarty, and her husband, Samuel Darragh, who were married on April 15.

Married at St Patrick’s Church, Corracrin, Emyvale, Co Monaghan, the couple later celebrated their reception in Castle Leslie Estate.

Laura, a director of the Moriarty Group, is the eldest daughter of Luke and Carol

Moriarty, and was assisted on the day by her chief bridesmaid, and sister, Yvonne Moriarty, and by her three bridesmaids, Karen Wynne, Linda Madden and Fiona Fallon.

Sam, son of Peter and Susan Darragh, was supported on the day by his best man, Alex Kairua, and groomsmen, Tim Ricketts, Hamish Hodgson and David Blake, as well as by numerous family members and friends from his home town of Matamata, New Zealand.

Laura looked stunning on the day, as did Sam and the entire wedding party. The

happy couple were joined by 250 of their family members and friends from home and abroad.

Guests were welcomed to the Castle with a champagne reception, and were entertained all through the night by Super Fly. The wedding celebrations began with a pre-wedding BBQ on Thursday, April 14 in Castle Leslie Estate, and culminated in a post-wedding party in the family’s own Courtyard Hotel, Leixlip, before Laura and Sam headed off on their honeymoon to Jamaica.

21 April 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 3

COUNCIL ‘It’s too expensive to reinstate service’

Printing costs hit €75,300

Junk collection plan is left on the scrap heap Q PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com

SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) will not be reinstating its junk collections, due to rising prices for the service.

Fine Gael councillor Emer Higgins tabled a motion at the recent council, asking “that this council calls for an examination of the possibility and financial feasibility of introducing a junk collection system in 2012”.

But the council’s figures mean that the plan is unfeasible.

From 2005 to 2008, the council operated a system throughout the

county that, in 2005, served 21,285 homes, collecting 1,705 tonnes of material. This was at a cost of €423,196 – a perhome cost of €19.88.

By 2008, the number of homes served had risen slightly, to 21,450, but had collected a mere 1,333 tonnes of material.

However, the costs had risen to €590,060 – a massive increase to €27.45 per household served – meaning that the council was unable to consider a reinstatement of the service.

In response, SDCC said: “The rising costs of waste disposal contributed significantly to the increased costs,

while an additional factor was the downward trend in the tonnages collected through the junk collection, with services provided in the county by organisations, such as WEEE Ireland and Clondalkin Community Recycling Initiative, offering a collection service to households for electrical goods, and the development of the Freetrade initiative, led by the Dublin region, seeing considerable growth over recent years.

“Customers can also dispose of unwanted material such as scrap metal, timber, plasterboard and bulky household items, such as furni-

COUNCIL: RESPONSE

SDCC says that rising prices for junk collection leave it unable to deploy resources that it feels could be better utilised elsewhere

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

‘It is not felt that the level of funding required for the junk collections, in light of other demands, would prove an effective use of the resources’ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

South Dublin County Council

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

ture, at Ballymount Civic Amenity.

“The policing of the junk collections also became an issue, as ille-

gally collected waste was brought to the areas and left for collection by the council.

“The council has

endeavoured to support people to use the facilities available to them and, indeed, the use of Ballymount as an antibonfire mechanism in 2010 proved a significant success.

“It is not felt that the level of funding required for the junk collections, in light of other demands, would prove an effective use of the resources,” said the council.

SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) spent €65,949 on printing with Dublin companies in 2010, new figures have shown.

Clondalkin Fianna Fail councillor Trevor Gilligan had put a number of questions to the council relating to its printing expenditure in 2010, what percentage of this is done in the county, what percentage is done in Ireland and what percentage is printed abroad.

SDCC replied that, overall, it had spent more than €75,000 in the year.

“During 2010, the council spent a total of €75,300, excl VAT, on printing costs, excluding photocopying.

It said that “100% of the printing was undertaken by companies located in Ireland, of which 87.8% was spent in companies located within Dublin city and counties”.

4 LUCAN GAZETTE 21 April 2011

COUNCIL: CURRENCY PROPOSAL

ENTERPRISE Local’s enthusiasm for Dutch cycles

Call for area to get own ‘money’ THE residents of South Dublin could soon be spending their own “currency”, if a proposal from councillor Trevor Gilligan (FF) gains traction.

Council management said it would investigate introducing the currency, which would be used alongside the euro and accepted in shops and in transactions with the local authority.

The currency would not be linked to the euro, but would be exchangeable.

The council passed a motion at its monthly meeting last week, agreeing to consider the idea.

Tabling the motion, Cllr Gilligan said the initiative would encourage consumers to spend their money locally, and said that the residents of South Dublin had lost purchasing-power in huge amounts over the past 15 years.

The currency would be similar to that of the Co Kerry town of Kenmare, which launched its own currency in 2009, called the “Youro”, while London’s Brixton district has the “Brixton Pound”.

County manager Joe Horan said there were several key issues that would need to be worked through.

A local entrepreneur thinks that Dutch-style city bikes could be a hit with Dubliners

Businesswoman’s message for locals: On yer ‘old’ bike Q PAUL HOSFORD

lucan@gazettegroup.com

A LOCAL woman is making an effort to bring cycling to the forefront of Irish life, selling stylish and fashionable bikes that follow Dutch traditions.

Lisa McKiernan

recently launched www. thisoldbike.com, a Dutchstyle bicycle boutique, specialising in brand-new “vintage”-style bikes.

Lisa lived in Holland for years, where the idea took root.

“I remember the first time I saw a couple in Amsterdam sharing a

bicycle. She was perched side-saddle on the luggage rack above the rear wheel, one hand around her date’s waist, the other to hold an umbrella to deflect the Dutch drizzle – there and then, I fell deeply in love with the Dutch bicycle.

“In Holland, it’s a nat-

ural part of the everyday flow of people, whether it’s to get to work, school, restaurants, parties, shopping – whatever the destination, the bike gets you there.

“Kids cycle to and from school in massive clusters of bikes,” she said.

Lisa is convinced that Irish people can learn from the Dutch example.

“The idea of learning from the Dutch is not so far-fetched. Our climates and landscape are pretty similar.

“In Holland, a huge portion of the population own automobiles, yet they simply don’t drive them every time they leave home.

“Commitment to biking is not imprinted in Dutch DNA, it is a result of a conscious push to promote biking.

“It took the Dutch 35 years to construct the ambitious bicycle system I enjoyed while living there.

“The Government’s

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

‘The idea of learning from the Dutch is not so far-fetched.

Our climates and landscape are pretty similar.’

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

Lisa McKiernan, www.thisoldbike.com

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

launch of The National Cycle Policy Framework 2009-2020, along with the Bike-To-Work scheme, is definitely a step in the right direction for the country as a whole,” said Lisa.

Today, Dutch-style city bikes have become the choice for young, trendy urbanites in major cities such as New York, San Francisco and Chicago, and the trend is spreading fast.

Having grow n up around business-owning parents, Lisa came home

last year, unsure of what her next move would be.

“I got offered a job show-jumping horses in Holland, which led me there, and when I moved home to Ireland after twoand-a-half years, last year, I honestly didn’t know what I wanted to do.

“I worked in make-up, and retail, but, to be honest, I always wanted to start my own company – I just needed to find out what!

“Unfortunately, or fortunately as the case may be, I am a self-confessed magpie.

“Shiny things, pretty things – I seem to be inexorably drawn to them.

“I would love to see my company do well, it’s got my whole heart in it.

“I genuinely love the way of life in Holland, and I believe that these City Bikes are the way forward,” said Lisa.

To see the selection of bikes available from the website, see www.thisoldbike.com.

21 April 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 5

COUNCIL Bus service has ‘disimproved’

Concern over the Network Direct changes Q PAUL HOSFORD

lucan@gazettegroup.com

ALL 26 members of South Dublin County Council are to call on Dublin Bus to listen to the concerns of communities affected by the Network Direct changes.

With residents in Lucan still struggling to adjust to the new timetable, and residents in Clondalkin fighting the changes to their bus services, the issue is a big concern for many residents.

The mayor of South Dublin, Cllr Marie Corr, tabled a motion at this week’s council meeting that “this council calls on Dublin Bus to ensure that the views and concerns of the communities within South Dublin County are taken on board in a real way, further to the consultation process engaged in as part of the Network review process and, furthermore, to ensure that no residents of the county will be without an easily-accessible bus service as a result of the review process”.

With Dublin Bus in Phase 2 of the Network changeover, the company says the aim is to “introduce the changes to the network on a phased basis later this year, with the overall aim of providing a more direct, higher frequency, and punctual bus service with improved cross-city connection”.

The motion sparked fierce comment, with a number of councillors moving to criticise the redesign.

Lucan Councillor Wil-

liam Lavelle (FG), who described himself as a “loyal customer of Dublin Bus” said that people in Lucan did not have their concerns heard throughout the consultation period.

“Since the outset, there has been very little listening from Dublin Bus. “The bus service has disimproved. People in Lucan are fed up. Dublin Bus did not listen to the people of Lucan. We were promised a postimplementation review, and all we got was a oneline email.”

Exasperation

L ave l l e p r o p o s e d an amendment to the motion that would call for the National Transport Authority to become involved in any postimplementation reviews.

“I am giving up on Dublin Bus listening to us,” said Cllr Lavelle.

Clondalkin Councillor Trevor Gilligan (FF) said that the consultation that had been seen in Clondalkin was merely tokenism.

“In Clondalkin, we had consultation and nothing happened on foot of it.

“Dublin Bus has a slogan that it is ‘serving the entire community’, but I fail to see how the Clondalkin route changes are serving the community.”

Gilligan said that he too was not hopeful of Dublin Bus engaging with the locals. “All we’ll get is a note thanking us for our interest.”

Labour councillor for Lucan, Catriona Jones, said that as a council-

WORK: PARTICIPANTS TO GAIN MARKETABLE SKILLS

Council has placed 9 from FAS schemes

Members of South Dublin County Council are to call on Dublin Bus to listen to commuters’ concerns over changes to local bus services which, they say, have not been well received by a number of communities

lor for the first town in South Dublin affected by the new system, she was “disappointed” to see how it had spread across the city.

“Dublin Bus shouldn’t pretend to carry out consultation. They have not made any effort to engage the local people. A lot of residents’ associations have been pleading for reviews of the system and have not got replies.

“To say I have no faith in Dublin Bus is putting it mildly.”

Sway

Cllr Gino Kenny (PBP) said that the council should hold sway over Dublin Bus. “Dublin Bus should be answerable to this authority. It is incredible that this system would be thought up.”

Fine Gael Councillor Terese Ridge summed up the feeling of many in the chamber, saying “Dublin Bus doesn’t give two damns about what we say”.

In response, Dublin said that, to them, the changes had been well received.

“The improvements and changes made to

services under Network Direct have been mostly well received by customers and Dublin Bus remains in contact with the public throughout the process.

“A l l c h a n g e s a n d improvements implemented in each area are monitored as part of a post-implementation review, and this includes monitoring customer feedback, and Dublin Bus will address the concerns of bus users with further changes postimplementation where possible.

“Customers can make their submissions by calling our customer service line or by emailing the dedicated Network Direct email address – networkdirect@dublinbus.ie.

“All feedback and concerns raised are taken very seriously by Dublin Bus and are included in the final decided changes, which are then implemented in the area.

“Also, Dublin Bus undertakes a comprehensive marketing and information campaign to inform customers, before any changes are implemented.”

SOUTH Dublin County Council has commenced work placements under two FAS schemes with nine participants, eight of which are graduates.

Responding to a question from councillor Eamon Tuffy (Lab), who asked for “information on the number of persons currently working with South Dublin County Council under the FAS Placement Programme, including outline information on qualifications of the persons involved and the general areas of Council work to which they have been assigned?” the council said a number of areas are covered.

The placements are in Local History Research, Digitisation of Heritage Material, Green Energy

Management, Local Sports Initiatives and Heritage/Archaeology.

They are all for a ninemonth period, during which participants gain marketable skills and experience. The council will continue, on a rolling basis, to fill placements.

Under the Redundant Apprentice Scheme, the council has engaged 12 apprentices and will be offering 16 additional places in car pentr y, plumbing, painting/ decorating, mechanics and bricklaying/stone masonry Of the 12 currently underway, there are both stage-five apprentices, who require a 26-week placement, and stage seven apprentices, requiring just 12 weeks work.

6 LUCAN GAZETTE 21 April 2011

HEALTHCARE: MIGRAINE ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND’S CHILDREN’S WEB SERVICE

COUNCIL Plan for Griffeen Valley Park angers locals

Helping migraine sufferers Q PAUL HOSFORD

THE Minister for Children, local TD Frances Fitzgerald, was on hand last week to help launch the Migraine Association of Ireland’s children’s web service.

The service will consist of two new websites, www.migraineandme.ie for primary school children and www.migrazone.ie for secondary school children, and will add to what is already an extensive web resource developed and maintained by the association.

In the context of working with patients, particularly children, Fitzgerald knows that knowledge is power.

“Patient information websites are a very valuable tool, not just for patients and their families, but for those in the wider community as well.

Knowledge and information are key tools for parents and patients to help in the management of their migraine.

“The website will provide a positive learning environment for children and help to build their self confidence in managing and understanding their own condition. In addition, the information on the websites can be provided to others caring for children with migraine in schools, sports clubs and other organisations.”

Migraine headache is one of the most common forms of recurrent headache experienced by children, with an estimated 10% of school-aged children suffering from a form of the affliction.

T he frequency of migraine gradually increases through adolescence and most individuals with migraine experience attacks before 20 years of age and one-infive have their first attack before their fifth birthday.

Migraine comes on suddenly, but may present with different signs and symptoms.

Symptoms

Children under five may look unwell and have abdominal pain, vomiting and a strong need to sleep. Schoolchildren may experience the more recognised combination of headache, vomiting, abdominal pain and sensitivity to light.

Minister Fitzgerald went on to say that knowing when to get medical attention was crucial.

“I hope that the success of today’s launch will encourage you to continue with the positive work you do in expanding the knowledge base for those with migraine through research and information initiatives like these new websites www.migraineandme.ie and www. migra-zone.ie,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

A large number of students marched in opposition to South Dublin County Council’s decision to relocate the Esker Lane depot to the park

Students march in opposition to depot Q PAUL HOSFORD

lucan@gazettegroup.com

THE campaign against the siting of a new Parks Depot in Griffeen Valley Park took another step forward last week, when a large number of students marched in opposition to South Dublin County Council’s decision to relocate the Esker Lane depot to the park.

Under the agreement with the Department of Education, the council will receive money for the land, as well as a turn-key standard replacement depot in Griffeen Valley. The land at Esker Lane will then be used to build the

Esker Educate Together School.

The plan has caused controversy locally, with many angered at the decision, which will cut off parts of the park.

A we b s i t e , w w w. saveourlucanpark.com has been launched to get locals involved and, last week, most of the 450 boys and girls from Griffeen Valley Educate Together School marched to Griffeen Park to protest against the plan to put what they call “a dirty depot” in the local park.

“We think it is crazy to put a depot like this in the middle of a park that is loved by our com-

munity. This park is used by thousands of people every day and we do not want part of it ruined with a dirty depot full of skips and tractors, and surrounded by barbed wire. It will also be a threat to protected wildlife (for example, bats) in the parks,” said a spokesperson for the students.

“We say find somewhere else for your dirty depot, and not in any of our lovely parks. And also, give the children in Esker Educate Together School the site they need,” said the spokesperson.

Support

The locals have received support from Lucan’s newest councillor, Fine Gael’s Emer Higgins.

“It is widely believed that the location they have chosen in Griffeen Valley Park is unsuitable.

Residents feel it would have a negative impact on both the park and its users, and would disrupt the natural flow of

the park. This proposal involves the removal of a football pitch currently used by a local football team,” said Cllr Higgins “We need to ensure that our parks are both attractive and user-friendly and that local amenities and facilities are supported and promoted.

“To ensure that there are no further delays in delivering a permanent school for the children of Esker Educate Together, their parents and teachers, this issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible. The first step in resolving this is to seriously consider alternative sites for the relocation of this depot,” said Cllr Higgins.

Colm Farrell, who founded the website, says that South Dublin County Council has refused to listen to residents’ concerns.

“The council have claimed to have conducted an extensive search for an alternative site, but none one of the county

councillors has managed to obtain a copy of this, despite having asked repeatedly for it.

“The council has put forward some reasons against the site proposed by some of our county councillors, which is south of the Dublin – Cork railway line. However, their reasons don’t even stand up to the most basic of scrutiny.

“This is an issue that the whole of the community is outraged over.

The residents’ associations of John’s Bridge, Griffeen Glen and Grange Manor and the Old Forge have come together to oppose this development.

“These groups alone represent 1,200 homes objecting to SDCC’s plans. However, objection in the community is far wider, as Griffeen Valley Park is a regional park, for the benefit of the whole region, and objections have come from the entire community,” said Farrell.

21 April 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 7

HERITAGE Council scrubs and paints Lucan Bridge

A light, feminist comedy

Sparkling new look for local landmark Q PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com

WORKS to restore the physical appearance of Lucan Bridge have got under way.

The bridge, built in 1814, is the longest single-span masonr y bridge in Ireland, and was designed by George Knowles, who designed both the Fr Matthews and O’Donovan Rossa bridges, on either side of the Four Courts.

The state of Lucan Bridge has been debated for some time, with the

Tidy Towns judging committee pointing to it as one of the specific objectives for the year.

In the adjudication report for the 2010 competition, the national judges awarded Lucan 19 out of 30 points in the “tidiness” category, and recommended that “actions to be considered for next year include painting Lucan Bridge (the balustrades were in poor condition)”.

Fine Gael councillor William Lavelle took up the cause in October, asking South Dublin

THEATRE: OFFER

One side of the magnificently updated balustrades of Lucan Bridge, with, inset, its former, weatherbeaten state

County Council “that the balustrading to Lucan Bridge be repaired and repainted in accordance with recommendations of the National Tidy Towns’ 2010 adjudication report”.

Speaking to the

Gazette, Cllr Lavelle was delighted that the work has got under way.

“I am delighted to report that works have commenced on the bridge.

“The works include the replacement of missing

capping stones, repainting of balustrades, cleaning of bridge by powerhosing, repainting of capping stones and the installation of chainlink fencing behind the balustrades.

“I hope these works

will help raise Lucan’s score in the 2011 Tidy Town contest, and I also wish to congratulate the Lucan Tidy Town committee on their superb voluntary efforts to tidy up Lucan Village,” said Cllr Lavelle.

LUCAN Dramatic Society are staging Joanna Murray-Smith’s hilarious comedy, The Female of the Species, in The Spa Hotel from Tuesday, May 3 until Friday, May 16.

The play takes a look at feminism in a humorous way, while, the producers say, acknowledging “that investing feminism with comedy is a mark of respect, where it is strong enough to laugh at itself”.

Performances start at 8.30pm, with admission of €10 per person, with concessionary prices for students and senior citizens. The proceeds of the opening night are being donated to the St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown.

For a special threecourse meal and play ticket, telephone 01 628 0494. For play tickets, telephone Sheila at 01 628 2827, or Bernie at 086 401 5794.

8 LUCAN GAZETTE 21 April 2011

COUNCIL: DECISION ON INCOME LEVELS FOR HOUSING APPLICANTS

COMMUNITY Locals boogie on down at popular night out

‘We will use the highest threshold for housing’ Q PAUL HOSFORD

lucan@gazettegroup.com

SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) will use the highest income threshold allowed when assessing local authority housing applications, the council has revealed.

A directive issued to local authorities by the former Fianna Fail Minister for Housing, Michael Finneran, will mean new income limits for those eligible for local authority housing, but SDCC will use the maximum figure allowed.

The directive, under the Social Housing Regulations Act 2011, was one of the last actions of the former minister, and will mean that, if councils across the country implement the new regulations, thousands of people could be removed from the housing list.

New limits The new income threshold limits for a single person will be €30,000 in some local authorities, and as low as €20,000, in others.

The proposed income limit for SDCC is €35,000 net for a single-income applicant – a drop of €5,000.

PBPA councillor Gino Kenny said that any change to the threshold would cause thousands to lose out on any hope of a home.

“Under no circumstances should any income eligibility levels be changed that would entail thousands across the country being thrown off council waiting lists.

“The new minister must take immediate measures to stop this taking effect in county councils.

“Instead of making it even more difficult for

people in need of a home to get one, the Government should take steps to put the thousands of unemployed construction workers to work building the homes that were always needed.

“We must also use the numerous empty units across the county to house those on the waiting lists.

“We will campaign to stop anyone being thrown off waiting lists, and for measures to be taken to solve the crisis in public housing needs.

“Reducing the eligibility limit to €30,000 would mean, for example, a single mother with two children who works part-time could easily find that she is not eligible for social housing.

“The Labour party, when in Opposition, was strongly critical of the Fianna Fail cuts that hurt the most vulnerable.

“The new Minister for Housing, Willie Penrose, should put his money where his mouth is and reverse this decision.

“It is utterly unacceptable that a basic necessity such as housing is considered to be a privilege,” said Cllr Kenny.

No provision An SDCC spokesperson confirmed that, under the Threshold Means Policy, there was no provision to increase thresholds, but the council would use the uppermost threshold available to them.

“The figure has been set at a point that we, in the council, can look at, and say the person would have a need.

“It would currently be impossible to tell how many people would come off the lists now, but we suspect it would be very few,” said the spokesperson.

Eddie Grogan tries to steal the limelight from Emma Stafford, Martine Gorman, Carol Dillon and Leanne Gillian. Pictures: Peter Doyle

Reliving disco days at Courtneys W HETHER hailing from the village, or from the surrounding sprawl of New Lucan, one can always be certain to find lots of locals and West Dubliners having a great time at Courtneys on a Saturday night.

And, when the Gazette called by last Saturday, sporting its finest white flares, its shiniest gold medallion and its highest disco boots, it found ... a thoroughly modern crew enjoying a wide selection of hits at Courtney’s Stu-

dio 54 night, which featured music to suit many tastes blasting out around the busy dancefloor.

Dropping a few “daddios” into casual conversation, the Gazette got down with the kids just long enough to rock-out to some fondly remembered hits from the 70s, scratch its head at some of the very latest hits of today, and note what a great time that all the locals were having at one of the key social spots in west Dublin.

Shane McGibbon , GM and Elizabeth O’Neill

Jennifer Togher and Rosaleen Doherty

Panda Colgan, Matthew Tait and Glen Burke

Michelle Byrne, Natasha Jarvis and Stacey Moloney

Brian and John Doyle

21 April 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 9

COMMUNITY Locals urged to get their hands dirty

Q PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com

THE TidyTowns competition was officially launched this week, with locals being urged to get out and get their hands dirty.

T he event, which is being supported by SuperValu, is hoping to top the number of entries from last year, when 760 towns and villages took part.

Entries are being accepted up until May 20 this year and applications can be found on http:// www.tidytowns.ie In order to supplement the excellent work of TidyTowns groups, the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, also announced a special grant to assist local authorities in improving the appearance of our urban and rural environment.

The grants, totalling €350,000, are to support a once-off event – Civic Responsibility Week – which will run from May 9 to 15.

Martin Kelleher, managing director of SuperValu, said that getting involved in TidyTowns can be a massively rewarding experience for those who volunteer.

“We live in challenging economic and social times, but what the TidyTowns Awards demonstrate time and again, is the total commitment and dedication of people up and down the country

to their local communities.

“For us, there is no better way of demonstrating our commitment to helping build vibrant local communities than this sponsorship. TidyTowns is a real example of the benefits that volunteering, hard work and perseverance can bring to a local community. The devotion of the TidyTowns committees and their members is an inspiration to us all.”

T he Minister also announced his intention to review enforcement policy on littering, with a view to introducing new measures to tackle this problem.

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

‘TidyTowns is a real example of the benefits that volunteering, hard work and perseverance can bring to a local community’

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

Martin Kelleher, managing director of SuperValu

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

The closing date for entries to this year’s TidyTowns competition is May 20. Entry forms can be obtained from the TidyTowns Unit of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, by phoning 053-9117347, or by logging on to www. tidytowns.ie.

146,000* PEOPLE IN DUBLIN READ OUR PAPERS EACH WEEK

TO ADVERTISE CALL 60 10 240

W

*based on standard industry measurements

Theatre: An amusing take on city’s Northside/ Southside Divide

W

Official launch of Tidy Towns

This year’s TidyTowns has been officially launched and is hoping to top last year’s number of entries

SEE PAGE 15

10 LUCAN GAZETTE 21 April 2011

SCHOOLS St Bernadette’s SNS pupils’ trip to Superdome

Thumbs up from Daryl

Sean, Luke and Dino really enjoyed the fun event. Pictures: Peter Doyle

Bowling along for a fun fundraising day ITH bowling balls hurtling down the lanes in lightning strikes, the Gazette photographer was kept on his toes, changing lanes in a bid to keep up with the pupils from St Bernadette’s Senior national School, who were visiting

W

Carly and Jasmine

the Superdome in Palmerstown as part of their annual fundraiser for their upcoming sports day.

With help from the Superdome’s Tony, and also with Dublin Bus’s Alan Silver and the school’s bus driver, Pat, the pupils had a great day out at the

Tara, Rebecca amd Briana

centre, with some mighty bowling from the youngsters hurtling down the lanes.

Each child had a sponsorship card, with funds raised from the day in excess of an impressive €2,000 to help support their sports day in June.

Alisia, Connor, Craig, Ava, Caitlin and Keri

Anthony and Jamie

21 April 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 21 April 2011

CHARITY: PERSONAL INSTRUCTOR TAKES PART IN LOOK WHO’S COOKING

Trainer to cook meal fit to raise charity cash A CASTLEKNOCK personal trainer is swapping his sweats for a chef’s attire, when he takes part in Look who is Cooking’ fundraising night at Wright’s Anglers Rest in aid of Concern’s Climb Kilimanjaro Challenge.

Michal Rupinski, from Poland, but living in Castleknock, is preparing to take on the Kilimanjaro Challenge 2011.

Michal has lived in Ireland for the last six years and has worked as a personal trainer in Educogym, Castleknock, helping hundreds of people transform their shape and change their health and wellbeing.

The adventure-seeker heard about a group of people hiking in the Wicklow Mountains in preparation for a Kilimanjaro climb and he couldn’t resist joining the challenge.

Killimanjaro Challenge 2011 is a challenge event organised by Action Challenge from the UK for a group of people who will be raising funds for Concern Worldwide. The group will leave Ireland on June 23 this year and should reach the summit on June 29, after a five-day trek.

“I only signed up for the challenge in January this year and, thanks to huge support of people that I know, I have already raised over €3,500 through different events like cake sales, school talks and others. Literally everybody I was talking to offered support in one way or another, and I want to thank them all,” Michal said.

Two schools played huge role in his fundraising campaign. St Benedict’s school in Ongar has organised a non-uniform day and Michal was invited to give a talk to 377 children and showed

them some of the equipment he is going to need for the climb. In the same week, St Bridget’s School in Glasnevin had a cake sale day, and Michal visited the school a few days later to show the children a short movie about Kilimanjaro.

Now Michal has teamed up with Theresa Rocca, who has organised many fundraising events in the area, to host have a Look Who’s Cooking night at Anglers Rest-Wright’s Venue, Chapelizod, which was voted the best seafood bar and restaurant 2010 in Ireland, on April 28.

Entertainment

The price for the tickets is €60 and will include a three-course menu, with wine tasting, chosen and cooked by Michal and entertainment by Robert O’Connor, a local talented musician who will be performing songs from his new album.

There will be an opportunity to hear a speaker from Concern talking about the charity’s work in Tanzania, and the highlight of the night will be a raffle in which some amazing prizes can be won.

Tickets are available online at www.theanglersrest.ie or in Educogym Castleknock. All proceeds go to Concern.

Amongst the businesses that offered support is the fast-growing personal training studio, Educogym, Castleknock,where Michal and his colleagues have trained and advised hundreds of people on proper training and nutrition.

Michal says: “If I wasn’t working in Educogym, it would be extremely difficult for me to raise funds because it was my clients who gave the most support to my fundraising campaign.”

TRIATHLON Focus Ireland aims to raise over

Sign up and start training for top charity Q STAFF REPORTER

news@gazettegroup.com

CAROLINE Morahan and David McSavage got geared up last week to encourage new and experienced triathletes to sign up and start training for this year’s Focus Ireland Fundraising Triathlon.

The event aims to raise over €100,000 in vital funds to help the charity continue its work to combat and prevent homelessness in Ireland.

This year is the seventh annual Focus Ireland Triathlon which takes place on Dun Laoghaire Harbour on Dublin’s Southside on Sunday, July 31.

The event has raised over €490,000 since it was first held back in 2005. The €100,000 Focus Ireland hopes to raise through the event this year is urgently needed to fund its work supporting over 5,500

people through its homeless services each year.

Focus Ireland Celebrity Ambassador, Caroline Morahan, who has been supporting the charity for a number of years said: “Focus Ireland desperately needs to raise the vital funds through their Fundraising Triathlon to support the demand for their services across the country. There are many many people out there who have recently lost their job, have had their income reduced and have been struggling to pay their mortgage or rent.

“I have heard from Focus Ireland staff on the ground that many people at risk of losing their home are now coming to the charity for help, and Focus Ireland has been doing fantastic work to prevent many of these individuals and families from becoming homeless.

Caroline Morahan and David McSavage are encouraging new and experienced

Without funding, Focus Ireland would not be in a position to provide this much-needed support.

Taking part in this triathlon is a fun and rewarding way to reach out a hand to help.”

Latest estimates show in the region of 120,000 households on social housing waiting lists nationwide and, earlier this year, the charity carried out an Ipsos MRBI poll which found that nearly one in ten people believe they will become homeless.

Focus Ireland works directly with people who are at risk of becoming homeless to prevent them from losing their home. The charity also

works through its services to support people who are currently homeless to help them get back on their feet and in to a home - with support if required - so they don’t run the risk of becoming homeless again in the future.

C o m e d i a n , D av i d McSavage said: “I would urge ever yone, from beginner to experienced triathletes, to sign up and get training for this fun event. The event attracts many triathletes every year but I would also encourage newcomers to this type of event to give it a go. What a massive achievement it would be to complete this challenge for the first time, but also to play your part in raising these vital funds and making a difference.”

The Focus Ireland Fundraising Triathlon can be completed by anyone over the age of 18, from first-timers to experienced triathletes.

The event consists of a 750m, or 350m, swim in Dun Laoghaire Harbour, a 20km cycle on closed roads and a 5km run along the East Pier.

Teams of three can also

take part in the event with one team member completing the swim, one the cycle and one the run.

Focus Ireland needs 500 people to take part this year. Race entry fee is €80 for an individual and €240 for a team of three. Focus Ireland will provide participants with a fundraising pack and online fundraising tools to help them raise whatever they can beyond the registration fee.

How much each person decides to fundraise is up to them, but a suggested amount is €150 per individual and €300 per team. Focus Ireland said that they are grateful for all sponsorship, no matter how little or large, and their events team will be on hand to help with fundraising.

The Focus Ireland Fundraising Triathlon is sponsored by Dublin’s Q102 and supported

by Dun Laoghaire Harbour, DLR Council, DLR Sports Partnership, Dun Laoghaire Tourism and the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire.

Registration is now open on line at www. focusireland.ie

21 April 2011 GAZETTE 13

€100,000 in vital funds to help continue its work

triathletes to sign up and start training for this year’s Focus Ireland Fundraising Triathlon which is a fun way to lending a helping hand for a great cause

THEATRE

Story of love and betrayal A CAST of great actors, including Dave Duffy from Fair City, star in Spanish poet Lorca’s Blood Wedding, showing in the Project Arts Centre at the moment.

Set in1928 in the Spanish province of Almeria, a young bride abandons her husband-to-be on the morning of her wedding to elope with her childhood sweetheart. With the town up in arms, the young lovers are hunted down with terrifying consequences.

Directed by Ronnie McCann, this is a true story set to an original score, with a cast of over 20 actors. Running up to April 30, Blood Wedding is a meaty story including love, betrayal, marriage, affairs, murder and plenty of action.

It is showing in the Projects Art Centre and tickets cost just €15.

Phone 01 8819613 for tickets.

14 GAZETTE 21 April 2011

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: THINK TWICE ABOUT PURCHASING A FURRY/FEATHERY EASTER GIFT

Novelty pets are a costly mistake HE Easter season brings about consumerism in abundance, with parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, desperate to find that something different for little relatives.

Now, we all know that most kids probably already have way too much stuff, but the good weather somehow dic-

T Consider all of the facts, figures and care that goes with owning a pet

tates that we need more.

Ah sure, they can just discard the old stuff they got at Christmas and if that old stuff is a pet, ie a dog that gets too big, a rabbit that gets too messy, a chick that gets too noisy, then sure everyone knows there’s always the good old Dublin SPCA animal shelter where they can show up and discard their unwanted, unloved animal.Right?

Yes, you read it correctly, some people actually believe an animal is a disposable commodity that they can purchase and then dump at a shelter, when and where they darn well choose.

Wrong!

That is why, this week, I’m going to appeal to readers not to get live chicks and rabbits for their kiddies as Easter gifts.

If you wish to get that special little munchkin in your life an innovative gift that doesn’t involve chocolate, then great. But do not give an animal.

Yes, I know, you had great intentions when you purchased that furry/ feathery little cutie, but you didn’t take into consideration all the facts, figures and care that goes with it, did you?

Let’s face it, young and adorable though chicks and bunnies may be, they rapidly mature into adult pets and sometimes parents don’t realise the commitment required

to take care of them. I mean, we’re talking lifelong care and attention here.

These animals have very specific needs, and cannot be relegated to a little cardboard box or hutch at the bottom of the garden and left to their own devices.

Novelty pets

Did you know that last Easter the Dublin SPCA received a large number of calls concerning unwanted so-called “novelty pets”, because irresponsible parents/ aunts/grandparents etc., had given them to children, who quickly lost interest or were incapable of caring for their needs?

This forced me to wonder if some people, wrongly and inhumanely, regard these creatures as throwaway pets.

You see, as an animallover, I consider my dogs members of my family, and continuously struggle to comprehend why some people contribute to a culture that views them as disposable, easily replaceable items.

I would like to believe that the majority of pets are sheltered, loved, cherished and protected.

Unfortunately, the fact we rescued over 4,400 animals last year tells me that many pets are facing a harsh, cruel existence – confused because the humans they loved and adored have now aban-

doned them, and they don’t understand what it is they did wrong.

Yes, appallingly, some of these animals have even been released into the wild resulting in their deaths from starvation, exposure or predation by other animals.

If you are thinking of bringing a pet into your home this Easter, then please, I urge you to first do an assessment. Make sure your family has the means and the ability to take care of this animal.

Consider your lifestyle – ask yourself if you’re fully committed to taking on an animal that will live for up to 15 years, possibly more.

Talk to us at the Dublin SPCA and let us equip you with specific knowledge and information regarding such a pet, or speak to your local veterinarian.

Bleak

Please don’t get an animal if all you can offer him is a bleak future being treated like a piece of unwanted rubbish.

I mean, do you want to be the one who breaks the news to your little darling that her pet rabbit/chick has been callously discarded because you, the parent, made a bad decision?

PS! If you’re stuck for an Easter gift idea and want to support the work we do here at Ireland’s oldest and largest animal rescue shelter, then why not sponsor a pet in your child’s name from The Dublin SPCA. Now, there’s an innovative, humane and compassionate gift!

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

21 April 2011 GAZETTE 15

THEATRE Amusing take on city’s Northside/Southside Divide

A tale of 13,000 taxis, 3 scousers and a city divided Q LAURA WEBB news@gazettegroup.com

THE Northside-Southside divide is about to explode, with new comedy theatre getting ready to blow audiences away with its humorous take on Dublin’s divide in Blow up the Liffey Bridges, starring Fade Street’s Vogue Williams in her theatre debut.

The tale of 13,000 taxis, three scousers and a city divided comes from the producers of the smashhit, One Night in Istanbul.

The amusing take on Dublin’s Nor thsideSouthside divide stars Vogue Williams (Fade Street) in her first theatre role. She debuts along-

side Hollyoaks’ heartthrob, Kent Riley, and Emmet Kirwan, of RTE’s Sarah and Steve, in the show that sees a battle between rival taxi firms, one northside and one southside, declare war on each other.

Cup of tea

Speaking to the Gazette this week, Vogue says the hilarious show is not only reaching out to avid theatre-goers, but also those who may not think theatre is their cup of tea will really enjoy the show.

“When I saw the script, I thought it was so funny.

I read it again last night and there are so many mentions of people in the public eye over here,

it is actually hilarious.

That is what I love about it, people who are avid theatre-goers, will love the comedy.

“I know all my friends are going to love it and it is something that, if I wasn’t in it, I would definitely come and see it myself. It is reaching out to normal theatre goers, but also to others who might not think the theatre is for them; this is just for everyone.

“I play Molly Carol, a taxi cab owner. She is a little bit snobby. She is from the Southside, midthirties, a bit snobby and into the men as well. She wants to basically take over Dublin – and why not?” she laughed.

With the show being

Model and Actress Vogue Williams, Actor Emmet Kirwan and Actress Cora Fenton pictured on the Samuel Beckett Bridge over the Liffey Dublin

her first starring role in theatre, the 23-year-old is naturally “a little nervous” but “excited” at the same time about her new venture. A DJ, model, star of reality TV show, Fade Street, and now theatre actress, there seems to be no stopping the young starlet. But, for Vogue, there is no one job she

would like to stick to. “I love everything in their own right. Modelling has a shelf-life but, with acting and DJing, it doesn’t have a shelf life, but I couldn’t choose one if I had to. I am so lucky that I get to do them all.”

Proud to be a Northsider herself, Vogue said that being from Howth is

a little “northside/southside”.

Asked if she had any regrets starring in reality TV show Fade Street, Ireland’s answer to American hit docu-drama show, The Hills, she said: “I don’t regret it at all. It was just great and it led onto me doing this play, so I am delighted I did

it.”

Blow up the Liffey Bridges is showing at the Grand Canal Theatre, Docklands, Dublin 2 from May 16 until Saturday, May 21. Tickets are on-sale now through Ticketmaster.ie Log onto www.grandcanaltheatre.ie for further info.

16 GAZETTE 21 April 2011

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day GAZETTE COMMENT

Now get your Gazette online

T

HE GAZET TE has always been proud to bring the best in local news, sports, features and pictures to the community for over seven years.

Week after week, we strive to bring relevent, exciting coverage in a format that appeals to our readers every time they pick up their weekly copy from a local self-select point.

This week, the Gazette is excited to announce that our website, having gone through an amazing transformation, is now live and ready for our loyal readers to enjoy.

The new, and vastly improved, site offers our printed edition online, with full and complete access to a digital version of the paper every Thursday.

There is no charge for this service, no registration, no subscription - just the complete Gazette newspaper in digital form for your enjoyment.

Speaking about the launch of the site, the Gazette Group’s webmaster and sports editor, Rob Heigh, was delighted with the achievement.

“This is the next stage in the evolution of Gazette Group Newspapers. Having just celebrated our seventh anniversary, the time is right to enhance our online presence and give our readers a new experience of reading and interacting with the Gazette,” Rob said.

“All of the major stories from each

edition will be available to read online, and special digital editions of the paper will let people have the full Gazette experience through their browsers.

“Using Facebook and Twitter will give us a new way of communicating with suburban Dublin.

“We want to create a new and dynamic dialogue with our readers.

“We’re really looking forward to hearing directly about local issues and successes, and we will tell the rest of the community, and the city, about them, faster and better than any other local newspaper.

“I’d like to invite everyone to log on, bookmark the home page, and follow us into the future,” he said.

This really does mark a milestone for the Gazette Group of newspapers.

Following the recent release of the Audit Bureau of Circulation figures that have shown our performance tops any other local Dublin newspaper group, we can now say that our complete offering is now unsurpassed in the market.

Through our printed edition, our online paper, and the social media that we are embracing, we can reach our readers more directly than ever before.

We hope that you enjoy this development as much as we enjoy bringing it to you.

Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion.

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

Top prize for hot idea Pictured at the annual Student Synergy Awards in ITT Dublin, are Pat McLaughlin (ITT Dublin President), James Tucker, Bernard Lawless and Michael Carmody of Ultra-Therm, and Loman O’Byrne (CEO South Dublin County Enterprise Board). Ultra-therm were the first prize winners of the competition that encourages full-time students to develop innovative business ideas for new products or services.

Ultra-therm is a system that regulates energy usage in domestic heating by using a series of sensors operated by a main control panel. Ultra-therm will minimize fuel bills, energy consumption and benefit the environment.

Voting for heroes in their hundreds A CAMPAIGN to give Unsung Heroes a chance to shine for the work they contribute to the community is getting a terrific response just weeks after it was launched.

Blanchardstown and Finglas Ford came up with a community initiative that not only recognises outstanding citizens for their work, but also gives donations to charities of their choice. The Dublin company is hoping to raise €150,000 for different community groups and charities in a campaign, with 40% of money raised going to the D15 St. Francis Hospice.

So far, eight candidates from across north Dublin have been entered into the campaign, including Dr. Danny Bell, founder of Friendly Call Service D15; The Leaders of the 104/144th Blanchardstown Scout Group; GAA star Paddy Christie; Ellen Gogavin, operational bed manager at Connolly Hospital and president of Dunboyne/K ilbride SVP; Mick Lynch, founder of Castleknock GAA club; Valerie Murphy, scout leader for East Finglas Scouts; Margaret O’Donnell of WFTA; and Fr. Dan Joe O’Mahony for his work with the St. Francis Hospice in Blan-

DIARY chardstown.

Hundreds of votes have been received, and the leader board at the start of the week scored Ellen Cogavin in first place with 29%; Margaret O’Donnell with 24% and the 104/144th Blanchardstown Scouts securing 22% so far.

However, the number of nominated candidates is continuing to rise and the organisers behind the campaign say heroes entered in the campaign could rise to about 40 as the closing date for entering an Unsung Hero is not until April 22, when the full list of Heroes entered will be announced.

Delighted with the response, managing director at Ford Finglas, Enda O’Connor, said: “There has been a very generous response from corporate companies regarding donations to the campaign. People can still enter their nominees and they are put up on the website as soon as we get the nominee.”

To cast your vote for your favourite unsung hero, or to enter a candidate, log onto www. unsunghero.ie. The top ten heroes go on to the final on May 20.

Barry’s more app-ealling BARRY’S Tea has recently launched an iPhone App that allows the user to send personalised postcards around the world.

Tea fans capture their golden moment using their iPhone camera, and Barry’s Tea does the rest – producing tailor-made postcards, complete with personalised notes, and posting it to friends and family.

Anyone in need of some cha can even find their nearest cup of Barry’s by using the Fancy A Cup Google Map feature. To download the app, go to the iTunes App store, Like Barry’s Tea on Facebook www.facebook.com/barrystea or www.twitter.com/barrysteatweets

Last call...

PETMANIA are reminding dogs and their owners that the National Dog Walk 2011 will take place on Easter Monday at 2pm, raising vital funds for the Carers Association of Ireland. Registration is just €5 for an individual (plus dog) or €10 for a family. To register, visit www.nationaldogwalk.ie or drop into any Petmania store or Carers Association office.

G A Z E T T E G R O U P N E W S P A P E R S

EASTER 2011

where2shop Your guide to

Easter ‘tweets’: Egg-citing and egg-straordinary gifts at M&S Page 28

the best local Easter shopping in Dublin

Doing it yourself:

There’s a host of handy Style: It’s a fashion fest growing help and DIY for all in Blanchardstown demos with B&Q Page 22

Page 20

18 GAZETTE 21 April 2011

where2shop l BI RTH DAY l

l THIS SE ASON’S ST YLE STATEMENTS l

From retro chic to the classic cuts S

Dundrum Town Centre

Over 100 million customers flock to Town Centre DUNDRUM Town Centre opened its doors six years ago and since then, over 100 million customers have visited the Centre, and over 35 national and international awards have been won by Ireland’s biggest shopping centre.

In the past 12 months the Centre has seen 12 new openings, including Inglot, Pink, Fast-Fix, Paddy Power, Bella Baby, The Star Newspaper, Early Learning Centre, Cortina’s Mexican Restaurant, Teddy’s Ice Cream and Grill, China Buffet King, Out of the Blue Interiors and The Port House. Wagamama – the renowned noodle chain, a firm favourite with Leinster rugby players, opens its doors for business in the coming weeks and one of the world’s best-known labels will soon be announced as a Dundrum Town Centre tenant.

Last year over €100,000 worth of prizes were given to Dundrum Town Centre customers and 2011 will be

no different. Only last week one lucky couple from Bray, Co Wicklow, won a €10,000 wedding at Brook Lodge & Wellness Spa at the Dundrum Town Centre Wedding Experience.

With over 120 shops and 38 restaurants, 3,400 parking spaces, 12 cinemas, a theatre and creche, Dundrum Town Centre continues to lead the way in retail excellence. Don Nugent, Dundrum Town Centre Director, said: “The key success at Dundrum Town Centre over the past six years lies, for me, in the stores’ and restaurants’ commitment to our customers ensuring that each and every time that they visit they enjoy the very best shopping and leisure experience.”

To ensure that these high standards are maintained the Centre hosts a Retailer and Restaurant of the Year awards. Last month, Hugo Boss and Siam Thai were announced the two winners for 2010.

DESIGNED, COMPILED PRODUCED AND PUBLISHED BY GAZETTE GROUP NEWSPAPERS FOR EDITORIAL CONTACT: T: 01 60 10 240 E: NEWS@GAZETTEGROUP.COM FOR SALES ENQUIRIES CONTACT: T: 01 60 10 240 E: SALES@GAZETTEGROUP.COM PUBLISHED BY GAZETTE GROUP NEWSPAPERS BLOCK 3A, MILLBANK BUSINESS PARK, LOWER ROAD, LUCAN, CO DUBLIN PRINTED IN IRELAND. ALL CONTENT GAZETTE GROUP NEWSPAPERS. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS, ELECTRONIC OR MECHANICAL, INCLUDING PHOTOCOPYING, RECORDING OR ANY INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SYSTEM, WITHOUT THE PRIOR PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER IN WRITING.

©

UMMER’S back and it’s time for a change, so pack away those khaki neutrals and embrace this season’s latest fashion trends at your local Heatons Store. The great thing about summer fashion is the chance to enjoy bright colours and prints – embrace them and bring them into your wardrobe to rejuvenate and update your current favourite looks.

Heatons’ summer 2011 collection provides versatile women’s fashions, catering for every body shape and size during the 2011 summer season.

Comfortable cottons, printed jerseys and chic chiffons run throughout this must-have, quality, and importantly affordable range.

This season, besides bright colours and patterns there are also great long and free-flowing lines that pay homage to the best silhouettes of the 70s.

Jump suit FAR from being a one-season wonder the jumpsuit is fast on it’s way to becoming a wardrobe classic. It can look smart or relaxed and, this season at Heatons, it comes in various seventies-esque incarnations – one-shouldered, v-necked and wide-legged.

The leopard jumpsuit (€37.50) from Heatons will score extra 70s’ fashion points. The v-neck jumpsuit is a perfect addition to any summer capsule wardrobe and a fashion must at only €29.50!

A sea of blue IT’S the easiest bright to pull off and with shades of intense cerulean, sky, teal and royal blue, it’s the colour making the biggest splash at Heatons this season; add a splash of red to create a fresh nautical look.

The colour blue still features heavily this season so capitalise on this with Heatons stripe mock tee (€18), teamed with leggings and sling back wedge (€10) for a relaxed and comfortable ensemble. ‘Ship Ahoy’ - use the season’s must-have colour to create a stylish nautical look with Heatons’ stripe ruffle tee (€16) and floral square toe sandals (€14) or stripe jersey cardigan (€14), scoop neck vest (£7/€8), and asymmetric skirt (€16).

Top it off with Heatons’ polka dot hat for as little as €6.

Nude tones NUDES and flesh tones present an elegant alternative to this season’s rainbow brights and Heatons’ beautiful beaded empire dress (€30) is just perfect to give you a summer glow. Whether you want D.I.S.C.O a la 70s glamour with maxi dresses and sexy jumpsuits or to take a more laid back hippie chick approach with your summer wardrobe Heatons has everything you need to create your desired look. To buy their latest collection, visit your local Heatons’ store or shop online at heatonsstores.com

21 April 2011 GAZETTE 19

20 GAZETTE 21 April 2011

where2shop StyleFLASH Love your fashion this Bank Holiday IF YOU love fashion, and you love shopping, then you’ll love Blanchardstown Centre’s three-day Fashion Event this May Bank Holiday weekend!

Professionally staged catwalk shows, produced

by Assets Model Agency and featuring their top models ,Vogue Williams, Georga Salpa and Sarah Morrissey, will take place on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

Participating stores include a/wear, BT2, Debenhams, Dunnes Stores, FCUK, H & M, M&S, Miss Selfridge, Monsoon, Oasis, Pamela a Scott, Penneys, Republic, Vera Moda, Wallis, Warehouse, Zara and MANY more!

Popular kidswear brand Name It (pictured) will showcase the best in fashionable childrens wear on Saturday, along with Pumpkin Patch and Mothercare. Menswear will also feature, thanks k to t Bertoni, B t i Bests B t Menswear, Burton, Counter Propaganda, Diesel, Diffneys, Tom Tailor and Jack & Jones.

Fall in love with this season's fashion and beauty looks this May Bank Holiday weekend.

P.S. great spot prizes to be won!

Centre news: Rebrand and Extend: The Atlantic Homecare store in Blanchardstown Retail Park will rebrand to Woodies and expand to their full format store with a major extension, bringing the retail area to 51,500 square feet with an additional 11,000 square feet given to a garden centre.

Champagne and Fine Wines: Independent

drinks retailer O’Briens will open its latest off licence on Blanchardstown Centre’s Green Mall in the coming weeks. The award-winning retailer will be a welcome addition with their range of fine wines and excellent service.

New Public Facilities: Recently the Centre has undertaken a total refurbishment of its public toilets, with a major emphasis on the enhancement of the parenting facilities, which is good news for the Mums and Dads that visit with their little tots. The new facilities underpins managements’ commitment to ensuring that customers enjoy the very best facilities on their visit to Blanchardstown Centre.

Digital Centre Guides

Blanchardstown Centre has now introduced the most up-to-date Digital Signage available to help guide customers to the many stores and facilities in the Centre.

ICE Tech, now part of the MJ Flood Group, were contracted to customise the software and installed the large format interactive touch screen digital signage systems in the Blanchardstown Centre.

l C O LO UR F UL AND C O ST- E F F ECT IVE AT NAME IT BL ANCHARD STOWN l

Keeping the kids in comfy clobber AT A time when there is less money being spent right across the country, retailers are having to tune themselves in more keenly to the needs of their customers.

Va l u e - f o r- m o n e y , product quality and service are all much bigger parts of sales strategies than they were when the country was awash with money.

For Susan O’Connor and John Sherwood, who run the children’s clothing store Name It in the Blanchardstown Centre, that is something of which they are extremely aware.

“The days of getting the line in and waiting for the customers to come in through the door is gone,” says Susan.

“People are more choosy about what they spend their money on.

“All we do all day long is look for value for our customers. We’re always looking to get the best value out there for our customers. We are always looking for quality products.

“There is a customer

costs are lower,” says Susan, while Blanchardstown native John feels that the business has been able to learn from others.

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

‘All we do is look for value for our customers.

We’re always looking to get the best value out there, we are always looking for quality products’

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

Susan O’Connor and John Sherwood of Name It in the Blanchardstown Centre

base out there for quality products. Our products are branded, good quality and offer value for money.

“Rather than an OK product at a good price,

people want a super product for a great price.

“That’s allowed us to build a very loyal customer base in Blanchardstown.”

Being a recession-era start-up can help in some respects, with the pitfalls of previous businesses more clearly signposted.

“It’s definitely an advantage in that our

“We knew the pitfalls and knew the mistakes that other shops had made. Some shops fell asleep at the wheel,” says John.

Offering fantastic branded products, great value and situated in what John calls “the Premier League of shopping centres”, there is no sign of Name It doing the same.

Making style a bit more personal SHOPPING with your very own personal stylist is high on most women’s love-to-do list, and now - thanks to the new Personal Stylist at Blanchardstown Centre service – you can do it!

The service offers far more than just personal shopping, it allows customers to learn about the critical guidelines that are tailored to their personal body shape and colouring. There comes a time when men and women alike are fed up of costly style errors and realise that, in order to minimise these errors and maximise their wardrobe, they should consult a professional personal

stylist for advice.

According to Shirley Lane, founder of Personal Stylist at Blanhcardstown Centre: “Personal Stylist at Blanchardstown Centre makes it incredibly easy to shop for either a key piece or a full wardrobe from all of the best stores at the centre, all at one time.”

Shirley, the stylist behind Ireland’s original styling company, www.personalstylist.ie, went on to say: “Investing in your style will instill confidence when shopping alone and it will allow you the privilege of knowing what suits and what to avoid! We are trying to offer the

most seamless shopping experience for our clients, where they learn to embrace their body shape and dress it accordingly while feeling the god/ goddess that they are.

“Each client that I meet has a different lifestyle, style preference and budget and with the perfect mixture of high street and department stores, I am showing them exactly how to dress and shop successfully.”

For more information, ccall 085 -1014444 or email bc@personalstylist.ie

21 April 2011 GAZETTE 21

22 GAZETTE 21 April 2011

where2shop l NE W SKI L LS l

l G O I N G G R E E N W I T H L I F E ST Y L E S P O RT l

Yes – it’s time to get the trainers out

B&Q’s Grow Your Own offerings will make you a green-fingered master in the garden

B&Q launch DIY demos to make most of weekend LAST WEEKEND, all nine B&Q stores nationwide began a series of Project Demos focusing on DIY jobs, which can be completed in a weekend as part of B&Q’s ‘Doing it Together’ commitment to encouraging the DIY shy to overcome their fears and make DIY easier.

F o l l ow i n g r e c e n t research by B&Q, which shows 53% of us are scared of DIY and fourout-of-10 of us even go so far as to say we hate DIY, the easy-to-follow onehour demos will focus on making DIY easier and less daunting, by showing people the basic skills needed and the best tools to get the job done.

A team of B&Q experts showed customers exactly how to complete the project, as well as passing on helpful hints and tips to get the best result.

The first session, How to Lay Laminate Flooring, was launched at B&Q on April 16. Further weekend Project Demos will follow, including How to Make a Hanging Basket, Growing your Own and Building a Deck or Walkway, and will take place throughout the Easter

period up until Sunday, May 8.

To support the instore demos and to help customers even further, B&Q will also be displaying Project ‘Top Tips’ during the Easter bank holidays, focusing on DIY jobs which can be completed in just half an hour, such as hanging a picture, or those you can do in half a day, such as putting up a fence.

Katherine Paterson, B&Q’s marketing director says: “We’re passionate about DIY and this Easter we want to make it easier for our customers to have a go themselves. Whether you have a whole weekend or just half an hour, there are so many different jobs you can do and we look forward to welcoming customers into our store and getting the nation DIYing again!”

Project Demos taking place at B&Q: • Saturday and Sunday April 23 - 24: How to Make a Hanging Basket.

• Saturday and Sunday April 30 - May 1: Grow Your Own. Saturday and Sunday May 7 - 8: Build a Basic Deck or Walkway

THE Lifestyle Sports adidas Trainer Scrappage Scheme is back and going green this year in 64 Lifestyle Sports stores throughout Ireland.

From now until the May 8, the scheme will allow people to trade in their old trainers in any Lifestyle Sports store and get 25% off a new pair of adidas Response or Supernova trainers.

Irish Rugby captain and adidas ambassador, Brian O’Driscoll, dropped into Lifestyle Sports in Dundrum Town Centre recently and showed his support for the scheme by throwing an old pair of adidas Supernova Glides into the trainer scrappage bin.

Ireland produces over 40,000 tonnes of rubber waste a year that goes directly to landfills. By recycling rubber into other useful products, Lifestyle Sports and adidas are helping eliminate the harmful effects on

Irish Rugby captain and adidas ambassador, Brian O’Driscoll

humans and the environment.

Lifestyle Sports and adidas have a target this year to collect 18,000 trainers; this will equate to 6.3 tonnes of rubber that would otherwise end up in a landfill and

directly contribute to CO2 emissions.

Brian O’ Driscoll said: “This Lifestyle Sports adidas scheme is such a great idea, as most of us have trainers lying around that we will never wear again. By being part

Cooking: Let Russell Hobbs lure you back to the kitchen in style RUSSELL HOBBS is a household name throughout Ireland’s kitchens and now with their new Allure range, dining-in has become that bit more attractive. The Allure range of food preparation appliances have a sophisticated, simple, straight forward design that make them eye-catching in any kitchen. Dine and dazzle your guests this summer with the Allure range from Russell Hobbs.

The Allure Black Accents Kettle (€59.99) is stylish and contemporary with brushed stainless and soft black accents, the Allure Kettle features an easy-open, push-button lid positioned on handle, LED power on indicator, dual water gauge, 1.7-litre capacity, and 3kW rapidboil concealed element. The Allure Black Accents Toaster (€54.99) features variable browning, mid-cycle cancel, and frozen setting Russell Hobbs has forged a reputation for timeless, stylish kitchen appliances and the range is available from all good electrical retailers throughout Ireland. For stockist information call 01 429 5140.

of this scheme, you can really make a difference to the environment and help create Ireland’s first environmentally green astro-turf pitch, an initiative never been done before in Ireland.”

Some of Ireland’s

top sporting heroes are lending their support to the initiative; adidas athletes O’Driscoll, Ronan O’Gara and Paul O’Connell.

They will appear at three separate Lifestyle Sports stores around the country to encourage the public to donate their used trainers to the scheme.

As part of the scheme, customers will be encouraged to get their gait analysed, so they can find out what type of trainer most suits their running style. Free gait analysis is available in all 64 Lifestyle Sports stores.

Brian availed of the free gait analysis and had his foot scanned in Lifestyle Sports. It reaffirmed that he is a neutral runner.

For dates and times of player appearances, please check www.lifestylesports.com. These will be announced a week in advance.

21 April 2011 GAZETTE 23

Hop to it!

Sweet Easter treats and gifts from M&S CELEBRATE Easter with some of

the sweetest treats from Marks & Spencer. Easter is a great time to spoil the ones you love. With everything from cakes and chocolates, to the brightest in spring fashions, M&S is the one-stop-shop for every Easter Bunny this Easter time.

There are Easter eggs galore at M&S this Easter, with eggs to suit the whole family. The new FullyLoaded Eggs are the height of luxury and, with three decadent flavours to choose from, they are the perfect indulgence for the chocoholic family. They come loaded with toffee and white chocolate buttons, cranberries and pecan nuts or strawberries and dark chocolate buttons.

24 GAZETTE 21 April 2011

where2shop Getting spring into swing with top deals THERE are so many things happening at this time of year, Communions and Confirmations are in full swing, and it’s the first time for a lot of us in venturing out to our gardens after the long winter.

The Retail Park Liffey Valley has all the names and products that you need during this busy period.

There are a total of 10 top tenants there, including Atlantic Homecare, Argos, Currys, JJB Sports, Carpet Right and Harry Corry.

Argos have lovely sterling silver and gold pendants for both Communions and Confirmations, with prices starting from only €24.89.

To record the special

moment, Argos, Currys or PC World stock a range of top-quality cameras, including Canon, Casio and Sony.

Atlantic Homecare have a special Easter treat; buy the Havana 5-piece Gateleg Hardwood Patio Set, which includes a 1.2m Gateleg Folding Table and four multi-position charis (FSC certified Timber) and an Omaha twoburner gas BBQ for only €399.99, a saving a €70 The Retail Park is located behind Liffey Valley Shopping Centre. For contact details for each store, and for more special offers, log onto www. theretailpark.ie or join us on Facebook.

l LIF F E Y VALLE Y SH O PPING C E NT R E l

Month of fashionable fun HOME to over 90 top stores, including Ireland’s largest Marks and Spencer, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre offers the full-day-out experience to keep all the family happy – fashion, film and food!

With free parking, easy access and a comfortable relaxed atmosphere, it all adds up to an enjoyable, stress-free day for all the family.

This April, Liffey Valley is offering even more to shoppers with a month of fashionable fun, which will include catwalk shows, live mannequins and the opportunity to find your perfect pair of jeans with the help of their dedicated Jean Genius stylists.

Take the opportunity to find your perfect pair of jeans with the help of dedicated Jean Genius stylists

For anyone looking to refresh their SpringSummer wardrobe, the centre’s catwalk shows on Saturday, April 23

and May 7 will highlight the latest styles and trends available from the centre’s retailers, including New Look, Republic,

Topshop, Oasis and many more.

The men folk aren’t forgotten either, with a chance for them to show-

case a new look, courtesy of Jack & Jones, Addiction Menswear, Topman, Burtons, Counter Propaganda, and more.

A good pair of jeans can solve a myriad of wardrobe woes.

Dress them up or keep it casual, skinny fit or bootleg, stone wash or indigo – the options are endless.

If you want to know the perfect style, fit and colour for your body shape make an appointment with a style team to have your very own Jean Genius guide you to denim heaven.

For more information, see www.liffeyvalley.ie or find the centre on Facebook at www.facebook. com/liffeyvalley.

21 April 2011 GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING

The Kinect sensor can bring an energetic twist to the traaditional console experience, as players use their bodies to control the action

So, can Kinect get the kids through Easter?

Q CORMAC CURTIS

SO FAR, most of the country has been blessed with good weather throughout the Easter mid-term break.

Letting the kids run riot in the garden is a great deal easier than having them mope around the house, telling parents how bored they are.

The question is, will this weather keep up for another week? Or will parents across the capital spend their time trying to entertain the youngsters.

One option for indoor entertainment this Easter is Microsoft’s Xbox Kinect system.

There has been a lot of talk about this gadget since it hit the market last year, and, as an addition to the Xbox console, it can prove to be seriously fun piece of kit.

So, what is Kinect?

Kinect is a small, black box with a few little cameras in it that recognises your hands and feet so you can play a variety of specialised Xbox games by using your body instead of the traditional controller.

It sounds like fun, and it is.

I spent the weekend trialling the Kinect with my family and one of my nephews to answer one big question – can it keep

Kinectimals is a kids’ favourite - once the opening scenes finish

the kids entertained?

The short answer is, yes.

Kinect for Xbox 360 is fun that’s good for you! Kinect makes it possible to play in a whole new way by identifying the player’s movement and body position to create a truly immersive entertainment experience.

Every Kinect game will get players off the couch and moving, from fitness-specific titles like Your Shape: Fitness Evolved, Dance Central, or family fun games like Kinectimals, so you can enjoy guilt-free Easter Eggs.

What needs to be considered carefully is what games the kids will enjoy.

From the outset, there wasn’t a doubt in my mind that both my daughters (four and five years of age) would fall in love with Kinectimals.

Kinectimals allows the player

to pick from a selection of cubs – chosing from a tiger, panther, lion, jaguar etc. – and, once a name has been chosen, and the cub is adopted, a host of games and activities are laid on for the player.

This is, without a doubt, one of the cutest-looking titles I have ever seen, but it has some serious drawbacks for young players.

There is a very long introductory sequence and set-up process that you can’t skip through – and when three young kids are playing, they all want to pick their own cub – believe me, I tried to convince them to share, but they were having none of it.

The up-side is the kids all loved the game when it finally got going.

Surprisingly, the Kinect Sports titles turned out to be a much bigger hit than I was expecting. It

didn’t require very much fiddling to get going, and soon my kids were boxing like world champions – the game even shows a video of the player during their bout afterwards!

There is an awful lot of positives about a console that gets the kids off the couch, and these titles certainly achieve all that.

Any kids older than about seven should have no problem playing by themselves, but the little ones need that bit of supervision – especially when it comes to standing back from the screen when cute panthers and tigers are playing!

According to Kieran Penwill, Ireland country manager for Microsoft’s Retail Services & Marketing Division: “This Easter, we are encouraging families to keep active. Through the magic of Kinect for Xbox 360, gaming and entertainment is as easy as stepping in front of your TV. No matter what your age, or where you’re from, Kinect will get you off the couch and moving; it’s incredibly easy to use, and it fits in with a healthy family lifestyle!”

Kinect for Xbox 360 retails at €149.99 and Kinect titles retail from €49.99. Members of the public can share the fun on the Xbox 360 Facebook page at www.facebook.com/xboxie

May D4-ce be with you: Star Wars to invade Ballsbridge this week OK, so it’s not exactly gaming, but it’s safe to say that there are plenty of gamers out there who appreciate a good Star Wars exhibition.

So, for those people, we say “may the force be with you” this bank holiday weekend, as Invasion Dublin begins.

Take photos with Darth Vader, R2-D2, the menacing Emperor and Darth Maul.

Storm Troopers will also be there to maintain order, so be on the lookout! The Invasion Dublin experience runs from 10am to 6pm this Saturday, Sunday and Monday at the RDS. This family-friendly event will feature the world exclusive public unveiling of the Republic Clone Fighter Tank, original movie actors, costumed characters, life-size craft, props and sets replicated by Emerald Garrison.

For more information visit www.invasion.ie

26 GAZETTE 21 April 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs SAAB SHUTS PRODUCTION AGAIN:

PRODUCTION lines at Swedish car company Saab shut down again last week for the fourth time in two weeks.

The struggling car company stopped production until it can stabilise its financial situation.

Saab sales fell to about 32,000 units worldwide last year.

This compares with sales of up to 130,000 units when under GM control. General Motors (GM) sold Saab to the to Dutch s p o r t s c a r m a ke r Spyker in 2010 after GM filed for bankruptcy in the US. The survival of the Swedish company was in doubt, until a lastminute deal by Spyker which was underwritten by $500 million in loans granted by the European Investment Bank was further guaranteed by the Swedish government.

The new Peugeot 508 is spacious and has a big-car feel to it, even when powered by a modest 1.6 litre turbo-diesel engine

A hot date with the 508 MICHAEL MORONEY took the opportunity to have a sneak early drive of the Peugeot 508 in advance of its official arrival and here is his report DROVE the new Peugeot 508 for a short first drive on Irish roads recently, in advance of getting a longer run after its launch in a few week’s time.

Relative to the older 407 model, this car design is a complete change in terms of style and features. I was never a fan of the styling of the older model, and this new 508 is, thankfully, a radical change for the good.

Stand in front, and you’ll firstly realize that it’s a big car. I drove two models, the small engine 1.6-litre unit and the 2.0litre model, both of which use turbo-diesel power.

The first impressions are that both the car and its engine are a complete change from the past.

I

SPECS: PEUGEOT 508 1.6 TDI Top speed: 190 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 11.3 secs Economy: 60mpg CO2 emissions: 124g/km Road Tax Band: B (€156) Scrappage Eligible: Yes Towing rating: 1,475kg Entry Price: €24,850

This 1.6-litre engine is a new unit, developing 112bhp of engine power and 243Nm of torque.

That performance is on par with the competition, some of which have bigger engines.

This new 508 is a big car. Despite its size, it weighs in modestly at 1,552kg in kerb weight terms. That’s marginally

heavier than the 407 car that it replaces and the bigger feel is emphasized by the longer wheelbase, which gives more comfort on the road.

Peugeot has tuned this modest-size engine to meet the economy needs of this big car. The engine is smooth in operation and I found little sign of power shortage over some typical road conditions.

The rated fuel economy figures show only marginal change from the older model. The engine differences are modest in a power sense; the engine power gets a marginal lift to 112bhp compared with 110bhp for the older one.

There was no sense of the car being under powered when I drove it.

The economy figures

hold good, even when you mix a lower-power engine with a bigger car, that’s an achievement in itself. The economy rating at 21.3 km/litre (60mpg) is good relative to the competition. It is almost comparable with the BMW 318d in that sense, and its economy figure is now up with the best.

This level of economy always converts into lower CO2 ratings and lower annual road tax costs.

For the new entry-level Peugeot 508, that figure is now 124g/km, bringing the big car in Band B and giving an annual road tax cost of just €156.

The other plus of the new 508 for rural drivers is that Peugeot has boosted the towing rat-

ing with the new model.

It comes with a towing rating of 1,475kg, up from 1,300kg with a braked trailer in the older 407 model.

T h a t ’s a we l c o m e boost for rural drivers who are in the trailerpulling majority. It comes at a time when many other car manufacturers are lowering their towing rate figures, but is still at the lower end of the scale.

This new Peugeot has an impressive safety rating, even if not yet tested in the Euro NCAP programme.

It should score well with ESP, ASR-traction control, dynamic stability control among its features. The inclusion of driver, front passenger and

side airbags as well as rear curtain airbags will help it achieve a high rating. The entry price is €24,850 for the 1.6-litre HDi version that’s expected to be popular. This is the basic Access version of the car; there is also an Active and Allure specification model.

Unfortunately for Peugeot, the car is coming towards the end of the current scrappage offer, and it is a car that is very much scrappage appropriate in terms of value and features.

The question is, is it worth waiting for? I think that it is because you are getting so much more car for your money and a bigger car, with better features and economy for the long run.

Driving costs rise this year – but its not all bad news DRIVING has, in the past year, become significantly more expensive. But don’t put it all down to the increase in petrol and diesel prices.

Diesel prices are at about €1.45 per litre at the pumps, with petrol close to €1.50 per litre. Petrol prices are at an all-time high, while diesel prices have returned to the high levels of 2008, according to AA Ireland figures. Our fuel prices, despite the significant rises, are still cheaper than the UK, Germany, Italy and France.

Judging by AA Ireland’s more recent car-running costs data, which were based on petrol costing €1.33 per litre, you can expect that following the current 12% increase in fuel costs, the average cost of running a Band B petrol car is in excess of €10,000 per year.

Tyre prices are also on the increase.

Tyre costs account for about 8% of total running costs. The latest AA Ireland figures show that tyre costs amounted to 1.53 cent per kilometer out of a total run-

ning cost of 19 cent a kilometer based.

The increase in petrol prices coinciding with the increased tyre prices means that the balance remains virtually the same.

Depreciation remains the largest part of the ownership costs. The AA Ireland figures show that depreciation accounts for about 25% of the overall running costs and is rated at an annual figure of 12% of the value of the car when new.

So for a €15,000 car, you can allow for a depreciation figure of about €1,800 per

annum based on driving 16,000 km per year.

The good news is that servicing costs have dropped since this time last year.

And, for some new car buyers, there are now free three-year service options with the new cars being sold.

And as well as the cost of a service dropping more and more, cars can run longer between service intervals, so running costs on that front should fall a little.

21 April 2011 GAZETTE 27

28 GAZETTE 21 April 2011

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY CELBRIDGE: RANGE OF THREE- AND FOUR-BED HOUSES AVAILABLE

Hazelwood etching memorable homes Interior and exterior views at Adamstown

ADAMSTOWN: FRESH APARTMENTS ADDED

New show houses on view at Adamstown LAST weekend saw the launch of brand new show units at Castlethorn’s popular development at Adamstown Square in Lucan, with new two-bedroom apartments coming onstream for €135,000.

The apartments boast an extremely high level of specification and are located close to the main attractions of Adamstown, including local shops, schools and train station.

For those looking for a larger home, there are new large three-bed duplex units, located on the second and third floors, with over 1,000 sq ft of accommodation, as well as a spacious balcony at €185,000. In addition, there are a small number of three- and fourbed houses available from €245,000 and €275,000 respectively.

All homes come with the renowned standard of quality and finish synonymous with the Castlethorn brand.

All master bedrooms are very generous in size and are fitted with ensuites. In addition, purchasers will benefit from modern fitted kitchens complete with oven/hob, fridge freezer, dishwasher and washer/dryer. All homes are designed to comply with Sustainable Energy Ireland’s House of Tomorrow programme in terms of their energy efficient ratios and the BER (Building Energy Rating) rating of each home is very high.

The Adamstown marketing suite and show-units are open everyday, weekends from 3 to 5pm and on weekdays from 10 to 5pm.

For more information, contact Leahys on 6011800.

MAPLEWOOD Developments held the launch of a new threebed showhouse at Hazelwood, Celbridge last weekend.

Three-bedroom houses at the development, which extend to 112 sq m, are on sale from €237,500, while fourbedroom houses, extending to 144 sq m, are selling from €255,000.

Spacious

The three-bedroom houses and the fourbedroom houses are extremely spacious, all have their own driveways, front and rear gardens, and are specifically designed to overlook the parkland area within the scheme.

This next phase of Maplewood will be finished to the most upto-date building and

insulation regulations, each house will have a minimum of BER rating of a B1 and each house will have energy saving solar panels as standard, together with a host of other features.

Amenities This attractive development is just a 10-minute walk to the newly renovated and extended Hazelhatch train station, that has a regular service to Dublin city thereby providing that perfect blend of contemporary urban living with the feel of a countryside lifestyle.

As with all Maplewood developments, there is meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of the design, planning and building which contributes to making Hazelwood another of their

An array of three-and four-bedroom houses are available

signature developments.

As always there is a wide choice of interior finishes to choose from.

S h ow h o u s e s a r e available for viewing on Saturdays and Sundays from 3 to 5pm, and you can find out more information at www.hazelwood-celbridge.com or www.coonan.com.

One of the living room designs at Hazelwood

RATHCOOLE: SEMI-DETACHED LIVING IN VILLAGE SETTING

Peyton is still the place to be THE Peyton development in Rathcoole village is presenting to the market a new set of large three- and four-bedroom semi-detached houses, available from only €275,000.

There are a range of house layouts and sizes from 128 to 190 sq m, suitable for first-time buyers, trading up or down and large family homes.

Constructed by Blackchurch Homes, these exclusive houses have a top-quality finish at a very affordable price in a convenient village location.

All of the houses have large bedrooms, spacious living rooms, generous bathrooms and en-suites,

The fine interior design at Peyton is reflected across the range of house types

decently sized gardens, and private driveways for two cars.

Local amenities on their doorstep include Rathcoole Park, and there are primary and secondary schools within

walking distance.

Some of the excellent Peyton house features include B1 energy ratings, no management fees, a choice of Nolan fitted kitchens with granite worktops, and central

vacuum systems. There are 9ft ceilings in living areas and kitchen appliances are included if the sale closes on time.

Viewing is recommended and the show houses are open on Sat-

urdays and Sundays from 2.30 to 5pm.

For further details, contact Glenn Burrell in Finnegan Menton, Tel (01) 614 7900 or Redmond Auctioneers Tel (01) 4589833.

21 April 2011 GAZETTE 29

30 GAZETTE 21 April 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL CLOSE TO HOME: DISCOVERING SOME WELL-KNOW, AND SOME NOT-SO-WELL-KNOWN GEMS Q MIMI MURRAY

S

OMETIMES it is nice to get out of town and sojourn by the sea or in the lush green countryside, but the arduous four- or fivehour journey to get there can often spoil the

mood.

That’s what made our recent whistle-stop tour of two great locations close to Dublin city so nice.

Both King Sitric guesthouse in Howth, and Tankardstown House in Slane were exceptional. Both with very different offerings, but sharing one important quality – they provided the personal touch.

We had often passed the famous King Sitric restaurant, in the gorgeous fishing village of Howth, on our way for a hike around the head, but never had the pleasure of dining there.

Nor did we realise that staying there was an option, but Joan and Aidan McManus now provide very good accommodation with breathtaking views of the sea.

Our room was very comfortable and quiet, apart from the morning seagulls, but that is to be expected in a seaside town.

Joan and Aidan have run the place for 40 years.

Joan runs around, chatting to all her regular guests who amble down from the hill on a weekend night.

It’s one of those places that hasn’t changed a great deal over the years, which only adds to its charm.

Many of the staff are there since they opened their doors.

Fish dishes are classics, and very well cooked. The Lobster Lawyer is delicious and the Black Sole Meuniere was cooked to perfection. Meringue Sitric has been on the menu since day one and had to be sampled, it was very tasty indeed.

The next morning, a hearty breakfast was just what the doctor ordered, before a brisk walk around Howth Head.

We bid King Sitric adieu, and headed to Tankardstown House. This really is a hidden gem, but we were still surprised more people hadn’t heard of it.

On arrival, we were shown around the estate and were told to relax wherever we pleased. Plush furnishings and deep couches were crying out to us, but King Sitric, top and above, is a haven in the city we decided to make use of the sundrenched terrace while we waited for togs. Located inside a walled garden, exceptional starter of beef carpaccio our room. Not the fault of the staff, there was plenty of privacy and the was decorated with fresh sprigs that but ours, as we arrived well before lovely staff offered us extra towels and awakened our taste buds. The helpful waiter found out that it was shiso, robes to dry off with. check-in time.

We sat outside enjoying a quick a Japanese herb grown in the walled It was worth the wait, as our accommodation was spacious, bright drink from the honour bar (yes, you garden.

Our mains of lamb and suckling pig and extremely comfortable, with a serve yourself and keep a tab) before looked exciting on the plate and were flat-screen television which seemed dressing for dinner.

The recently-built Brabazon res- fresh and delightfully cooked. slightly out of sync with the old-world A flourishing patio area, dotted charm of the bedroom, but was, none taurant is already doing a booming trade. A lot of the produce comes with heaters, was the perfect place the less, welcomed.

A dip in the hot tub was called for, directly from a walled vegetable gar- for a pre- or post-dinner drink.

The cocktails are very good, and and we were thankful we brought our den located on the estate, and an

Mimi’s Blue Book break

An Easter of pure imagination awaits the family in Wexford THE Carlton Millrace in Wexford will be transformed into a chocolate wonderland this Easter, with every child who is staying receiving a much sought-after Carlton Chocolate Bar. Upon carefully peeling back the wrapper, a select number of these chocolate bars will have a precious Carlton Golden Ticket.

The Golden Ticket holders will then go on

FastTravel an egg hunt in search of the Chocolate Wonderland, which will be full of chocolate fountains, a chocolate factory and chocolate as far as the eye can see.

One lucky child will get a golden egg, which will earn the winners a summer holiday in the Carlton Millrace.

The Hatch a Plan this Easter Package is for a family of four sharing, three nights B&B, ane

The stunning surroundings of Tankardstown House in Slane, top, above and left make it a must-visit spot

our friendly bar girl said they always leave it to one particular guy to mix the drinks - he knows his stuff apparently. Indeed he did, and the tangy mojitos had just the right mix of mint and rum.

After a very comfortable sleep, we headed for breakfast. The previous day, when we spied hens running around a coup, we were informed we would be dining on the freshest eggs for breakfast, and they were delicious.

evening meal for the adults and free Kids Club. Children are on B&B basis.

Fine spring weather sees the return of festival fever THE Marble City’s annual May Bank Holiday Mardi Gras, the Smithwick’s Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival, takes place from the April 29 – May 2.

All forms of Americana music will be wellrepresented over the four days, including swing, bluegrass, rockabilly to cajun, folk and the blues.

From midday to midnight, audiences wind their way through the medieval streets, sam-

Plenty of fresh juice and fruit was also available. Then it was off to the terrace for some Sunday reading before making the short trip back to Dublin, happy and relaxed.

Tankardstown has a Blue Book package available which includes two nights B&B, sparkling afternoon tea for two and three-course evening meals in Brabazon on the night of your choice, for €250 per person sharing. King Sitric costs from €210 for B&B and dinner for two people.

pling the huge range of music with over 80 shows in 30 venues.

Highlights of this year’s line-up include Drive by Truckers, Kort, John Grand, Beth Orton, Wildo Johnson and Mary Gauthier.

Now entering its 57th year, the Cork International Choral Festival is a world-class festival celebrating the very best of choral and vocal music from April 27 to May1.

Up to 5,000 singers from all over the world participate in almost 100 festival events, including spectacular gala concerts, lunchtime concerts and informal public performances which see choirs popping up in a wide range of unusual locations throughout Cork city.

21 April 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 31

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supportedby byAIB AIB Supported

Interview: Richard White, sales director, LVP Renewables Ltd

Hot water panel for people power SALES director Richard White talks to the Gazette about his career, and the recent challenges faced by Irish businesses.

“2009 was a particularly hard year.

Being made redundant was a huge dint to the pride. Having spent 10 years in total in the hospitality trade, I was determined to find a new career, something to really get my teeth into.

“Sometimes you don’t have to look very hard to find something that has been staring you in the face as an obvious career choice. Growing up in a large family, I saw my father’s business go through some good and bad times.”

Surviving in the manufacturing/robotics business, Richard’s father, Jeff, saw the contraction of the manufacturing business. In 2007 he decided to diversify into the solar industry.

“Obtaining the rights to the Energie panel in Ireland was one of the greatest decisions I made in 35 years of business,” Jeff said.

Richard saw the efficiency of the solar panel installed in his own home around the time of his redundancy, and asked his father for a chance to sell the product.

LVP Renewables Ltd now has six fulltime employees and distributors around the country.

They are linked into Expert Hardware, a firm that has 30 stores nationwide, along with providing a training programme for the major plumbing colleges around the country.

“Our competitive advantage is that we can actually provide the customer

Richard White, sales director at LVP Renewables

with a solar system that will offer 100% domestic hot water 365 days a year, with no back up from oil/gas. One small panel will suffice for a family of six people,” Richard says.

Based just seconds from the M50, a recent move from Coolock to their Finglas HQ has been a huge step forward, as they can now display their units in an accessible location in the heart of a thriving industrial estate.

LVP’s business model is based on excellence in installations. Richard believes existing customers are crucial to

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

A: Mars bar taster

Q: What do you like least about your job?

A: I often have long drives

Q: What was your first job?

A: Banqueting waiter in the

around the country

Ardenode Hotel near Ballymore Eustace

Q: When going on holiday, what air carrier do you use?

A: Ryanair

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: Can’t remember, but

Q: What kind of car do you drive?

A: Opel Astra

seemed like a lot at the time

Q: Can you swim?

A: More of a floater

seems to be different

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I’m in sales, there is no greater thrill than closing a sale

Credit Union Loan Q: I have a €15,000 credit union loan. I really shouldn’t have been given it in the first place as I used it to take a holiday and pay off some other debts. My job security wasn’t great at the time, and I am now unemployed. Will they bring me to court if I just stop paying and what will happen if they do? Paul - Drimnagh

future business which is reflected in the number of positive testimonials received.

LVP’s complete solution service offers turn-key hot water systems with a transparent pricing structure and single-day installations.

According to Richard: “It is never easy to sell anything, but saving money and the environment at the same time seems to be a winning formula in the public’s eye.”

Find out more by calling one of the team on (01)8643838 or visiting www. lvprenewables.ie.

Q&A

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: It all depends, every day

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS

Q: Would you ever bunjee jump?

A: I have done two before Q: Do you play any sport?

A: I play tennis badly Q: What is your favourite food and beverage?

A: Pizza and a nice cold beer Q: Who would you rather have dinner with, Brian Cowen or Brian O’Driscoll?

A: Brian O’Driscoll Q: How many times each week do you go to the ‘hole in the wall’?

A: Once or twice Q: How many times each year do you shop for clothes?

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

A: Books Unlimited Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: About five I’d say, not too sure

Q: Where is your favourite holiday destination?

A: Going to South of France this year, as my brother lives there, so hopefully there

Q: Have you ever met Bertie Ahern?

A: Served him a few times back in my hotel days in the Davenport Hotel

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: Would have liked to be an actor

Q: When do you wish to retire?

A: About 60 Q: What will you do then?

A: Depends on how well the next 32 years go!

A: REGISTERED judgments secured by credit unions against their defaulting customers increased by 800% since January 2009.

There were a total of 1,626 judgments totalling €21m in loans in the first six months of 2010 (source : Stubbs Gazette). Arrears are on the increase as is legal action to retrieve sums owed.

The mounting bad debt in credit unions is one reason why the Financial Regulator last year ordered credit unions to hold the payment of dividends and interest to make provision for these bad and doubtful debts.

I am presuming, in your case, the credit union evaluated your ability to repay at the time and in approving your loan endorsed that ability.

The first missed payment will be registered in the Irish Credit Bureau in Clonskeagh.

This is a cooperative of 95 + financial institutions from banks, building societies, insurance companies to leasing companies and even some of the bigger credit unions. They record every loan transaction in the country and every missed one too.

Slow payments are monitored also.

Once you have missed a payment, the record of that missed payment stays there for five years. Every time you look for credit, your credit history will be like a beacon to would-be lenders to decline such requests.

If you have a judgment registered against you, it will stay on the ICB for life and it will be extremely difficult to obtain credit ever. That is why you have to guard your good name.

Eventual legal action will follow after repeated default of your monthly repayments, resulting in an inevitable judgment – a mark, as I said, that is on the ICB forever, and one you really want to avoid.

A positive course for you to take is the negotiation course. Communicate with your credit union; tell them where you are at, business and employment wise.

Bring an income and expenditure statement with you and your latest bank statements.

Show them you mean business and that you are prepared to roll up the sleeves and do what is required in order to repay this debt.

Ask for an initial six months repayment freeze, dust down the CV and see what work you can obtain.

You have to give them some kind of hope that this loan will be discharged at some future point and that you are making an effort.

Good luck with the negotiations.

32 LUCAN GAZETTE 21 April 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 Des Bishop

Des Bishop’s latest internationally acclaimed show My Dad Was Nearly James Bond, tells of a remarkable life tinged with regret.

April 21 and 22 at 8pm. Tickets: €20/€25.

Frankie Gavin and De Dannan Frankie Gavin is one of the genuine legends of Irish music and a Guinness World Record holder as the fastest fiddle player in the world.

April 23 at 8pm. Tickets: €16, €18 and €20.

SEAMUS ENNIS CULTURAL CENTRE 01 802 0898 Twelfth Day Twelfth Day are at the forefront of innovative, modern British folk music. With a fresh, open-minded approach to song writing, the duo create an entirely unique sound, interweaving masterful Fiddle and Harp playing with beautifully harmonised vocals in stylish and dynamic arrangements.

Saturday, April 23 at 8:30pm. Admission: €16.

THE HELIX 01 700 7000 High School Rocks A high-energy, foot-stomping, totally interactive production featuring all the very best hits from High School Musical 1, 2, and 3, Hannah Montana, Camp Rock and Glee! The High School Musical phenomenon which has smashed box office records everywhere, together with Miley Cyress from Hannah Montana – The Movie, the hugely successful film Camp Rock with The Jonas Brothers and the Glee Club, are all paid tribute to in this amazing show.

April 27 at 1.30pm and 6.30pm. Tickets: €19, family €56.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Unoriginal Sin

Eve has managed to journey well into her twenties without being kissed. Well, not properly. Bill is well passed that milestone and has been kissed – on countless occasions.

He is rich, alcoholic, and girl crazy. Eve is engaged to Neville. Bill is married to Jenny. Jenny is having an affair with Jeremy, but she remains utterly devoted to her husband’s cheque book. Miles is Bill’s best friend. Or at least he was, before he discovered Bill’s underpants hanging from the lightshade in his bedroom. Then there’s Father Tomlin. At least he’s taken a lifelong vow of celibacy.

Or so his daughter claims! Original Sin? It seems there’s nothing very original about it any more.

April 26 to 30 at 8pm. Admission: €18/€15

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Hot Mikado

This hilarious musical comedy is a 1940’s style update of Gilbert and Sullivan’s, The Mikado, and features highenergy dance routines with great vocal arrangements of blues, swing, hot gospel and scorching torch songs.

April 27 to 30 at 8pm. Tickets €21.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 4627477 The Bad Arm – Confessions of a Dodgy Irish Dancer If you thought Irish dancers were all curly-haired cutie pies with perfect posture, meet a scowling girl from London in this outrageous antidote to Riverdance.

Written and performed by Maire Clerkin, The Bad Arm – Confessions of a Dodgy Irish Dancer is an uproarious yet poignant one-woman play.

Amid astounding bursts of rhythm and physical theatre, this ugly-duckling-never-quite-swan recounts her experiences of sex and booze and rock and roll like only a convent-educated, Irish catholic girl can.

The audience is brought on a hilariously candid comingof-age journey through the pre-wig world of Irish dancing.

An all-together more innocent time ... or so we thought.

April 18 to 23. Admission: €16 and €12 concession.

Check website for times.

This film, about a group of ordinary teens and youths who find themselves fighting a guerilla war when their Australian town is over-run by invaders, feels rather odd; a curious fusion of Down-Under sensibilities and the kind of explosive silliness we’re more used to from Hollywood

An odd-tralian film There could be dark days ahead for Summer Bay, if the plucky Oz youths in this film can’t stop would-be attackers KATE CROWLEY

GIVEN the sight of Russell Brand on the horizon in a thoroughly pointless update of “Arthur” (someone so odious, I’d almost watch a new Clive Owen film instead – well, almost; let’s not jump to extremes, dear reader), my feet swiftly swerve away with Riverdance levels of speed towards ...

Tomorrow, When the War Began; a film that may have led to high-fives all round at the Australian Tourism Board (as it was filmed in various scenic and lovely Oz spots), yet could possibly lead to one or two raised eyebrows across the Asia Basin, of which more anon.

A small group of Wirrawee youngsters set off on one of those weekends that youths in movies are always setting off on (no hanging around outside McDonalds at the local shopping centre for this lot), with the young ladies

FILM OF THE WEEK: Tomorrow, When The (12A) 103 mins War Began Director: Stuart Beattie Starring: Caitlin Stasey, Lincoln Lewis, Chris Pang, Andy Ryan, Deniz Akdeniz and the Australian countryside

OUR VERDICT: ALTHOUGH Kate thinks her dear daughter, Crowleyetta, seems barely able to find her homework at the weekend, the Australian youths in this film prove a surprisingly resourceful lot, displaying rather more intuition for guerilla warfare than one might expect.

It’s a derring-do, gung-ho, boys’-own, somewhat-silly tale of teens versus tanks, more or less. Still, at least the scenery is lovely ...

and gentlemen having a lovely time indeed in a remote, scenic place that’s far from home.

It’s Hell. (Fundamentalists may be a little disappointed to note that it’s a charmingly-named remote valley near their town, which must lend itself to some catchy Wirrawee Tourism Board slogans, one imagines.)

But Hell is not, in fact, very far from war, as it turns out that, while they were all off working on their tans and fumbling their way through awkward relationships, A Foreign Power has

invaded, with Wirrawee proving to be a luvverlee and key place through which to invade Oz, and to start plundering her natural resources.

So, it’s first stop Wirrawee, and then on to the likes of Ramsey Street.

Strewth! The bounders!

What are our perfectly shaped heroes and heroines to do?

Why, fight back, of course, as we all know – through lots of films – that if there’s one thing that bad guys can’t defeat in the movies, it’s a bunch of bloomin’ kids.

And especially if it’s

bloomin’ kids who swiftly organise themselves into a guerilla cell, and then set about thwarting “The Foreign Power’s” plans, while using Hell as a secret, unknown base in which to hide out.

The bad guys’ plans focus on a bridge at the town – a key infrastructural spot that is enabling the invaders to, well, invade, it being one of their key access points into the country.

Heaven knows what’s happening over in Summer Bay. And so, while the young men and women discover a newfound ingenuity with DIY firepower, and prove adept with guns and devising hit-and-run missions – well, shouting “Rack off!” just wouldn’t cut it, I suppose – the scene is set for a climactic face-off between the plucky kids and the invading army.

And then, presumably, things will really ramp

up in the next, inevitable movie ...

Older readers may be thinking to themselves: “Hmmm. This sounds like a twist on that 1980’s clunker, Red Dawn, booted down under to Australia, with more than a dash of Home And Away added for good measure, and infused throughout with the can-do spirit of MacGyver and The A-Team.” Well, quite.

(I do hope my editor never notices such eloquent reader comments.)

It’s a little curious how the bad guys here are painted as a coalition of various Asian people, as if, one day, China, Korea, Taiwan and, ooh, take your pick, all decided to unite and make a land rush on Oz; a faintly odd ideology to perpetuate, perhaps.

Still, as far as somewhat silly battle movies set in Australia and aiming for the Tween market go, it’s all right, mate ...

21 April 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 33

‘Hello? Have you a AIAIAI, the big noise in audio problem? You fall for scam calls?’

ROB HEIGH

ADAM MAGUIRE

A FEW weeks ago, this column looked at the impending threat of viruses for mobile phones, although it is not the only phone-based risk out there.

Going on a lot of anecdotal evidence over the past few months, Irish householders have become a common target for phone scammers, who try to trick people into handing over private information on their computer.

This is not as straightforward as them posing as your bank and asking for your details; instead, they try to get you to use your computer to effectively do the same.

Here is how the scam works ...

The call Potential victims will receive an unsolicited call, usually from an oddlooking number. The person on the other end will tell them they are calling from “technical support” for their computer or operating system, or something to that effect.

They will then tell the user that they have noticed errors on their machine and are calling to help resolve them.

The confidence trick Once the victim shows signs of believing them, they will likely ask them to turn on their computer and undertake a number of tasks.

Often, these tasks are completely harmless, but they are used to make

the victim believe their computer is at risk.

For example, they might get the victim, in a roundabout way, to open a folder deep within Windows.

They will tell them most of the files there are viruses that need to be removed, when in actual fact they are obscure, though necessary, files that help the computer to work properly.

The scam Once they have built trust, they will ask the victim to do one of two things.

The first is to go to a website and download a piece of software, under the pretence of it being a way of solving their “problem”.

In reality, it is a virus, and will only create more of its own.

Alternatively, they might ask the user to use Windows’ built-in remote connection software, which allows the scammer to gain access to and take control of their computer.

They will claim to do this so that they can fix the problem; in reality, they just want access to their personal data.

Scammers have been cold-

The reality The truth of the matter is, no-one from Microsoft or any computer manufacturer will ever call people out of the blue about a problem they are having – they would have to ring them first.

Even if there is a problem with a user’s computer, these companies cannot possibly know that, unless the user tells them first.

The scammers are playing the odds. Most houses now have PCs, and most PC users have some kind of problem with them from time to time.

However, if you get a call and want to be sure that it is a scam, do ask t h e m for more details – for example, what model number is on your computer (usually, the base)?

But the best move is to simply hang up on them.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc The latest Androidbased phone from Sony Ericsson (above) is a clear follow-up to its original Xperia

device, and is a clear improvement, though it is still imperfect.

Ironing out many of the creases still remaining in Sony Ericsson’s approach to phones, the Xperia Arc is slick, stylish and quite easy to use.

It offers a powerful processor, a bright screen and impressive camera, and its user-interface is quite user-friendly, too.

It even has a HDMIout port, m a king it easy to conn e c t to HD T V s , so that you can watch the videos and pictures you recorded with it on a big screen.

That said, parts of the device do seem a litt l e f l i m s y, especially the cheap-feeling plastic on the back.

As well as this, the company’s Timescape software is not as good a way to browse through messages, Facebook and Twitter updates as you might like.

Overall, however, it is another big step forward from Sony Ericsson, and is certainly a phone worth considering for those in the market.

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc is available on all major networks as a bill-pay and Pay As You Go handset.

calling people for decades; now, your computer is a reason for them to target you, in a bid to steal valuable data

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

WITH the current vogue for high-end headphones becoming essential cooltools for iPhone and iPad users, a huge range of new, chic and high-specification eargoggles are hitting the market at the moment.

One of the best of these is AIAIAI’s TMA-1 headphones, designed with top performance in mind and, with the assistance of some of the world’s finest DJs and producers, including

2ManyDJs, A-Trak, and James Murphy from LCD Soundsystem, the Danish company have produced an astonishingly distinctive, elegant and dynamic product, priced €199.95.

With competition from Dr Dre’s Beats and the perennial Sennheiser range, the TMA-1s are set apart by their classic, minimalist design and their ability to deliver clarity and definition of sound in every genre.

At home, the headphones come into their own w h e n matched with a good soundcard, but even iPhone and laptop

sound reproduction is good.

In a club setting, the frequency range is impressive and the TMA-1s pack a punch loud enough to enable you to mix with ease, the finer treble elements not being overwhelmed by the powerful bass the headphones deliver. The sound is better than a lot of the higherpriced headphones on the market, that often elevate whomping bass for tonal balance, making the warmth of the TMA-1s appealing to all ears.

Packaged with Danish style and very affordable, the TMA-1s are a great addition to any audiophile’s toolkit.

For more information, see www.aiaiai.com.

GAZETTE

34 LUCAN GAZETTE 21 April 2011

LUCANclassifieds

BATHROOMS

To advertise, call us now on 01 60 10 240 Email us at sales@gazettegroup.com TOP CLASS PROFESSIONAL PAINTING 20 Years Experience. All Aspects Of Interior And Exterior Painting. Damaged Ceilings Repaired. Fully Insured.

CONTACT COLM PH: 01-4570829 or 087-9700259

WINDOWS & DOORS

ROOFING

PLUMBING JT PLUMBING BEST PRICES IN DUBLIN!!

All areas covered. 15 years experience. Free estimates.

Water Tanks, Drippings Taps, Radiators, Burst pipes, Cylinders, Pumps, Outside Taps, Showers, Immersions, Bathroom Suites. For your free estimate call now on 085 7555412 mjrules44@ gmail.com

SHEDS

DENTAL

TOP QUALITY GARDEN SHEDS Stock Clearance Sale! Sheds form €280 8x6 Rustic @ €350 supplied and fitted all sizes available also Side Gates and Panel Fencing. Dog Kennels made to order. Call for free quotation 086-8782552

RECRUITMENT

SECURITY

Transferred to DVD. Phone: 01-2807838 Mobile: 087-9132265

ELECTRICIANS CRYSTAL ELECTRIC For All Electrical Work incl.

House Wiring, Immersion Heaters, Time Clocks, Showers, Sockets and Switches, Replacement Fuseboards, Security and Garden Lighting. All work Guaranteed. Fully Insured Member of RECI. Member of National Guild of Master Craftsmen. Free Estimates Grant work undertaken Ph: 01-2981573 Dave: 087-9911016 Russell: 087-6309354

PLUMBING

GARDENING MASSAGE THERAPIST AVAILABLE Enjoy the Holistic Benefits of a relaxing massage in the comfort of your own home with a Fully Qualified Therapist. Fully Insured.

Phone Joe 086 1057378

COMPUTERS

ARCHITECT DONOVAN ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES. Bernard Donovan, Architectural Technologist, Dip.Arch.

Tech., RIAI ArchTech. Free first consultation. www.donovanarchitectural. com Phone: 086 1717456

BEAUTY/WELLBEING BODY BEAUTIFUL Beauty Treatments at Home Manicure, Pedicure, Gel Nails, Spray Tan. 1 person spray tan €25. 2 people €45 Gel Nails from €35, Manicure from €15 contact Ieva on 0871673728

COMPUTER REPAIR CENTRAL Fast Computer Repairs. Laptop Screen Repairs. Hardware Upgrades, Data Recovery. Get any PC problem fixed fast!! Phone: 01 4407573/ 086 2657160 www.computerrepaircentral. com COMPUTER SALES, REPAIRS & NETWORKING Network Installation & Maintenance. Specialise in Computer/Network Security Virus/Spyware Removal.

PC Tuneup. Broadband Installation. Call Kieran 087 6698385

COMPUTER REPAIRS AND SALES Virus removal, broadband + wireless setup, PC running slow, annoying pop-ups. Call Damien 0861714713 for a quote NO CALLOUT CHARGE

CLASSES/LEARNING SEW GREAT! SEWING CLASSES Beginners and Improvers 6 week Sewing classes for adults starting May. Children’s Easter 4 day course April 26th-29th 10am - 12pm or 1pm 3pm. Gift Vouchers available for any occasion. Reserve your place on line www. sewgreat.ie, call 01 8227650 or email info@sewgreat.ie

QUALIFIED LANDSCAPER & TREES SERVICE available for all your landscaping needs. Lawns, Patios, Decking, Hedge Cutting, General Maintenance.

4th generation Dublin Landscaping family 20 years experience Free Estimates. Qualified landscaper and highly educated tree care specialist.

Contact Stephen on 087 9295553 LASTING LANDSCAPES Paving, Patios, Drives, Gravel Walls, Kerbing, Fencing, Planting, Seeding Trees, Hedges Trimmed or Felled, All General Maintenanance.

Free Quotes. Contact Robert on 085-7538770 lastinglandscapes@topmail.ie

DVD SERVICE

HANDYMAN

DVD TRANSFERS Cinefilms, Photos and Slides transferred to DVD with Music and Titles added.

Also Camcorder and Videotapes edited and

HOME MAINTENANCE Fitted bathrooms, wall and floor tiling, laminate flooring, decking, wardrobe and kitchen units assembled and fitted. Call James for free estimate. 086 848 7377

KITCHENS CUSTOM DESIGNED KITCHENS and Wardrobes at Sale Prices also replacement doors, counter tops, drawers etc if required.

25 years experience. For Free quotation phone 087 2514657. www. styneskitchendesign.com

PET SERVICES DOG TRAINING AND KENNELING Residential training in Obedience and behaviour problems for all breeds, ie pulling on lead, housetraining, aggression, recall, chewing, jumping up etc also personal protection training. Over 20 years experience, having trained in the UK, USA and Germany. Qualified master dog trainer, veterinarian + dog shelter recommended.

Highly trained security dogs for sale. References available, watch our dogs in action and read our many references at www.TopdogTraining.com or phone 087 0514467.

PET MINDERS Safe, Cosy, Pet Boarding.

5 minutes from Castleknock, Blanchardstown, Lucan.

Call now for early booking.

Call 086 8126387/01 8223690. Reasonable rates.

PAINTERS POLISH PROFESSIONAL PAINTING AND DECORATING Best quality.

Free Quotations. No job too small. Very reasonable prices. References available on WWW.MARKCOMPANY. IE find us on FACEBOOK Please phone Mark on 0879442445

WIRELESS ALARMS from €599. CCTV Camera system from €750. All makes of Alarm serviced & repaired.

Gardai monitoring. Voice or Text Monitoring to your mobile. Intercoms, electric gates. Competitive rates Free estimates. Fully PSA licenced & Certified EIRTEC SECURITY 01-2851666 NIGEL 0879280191 www.eirtec.ie

TILING KC TILING & DECORATING Professional Tiler of 20 years experience. Reliable and Trustworthy Specialising in all aspects of tiling, incluing, Ceramics, Porcelains, Marble, Wall tiles and Floor tiles. Finished to the Highest standard. Also available for Painting and Decorating, Interior and Exterior.

Wallpaper Hanging.

All areas covered, Jobs large or small. Call Kevin on 0858390313 for a no obligation quote. References available.

PLANNING NOTICE SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL Mr & Mrs E Shaw are applying for Planning Permission for an single storey extension to the side and rear of an existing dwelling at No.7 St Ronan’s Park Dublin 22 This application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am - 4pm, MonFri, and a submission or observation may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt

by South Dublin County Council of the application 12407

21 April 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 35

GazetteSPORT

PURPLE PATCH:

Bernard Brogan on the National League Final: Page 37

DARING RACES: ADVENTURE CONTEST SET TO TAKE PLACE ACROSS DUBLIN IN MAY

The greatest race takes place in the Fair City STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

K AT H RY N T h o m a s became the first ever person to abseil from the top of the Aviva Stadium when she launched the inaugural Dublin Adventure Race, which takes place on May 21, in the stadium last week.

T he former K ing’s Hospital student and television presenter looks set to star t a

trend for adventure, as approximately 1,000 competitors are expected to take to the streets for the unique event, which is set to get the adrenaline pumping, with participants required to run, cycle and kayak around the city.

This race will transform the city into an adventure playground, showing how epic Dublin can be.

In teams of two or

three, or solo if competitors prefer to go it alone, the race will kick off at the Adventure Weekend in the RDS.

Racing around Competitors will take to their bikes first, which will take them along beaches, canal paths and into parks, with a tricky assault course to master inbetween.

They will then take on the kayaking section of the challenge before

Siobhan Byrne and Kathryn Thomas became the first people to abseil the Aviva

changing to their runners to complete a street orienteering section, where they will pick up points for every checkpoint reached. The real high of the event is the abseil from the top of the Aviva stadium.

O r g a n i s e r, I r i s h Olympian and former world rowing champion, Gearoid Towey, said of the event: “This is a totally unique event, which will cater for all levels of fitness from elite athletes to those

who want to tr y an adventure race for the very first time.

“We are using the amazing amenities that Dublin has on offer to transform the city into a giant adventure playground.

“The aim of the game is to encourage people to get out and get active while having a whole lot of fun at the same time.”

To register for the e ve n t a t w w w. d u b lindaresyou.com.

36 LUCAN GAZETTE 21 April 2011

GazetteSport Sport Rugby

FastRugby

ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE: BARNHALL END LEAGUE RUN ON A HIGH

Hospital alumni stars for Ireland U-18s KING’S Hospital’s Luke Satchwell was part of the Ireland U-18 School team which advanced to the final of the Elite group at the Justin Bridou U-18 FIRA/AER Championships in Auch last Sunday night with a hard-fought win over France.

The Ireland U-18 School side now face England in the final of the tournament in Tarbes on April 23.

Ireland, who trailed 10 - 9 at half time, came back from a 17 - 12 deficit with a 61st minute try from flanker Daniel Leavy, which was converted by scrumhalf Luke McGrath to take a 17 - 19 lead that they duly held on to.

In a tight game, both sides used the bench well and France maintained the pressure as they chased the game, but the Ireland U-18 Schools’ side were resolute and held firm, in spite of ten minutes of being a player down, for a well-earned victory and a place in the final against England.

Seconds pass quarter-final test at DLSP THE All-Ireland League success from Barnhall at Maynooth last Saturday was further enhanced by the win the Blues registered against De La Salle Palmerstown in the Metro Cup quarter-final.

Strong forward

play set up the platform for a backline that clocked up 36 points to 10 for the De la Salle team.

Their success was not surprising, as the second squad had come second in the league this year, and lost the final game by a single point to UCD, this year’s league champions, and they go into the semi-final with silverware in their sights.

Barnhall went back to school at NUI Maynooth for their last fixture in Division 3 this season against Instonians

Blues hand out lesson AIL DIVISION 3 NUIM Barnhall Instonians

19 12

sport@gazettegroup.com

AT NUI Maynooth North Campus last weekend, Barnhall put on a show for the next generation of alumni with a 19-12 victory in the last AllIreland League Division 3 match of the season.

Their opponents, Instonians, were still in with a chance of claiming the league title, but Barnhall were in a defiant mood, despite the pageantry and fanfare of the open day that was also happening in the Maynooth campus on Saturday.

The game kicked off at a good pace but progress was at a premium. However, Barnhall did open

the scoring when Ryan Hopkins scored with a penalty from 27 metres.

The pressure told on the visitors when the normally reliable Instonians no 9 Michael Sargent had his box kick blocked down, and Conor Feeney and Eoin Hogan combined to open the door for Rob Holt to cross over with relative ease to open up a gap of eight points.

From the restart, Instonians found inspiration from Sargent and, from the two strong back-row forwards, David Bradford and Stephen Douglas, and quick possession down the left-hand side saw Bradford break past the NUIM Barnhall cover and touch down close to the corner flag.

A carbon copy move

on 33 minutes saw Douglas burst his way past the NUIM Barnhall defence touching down mid-way between the posts and the corner flag. Browne narrowly missed the conversion, but it all looked too easy for the Division three highflyers at that stage.

From the restart a series of scrums followed and at that stage Peter Cour tney and Ray Dufficy were beginning to dominate, and Browne and conceded a penalty, which Hopkins slotted home with ease.

At 11 points to 12 it was anybody’s game, and Barnhall had come out of the blocks far better than the visitors at the start of the second half.

Barnhall were back in front in territorial terms,

and Hopkins had a great opportunity to stretch the lead with a penalty from 28 metres, but narrowly missed.

Within minutes of the drop out, Gareth Murray did his bit of magic when he stole the ball from an Instonians’ maul. Eoin Hogan picked up the pass from Murray and Hopkins was in support to cut through the Instonians’ defence for a fine try close to the posts.

Hopkins missed the conversion but made amends minutes later, striking a long-range penalty.

With 12 minutes remaining, Barnhall won scrums and drove the visitors back towards the try line to put the match beyond doubt.

In the dying moments,

some over-elaboration at the scrum allowed Bradford to break free and the Instonians’ back line flashed into action.

A last-gasp try-saving tackle by Rob McGrath ended the run by Instonians and ended their chance to win the Division Three league.

T he young NUIM Barnhall RFC side were cheered by the 600 supporters who witnessed what was the first-ever All-Ireland League game on the North Campus.

The 39 points was their highest-scoring total in a league campaign for many years. After a shaky start in the first four games of the season it was heartening to the Blues that this side could achieve so many notable wins in the season.

21 April 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 37

in association with

One vision for Brogan’s Dubs

FastSport

With the biggest game in Dublin football only days All Blacks’ Fitzpatrick away, ROB HEIGH caught up with Bernard Brogan to gives Crokes a lesson talk about the drive in the camp to secure the title THE opportunity to claim the first National league title since 1993 is one that Bernard Brogan clearly relishes. Last season’s AllStar and national Player of the Year spoke to GazetteSport last week when he took some time out from training to take on Eoin Cadogan from Cork, and Michael Murphy from Donegal, putting their formidable football and fitness skills to the test by playing Kinect Sports for Xbox 360.

Having won the sprint challenge, Bernard turned his attention to the matter at hand and the chance to claim some silverware for Dublin in the National League final at Croke Park this weekend.

We started by asking

him about the source of the consistency and momentum that Dublin have built up over recent months in the league.

“At the start of the year, we put it to ourselves that

I think more than 30 lads have been tried out at Croke Park, and that’s been huge for us, and our successful league campaign, and being in the final, was our goal. Any-

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

‘I think Cork learned it’s time to keep an eye on Dublin after the last game. We’re looking forward to a really good day at Croke Park’ --------------------------------------------------------

we wanted to be more competitive in the league, and over the years gone by, the management have rotated players and try to look at them, but we wanted to do that this year while winning games.

thing more this weekend will be a bonus.”

With some commentators voicing concern that Dublin’s perfect 15 has not been evident so far, Bernard was far from concerned about what

Bernard Brogan is looking to deliver the knockout blow to Cork this weekend

he considers to be far less of a problem than some would think.

“That we have so many good players in all positions is a benefit. They all do the job so well; if anything happens to any player over the summer, we have lads who can step in and do the job just as well. I think we have that now, with two lads for every position. If they played either one of them, there would be no question, and the competition at training is huge as well, which drives us on. But the strength of the panel has been a huge factor for our success so far this year.”

With All-Ireland champions Cork as opposition this weekend, Bernard was very sure of the test that awaits Dublin in the final.

“We expect a different game from the last game, when Cork had a bit of a hangover from their holidays, or rust after winning their All-Ireland. But we are feeling good. It’s going to be a very tough game, we are going out to win the title, not just to show up and hand it to Cork.

We’re going out to win the title. It’s been a long time, and it will be huge for the capital to win some silverware, and we will be going all out for the win.”

Brogan felt that the side had learned a lot from the match at Croke Park in February that saw Dublin come out on top.

“I think we gained a lot of mental strength from it.

We learned that they’re not world-beaters, that we can defeat them. They might have been the form team for the last year, but the win at Croke Park will give us a sense of positivity that, when we turn it on, we can beat them. You can only get that from winning, and we haven’t had that for a long time. It will be huge that we have that in our heads when we meet them again.

“I think they learned it’s time to keep an eye on Dublin. We have been putting different panels into play, and what team we will put out and what way we will play. We want to make it hard for teams to read us, and we want them to have a hard time finding a solution to our gameplan. We’re looking forward to a really good day.”

With the Dubs filling Croke Park with the assistance of the Spring series of games, Bernard was delighted with the effect that the run of games has had on the Metropolitan’s success this year.

“I think it’s been brilliant, a great publicity for the GAA. At a time when other sports are so strong, it’s great to see the GAA making it clear they want to get people on boards.

The series was a huge success in terms of getting kids involved in the game, and, hopefully, that will continue.”

NEW ZEALAND All Blacks legend and Laureus Sport for Good Foundation goodwill ambassador Sean Fitzpatrick was in Dublin last week to pass on his wisdom to the Dublin footballers and hurlers ahead of their National League finals in the coming weeks.

The captain of the 1990s’ all-conquering team also spent time with some of the Kilmacud Crokes’ Under-12 boys’ and girls’ teams and gave them a lesson in how to do the Haka.

Great Ireland Run winners announced WE ARE delighted to announce the winners of the SPAR Great Ireland Run 2011 competition for local

runners in each of GazetteSport’s eight areas.

Clondalkin: Brian O’Connor and Aoife Fitzroy Lucan: Derry McVeigh and Denise Lynch We will be in touch with the winners.

38 LUCAN GAZETTE 21 April 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

SFAI CUP: MISSED CHANCES DENY UNITED PLACE IN SEMI-FINAL

Palmerstown’s Murray in Ireland Under-18 side PHOBAILSCOIL Iosolde, Palmerstown’s Greg Murray has been included in the Republic of Ireland U-18 Boys’ Schools team who host England in Tallaght Stadium on Thursday, April 28 in the final game of the Centenary Shield campaign (KO 7:35pm).

Murray has edged out Paul White to be selected in the two previous games in the competition and could be in line to start once more for what is a tantalising tie as Ireland goes in search of a home win and a first for the season.

England, on the other hand, need Northern Ireland to lose away to Wales, as well as picking up the final four points on offer from their final two games to stand a chance of snatching the title, so it will definitely be all to play for in Tallaght come April 28.

Manager Dave Archbold, of Palmerstown CS, will be hoping Carndonagh skipper Ryan McLaughlin can rally his troops in green to victory for the first win of their Shield campaign.

Tickets for the Republic of Ireland v England Schools’ game cost €5 adults and €2 students, and are available from Diane Fay, FAI Schools, or by calling 01 8999 522 (office) or e-mail: diane.fay@fai.ie

Harriers stars are back in BHAA action LUCAN Harriers Derval MacCarthy returned to action after a very long layoff but looked like she was never away as she came home in the BHAA K Club 10km in Straffan with a superb time of 43 minutes 13 seconds.

This placed Derval an excellent third overall in her category.

Second home for the Lucan ladies was Claire Buckley who continued her strong surge in form since

her superb marathon run in October with an brilliant clocking of 45 minutes 27 seconds.

Myra Nolan was the third Lucan lady home on the day as a fantastic run by Myra was rewarded with an magnificent personal best clocking of 45 minutes 33 seconds for 5th place in her class.

In hot pursuit of Nolan at the finish was Lorraine Heffernan whose strong running throughout was rewarded with an excellent time of 45 minutes 38 seconds, which incidentally was also a personal best run.

Lucan United ‘s manager, Ciaran Masterson, praised his side for their brave performance against Malahidfe United

Lucan bow out in quarters SFAI U-12 CUP Q-FINAL Lucan United Malahide United JONNY STAPLETON

0 3

sport@gazettegroup.com

BRILLIANCE won out over bravery in Arlie Height last Saturday when a sensational Malahide United display ensured Lucan exited the prestigious SFAI cup at the quarter-final stage.

Lucan exited the same competition at the semifinal stage to eventual winners last year and can lay claim to only being beaten by the best again this term as, on this performance, Malahide look like they could upset favourites Kevin’s and lift

the trophy.

Despite being beaten in front of a home support to rival a League of Ireland tie in both number and noise volume, Lucan were not out-classed and dominated in patches.

Indeed, if they had taken one or two of the opportunities that presented themselves, the result could have been different, but manger Ciaran Masterson claims there was no shame in the cup loss.

“This was a game played in great spirit and there was a great atmosphere. The support was great, people turned up in their hundreds. There is no shame for our lads

Camogie stars: Lucan CC take the Schools’ title THE girls from Lucan Community Col-

lege created history by winning their first-ever Senior B final last week against St MacDara’s CC, by an empahatic 5-9 to 2-7 scoreline.

An outstanding performance by Lucan full-forward Orla Beagan proved to be the main difference between the sides.

Orla finished the game with a personal tally of 4-6.

Many of this team were also on the Lucan Sarsfields’ minor A county-winning team.

losing to such a display.

That Malahide performance was the best I have seen all season.”

Malahide United started the game impressively and, like their Lucan counterparts, employed a brand of aesthetically pleasing football.

Lunney was dominating in the centre of a fiveman midfield and Leahy ensured plenty of visiting joy down the left flank.

Fittingly, the opening goal came as a result of some Leahy brilliance, the winger sending in a teasing cross which top score JJ Nolan buried home with his head to make it 1-0.

Going a goal down

seemed to spur the hosts on. Centre back Conor Masterson moved to midfield and temporarily dealt with Lunney’s threat whilst Brandon Payne began to break up the fluid visiting play.

Whilst on top before the break Aram Vartanyan came close to levelling but it remained one nil after the break.

While the left was the visitors’ main avenue of attack on the opening period the right flank was their the most potent weapon in the second.

Paul Curtis and David O’Neill were chief Lucan tormentors and, unlike in politics, the right and left eventually combined to

great effect as Malahide went further ahead.

O’Neil found Leahy with a brilliant cross and the left winger got a deserved goal with a calm finish.

Again the goal seemed to inspire the hosts and they attempted a reposte, but again, despite coming close — this time via Josh Keegan — they couldn’t get back into the tie.

Lucan continued to battle bravely but were punished as they pushed on, the lethal Nolan latching on to a through ball and firing home from 18 yards to register his eleventh goal in the competition and put the result beyond doubt.

21 April 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 39

in association with

ST VDP CUP: BACK-TO-BACK TITLE HOPES DIMINISH

CLUB NOTICEBOARD LUCAN SARSFIELDS CONGRATULATIONS to Dublin hurlers for their achievement in reaching league final against Kilkenny with win

Set dancing is every Wednesday in

Sarsfields players Johnny McCaffrey

the function room at 8.30pm. All wel-

and Peter Kelly for their contribution

come. day, May 7 - Music in bar by The Foggy

munity College who won the senior B

Dew, 9.30pm till late. Saturday, May 14

camogie cup during last week, and to

- Trad Session, Lucan Comhaltas. Fri-

St Joseph’s who won their shield final.

day, April 20 - Annual race night.

juvenile boys football teams that won league/blitz matches, from U-11 to U-16, over the last week or so.

1-8 4-10

sport@gazettegroup.com

LUCA N S a r s f i e l d s ’ chances of retaining the St Vincent de Paul Cup were effectively ended last weekend after a heav y defeat at the hands of Thomas Davis’ at the Twelfth Lock.

The Lucan management team opted to field an experimental side, with many new faces called into the starting line-up, including Under-21 players Sean Newcombe and Law rence Alia, who started in the half-forward line.

The match began at a frantic pace, with Lucan registering a point within a minute of the throw-in through Mick Casey. This was almost immediately cancelled out by a Shane Smith score.

Thomas Davis’ began to get on top and kicked three points in a row

after Dermot Gallagher had nudged the home side 0-2 to 0-1 in front.

Both teams were hitting hard and scores were few and far between.

On 20 minutes, Lucan centre back Brendan O’Neill reduced the deficit with a good curling point to finish off a move that he had begun.

Brendan Gallagher levelled the scores with a point from play, before the visitors began to apply huge pressure.

Tw o g o o d s a v e s from Aidan Elliot in goal, and sterling play from full-back Fergus Gordon, ensured that Lucan were still in the game at half time, with the scores at four points apiece.

Thomas Davis’ began the second half strongly, and their efforts were rewarded with a Shane McGrath goal and a S t e p h e n M c K e ow n point, putting some daylight between the sides.

Lucan won a penalty soon after, when Dara Mylod was brought down inside the large square. Brendan Gallagher coolly slotted the penalty into the corner of the net to give the host’s hopes going into the last quarter.

This was as good as it got for Lucan, however, as Thomas Davis’ moved up a gear and scored three goals in quick succession.

The home side had no response, and, in the end it was the Tallaght side who ran out eleven-point winners.

Lucan will be encouraged by the perform-

ances of the new players, with Dara Mylod, L aw r e n c e A l i a a n d Owen Ennis impressing.

T he focus now switches to the next league game, where Mick Bohan’s men will be seeking their first win of the season.

Lucan Sarsfields: 1 Aidan Elliot, 2 Stephen O’Shaughnessy, 3 Fergus Gordon, 4 Ciaran McHugh, 5 James O’Neill, 6 Brendan O’Neill (0-1), 7 Ciaran O’Neill, 8 Mark Twomey, 9 Mick Casey (0-1), 10 Dermot Gallagher (0-3), 11 Lawrence Alia, 12 Sean Newcombe (0-1), 13 Brendan Gallagher (1-2), 14 Fran O’Hare, 15 Tommy Brennan

There was no winner. Next week’s jackpot is €15,500.

Membership deadline was March 31.

Hugh McGonigle’s team will be in charge for lotto next Bank Holiday

pay, no play is now being enforced.

Monday. Do not forget you can always

link on website, however phased pay-

Lucan Sarsfields Thomas Davis BEN EGAN

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 3, 4, 18 and 21.

Due to registration and insurance, no Payment still available online via

ST VINCENT DE PAUL CUP

Upcoming dates for diary: Satur-

Congratulations also to Lucan Com-

Good performances from all our

Sars scorched by Davis’ scoring run

Boys’ football feile set for April 30.

Good luck to all involved.

over Cork, and, in particular, Lucan

to the team.

Lucan’s hopes of retaining the cup were all but ended by Thomas Davis in the second half

ments no longer available.

enter our lotto online by clicking on www.lucansarsfields.ie.

ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN JUVENILE hurling: Under-8s, 9s and 10s played Parnell’s, Wild Geese and St Finian’s (S).

to 2.30pm.

Tickets for national football final next Sunday may be collected at

In football, Under-11s and 12s lost

the clubhouse. Stand €25 and €5

to St Finian’s (N) and Clanna Gael

for children, and €15 for terrace.

while 13s beat Ballyboden St. Endas.

Please bring the exact amount.

Under-15s and 16s lost to Good Counsel and Skerries Harps.

Senior hurlers lost their league fixture away to Naomh Fionnbarra while juniors had a home win over O’Dwyer’s.

To visit our website, simply log on to www.stpatricksgaa.ie Lotto: Numbers drawn were 4, 17, 24 and 27.

There was no winner of the €6,200 jackpot.

Easter camp commences next

Match any three numbers win-

Tuesday, April 26 to 29. There are

ners were Denis Minihane, G Kelly,

still slots available and, to book,

The Mooneys, Cathy Burns and

ring Paul on 087 6613 104 or Noel on

Hugh Lannon and each receive €40.

086 8988 920.

Next week’s jackpot is €6,400.

The cost for the four days is only €20 which lasts each day from 10am

Draw held each Sunday night at 10pm in the Palmerstown House.

WESTMANSTOWN GAELS/GARDA Senior mens’ news: Intermediates

the U-14 girls becoming the Division

drew with O’Dwyer’s on Saturday

4 feile champions. The team beat an

evening. Junior 1s lost to Wanderers

excellent St Anne’s side last Sunday in

on Sunday morning, and Junior 2s had

an epic encounter after two periods

a hard-fought win against Na Fianna

of extra time. The U-12s beat a strong

on Sunday afternoon. Training as

Thomas Davis side in their final blitz

usual is on Tuesdays and Thursdays

day to remain unbeaten in the compe-

at 7.30pm.

tition. Well done to the boys.

Intermediates play Ballyboughal in

The U-11s got in on the act, too, with

championship on Wednesday, April 27,

a win over Foxrock Cabinteely in their

in Parnell Park at 8.30pm.

blitz day on Saturday. This was an

Ladies lost to a very good Raheny side in the cup away last Wednesday evening despite putting in a very strong second-half performance.

Training day-out for ladies team at the Curragh on Saturday, April 30, so full turnout expected.

appropriate reward for all of their hard efforts in recent weeks.

The U-8 hurlers lost to Liffey Gaels away. The U-7s played Ratoath on the all-weather as a precursor to future Dublin v Meath clashes circa 2025.

Finally, the U-10s played the U-9s in

Some payments re New York trip

a friendly match on Saturday morn-

still outstanding - please pay as soon

ing. Well done to all of the teams, their

as possible to Alan Lynch or Eugene

respective coaches and the parents.

O’Sullivan.

A busy weekend for the Gaels with

GAA skills Easter camp will run from Tuesday, April 26 to 29.

R1

ALL OF YOUR LUCAN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 35-39

SWEET CHARITY: Lucan bow out of St Vincent de Paul Cup to Thomas Davis: P31

EXCLUSIVE: Bernard Brogan talks to GazetteSport: P37

GazetteSPORT

Westmanstown Gaels celebrate after winning the Division 4 Feile title at Ballyboden St Enda’s Pairc ui Murchu

APRIL 21, 2011

Gaels girls take title STEPHEN FINDLATER lucansport@gazettegroup.com

WESTMANSTOWN enjoyed a landmark occasion in their young history of girls’ football when they claimed the division four Feile crown last Sunday in Ballyboden’s Pairc ui Murchu.

It was just their second time entering the competition – the highlight of a player’s juvenile career – and they came out on top in the most dramatic of circumstances in a thrilling final against St Anne’s.

It was a low-scoring affair adding to the drama for the ever-growing crowd as the competition extended into a fourth period of extra-time after the sides could not be separated.

Normal time ended locked at 0-3 to 1-0 while a first set of halves of extra-time could still produce no winner.

But Rebecca McDonnell popped up with a point in the first half of the second series of time added on while

Niamh Mallon added an insurance point in the second period to finally seal an amazing decider.

It completed a journey that saw Westmanstown overcome St Monica’s, Boden’s C team and host club, Naomh Mearnog, in Saturday’s group stages.

They subsequently edged past Skerries Harps in the semi-final to set up a final date on Sunday morning.

Praise Speaking about the performance, manager Grace O’Boyle was fulsome in her praise for the group, who came together two years ago.

“The umpire said to me on the sideline, that one score could win this, and how right was he?

“I was massively impressed with how we played in extratime; I thought we played our best football. From the beginning of this season, they’re unbeaten in their league and every time they go out, they

just seem to find something extra and every time we ask them to do it again, they raise it again. At this moment in time, they are my personal heroes.

“It was some battle; while it was a low-scoring game, it was hugely entertaining.

Both teams gave it their all and were out on their legs at the end of it. Neither side gave up and neither wanted to lose it obviously.

“The two sidelines were going ape, the poor girls on the pitch couldn’t hear a thing for the crowd.

“It was a good crowd out there and a great match, a fair game and all credit to Anne’s; they never gave it up and kept chasing but, thankfully, the resilience of our backs kept them out, said O’Boyle.

O’Boyle managed the team in tandem with mentor Danielle Hendrick, while Martin McDonnell and Brian Mallon were also part of the setup that helped the side to this momentous achievement.