Lucan GAZET TE FREE
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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER
INSIDE: Transplant athlete competes in World Games P4
Hurling: Sarsfields’ four help bring home Leinster title Page 32
Sports Awards: June winners are announced inside Page 29
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ................. 8-9 MOTORS ........................18 PROPERTY ................... 20 BUSINESS .....................21 GOING OUT ................... 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
July 7, 2011
CANOE KICK-OFF: Celebrating 50
years of Salmon Leap See Page 10
No new An Post office angers Keating Q PAUL HOSFORD
AN POST has been heavily criticised this week by Fine Gael TD Derek Keating after the company said it had no plans to provide a second office in the area to serve South Lucan. Deputy Keating said that, in some cases, the 4,266 families that are paid by Social Welfare have to walk more than two miles to receive payments.
“I do not accept an Post’s decision. I will continue to pursue this vigorously,” he said. He made the comments following a response toa Dail question by him from Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton, who said that An Post had confirmed they have no plans at present to expand their services in the Lucan area. Full Story on Page 2
Family fun: At the launch of Ruaille Buaille Festival FINAN and Moya Breen were all smiles and songs at the launch of the Ruaille Buaille Lucan music festival recently. The festival, which headed into its third year, welcomed workshops, concerts and events as South Dublin
County Council Arts and Library Services worked hard to cater for schools and families throughout the festival week, culminating in an open air performance on Lucan Village Green. Full Gallery on Page 8-9
2 LUCAN GAZETTE 7 July 2011
AN POST SERVICES: ‘MANY HAVE TO WALK MORE THAN TWO MILES’
PLANNING Lucan Festival 2011 plans have
Popular local No plans for a new festival has something Lucan post office for everyone Q PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com
RESIDENTS of Lucan South received a blow this week as An Post revealed that there are no plans to expand the network of post offices in the Lucan area. Nor are there any plans for a post office in Dodsboro Local Fine Gael Deputy Derek Keating had tabled a Parliamentary Question asking: “The Minister for Social Protection the number of persons collecting social welfare payments from the post office in Lucan Village and the post office in Dodsboro, County Dublin, who reside in the following estates, and if she has satisfied herself that these post offices adequately ser vice such a large number of persons, many of whom have to walk for up to two miles.” Concerns
Despite the response telling Deputy Keating that An Post had no such plans, the Minister acknowledged his concerns regarding the distance that people have to travel in the Lucan area to receive payments, with over 4,200 payments being made in Lucan and Dodsboro, 35% of which come from the latter. “The Department currently issues approximately 3,350 payments each week for encashment at the Lucan and Dodsboro Post Offices. The Department also issues an additional 916 payments for encashment on a monthly basis at those two post offices. About 65% are paid at Lucan, comprising 2,161 weekly payments and 599 monthly payments, while 35% are paid at
Dodsboro, comprising 1,189 weekly payments and 317 monthly payments. “An Post has been advised of the Deputy’s concerns regarding the distances people in the Lucan area have to travel to receive payments. “I understand from An Post that the company has no plans to expand their network of post offices in the Lucan area at present, but they have assured me that their service throughout their network is constantly under review. They have --------------------------
‘I will continue to pursue this vigorously, and I do not accept An Post’s decision’
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Deputy Derek Keating --------------------------
also indicated that if, and when, it is deemed that a post office is both warranted and sustainable in the Lucan area, plans will be put in place to advertise a contract for the provision of those services,” said the Department’s response. Deputy Keating was disappointed with the response, but vowed not to give up on the campaign. “I will continue to pursue this vigorously, and I do not accept An Post’s decision. “Up to 4,266 families are paid by Social Welfare, of which many have to walk more than two miles. I am satisfied that there is a commercial viability for a new post office, as I outlined recently in partnership with my Labour colleagues to Minister Rabbitte,” said Deputy Keating.
PRELIMINARY plans for the Lucan Festival 2011, taking place from Monday to Sunday, September 19-25, were announced at a public meeting last week. This year promises to have something for everyone, including a wide variety of activities for the whole community to enjoy. The week-long celebration of everything Lucan will culminate in the Festival Family Day in the village on the Sunday, which last year attracted over 5,000 people. As part of the festival, locals can look forward to the return of the Cinemobile (Ireland’s only 100-seater mobile cinema) which was a great success last year. Westside Stage School, Lucan Dramatic Society and Lucan Sarsfields will also make a welcome return as well as the historic exhibition and historic walks. Of course, the bouncy castles, street performers, main stage, market stalls, intercultural food and dancers will also be there, with many more of the activities people enjoyed last year to be
confirmed. Keep your eye on the Festival facebook page and http:// lucalfestival.wordpress. com For music lovers, plans are currently being discussed for a young Battle of Bands to be held in the Griffeen Youth Centre and, for the more seasoned rockers, there are plans to run an event in association with Courtney’s Pub. Lots of local bands and singers will also be making appearances, including Morgan La Faye and Lorcan James, in addition to many intercultural performances. For the first time, a Tea Dance for the “young at heart” will also be held in the Spa Hotel. Tom Dowling, festival secretary, said: “The festival creates an important link between community and business and its success benefits all. We are delighted with the response so far. It shows great community spirit, which is what the festival is about.” Joe Byrne, festival chairman, commented: “Most of the activities during the festival are free, so we rely on
support from the community to help fund it. This support formed the corner stone of the funding for last year’s festival and, although we have already run a number of fund raising events, we clearly have a long way to go to cover the costs for this year. “We are currently contacting all businesses in the locality seeking their support to make the 2011 Lucan Festival the best yet. We would like to thank CPLN Partnership and Dublin South County Council for their continued support towards the overall cost of the festival.” The Lucan Festival Committee is always looking for volunteers to help out, so, to get involved and/or keep updated with festival news, become a fan on facebook, email lucanfestival@gmail.com or call 0862505665 /0876243562. Lucan Festival 2011 is a community-based festival and provides an opportunity for all groups and cultures all over Lucan to meet and celebrate at one week long event.
Seventy-four fines for anti-social behaviour Q PAUL HOSFORD
THERE have been 74 fines handed out to antisocial behaviour offenders in the first half of this year. The figures released by South Dublin County Council came on foot of a question raised by Fine Gael councillor, Emer Higgins, who asked for a “report on anti-social behaviour in our parks and public spaces, the
number of complaints received, fines issued and interactions with the Gardai arising from complaints”. In their response, council management said that, unfortunately, the majority of anti-social behaviour happens at a time when staff aren’t committed to the parks. “Anti-social behaviour is an unfortunate aspect of our modern society. The consequences of
it impact particularly heavily on our parks and open spaces and, while it is more evident in those parks and open spaces that do not have a daily staff presence, the majority of anti-social behaviour takes place during the hours of darkness, after the parks have closed and our staff have finished work for the day,” said the council. Cllr Higgins said the issue was an increasing
concern, but paid tribute to the Parks Department. “Anti-social behaviour in our parks, our estates and on our greens is a huge issue. It is very distressing for residents who are affected by intimidating and anti-social behaviour and I believe it is an issue we need to take very seriously. “The Council’s Parks Department have been doing tremendous work
with the Gardai and local residents, and there has been a huge investment throughout the county in measures to combat antisocial behaviour. “The problems, however, in many instances are continuing. Residents in Palmerstown recently came together to form an action group to help stamp out ongoing anti-social behaviour in Glenaulin Park,” said Cllr Higgins.
7 July 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 3
been announced
CAMPAIGN: PARENTS TO FIGHT ‘CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN’
Protests against Special Needs help cuts Q PAUL HOSFORD
A GROUP of parents from a local school have launched a campaign aimed at preserving the level of Special Needs Assistant care in their school. The parents at Griffeen Valley Educate Together say that the decision came from the National Council for Special Education to cut the school’s support. “We reluctantly take this step as a direct result
of the decision of the National Council for Special Education to axe the level of Special Needs Assistant support to our children. “The support which our children receive from their Special Needs Assistants is absolutely crucial to their successful integration in a mainstream school. Without that essential support, our children face the prospect of marginalisation within the mainstream school/
LIVE REGISTER: MORE PEOPLE ARE SIGNING ON
Figures rise six months in a row Q PAUL HOSFORD
Fun on the street at Lucan Festival 2010. Picture: Peter Shaughnessy
THE Live Register figures for Dublin MidWest have risen for the sixth month in a row. The figures show an increase of 245 people signing on in the Clondalkin office, with the figure of 10,425 representing a 10-month high. Speaking in response to the release of the CSO Live Register figures for June, 2011, Sinn Fein Dublin Mid West Representative Eoin O’Broin said: “Unemployment has risen for the sixth month in a row and now stands at a 10 month high.” O’Broin said that the stats showed grim reading for younger people, and he also took the opportunity to take a swipe at the Government. “Unemployment in Dublin Mid-West has risen for six months in a row and now stands at a ten-month high. Of these
2,181 are under the age of 25. This is the highest figure since August of last year. “T his week’s CSO figures coincide with the announcement of five thousand part-time internships, as part of the Government’s so-called jobs initiative. The idea that three-month-long job placements is an adequate response to the rising unemployment shows juts how out of touch this new government is. --------------------------
‘The people don’t need three-month job placements, they need jobs’
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“The people of Dublin Mid West don’t need three-month-long job placements, they need real investment in real jobs.” said O’Broin.
classroom setting. “Their potential progress and development will be decisively undermined by the decision of the National Council for Special Education to axe their Special Needs Assistant, something which will have a life-long debilitating effect,” said the statement, released this week. The statement goes on to state that the most vulnerable children in the school are being made to suffer for monetary rea-
sons. “We are extremely angry at this decision, as it is nothing more than a cost-cutting measure designed to save the State money at the expense of our most vulnerable children. “Those in the National Council for Special Education, in the Department of Education and their political masters in government should hang their collective heads in shame at their decision to
make children with special needs pay for a crisis which is undoubtedly NOT of their making.” The statement goes on to say that this cut in special needs funding would be “immoral”. “In a country that scarcely taxes capital or property and shows enormous generosity to bankers and others in our financial elite, it is utterly immoral to attack the fundamental rights of children with special needs.”
4 LUCAN GAZETTE 7 July 2011
EVENT Plenty of medals for transplant team
Irish competitors of the World Transplant Games 2011 and, inset, Dara McLaughlin
Transplant athlete competes in Games A LOCAL transplant athlete has returned from Gothenburg in Sweden after competing in the 18th World Transplant Games 2011, from June 16-24. Dara McLaughlin, from Lucan, was among the 33 members of the Irish Transplant Team, who competed against 1,100 athletes from 54
countries. The team – ranging in age from nine to over 70 – secured a new world record in one event and also returned with 12 gold, 12 silver and 12 Bronze medals. The Irish team is managed by the Irish Kidney Association and its members have all received major organ transplants including heart, lung,
liver, kidney and pancreas transplants. The Games aim to increase public awareness about the benefits and success of organ transplantation, increase organ donation rates and promote the full rehabilitation and wellbeing of participants. The World Transplant Games is held every second year and the European Transplant and Dialysis Games is held every other year in between. Dara McLaughlin joined the Team this year and competed in the Games for her first time. She had a kidney transplant in 2004, after 18 months on the waiting list. She took part in the 10 pin bowling and the 3km walk marathon. McLaughlin says that the Games have completely changed her attitude about organ transplantation. “It opened up a lot of organ awareness I think – myself personally. I would definitely be speaking about it a lot louder than I’ve ever spoken about it before. You know, seeing other people there and knowing that they were there obviously for the same reason,” she says. “It was mad thinking that we were all sitting there and we all just had one kidney or one organ. “I’ve never put myself in that position before, to be around other people in the same position as me.
“I’ve made mates I say that I’d probably have for the rest of my life.” McLaughlin says that she got on really well with the team and she hopes to take part in the Games again next year. “I’m so proud of myself. I never thought I’d – the emotions that I had were unreal. I never expected anything like that at all,” she says. “Even the supporters there are absolutely unreal, just being all behind them and just their pride of watching people even participating, regardless of winning or losing or anything like that.” T he Lucan native encourages anyone who had a transplant to join the team. “I was very, very nervous doing it, because I never done any of them before. But, at the end of it, five minutes into it, it didn’t matter what way I played or anything like that. The craic I had was absolutely excellent with the other nations that were there as well. It was just brilliant,” she says. Irish Team Manager, Colin White, said he was thrilled with the team’s results and their performance saying: “The Irish team members showed amazing support to one another but also to their competitors. The family that is Transplant Team Ireland, has grown in size and in strength,” he said.
7 July 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 5
6 LUCAN GAZETTE 7 July 2011
COUNCIL Progress on play policy COUNCILLOR Emer Higgins (FG) has welcomed the progress on the review of the South Dublin County Play Policy. In response to a motion tabled by Cllr Higgins, requesting information on the Play Policy Review, council management has indicated that the review should be complete by autumn. Cllr Higgins has been raising the need for a playground in Palmerstown to be included in the new Play Policy and has welcomed the news that the review is nearing completion. “I am delighted that the Play Policy is being reviewed and look forward to the results of this review coming before the council in autumn. Despite the huge progress made during the implementation of the Council’s Play Policy, many children and parents throughout South Dublin County Council still lack local play facilities,” said Cllr Higgins.
OPENING Ribbon cut on Lucan-Greencastle bridge
The new cycle, pedestrian route extension opened Q PAUL HOSFORD
lucans@gazettegroup.com
LOCAL politicians were out in force in glorious sunshine to officially open the new pedestrian and cycle route extension along the Grand Canal last Friday. The red iron bridge connects the south side of Lucan to Greencastle, enabling a walk from Lucan to Inchicore along a well-maintained, safe and visually appealing route. Lucan Area Committee chairman, Guss O’Connell, spoke of the immense pleasure the occasion gave him, saying that investing in the health of the nation must
be a priority. Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, then officially opened the new route. “I was delighted to officially open this new route, which offers a connecting bridge between Lucan and the fabulous walkway and cycle track along the canal. The bright red bridge stands out against the green landscape and I certainly hope it will entice more cyclists and walkers down to this amenity,” said Minister Fitzgerald, who cut the ribbon on the bridge. The route is already an award-winner, having picked up a LAMA (Local Authority Mem-
bers Association) Award for Best Recreational Facility. “As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I have a particular interest in encouraging families and young people to be active and, with a cycle track and path like this on our doorstep, I hope that families from right across Lucan and Clondalkin will come and avail of this amenity. “The new pedestrian crossing on Griffeen Avenue, proposed by my colleague Cllr. Lavelle and I, was delivered as part of this project and now links both sides of Griffeen Valley Park. “The Grand Canal Green Route is a safe and
Cllr Eamon Tuffy, Cllr Emer Higgins, Robert Dowds TD, Cllr William Lavelle, Minister Frances Fitzgerald, Cllr Guss O’Connell, Joe Horan, county manager and Cllr Breda Bonner
secure place for families, walkers and cyclists. The route is monitored round the clock by CCTV cameras and is lit by over 300 street lights. The new bridge, which connects the walkway to Lucan, will encourage families to come and avail of this
fabulous amenity,” Fitzgerald said. The route runs for 8.5km between the 3rd and 12th Locks of the Grand Canal, stretching from Lucan to Inchicore and includes fishing stands, boating and berthing areas and seats
alongside the canal. “The initiative is supported by South Dublin County Council, Departm e n t o f Tr a n s p o r t , Sustainable Transport Ireland and Waterways Ireland, and is a positive project for the area,” said the Minister.
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7 July 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 7
SHOP LOCAL Why we should spend money closer to home
Supporting business HE Gazette is never backward about coming forward when it comes to our support for the local community – in fact, it is the very essence of what we do. By bringing together news, features, pictures and reports about local politics, sport, social events and enterprise, we do what we can to support all of these areas. Support is the key to a thriving local community, and every member of the public can contribute to this support. Simply put, shopping locally benefits the local area. By shopping locally, without any of the expedition involved in travelling across the city, we can support local business, enterprise and industry, all of which play a far greater role in our quality of life than one might imagine. On a very basic level, the commercial rates that even the smallest of such local businesses pay, goes directly to our local council. Without these rates, the quality of public amenities, from parks and playgrounds to sports facilities and community groups, would simply not be of the standard we currently enjoy.
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Taking this train of thought a little further - by keeping one local business open when we shop local, we are supporting local jobs for local people. On top of this, every local business, and their employees, will naturally tend to support their neighbouring businesses – be it by buying a sandwich, renting a DVD, getting their dry cleaning done, or filling a prescription – the hustle and bustle that goes hand in hand with local business is mutually beneficial. Lucan provides a vibrant hub of business, with a terrific selection of local, home-grown businesses operating in the area. Local TD and Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald, says that shop-
ping locally was a big issue on the doorsteps during her election campaign this year, with people looking for a revitalisation of their local area. “One of the things that was very striking throughout the General Election campaign was the appetite for people who want vibrant villages. “It will take the support of people, who will need to support local businesses and shop locally,” says Fitzgerald. The Minister has said that, in times as difficult
as these, the support structures for businesses need to be put in place. “We need to start encouraging businesses by looking into local rates, local support structures and making local business feasible.”
8 LUCAN GAZETTE 7 July 2011
LAUNCH The children’s festival
Niamh de Faoite’s winning image and the brochure cover for the festival
The group shot of winners Carla Baon, Luke Geraty, Niamh Finan and Moya Breen
Von Fuglehorn. Picture: Peter Doyle
Family fun at launch of Ruaille Buaille Festival HE Children’s Music Festival Ruaille Buaille Lucan was launched by the then Mayor of South Dublin County Council Cllr Marie Corr as the programme for the week -long festival started. During the launch the lucky winners of Ruaille Buaille Lucan! Create an Image 2011 competition were presented as well. Young Niamh de Faoite, from Gaelscoil Naomh Padraig, won the competition and got her drawing on the cover of this year’s
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festival brochure. Art, music and fun for the children were all present at the Lucan Library festival launch. The festival, which headed into its third year, welcomed workshops, concerts and events as South Dublin County Council Arts and Library Services worked hard to cater for schools and families throughout the festival week, culminating in an open air performance on Lucan Village Green.
Susan, Rachel and Rebecca Mullarkey with Margaret Smith
7 July 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 9
Ruaille Buaille Lucan started with awards and music
Niamh de Faointe getting her prize from Cllr Corr
Johny Kehoe-Roche
Local families came to join in the launch and watch the children get their prizes
de Faoite, Kate Farrelly, Finรกn Breen and Daniel Mullarkey with the then Mayor Cllr Marie Corr and Clown Ludvic
Four-year-old Sophie
Caroline Wynne, Art Scope Festival Director
10 LUCAN GAZETTE 7 July 2011
CANOEING Jam-packed weekend of events for club
Celebrating 50 years of Salmon Leap
BEAUTY PAGE 14
Q PAUL HOSFORD
lucan@gazettegroup.com Current marathon world champion Ben Brown will take part in this weekend’s 50th anniversary celebrations of the Salmon Leap Canoe Club
SALMON Leap Canoe Club, which started life in Lucan, will celebrate 50 years in existence this weekend, with a jampacked series of exciting events. Starting out on Saturday, the club will host the Irish National Marathon Championships, with singles racing kicking off at 1pm. Doubles racing will take place on Sunday and a host of Europe’s top paddlers will take part in the competition, including Ben Brown, the current marathon world champion, as well as John Simmons and Mark Childerstone, who recently claimed a doubles bronze medal in a World Cup event in Rome. Vying for the spoils from a local side will be the likes of Neil Fleming (Celbridge Canoe Club), Peter Egan and Diarmuid Hudson (both Salmon Leap). Jenny Egan will also be there, fresh from her impressive performance in taking a silver medal in the 5,000m sprint canoe K1 at the World Cup event in the Czech
Republic in May. Founded in 1961 by Robin Love and Henry Nelson, Salmon Leap is now situated on the banks of the River Liffey where the river flows into Leixlip Reservoir, which gives it an ideal location for canoeists to benefit from both flat and rough water river conditions. --------------------------
‘Founded in 1961 by Robin Love and Henry Nelson, Salmon Leap is situated on the banks of the River Liffey’
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The club promotes all facets of canoeing, with members participating in marathon racing, sprint racing, slalom and wild water racing. Perhaps, uniquely, the club has had members representing Ireland at each Olympic Games since 1972, with Eoin Rheinisch the most recent, when his fourth place at Beijing 2008 had the nation on the edge of their seats. The club welcomes young people, encouraging them to partici-
pate in which-ever form of canoeing they most enjoy, and to take part in the many racing events throughout the summer at different locations. The club supplies beginners with basic training, equipment and boats, which allow them decide whether or not they want to pursue the sport. The impressive clubhouse, completed in 2000, comprises boat storage for members’ and club boats; male and female changing rooms with showering facilities; aerobic gymnasium; heavy weights room, club room and kitchen. Club spokesman, Tom Egan, said that the strength of the club lay within its members. “There’s a huge movement of volunteerism within the club, with people prepared to give their time throughout the years to help the club get where it is. “Those people have made it successful. “The club recently passed a milestone in employing a full-time development officer and we hope that will be a success going forward.” For more information on the club, visit www. salmonleapcanoeclub. com
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7 July 2011 GAZETTE 11
12 GAZETTE 7 July 2011
THE ARTS: STORY OF COPPELIA
EVENT A cool week of music and festival-going
Classic ballet comes to Dublin LAURA WEBB
ONE of the world’s leading classic ballet companies will pirouette its way to the Grand Canal Theatre in Dublin when it performs its enchanting production, Coppelia. This will be the first time Birmingham Royal Ballet has performed in Dublin. The company is set to electrify its audience with the amazing talents by their ballet dancers. Artistic director, David Kingley, of the Birmingham Royal Ballet has been with the company since leaving the Royal College of Ballet in the 70s and has been artistic director for 16 years. Excited about coming to Dublin for the first time, David is confident that everyone, young and old, will enjoy the story of toymaker Dr Coppelius, who wants nothing more than for his life-like doll to come to life. “It is one of our most popular full-length ballets, it is a particular favourite of the audience because it has wonderful music, it has a really good story and it is a comedy as well, audiences like it because of that. It is very much for the younger generation, too. I hesitate to use the term, but it is a family ballet, it appeals to everybody from young children to senior citizens. “There is a feisty village girl, for one reason and another, ends up impersonating the doll and so the doctor Coppelius believes that he has brought this doll to life, but, in fact, it is this cheeky girl that is playing a trick on him. This particular production is Sir Peter Wrights,” David told the Gazette Coppelia comes to the Grand Canal Theatre from July 7 until July 9. Check out www.grandcanaltheatre.ie for further information or book tickets through Ticketmaster on 0818 719 377.
Heineken unveils its grandest plans yet for Europe’s biggest rock and roll weekend, with ice cold drinks, surprise DJ sets and some of the biggest names in music
Heineken’s ultimate Oxegen experience is set to rock THIS year sees title sponsor, Heineken, unveil its grandest plans yet for Europe’s biggest rock and roll weekend. Ice cold drinks, surprise DJ sets, the Heineken Cold Rooms and, of course, some of the biggest names in music under the Heineken Green Spheres’ canopy,are some of the treats in store for this year’s Oxegen-goers. Heineken Greenspace
Heineken’s Greenspace returns to the festival once more, prom-
ising eclectic, surprise DJ sets and audio visual performances from some of Oxegen ‘11’s biggest international names. As surprise guests are expected to drop in throughout the weekend, updates are available by free texting ‘GREENS PA C E ’ t o 5 0 01 5 t h r o u g h o u t O xe g e n weekend. Greenspace also offers panoramic views of the festival on the open air terrace, as well as Oxegen’s coldest pint with Heineken Extra Cold served on tap.
The Heineken Cold Rooms return to Oxegen after a phenomenal ice-cold can experience at the festival last year. They will be located at the entrance to each of the three campsites at Oxegen, and free to use for all who arrive with cans of Heineken during the festival weekend. Ninety minutes is all that is needed to chill cans to optimum temperature and cans can be collected any time between 12pm and 2am during the festival, ensuring cold cans for the
duration of the fun-filled weekend. To avoid the hassle of losing tokens, biometric fingerprint scans are used by festival goers to claim their chilled cans of Heineken. Heineken Green Spheres stage
Renowned for providing multi-sensory music experiences, the Heineken Green Spheres stage continues to raise music fans to paranormal musical levels with its stellar line up. This year, Heineken
unveils headliners Leftfield, Brandon Flowers and Primal Scream as part of the line up of the Heineken Green Spheres stage. Also on the line-up are The Vaccines, Chase & Status, Crystal Castles, Odd Future, Example and Calvin Harris. The line-up
• Friday, July 8: Leftfield, Calvin Harris, Example, Whipping Boy, Bressie, Her Majesty & The Wolves, The Riptide Movement, Gypsies On The Autobahn and more to be announced.
www.gazette group.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away
• Saturday, July 9: Brandon Flowers, The Vaccines, Professor Green, The Pretty Reckless, Cashier No.9, Fox Avenue, Propaganda DJs. • Sunday, July 10: Primal Scream, Chase & Status, Crystal Castles, Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, Ocean Colour Scene, The Saturdays, GROUPLOVE and more to be announced. For full details of cold room locations and all the latest information on Oxegen visit www. heinekenmusic.ie.
7 July 2011 GAZETTE 13
A few simple steps toward tackling the effects of debt THE Phoenix Process is a group of individuals who came together with a vision of National Recovery. The Phoenix Process articles focus on different issues, the intention behind all of which will be to encourage, inspire, motivate and to bring much-needed hope. Each writer is a professional, who has been affected by the economic crisis in different ways. One of the most important aspects of dealing with any crisis is positive and proactive support systems. This column will be printed weekly, and, if you feel you would like to join in this process, please contact www.phoenixprocess.ie This week, we present the second piece from Tara O’Grady. Tara was a restaurateur who lost everything financially in recent times, following the closure of her business. She has actively been seeking debt law reform to protect people’s homes, minds and lives for some time now. Having suffered from a stress-related disorder due to the pressures that were put upon her, she decided to put Tara O’Grady together a survival package for those suffering from debt despair. She is positive and proactive about dealing with the ramifications of debt, both on an individual and national level.
A friend in need? WE must support each other... It can be completely overwhelming to face the paperwork end of things when it comes to debt, especially when massive personal losses have occurred. This is the time to reach out your hand to help your friend or family member. We are in a temporary crisis situation; If you are not in difficulty, you can be sure someone you care for is. (Whether or not they are telling you about it, is another matter). If you are concerned that someone close to you may be suffering from severe debt-related stress, please look for the signs - some examples include the following: 1. Isolation from social activity 2. Sleepless nights and or difficulty in sleeping with worry 3. Increased tension and or arguing over money issues 4. Fears about losing income and how to pay bills 5. Solicitors and debt collection letters arriving, phone calls or
OPINION Most cases happen in family home
Elder abuse where to turn FLORENCE HORSMAN–HOGAN Gazette columnist
I KNOW as a writer for various media outlets that many people expect me to be self-dramatising in any area I want to highlight. For me – the area of elder abuse has always been front and foremost of my work. While I’m an opinion writer – I’m also a nurse – and have actually sought training from the HSE in this field. In my field as a response to abuse trainer – abuses have been uncoverered. In the homes of the HSE staff. Various governmentts and State bodies have ignored this for so long – I wanted to become expert before I sought to comment. Now that I'm a specially trained trainer for the HSE on how to show our workers how to recognise and respond to elder abuse – there are
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doorstep visits – concern about opening the mail or answering the telephone 6. Increased irritability and feelings of lack of self-worth 7. Increased drinking or smoking as a stress reliever 8. Asking family and friends for loans to help out 9. Cheques and bank payments being returned regularly 10. Surviving on an overdraft facility Severe stress from debt-related pressure is an extremely serious mental health issue. In recent times, Mental Health & Suicide Awareness organisations have been acknowledging just how serious this issue is becoming. Just as a limb can break, so can the mind if put under enough pressure. Once the signs have been noticed action can be taken, a management programme put in place and a recovery process begin.
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even more worrying and horrific facts that have come to my attention. No matter how badly nursing homes and care facilities have been exposed/portrayed in the media – it's far worse in their own homes. It's conservativly estimated that 70% of abuse happens in the parent/significant other’s own home. And here’s the crunch – even though social workers, public health workers and other family members might try to help them – if they don't want help – the abuse will continue – and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. But the other thing is actually recognising the abuse. Granny/dad/sister no longer appears to have any money to go out. No money for make-up, cigs, new clothes. Excuses made for bruises, burns, scars. If you were a 70–year–
old mother with a farm and one son, two daughters. The son manages the farm the daughters visit. Who are you going to pick if he’s hitting you or taking your pension? You only have one son – don’t you? If you’re a father with only one daughter – she says she's got finiancial problems – but you've given her all of your pension and now can’t afford new clothes – what are you going to pick? What about if your husband has died and you’re a farmer’s wife? You have two or three daughters and a son or two. But you're nervous because they all fight. You turn to a favoured neighbour. Your best friend. The solicitor comes in, you're confused as to what you should do, you've no one to talk to. What do you do?. First of all – do nothing.
Say something. I’ve been there as a child, I know the importance of secrecy and shielding. But finding someone you can trust is an oxymoron in Irish society – trust a social worker – hell yeah! Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) is investigating the 1,760 cases of elder abuse, with 477 of these reported in 2011. As there is no dedicated elder abuse officer in the southern region of Ireland the authority believe this figure is likely to be higher. In the Executive’s annual elder abuse report, to be published next week, they will reveal that there were 2,046 referrals in 2010, which was up from 1,870 in 2009. It will show that neglect and financial abuse claims have risen by 14 percent and nine percent, respectively.
14 GAZETTE 7 July 2011
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY A milestone for Ceramide Gold Edited by Dawn Love
Artful Swatch: Rankin creates eight watches
THE never-ending love story between Swatch and art continues to delight followers of the popular Swiss brand with new creations from leading international artists. Famed British fashion photographer, Rankin, has created eight new watches in the classic Gent Original format to enrich the Swatch & Art Collection. Launched at Carton House recently, five of the watches are presented in the form of a set in their own special packaging, available in a limited and numbered edition of 777 pieces. Three additional Gents, designed by the British photographer, are sold separately in unlimited editions and cost €45 each. Talking about the range, Rankin said: “When Swatch approached me to design a range of watches, I was immensely flattered. Like so many people, my first watch was
T’S a cult classic, loved by a host of celebrities and, this August, Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules will celebrate its 21st anniversary. To celebrate reaching this milestone, Elizabeth Arden are offering customers at every counter nationwide a complimentary skincare consultation and a sevenday trial of the capsules, with a discount voucher for the full-size product throughout August and September. When Elizabeth Arden discovered the revolutionary Ceramides in August 1990, they created the first single-dose skincare capsules. Since then, Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules have been delivering bio-engineered, skinidentical ceramides to the skin to leave a silky, smooth and glowing complexion, and work to restore the skin’s moisture barrier. These capsules contain Borage Seed Extract to soothe and calm sensitive skin, and the antioxidant Vitamin E, which conditions the skin and protects it from environmental stress. They also contain retinyls,
I a Swatch – it’s an iconic brand that holds such a special place in people’s hearts. So it was an exciting challenge to be given the opportunity to design a Swatch watch myself.” Swatch have recently begun a partnership with Tower Jewellers in Blanchardstown, where a wide range of their pieces are now available.
Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules will celebrate its 21st anniversary
which are proven to be anti-aging by smoothing out lines and wrinkles, give an even-toned look
and help enhance natural collagen for a firmer look. Ceramide Gold Ultra
Restorative Capsules are available at Boots and Elizabeth Arden counters nationwide.
Get radiant, kissable lips for summer THIS summer, radiant, kissable lips are a must-have. Pink is the new red this season and gorgeous, bright lips makes you stand out from the crowd. So, why not try a Rouge D’Armani Hot Summer 2011 Limited Edition lipstick? These vibrant lipsticks’ patented Color-FilTM technology gives each shade 360 degrees of lasting radiance. The secret lies in the Color bond polymer, which traps refined pigments and intensifies and retains the colour’s radiance for over six
hours. With six bright shades of pink to choose from, there is one to suit every look. Rouge d’Armani Hot lipsticks have innovative, new-generation pearlescent fine particles called Light Reflecting Tints. These particles can be incorporated into lipstick at a higher concentration than standard pearlescent particles, and give off a greater reflective sheen. So, as you step out into the sun, you can flaunt your brighter, vibrant pink lips.
Rouge D’Armani Hot Summer 2011 Limited Edition lipstick
7 July 2011 GAZETTE 15
SNAPSHOT The stories of the day
B&Q’s fundraiser for Youth Work Ireland Home store giants B&Q teamed up with its official charity partner, Youth Work Ireland, recently and arranged a cycling fundraising event in stores, appropriately called B&Q Bike It! B&Q Swords accepted the challenge and took part in a sponsored cycle for Youth Work Ireland on Saturday, June 18 last at Airside Retail Park in Swords. Children from the Swords Youth Service participated in the cycle and also collected donations on behalf of Youth Work Ireland. Staff members in B&Q Swords would like to say a big thank you to everyone who participated and helped raise a fantastic €608.42 for Youth Work Ireland. Noeleen O’Gorman, from B&Q Swords, said: “We loved every minute of our B&Q Bike
DIARY It! event. It is great that such a fun event like a bike ride has helped raise lots of money for such an important cause.” Patrick Burke, CEO of Youth Work Ireland said: “We are delighted that B&Q is supporting Youth Work Ireland by organising its own Bike It! events. Each euro raised helps us work with more young people to build better, brighter futures.”
Film Fatale THE Sugar Club will be transformed into a 1950’s Little Italy for a screening of the perfect classic summer film, Roman Holiday, on Saturday, August 6.
Join the young and radiant Audrey Hepburn as princess Ann who breaks free from her regal duties to spend the day frolicking in Rome with handsome reporter Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck). Eat gelato on the Spanish Steps; place your hand in the mouth of truth, hop on a Vespa and ride around this vibrant city. All from the comfort of your seat as you enjoy pizza, wine and other Italian delights. The screening will be followed by a Italian-themed after-party with live performances and Film Fatale’s resident DJs, The Andrews Sisters’ Brothers, who will play music from the era. The audience is invited to set the scene by dressing up in their vintage finest, paying homage to 1950’s Italian style or mirroring the characters.
Tickets are €15 and are available at www.tickets.ie. Doors open at 8pm. After-party from 11pm with tickets at the door (€5).
Wing it to Bray TENS of thousands of spectators are expected to gather along Ireland’s east coast on Sunday, July 24, for the country’s largest free air show – the Air Spectacular as part of Bray Summerfest. During the 140-minute aerial show, spectators will be treated to close formation aerobatics, beach parachuting, search and rescue demonstrations at sea, pirouette spins, knife edge rolls and nose-down spiral descents. More information around the Air Spectacular is available from www.airspectacular.com or www.braysummerfest.com
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16 GAZETTE 7 July 2011
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC A new power soul revelation from Janelle Q ROB HEIGH
LAST week, before Glastonbury drew everyone’s attention to the fields of Worthy Farm, the Guardian published a rare and surprisingly revealing interview with my personal musical hero, Prince. The normally reclusive and press-averse megastar spoke, albeit briefly, about his favourite current artists. He called out two by name. One was Adele. The other was Janelle Monae. When the Minneapolis maestro speaks, you know it’s time to listen up. Her show at Tripod last week was a perfect illustration of a brave new artist on the brink of much wider success, with her roots and influences squarely apparent and fully on show wonderful covers of Prince, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5 and Sly and the Family Stone in the mix with her own already impressive material and a live band so well-drilled and on the mark that they were a huge part of the show, as much as Janelle herself. So much so that the theatrical aspects of this “emotion picture”, on top of some of the best future funk/soul you are likely to hear, made for one of the most mesmerising shows to hit Dublin for a long time, and probably for a long time to come. After the bandleader had us call Janelle to the stage, the infectious energy and apparent joy of playing instantly transferred to the crowd as soon as the band broke in to Dance Or Die - an appropriate opener, because if you didn’t dance during the show, you probably were dead. That buzz did not flag until even after the main show, when the assembled ArchOrchestra returned to the stage for a hugely-deserved curtain call. In between, Janelle’s vibrant and powerful soul voice weaved it’s way around Tripod, capturing all in its wake, as the band - made up of a string quartet, brass section, guitar, bass, keys, backing singers, dancers, MC, and drummer - put on a polished, soul revue-style performance that was utterly entrancing. HerArchAndroid was one of the best records of last year, and this live show will go down as one of the best of 2011. Janelle promised at the end that they would be back - when she does return, don’t miss it.
Janelle Monae: The live show of the year
Get festival ready: Comfort and style at Tesco THE sun is set to be out at Oxegen next week and Tesco have a wide range of essentials for festival-goers, from special offers on air-beds and sleeping bags, tents from only €28, and other camping essentials such as a LED head-torch for €7.75. As well as these, there is an array of health and beauty basics, such as baby wipes, Tresemme’s waterless foam shampoo for €4, and a range of festival chic clothing with everything from sunglasses, hats and wellies to floral maxi dresses from €23.
REVIEW: NEW RELEASES FROM TWO HEROES OF AMERICAN MUSIC
Nicks and Simon show time’s right for renewal Q ROB HEIGH
FOR as long as I can remember, there has been an album by Simon and Garfunkel or Fleetwood Mac around somewhere. My parents loved both, and I remember well the sounds of voices in harmony coming from the record player as they played Rumours and Bookends. Of course, the approaches of the two acts could not have been any more different: Fleetwood Mac’s driving American rock, propelled by Mick Fleetwood’s hard-hitting drum sound and John McVie’s rolling bass; compared to the whispered incantations of Paul and Art, underpinned with their deep love of the folk tradition, as well as the rock’n’roll roots that bore their partnership. While Stevie Nicks, the epic and distinct voice of Fleetwood Mac for most of the Seventies, took on solo duties away from Mac when she realised there were avenues she couldn’t pursue within the confines and conflicting demands of
Two different results from two new releases from Stevie Nicks and Paul Simon
the band, Paul Simon was a solo act for the majority of that decade, and the decades since. Both released what were classic albums in the Eighties, with Bella Donna and Graceland still up there with some of the most memorable and iconic music of that decade. Now, more than 20 years on, both Nicks and Simon have released new records this month, and it’s interesting to compare progressions and passage into new stages of their respective careers.
Nicks has brought on board uber-producer and former Eurythmic, Dave Stewart, to helm her latest release, In Your Dreams. His hand at the tiller has given Nicks another wall-of-sound production that fits with her unique, and sometimes achingly beautiful, voice. Having both Mick Fleetwood and Lyndsey Buckingham on board for two of the tracks adds a certain frisson to proceedings, given Nicks’ sometimes tumultous relationship with her former Mac mates.
But, in the end, the record is simply a Stevie Nicks’ record. There are no huge leaps of faith, no career redefining changes of direction. It is just what it is, and that’s a shame, as this was surely an opportunity to do something a little more left-field and appeal to a whole new generation. Paul Simon’s So Beautiful Or So What, equally, is no huge leap forward. What it is, however, is a grand statement of an artist doing what he does best — lyrics that demand a second listen, and reference to the liner notes
because they are simply so good that they work as poetry, and music that wraps you up in bouncing guitar figures and African rythyms that propel you back to highpoints of Simon’s solo career, while moving forward with reflection and sensitivity. Tracks like The Afterlife and Love and Hard Times are immersive and great fun, grooves and words and melodies weaving into your consciousness and leaving enough hooks to make you listen again, and again.
7 July 2011 GAZETTE 17
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
DEALING WITH BAD NEWS: ADVICE TO HELP PREPARE FOR THE DEATH OF YOUR FAMILY PET
Coping with the death of your pet EATH is one of the most difficult things you will ever explain to a child. So, when confronted by the owners of a deceased cat who asked: “How will we explain the cat’s death to our daughter?” The following was my advice. When a pet dies, it may be the first experience a child has when it comes to coping with death. As their parent, you will be the best judge as to how much information your child can handle and I would advise you to keep in mind, at this stage, that the child may also worr y that other beloved members of their family will also die. However, trying to protect them by saying the pet ran away may cause them to expect the animal to return. Expressing your own grief and encouraging your child to express theirs will help them understand it’s ok to be sad. This will enable them work through their feelings. As a mom, I believe a child’s ability to understand what death is all about depends on his/ her cognitive development and emotional environment; not to mention the way you explain situations. Remember, the older the child the more he/ she understands.
D
For example: Under 5: The child will certainly miss the pet but only as a playmate – recently my grand-daughter’s goldfish, Nemo, died and although she missed feeding him and helping her mom change his water, she didn’t actually miss him because she loved him. She missed the routine of caring for him. Up to 10: Explain to your child exactly what “death” means. Tell them gently and honestly that their pet’s body has stopped working and will not work anymore and that the pet had to be helped to die peacefully and without any pain or suffering. Don’t use the term “put to sleep”, as children may confuse death with sleeping and this may trigger sleeping problems for your child. Over 10/Teens: The child now realises people and pets die and will go through the normal stages of grieving. However, sometimes this loss can trigger other problems such as poor concentration at school, anxiety, insecurity or certain juvenile behaviours, so it’s important to engage in open and honest conversation with your child regarding his/her pet’s death. Never blame the vet. Your child may grow up to resent the good work veterinarians and other animal and human care
givers provide. Now we’ve got your kids sorted, what about you? How does mom cope? When a pet dies, people may consider offering support as being inappropriate because they view the loss as “just a pet.” Here at the Dublin SPCA we believe nothing could be further from the truth. We love our pets and consider them as family. Lots of people celebrate their pets’ birthdays, buy them presents and carry their pictures in wallets, purses, on mobile ‘phones, even posting them on social sites like Facebook. Therefore, when a pet dies, we understand it’s normal to feel over whelmed by the intensity of your sorrow; after all, haven’t they provided you with emotional support and unconditional love? The grieving process is as individual as the person. Sometimes it begins with denial, sometimes anger; often guilt - What did I do? Should I have done more? Is it inappropriate to feel so upset? When these feelings subside, true sadness may set in. Acceptance will only occur when you begin to remember the animal with decreasing sadness. Here are a few tips to help you cope. Acknowledge your grief and give yourself permission to grieve.
When a pet dies, it may be the first experience a child has when it comes to coping with death
Reach out to those who can lend a helping, compassionate, hand. Write down your feelings. (Compose a poem or write a story or a letter to your pet) Call your local animal shelter or vet to see if they can offer a helpline to a pet loss support group. Arrange a memorial for your pet. For those pet parents who have lost a pet and who are coping with this scenario at present, I understand how you feel. Your companion may be gone from your life but never from your heart. When you are ready, (and please do give yourself enough time to grieve), only then should you introduce a new companion into your life – and don’t worry, it’s not a betrayal to love another pet; your compassion and humanity to give a loving home to a deserving animal is to your eternal credit. For more information, log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam. kerins@dspca.ie
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18 GAZETTE 7 July 2011
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs KOPING JOINS THE CITROEN NETWORK: CITROEN Motors Ireland is delighted to welcome Koping, Naas Road, Dublin 12 to the Citroen dealer network. Headed up by Paul Mooney, Koping have been in business since 1992 operating from the same site on the Naas Road throughout this time. With an experienced and stable team, (Paddy Lynam, service manager, has been with Paul since the start) Koping have brought service and expert product knowledge to customers for nearly 20 years. The strategic addition of Koping to the Citroen dealer network strengthens Citroen’s brand presence in the key Dublin area.
Skoda provides the option of Greenline technology, with an economical 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine in the big Superb Estate. The car costs from €25,895, plus delivery charges, and is ranked as the most economical big estate car on the market.
Skoda goes Greenline MICHAEL MORONEY has been on the road with the big
Superb estate car, where comfort meets economy SKODA’S Greenline range includes the big Superb Estate, and that was the car that I took to the roads in recent weeks. The Superb is a giant of a car, both in terms of seating space and boot space. And what a new surprise to learn that you can also get Greenline economy with the Superb that gives exceptional motoring value. That probably sums up how I felt after a week with the Skoda Superb Estate. Skoda is aiming for economy as a priority – that shines through in the Greenline version of the Superb. Here is a giant of a car, fitted with
SPECS: SKODA SUPERB GREENLINE ESTATE 1.6 TDI Top speed: 109km/hr 0-100km/hr:12.6 secs Economy: 22.7 km/litre (4.4 l/100km) CO2 emissions: 114g km Road Tax Band: A (€104) Warranty: 2 years Entry Price: €25,895
a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine. But, there’s a whole lot more to the Superb Greenline than just a tidy, small engine. While the economical 1.6-litre tur-
bo-diesel engine is a significant part of the story, there’s a lot more to this car besides economy. The key to its impressive economy figure of 22km/litre of diesel (64mpg) claim is that Skoda uses five new technology options to get the end result. They are startstop, gear shift indicator, new aerodynamics, lowrolling resistance tyres and brake energy regeneration. The start-stop system automatically switches off the engine when stationary. The engine immediately restarts when the driver presses the clutch to put the car in gear.
The gear shift indicator lets the driver know if the current gear is appropriate. It recommends changing to a lower or higher gear to achieve optimum engine speed, thereby attaining lower fuel consumption. Aero-dynamics
The modified aerodynamics means that the car sits some 25mm lower to the road, a feature that is designed to reduce wind drag. And, the low rolling resistance with higher than normal air pressure gives extra economy. And, lastly, Skoda uses a brake-energ y
regeneration process to generate electrical energy every time that you hit the brakes. The fact that battery energy is generated when the car decelerates reduces the burden placed on the engine by the alternator. The downside is that, in the efforts to improve economy, Skoda is supplying a tyre-repair kit in place of the spare wheel. That bit does not impress me, as I consider that, in a car such as thi,s and with our miserable roads, a spare wheel is simply an essential. Despite the relatively small engine size, it still produces 105bhp. That
gives an acceleration figure of 12.6 seconds for a 0 to 100km/hr dash, which is 20% slower than the 2.0 litre competition. In practise, the car can accelerate well, and it’s not the type of car that makes you want to behave like a boy-racer. So, it’s just about poweradequate and practical, as well as economical. The big bonus is the economy figure – the claim is 22km/litre (4.4 litres/100km) which I failed to achieve. Maybe I wasn’t following the g e a r i n d i c a t o r we l l enough, but, overall, I returned a figure closer to 20% poorer. I’ll just have to do better!
Orders to open for Audi’s new and efficient Q3 SUV THE NEW Audi Q3 is Audi’s first foray into the smaller SUV segment, while attempting to retain a premium image. Orders for the third, and smallest, Q-model in the series will begin at the end of August with deliveries due by October. The Q3 will have the distinction of being the first Audi SUV to offer the efficiency-focused option of a 19.1km/litre (54mpg) front-wheel-
drive variant. Pricing for the Q3 starts at €34,650 on the road for the 2.0-litre TDI 140 SE version, which is expected to account for the majority of orders. Four engines will initially be available, all combining direct fuel injection with turbo charging. They will come with start-stop and energy recuperation systems. The 2.0-litre TDI is rated at 140bhp and 177bhp
and the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol unit in 170bhp and 211bhp power outputs. The 2.0-litre TDI 140bhp unit will power the front-wheel-drive model only at launch, with a Quattro version joining the offer early in 2012. With emissions of just 133g/km, the 2.0-litre TDI 140 variant resides in tax band B, qualifying the purchaser for annual road tax of just €156 per annum.
The Audi Q3 will be available for order next month
7 July 2011 GAZETTE 19
20 GAZETTE 7 July 2011
GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY MALAHIDE: THREE-BEDROOM ACCOMMODATION FOR €310,000
Mid-terrace manor in Malahide
Number 44, Carriglea Gardens
DUN LAOGHAIRE: TWOBED HOME FOR €285,000
Carriglea living for home seekers GUNNE Residential are presenting No. 44 Carriglea Gardens, Dun Laoghaire, a twobedroom modernised and extended two-bathroom mid-terrace property to the market for €285,000. The property boasts a bright, modern interior and is complemented by a mature private rear garden. The property extends to 70 sq m and comprises entrance porch with Chinese slate floor, lounge/dining room that overlooks the front garden, and which has a timber floor, a feature fireplace with gas fire and recessed lighting. The first bathroom has fully tiled walls and floor, a bath with Triton T80si power shower, a wash-hand basin with vanity mirror and wc. The kitchen overlooks the rear garden and has an ample range of built-in wall and floor units, as well as a tiled floor and part tiled walls. It features a built-in oven, a hob and extractor, single bowl and half Franke sink. It is plumbed for a washing machine and dishwasher, and there is a door to the rear garden. The bedrooms are to the front and rear of the property, with built-in wardrobes, timber floorboards and recessed lighting, and one is en suite. To the front of the property is a gated, paved front garden providing off-street parking. The suntrap rear garden is very large, a private, low-maintenance space bordered by mature hedges and shrubs. The patio areas are bordered by railway sleepers and are perfect for outdoor dining. The two Barna sheds provide excellent studio, or additional storage space. To arrange a viewing, contact Gunne Residential on 01 280 1719.
PROPERTYTeam Noel Kelly Auctioneers are bringing No. 66, Inbhir Ide, Malahide to the market for an asking price of €310,000. This instantly appealing three-bedroom midterrace home has been lavished with care and attention by its present owners, which is evident from the moment you walk in the front door. The main features of the property are Upvc double-glazed windows, a 72-foot rear garden which is not overlooked. There are decorative timber floors, and the property is sold with all carpets, curtains and light fittings Situated in a prime
Number 66, Inbhir Ide, Malahide, is presented to the market for €310,000
location, the property comprises a porch with an aluminium sliding door and tiled floor, an entrance hall with understair storage area. The lounge has a decorative timber floor, as well as a feature fireplace with
hardwood surround. T he kitchen-cumbreakfast area has a tiled floor, oak floor and wall units, as well as a cooker, dishwasher, extractor fan, and recessed lighting. The bathroom has tiled walls and flooring,
a whb, wc, and a Triton shower. There is also a mirror with light strip. The three bedrooms are well appointed and have decorative timber floors and recessed lights. The rear garden is 72ft
long, with a timber shed, a patio area, and an outside tap and external lighting. For further details, and to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Noel Kelly on (01) 846 2752.
RATHMINES: ASKING PRICE OF €510,000 FOR THREE-BED HOUSE
Attractive family home in Rathmines
NEW to the market is No. 18 Rathmines Park, Dublin 6, a mid-terrace period residence, incroporating c1,310 sq ft accommodation, which is set in spacious, wellcared for gardens, with the added benefit of garage to the rear with vehicular access from Stone Mews. Brought to the market by Douglas Newman Good, for an asking price of €510,000, the property has been excellently cared for over many years by its present ow ners, full of light with room to extend, subject to planning permission, the property is in an ideal location in this soughtafter area of south Dublin. The accommodation is well laid out and comprises lounge, livingroom with open
fireplace and gas fire, breakfast room with extended kitchen, upstairs are three bedrooms, bathroom and large attic room ideally suited for a study, playroom, etc. This sale represents an ideal opportunity for those wishing to trade up or trade down in this area. It provides all the facilities and amenities required for a young couple wishing to rear a family in this area. It is situated in a quiet peaceful enclave off Upper Rathmines Road where houses rarely come to the market. T he proper ty is a short walk to Rathmines village, where there is a wide selection of shops, restaurants and bars, cinemas, Rathmines Plaza and other amenities. A host of buses pass
through the village and the property is within walking distance of the Luas line. There is a variety of sports facilities in the immediate area, parks to include Belgrave Square and Palmerston Park and a wide selection of primary and secondary schools, including Kildare Place, St Mary’s, Alexandra College, Gonzaga, St Louis, and many others besides. The city centre is within walking distance and the property is a short drive from the M50. Alternatively it is also suitable for a retired family where everything is within walking distance yet the setting is off the main road, idyllic and peaceful. Douglas Newman Good are handling the sale and can be contacted to arrange a viewing on Number 18, Rathmines Park, Dublin 6, has an asking 490 9000. price of €510,000
7 July 2011 GAZETTE 21
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS Interview: Jessica Daves, a Duty Manager at Newpark School Sports Centre
Life in busy Sports and Leisure Centre
ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS MEDICAL CARDS I RECEIVE a great many queries from people
AFTER starting her career in the Leisure industry as a gymnastics coach, Jessica Davies has been a Duty Manager at Newpark School Sports Centre since 2002. She is married with two children (three-year-old twins) and lives in Wexford having moved there from Deansgrange earlier this year.
all over County Dublin, and beyond, about their eligibility for Medical Cards. Obviously, it would not be possible for me to answer them all individually and, indeed, it would be difficult to briefly summarise the qualifying conditions, but let me try and simplify the structure.
Habits She recently qualified as a GP referral co-ordinator, a new initiative launched by the HSE to get GPs to refer clients to affiliated Leisure centres to improve their lifestyle habits rather than the option of long-term medication. Newpark School Sports Centre, one of very few facilities offering this new scheme in Ireland, is located on Newtownpark Avenue, in Blackrock, and has been open to the public since 1973. Activities include a wide range of fitness classes, public swimming, fitness centre sessions with tailor-made programmes to suit all ages and levels of fitness.
Medical Card applicants are divided into 2 categories – those under 70 and over 70. OVER 70 You qualify if your gross income, from all sources, is less than €700 per week for a single person, or €1,400 per week for a married or co-habiting couple. It is the gross income that is taken into consideration and no standard deductions such as income tax are allowable. UNDER 70 To qualify, your weekly income must be below a certain figure for your family size. Cash
Interest Jessica’s interest in health and fitness began when she qualified as a fitness instructor in 2001 and then a personal trainer in 2002. She currently teaches Aqua-aerobics, swimming and fitness classes, along with co-ordinating the GP referral programme.
income, savings over a certain threshold, investments and property (except for your family home) are taken into account in the means test. If you wish to establish your eligibility, or if you feel that your application for a medical card was unfairly rejected, you can check out
Contact If you would like to learn more about the activities and facilities on offer at Newpark School Sports Centre, or for more information on the GP referral programme, call in to see them or visit theiir website www.newparksportscentre.ie.
all the parameters on www.citizensinformation.ie or call to one of the many Citizens Information offices which are located throughout the country. Alternatively your local social welfare office ( www.welfare.ie ) you will find Jessica Davies qualified as a GP referral co-ordinator
most helpful in dealing with any of these individual queries.
Q&A Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: Olympic gymnast. Q: What was your first job? A: Summer camp helper. Q: And your first pay cheque? A: The Grange. Q: When did you start your present job? A: Started gymnastics here in 1991 and have been here since!
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: Get to wear tracksuits and runners to work.
Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’? A: Not enough. Q: What sport do you follow? A: Gymnastics and Formula 1.
Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at
Q: What sport can you play? A: All sports. Q: What is your guilty music/TV or movie pleasure? A: Disney films. Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward? A: Jedward, as they have the fun factor. Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: Don’t know, my brother robbed it.
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: No, I’m not a stalker. Q: What was your last Tweet/status update? A: My curfew was the street
Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?
lights coming on, my mum didn’t call my mobile, she yelled my name, I played outside, not online. If I didn’t eat what my mum cooked then I didn’t eat. Sanitisers didn’t exist, but you could get your mouth washed out with soap. I rode a bike with no helmet, getting dirty was OK, and the neighbours cared as much as your parents did. Repost if you drank water from the garden hose and survived.
runners.
Q: Describe your dream meal?
dives.
A: Sausages, beans and mash in a volcano shape made by my dad.
Q: What would be your dream job? A: Being a trainer on the Big-
Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Dame Edna.
A: The Disney Store. Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: Don’t own any shoes, just Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: Having to use public toi-
www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor
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lets in China.
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: Water Villa in the Mal-
gest Loser.
Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: Travel.
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22 GAZETTE 7 July 2011
GazetteTTRAVEL LovelyLisbon Magnificent Madeira is not a typical sun holiday PORTUGUESE HAVEN: OPEN FOR BUSINESS
The Pestana Palace in Lisbon
Living like royalty at the Pestana Palace in Lisbon
PAUL HOSFORD
PAUL HOSFORD
THERE is not a whole lot that makes me selfconscious about my appearance. I’m a handsome man, after all. But, standing in the lobby of a national monument palace that’s been turned into a five-star hotel and member of The Leading Hotels of the World in a tatty pair of three-quarter lengths and a t-shirt that’s seen better days, is one time I will admit to feeling a little uncomfortable. To be fair, I had travelled from Madeira that morning in sweltering heat, and the Pestana Palace in Lisbon would make anyone but Madonna feel self-conscious. Which is good, as she uses the hotel’s royal suites when she’s in the Portuguese capital. The beautifully-restored palace adjoins two modern wings and is a stunning piece of architecture. Nineteenth-century elegance abounds with dining rooms and drawing rooms making this feel like something completely other-worldly. The hotel itself runs a shuttle bus to take guests the 10-minute drive into the centre of Lisbon, but a taxi is only €6. Once in the city itself, I was in awe. Beautiful architecture, such as Praca do Comercio, a jaw-dropping square on the banks of the Tagus, whose Rua Augusta Arch is the gateway to the modern, thriving city that Lisbon has become. Avenida da Liberdade, a 90-metre wide boulevard, features some beautiful buildings and is the central artery heading into the city. At its head is Marquis of Pombal Square and King Edward VII Park, two celebrations of Portuguese identity that, perched upon a hill, give a gorgeous view of the Tagus bay. The Belem area of the city, near the mouth of the Tagus, is another gem. Quiet and relaxed, it features some of the most stunning buildings Lisbon has to offer. Belem Tower, a 16th-century defence tower, Jeronimos Monastery and the Monument of The Discoveries all sit within a short walk of each other, making this part of the city a walking dream and an history buffs heaven.
LAST year was a year to forget for Madeira. Freak flooding, forest fires and Icelandic ash combined to make last year an annus horribilis for the Portuguese island, located 1,000km from the south-west coast of the country. But, this year, the island is keen to send a message, echoing our own leader, that Madeira is open for business. And what a business it truly is. Though it survives on an economy that is roughly 65% based on tourism, Madeira is unlike a typical sun-holiday destination. Part of that is because the location of the island, parked in the Atlantic, means that it gets more cloud than, say, the Canaries. But more than that, it is just, at its core, completely
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‘Visually stunning, warm and welcoming, Madeira is a real treat for someone looking for good weather, and seeking to avoid neon lights and flying patio furniture’
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different. Visually stunning, architecturally mind-blowing, warm and welcoming, Madeira is a real treat for someone looking for good weather, and seeking to avoid neon lights and flying patio furniture. Touching down in Funchal itself is an experience – the runway perched over the sea and on the side of a cliff makes this a breathtaking landing. Nervous fliers would do well to avoid the window seat, however. What to do
Our stay had us based
in Funchal, the capital of the island and main tourist hub. From here, any part of the island is reachable within two hours and it is a good thing, as all of the island holds attractions. Rota dos CetáceosThe Way of the Cetacean, (Marina Shopping Centre, Avenida Arriaga, Tel.: +351 291 280 600, http://www.rota-doscetaceos.pt/) offer trips on semi-solid boats, where you can view dolphins, whales and all of the assorted sea life that lives in and around the island. (Swimming with dolmi phins €65, Adult ph non-swimming no €48, children €4 €33) €3 Madeira, having no contiin nental shelf, is n home to a vast h array of these a
Finding some shade to relax in in the centre of Funchal
creatures and Rota dos Cetáceos offer a free trip if you don’t see something. The thrill of seeing a pod of Bottle-nosed dolphins swim yards from your boat makes this trip a must-do. The Madeira Cable Car (www.madeiracablecar. com) offers a relatively cheap way to get a birdseye view of the beautiful scenery on the island, connecting Funchal with Monte Palace Gardens. At €15 for an adult round-trip, the exhilarating ride will leave speechless and some clinging to the handrails. Once you reach the top of the cable car, Monte Palace (http://www.montepalace.com/) awaits in all it’s splendour. Rescued by Jose Berardo, the tropical gardens are a dream for gardening enthusiasts. You can take the cable car back to Funchal, but why do that when you can have two men with rubber shoes push you down a hill in a wicker chair? Toboggan rides operate from outside Monte Church and, though pricey (€20 single, €25 double), it is great fun and, after all, you are on vacation. After all, what’s a holiday without hurtling downhill on a road that’s open to traffic? Getting off-road,
Madeira Jeep Safari (http://www.madeirajeep-safari.info/) are experts in navigating the tight, heart-stopping roads of the island’s lesser-seen spots. A highlight of these tours are the levada walks. Levadas are roadside waterways that carry water to the farms that climb mountains and hills on the island. Taking a walk along one, one really gets the chance to see how people on the island live; indeed, we came across one woman, easily 70 years old, planting on a small farm that was at least 40 minutes walk from a roadway. Prices vary, but a halfday private tour will cost €195, with room for six passengers, and I cannot recommend this enough, for something different. There are more attractions of course, The Blandy’s Wine Lodge in Funchal, the stunning natural swimming pools in Porto Moniz, the Art Deco collection at Casa Das Mudas and the awe-inspiring scenes
7 July 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 23
Edited by Mimi Murray
Travel Briefs New digitallyenhanced food lovers guide to Ireland
Madeira is famous for its embroidery
From Funchal, any part of the island of Madeira is reachable within two hours, so places like the Ponta do Sol and São Vicente can be explored
from Cabo Girao, the second highest sea cliff in Europe. In a space of 57 kilometres by 22 kilometres, Madeira packs it in. Where to eat
Madeiran food itself consists of a lot of fish, which makes sense, it being an island. Black scabbard, tuna and cod are served in abundance and fresh, colourful vegetables abound. In the centre of Funchal, Armazem Do Sal (Rua da Alfandega, 135, Funchal, Madeira 9000059, Portugal (+351) 291 241 285 www.armazemdosal.com/) stands head and shoulders above the other restaurants we sampled. Which, given the level of food available across the island, is saying something. A platter of appetisers, comprising of caviar, passion fruit, duck breast and shrimp dishes, set the tone magnificently, before a starter of Foie Gras and apple chutney had me in heaven.
A main of cod confit and mash was perfect. Light, yet absolutely flavoursome and cooked to perfection. Were the dessert of raspberry panacotta with spun sugar not also absolutely amazing, I might have struggled to finish the whole thing. As it was, we had no such problem. Adega da Quinta is about 15 minutes outside the centre of Funchal, but the scenic views and hearty, rustic food make it a perfect choice for an evening meal. Espetada, a local dish of fillet beef on a skewer, barbecue chicken in a pot, sweet potato bread and an array of desserts combined to make this another gastronomic highlight of the island. Where to stay
The island is replete with fabulous hotels, with three being part of Portugal’s largest hotel group, Pestana. We stayed in the Pestana Casino Hotel, which is a luxurious throwback
to the glamour of travel. Designed in the 1960s by Oscar Niemayer, it’s bright, open spacess Travelling by wicker chair: Tobo ggan rides operate outside Monte Ch from urch in Funchal are suited to everyone, the health spa a perfect retreat for stressed bodies and the casino offers a chance to experience the glamour of Twomileborris. Sorry, Monte Carlo. All in all, I can’t recommend Madeira enough. Easygoing enough to offer a break, interesting enough to offer stories for home, Madeira is open for business and we’re luckier for that fact. Paul travelled to Madeira and Lisbon with Concorde Travel & Tours. Concorde Travel specialise in the Mediterranean, specifically Croatia, Cyprus, Malta, Italy and Portugal. Seven nights in Madeira start at €560pp, including tax, and seven-night packages to Lisbon Coast start at €599pp, including tax. For more information, visit www.concordetravel.ie, or call 01-77 59 300.
Praça Municipio in Funchal
Fresh food at Funchal’s The beautiful Porto Santo Beach
municipal market
GOOD Food Ireland once again leads the way with a new digitally enhanced food lovers’ guide to Ireland. You will find a carefully selected collection of the best places to visit that are committed to using local Irish food on a new touring guide being released this weekend. The guide reveals a range of the best culinary experiences from restaurants, pubs, cafes, hotels and cookery schools, all centred on an Irish ingredient-led food experience. Taking on board new technology, Good Food Ireland has digitally enhanced the guide with the use of QR codes. Each culinary destination listed has a QR code beside their contact details and, when a smartphone user scans the code, a local Google map is displayed on their mobile device. The guide is on release this weekend and will be distributed in some national newspapers, the Hertz rental car network and through Good Food Ireland members. If you would like your own personal copy, simply email the Good Food Ireland head office info@goodfoodireland.ie and they will post one out to you. For more information on Good Food Ireland, visit www. goodfoodireland.ie
24 LUCAN GAZETTE 7 July 2011
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1
GoingOUT GoingOUT
THE HELIX 01 700 7000 Liz Taylor Film Season THE Helix continues its Liz Taylor Film Season until July 16, with the season’s second film, National Velvet, showing on Saturday July 9 at 2pm, followed by Cat On A Hot Tin Roof on Wednesday July 13 at 7.30pm. All screenings take place in The Theatre. Season tickets are €20, or €12 concession. Entry to each showing is €4/€6.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Dun Laoghaire School of Music extravaganza LOOKING ahead a little, The Mill Theatre will soon feature some delightful music and performances from some of the area’s littlest citizens – with big talents Students from the Dun Laoghaire School of Music staging a musical extravaganza at the popular south Dublin evenue on Thursday, July 14, featuring music, theatre, dance and instrumental numbers, and more, creating a musical performance to remember, and showcasing the truly diverse and commendable range of talents of students at the popular school. The show starts at 5.30pm, with tickets priced at €13/€8.50.
PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Cormuin O’Raghallaigh - Mozart and Chopin recital Come along to this unique recital of Mozart and Chopin classics, from the award-winning Cormuin O Raghallaigh,a local teacher for Newpark Music Centre and Churchtown School of music. Recitals for the night will include Mozart: Sonata in C minor K.457, Sonata in B flat K.333, Chopin: Prelude in D flat Op. 28 (Raindrop) Ballade no.3 in A flat Op. 47. The two-hour show takes place on Saturday, July 9 at 1pm. Tickets: €10
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Past and Present Dublin 15-based artist, Desmond Kenny’s exhibition Past and Present, which opened last month, will continue until late August. Don’t miss this opportunity to view some of Kenny’s stunning abstract paintings, spread across two floors - New Work and Retrospective. This is the Hartstown artist’s first major solo exhibition of his abstract painting. The exhibition can be seen on the ground and first-floor galleries and is free admission.
SEAMUS ENNIS CULTURAL CENTRE 01 802 0898 Pokey LaFarge and The South City Three St. Louis roots musician Pokey LaFarge, along with his band, The South City Three, comes to the Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre on Friday July 8. LaFarge’s creative blend of early jazz, string ragtime, country blues and western swing has been widely lauded of late. This is one not to be missed. Friday, July 8 at 8:30pm. Admission: €20.
Sunday Sessions The Sunday Sessions continue every Sunday afternoon at the Seamus Ennis Cultural centre. The sessions always feature a host of local traditional musicians as well as some special guests. All musicians are welcome. Free admission.
If you’re close enough to see one of these Transformers, you’re either in very big trouble, or just in luck, as Transformers 3 features one big scrap after another between clanking adversaries, while Humanity – and audiences – look on ...
No change in formula The latest Transformers film hasn’t changed the previous films’ secret of success, loaded with big bangs and little wit Q JONATHAN KEANE
IT’S only been about four years, but in that fairly short space of time, Michael Bay has managed to churn out his third Transformers film, this time: Dark of the Moon. After the blinding success of the predecessor, it only makes sense for the franchise to do a third lap. A heady cast is in tow for this one, with John Malkovich, Hugo Weaving and Josh Duhamel along with, of course, our central character, Sam Witwicky, brought to us by Shia LeBeouf. The important thing to remember here is that this is a Michael Bay flick so there’s little in the way of a captivating script and acting. But, it can’t be denied that Dark of the Moon is rife with jaw-dropping special effects and 3D shots that well and truly
FILM OF THE WEEK: Transformers 3 +++ (12A) 154 mins Director: Michael Bay Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel, John Malkovich, Hugo Weaving, lots of robots
OUR VERDICT: MICHAEL Bay’s third outing with the robots in disguise is everything one would expect it to be, with colossal action scenes and hugely impressive special effects. If verbose carnage is your thing and it holds your attention for the entire bloated running time, then, this could be your film of the year, although Kate – who returns from holiday, next week – is unlikely to rate this as one to savour ...
shove the action in your face. It’s all rather impressive and will be up there with some of the most impressive action scenes this summer, or even for some years. Howe ve r, a t f i l m number three in the franchise, it still doesn’t deliver anything staggering in the way of something new. You know you’re getting explosions – and explosions are exactly what you get. This third instalment clocks in at an overwhelming 154 minutes.
The bloated, drawn-out running time serves to only remind you of how easily scenes can become one-dimensional and predictable. It’s not all bad though, far from it. Transformers: Dark of the Moon won’t delight in regard to script but the standout actions are truly unforgettable. Only the truly dull and monotonous of cinemagoers would find themselves bored with Bay’s bombastically crafted action scenes. Conspicuous by her absence though is
Megan Fox, who departed the franchise after the sequel. Whether she was present for the third film or not, doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. Nothing too big has been changed and the portrayal of the rest of the cast remains as simple as ever. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? Or, in the case of Michael Bay, blow it up. Without giving away too much, the plot is rooted in the 1969 Moon Landing as well as the Cold War, which creates the latest strife between Optimus Prime’s Autobots and the Decepticons that has carried through to modern day. Meanwhile, Shia LeBeouf is his usual self in the role as Sam, who’s fresh out of college, unemployed and ticked off about his whole situation in life, frustrations that are adversely affect-
ing his relationship with girlfriend, Carly, played by fresh-faced British actress, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Overall, the 154-minute running time is the sore thumb of Transformers: Dark of the Moon. A couple of scenes could easily have had a few minutes shaved off and with it, making the overblown action less drawn out. Quality of quantity, as the old adage goes. The die-hard fans of the Transformers franchise, as in the faithful that existed before Michael Bay scurried onto the scene, could be divided on how their beloved Autobots and Decepticons are portrayed here. Meanwhile, those who are looking for non-stop explosions, fire and action will undoubtedly lap this up. Either way, there’s enjoyment to be found, in some way, in Transformers: Dark of the Moon.
7 July 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 25
Wares you might feel wary about ADAM MAGUIRE
TECHNOLOGY is laden with words ending in “ware”. Most people are familiar with software and hardware, and maybe one or two others, but the ever-increasing number of “wares” can get confusing at the best of times. Here are explanations for some of the more common “wares”.
install on a piece of hardware, and is also called programmes, applications or simply apps. That could mean an operating system, such as Windows, or an internet browser, game or word processor.
Hardware Hardware is any physical piece of technology – so, your computer is the hardware, as are all the bits and pieces inside the box (such as the hard drive, processor and so on). More recently, this has been applied to phones and tablets.
Freeware A combination of “free” and “software”, this is, used to describe free, legal versions of software. This freeware is often a basic variety of something, and encourages you to buy the full version.
Software Software is what you
Malware A combination of
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“malicious” and “software”, this term is a catchall for any type of dangerous software designed to damage your computer or steal your information. Good virus scan software and a firewall is crucial. McAfee and Norton offer good paidfor options, while AVG and Avast are good, free alternatives.
Spyware This malicious software tries to secretly install itself on your computer and spy on your activities, to try to gain access to passwords, credit card details and so on. A free programme, called Spybot – Search & Destroy is a good option for those looking to see if there is spyware on their computer. Scarily enough, there usually is.
Adware This is a virus that causes adverts to pop-up at every turn on your computer. If every website you visit seems to have obtrusive ads popping up all the time, this may be the reason why. The previously mentioned Spybot is good at clearing these threats, as is another free programme, Adaware. Scareware A relatively new threat, this is a dangerous piece of software that tries to shock or scare you into handing over money or credit card details. One tactic, for example, is to tell you that there is a virus on your computer, and that you need to buy a certain piece of software to fix this. This can often be made
to look like a legitimate warning but, if it is not coming from your own anti-virus software, ignore it.
HP Touchpad
IN A market dominated by the iPad, HP’s first attempt at a tablet is a strong one – the big question is: Can it can get the apps to back it up? While Apple’s competitors, such as HP, have been slow to get to market with their tablet alternatives, the last few weeks has seen that change. Motorola’s Xoom is hitting shelves, Samsung has updated its Galaxy Tab and Blackberry’s Playbook is on the horizon. The HPTouchpad joins that list, and offers some-
thing a little different. It runs on HP’s own WebOS software, which is extremely stylish and user-friendly. It is gesture-based, so it’s perfect for touch, and, while it was designed initially for phones, it looks well on the bigger screen. Overall, the Touchpad feels good in the hand. It is slim and comfortable to
use, but does not feel flimsy. It also manages to strike the same balance of the iPad, where it feels like a serious, even business-friendly device, without being boring. However, as it runs on WebOS – which is way behind Android and Apple’s IOS – it does not have an awful lot of apps to offer. This is something that HP will need to address – fast, as even the best tablet is nothing without the apps to install on it. The HP Touchpad is available in Ireland from early July, from €479. Visit teic.ie for the latest tech news, reviews and views.
GAZETTE
26 LUCAN GAZETTE 7 July 2011
LUCANclassifieds
BATHROOMS
DENTAL
To advertise, call us now on 01 60 10 240 Email us at sales@gazettegroup.com
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CARPENTRY WOODHAVEN. Lucan Based. Floors, Doors, Stair, Wardrobes & Decking, Sidegates, Attic Stairs and Ladders, Attic Flooring Skirtings & Dado Rails. Very Tidy Work. email maguire.robin@gmail.com Mobile 086 8466161 Ph:01-6105349
CLASSES/LEARNING SEWING CLASSES/ CURTAIN MAKING Curtain and Roman Blind making service at competitive prices. We reline and re-pleat all curtains, full selection of poles and rails available. Beginners and Improvers 6 week Sewing Classes on Dress Making and Home Furnishings resuming in September. Half Day workshops also resuming in September. Contact us at www.sewgreat.ie or www.pressxpress.ie, call 01 8227650 or email info@ sewgreat.ie
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BER CERTS If you are selling or renting a property or require grant approval and require a BER cert, Compliance Certificate, Snag lists, Structural Advice for extensions, House inspection Reports, Insurance Claims. Please call Tony on 0866698706 anytime or email energyratingstogo@gmail. com
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
HANDYMAN HANDYMAN Roof and Gutter Repairs gutters Cleaned Attic Insulation. Curtain Poles, Flat Pack Furniture Assembled Carpentry, Tiling, Painting and Decorating. Free Estimates Phone John : 0879982782
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
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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
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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. Topdog-Training.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.
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DIVORCE BY CONSENT Separated 4 years ? Agree on all matters ? We will draft and process your divorce documents for Court. From as little as €600 per couple. Separation Agreements fixed fee €500 per couple. Contact: Damien Mara at 086-1211820 Email: damienmara@eircom.net Website: www. divorcebyconsent.com
O’BRIEN PIANO’S Small professional business specialist in good 2nd hand up right pianos, for sale from €700 regulated, tuned, delivered and guaranteed. Pianos from as little as €450 sometimes available. We also sell new Pianos, trade-ins accepted. We offer a home tuning & repair service. Phone: 01 2983284 10am8pm www.obrienpianos.ie
Joe Egan is applying for planning permission for new signage in the form of individual raised letters to front elevation with associated works at Carliamar Main Street Upper, Lucan, Co. Dublin. The planning 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 Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to South Dublin County Council on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by South Dublin County Council of the application. 13033
RECRUITMENT RECRUITING NOW!! Option to work from home. Full or part time available. Full training and support provided. Contact Janice today for appointment on 085 151 6897 SECURITY OFFICER REQUIRED for Dublin area Clondalkin.Min requirements 3yrs exp ,Psa License,Fluent English. Call 01 4060815 or email careers@noonan.ie
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7 July 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 27
GazetteSPORT
STAR TURN:
Dublin Sports Awards winners for June are announced: Page 29
TOUCH RUGBY: IRELAND ‘EXHAUSTED’ AFTER THEIR WORLD CUP ENCOUNTERS
Touch teams get back from Edinburgh epics sport@gazettegroup.com
AF TER a gruelling five-day Touch World Cup tournament in Edinburgh, the Ireland Touch teams returned home on Monday proud of their achievements. “ We ’r e a b s o l u t e l y exhausted, but incredi b l y p r o u d t o h ave competed for Ireland against the best in the world in our spor t,” said president of the Ireland Touch Associa-
tion, Michael Davies. “It was a tough tournament, with teams playing up to three matches a day. Every player gave their absolute best on the pitch and played right to the end. “We had a great support team over there, and a big thank you should go to the coaches, managers, physios and support staff who coordinated our teams and kept the players
out on the pitch,” said Davies. Twenty-seven countries participated in the event, with over 500 matches being played during the course of the tournament. Australia took the honours in most categories, with many finals involving Australia and New Zealand, where touch rugby is a common social sport. Ireland competed in four divisions in the
The amassed teams who represented Ireland at the Touch Rugby World Cup in Scotland last week
Mixed Open, Men’s Open, Men’s over 35s and Men’s over 40s categories. Ireland finished 16th in the Open Category, and 11th in the senior age division. The Mixed Open team came 15th and the Mens’ Open
finished 12th in their category. In the senior division, the Mens’ Over-35s finished 11th and the Mens’ Over-40s had the best result of all of the Irish teams, finishing fifth in their pool. “There was some
great matches and each team had great support as they went out onto the pitches. “For many of us, to compete at a World Cup was a dream. But to achieve it has been an oppor tunity of a lifetime. We trained
incredibly hard for this tournament, and each team should be proud of their efforts at the World Cup,” said Davies. For more information about the sport, see www.irelandtouchassociation.com.
28 LUCAN GAZETTE 7 July 2011
GazetteSport Sport
Lady Captain, Una Murphy, and Men’s Captain, Sean Quigley congratulate Richard O’Donovan, East of Ireland Amateur Championship winner Vice-Lady Captain, Patricia Harmon, and Lady Captain, Una Murphy
Sponsor, Martin Walshe, and Captain Sean Quigley congratulate Dermot O’Leary
Captains’ day outing
Great celebrations at Lucan Golf Club ucan Golf Club had many reasons to celebrate after an exhilarating day of golf when the Men and Lady Captain’s competitions were held recently. Kevin Behan took the Men’s prize, whilst the Lady Captain’s trophy went to Yvonne O’Reilly. The club had even more reason to raise a
L
Patricia Kelly is congratulated by Lady Captain, Una Murphy
glass after one of its junior members, Richard O’Donovan, captured the East of Ireland Amateur championship at Baltray golf course. Celebrations for the three and all others that obtained a prize were held at the Golf Club where the club members were surrounded by family and friends.
Olive Linnane is congratulated by Lady Captain, Una Murphy
Lady Captain’s winner, Yvonne O’Reilly shows off her prize
7 July 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 29
in association with
GOLF: ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL OUTING FOR SHEENA
2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS JUNE WINNERS IN ASSOCIATION WITH
STARof theMONTH
LEEANNE ROYLE KARATE and martial arts generally do not see many stars emerging on an international stage so young, but Leeanne Royle, from Corduff Karate Club, is a such a star in the making, with a showing that earned her the prestigious Charles Naylor Memorial Trophy for the most outstanding child competitor at the Karate Union of Great Britain’s National Championships at the NIA Birmingham, Royle won the girls’ kumite event at the championships.
TEAMof theMONTH
MOUNTVIEW BOYS
MOUNTVIEW Boys’ Under11s are deserving winners of the team of the month after they came out at the summit of 900 teams who took part in the 2011 Danone Nations Cup, winning the national final at the AUL Complex in Clonshaugh. That performance earned them the right to represent Ireland in the world finals, which are held in Real Madrid’s Bernabeu stadium in October.
SUMMER is starting to heat up, and the sporting success of our teams and individuals continues to impress. Our sports stars of the month for June are young stars very much on the rise. Leeanne Royle has made an impression on the world of karate at a very young age, and will be a prospect to keep an eye on in the years to come, especially after winning the Charles Naylor Memorial Trophy for the most outstanding child competitor last month. Mountview Boys showed their promise after coming out on top in
the Danone Nations’ Cup event at the AUL in a competition that saw 900 of the best young soccer sides in the country compete for the right to represent Ireland in October.
Let us know! Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin — and give you, or your team, a chance of being one of our monthly stars. Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ gazettesport.
Sheena McElroy with Rita Maher (Lady Capt Adare Manor)and Marjorie McCorduck (ILGU President)
McElroy secures third national title sport@gazettegroup.com
GRANGE Golf Club’s Sheena McElroy defeated Headfort’s Pauline Walsh to secure her third Irish Senior Women’s Close Championship title in four years at Adare Manor Golf Club last week. The southside golfer raced to an early lead over Walsh and, at one under par, held a fivehole advantage at the turn. McElroy continued to underline her dominance of this event in recent years and closed out the match on the 13th green. Throughout the tour-
nament, McElroy showed herself to be a force to be reckoned with. She got off to a flying start in her semi-final match against Pat Doran from Donabate, and never looked back after turning into the back nine with a two-hole advantage. Doran holed out solidly on the 15th to reduce the gap to one hole but McElroy immediately responded winning the 16th and a two putt par on the 17th ended the affair. After leading the qualifiers in the morning, McElroy saw off eight qualifier Marilyn Hend-
erson (Royal Belfast) on the penultimate green in the quarter-finals the previous day. In the Senior’s Plate Final, Gertie McMullen, of The Island Golf Club, defeated ILGU Chief Executive, Sinead Heraty, from Castle, on the 16th to win the secondtier title. McElroy repeated her impressive showing at last year’s seniors’ championship when she defeated debutante Niamh Giblin, of Dun Laoghaire, at Tullamore Golf Club. McElroy went on to lead the Irish Seniors Team at the European
Senior Team Championships in Berlin last August. This year has been another successful one for the Grange member, winning the Portuguese Senior Ladies’ Golf Competition at Vilamoura in the Algarve in January. In challenging wet and windy conditions, McElroy was thrilled to secure a two-stroke victory, which was made extra special with husband, Eamon, caddying. She also finished as the top British or Irish player in joint third place at the Spanish Senior Championships at Santa Ponsa in February.
Win tickets to see UCD in friendlies UCD AFC have announced recently that they will host two friendly matches at the Belfield Bowl against Scotland’s St Johnstone FC on July 10, and Spain’s Villarreal CF on July 16. St Johnstone finished eighth in the SLP last season, and have a long tradition in Scottish football. Former players include Sir Alex Ferguson and Ally McCoist.
Villarreal finished fourth in last seasons La Liga and so are qualifiers for next season’s Champions League. As well as this, they have a wide range of talented footballers at their disposal with Barcelona target and former Manchester United player, Giuseppe Rossi, on the top of the list. GazetteSpor t and UCD are giving lucky
readers the chance to win pairs of tickets to these matches. Simply answer the following question: Where was Villarreal striker Guiseppe Rossi born? Send your answer, together with your name, address and mobile phone number, to sport@ gazettegroup.com, with “UCD Friendlies” in the subject line of the mail.
UCD’s Robbie Benson
30 LUCAN GAZETTE 7 July 2011
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
Get Messi at Dublin’s Barca summer camps IN AUGUST, the FC Barcelona Academy coaches are coming to Portmarnock to pass on some of their Champions League-standard of knowledge of the game to young players from Dublin. The camp caters for kids of all abilities, from ages seven to 16, and also helps educate coaches with the emphasis on players’ technical development, having fun and teaching the fundamentals of the game. The new camp follows on the heels of the success of the workshop held with Barcelona’s coaches at Carton House earlier this year. The camp takes place at Portmarnock AFC from Thursday, August 18 to Saturday, August 20 and runs from 9am to 12 noon for players aged from seven to 11 years, and from 2pm to 5pm for players aged from 12 to 16. For more information, or to register for the courses, see www.dbsportstours.ie
BEECH PARK: LOCAL SIDE SALUTE EFFORTS OF YOUNG PLAYERS
Beech Park’s underage sides capped a successful 2010/11 season with a number of trophies across the grades
Beech hail super season PETER CARROLL sport@gazettegroup.com
BEECH Park FC had a very successful season last year with a lot of their sides bringing home silverware to cap their hard-fought season. C o n o r Swe e n e y ’s Under-15 team came third in the SDSL Division 1, and were narrowly beaten to the second spot. The side may have been in position for a play-off game for second but, unfortunately, the league decided itself on the last day of the season, and that match proved unnecessary.
The Under-15 side also boasted a cup run that saw them reach the quar ter-finals where they lost out to Premier league side, Grenada. Beech Park’s Under14 side went through a transitional season in their first outing in the DDSL, with some rebuilding of the side taking place. In the end, they held their own and finished respectably in mid-table. Ray McMahon and Nigel Monaghan’s Under-12 outfit went on to complete an historic double for the Lucan club, winning both the SDSL Division 3 and their domestic cup.
Lorraine shines like gold in Athens: Special Olympics TEAM Ireland’s Lorraine
O’Halloran, from Palmerstown, was celebrating last week after winning a well-deserved gold medal in the 100m freestyle swimming final at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens. Held in the OAKA Olympic Aquatic Centre in the Greek capital, Lorraine registered a personal best time to defeat a world-class field in the pool.
The Beech Park Under-11 side showed great determination in a hard-fought season in Division 3, doing very well to register a midtable finish.
Under-10 double The two sides in the Un d e r-10 c a m p f o r Beech Park will be very pleased with themselves, with Rob Philpot and Tony Conlon guiding the Division 2 side to the SDSL league title. The Under-10 Division 6 side made a great go of the league, and were competitive throughout, finishing mid-table. John Jackson and D e i r d r e K i n s e l l a ’s
Under-9s did exceptionally well in the SDSL Division two. The enthusiastic youngsters brought their title challenge right up to the last day of the season, with St. James’s just pipping them to the league title. Beech Park’s Under8s also came very close to honours in both the league and the cup with some fine performances throughout their campaign. Jar vis Deegan has been congratulated by the club for his efforts with the Under-7s in a non-competitive series of games for the postnursery side, who found winning ways in a few of
their outings, and now look set to be very tough to beat in their first competitive season in the Under-8 leagues. The Primrose Academy, the nursery for Beech Park Football Club, had another successful season in passing on skills and tactics to the their future players. Pat Kenna and Gerry Fitzgibbon continued to produce talent that will go onto compete for the club in future years, with some going on to Under7 soccer next year to represent the club. The Primrose Academy runs every Saturday morning at Beech Park’s training facility.
7 July 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 31
in association with
AFL 1: MAKESHIFT SARSFIELDS SIDE TAKE POINTS
CLUB NOTICEBOARD LUCAN SARSFIELDS IT continues to be a good 125th anni-
of three pla yers can be booked
versary year, as both Dublin teams
though Dave Whittle (087 2522656)
were captained by Lucan Sarsfields
or Michael O’Grady (087 2331983).
players. Well done to Peter Kelly
All forms of support welcome.
and Johnny McCaf frey on their performances for the seniors. Thanks to the Minor lads captain Chris Crummy, Seanie McClelland, Matthew McCaffrey and Emmet
Lotto: Numbers drawn were 6, 11, 15 and 26. There was no winner. Next week’s jackpot is €3,000. Hugh McGonigle’s team will be in charge next weekend.
O’Conghaile who brought the cup
Do not forget you can alwa ys
back to 12th Lock sharing their
enter our Lotto online by clicking
famous victory over Kilkenny with
on www.lucansarsfields.ie.
the members. Hard luck to the U-14 boys’ footballers in national feile in coming so close to success. Winning three
Tickets also on sale in Carey’s Newsagents. Thanks to Henley Forklift who are this week’s sponsor.
matches out of four was great hon-
Summer camps have been fixed
our for club. Thanks for all the sup-
for July 4 to 8, and 11 to 15; August
port.
8 to 12 and 15 to 19. Register online
Golf classic is July 15 and teams
via website.
ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN Lucan Sarsfields’ footballers reversed their poor recent run of form with a composed win over Thomas Davis
THE team of the week was our
The hurling and camogie camp
Depleted Lucan register vital win
Under-13s footballers who played
commences on July 25. Entry fee
three matches during the week and
for the week is €30.
AFL DIVISION 1
Our sincere thanks to organiser
Lucan Sarsfields Thomas Davis RONAN MOYLES
3-15 2-12
sport@gazettegroup.com
IT WAS a welcome first league win for Lucan Sarsfields as they overcame Thomas Davis 3-15 to 2-12 at Kiltipper Road on Saturday evening. The victory was all the more satisfying considering that Sarsfields went into the game with their squad seriously undermined, and in need of a confidenceboosting win to get them back on track and move away from the relegation places in the league. But a makeshift side with players drafted in from other areas within the club proved themselves more than capable of carrying the Lucan cause. “ B o t h s i d e s we r e very, very depleted; our team particularly,” team mentor, Eiven Shana-
han, told GazetteSport when he spoke to us last week. “We literally had the bare fifteen there. If somebody got injured, there was a serious problem,” said Shanahan. There were a number of reasons for the absentees: “We had a few injuries. Paul Casey is away with Dublin, and some of the side are away on holiday.” T he biggest issue, though, is unfortunately all too familiar. “We have eight players who are over in the States for the summer. Obviously that makes it quite difficult.” Notwithstanding their manpower problems, the Lucan men got off to a great start in calm conditions where the breeze wasn’t much of a factor. “We got off to a flyer and had a goal within the first five or six minutes, and actually had two further goal chanc-
es in the opening fifteen minutes. “We kicked a few points as well, and Tommy Brennan was in particularly good form. “Then they came back at us and went ahead,” said Shanahan. However, a second goal towards the end of the first half saw the tide turn back in Sarsfields’ favour, and they were able to round out the game with a good second-half performance that led to a comfortable six-point margin at the close. “The goal half-way through the second half put daylight between us. It always looked like we were going to win the game from there on, as long as we prevented them from scoring goals, which we did.” Shanahan was full of praise for the players: “It was their attitude that got us there in the end. A lot of these lads would normally play interme-
diate football, and some even junior football.” “But their attitude was ‘this is what we have. Let’s just get on with it and give it everything.” Shanahan is hopeful that this win will help to revive what has been a poor season for Lucan, which sees them second from bottom of AFL 1 with only three points and one win. “Sometimes one win can change everything and that’s what we’ll be hoping for. To be honest, the season has been abysmal to date. “We’ve been waiting for that one win to hopefully get us going and we’re glad to get that. We want to carry that through to the next game against Templogue, which is massively important for us. “A couple of wins and you start to move up the table. Every team in this league is capable of beating the others on a given day”
were victorious against Ballybod-
To book a spot, phone coach David
en St Enda’s and Kilmacud Crokes
at 086 310 1034. Times for camp is
while U-14s and 15s lost to Erin Go
10am to 2.30pm.
Brath and Garristown and 16s had a good win over Kilmacud Crokes.
Tickets for next Sunday’s Leinster football final can be collected
Under 10s and 11s hurlers hosted
on Thursday at the clubhouse from
Young Ireland’s from Kilkenny in
7.30 to 8.45pm. Stand €35, Terrace
Glenaulin Park on Sunday morning.
€20 and juveniles €5.
Ray Brady and to the local catering ladies for a most enjoyable morning.
To visit our website, simply logon to www.stpatricksgaa.ie Lotto: Numbers drawn were 1, 8, 13 and 29.
Senior and junior footballers both
Well done to Vincent Kuilcullen.
recorded two league wins each,
our winner of the €8,400 jackpot
with wins for seniors over Skerries
and to seller Maree O’Toole. Next
Harps and Naomh Fionnbarra and
week’s jackpot is €2,000.
juniors over Clontarf and Kilmacud Crokes. Senior hurlers are at home on Saturday to St Peregrine’s at 6.30pm.
Draw held each Sunday night at 10pm in the Palmerstown House. Draw is held each Sunday night at 10pm in the Palmerstown House.
WESTMANSTOWN GAELS/GARDA NOT a good week for our adult
final payment for all travelling must
teams, with all three losing in
be made by end of July.
league fixtures. Intermediates lost on Saturday evening to Man-O-War by a point, 1-11 to 1-10. Junior 1s lost to Naomh Barrog away, also by a point, while Junior 2s also lost to St Brigid’s at Russell Park by four points. Our ladies got back to winning ways with a cup win over St Sylvester’s at Westmanstown. Training continues for all teams at Westmanstown at usual times.
Please contact Alan Lynch or Eugene O’Sullivan for more information. Thank you to everyone involved in the VHI Cul Camp this week. A great turnout was achieved. Well done to club GPO Michael Ahern for organising the camp sessions. The summer training schedule is posted on the club web site. Please note that some training will take place in Beech Park.
Preparation for New York trip is
Visit http:// www.westmanstown-
now at an advanced stages, and
gaels.ie for the latest information.
ALL OF YOUR LUCAN CASTLEKNOCK COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31 SPORTS SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
NEW GANG BEECH PARTY: IN ’TOWN: Lucan soccer Westmanstown side celebrate host Leinster theirschools’ seasonrugby of successes blitz P28 P30
MAY7,26, 2011 JULY 2011
THE BEST SUPER STARS: OF JUNE: May award Sports Awards nominees revealed revealed winners inside P29 P29
GazetteSPORT
Lucan’s Emmet O’Conghaille, Chris Crummy, Seanie McClelland and Matthew McCaffrey were all present in Dublin’s Leinster-winning side
Sarsfields’ quartet strike for Leinster Lucan four ensure Dublin minors claim the provincial title at Croke Park with heroic win over Kilkenny RONAN MOYLES lucansport@gazettegroup.com
DUBLIN’S minor hurlers produced a magnificent performance to secure their 13th provincial title with a win over Kilkenny at Croke Park last Sunday. There can have been few prouder onlookers than Lucan Sarsfields’ chairman Sean O’Conghaille, who watched four clubmen, including son Emmet, take to the field for the Dubs. “They all played and made a great contribution,” he told GazetteSport. “We had the biggest representation of any club in Dublin.” Chris Crummy captained the side from wingback. “It was a great honour to have two Lucan club men captaining Dublin at Croke Park,” he says – Johnny McCaffrey skippered the senior side later in the day. “Matthew McCaffery was on the other wing. He had a great game. Emmett had a good game too at full forward. He got two points”
And it was another club man who denied Kilkenny a barely-deserved replay. “Dublin were six points ahead going into injury time. Kilkenny then went up the field and got a goal. “They created another chance shortly after and there was a magnificent clearance by Seany McClelland (corner back); he pulled on it in the air and cleared it out.” Dublin ran out three-point victors. “They were deserving winners; they were the better team generally throughout the match.” So to what does O’Conghaille attribute Sarsfield’s success in producing such talent? “It’s a cyclical thing. They were part of a competitive team and they were a good squad all the way up. They would have competed from the age of 12 at the top of Division 1.” “They also would have experienced a lot of heartbreak along the way. They lost the Under-16 A championship final by a point. They were also beaten at Under-14 by Castleknock, who went on
to win the Feile that year. “In some respects that was the making of a team; it gave them a lot of mental toughness. “They didn’t have success early and sometimes when young people have success too early they don’t appreciate it. “Every time they got beaten it just made them more determined.” His admiration for the four Dublin minors in particular is apparent: “They are four exceptional young men. They have a very high skill level but they also worked very hard on their hurling. “What you put into it is what you get out of it in the end. “But they’re also lucky to be with such a strong group of Dublin players. It doesn’t matter how good you are or how hard you train; unless you have a good squad of 20 or 25 you’re not going to achieve success.” No doubt these talented young men will be joining a similarly talented senior squad sooner rather than later.