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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

INSIDE: 2011 Lucan Festival launched at Courtney’s P10

Camogie: Senior Bs make club history with victory Page 32

Sport Awards: August’s stars of the month nominees inside Page 29

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS .................... 21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

September 1, 2011

A PRECIOUS RESOURCE: We must not fail our children, says Minister P2

Chaotic water works finally dry up Q PAUL HOSFORD

IT WAS the end of the road for upgrade works to Lucan’s water system, last week. The roadworks have caused traffic chaos in recent months, leaving local traders up in arms.

Conrads Cafe, a coffee shop on the foot of Chapel Hill, was forced to close on Friday after owner, Michael Keane, arrived to find the works on his doorstep, and parking near it unat-

tainable.

“It wasn’t the kind of place that you could sit and have a coffee in peace, and there was no way people were going to come in, so we took the decision to close for the day,” he said.

A total of 2.9km of old and leaking water mains were replaced in Lucan since early April, as part of the Dublin Regional Watermains Rehabilitation works.

Full Story on Page 4

Team spirit: Happy to support Sarsfields’ prestigious event ROISIN and Rory Egan were happy to

show their team (of two) spirit when they came along to help support Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club’s recent Comortas Na Sairsealagh hosting.

This prestigious event saw the club

hosting Sarsfields teams from across the country, with the home Sarsfields members playing some excellent games in Gaelic football, hurling, camogie and ladies football matches.

Full Gallery on Pages 8-9

2 LUCAN GAZETTE 1 September 2011

OPINION The Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald, TD

Precious childhood is defined by trust CHILDREN come into the world as a bundle of trust. Trust and love are their only currency – the only things they can offer – and the trust is absolute.

They cannot pass on a confidence and wait to see if it is protected before

sharing another. They cannot put a tiny part of their life in the hands of another to check if it is cherished before committing more.

Trust is an easy thing for adults to talk about, because we have choices.

We can decide who to

trust, and who to fear.

We can pay trust out like rope, only giving out more when we are sure it’s the right decision.

We can barter trust; demanding security in exchange. And, when we want to, we can lock our trust away, and survive --------------------------

‘We have a responsibility to ensure that growing up in Ireland means that you have the best start in life available anywhere in the world. Our future lies in our younger citizens; those who will inherit this Republic.’

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Minister Fitzgerald

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Local Fine Gael TD, as well as Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald, says we must not fail our younger citizen’s trusts and needs for the future

on an island of our own making.

That’s easy for adults – it’s impossible for children. Their trust is absolute, unquestioning and complete.

And that’s why it is so devastating when it turns out to be misplaced.

Barely weeks after it came into existence, my new Department published the Cloyne Report.

It revealed major systemic failures in how the Church dealt with child protection, and in how the State allowed such failures to occur.

Important T he aspect of the report that I believe may be the most important is also the most likely to be overlooked; Chapter 27, where the victims of the abuse tell their stories.

They outline the effect on them – as children and, now, as adults – of being harmed by those who they trusted to protect them.

We have a lot of work to do to make sure such a breach of trust can never occur again.

That, of course, means addressing the child protection issues we have inherited, but it also means making sure that neglect, whether through will or ignorance, is addressed.

We must also make sure that the system can respond to the needs those social workers will uncover.

Having worked in the area, I know there is nothing more frustrating for a social worker than to call upon the system to help a child or a family, only to discover the system is

incapable, or unwilling, to answer the call.

We will not immediately deliver that. The deficit we have inherited is too great to instantly repair – but we will deliver.

Responsibility We have a responsibility to ensure that growing up in Ireland means that you have the best start in life available anywhere in the world.

Our future lies in our younger citizens; those who will inherit this Republic; the leaders and workforce of tomorrow. We will reap what they sow.

Fundamentally, when you strip away everything and ask how have we, as a society, failed our children up to now, the answer is pretty simple: they trusted us to listen to them. We didn’t.

So, in striving for the best outcomes for Irish childhood, we must be willing and more open to engage with children, embracing their rights to speak and to be heard – not as a nuisance, nor as inferiors, but, rather, as fellow citizens, and as the decision-makers of tomorrow.

Maybe in recent years we should have listened more to our future generations. We should not readily expect to be thanked for the legacy our generation will leave for the next.

If the excesses of the Celtic Tiger era, and its subsequent collapse, taught us anything, it is that we should never lose sight of what matters.

Our legacy will not be what we leave behind; it will be who we leave behind.

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

1 September 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 3

MUSIC Local woman’s choirs a hit at weddings

‘Encourage people to sing for fun and relaxation’ Q PAUL HOSFORD

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lucan@gazettegroup.com

‘We’ve really taken off in the last 18-24 months and I love it! I love being “the engine”, and the more events the better.

‘Everyone puts in so much effort, and has so much fun from it.’

A LOCAL woman is offering people from across Dublin something to make any occasion that little bit more special.

In January, Caroline Trenier began providing choirs for weddings under the name “Camille Music”, and has seen the company grow over the last few months.

Considering her background, the company is a natural step for the Lucan woman, she says.

“I study event management in college, and my mother teaches music, so some of the choirs are made up of her students.

“I decided to go down the events route, and we provide for every need – vocalists or choirs for weddings and other events. We are a stage for semi-professional singers.

“We’ve really taken off in the last 18-24 months and I love it! I love being ‘the engine’, and the more events the better.

“Everyone puts in so much effort, and has so much fun from it,” she says.

While providing for events, “Camille Music” is also an active organisation, with a choir to

LOCAL MATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

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Caroline Trenier, Camille Music

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suit ever y need and ability in singing.

T here is an adult “Sing for Fun” with Irene Thompson-Trenier – this is for people who want to learn to sing in a fun, relaxed and sociable environment.

Caroline says that this is perfect for people who do not wish to take individual singing lessons, but who are still interested in learning to sing correctly and developing their musical knowledge. She adds that it is suitable for all standards.

The Camille choirs will have opportuni-

Caroline Trenier highlights the fun and social aspect of singing in Camille Music’s choir

ties to perform at many events, and at a huge range of venues.

The first event that the choirs will be involved with is the upcoming “The Sound of Musicals” in The Helix on November 4.

The Camille choirs will also take part in a lot of charity events.

Caroline says: “If any members of the choir, or the local community, would be interested in us providing music, or to co-ordinate a charity event, please do not hesitate in contacting us.”

“Camille Music” also

provides singing, piano and music theory lessons, as well as Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate lessons/ grinds.

Group lessons can also be provided, subject to availability.

Registration for the Camille choirs has been taking place in August, and is continuing in September.

For fur ther inform a t i o n , s e e w w w. camilleweddingmusic. com.

You can also email Caroline Trenier on ctrenier@hotmail.com, or call 087 614 2224.

POLICING: SHOOTING

Court adjourns inquest THE inquest into the death of a Lucan man living in Clondalkin has been adjourned, due to ongoing inquiries.

Robert O’Hanlon was 25 when he was shot as he walked off a football pitch in Clondalkin on March 15, 2007.

He died of gunshot wounds to the head and chest.

Inquest Last week, Detective Inspector Richard McDonnell, of Lucan Garda Station, applied for an adjournment of the inquest at Dublin County Coroner’s Court under Section 25.1 of the Coroner’s Act, 1962, which coroner Dr Kieran Geraghty granted.

He adjourned the inquest to a date in November, when it will be mentioned at the Dublin City Coroner’s Court.

4 LUCAN GAZETTE 1 September 2011

COUNCIL Sinn Fein councillor welcomes announcement of property initiative

SDCC introduce fixed-term purchase scheme SINN Fein councillor Matthew McDonagh has welcomed the introduction of the 2011 Fixed Term Tenant Purchase Scheme.

It allows council tenants to purchase their

own homes, offering a maximum discount of 45% off the market value of the property.

It works out at a 3% deduction for every year of tenancy, up to 15 years.

Those wishing to avail

of the scheme must fit the criteria and apply to South Dublin County Council by the end of December.

The scheme applies to residents who have been council tenants for a peri-

od of ten years or longer.

There are no restrictions in the scheme to the current property they are residing in, once they have been a council tenant in any property for the accumulated time period.

In certain circumstances, where one has succeeded the previous tenant and became the official tenant, they must have been on the rent book for a period of one year in order to avail of

the scheme.

Cllr McDonnagh said that the scheme would be a reward for people in Clondalkin who had put considerable investment and effort into their homes.

“I welcome the announcement of the scheme. It gives council tenants an opportunity to purchase their family homes who, previously, may have been unable to do so,” he said.

COMMUNITY: RESOURCE SDCC: BUSINESS FORCED TO SHUT FOR A DAY DUE TO WORKS

Information centre party LUCAN’S Citizens Information Centre celebrated its 30th birthday last week, and was praised for its contribution to the local community by a host of local politicians.

The Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald said: “Citizens Advice centres are a hugely valuable service for any local community, and we are lucky to have in Lucan a team of highly-experienced and competent community workers.

“Under the guidance and leadership of the national Citizens Information Service, the Lucan centre provides important information and advice to

residents throughout this area,” she said.

“It is so important that people are aware of their rights and entitlements and, through their office and their publications, the Citizens Advice Centre endeavours to ensure that people are as wellinformed as possible.

“I was delighted to drop in to help the staff celebrate their 30th birthday. I wish them every success as they continue their vital work in our community,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

She was also joined by local councillors, Emer Higgins and William Lavelle at the celebrations.

Traders’ relief as works conclude Q PAUL HOSFORD

lucan@gazettegroup.com

LUCAN residents and traders finally saw local road works come to an end last week.

The works, which have been carried out over the past five months, causing traffic chaos in the area, have ceased, but not before forcing one local trader to close for a day.

Late last Friday, The Gazette received word from South Dublin County Council (SDCC) that the works were to end that night, following three days of extremely heavy traffic, which saw the Lower Road backed up as far as Tinkers Hill, and beyond.

Conrads Cafe, on the foot of Chapel Hill, was forced to close on Friday after the owner, Michael Keane, arrived to find the works on his doorstep,

and parking near unattainable.

“It wasn’t the kind of place that you could sit and have a coffee in peace, and there was no way people were going to come in, so we took the decision to close for the day,” he said.

A total of 2.9 km of old and leaking water mains were replaced in Lucan since early April as part of the Dublin Regional Watermains Rehabilitation Project, managed by Dublin City Council and funded by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.

The project aims to reduce leakage and upgrade the water infrastructure in the capital and surrounding areas.

While none of the affected traders or residents has voiced a problem with the intent of the

The conclusion of works in Lucan village has been welcomed by residents and local businesses, with the works on Chapel Hill taking one month longer than expected

works, there has been consistent criticism of SDCC and RPS, the company who carried out the works.

Much of the criticism has been that communication has been lacking, and what communication there has been, has been initiated by the Lucan Chamber of Commerce.

Keane, whose other business, the River Cafe, is also in the village, said: “I’m part of the Lucan

Chamber, and we definitely feel that communication has been lacking.

“We should have been the council’s point of contact for what was happening in the village.”

In the statement announcing the conclusion of the works, SDCC said that an unanticipated delay on Chapel Hill set the works back.

“Unfortunately, works on the Old Hill took a month longer than anticipated, due to unavoidable

engineering issues, and we are sorry for the inconvenience that this has caused to local businesses, residents and road users.

“We assure people that this work is now completed, and that there will be no further day-time traffic disruptions, as we will finish reinstatement after normal business hours and be finished working in Lucan in a few weeks,” said Ronan O’Rourke, Senior Engineer, Dublin City Council.

Eircom boost for local broadband speed Q PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com

THERE was good news this week for residents of Palmerstown, as Eircom announced that the town would be part of Phase One of their fibre broadband roll-out plan.

The announcement follows last month’s commitment by

Eircom to spend €100 million on Phase 1 of a plan that aims to reach one million premises over the next four years.

Once Phase 1 is completed, fibre broadband will reach more than 100,000 homes and businesses, providing speeds of 40 Mbps and beyond.

Paul Donovan, CEO, Eircom Group, said: “This is the next

step in the roll-out of high-speed broadband services.

“We have selected locations which have a geographical reach beyond Dublin and across the country. We believe there is a strong appetite for new fibrebased products and services that will be competitively priced.

“Work will commence later this year, and we hope to have

the network upgrade completed by the end of summer, 2012.”

Local Fine Gael TD Derek Keating welcomed the announcement, saying that the announcement will help homes and businesses in the area.

“This new investment should help consolidate levels of employment and enhance the possibility of creating new jobs.”

1 September 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 5

INFO LEAKS Meeting with hospital CEO fails to allay concerns

Dowds to raise issue over patient data Q PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com

L A B OU R T D R o b ert Dowds has said he plans to raise the issue of patient data at the Oireachtas Health Committee after a meeting with the CEO of Tallaght Hospital failed to allay his concerns.

Dowds met with the CEO recently to express his concerns about the safety of patient information.

Deputy Dowds said he was extremely concerned that patient data had been sent to the Philippines to be transcribed.

“Following on from my meeting, I will be raising this matter at the Oireachtas Health Committee, of which I am a member. Questions still need to be answered about how appropriate it is for sensitive patient informa-

tion to be transcribed in the Philippines, or any other place where the writ of the Data Protection Act does not run.

“While the CEO assured me that the hospital and the Filipino authorities are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness, the fact remains that this information was leaked and that there is a risk that it will happen again.

The CEO also informed me that anyone affected by this will be contacted by the hospital to explain the situation.

“T he CEO agreed with me that it would be preferable if the letters were typed in house rather than being sent to the Philippines where our data protection legislation is obviously not effective. I will be calling on the HSE to issue a directive to hospitals to

deal with all medical correspondence in-house so that we can be sure that patients’ data is being protected.”

Dowds said that the hospital admitted the risks would be lowered, were the documents processed in Ireland.

“We cannot have hospitals taking these risks with patient information, and I was glad that the CEO admitted that having Irish typists writing these letters would reduce the risk of data being leaked.

“The Health Committee must look at this matter and ensure that Irish hospitals are taking their data protection obligations seriously. Hospitals cannot be taking risks like this and I will be calling on all hospitals to end the practice of outsourcing of secretarial tasks.

“Lastly, the issue of

Dowds met with the CEO of Tallaght Hospital to express his concerns about the safety of patient information

Tallaght Hospital’s enormous catchment area coupled with low consultant numbers must be looked at, as this seems to be the root of many of the problems at the hospital. I wish to express my appreciation of the vital work that the hospital does in our area.” said Deputy Dowds.

When contacted by the Gazette a spokesperson for the hospital said: “As soon as it became evident that some patient information had got into inappropriate hands, the hospital worked with authorities in Ireland and the Philippines to determine the extent of the

Two SDCC projects get boost from Arts Council

Q PAUL HOSFORD

TWO innovative projects led by South Dublin County Council have got a much-needed boost following the announcement that they are to receive funding from the Arts Council under the Local Partnership Scheme.

The Scheme is designed to encourage and support partnerships and new collaborations between local authorities, arts organisations and other relevant groups.

The scheme has a cultural diversity strand, which aims to promote the development of intercultural capacity in the arts across local authorities.

The first of the projects

to receive funding is a research project that will involve an audit of immigrant and culturally diverse professional artists and cultural practitioners living in Dublin City and South Dublin County.

It will aim to assess the needs, barriers and challenges faced in building artistic careers in Ireland.

The project partners include the two local authorities, Tallaght Community Arts and the citybased New Communities Partnership.

We l c o m i n g t h e research project, Arts Council chairman, Pat Moylan said: “The Arts Council launched its new policy and strategy on Cultural Diversity and

the Arts last year and we are delighted to see the early fruits of that initiative with the undertaking of this important piece of research.

“We are particularly pleased to see the involvement of the Social Inclusion Units of both local authorities in this initiative.”

Meanwhile, South Dublin County Council’s County Manager, Joe Horan said: “Art knows no boundaries and this research project is aimed at identifying and realising the potential of artists regardless of nationality, race or background, as it links two major local authorities with community-based organisations.

“This approach will

accelerate the integration process as well as expanding the range and number of artists and enriching the culture of the community as a whole. This initiative will further underpin the work of South Dublin County Council’s Social Inclusion Unit and Arts Office.”

The second project to receive Arts Council funding involves the development of an interactive arts events listings and map website for young audiences and creators.

This promotional project is informed by research with 13to 25-year-olds, who expressed the need for new ways of learning about arts opportunities, including training and other resources.

information breach and to ensure that this could not re-occur.

“The IT director of the hospital travelled to the Philippines and secured a court order empowering the Philippines authorities to search the premises of the transcription service and to seize all electronic equipment and data. Following a police raid on these offices on August 4 this data is now being examined by

the Philippines authorities who will report to their courts before 7 September.

“This investigation will show the extent of data which remains on the transcription system in the Philippines. At the end of this process, such data will be deleted irretrievably as all this is already held by Tallaght Hospital.”

“An offence has been committed. Tallaght

Hospital is determined that those responsible be pursued in all appropriate jurisdictions.

“T he hospital has worked very closely with Ireland’s Data Protection Commissioner throughout this investigation.

“A s t h e h o s p i t a l stopped using this service in May, it now has stateof-the-art and robust procedures with a new service provider,” the spokesperson continued.

6 LUCAN GAZETTE 1 September 2011

COUNCIL: INITIATIVE TO GET RID OF ELECTRICAL GOODS BEFORE BONFIRES

PEOPLE Lucan runner prepares for a marathon effort

A waste disposal facility for free SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) is preparing for Halloween early this year with free WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) collection days.

These are part of the council’s strategy to encourage communities to dispose of electric and electronic appliances in a responsible manner, and to direct waste material away from bonfires.

The days will be carried out for SDCC by Clondalkin Community Recycling Initiative (CCRI), a local community recycling enterprise.

Anything with a plug or a battery will be collected, and an area receiving a free WEEE collection will be leafleted two or three days prior to collections.

A ny o n e r e q u i r i n g assistance with heavy or awkward appliances should contact CCRI directly at 01 457 8321.

Assistance will be provided free of charge, and CCRI is a legally-permitted collector of WEEE. It is important to note that only a company with the correct permits be allowed to take away your waste electronic and electrical equipment.

This is described as a perfect opportunity for householders to clear out the house of any unwant-

ed electrical or electronic items, and to help support a local community business at the same time.

Following its success last year, the “Bulbs, Not Bonfires” initiative will be implemented again this year. This initiative encourages communities who have successfully managed to prevent a bonfire where there was one last year to apply to SDCC for bulbs to plant in their open spaces.

The new Fixyourstreet initiative will also enable residents to identify where stockpiles of materials have been stored, and to help the council remove these items in advance.

With limited resources, the council asks residents once again to take in bonfire material to help reduce damage to the county.

Last year, with residents’ help, the number of bonfires were reduced by 180 – that’s a total reduction of 26% in just one year.

The council will also provide a free access day to the civic amenity, Ballymount for residents of SDCC, details of which will be released closer to the day.

The council says that they will also be continuing to enforce anti-litter and dumping legislation.

Lucan man Karl Fitzgerald has been chosen to fly the flag for Dublin in the 2011 National Lottery Dublin Marathon, having won the popular vote in the Spar Spartan challenge

Karl’s taking steps to help Our Lady’s, Crumlin LUCAN’S Karl Fitzgerald has been chosen to represent Dublin in the 2011 National Lottery Dublin Marathon, having won the popular vote in the Spar Spartan challenge.

Karl completed the gruelling Frank Duffy 10-mile race in the Phoenix Park on August 20 with a fantastic time of 1 hour and 8 minutes.

The next race Karl and the 26-strong team of Spartans will take on is the National Lottery halfmarathon on Saturday, September 17, followed by the Dublin Marathon on Monday, October 31.

The 26 Spartans are being guided in their preparation by fitness guru, Karl Henry (of Operation Transformation fame), and nutrition expert, Paula Mee, both of whom are spearheading the campaign.

Karl is running to raise funds for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin – a cause close to his heart.

Henry, spokesperson for the campaign, said that Karl and the other Spartans were seeing the benefits of their hard work.

“The Spartans are

beginning to reap the rewards of their hard work, setting personal best times nearly every week.

“They are still in the building foundation phase, preparing for the big miles to come, but so far, so good. They are going to set some great times in the Dublin City Marathon,” he said.

Commenting on the selection of the Spar Spartan Challenge Team, Suzanne Weldon, Spar marketing and communications director, said: “On behalf of everyone at Spar, I would like to congratulate Karl on completing the 10-mile

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‘I would like to congratulate Karl on completing the 10-mile race, and I wish him all the best for the half-marathon in September’

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Suzanne Weldon, Spar

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race, and I wish him all the best for the half-marathon in September.

“The Spar Spartan challenge really is the ultimate for fans of leisure running.

“Completing a marathon is a massive goal and ambition for many people and, through the Spartan challenge, we aim to make that goal a

reality for people from all around the country,” said Weldon.

Spar also aims to drive awareness and support for its charity of the year, the 3Ts (turning the tide of suicide; www.3ts.ie).

Those who wish to follow Karl’s progress, training runs and blog updates can do so via the website, www.spartanchallenge.

ie, or by visiting Spar’s Facebook page.

T h e we b s i t e a l s o includes motivational, fitness and nutrition videos from the expert panel and will be updated weekly with new content so that anyone can follow the programme.

T he Spar tan who receives the most support votes, and who is judged to have most fully embraced all aspects of the challenge, will win a trip for two to New York to spectate at the New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 6.

Vote for Karl by logging onto www.spartanchallenge.ie

Karl poses with the rest of the Spar Spartan Challenge team at the start of the Frank Duffy 10-Mile Race

1 September 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 7

RETAIL Milestones reached by neighbouring shops

Are you listed to vote?

Celebrations at a number of local stores Q PAUL HOSFORD

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lucan@gazettegroup.com

‘I encourage people to shop local, think local and support our local enterprises’

THERE was a triple celebration in Palmerstown last Friday when three neighbouring stores celebrated separate milestones..

An old-fashioned street party atmosphere took over the shopping centre in Woodfarm as Palmerstown Hardware celebrated its grand opening, while Palmerstown Meats marked its first anniversary, and Reynolds Pharmacy celebrated a decade in business.

The Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Labour councillor Catriona Jones, was on hand

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Mayor Catriona Jones --------------------------

to cut the ribbon on the front of Palmerstown Hardware while her colleague, Cllr Eamon Tuffy, looked on.

On cutting the ribbon, the Mayor paid tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit of Shane and Damian Leahy, the brothers who own the shop, and other

local businesses for their “hard” and “valuable” work.

“The businesses in South Dublin fund the work we do in the council. The rates we collect from businesses mean that the grass gets cut, the roads get fixed and the council staff have their jobs.

“The business owners in South Dublin work hard and provide a very valuable outlet for local people.

“For those reasons, I encourage people to shop local, think local and continue to support our local enterprises,” said Mayor Jones.

For local brothers

POLITICS: REMINDER

Staff of Palmerstown Hardware were joined by Mayor Jones, Father Tommy and Councillor Eamon Tuffy to help mark their store’s milestone event

Shane and Damian Leahy, the decision to open the store made sense, given the space available.

“We have a property management company and a plastering company so, when we got the premises, we thought: ‘We have a bit of a shop front here’, so we decided to open the shop,” Shane told The Gazette.

N e x t d o o r, C o l m Massey was celebrating Palmerstown Meats one-

year anniversary, and said that, while starting a business in the current economic climate wasn’t easy, he had experienced “great support” from the local area.

He has already returned that support, sponsoring Mick Lester’s Palmerstown United U-11 team.

The quality of the shops’ goods was in clear evidence on the day as locals lined the path to get at the barbecue grill,

where chicken and burgers were laid on.

Meanwhile, Justin Looby in Reynolds Pharmacy was celebrating 10 years in the store, with the help of clowns and face painting.

Being part of the community for so long has seen the chemist become well-known locally.

“It’s a great community to be part of. People are very friendly, and everyone looks out for each other,” said Justin.

LOCALS are being urged to get on the Register of Voters before the October 3 deadline.

With a Presidential Election, and with three referenda to be decided on Thursday, October 27, being registered entitles people to vote in all four.

Local Fine Gael TD Derek Keating asked locals to ensure they are on the Register of Voters.

“Applications for inclusion on the supplementary register must be received

by Monday, October 3.

“Forms to be added to the Register can be downloaded from www.checktheregister.ie, or obtained from any city and county council.

“If you are 18-years-old, an Irish citizen, and residing in the State, please ensure you are registered to vote for the coming Presidential Election on Thursday, October 27,” said Deputy Keating.

8 LUCAN GAZETTE 1 September 2011

SPORT Lucan Sarsfielfds plays host to several GAA clubs

The players hared up and down in their fiercely-contested games

A GAA-rand day of sporting skills

S PART of its 125th anniversary celebrations, Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club recently hosted Comortas Na Sairsealagh. This special tournament event recognises the shared heritage of all the GAA clubs that share the Sarsfields name, in honour of the great patriot, Patrick Sarsfield.

As such, several Sarsfields teams from across the country descended on Sarsfields Lucan’s

A

Sean and Eoin Barrett were happy to support Sarsfields

club grounds at 12th Lock for a highly-competitive day of sporting skill and prowess, with some excellent games played in Gaelic football, hurling, camogie and ladies football.

Participating clubs attended from such places as Newbridge, Thurles, Cork and Galway, providing plenty of challenge for the hosts, Lucan, before the evening’s awards and clubhouse meal.

More of the players’ sheer determination

Lucan Sarsfields’ Gaelic Minor Football Team

Lucan Sarsfields’ Girls’ Camogie Team

Another battle for possession between the players

There’s no doubt over who

1 September 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 9

from across the country for its Comortas Na Sairsealagh

Sarsfields’ Newbridge Minor Gaelic Football Team

Club chairman, Sean O’Conghaile, was a busy man on the day, presenting a wide range of awards and trophies, including to Johnny McCaffrey and Niamh McGrath, captains of their teams

Lucan locals, Roisin and Rory Egan, were there to support. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Jim Mackey and John Connors

Killian and John Costelloe with Jeremy Dunne

10 LUCAN GAZETTE 1 September 2011

CHARITY: 2011 TOMAS MULLIGAN FUNDRAISER

LAUNCH Excited about Lucan Festival 2011

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Andrew Montague, lent his support to the start of the 275km fundraising cycle

Cycle raises €40,000 for Pieta House THE 2011 Tomas Mulligan Cycle that took place on Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14 was the most successful so far.

A record 85 cyclists took part, and raised in excess of €40,000 for Pieta House, the suicide crisis centre.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Andrew Montague, lent his support by joining the cycle on Saturday, cycling from Good Council, GAA Club in Drimnagh to Cherry Orchard.

T homas Mulligan, Tomas Mulligan’s father, said: “We’re delighted at the turn-out this year, and I’d like to thank everyone who took part, from our organisation committee to the cyclists, the support teams, those who sponsored cyclists or those who donated en route.

Successful “This year is the fourth and most successful year of the cycle; each year the number of participants grows.

“The solidarity shown

by Tomas’s friends and football colleagues every year reminds us that suicide is something that affects every town and village in Ireland,” he said.

The 275km route started at Tomas’s local football club, the Good Counsel GAA club, in Drimnagh, and made its way towards Athlone, visiting GAA clubs in counties Kildare, Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Meath, before returning to Dublin.

Joan Freeman, CEO,

Pieta House, said: “We’re very grateful to the Mulligan family, and all those who took part and supported the Tomas Mulligan Cycle this year.

“The support was phenomenal, and is a tremendous tribute to all who took part.

“We’d especially like to acknowledge the support of RTE sports broadcaster, Jacqui Hurley, and Dublin footballers, Eamon Fennell and Eoghan O’Gara, who launched the cycle,” she said.

Pieta House, the suicide and self-harm crisis centre, officially opened its doors in Lucan in January, 2006.

Since then, the organisation has opened other centres – the main centre in Lucan, two outreach centres in Finglas and Tallaght, another dedicated centre in Ballyfermot, and a second national centre in Limerick.

In its five years of existence, Pieta House has grown to employ almost 40 therapists and admin staff, and the demand for Pieta House services continues to grow.

This service is provided free of charge. To date, more than 4,000 people have been seen and helped by Pieta House.

Pieta House says that 95% of its income comes from fundraising events, and so the organisation relies heavily upon the support and encouragement of its volunteers, and friends of Pieta.

For further information on Pieta House, see www. pieta.ie.

SDCC Mayor, Councillor Catriona Jones, joins Lorcan James to take a look at the action-packed programme of events for Lucan Festival 2011

Jonah Roche and Donna McGowan

FG Deputy Derek Keating with Linda Balfe and Paula Richards

Elizabeth Ennis

Festival followers MAYOR of South Dublin County Council, Labour councillor Catriona Jones, joined local organisations, businesses, volunteers and politicians last week to help launch the Lucan Festival 2011 in Courtney’s Pub, Lucan village.

This year’s festival will take place between Monday, September 19 and Sunday, September 25, and local residents can look forward to an action-packed week of festivities leading up to the festival weekend, which expects to attract more than 5,000 people to the village that Sunday.

The unveiling of the final programme took centre-stage on the

night, and local singer/ s o n g w r i t e r, L o r c a n James, was on hand to give a flavour or what locals can expect from this year’s festival.

Highlights of the event will include a new village stage, showcasing the largest number of local, Irish and intercultural acts ever to play in Lucan Village at once.

This will include The R i p t i d e Move m e n t , Ghandis, Morgan La Fey, Adela and the Meanits, Dancity Ireland, and a number of other exciting acts.

Festival favourites, the Cinemobile – a 100-seater mobile cinema, including screenings for children, adults, and

a “ladies night” – will be back on Friday night, as well as the reptile zoo, a Punch and Judy show, and a local historical and art exhibition.

Of course, the bouncy castles, street markets and face-painters will also be making a reappearance.

Additions Other welcome additions to the programme include a rubber duck race in the village; pony rides; talks by Aspen Counselling, who will also be holding a Saturday Night Fever disco in the Spa Hotel, and activities to be held in Lucan Library, details of which can be found on the Festival website.

Headspace, a Youth Arts collective, will have a number of mixedmedia events and workshops taking place over the festival.

Not to be outdone, there will also be a tea dance for the young at heart in the Spa Hotel on the Wednesday night of the festival.

To add variety, and to showcase talent from Lucan’s multi-cultural community, hip-hop dancers Liffey Valley Homework Group, and well-established rap artist Prince4God, from Nigeria, who has lived in Ireland for eight years, will wow the crowd with their music and dance, as well as a traditional Nigerian folk dance

group, who are based in the city centre.

There will also be a f lamenco workshop, with Nathalie Moyano Gonzalezare sure to attract attention and get your toes tapping with her passionate performance.

Volunteers Even with the festival fast approaching, the festival committee is still looking for volunteers to get involved in the run-up to and during the festival itself.

So, to get involved and keep up to date with festival news, become a fan on Facebook; see http:// lucalfestival.wordpress. com, or contact lucanfestival@gmail.com.

1 September 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs Joe Walsh Tours to operate private charter flights to Leinster rugby games for 2012 season JOE Walsh Tours is the official tour operator for Leinster Rugby and will be operating private charter flights with Cityjet to all away games in both the Heineken Cup and RaboDirect PRO12 competitions of the season 2011/2012.

The tour operator offers both flight only and full package options, which include hotel accommodation and coach transfers to and from your hotel and the grounds.

Fans can follow the RaboDirect PRO12 new season matches on the official Leinster Rugby Team charter from as little as €129 inclusive, which includes return flight, checked in luggage and all taxes – free match ticket for all RaboDirect games is also included in the price.

Book early to secure a seat on the official Leinster Rugby team flight and share the thrill and excitement with the Boys in Blue. Fixtures are Ospreys v Leinster - September 1; Scarlets v Leinster - September 23; Edinburgh v Leinster October 27; Cardiff Blues v Leinster – January 6; Glasgow Warriors v Leinster – February 24 and Newport Gwent Dragons v Leinster - May 4.

Heineken Cup staying in a three-star hotel for the Montpellier Hérault v Leinster Rugby for one night costs from €444 per person on November 12, 2011, or four-star from €474 per person.

For bookings and further information, call Gill on 01 2410888 or email gill.osullivan@ joewalshtours.ie, or visit www.joewalshtours. ie/leinster Westport, Co Mayo, is a large, family-run hotel with an attention to detail that you would expect from a small hotel or B&B

It’s a berry good month for a Shelbourne Hotel extravaganza THE Shelbourne Hotel is berry-focused this August, with a delicious range of berrythemed cocktails and a Very Berry Afternoon Tea. The special afternoon tea will include delicacies such as mixed berry macaroons, blackberry financier, strawberry tart, blueberry muffin and raspberry chocolate moelleux.

The Very Berry extravaganza continues in the hotel’s Number 27 Bar, with a selection of delectable cocktails, each showcasing a particular berry. From blackberry fruitini to raspberry mochatini to vodka bramble, there’s a wide selection of berry-based potions available.

Throw in an overnight stay with full Irish breakfast in the morning and a champagne afternoon tea for two in the Lord Mayor’s Lounge, from €232 per room. Book online at www.TheShelbourne.ie.

The Orchard restaurant

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Petie Joe’s Bar

The welcoming lobby

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1 September 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 1 September 2011

GazetteFITNESS FITNESS

Brought to you by Derry Temple personal trainer and pilates instructor

MOTIVATION: GET PROPER INSTRUCTIONS, BETTER RESULTS AND SUPPORT WITH GET

Getting in shape and into Group Exercise Training F you have decided to get serious about becoming fit and are about to embark on a fitness programme, then you probably plan on joining a gym.

Unfortunately, all too often, people sign up to their local gym with the best of intentions, only to quit training a short while later. The main reason for such an early resignation is often due to a lack of direction and support when training on their own.

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Going solo without the support of friends and the close guidance of a fitness professional can be daunting.

You may wonder what exercises to perform and find it difficult to gauge the appropriate training intensity. Not having any help often leads to boredom, frustration and a lack of results. This is followed by a loss of motivation and the consequential resignation of “I quit!”

You don’t need to be

lonesome or bored on your gym visits because you can easily find companionship and leadership in Group Exercise Training (GET). The most popular form of GET that has seen a recent surge in popularity is Bootcamp.

For those who choose not to go to the gym, it offers more variety then any other training available; the result is that it is tougher for your body to adapt to and so you can expect to see better

You don’t need to be lonesome or bored on your gym visits because you can easily find companionship and leadership in Group Exercise Training

results for longer. A good Bootcamp class will involve both interval and circuit training resulting in all the health benefits associated with exercise along with fat loss and muscle toning. Training as part of a group is also a great way to meet people who share the same goals and get the support that you need to succeed.

Your Bootcamp trainer will provide you with guidance and motivation, as well as feedback on your technique.

If you don’t want to train as part of a large group, you can always invest in a trainer along with friends to get a reduced cost and have the personal guidance of a professional. If your

friends are not interested and you still think this would be your favoured option, then contact your gym. They should be able to pair you with someone or may already have a small group of trainees

the progress being made by others in your group.

You also find yourself in friendly competition realising that, if they can do it, you can, too. In this environment it is easier to push and motivate

world agree that GET is one of the fastest ways to get your body in great shape.

DTFitness is a health and fitness business that specialises in helping people lose weight

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‘Training as part of a group is also a great way to meet people who share the same goals and get the support that you need to succeed’

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that you can join.

Training with others is like having a built-in support system that bestows you with a wealth of encouragement and motivation. It allows you to measure your development against

yourself to work harder than you would on your own.

Research has shown that group support plays a huge part in helping people achieve their fitness goals and fitness experts around the

and getting the body they want. As a Gazette reader you will receive €10 off their upcoming Bootcamp, Personal or Group training by simply mentioning this article.

For further details log onto www.dtfitness.ie

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

1 September 2011 GAZETTE 13

On track: Woodie’s and awards AT THE Woodie’s DIY Senior

A FUN RUN: MAKE-A-WISH-FOUNDATION IRELAND

Marathon to make a wish come true Q STAFF REPORTER

THE Make-A-WishFoundation Ireland is currently looking for participants in this year’s Dublin City Marathon to run on behalf of the foundation.

Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children aged three to 18, who live with life-threatening medical conditions. This wish can create a memory for both the child and their family.

It’s an opportunity for them to forget about hospitals, injections, treatment and even sickness, if only for a while.

When you have a sick child and you live in Kerry, for example, your child’s treatment takes place in Dublin.

Can you imagine the stress on parents and siblings with regards to school runs, lunches, homework and even play time, when your priority and thoughts are always

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‘There are over 220 children waiting on a wish to be granted and with a new child added to the list everyday they really need support as they get no government funding at all and totally rely on fundraising’

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with your sick child and his or her next three-day treatment in Dublin?

All too often, the siblings resent the sick child for monopolising their parents. Make-A-Wish allows the sick child to become the hero and to put the smile back on everyone’s faces.

The concept of MakeA-Wish began in America back in 1980, when Chris, a seven-year-old boy with leukaemia, told his mum he wished he could be a policeman for a day.

She decided to do her utmost to make his wish come true and with the help of the local police

force – the first wish of the Make-A-Wish movement was granted. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish is now in every state in America and in 37countries worldwide, with Make-A-Wish opening in Ireland in 1992.

The foundation have granted all sort of wishes, visits to football grounds such as Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge where the children have met the players and managers, trips to Disneyworld to meet their favourite characters or, for girls, simply having a bedroom turned into a pink Barbie room.

There are many wonderful stories of how

wishes have added joy to a child’s day and given the family something to smile about, if only for a short time.

Currently, there are over 220 children waiting on a wish to be granted and, with a new child added to the list every day, they really need support as they get no government funding at all and totally rely on fundraising.

Awareness They are looking for people to run on behalf of the foundation to help raise not only funds, but awareness of the charity too, and whether you raise €10 or €1,000, it all really helps. They will be there on the day to assist you in any way possible and they are always at the end of the phone should you have any queries.

For further information, call Make-A-Wish Foundation Ireland on 01-205 2012 or visit www.makeawish.ie

Gaming: Meet Super Mario’s dad and legendary Nintendo figure

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Track and Field Championships, Paul Hession (Athenry AC) produced the performance of the championships in the 200m winning in 20.51, achieving the A qualification standard for both the World Championships and the London Olympic Games. After what he described as a ‘frustrating’ season, the Galway man was delighted to have finally run the time, particularly in Dublin.

He was pushed all the way

by U23 European finalist, Steven Colvert (Crusaders AC), who was second in 20.84, while European U23 400m silver medallist, Brian Gregan, was third in 21.09 in a personal best. Paul was awarded the cheque of €500 for the Woodie’s DIY performance of the meet.

Pictured are Ray Colman, Chief Executive of Woodie’s DIY and Garden Centres presenting a €500 cheque to Irish Record Holder, Paul Hession.

SEE GAMING PAGE 25

14 GAZETTE 1 September 2011

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC RADIO: A FRESH OUTLOOK FOR O’CALLAGHAN AND 4FM

Afternoon delight for Gareth’s radio relaunch Q ROB HEIGH

Imelda May

COMPETITION: Win special Imelda album FOLLOWING her recent appearances on Conan O’Brien’s late night talk show on American television, as well as the stage of Grant Park in Chicago at the Lollapalooza music festival, Imelda May is releasing a new version of her hit album, Mayhem, next month, and Gazette Music have five copies to give away in our exclusive competition.

More Mayhem features the full original album, as well as new tracks Gypsy, Blues A Calling and upcoming single, Roadrunner, as well as a cover of Patsy Cline’s Walking After Midnight, and remixes of Inside Out and Proud And Humble.

Imelda’s stint stateside has seen her hailed in all quarters, and the impression she has made has propelled Mayhem to number one on the Billboard New Artist chart.

To win a copy of More Mayhem, simply answer the following question: Where in Dublin is Imelda May from?

Send your answer to competition@gazettegroup.com, with the subject line “Imelda Mayhem”, before Friday, September 9.

DU BL I N h a s b e e n blessed in recent years with the appearance of several new stations catering to more niche audiences that fall outwith the traditional demographic lines that programmers identify when planning their content.

Radio Nova and P h a n t o m F M h ave blazed a trail for rock and indie, and now, Classic Hits 4FM are aiming to do the same thing for, of course, lovers of classic hits.

The multi-city broadcaster is gearing up for a huge publicity campaign to draw what it sees as a prime market to the station as they fill their airtime with the kind of songs that are instantly recognisable and loved across a wide section of the population.

Speaking to Gazette Mu s i c l a s t we e k , a very familiar voice of Irish radio, Gareth O’Callaghan, was clear about the place that 4FM will take in people’s hearts with their new approach.

“We are targeting a broad audience as well, basically, people who love good music from any era. What we are offering is something people are going to say, “Yes, this is for me”.

“We have a broad remit as to the kind of music we can play, from the ’60s and the late ’70s and ’80s, all the way through to the best tracks of the last five years – good, classic music, from all genres.”

O’Callaghan is a well known voice on Irish radio, his 2FM show in the afternoon being a stalwart of the airwaves

Gareth O’Callaghan in the offices of 4FM: “People need to listen, because they will like it.”

for many years, and he has returned to that slot on 4FM as part of the relaunch, after a period hosting their flagship breakfast show, and he is thrilled with the response of the increas-

worked fantastically well. “ I t ’s r e f l e c t e d o n the messages we get in to the studio – I’ve never seen such a busy text screen, and we’re swamped by the many

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‘We’ve got rid of all the things that people had thrown at them and was told was good radio in the last 10 years, and stripped it back to what works - a friendly voice and great music’ --------------------------------------------------------

ing number of listeners who are tuning in and getting in touch with the show.

“We’re relaunching the station with a new schedule and new presenters. Myself, I am back on the afternoon show after having hosted the breakfast show on 4FM, and that has

ways that people can get in touch with us – on Facebook, on Twitter and email and text as well.

The feeling I’m getting is that people are really responding well to what we’re doing, and we want more people to get involved and listening.”

With a potential reach of 2.7 million people across the areas that 4FM broadcasts in, there is every chance of it breaking the traditional habits of radio fans.

“The ratings are climbing at a phenomenal rate, and we want to build on that with our new approach,” said O’Callaghan.

“There has been such a huge change in the station, we know w h e r e we ’r e g o i n g .

In six months’ time, I believe we’ll have a firm foothold all round the country.

“The next six months will be a challenge, but we believe we are going to be very successful. I believe, in 18 months, we are going to be one of the biggest radio stations in the country.”

O’Callaghan is convinced that the formula will work because, he firmly believes, that

4FM is hitting the right note at the right time.

What we’re doing at Classic Hits 4FM now is re-establishing what radio is all about – entertainment.

“We’ve got rid of all the things that people had thrown at them and was told was good radio in the last 10 years, and stripped it back to what works - a friendly voice and great music.

“With the current doom and gloom, we’re helping to remind people of when things were better, when they were more involved in the music, and we’re trying to recreate that.

“We simply play the music that people love, what you listen to when you want to feel good.

The music speaks for itself.

“We need to convince people that they need to listen, because they will like it,” said O’Callaghan.

1 September 2011 GAZETTE 15

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Edited by Dawn Love

Armani launches first regenerative skincare range “THERE is skin. And then there is Armani skin – a skin that you want to touch, a skin that you won’t forget, a skin that appears luminous, youthful, desirable,” says world-famous designer Giorgio Armani,whose luxury skincare brand has just launched its first advanced regenerative skincare range.

To create the first Advanced Regenerative Skincare, Giorgio Armani Laboratories say they were inspired by the research work of Professor Peter Lorenz, Plastic Surgery, Head of

the Scarless Skin Repair Laboratory at the Stanford School of Medicine.

During his general surgery research training at UCSF, Professor Lorenz was part of a team that made a major discovery. The foetuses that bore impor tant surgery in utero, did not show any scar when born. They regenerated perfectly.

“Ideally, we want tissues to heal with a perfect replacement tissue.

This is what we mean by tissue regeneration.

For skin, regenerative healing would result in

new skin. The appearance of the regenerated skin would be just like the surrounding normal skin – a perfect match of colour, texture, and feel to normal skin,” says Lorenz.

The range includes Multi-Corrective Rejuvenating Cream €85,Youth Regenerator Serum €95, Eye Rejuvenatin Serum €60 and Cosmetic Water €40.

Giorgio Armani Regenessence is available exclusively at Brown Thomas Dublin and Brown Thomas Cork from September 2011.

A delicious new multipurpose oil

Giorgio Armani’s advanced regenerative skincare range includes the Youth Regenerator Serum (top right) and the Multi-Corrective Rejuvenating Cream (above)

Wedding fair

Newly crowned Miss Ireland, Holly Carpenter, will be amongst those attending this year’s Radisson Blu St Helen’s Wedding Fair Sunday, September 25, from 2pm – 6pm.

The annual event is a must for brides-to-be with a huge range of

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suppliers taking part with all the latest fashions for your big day, tasty food ideas, Cathy O’Connor, TV3’s celeb stylist and the chance to enter a competition to win a two-night stay at the stylish Missoni Hotel in Edinburgh for two people.

And if you book your

wedding at the Radisson Blu, St Helen’s on September 25, you will receive a 20% discount off your wedding menu price and complimentary sparkling wine reception for your guests.

For information, contact Radisson Blu St Helen’s Hotel Stillorgan on 01 218 6000.

IRISH company, Tan Organic, has just launched a new multipurpose product, Oil Arganic, that can be used for dry, cracked skin, hair, nails, stretch marks and scars.

The delicious new oil is formulated with ingredients such as argan oil, rosehip oil, macadamia oil, sweet almond oil and avocado oil. Tan Organic says it’s also perfect for use during tanning to prolong tan and ensure tan wears off evenly.

It is soon to be available nationwide at €24.99, and you can order online through www.skinlogic.com

16 GAZETTE 1 September 2011

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day from around the capital

A host of well-known faces from sport, politics, entertainment and business got together to launch this year’s Blue September Ireland initiative this week

Gazette Contacts Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251

Managing Director: Liam Holland email: lholland@gazettegroup.com General Manager: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com

Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

Blue in the face? It’s on trend this month!

THE inaugural Blue September Ireland campaign launched this week with the aim of challenging Irish men to face up to cancer.

Blue September Ireland will raise awareness of bowel, lung, prostate and testicular cancer, while fundraising for the following Irish charities: Cancer Care West, The Marie Keating Foundation, The Mater Foundation and The Mercy Hospital Foundation.

Key supporters of this year’s campaign include An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Bernard Jackman, Trent Johnson, Karl Henry, Gerry McEntee – Consultant Surgeon at the Mater Hospital, and the Leinster, Munster and Connacht Rugby teams.

Blue September Ireland is encouraging people to host a Blue event, by either painting their faces blue one day in September, hosting a Blue themed day in work or to create a completely new Blue idea to raise vital funds.

Unislim have designed a healthy eating plan – Food Max For Men – written for men. This plan will not only help men to lose weight, it will boost their health and increase their energy levels. The plans are available to purchase online at www.unislim.com or at any Unislim class nationwide.

All proceeds will go directly to Blue September.

DIARY Calling carnivores!

A LITTLE beyond the pale for the Diary this week, but we received a most intriguing email from the southeast! It reads: “My dad (O’Flynn’s Wholesale Victuallers) is a quality butcher in Waterford and one of the oldest family butchers in Ireland (oldest record I can find is 1846). With over 165 years in the business comes lots of ‘meat’ know how!

“We want to start a campaign to get the Irish people’s favourite recipes into one collection. To do this, we need lots of recipes and we would love some help in rallying the community!

“The Butcher and Us want to bring a community cook book, filled with recipes and tips that focus on meat as the main ingredient of each dish, from traditional ‘comfortstyle meals’ to tapas and other interesting ways of cooking meat.

“We want to collect the community’s favourite meat recipes from breakfast specials, to dinner favourites to BBQ secrets.

We are going to collect them all into a very special cookbook.

“We need people to email thebutcherandus@gmail.com with their meat recipes along with their name, where they are from, email address and phone number so we can get in touch before the book is published.”

So, any passionate Dublin carnivores out there who would like their meaty recipes included in this gastronomic tome should get in touch – just don’t forget to send the Diary a sample of your finest dish.

Laugh for Peamount THE Friends of Peamount Hospital will kick off their year-long fundraising drive this month with a special event at Dublin’s Laughter Lounge on Eden Quay.

The society is aiming to raise money to replace older buildings at the hospital, as they get set to celebrate their centenary next year. The event will kickstart a fundraising drive that will end with next year’s centenary celebrations, sure to be a highlight for many in the area.

The event takes place on Wednesday, September 28, and will see The Panel regular Jarlath Regan MC for a night of comedy.

Tickets, priced at €25 each can be purchased from Fran Brennan at 01 6010300 ext 292 or email fbrennan@peamount.ie

1 September 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: KEEPING CANINE FLEAS AT BAY IS ESSENTIAL FOR A DOG’S GOOD HEALTH

Keeping your pet from those pesky parasites HE phone’s been ringing with requests for education workshops – hailing the start of the new school year.

One of the most popular requests has been from mums’ groups looking for my Pesky Parasites workshops, dealing with canine fleas. And, while these pests are more likely to cause problems during warm weather, I tell callers they’re also known to hang around during the cool season due to their abilities to continue their life cycle indoors.

Ah, those dreaded fleas.

We can never, ever underestimate the determined little freeloaders.

Ok, they can be neutralised, however, they’re very resilient and have a four-stage cycle making it difficult to get rid of them.

For example, did you know a flea can live in our environment for over a year without feeding and is protected by their impenetrable shell? It’s at this stage they survive most treatments and return to breed and repopulate year after year – sort of like a series of bad horror movie sequels.

Remember Friday the 13th?

So, be warned, one hatched cocoon can produce over a trillion offspring in her nine-month life-span. This army can continue to fight time and again, causing a serious health risk to your pet (in extreme circumstances, anemia). So you see, treating your pet is essential for their good

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health and in order to kill any errant fleas entering from other quarters.

Remember, fleas can jump over six feet and will get into your home via pets and humans. If you’ve white clothing, like runners, sports socks, t-shirts – they love it.

They’ll get into the sitting room and live there unnoticed and will happily reproduce without you ever knowing… well, not until the problem is at

worms to your dog.

So, how do I check for fleas?

• Check your dog’s coat for flea dirt (feces) • Comb your dog’s coat while he’s lying on a white sheet of paper – black flecks that resemble dirt will fall onto the paper.

Transfer them to a damp piece of paper and, if they turn reddish brown, then it usually means fleas have sucked blood from

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‘A flea can live in our environment for over a year without feeding and is protected by their impenetrable shell. It’s at this stage they survive most treatments and return to breed and re-populate year after year – sort of like a series of bad horror movie sequels ’ -------------------------------------------------------

an advanced stage. So, it’s best to treat everywhere; indoors, outbuildings like garages, sheds, dog kennels, etc.

Here’s a checklist:

your pet and have passed into the flea’s waste matter. If they remain black, the flecks are possibly just regular dirt on your dog.

Whew!

How will fleas affect my dog?

Preventing fleas?

• Dog will incessantly chew and scratch at himself, often until the area becomes hairless, raw and weeping. This can cause scaling and a bacterial infection.

• Display visible patches of hair loss due to scratching.

• Possible skin allergies.

• Fleas may transmit other parasites like tape-

• In the house: Regularly hoover carpets, bedding, and furniture and anywhere else your dog spends time. Remember to immediately dispose of your hoover bag, otherwise it will act as an incubator for un-hatched fleas. Regular washing of your dog’s bedding will help.

• In the garden: Fleas thrive in shady, protected areas where your dog

loves to rest. Keep an eye on these areas and use an insecticide (usually sprayed through a garden hose). Always read the label, use extreme caution, consult your vet and keep your dog away from this area until it is safe to allow him return. Alternatively, use a natural flea repellant like cedar chips along the fence line or in dark areas.

• Keep your grass short and get rid of any dark, moist heaps like leaves or rubbish.

• Your pet’s diet: Fleas l ove m a l n o u r i s h e d animals because their immune systems are weak. Make sure your pet has a balanced diet. Consult your vet for advice on proper feeding.

Treatment:

• Flea shampoo • Regular grooming • On-pet spray • Monthly spot applications • Treat all dogs in the household So readers, if you want your pet to live free of disease, irritation, allergies and infestation, do not allow this remorseless enemy to survive in his environment.

Always check with your vet, but I believe prevention is better than cure and personally use a systemic monthly flea product, which dramatically reduces the flea burden in mine and my dog’s environment.

For more info log onto www.dspca.ie, check with your vet or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca. ie

Fleas can jump over six feet and can get into your home via pets and humans

WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

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18 GAZETTE 1 September 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS Lexus unveils its new safer GS 350

LEXUS has unveiled the new GS model in the US and the news is that the car will reach the Irish market in 2012. Lexus claims that the new GS is more spacious and has a bolder design than in the past.

The car has a redesigned chassis with a

wide, strong stance that delivers a new level of crisp and precise handling.

The track, wider by 40mm at the front and 50mm at the rear, works in combination with a revised suspension design to what Lexus claims is a more assured stance and

superior cornering performance.

The car features a new suspension system. In the front, aluminium upper and lower control arms employ larger bushings.

The rear sub frame has been completely redesigned to accommodate a new multi-link

rear suspension, to give better rear-end control.

With the stiffer platform and lighter components, the shock absorbers can use lighter-viscosity oil, responding faster to small inputs.

The increased use of aluminium reduces weight and results in sig-

nificantly improved agility, ride comfort, body control and steering precision.

The new Lexus GS will include hybrid and F-Sport versions. For the Irish market there will be the GS 450h full hybrid and GS 250 petrol engine derivatives.

The new Lexus GS 350

Chevrolet showcase new Malibu CHEVROLET will be showcasing the new Malibu model at the upcoming Frankfur t Motor Show. The car was not previously available in Europe. It will go on sale next year and be the brand’s new flagship model.

With a wheelbase of 2,737mm and a track width of 1,577mm, the new Malibu has an athletic posture. Its grounded stance and an integrated spoiler combine to give the car an assertive look.

Thanks to a drag coefficient close to the Volt’s 0.28, Chevrolet claims that the Malibu will be one of the most aerodynamically efficient cars in Chevrolet’s passenger vehicle line-up. The drag coefficient close to the General Motors Volt at 0.28, helping to keep fuel consumption levels low.

The Malibu will have the option of a 164bhp 2.0-litre diesel or 169bhp 2.4-litre petrol engine – expect that diesel power will dominate in Ireland and the rest of Europe.

There will be the option

Chevrolet’s new Malibu

of both manual and automatic transmission.

The car will be fitted with chassis control technologies including fourchannel anti-lock brakes (ABS), full-function traction control, four-corner electronic stability control (ESC), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), brake assist system (BA), corner brake control, hydraulic brake fade assist and drag torque control.

When it comes to safety features, the new Malibu will be one of the best-equipped vehicles in the segment. It will be pedestrian-protectioncompliant in all markets where it is sold.

A total of eight airbags, dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, driver and frontpassenger pelvic/thorax side-impact airbags as well as roof rail-airbags with rollover protection, are standard safety features for all global markets. Rear park assist and a rearview camera are available with mid- and up-level offerings.

The new Volkswagen Jetta received a five-star rating in the most recent Euro NCAP crash test survey

More five stars at Euro NCAP tests but it’s getting tougher THE latest set of Euro NCAP crash test results brings an additional reward and more fivestars, but not everyone is ready for tougher requirements in 2012.

This month’s top scorers with five-star results are the Audi A6, the BMW X3, the Chevrolet Aveo and Chevrolet Orlando, the Citroën DS5, the Hyundai i40, the Opel Ampera, the VW Golf Cabriolet and Jetta.

Only the Kia Picanto receives an overall rating of four stars, a result poorer than many of its city-car competitors.

The new Picanto is fitted with Electronic Stability Control as standard in Ireland, but not in

every European market, so hence the lower fourstar rating as the lowest model specification is selected for the test.

The new Opel Ampera electric car achieved an overall rating of five stars.

The new range-extending EV reached the maximum points in the side pole test as a result of a well optimized balance of structure, interior and restraint system.

Also released this month are the Chevrolet Aveo and Chevrolet Orlando, which showed good whiplash and adult occupant protection scores. This compares with the previous Aveo which made headlines due a poor struck-

through two-star adult occupant result.

Some of the tested vehicles have obtained high scores for child occupant protection.

The Hyundai i40 and both VW Jetta and Golf Cabriolet scored 86%.

Michiel van Ratingen Euro NCAP secretary general said: “Euro NCAP evaluates child safety for each model tested and encourages car manufacturers to provide equally good protection for adults and children. We consider child protection as a very important part of the overall star rating and have plans to step up our requirements even more in the coming years.”

W h i l e m a ny c a r s

released continue to impress in the areas of adult and child occupant protection, pedestrian protection scores are generally still lagging behind.

The Opel Ampera,Audi A6 and Citroen DS5 only just meet Euro NCAP’s 2011 pedestrian requirements for a five-star rating. None of the cars in this current batch would meet the more stringent five-star requirement of 60% coming into effect in 2012.

A few car makers have already stepped up, showing much higher pedestrian scores such as the recently tested Ford Focus. Euro NCAP hopes that others will follow suit

soon.

Euro NCAP is encouraged to see important advanced safety systems being offered to consumers on more and more models. The largest model yet for Citroen’s premium sub-brand, the Citroen DS5, also achieved five stars. The car is fitted with the Citroen Localized Emergency Call, a PSA Peugeot-Citroen technology recognised in 2010 under Euro NCAP Advanced.

The new BMW X3 comes with Advanced eCall. This is a system that is able to automatically notify emergency services providing critical details of the crash event.

1 September 2011 GAZETTE 19

RoadSigns Road Signs THE IRISH MX5 OWNERS CLUB TO HOLD THEIR FIRST EVENT: THE

Skoda now offers more 4x4 versions than any other car company and the Yeti 4x4 with its smooth DSG gearbox (above, right) gives an easy to drive option when road conditions get wet and icy. The entry price for a 4x4 Yeti is €29,545 before delivery charges with the DSG option adding an extra €2,000 to the price.

Skoda Yeti can tough it MICHAEL MORONEY put the 4x4 performance of the Yeti SUV to the test in the difficult off-road conditions of Southern Russia KODA needed to take us to new limits to prove a point – that the Skoda Yeti can tough it out when it comes to off-road driving. The hills of Wicklow, Kerry or Connemara were not enough of a challenge, so we crossed Europe to the edge of Russia’s Black Sea and the city of Sochi from where we began a two-day Yeti journey into the Caucuses Mountains.

The holiday resort city of Sochi will be the base site for the 2014 Winter Olympics. It sits against the backdrop of the high Caucuses Mountains.

The area is mountainous with interesting off-road sections, while the winding roads are busy with construction machines, as Sochi re-creates itself to be a modern centre for the Winter Olympics. The road conditions through the mountain regions varied between poor and

S

SPECS: SKODA YETI 2.0 TDI 4X4 DSG Top speed: 177 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 11.6 sec Economy: 18.8 km/litre (5.3 l/100km or 53mpg) CO2 emissions: 155 g/ km Road Tax Band: C (€302) Euro NCAP Rating: 5 Star 2009 Warranty: 2 years Entry Price: €30,000+

miserable.

Truck traffic dominated as the construction work is at full pace. Machines and trucks worked night and day to complete the huge transformation of sleepy villages into a world class winter sports and skiing centre.

The off-road areas were rough and hard on the cars, with steep declines of large rubble- type rocks and occasional river crossings – not the type of conditions that I expected to see the Yeti being comfortable in.

We took the Skoda Yeti

into the hills near Sochi.

This Yeti was powered by a 1.8-litre TSI petrol engine and fitted with the smooth DSG automatic gearbox. I believe that a similar and more costeffective Yeti with the same gearbox system and powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine will achieve similar performance in Irish conditions.

We travelled across some rough off-road conditions, with deep ruts and rubble trackways where the Yeti coped well.

The Yeti’s off-road ability is provided by a rearwheel-drive gearbox that delivers drive to the rear axle when conditions get difficult. The system uses what’s called a Haldex gearbox. It sends drive to the rear wheels once the front ones come under pressure.

The Yeti has a dashmounted button that engages the drive when you face off-road challenges. The system works

like the hill descent system that other 4x4’s offer.

When driving down steep hills the system automatically holds the Yeti with an ABS braking type of engagement. You simply take your foot off the brake pedal and let the system control your descent. Very soon you develop confidence in the Yeti’s off-road ability.

Popular

The 1.8-litre TSI petrol engine that powered our Russian Yetis is not popular on the Irish market where fuel prices are higher than in Russia.

In its favour this engine is very smooth and as powerful as the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel version more common here, even it if has lower torque figures.

For our conditions, the diesel power with its lower CO2 rating of 169g/km and a price tag of €33,395 would achieve similar offroad performance.

Torque was not an issue on the cars tested – they fared well in all road conditions and compensated for a lower torque with a smooth and lively onroad performance. The diesel powered versions have nearly double that level of torque and that’s why you get a higher trailer pulling capacity.

They also have lower CO2 ratings, down a band from the petrol powered models, giving a saving of almost €200 in annual road tax. They are also significantly more fuel efficient by at least one-third.

After two days of on and off road driving, the Yeti proved its off-road ability convincingly. I no longer need to be convinced about its offroad ability. It was just a long way to go to prove a point.

When we descended the rugged off-road test routes on the hills the cars took to the roads

without a rattle. That’s just what you expect and no less – that’s the standard set by established 4x4s on the market. Skoda’s Yeti has to meet that standard and it does. For everyday driving, you can expect the Yeti to be as smooth as any other car on the road.

Most people don’t think of the Skoda Yeti in the tough stakes – now I no longer need to be convinced. The Yeti with its off-road features can cope with the rough and the smooth that’s expected from modern 4x4s.

For Irish conditions, with diesel power, it’s at the affordable end of the market with 4x4 starting prices from €29,545, before delivery charges.

The smooth driving DSG gearbox adds about €2,000 more to the price and pushes the car into a higher Band C tax category. If you can afford to live with this, it’s so much worth it!

Irish MX5 Owners Club will hold their first event on Sunday September 25. It will be a Club Run for any MX5 / Eunos Roadster Mk 1 Mk 2 or Mk 3 Owners.

The run will start and finish in Leinster and will take in some of the most interesting roads and beautiful scenery in the area.

Final details will be announced for owners to make their own arrangements to join us.

The club is looking forward to good weather for their first event and meeting with many new members. For more information, contact David Sykes, of The Irish MX5 Owners CLUB on 0863359590 or email: theirishmx5 ownersclub@gmail. com

20 GAZETTE 1 September 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS VW dealers’ €99 service offer VOLKSWAGEN dealers are offering a new service offer for all Volkswagen models, registered since 2007.

For just €99, a registered Volkswagen dealership will ensure your vehicle receive a service programme for €99 that includes, oil filter and change, free wash and vacuum, 34-point health check, upgrades check and a Volkswagen service stamp, which is only available from a registered

Volkswagen dealer.

All services carried out at a Volkswagen dealer include the Volkswagen 10-point Service Promise, exclusive to the Volkswagen Dealers Network. Among the items of the Service Promise, Volkswagen dealers will promise to match any like-for-like written quote, using Volkswagen Genuine Parts, within a 10km radius of any Volkswagen Service Centre. They will promise to fit wiper blades

and exterior bulbs bought from them free-of-charge.

They will also replace all exterior bulbs, including sidelights, headlights, brakelights, foglights and reverse and indicator bulbs. If you need interior, Xenon or LED lights replacing, they will provide a competitive quote for fitting those too.

They also promise to give your car a 34 point visual inspection through our Service Clinic absolutely free with no obliga-

tion. They will also check for any warrantable product enhancements recommended by Volkswagen and perform these freeof-charge.

The promise includes that every time you come for any job that takes over an hour in their workshops, they will wash and vacuum your car for free.

If the work takes less than an hour, but you’d still like it cleaned, just let them know and they will do that for free too.

The new Audi A8 hybrid combines a four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor

Audi given green light to build the hybrid A8 AUDI has given the green light for the production of the A8 hybrid. The car is expected to be available on the Irish market in 2012.

The Audi A8 hybrid will combine 2.0-litre four-cylinder TFSI petrol engine with electric motor for zero emissions driving and in excess of 15.6km/ litre (44mpg). The new A8 hybrid will offer performance befitting its 245bhp and 480Nm outputs, despite delivering more sub-148g/km CO2 output and all-electric, emissions-free running at speeds of up to 100km.

The 2.0-litre TFSI engine, which has been modified in some areas,

generates an output of 211bhp and makes a 350 Nm torque peak available between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm. The combustion engine works together with a disc-shaped electric motor which generates 40 kW (54bhp) and 210 Nm. The permanent magnet electric motor is mounted in the space usually occupied by the torque converter in front of the modified eight-speed tiptronic transmission.

A multi-plate clutch that operates in an oil bath connects or disconnects the electric motor and the TFSI engine. The smooth and fast-shifting hybrid transmission guides

the torque to the front wheels. Audi claims that its wide gear spread contributes to the efficiency of the Audi A8 hybrid.

The Audi A8 hybrid will be capable of reaching 100km from rest in 7.7 seconds. The car will be able to drive at up to 100km/hr purely on electric power and has a range of up to 300km at a constant 60km/hr.

The car will have a choice of three modes.

The ‘EV’ setting gives priority to the electric drive, while the ‘D’ option efficiently controls both the engine and the electric motor. The ‘S’ mode and the tiptronic gate place the emphasis on optimal

acceleration.

The hybrid saloon has five operating states, with the TFSI engine alone, with electric drive only or in hybrid mode; recuperation and boosting are also possible. Two displays show the driver all operating modes in detail.

Audi claims that the Audi A8 hybrid will be one of the lightest cars in its category. Its ASF (Audi Space Frame) body is made almost entirely of aluminium, with ultrahigh-strength steel used only for the B-pillars to optimise rigidity. It is roughly 40% lighter than a comparable steel construction.

1 September 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS REPORT: WORLDWIDE FIGURES ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS

Sales have stabilised at Harvey Norman HARVEY Norman has announced its worldwide sales from their Australian, New Zealand, Slovenia, Ireland and Northern Ireland business totalled €4.45b ($6.18b AUD) for the 12 months ended 30 June 2011. When compared to sales for the same period in 2009, this was an increase of 1.7%.

The Republic of Ireland operation managed to stabilise sales with only a slight decrease of 0.2% for the same period, while sales in Northern Ireland increased by 3.2%. Both Irish divisions grew sales for the second half (Jan – Jun) against last year, with the Republic of Ireland operation growing sales in Q3 by 1.9% and Q4 by 4.6%.

Encouraging

“It was really a year of two halves for us, with sales flat before Christmas, and then some encouraging growth in the six months to June,” said Blaine Callard, chief executive of the Irish Operation.

“Consumer sentiment continues to be very weak, and shows no signs of recovering soon.

Big ticket retail sales in furniture and electronics have been hit the hardest, so it’s about getting a bigger slice of a smaller pie.

Strategy

“We will continue to improve our operation, investing in our people, our service and our stores. The strategy for us is to focus on growing marketshare. Revenue growth in the second half is very positive for us against such a difficult economic backdrop.”

INTEREST RATE WORRIES Q – The ECB rate is forecast to go up c. 0.75% over the next nine months. My current margin is 1.1% which will mean the total rate in nine months’ time will be 3.1%. I am currently paying interest only and my 25-year €235,000 mortgage reverts to a capital and interest repayment schedule in nine months’ time also.

Twenty years will still remain on the term at that point. I don’t think I can afford the new repayment. Should I ask for an extension on Award-winning architect, energy specialist and TV personality Duncan Stewart and B&Q Ireland’s, Luke Dolan

the interest-only term ? Jack - Churchtown

RETAIL: B&Q AND STEWART ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP

A – By asking to extend your interest only pay-

Helping you save energy and money B&Q Ireland has announced a partnership with award-winning architect, energy specialist and TV personality, Duncan Stewart.

The partnership will see Duncan making it easier for people to improve their home’s energy efficiency, save money on their energy bills and make homes more comfortable.

Duncan Stewart will work with B&Q Ireland to offer his expert advice and experience and will provide regular tips and advice through in-store communication and online at www.ener gysaverscheme.ie

The partnership marks the launch of B&Q Ireland’s campaign to help householders start saving energy and money. It will also include the official launch of the Energy Saver Centre at Liffey Valley on September 7.

This will be a one-stop energy shop, offering expert advice, a free home energy audit, DIY energy saving products and fully guaranteed installations of energy measures such as internal / external insulation, boiler upgrades and solar panels Energy specialist, Duncan Stewart said: “I am passionate about helping people recognise that

there is a lot that we can do to make our homes warmer and more energy efficient.

“With energy bills continuing to rise and our homes becoming harder to heat in winter, there are simple measures that we can all take to help save energy and save costs. Most energy upgrades pay themselves back overtime, increase long-term comfort and increase the value of our homes.

“I am delighted to be working with B&Q to offer advice and expertise on this area and hope that it gives people the confidence to consider

making their homes more energy efficient.”

Luke Dolan, B&Q Ireland, added: “In September, we will officially open our Energy Saver Centre in Liffey Valley where customers can come and speak to our energy expert and our team of fully trained energy advisors, who will offer them real advice and guidance on how to make their homes more energy efficient, comfortable and ultimately save them money ” Duncan Stewart will be at B&Q Liffey Valley on September 7 to talk to customers and provide advice.

Counting the cost of college

WHETHER you are a first time student, or returning after the summer break, your finances may not be top of your to-do list. College is expensive, whether you’re living at home or renting, you’ll find your money disappearing quickly when you’re on a tight budget. The National Consumer Agency’s (NCA) have five steps on www.itsyourmoney. ie to help you manage your money and make sure you have enough to last the academic year.

The steps cover everything from

finding accommodation to dayto-day expenses, such as food and travel tickets.

Our budgeting tips will help you make sure you balance the books all the way to the end of the college year. We also have some top money saving tips to get the most from your bank balance and with everything from second hand shopping to discount sites, it’s definitely worth a look. Try out the Economiser (www.economiser.ie) the NCA’s online tool to help you

minimise household bills.

Opening a student bank account may not be the most exciting prospect, but making sure you choose the right account for you is important. Our student cost comparisons on www.itsyourmoney.ie will help you to compare student current accounts, credit cards and loans across the market.

Our money management steps are here to help you make the most of your college experience without stressing about your cash!

ments and withhold the capital element, you are only kicking the can down the road. Say you were given a three year interest-only extension, it means that your capital repayments when you do resume in three years’ time will have to pay ALL that capital over a shorter period – 17 years.

Currently, you are paying € 460.21 each month and in nine months’ time, if the interest rates rise by 0.75%, this payment will be € 607.08 – an increase of € 146.87 per month. If you pay back the capital also, this payment will go to € 1,325.77 per month.

If you assume you will be given a moratorium on the capital for three years paying that € 607.08 per month, you will then be required to repay your € 235,000 over 17 years costing you € 1,493.90 per month – over € 1,000 per month increase on your current interest-only payment.

What you need to do is budget – work out exactly what your income and your expenditure are.

Property prices are not going up any time soon and you need to work out a plan that is effectively going to repay your mortgage and allow you a certain dignity of lifestyle. You could negotiate extending the term but you may lose your tracker rate by doing so – this should be your last resort and you should try to maintain that tracker at all costs.

In the meantime, cut your own costs if you can or earn more and query all expenses. Best of luck.

Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

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22 GAZETTE 1 September 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL GazetteFestival A top-notch weekend getaway in County Mayo

Dunderry House

The Spirit of Folk Festival to take over the lush Meath countryside with music and other family events WITH boutique festivals popping up all over the place, the Spirit of Folk Festival, being held in the lush County Meath countryside from September 23 to 25, looks set to stand apart from all others, with a plethora of exciting events to keep all the family happy.

With an emphasis on community-based activities, as well as a stellar musical line up of folk legends, this boutique festival is gearing up to be a treat for all the senses and promises to be a soothing way to end the festival season.

Seventies folk heroes, Dr Strangely Strange, who have just been added to the line up, will take to the special Magnakata stage along with Gay Woods of Steeleye Span, Fiach, Lisa O’Neill, Rob Cunningham, The Young Folk, Owensie, Hot Sprockets and St John the Gambler.

The weekend will kick off with a lively Ceili Mor on Friday and guests are encouraged to bring their own musical instruments and join in the fun.

Event organisers have promised a weekend to rival Bilbo Baggins’ birthday bash with an endless list of unconventional activities including archery, ancient astronomy, falconry, battle re-enactments, storytelling in a candle lit cairn, burning effigies, medieval games, fireworks, community games, shamanism as well as a Mind, Body and Soul area.

Revellers can indulge themselves in the many holistic treatments that will be on offer including Indian Head Massage, Reiki, Acupuncture as well as a spot of either Kundalini or Laughing Yoga for those who want a meaningful festival awakening.

Campers will not have far to walk to the main festival area and those counting the pennies will be thrilled to know they can bring along their own tipple. However, lots of delicious food will be available on site.

Ticket Details - €95 for weekend camping pass, €59 for Saturday Only. Kids under 12 go free.

Tickets are available online from tickets.ie or directly from Dunderry Park by calling 046 90 74455.

JESSICA MAILE

AS you drive west across the country, the flat scenery of the midlands gives way to the dramatic hills and mountains of Mayo and it’s then you know you’re in for a great weekend.

Arriving in Westport, you can not help but be delighted by the colourful pubs, varied shops and many restaurants in this lovely town. Shops like Foxford Woollen Mills and Carraig Dunne have some of the best of Irish goods on offer and there are restaurants from Chinese to Indian and traditional pub food to Italian Standing in prime location is the Castlecourt Hotel, which is an excellent location to spend all of your time or to use as a base to visit the delights that Connaught has to offer, including Croagh Patrick, if you feel daring.

I have read many a

review about this hotel and I was not disappointed. The friendliness of all the staff is definitely what makes this hotel such a success.

The most amazing thing about staying there was the fact that you were not yet another figure on a corporate hotel chain’s balance book. This is a large, family-run hotel,

and spacious and the fourposter bed was a unique sleeping experience.

The hotel bar was a pleasant way to end an evening, either outside in the cosy armchairs or inside at Petie Joe’s Bar, as locals and guests mingled as the live music played away and conversation filled the air.

This hotel also offers

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‘The Castlecourt Hotel is well worth the trip across the country to experience the delights of the West of Ireland. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that you forget is within easy driving distance.’

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and that is a unique thing in itself. You can feel the warmth and attention to detail that you would expect from a small hotel or B&B. The bedroom was grand

a great choice for eating with the informal dining at the Courtyard Bistro and the elegant Orchard restaurant. The food was of top quality and the staff always ready to help

The hotel is in a prime location within the town of Westport

make your dining experience one to remember.

The Castlecourt Hotel also has an excellent leisure centre, the C Club, which includes a 20-metre pool and kiddies’ splash pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, a fully-equipped gymnasium and even a hair salon.

But the real secret of a stay at the Castlecourt Hotel is the spa. If you still have that tension from work or you ache from a days’ adventure exploring the Mayo countryside, then spending time at Spa Sula is the best way to let all that stress and tiredness just melt away.

The choice of steam room or sauna allows you to sweat away all of your troubles and pains only to bring you back to life with the amazing choice of hot and cold showers.

The Caribbean rain shower cooled the heat of the sauna, making me ready to explore the salt room.

After all of the indoor treatments, it was a refreshing and unique treat to sit in the outside jacuzzi, which is in its own private grotto. The warmth of those bubbles were soothing as I filled my lungs with that pure cool country air.

I treated myself to the Sundari Abhyanga Massage, which is a full-body, oil massage that deeply relaxed my tired muscles but also rejuvenated me

The Castlecourt Hotel, in

at the same time.

After my massage, I lingered in the soft music and ambient light of the relaxation suite, which allowed me to drift away from reality and made me wonder if it was safe to drive or operate machinery after my time in Spa Sula.

So, all in all, the Castlecourt Hotel is well worth the trip across the country to experience the delights of the West of Ireland. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that you forget is within easy driving distance.

The staff and facilities of this Wesport hotel will leave your mind full of happy memories and have you planning your return trip as soon as you get home.

For more information on the Castlecourt Hotel for a Mayo getaway, go to www.castlecourthotel.ie

24 LUCAN GAZETTE 1 September 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1

GoingOUT GoingOUT MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Bastien and Bastienne

MOZART takes centre-stage at The Mill Theatre, Dundrum, with this production of his one-act comedy, written when the musical maestro was just 12-years-old, in 1768. His dramatic love story shows that the path of true love never runs smoothly, and certainly not for Bastien and Bastienne ... Presented by Opera Theatre Company, this production is sung in English, with music direction and piano accompaniment by Andrew Synott. Soprano, Nicola Mulligan, and tenor, Dean Power, take the title roles in this 45-minute show. The production runs on Sunday, September 4, with admission at €18/€15.

Mountains to Sea DLR Book Festival BUILDING on the massive success of the festival with book and arts lovers, the Mountains to Sea DLR Book Festival returns to The Mill Theatre to delight once again. Running at The Mill for two nights as part of the overall festival, the theatre will play host to two playwrights.

On Wednesday, September 7, from 10.30am to 12.30pm, Patrick Ness and Meg Rosoff will be in conversation with Dr Padraic Whyte. For ages 13+, and priced at €3 admission, Patrick and Meg are two of the most critically-acclaimed and popular authors writing for teenagers today.

Then, on Thursday, September 8, Roddy Doyle will guest at the Festival, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Suitable for ages 9+, and priced at €3, Roddy’s talk will see him discuss his new children’s book, Greyhound of a Girl.

For further details, see http://www.mountainstosea.ie, and http://www.milltheatre.ie/.

PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Mountains to Sea DLR Book Festival

CONTINUING the city-wide love of books and the arts, the Mountains to Sea DLR Festival has a wide range of events taking place at its Dun Laoghaire base and surrounds, including the following events – and many more ...

The DLR Literary Tour, on Sunday, September 4, will take in some of the literary sights and points of interest in the DLR region, home to a surprising number of Ireland’s literary greats. Assembling at Blackrock Dart Station at 10.45am, some familiar faces (and voices) will guide walkers around the area.

Also on Sunday, September 4, younger readers will warm to the blood-chilling tales in An Audience With Darren Shan. The horribly talented writer is the world’s most popular horror writer for children, and will enthrall with his insightful talk at 3pm.

On Wednesday, September 7, The Pavilion will welcome acclaimed US novelist Robert Coover to deliver the annual Beckett Address. A master of writing, which he also teaches, Coover credits Beckett with the revelation that it was no longer possible to “go back and write another 19th century novel”, and his address promises to be a must-see – or must-hear – for Beckett fans. The Beckett Address will be delivered at 8pm.

For further details, see www.paviliontheatre.ie/.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 4627477 Noah & The Tower Flower

BALLYMUN is the setting for a comic production on its only Irish dates before transferring to a New York run. Noah and Natalie begin to fall in love – but can they leave their pasts behind, and look to the future, together?

Highly-praised by critics, and winner of a number of awards, Noah & The Tower Flower plays nightly at 8pm on Friday, September 2 and Saturday. September 3, with admission priced at €12.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 My Way

LAST this week, but definitely not least, My Way, by Garvan Gallagher, is running at Draiocht until November, and is a superb collection of thoughtful studies concerning fashion, aging and self image. The memorable range of photographs and video pieces can be seen on the ground floor gallery.

For further details, see www.draiocht.ie/.

Sally (Emma Roberts) and George (Freddie Highmore) have to learn how to navigate the complexities of high school life as they grow older

Gets by, well enough Kate thinks that there are certainly worse films about teens out there, finding The Art of Getting By to be fairly diverting Q KATE CROWLEY

WHAAAAAT? A critic, criticised? I feel no less astonished than the portly workhouse foreman in Oliver Twist, facing an upstart in an unexpectedly gruelling situation.

However, criticised I was, for my review of the latest Spy Kids, last week.

(No complaints thus far over One Day, which leads me to conclude everyone else finds it as equally insipid as I.) Last week, I gave Spy Kids a One Star rating, yet have since been told, in no uncertain terms, that it was “brilliant”, and must thus amend my score to a Five Star grade, instead.

After all, much like portly workhouse foremen, film reviewers are both mystified by, and intimidated by, knee-high whippersnappers, especially those who discover you don’t like the same films that they do.

FILM OF THE WEEK: The Art of Getting By +++ (12A) 83 mins Director: Gavin Wiesen Starring: Freddie Highmore, Emma Roberts, Sasha Speilberg, Sam Robards, Youth Ishoos ...

OUR VERDICT: CERTAINLY not wishing to patronise any younger readers, Kate nevertheless suggests that this could appeal particularly to “tweens”, thanks to covering the complexities of life on the edge of adulthood, and how boys and girl friends may have to face the awkwardness of trying to be boyfriends and girlfriends instead. It’s a nice turn from Freddie Highmore.

So, Spy Kids, I salute you, as you are indeed brilliant (and not at all the awful mess I hinted at, last week).

Small children thus appeased, I turn my attention next to older children – these “tweens” I keep hearing about – who are likely to like The Art of Getting By. Freddie Highmore stars as George, something of an unfocused high school slacker with a talent for art – although he never finished his work.

Enter Sally (Emma Roberts), another high school kid following her

own mind, and, even though she seems to be quite different to George – having some rich friends, for starters – they get along okay.

George and Sally start hanging out more and more, despite the distractions of different friends and interests, but, as George falls further behing in his schoolwork, Sally’s interests are piqued in an artist.

Not quite purely platonic friends, George’s life seems to get more and more confused, as his mother and stepfather are clearly having

problems at home, which doesn’t sit too well on our fatalistic, lovelorn antihero.

Troubled home, failing at school, mixed-up feelings, a girl friend who isn’t a girlfriend ... Boy oh boy, George is having it tough.

Inevitably, the friends can’t carry on as things are, and, with Sally seemingly lost to another, and realising that he needs to focus on getting on with his life – not least to help support his mother – George has to face up to just catching up with school work, in preparation for whatever’s next.

The only thing he hasn’t really prepared for is what Sally really means to him – and what he may really mean to her ...

Boy meets girl. Boy loses girl. Boy ... well, I don’t think I’d shock many readers with how this film turns out. Casbalanca, it ain’t – but what it does, it does well enough,

I guess, and seems to be at least slightly anchored in faintly believable late teenage life.

Slightly unner ved by my knee-high score accuser, I’ve perhaps been less demanding than usual with this film, which isn’t the worst tween film I’ve ever seen.

It’ll certainly get you by on a lazy afternoon or evening at the cinema.

And now for something completely different. If anyone has a large trail of breadcrumbs available, I’d like to use them to try and drag The Tempest into sight, as it continues its lonely lurching somewhere out on the cold, windswept plains of Unreleased Land, despite being finished eons ago.

After all, who wouldn’t like to see Helen Mirren, Russell Brand and Alfred Molina romping around in a Luvvied-up film of Shakespeare’s tale?

On second thoughts, perhaps not ...

1 September 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Meet Super Mario’s dad SHANE DILLON

PREVIOUSLY, I briefly touched on creativity found in gaming – and there are few things that sum up “creativity” in gaming than the legendary games designer, Shigeru Miyamoto.

“Who?”, many, if not most Gazette readers may ask, as the beaming gentleman to the right could easily walk down O’Connell Street without a flicker of recognition.

And yet, for decades, hundreds of millions of children – and a similar number of adults – around the world have grown up with his most famous creation – Super Mario.

Indeed, Mario is just one of a number of iconic gaming characters, and moments, that Miyamoto has been directly respon-

Another weebyte A Jobs that’s now going ...

WITH apologies to those who may well think that I’m in thrall to Apple this week, it’s hard not to comment on Steve Jobs’ stepping down as CEO of Apple, late last week.

Few would have thought a mere decade or so ago that Apple – then very much an also-ran company, languishing far behind PCs in uptake and interest – would have stormed into the public eye as they have, let alone predicted its near-vertical rise in value and fortune.

As such, Jobs’ vision, drive and determination has done much to push gaming to the fore on smartphones, and in the public eye.

Despite his departure, it’s likely that Apple will continue as a major force in driving mobile gaming.

sible for throughout his career, to date.

To many, the 59-yearold is Nintendo; with the global company’s fortunes, future and fun directly tied to the charismatic designer.

Born in a quiet corner of Japan, Miyamoto spent his childhood living in what sounds like a fairly idyllic way – wandering through forests and exploring caves, his curiosity and spirit of adventure leading him to soak up the world around him, wondering what could lie ahead over the next hill or around the next corner.

These are traits that gamers will instantly recognise in his greatest works – those games in the Mario or equally long-running Zelda titles – where exploration, fun, creative thinking and

positive reinforcement are their own rewards, cementing Nintendo’s reputation as gaming’s most family-friendly and focused company.

Miyamoto’s role as Nintendo’s “secret weapon” long since diversified from designing games into being involved with the company’s new platforms and consoles.

From the Wii to the recently-launched 3DS, Miyamoto has been both the public face of the company’s changing fortunes and directions, as well as a solid figurehead for the business world to get behind.

After all, if there’s one thing that Miyamoto seems to understand more than anyone else on the planet, it’s what makes a game work, and be fun – making him the

Bytesandpieces Apple’s plan to keep growing NOW firmly established as a key player in the gaming sector, Apple’s IOS tank looks set to roll even deeper into the global gaming landscape.

It’s all thanks to the flurry of media speculation since late last week, with the announcement by “key insider figures” that Apple is planning to release a “cheap” iPhone, much the way as it did with the iPod Nano.

What sounds obstensibly like a bid to produce a more affordable iPhone to target lucrative markets in China, and other mass-market economies, would also have a very direct impact on mobile gaming penetration. Watch this space – the iFun is going to get a lot more interesting ...

A patently interesting court case Legendary Nintendo figure, Shigeru Miyamoto

Willy Wonka of gaming.

Today, with Apple making vast inroads into gaming as a publisher, there’s a lot of talk of Nintendo being under pressure to crack the portable gam-

ing smartphone market, by developing a similar distribution model.

One thing’s for sure – having Super Mario’s dad on your side couldn’t hurt any company ...

PEELING off yet another Apple story this week, many gamers, tech wizards and lawyers alike are following the company’s dealings with Lodsys, a Texas-based company that recently launched a lawsuit claiming that Apple, and many other big companies, violate a number of its patents.

Nothing has yet gone to court, but the issue of technology patents remains an interesting potential thorn for a wide range of games developers and publishers to keep an eye out for ...

GAZETTE

26 LUCAN GAZETTE 1 September 2011

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1 September 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

SUMMER HEROES: August’s nominees for Dublin Sports Awards are announced: Page 29

RETRO RUNNING: BLACKROCK NATIVE SET TO TURN ATHLETICS AROUND IN PARK

Doherty taking a backward step to go forth sport@gazettegroup.com

If you find yourself in Fitzherbert Park and you think things are running in reverse, you might find that you are exactly right.

Blackrock resident, Garret Doherty, is an exponent and champion of retro running, the skill of actually running backward. With practice, you can become quite fast, and Garret has medals from the World Retro Championships to prove it.

Gazette Sport asked Doherty why retro running was so popular.

“Retro running is the most beneficial exercise in the world. If you go forward all the time, you’re using all the same muscles all the time. Hence half runners are injured at some time in their careers.

“If you go backward, it’s lower impact, because you’re landing on your toes and it’s like dancing, that’s why it’s so much

fun. It burns 30% more calories, as you’re using a different set of muscles, it improves your balance, coordination and peripheral vision.

The association with the reverse athletic event stems from a childhood training exercise.

“My father was an underage soccer coach, and he had me and my brothers running backward on the beach at Five Fingers Strand, near Mallon Head, when we were

Donegal man Garret Doherty is leading a revolution in running and training

younger. Years later, that came back to me in the park in Fairview, I started running backward, and people were really intrigued by it.”

There is an international aspect to retro running, and Doherty took part in the world championships which took place last year in Austria, its sixth year.

“I won a gold and two silver medals at the championships, and I took part in the 3k and 10k races in the same day. There are all the same track distances as you’d find in any other international track events.”

Doherty has also raced closer to home, and has a goal this month in the

Dublin half-marathon.

“I ran the Dublin Marathon backward in 2009, and last year I did it halfbackward, half-forwards.

Now I’m planning on running to break the backward half-marathon record in Phoenix Park on September 17. The record is 1 hour 35 minutes, and I think I have a chance.

“I run a class once a week in Fitzherbert Park, if people are interested.

It’s really fun, it’s a proper workout, and your back and hamstrings get a break from the pounding they get when you run normally.”

For more information, log on to runnerretro. com.

28 LUCAN GAZETTE 1 September 2011

GazetteSport Sport

Keeping an eye on the opposition

Comortas ’11

Club chairman, Seán O’Conghaile, presents a trophy to captain, Johnny McCaffrey

Lucan Sarsfields’ camogie stars were in action

All the Sarsfields together HE 12th Lock in Lucan hosted an historic gathering of Sarsfields clubs last weekend at the Comortas na Sairsealaigh event organised by Lucan Sarsfields as part of their 125th anniversary celebrations this year.

The intention of the event was to recognise the shared heritage of all the GAA clubs that share the Sarsfields name, and Sarsfields GAA Club from Newbridge, Thurles Sarsfields of Tipperary and Sarsfields from Galway.

A day of football, hurling, camogie and ladies’ football was held and was hailed a great success by all who played and supported the teams.

T

Keeping clear of Sarsfields Newbridge

The Lucan Sarsfields hurling team at 12th Lock last weekend. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Action from the match between Lucan and Galway Sarsfields

Eyes on the prize at 12th Lock

1 September 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 29

in association with

2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - AUGUST NOMINEES

FastSport

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

+ STARof the

Pender named top coach at Homeless World Cup

MONTH

HANNAH TYRRELL

GARY THOMPSON

STEPHEN MCNALLY

ROUND Towers’ football star Tyrrell has been instrumental in the successes of both her club side’s intermediate ladies cup victory and in the successes of the Dublin ladies team in the Aisling McGing competition this term.

SWORDS must seem a million miles away but Thompson is far from homesick as he takes on the tracks of Japan in the Formula 3 competition, taking the podium recently to become the first Irishman to win a race on the Asian circuit.

THE Dunboyne based Orwell Wheelers rider struck gold in Italy when he came first in the European Masters’ Track Championships, his first international competition and his first-ever competition on an indoor track.

LUCAN CYCLING CLUB

CASTLEKNOCK GAA

DSDAC LADIES

THE road and track race club found a medal streak when they produced a string of outstanding performances to claim gold medals at both the elite and youth track team national championships last month.

THE dual codes at the Somerton club converged in success recently, with the senior sides in football and hurling achieving or closing in on promotion to the intermediate divisions of the Dublin leagues.

THE southside athletic club’s ladies team claimed a famous victory in Tullamore last month when they claimed the Premier Women’s divisional title at the Woodies’ DIY National Finals.

+ TEAMof the MONTH

WELCOME to the 2011 Dublin Sports Awards, as we mark our local sportsmen and women’s August sporting achievements across the capital and, indeed, across the nation.

We’re delighted to once again be able to celebrate the finest achievements in Dub-

lin sport, with some huge efforts at local levels coming to our attention in a variety of well-known, and some, less prominent, sports.

Ever y form of sporting achievement, at any level and in any sport, is valuable and gives an indication of the diversity of sporting commit-

ment there is around our fair city at all times of the year.

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.

You can also check out the latest stories from GazetteSport at our new website, www.gazettegroup.com

IRELAND’S Homeless World Cup soccer coach, Mick Pender, was named as Fair Play coach of the tournament after the tournament, held in Paris, came to an end last week.

Ireland finished eleventh out of the 48 teams involved, ending their run with an impressive 10-4 victory against England. The Irish quickly found their feet and stormed into a two-goal lead, before they were pegged back to 4-3 at the break.

The second half saw Ireland turn on the style, scoring some excellent goals and in the end they ran out easy winners.

“It’s been a long and tiring ten days but the memories of the performances and the friends made will linger long in the players’ minds long after this tournament is over,” said Sean Kavanagh of Team Ireland.

30 LUCAN GAZETTE 1 September 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

ATHLETICS: MIXED BAG OF RESULTS FOR LOCAL ATHLETES

NUIM Barnhall hosting a fun tagtastic day out NUIM Barnhall Rugby Club are expecting a tagtastic day our for everyone interested in the sport in the local area this weekend when they host a special tag rugby competition on Saturday, September 3 from 1pm at Parsonstown.

There will be rugby, a barbecue, music and lots of fun on offer. Entry for a tag team is €100.

The club are also holding their club registration for the coming season, with registration open for the minis from 9.30 to 10.30am, youths from 11am to 1pm, and the senior ladies and mens from 1pm onwards.

For more information, see www.barnhallrfc. com

after a great season for Lucan pair the Lucan girls. take podium Byrne ends places in WNL season on a LUCAN Cycling Road Club’s Sandra high note Fitzgerald continued her dominance of the Womens National League taking second place on the final event in Enniskillen, after a puncture left her chasing alone for the final miles.

Sandra had already won the National League before the event, having amassed an uncatchable points tally going into the final race. She was denied the win by the puncture and by Melanie Spath of Cycleways, who rode away from the main bunch to take a clear victory.

Clubmate Roisin Kennedy joined Sandra on the podium.

Kennedy finished in third place overall,

LUCAN Harriers Gerry Byrne junior completed his track season when he competed in the mile race at the ALSAA Open Sports day last weekend. Despite the torrential rain and strong winds Gerry produced a fantastic run to finish sixth overall in an impressive 5 minutes 24 seconds.

Gerry made a strong start competing the opening 400 metres in 75 seconds and followed this up with another impressive 400 in 79 seconds.

Gerry held his form well all the way to the finish to complete a most impressive season on the track.

Sophe Rehill from Lucan, left, represents Dublin in the girls’ Under-8 60m race at the Community Games

Games come to an end sport@gazettegroup.com

THERE was a mixed bag of results for local competitors in the final weekend of the HSE Community Games National Finals which took place recently, following three weekends of sporting and cultural activities.

Lucan’s big hopes for success in the Games, the Under-14 camogie team, were denied a place in the final after losing out to Cahir of Tipperary in the semi-final, which they lost 6-10 to 2-5. Pride was restored in the village, however, when the Lucan lasses resoundingly claimed the third place in the competition,

routing Drumgooland of Down 9-8 to 2-3 in the thrid/fourth place play off match.

L u c a n ’s Un d e r-15 mixed relay team managed to reverse the outcome of their semi-final, where they lost out on fourth place to Askea of Carlow, to claim the bronze medal in the final of their event, losing out on the higher places against strong teams from Limerick and Kerry.

Top performer in the Under-8 boys’ 60m race was Moses Ikpefua, from Knockmitten, who won his heat, semi-final and final to claim a welldeserved gold medal.

In the boys’ Under-14

800m race, Joseph Lyons from Clondalkin village was out of luck when he failed to progress from the semi-final, placing fifth in a strong field.

Louis O’Loughlin, also from the village, ran an exceptional race in the semi-final of the Under10s’ 60m hurdles, but missed out on a medal in the final.

Aloisa King from Jobstown claimed silver medal in the girls’ 900m walk for Under-13s, beaten to the gold by Dearbhaile Beirne from Leitrim.

There was a bronze medal in the girls’ Under10 200m when Sophie English from Navan Road claimed the third place

after an impressive run.

Weather conditions were excellent and helped in the enjoyment and atmosphere of the weekend. Competitors were determined to give their best and many new talents emerged from the vast number taking part in the various team and individual competitions.

Killeen and the HSE Community Games set out to break the world record for the number taking part in the 100m sack race.

The target to beat was 2095 and, while the world record was not broken, it resulted in an evening of fun, excitement and comradeship for all who took

part.

Approximately 3,000 children participated in a number of sporting activities with Dublin represented in athletics, track and field, basketball and camogie.

They were supported by over 600 volunteers and organisers, as well as family and friends, who came from all corners of the country to offer their support and encouragement to all of the children participating.

Over 200,000 young people from all over Ireland took part in the HSE Community Games qualifiers and finals every year, making it an essential part of the Irish summer.

Lucan Metro win: Local club claim cup title over Milltown SPONSOR Peter O’Brien and honorary secretary of the GUI’s Leinster Branch, John Ferriter, presented the

Metropolitan Cup trophy to Sean Quigley, the captain of Lucan Golf Club, after their victory over Milltown Golf Club last week. Picture: Pat Cashman

1 September 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 31

in association with

CAMOGIE: LUCAN WIN FIRST-EVER SENIOR TITLE

CLUB NOTICEBOARD LUCAN SARSFIELDS GREAT celebrations as Lucan Sars-

tember 3, Eve of All-Ireland session

fields completed Senior B double by

in the clubhouse with Peter Man-

winning championship at weekend.

gan.

Well done to the famous five and all

Fun day for all the family in 12th

the girls. Congratulations to Laura

Lock is on Saturday, September 25.

Murtagh who picked up player of the match.

Gala Ball is Saturday, November 12. Deposits being taken at the bar.

The list for draw for hurling final

Congratulations to both Dublin

tickets is now on the noticeboard in

minor and senior team on reaching

the club. The draw will take place on

the All-Ireland finals.

Thursday, September 1, in the bar.

Don’t forget Premium Ticket Draw,

Well done to all who organised

which is attractive way of being in

and took part in Comortas Na Sair-

with chance to see all finals. Entries

sealagh. Winners on the day were

available from Paul McGann, the

Thurles Sarsfields (hurling), Sars-

bar or any mentor. Draws are hap-

fields Galway (camogie) and Sars-

pening most Thursday nights.

fields Newbridge (football).

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 1,

Good one-point win for inter foot-

7, 9 and 12. There was one winner,

ballers last weekend over Naomh

Eddie Waters. Next week’s jackpot

Olaf.

is €1,000. Gerry Andrew’s team will

Dates for diary: Saturday, Sep-

be in charge next weekend.

ST PATRICK’S, PALMERSTOWN Lucan Sarsfields’ camogie team claimed their historic league and championship double

OUR jubilee golf classic, which takes place on Friday, September 9, in

Sarsfields camogie claim historic double SENIOR B C’SHIP FINAL Lucan Sarsfields St Vincent’s

4-11 1-2

sport@gazettegroup.com

LUCAN Sarsfields’ senior B camogie team made club history in its 125th year when they claimed the club’s first ever senior championship in any code when they defeated St Vincent’s in the final of the Dublin senior B championship at Thomas Davis last week.

This win sealed the double for Lucan, as they had recently claimed the league title with a 100% record.

Both teams reached the final off the back of convincing semi-final victories, with Vincent’s beating the highly-rated Skerries, and Lucan taking out a strong Portobello side.

Both teams started nervously, until a slick point from Michelle Kelly settled the Lucan side.

This was followed just

moments later by an excellent Lucan goal, with midfielder Laura Murtagh taking a great pass from Emma Flanagan, before shooting high into the Vincent’s net.

Lucan worked tirelessly throughout the field, and Vincent’s were being given little opportunity to open their account.

C l a i r e R i g n e y, i n particular, operating in a roving defensive role, put a halt to many Vincent’s attacks, and Audrey Mur tagh in midfield impressively hassled and harried, blocked and hooked, stifling any attempt by St Vincent’s to develop any play through that channel.

Another point from Kelly and a wonderful Ali Twomey point from distance saw Lucan ahead by six before Vincent’s got their first score, a point from a 45.

However, Lucan for-

wards were now firing on all cylinders, and further points followed from Twomey, Caroline Flynn, captain Emer Keenan and Flanagan.

Vincent’s response was just one point from a free and the scoreline coming up to halftime was 1-09 to 0-02 in favour of Lucan.

A terrific groundstroke from about 10 yards from Flynn proved unstoppable for the Vincent’s keeper, leaving Lucan with a 13-point lead at the interval.

While Lucan stayed on the pitch at half-time, Vincent’s retreated to the privacy of the dressing-rooms.

On the restar t, it became apparent that this pep-talk had had its effect, with their defence proving much stronger, more physical and tighter right from the throwin.

Notwithstanding that much of the action was now in the Lucan half of

the field, strong defensive work, especially by Mairi Moynihan, Roisin Hayden and AnneMarie Callaghan, saw Lucan resist all attempts by Vincent’s to score.

Indeed, Lucan scored first in this half when Ali Twomey pointed an excellent free.

Eventually, Vincents did break through for a fine goal, striking in the rebound after a fine save from Kate Whyte in the Lucan goal.

Any view that the game was coming together as a contest, however, ended just a couple of minutes later when Flanagan caught a high ball coming through from midfield, rounded her marker and planted it in the Vincent’s net.

Lucan followed up with a fur ther goal from 21 yards out by Ali Twomey after a fine run through the middle, and with an excellent point from distance by Niamh Berry.

Lucan GC has only four spaces left on the timesheet.

To book a slot, call Pat on 087 2383 294, Jimmy on 087 7791 352 or Paddy on 087 6171 435.

Congratulations to both the Dublin minor and senior footballers on their semi-final victories over Galway and Donegal.

To view our website, simply log on to www.stpatricksgaa.ie Lotto: Numbers drawn were 5, 13, 20 and 27. There was no winner of the €3,400 jackpot.

Match any three numbers winner was Bernie Maher, who receives € 2 0 0 . N e x t w e e k ’s j a c k p o t i s €3,600.

Draw held each Sunday night at 10pm in the Palmerstown House.

WESTMANSTOWN GAELS/GARDA THE junior 1s beat Clont ar f at

championship team takes place at

home.

Westmanstown on Friday, Septem-

The ladies home fixture didn’t take

ber 16 at 8pm.

place as Skerries Harps conceded the game.

All Westmanstown Gaels teams are back in action this weekend,

The intermediates have an impor-

including the Ogra Gaels (U-5s and

tant away fixture against St Oliver

upwards) on Saturday, September

Plunkett’s in the league next Satur-

3 from 10am.

day evening at 6pm.

Training continues for all teams at the usual times.

Westmanstown Gaels are hosting a Family Ceili on Saturday, September 17 from 7pm as part of the week-

The trip to New York is getting

long Lucan Festival celebrations.

nearer and all monies should now

This event is open to members and

be fully paid up. Please forward

non-members. Visit the club web-

any outstanding payments to Alan

site for more information.

Lynch or Eugene O’Sullivan now.

The reunion of 1986 intermediate

To apply for tickets for Dublin v Kerry on Sunday, September 18.

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Lucan end 125 year wait for senior win

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Lucan Sarsfields’ camogie stars claimed the club’s first-ever senior champsionship title when they won the Dublin Senior B title

Sarsfields’ camogie stars became the first team in the club’s history to win a senior championship in any code lucansport@gazettegroup.com

IN a fitting moment for the 12th Lock club, Lucan Sarsfields were celebrating their very first senior championship in any code at Driumnigh last Saturday when they claimed the Dublin Senior B camogie title, beating St Vincents 4-11 to 1-2 in the final.

Having won the league with a 100pc record, Lucan went on to notching big wins in the championship with big victories en route, culminating in taking out a strong Portobello side in the semi-finals, setting up this double-shot.

And they were not about to let the chance slip as 1-4 from Alison Twomey and further goals from Emma Flanagan, Caroline Flynn and Laura Murtagh powered an immense team performance.

It was a fine display, marked by a great first touch, an excellent work-rate, some exceptional passing moves and exquisite score-taking.

On the day, virtually every player of the 15 starters and the five substitutes could be nomi-

nated for Player-of-the-Match, and in particular, Claire Rigney, Roisin Hayden, Audrey Murtagh, Flanagan and Flynn could readily have scooped this honour.

Marie O’Brien, Cathaoirleach of the Dublin Camogie Board, bestowed the award deservedly on Laura Murtagh amid scenes of great jubilation afterwards.

This championship win was the culmination of a season of hard work that began back on January 17, when the management team and the panel of players met for the first time.

Training began immediately afterwards with regular weekly gym sessions under the stewardship of Noel Flynn Junior, complemented by two outdoor training sessions each week.

Undoubtedly, the early season fitness and camogie sessions were the ideal preparation for matches which began in earnest in April when the league commenced.

Between matches and training, the team clocked up over 80 sessions, playing 21 matches and losing just once (to 2010 Senior A coun-

ty champions Ballyboden St Endas).

In the celebrations immediately following the final, many references were made to the history of camogie in Lucan Sarsfields and to people who promoted camogie and contributed to its development in the Club in recent decades, including Peter Flannery, Noel and Betty Flynn, Seán Flynn, Liam Ryan, Seaghan O’Lanagáin, Tadhg Clandillon and many others.

Discussion turned to the future and the key question as to whether Lucan Sarsfields will be allowed take its rightful place at the top table of Senior A camogie in Dublin in 2012, given proposals for restructuring.

“There is no doubt whatever in the Club but that we are ready, willing and able to do so, given the amazing double win of championship and league in 2011 with almost every game being won by very significant margins.

“We are also convinced we will be an extremely competitive Senior A side and will make a strong contribution.”