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April 28, 2011

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Rugby: King’s Hospital star shines for Ireland U-18s Page 32

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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ..................... 9 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS .................... 21 TRAVEL......................... 23 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Mogul vows to fight on for his empire Q PAUL HOSFORD

PROPERTY mogul and hotelier, Jim Mansfield, has vowed he will recover all of the assets that once formed part of his business empire.

Speaking exclusively to the Gazette, just days after NAMA appointed a receiver to one of his most prized possessions, Weston Airport in Lucan, Mansfield said: “We want all of the assets. The staff, in fairness to them, are

working away. Some only know what they’ve read in the papers.”

An aviation enthusiast, Mansfield said Weston would continue to operate without disruption.

NAMA has appointed a receiver to Weston Airport, six of his apartment blocks at CityWest, and Palmerstown House Estate, which includes a championship golf course.

Full Story on Pages 6-7

Capping off a fun day: Ready to help support Special Olympics MARTIN Coyne and Ray Gibson were

happy to help support a good cause when they joined other golfers at Lucan Golf Club for a Special Olympics fundraiser recently. Several teams took part, teeing off in aid of local man

Brian McHearailt’s brother, Conor, who, as a member of Team Ireland, will be putting his equestrian skills to the test in the upcoming Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens.

Full Gallery on Page 10

2 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 April 2011

HEALTH: LUCAN LOOKS FORWARD TO ANNUAL WELCOME FOR ILL KIDS

COUNCIL Money to be kept for repairs

Marking 25 years since Chernobyl meltdown Q PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com

THIS week marks the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, and also an important birthday for one local charity that was established to help victims of the tragedy.

The Chernobyl’s Children Project began operating its Lucan branch 10 years ago, some 10 years after the project itself was founded.

Since then, under the auspices of local Fine Gael TD, Derek Keating, the charity has welcomed children from the affected regions of Eastern Europe into the homes of Lucan families.

Speaking this week, Deputy Keating said that plans have been finalised for this year’s visit, with the local response once again massive.

“In this, our tenth year, I’d like to take this opportunity to talk about the organisation and the people that are involved in this charity.

“I would particularly like to thank our host families, without whom none of this would be possible,” he said.

Since its establishment as a non-profit charity in 1991, Chernobyl Children International (CCI) has delivered more than €90 million in direct and indirect humanitarian aid

to the Chernobyl region, which is still suffering the effects of the disaster.

The United Nations (UN) estimates that an area of approximately 150,000 square miles has been contaminated, with 70% of the radiation falling on Belarus.

Between the stricken regions of Belarus, western Russia and northern Ukraine, the UN estimates that the fallout has directly and indirectly affected as many as seven million people, with children being most vulnerable to the deadly effects of radiation and inadequate medical treatment.

Opportunity For 20 years, volunteer host families throughout Ireland have given more than 21,000 children the opportunity to enjoy a holiday away from the debilitating environment in which they live.

In the summer, and during Christmas of each year, more than 1,000 children are welcomed into Irish homes and families, with this year’s Lucan trip expected to welcome 25 children.

“We continue to be grateful to the host families and, though we’re not doing anything particular this week to mark the occasion, we will do something when the kids come over,” said Deputy Keating.

At the recent Clondalkin Area Committee meeting, the council confirmed it is to use some monies due to the developer of Balgaddy, Gama Developments, to effect repairs at a number of residences

SDCC to hold back €500k from Balgaddy developer --------------------------

Q PAUL HOSFORD

‘Cllr Breda Bonner (Lab) asked for the manager to produce an update report on housing in the estates of Meile an Ri, Tor an Ri and Buirg an Ri’

lucan@gazettegroup.com

SOUTH Dublin County Council is to hold back half a million euro from Gama Developments in order to carry out repairs in Balgaddy, but this amount will not be enough.

The revelation came at the recent Clondalkin Area Committee meeting, where it was made known the money will come from final accounts that were due to the company.

National media attention at the end of last month highlighted the conditions in certain areas of Balgaddy, where residents are having major issues with damp, mould, leaks, cracks, crumbling plaster, electrical faults and sewage.

Labour councillor Breda Bonner asked the meeting for “the manager to produce an update

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

report on the housing in the estates of Meile an Ri, Tor an Ri and Buirg an Ri”.

She wanted the report to cover a detailed list of the works required to be done in each housing unit; the cost of doing this work; the extent to which there is sufficient money to carry out the works, and where any shortfall of money to do the work

might be found.

She said that she had asked for the information, given her status as a relative newcomer on the council, and was keen to gather information on the developments.

In response, the council said that a future dispute with Gama was possible.

“There were five phases of construction initially proposed in the Balgaddy Scheme – Balgaddy A (Buirg an Ri), Balgaddy B and C (Meile an Ri), Balgaddy D (not constructed) and Balgaddy E (Tor an Ri), with 400 units built in these phases

by Gama Construction as main contractor under a GDLA81 Government contract for each phase.

“To date, SDCC and

Gama Construction have completed a contract conciliation process on Balgaddy A and B. “The final account for Balgaddy E is at an advanced stage. No agreement has been reached, to date, on the final account for Balgaddy C, and it is possible that this will also end in dispute, [with] the necessity for a conciliation/arbitration process to complete the final account,” said the council.

While PBPA councillor Gino Kenny said he was “disappointed that it took media coverage to force the council to act”, the council said that it had been working hard on the works.

“In the past year, a

considerable amount of work has been carried out in Balgaddy by council staff and contractors to address building defects.

“A cross-departmental team has now been established by the council to systematically evaluate our housing stock in Balgaddy, and address all outstanding issues.

“Inspections are currently under way in prioritised households to establish the extent of works required, and this process will be continued until all affected units are covered,” said the council.

Given that respiratory problems are a recurring problem in the estates, news that new ventilation systems are being installed will be good news for residents.

“Five houses are being tested using a range of demand-led ventilation systems in Balgaddy; these are already installed, and under review.

“A dedicated construction team, under the direction of the county architect, will commence work in the area in the coming month, targeting particular building issues until these are resolved to everyone’s satisfaction,” said the council.

28 April 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 3

EVENT Over €6,000 is raised for children’s hospital

WestSide Stage School hold fundraiser for their Ashleigh OVER €6,000 was raised when 500 local people turned up to see WestSide Stage School in action at a fundraiser event held at Finnstown House in Lucan.

The final figure for the event was €6,250.

The numbers who gathered at the function room exceeded expectation and overflowed out through the double doors. They were treated to some breath-taking performances by the hugely talented teachers and students from WestSide, at an event held in support of “one of their own”.

Eight-year-old student Ashleigh Kiernan, is one of the school’s talented singers, actors and dancers, who was diagnosed with leukaemia in December. Whilst currently undergoing chemotherapy, Ashleigh, along with her family and WestSide, held a FUN day aimed at raising money for the children’s waiting room at Our Lady’s Hospital in Crumlin.

The event was held for two hours on Sunday afternoon where students and families of the successful stage school attended, along with huge numbers from the local community. As well as face-painting and a “meet and greet” with the

cast of the show’s recent production FREAKED, including Peter Pan, Tinkerbell and Pinocchio, guests were treated to a variety of entertaining performances.

WestSide Company and WestSide Swagga Crew performed pieces choreographed by leading Irish and international choreographers while some of the school’s teachers showed off some of their stuff.

Nicola Gainey, a singing teacher at the school, brought an element of Broadway to the stage while singing, and drama teacher, Sharon Sexton, transformed into Liza Minnelli, singing popular songs including ‘Maybe this time’.

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Some Swagga

The Swagga Crew wowed the audience with their dance routines and created a human pyramid, while WestSide Company performed some hip hop routines and a Britney Spears’ number.

WestSide teacher, Katie Carpenter, also performed some original songs with her band, Jezzebelle, and was joined onstage by VIP guest, Ashleigh, who pulled at everyone’s heart strings and helped them along for the final song, Down and Out. To finish the show, kids and adults alike joined some comedic Abba

The Swagga Crew wowed the audience with their dance routines

impersonators as they danced and sang some of their most popular songs with the audience, closing the show with a rendition of Dancing Queen.

With the total amount of money raised still uncertain, and over 1,000 students who already attend the school, it’s no surprise the event was a huge success and gave a small taste of what the school is really about – some really talented stars and community spirit and support.

“It was wonderful to see a community come

together, to show support for Ashleigh and her family”, said Gerry, one of the owners of the stage school.

And with one of the school’s students commenting on social networking site Facebook following the event, their words really summed up the entire fundraiser event, showing how many hearts the FUN day touched, and how many hearts it will touch when the money goes towards new toys for the waiting room at Our Lady’s Hospital.

Take part in Darkness to Light for Pieta House PIETA House, the suicide crisis centre, has released new figures which show the high levels of individuals who attended their centres for treatment during 2010.

The figures were revealed as the charity continues to drum up much-needed support for its annual Darkness into Light event to raise money for the organisation.

In total, Pieta House treated 1,063 people for suicidal ideation and suicide attempt, or who were engaging in self-harm in 2010.

The figures show that 235 individuals who had attempted to take their own life attended the centre during 2010.

HOME-START Lucan is asking for people in the area to help their fundraising drive in this year’s Women’s Mini Marathon by running for the group.

Home-Start is a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the welfare of families with at least one child under the age of five.

Volunteers offer regular support, friendship and practical help to young families in their own home, helping prevent family crisis and breakdown.

Some volunteers and their mothers are running the Mini Marathon on June 6 to raise funds for the group.

Anyone interested in supporting Home-Start can contact 01-6217953.

A further 70% of all cases presented with suicidal ideation, with a third of these people also engaging in self-harm.

Data

The data highlights the issue of self-harm, which, the charity says, is one of the most unrecognised problems in society. Some 292 people (27%) who attended Pieta House last year were self-harming.

Of those receiving treatment, there was a high level of patients under the age of 18, with a total of 239 cases (22%). The highest age profile attending Pieta House in 2010 were 26-44 year olds (29%),

closely followed by those in the 18-25 year old category (28%).

The charity is calling on 4,000 people to take part in Darkness into Light 2011. The event will take place on May 7, 2011 and will see participants begin the 5km course at 4am, while it is still dark and finish while the dawn is breaking.

Entrants can walk or jog the course at their own pace and, for those that enjoy a challenge, there will be a special running lane available.

To register for Darkness to Light 2011, or to find more information on Pieta House, visit www.pieta. ie<http://www.pieta.ie>.

60 10 240

W

Q STAFF REPORTER lucan@gazettegroup.com

CHARITY A running start for Homestart

4 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 April 2011

COUNCIL: BOXING FACILITY

Praise for new club at meeting SOUTH Dublin County Council have moved to praise Palmerston Boxing Club on their foundation, with Labour councillor Catriona Jones tabling a motion at this week’s Lucan Area Committee meeting.

Cllr Jones’ motion asked “that this committee commends the Palmerston Boxing Club on the recent establishment of the club in the Palmerston Parish Hall.

“This committee recognises that the future development and expansion of the club could depend on support from this council, and requires a more permanent premises.”

In response, the council congratulated the club, but said that any discussions on a permanent facility were “premature”.

“The council welcomes the establishment of a new boxing club in the Palmerston area.

“The council is committed to supporting as diverse a range of sporting activities as possible.

Premature “Discussions around the provision of premises would be premature at this stage, and a more pragmatic approach to identify local assets which could address the club’s needs will be investigated,” said the council.

“T he council has recently completed the Neilstown Boxing Club facility, which was a major undertaking, and required significant financial support from central Government.

“These streams of capital funding are no longer available and, in the short-to-medium term, it is not anticipated that there will be any change.

“Co-operation and amalgamation, where appropriate, will be encouraged in order to provide the maximum services to our customers,” said the council.

St Joey’s Gael force girls: Debating as Gaeilge what teenagers in Ireland really think about the continuing economic recession MARY Hanafin used her considerable Irishlanguage skills to congratulate a team from St Joseph’s College, who reached the All-Ireland finals of a recent Irish Debating Championship.

The former Minister for Education was keen to congratulate Grace Ni She, Shannon

de Brun, Aoife Ni Fhlannachadha and Hailey Mulvaney on their impressive debating skills at Craobh na hEireann 2011, which was held in the Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise.

Although they lost out to a team from Thurles, the local debating team still did their school, and Lucan, proud with their choice

words on the motion: “That teenagers from this country have little regard for the economic recession”.

Following the debate, Hanafin was happy to offer them an cupla focal, congratulating them on their fluent skills and their excellent points raised in their debate.

COUNCIL: ANGER OVER TRAILING FCC’S FUNDING, DESPITE SIMILAR POPULATION

SDCC want to meet Minister over funding level ‘disparity’ Q PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com

SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) will seek a meeting with the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Phil Hogan, to discuss the disparity in funding that the authority receives.

At the recent council meeting, Councillor Eamon Tuffy (Lab), who has long campaigned on this issue, tabled a motion that the council “reaffirms its view that South Dublin County Council continues to be treated unfairly in the matter of

the allocation it receives per head of population from the Local Government Fund, and requests the manager to write to the Minister responsible for Local Government seeking a meeting to discuss the unfair treatment of SDCC”.

Last December, the Gazette reported that SDCC continues to receive less Government funding than Fingal, despite having a similar population.

This year, the difference will amount to more than €4.5 million, with FCC receiving €105.91 per

capita, while SDCC trails considerably, receiving €92.77.

The council has, in the past, lobbied the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government to change the system of awarding funds to a per capita basis, but pointed out that the gap between SDCC and FCC was closing, with the 2011 Local Government Fund lessening the gap by €1 million.

Never theless, Cllr Tuffy, backed by Independent councillor Gus O’Connell, put the issue on the agenda again this

month, with the county manager saying: “The manager will write to the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government to request a meeting to present the concerns of the members about the Local Government Fund.”

However, the concerns were not just felt in the public sector.

At a meeting of the Dublin South branch of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association, incoming president, Joe Mannion, of Clondalkin, made a spirited attack upon the

“unfair” local authority rating system, and called on Minister Hogan to urgently review the entire workings of local authority funding.

Citing the obvious and dramatic reversal of fortunes that has befallen hundreds of Dublin South retailers, many of them convenience stores and newsagents, Mannion pleaded with the new Government to make urgent and real efforts to restore confidence to the retail sector.

He made particular reference to the high costs of doing business

that affects Dublin South retailers, the lack of broadband, the high costs of waste disposal and the “unfair” restraints that many businesses have to endure through the Joint Labour Committee in Retail, Catering and the Hotel industry.

“Dublin South has far too many vacant retail units in the town centre; landlords and the urban district councils need to be more progressive and understanding in their attitudes.

“Together, we can reverse the downward spiral,” he said.

28 April 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 5

EDUCATION Local’s study encouragement

The Open way to continue learning Q STAFF REPORTER

lucan@gazettegroup.com

A LUCAN man was amongst approximately 220 Open University (OU) students from all parts of Ireland who gathered at The Helix in Dublin on Saturday, April 16, when their years of part-time learning were rewarded with a degree from The Open University in Ireland.

Patrick Connolly, a married father of four, was the proud recipient of an MBA, and said the course allowed him a large amount of free time.

“I had not finished my education first-time around and, at the ripe old age of 31, I decided to finish my degree.

“The Open University is popular with the techies in my company, as it makes it possible to study at the same time as working and having a personal life,” he said.

“I enrolled in a certificate in management, to get a broad introduction to business. A year later, I became a manager in my company, and I progressed to the Open University’s Diploma in Management.

“I continued on, and I completed the masters in business administration.

“The whole thing lasted five years, including a year off when my wife had a baby.

“My wife and kids were very supportive through the whole time, and my employer sponsored and supported me the whole way.

“The flexibility of the Open University meant that I was able to do all of this,” said Connolly.

OU students have spent an average of six years balancing the demands of their studies, work and other commitments to reach their graduation, and John D’Arcy, director, The Open University in Ireland, said students come to the university for the flexibility it offers.

“Degree ceremonies are special occasions where students and their families celebrate the result of dedication and many sacrifices, whether it is family time or financial.

“At a time when there is increasing speculation that university education is likely to become more expensive, the Open University in Ireland remains the obvious choice for

FAMILIES: LOCALS KEEN FOR MORE PROGRESS

Vietnam adoptions in spotlight Q PAUL HOSFORD

lucan@gazettegroup.com

Local man, Patrick Connolly, an Open University degree graduate

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‘I learned that degrees aren’t awarded to people who are ‘brainier’ than others – they are for those that stick with it, and don’t give up’

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Patrick Conolly, Open University graduate, Lucan -------------------------------------------------------

students seeking a highquality, relevant and affordable degree which offers the flexibility to continue to earn while they learn,” said D’Arcy.

More than 29,000 OU students are now aged under 25, making up onein-four of all new undergraduates, though Connolly learned as much about time management

as anyone.

“The time required was mine to squeeze in around my other life commitments, which meant an hour or two after the kids went to bed; a full Saturday every few weeks and, of course, a few allnighters before my papers were due.

“The main lesson I learned about time man-

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agement was that I can always squeeze more in to my life. Skipping television and missing a little sleep were normal, weekly sacrifices,” he said.

“I also learned that degrees aren’t awarded to people who are ‘brainier’ than others – they are for those that stick with it, and don’t give up.

“As well as the obvious things you would imagine I would learn from completing an MBA, I have learned diligence and persistence, and have a much greater level of selfmotivation now.

“I feel much more prepared for any challenges the future brings,” said Connolly.

LOCAL Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has asked the chairman of the Adoption Authority to visit Vietnam to help local families caught up in adoption red tape.

Many Irish families wishing to adopt have chosen Vietnam as their country of origin, but adoptions from Vietnam have been suspended since May, 2009. Minister Fitzgerald is hoping that Vietnamese authorities can progress the situation for some local families.

“I have met many people throughout Lucan, Clondalkin and Palmerstown who are anxiously awaiting progress with the Vietnamese authorities so that adoptions can begin again,” said the Minister.

“I met with the Adoption Authority, and asked them to visit Vietnam and explore the progress that authorities there have made in addressing the profound concerns that caused the suspension of adoptions.

“Although Vietnam has signed the Hague Convention, a significant body of work still needs to be done to protect children and fully ratify the Convention [there].

“With this in mind, I have asked the authority to visit Vietnam to assess current standards, and to

provide me with a report so that we can give clarity to Irish people who are anxiously awaiting information on progress in Vietnam,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

“The Adoption Authority was established in November, and the first CEO has just been appointed.

“It is, therefore, very timely for me to meet the authority, and to start --------------------------

‘People are awaiting progress with the Vietnamese authorities so that adoptions can begin again’ --------------------------

Minister Fitzgerald

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

working together to move the adoption agenda forward,” she said.

She congratulated Elizabeth Canavan, the new CEO, on her appointment. “Considerable progress has been made on accrediting bodies to provide adoption services and on developing new procedures.

“I am hopeful that the appointment of a CEO will ensure that quick progress is made on a range of issues, including developing relationships with countries of origin,” she said.

6 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 April 2011

BUSINESS

Tycoon, Jim Mansfield, faces the fight of his

The downto-earth millionaire ‘We want it all back’ fighting for his empire

Jim Mansfield

Q PAUL HOSFORD

lucan@gazettegroup.com

PROPERTY mogul and hotelier Jim Mansfield has vowed he will recover all of the assets that once formed part of his business empire.

Speaking exclusively to the Gazette, just days after NAMA appointed a receiver to one of his most prized possessions, Weston Airport in Lucan, Mansfield said: “We want all of the assets. The staff, in fairness to them, are working away. Some only know what they’ve read in the papers.”

An aviation enthusiast, Mansfield said Weston would continue to operate without disruption.

NAMA has appointed a receiver to Weston Airport, six of his apartment blocks at CityWest, and Palmerstown House Estate, which includes a championship golf course.

It is understood that Mansfield owes NAMA anywhere up to “tens of millions of euro” on the assets. It will now fall to the receiver, Kieran Wallace of KPMG, to sell all three assets.

If the proceeds of the sale do not meet Mansfield’s debts, NAMA may

look to seize other assets.

Mansfield said the receivership had been brought about because NAMA wasn’t satisfied with a plan put forward by him and his family.

“The upshot of the decision is that we keep running the businesses as normal. We will submit the plan in the next three to four weeks,” said Mansfield.

Having lost the jewel in his crown, CityWest, last year, the loss of Weston will be a blow to Mansfield, who has years of battling with locals over proposed uses of the airport.

CityWest was lost last year when Bank of Scotland moved to reclaim a loan of €170 million.

Any attempt by the receiver to sell Weston is likely to be held back by the earlier planning issues that have hampered the development of the site.

It is also believed that efforts to sell the CityWest resort hotel are being slowed because of planning issues surrounding parts of the development.

Mansfield said that the plan was to recover as many assets as possible, as well as saying that his staff were still working hard.

Q DAWN LOVE lucan@gazettegroup.com

HE WAS a former lorry driver who became a self-made tycoon, amassing a business empire that consisted of several hotels, championship golf courses and, probably, his most prized possession, Weston Airport in Lucan.

An aviation enthusiast, Jim Mansfield’s ownership of Weston has been dogged by planning issues, but his passion for planes and the airport itself has never diminished.

Speaking to the Gazette in 2004, he rejected rumours that Weston would eventually be used by carriers such as Rynair and Aer Arann, and said he wanted to make the facility a model airport for executive jets.

“I’ve said from the beginning that there is no intention on my part, while I’m alive, to have any such organisation like that. I just love this place; I’ve had a jet here since 1982.”

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‘Me and offices don’t really go. I’d much rather be out there lining up that drive, and getting the trees in, than to be in an office’

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A selection of significant scenes for Mansfield, including

Jim Mansfield, speaking to the Gazette in 2004 -------------------------------------------------------

Amongst his plans for the airport at the time were an aviation museum, and the possibility of repair facilities.

“That would be a big employer down here, if we could have repair facilities,” he said. “And this would not create extra traffic – we don’t want streams of traffic.

“I’ve been around a lot of ex-military airfields in Britain, and they are only half-run – I want this to be a model airport.”

On planning controversy surrounding the airport, he said in the same interview: “The closure of Weston will never be on the agenda.”

But, he added: “I will do everything in my power to live with our neighbours, and I will do everything in my power to make this area much

better for all the people who live here.”

A down-to-earth person, Mansfield never forgot his roots and, in 2007, when I interviewed him after his purchase of Finnstown House, I arrived to find him helping workers to tarmac the driveway.

“Me and offices don’t really go. I’d much rather be out there lining up that drive, and getting the trees in, than to be in an office,” he said.

His purchase of Finnstown, a relatively small property compared to CityWest and Palmerstown, was particularly significant and symbolic for him.

At the time, he described the purchase as “the most exciting” of his life.

It had taken him 30

years to acquire the historic Lucan property, which he had first set eyes on in 1979.

Then, Mansfield was the owner of a littleknown truck business.

After travelling to a funeral in Lucan with a close friend, he spied a For Sale sign being set up outside Finnstown.

“I just thought it was a lovely place, and I headed off to the bank in Clondalkin.

“He [the bank manager] advised me that, ‘No, I know nothing about that sort of thing’, and they wouldn’t be prepared to give me the money.

“I had a few trucks and machines at the time, so the bank manager suggested I should stay at the machine job, and not be looking at these things.”

Fast-forward to 2007, and Mansfield was sitting in the drawing room of the property that once belonged to the Nash family, having purchased it for a figure believed to be in the region of €14 to €20 million.

“I love ever y thing about this house,” he said looking around at the ornate plasterwork on the ceiling.

“I’m more excited about this thing than anything I’ve ever done in my life; the house has such character.”

With NAMA appointing a receiver to Weston, Mansfield faces a massive – some would say, impossible – battle to regain control of his empire, but he may be the one businessman who might just pull it off.

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28 April 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 7

life as NAMA moves in on his extensive local interests

GROUPS: CREATIVITY

Invited to an arty open day

standing outside Finnstown House, main; inspecting the hangars at his Weston Aerodrome, top and meeting Bill Clinton, above

A NEW group, the Celbridge Artistic Project, has formed, with a view to helping people within the community to connect with their creativity.

Its organisers believe that creativity and social interaction can play a vital role in empowering people in the current economic climate, and are organising a free open day, showcasing the many forms of artistic and creative expression that is available to locals.

The group encourages the local community to come along and try in its workshops on the day, which will help to create further awareness within the wider community of the ethos and objectives of the project and its development so far.

The open day will be held on May 7, from 11am to 3pm, at the Acre Centre, Salesian College, Celbridge.

8 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 April 2011

VISIT Dublin prepares for the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II

The royal visit will include a stay in Farmleigh House, above, and a reception with President McAleese at Aras an Uachtarain, below

The Defence Forces’ Army Ranger Wing will assist in Queen Elizabeth II will fly into Dublin’s Casement Aerodrome on May 17

protection of residences where the monarch will stay

Our guest, the Queen Q PAUL HOSFORD

lucan@gazettegroup.com

A MAJOR security operation will get underway in the coming weeks, with the State visit of Queen Elizabeth II set to get underway when she arrives in Dublin on May 17.

The Queen will arrive

in Casement Aerodrome with her husband, Prince Philip, around midday on Tuesday, May 17, before heading to Aras an Uachtarain for a ceremonial welcome, meeting with President Mary McAleese and her husband, Martin.

Speaking to the

Gazette, Minister for Tourism Leo Varadkar, said that the visit will give West Dublin a chance to showcase itself.

“West Dublin will be centre stage when Queen Elizabeth II is formally greeted by President McAleese in Aras an Uachtarain on her arrival.

The reception, hosted by President McAleese, will be one of the British monarch’s first official engagements in the Republic.

“This is a once-in-alifetime opportunity to present Dublin, and the whole of Ireland, to the world. It gives us a chance to remind our traditional core markets in the US and Britain of our unique qualities.

“The tourism agencies are actively involved in the preparations for the visits and intend maximising the associated promotional and marketing opportunities. And, with the world’s media focusing on Ireland, even for only a brief period, we can extend our focus to new markets throughout the world,” said the Minister.

Although Garda officials are remaining tightlipped about the actual details of the scale of the operation, it is expected to be one of the largest

security details in the history of the state.

Officers from London’s Metropolitan Police provide a royal-protection unit, which travels with the monarch at all times.

Close protection is expected to be provided

by Garda special units, while the Army Ranger Wing will be deployed for close protection of residences where the monarch will stay.

The visit is the first of a ruling British monarch since King George V, Queen Elizabeth’s grandfather, visited Dublin in 1911, making this the first visit of a British monarch since Irish independence.

Some commentators have called the visit an important moment in Irish society’s coming of age and, while there is vociferous opposition amongst hard-line Republican groups, the majority of Irish people are either

in support of the visit, or don’t feel strongly one way or the other.

After visiting the President at the Aras, the Queen will then visit the Garden of Remembrance, where she will lay a wreath, before moving on to view the Book of Kells in Trinity College.

On Wednesday, the Queen will visit the Guinness Storehouse, Government Buildings and the Irish War Memorial in Islandbridge, where she will lay a wreath in honour of the many thousands of men who fought for the British Army, before she will go on a tour of Croke Park and then attend a State dinner at Dublin Castle.

This being a royal visit, it was inevitable the National Stud would be visited, with that and Farmleigh House taking up Thursday.

The monarch then leaves Dublin for Cashel

and Cork before flying home from Cork Airport.

The visit is expected to be a boost to tourism across the country, with Tourism Ireland planning a huge operation.

In order to maximise the tourism potential of the country, there will be press briefings by Tourism Ireland for the visiting journalists, before and during the visit.

It is expected that up to 1,000 members of the media, including print, TV and radio stations, will cover the visit.

Tourism Ireland will supply footage of the various locations on the itinerary to expand the media coverage around the globe in advance of Queen Elizabeth’s arrival.

The organisation will also encourage the visiting journalists to soak up some of the atmosphere and explore some of our many tourist attractions during their time here.

28 April 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 9

EDUCATION Scholarship fund awarded to third-level student

Rebecca Melvin joins Belinda, Paul and John O’Keeffe on the couch while John Paul Reilly, year head; Walter Doolin, year head; Aileen Friel, deputy principal; Noel Kelly, teacher; Rebecca Forde, librarian; Pauline Duffy, principal and Jim Rea, Roadstone Wood, stood by with their congratulations for Paul. Pictures: Peter Doyle

Rewarding Paul’s dedicated study OLLINSTOWN Park Community College student Paul O’Keeffe was the recent recipient of Roadstone Wood’s annual third-level scholarship, which was presented to him by Jim Rea, Roadstone’s HR manager.

The scholarship marks the company’s continuing commitment to help engage with, and support, the community, as well as continuing its involvement with the school. Now in its second year, the scholarship fund involves a financial presentation to a former Collinstown Park Community College student who is currently in third-level education, and who had achieved excellent results in the Leaving Cert. Paul was delighted to return to his former school, where staff congratulated him and wished him well in his future studies.

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Jim Rea, Belinda O’Keeffe, Paul O’Keeffe, Rebecca Melvin, Jim O’Keeffe

Jim Rea, Roadstone, was delighted to congratulate

and Pauline Duffy, principal, Collinstown Park Community College

Paul O’Keeffe on his scholarship success

Rebecca Melvin and Paul O’Keeffe

10 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 April 2011

CHARITY Special Olympics fundraiser at Lucan Golf Club

Brian MacGearailt, organiser, and Evelyn Murphy

Kenny’s M.O.F. team – Barry Bolton, Mark Twoomey, John Keating and Rory McElroy

The Ball Alley team – Ray Gibson, Ray Hughes, Martin Coyne and Gerry Croke. Pictures: Peter Doyle

Teeing off in aid of our great Olympians UCAN man Brian McGearailt found plenty of supporters happy to tee off in aid of his brother, Conor, when he organised a fundraiser at Lucan Golf Club recently.

Conor will be representing Ireland in the upcoming Special Olympics World Summer Games, to be held in

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Athens in June, with Conor set to compete in the equestrian competition as an independent rider, where his impressive skills will be called upon for Team Ireland.

Several teams from across the area signed up to help support Conor, and Special Olympics Ireland, with the

golfers teeing off with the knowledge that they were helping to support our proud Olympians at the Games.

Following the golf classic, the day’s fundraising continued with a charity night in Kenny’s, with all proceeds again going to help support Conor and Special Olympics Ireland.

Kenny’s A-Team – Larry Weldon, Declan Weldon and David Hilliard

Paul Kennedy, Kieran Smith and Kieran Alan Cullen, Henry Carthy, Gabriel Carthy and Keith McCann

Twoomey

Strawberry Hall team – Ger Finn, Fidelma Ryan, Nancy Noone and Jack Molloy

28 April 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 28 April 2011

FETAC

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

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National Framework of Qualifications

Great employers know… there are over one million reasons to choose FETAC! EVERY business aims for highly skilled flexible employees who can not just do the job in hand, but who can take one new learning and challenges too.

You want to choose the best person for the job and then make sure they stay ahead.

Choose applicants who have quality assured FETAC awards that are part of the National Framework of Qualifications.

The National Framework of Qualifications is a ten level Framework that makes it easier to understand awards in education and training in Ireland. FETAC, the Further education and training Awards Council, makes awards at levels 1-6 of the National Framework of Qualifications.

The National Framework of Qualifications allows for different award types which ensure that achievement in learning can be appropriately recognised and understood, step by step.

Major awards recognise a large amount of learning, resulting in the achievement of Certificates. Certificate titles include the level of the award, for example, Level 5 Certificate Business Studies.

Minor awards recognise smaller amounts of learning and are coherent in their own right. Minor awards are the essential building block for FETAC awards.

Minor awards lead to

Component Certificates.

Special purpose awards recognise a narrow range of learning that is typically specifically focused on employment, for example Level 5 Road Winter Maintenance. Special Purpose Awards lead to Specific Purpose Certificates.

Supplemental awards, leading to Supplemental Certificates, recognise the learning that follows other awards. They update prior learning, and help employees stay ahead of the curve or to comply with new leg-

islative requirements.

For more information on the Framework, view www.nqai.ie .

Making recruitment easy When you choose a FETAC award, you can be confident that the skills are relevant to today’s employment standards.

Applicants will have a knowledge base that enables them to keep on learning and to up-skill as required to help your

business stay ahead. Key competences valued by employers such as communications, team working and interpersonal skills are built into award structures.

Awards requirements and standards are published on www.fetac.ie in the Awards Directory so you can check for yourself what lies

behind the certificate.

If you are recruiting staff, check out our Employers page on www.fetac.ie. It provides advice on how to frame advertisements so as you get the best information from potential employees.

For example, many employers now frame recruitment requirements according to the Framework: ‘Successful applicants will have a level 4 qualification or equivalent.’

You may also want to

understand how qualifications achieved outside of Ireland relate to Irish qualifications. The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) provides a free service to employers to assist with this. View www.nqai.ie A FETAC award is generally achieved through further education and training provision and is quality assured.

FETAC awards can be achieved following programmes offered through VECs, FÁS, Fáilte Ireland, Teagasc, a wide variety of private providers / training companies, including in the workplace or in a community setting.

Further education and training in Ireland is known for its dynamism and innovation, but also because it is genuinely accessible to learners nationwide, in over 1,500 centres.

One Million reasons…

In 2010 FETAC celebrated over one million people achieving a FETAC award. This means that roughly one in three people of working age have a FETAC award.

Most are adults, who have taken the time and

made that commitment to continuously learning, tackling gaps in experience, stretching ability, engaging with new ideas and knowledge. FETAC people with this kind of energy are just what your business needs.

President McAleese described FETAC learners as people who take ‘control, adjusting to the changing economic conditions, getting ready for the new labour market requirements, using their time well and investing in the optimism that comes from doing something positive. It is people with that cool mixture of realism and optimism and ‘can do’ attitude that will help Ireland become a stable and prosperous economy in the months and years ahead.’

A unique celebration was hosted in Dublin, among the audience were some leading employers who found that providing training on site as part of the workplace not only increased staff commitment to quality, but also increased compliance with essential health and safety requirements.

Learners themselves give the FETAC system the ‘thumbs up’; Timothy Forde completed his Level 6 Supplemental Certificate Domestic Gas Installation with FÁS so as to be fully equipped to start his own business in a niche market.

Timothy saw learning and awards as ‘stepping stones to future suc-

Over one million people have a FETAC award. Enrico Jennings, Tsvetolina Tonova, Timothy Forde and

cess…It is very important that I undertake learning in my relevant expert field.’ Yaoweii Sun achieved the Level 5 Certificate Information Technology while working as part of the management team at Dominos Pizza. ‘Education opens doors and opportunities. It gives you options and helps you think differently.

Completing my FETAC course helped me develop both career and life skills. It has given me perspective and helped me improve my ability to communicate effectively.’

FETAC - taking people further….

FETAC provides an important route into higher education for many learners, including those in the workforce. In 2010, almost one in five learners applying through CAO to Higher Education indicated that they had a FETAC award.

Institutes of Technology and Universities continue to expand entry routes for FETAC award holders. Michael Cloo-

nan from Inishbofin built on the local rich tradition of hospitality by taking a Fáilte Ireland programme in the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology first in Bar Skills at level 5.

Now Michael has progressed and is studying for his Bachelor in Business in Bar Management. Participating in ‘programmes and awards give me a great foundation not only for industry but for life’ said Michael.

Employers such as Monaghan Mushrooms use programmes leading to FETAC awards to ensure consistency across work practices and to provide structured career paths within the industry. If you think this is what your staff or organisation needs, consult the Employers Page on www.fetac.ie. FETAC is glad to work with employers to ensure Ireland is ready and skilled to shape and make opportunities for all of us.

There are one million reasons to choose FETAC. Are you one?

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Mulcahy, Michael Cloonan, Carmel Boylan, Seรกn Walsh, Ann Marie BrettJoseph Barry celebrate.

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

28 April 2011 GAZETTE 13

14 GAZETTE 28 April 2011

FastNews PROGRAMME A total of 300 placements available Don’t miss your chance ONE lucky Dublin couple could have their dream wedding as goldenpages.ie are offering a Gold Wedding worth €30,000.

Voting is about to close for couples who have entered the competition on goldenpages.ie.

The three couples with the most votes will go through to the final where one very lucky couple will be crowned the winner.

The winning couple will receive a Gold Wedding worth €30,000 on two conditions: 1, they must get married on Saturday, September 10 this year, and 2, they must accept a second “mystery condition”, which will be revealed when the winning couple is announced. Voting deadline is Friday, April 29.

Getting back to work with beginagain.ie Q STAFF REPORTER

EXPERIENCED and professional individuals in Dublin, who are eager to rejoin the workforce, have the opportunity to take up some 300 work placements provided

by Begin Again (www. beginagain.ie), a career advancement programme developed by the Irish Centre for Business Excellence (ICBE).

The programme, which was launched in 2010, has already placed over 400 unemployed people in work placements throughout Ireland.

Over 240 of these have now returned to employment, providing the

exchequer with an additional estimated €4.8m on an annualised basis.

The programme is a mix of certified training, internship and mentoring, with four central themes; employment and employability, resilience and wellbeing, innovation and enterprise and life-long learning and training.

Having recently completed the programme, Dubliner Clare Curtin said: “The Begin Again programme has not only helped me secure employment, it has also very professionally blended my expertise with the company’s requirements.

Begin Again is the only programme that has

offered me anything concrete in terms of employment opportunities.’’

Over 300 Companies have taken part in the programme to date, with established companies such as Supermacs, Boston Scientific and Bewleys all providing work placements and full-time employment opportunities.

Funded by the Labour Market Activation Fund, the Begin Again programme has enabled people who were experiencing both short-term and long-term unemployment to gain that crucial foothold back into the workforce. To date, 41% of participants

Mike Gaffney, of Begin Again, and programme supporter, Mark Fielding of ISME

have obtained employment, 19% have gained self-employment or contracts, with a further 5% re-entering the education system. A further 21% are currently in workplaces with real job prospects.

Begin Again participants retain all of their social welfare benefits during the work placement programme.

Explaining the impact of Begin Again, Pat

O’Connor, CEO of the ICBE said: “We have seen participants come from a broad range of backgrounds and educational levels, including engineers, accountants, quantity surveyors, sales and administration professionals and operational level people. Having had a successful outcome for over three-quarters of our 400 participants, 49% of whom were long-term

unemployed, we believe we are providing a valuable service for the Irish public and the Irish State.

We estimate that Begin Again is costing less than 50% of any previous government-sponsored labour market activation programme.”

For further information on the Begin Again programme go to www. beginagain.ie or call 061 371753.

28 April 2011 GAZETTE 15

FESTIVALS Foodies, rejoice – Taste of Dublin is coming up

Vogue Wilson

Sheana, Eabha and Molly Lewis can’t resist following Ross Lewis’s fruity fare

Tempting event to tickle taste buds ...

HE sixth annual Taste of Dublin is set to once again tickle taste buds, when the outdoor food and drink festival takes place from June 9 to June 12 in the serene surrounds of the Iveagh Gardens in Dublin 2.

The festival will feature al-fresco dining, wine tastings, live chef demonstrations and the chance to meet more than 100 artisan food producers, as well as a number of well-known

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foodie faces and celebrities, including Gino D’Acampo, Derry Clarke, Conrad Gallagher, Catherine Fulvio, Ross Lewis and Neven Maguire, to name but a few.

With Superquinn once again on board as headline sponsor, tickets are now on sale from the ticket line at 0818 300 030. For further information on the delightful, delicious festival, see www.tasteofdublin.ie.

Eabha Lewis

Vogue Wilson was helping to promote the event

Top foodies, Ross Lewis and Catherine Fulvio

Molly Lewis

16 GAZETTE 28 April 2011

Gazette Contacts

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day

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

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

Every little face...

PICTURED launching the Face of Tesco – a competition to find three staff members to model in the company’s 2011 Autumn Winter Clothing Campaign, are the judges - model agency boss Rebecca Morgan, fashion editor Bairbre Power and fashion expert Darren Kennedy along with models Ellie Murphy and Carl Shaaban. Prizes for the winner include modelling in the Autumn Winter Clothing photo shoot, a Tesco wardrobe, a professional hair and make-up consultation, and more.

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.

Get your hats out for a right royal Dublin do WHY NOT celebrate Prince William’s marriage to Kate Middleton, this Friday, April 29, at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney, with an afternoon to remember?

Guests can enjoy a glass of Prosecco on arrival, then sit back, relax and view the royal wedding on screen, while enjoying a delicious three-course lunch. Come along with friends and watch as history is made, when the heir to the British throne marries his college sweetheart.

Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel is located just a stone’s throw from Dalkey, and enjoys stunning views over Dublin Bay. The Royal Wedding Lunch Package costs €29.95.

To make an enquiry, or booking, please contact reservations on (01) 2305556 or email reservations@ fitzpatricks.com

Acting for beginners AN Acting for Absolute Beginners course starts on May 15 and runs for 10 weeks in Dublin city centre.

With students from Lucan and Swords already signed up for the course, tutor Ronnie McCann says he is looking for students from all over the city to take part.

DIARY The course introduces students to the basics of acting and offers a hands-on practical approach that will get the creative juices flowing and explores new and inventive ways to become the next De Niro or Winslet.

Ronnie McCann has been a professional director and actor for 20 years and, as an actor, he has been in many television dramas and is also a regular in Casualty.

He has also been in several feature films and has worked on camera and stage in Europe as well.

He trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and Lee Strasberg in New York.

He also teaches acting for camera and directing at several leading drama colleges, including the Gaiety School.

“There will be lots of laughter, excitement and fun. If you think ‘I wouldn’t have the talent’, but your instincts tell you differently, this is the course for you. It is a great way to meet new people, explore new ways to communicate and develop new skills that you can use in life,” Ronnie says.

The course takes place on Sun-

days from 2pm - 4.30pm in the church just off Frances Street. It costs €140 for 10 weeks. Contact 086 7838619 / 01 6293976 to book.

Support Norris and Aware A QUIZ night will be held in aid of AWARE and Senator David Norris in the Grand Hotel in Malahide this Friday, April 29.

Sheila Byrne, who is a fundraiser for Senator Norris’s presidential campaign said: “I have met with the CEO of AWARE and he is delighted that they will be part of this fundraising night. A lot of charities are finding it difficult to get funds due to the downturn of this wonderful island of ours. Fortunately, with positive thinking and helping each other it won’t be long before we get this country up and running again.

“During the course of his election campaign, and if he is elected as the next President of Ireland, Senator Norris will focus on three key areas in our society and will shine a light on the key issues associated with these three areas: Mental Health and Wellbeing, Culture, and Enterprise,” Sheila said.

The quiz night kicks off at 8pm.

All are welcome.

28 April 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: IT’S IMPORTANT TO RESPECT A DOG’S INSTINCTS AND ITS FEARS

Keep your child safe around strange dogs E all know that man’s (and woman’s) best friend is the dog! Dogs love us unconditionally and their level of gorgeousness goes right off the, well, the gorgeousness scale. You can tell I’m a doggie kinda gal?

However, even the nicest doggie has been known to bare his gnashers and, quite often, it’s a small child who bears the brunt of his anger.

All parents know that kids go off the rails when they spot a dog. Their natural instinct is to run up and pet the animal, try to hug it, pick it up and scream and squeal with excitement, often upsetting the poor pooch, albeit unintentionally.

Now, to a small child and even an adult, this

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type of adulation is a normal reaction and appears cute – to a dog it spells something entirely different. Sudden movements and loud, ear-splitting screams often cause the poor dog to feel fear and could promote an aggressive response in the friendliest and most easygoing of canines.

So, as a parent, what can you do to protect your child from strange dogs?

Well, here are a few tips I hope will come in handy.

• Teach your child to respect a dog’s instincts and most importantly, its fears. When around a strange dog, ask your child to speak quietly and to move slowly – no running around making mad flapping movements.

• Never allow your child

to ride a bike, a flicker scooter or skate too close to a strange dog. Some dogs feel scared because they are not normally used to these things, and may even chase the moving object because such behaviour can trigger a dog’s natural prey instinct.

• If a strange dog gets too frisky or excited around your child, then teach the child to behave like a statue. Your child will need to drop any food or toy they’re holding and stand still, like a statue or a tree. Statues are boring for dogs – they will usually come over, sniff and go away. Practise this with your kids, so they know exactly what to do if a dog rushes at them.

• Teach your child to

Even friendly dogs can be aggressive when provoked

never, never, and again I stress, NEVER pat a dog without the owner’s permission. I’ve lost count of the times kids have rushed up to me in the park to try and grab hold of my dogs’ heads and attempt to rub them and, when I pull my

dogs away, the parents get stroppy. There is a reason why you must seek the owners’ permission. Some dogs, two of mine included, do not like strangers patting them and may become aggressive due to nervousness. Teach your

child to respect a dog’s personal space and his right to refuse to be patted by strangers.

• If the owner gives permission, teach your child to approach the dog slowly and quietly and allow the dog to sniff the back of the child’s hand – then gently pat the dog’s chest, sides or back. Dogs don’t generally like to be rubbed on their heads. Keep your face away from the dog and never stare into its eyes. For very small dogs, your child may need to kneel down, keeping the top half of the child’s body straight and not bend over the dog.

• Tell your child it’s a big no-no to sneak up on a dog that is eating or sleeping. If a dog is eating, your child must wait until he has moved away

from the feed area before approaching him. If the dog is sleeping, your child needs to stand back and call the dog out of his bed if they wish to give him a cuddle.

• Puppies! Never allow your child pick up a puppy. Mummy dogs are very protective of their babies, just as humans are, and may bite the child if she thinks they will hurt them.

•Make sure your child doesn’t approach or pat a dog that has his head sticking out of a car window. It’s likely the animal is protecting and defending what he perceives as his space.

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

18 GAZETTE 28 April 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs VW GROUP GROWS TO RIVAL TOYOTA:

V O L K S WA G E N has reported that its first quarter delivery of new cars rose by 13.7% to a record 1.97 million vehicles. VW also reported record deliveries for March, with sales of more than 767,200 cars, up 8.1% from a year ago.

VW aims to pass Toyota as the world’s best-selling car brand by 2018.

In 2010, VW group sold a record 7.14 million units, ranking it third behind General Motors with 8.39 million and Toyota with 8.42 million.

The Germanbased company has reported that car sales growth in regions such as China, India or Russia produced a strong performance.

The company’s core VW brand sold 1.23 million cars between January and March, a rise of 10.4%.

The new BMW X1 xDrive28i uses the first of the new generation four-cylinder petrol engines to give improved acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, taking just 6.1 seconds, as well as a 16% improvement in fuel economy. Inset: The BMW-designed electric motor, which will be used in BMW electric cars in the future. The motor is claimed to be over 90% efficient and produces in excess of 160bhp for fast acceleration

Impressive engines MICHAEL MORONEY visits the BMW headquarters in

Munich, where he got a glimpse of things to come MWhas set a name for itself with its Efficient Dynamics technology that has boosted diesel engine performance far ahead of where people would have believed possible 10 years ago.

I was in Munich last week to hear and discuss with BMW engineers where the next move will be.

There were three areas where BWM focused on during what they call their annual Innovation Day. These were new engine designs, the development of the electric car and new lightweight car components.

The target remains the same – giving enhanced driving pleasure in quality cars consistent with reduced fuel consumption. That’s the basis of the Efficient Dynamics concept and development director at BMW, Dr Klaus Draeger, said that this remains true as

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the core principle of the company.

The big news was the announcement of a complete new line-up of engines that will be fitted to BMW cars in three to four years time. BMW has invested €300 million in this new enginedesign concept that will give them huge savings through new economies of scale.

BMW expects that, while the move to electric cars will accelerate, the sales of electric or even hybrid cars will not be more than 20% of the total market.

That’s why the company continues to put a lot of effort into to increasing the lead that the Efficient Dynamics approach to conventional car engine design has given them. That has been confirmed by the fact that, in 2010, and for the sixth time in a row, the BMW Group was named the most sustain-

able automobile manufacturer in the world by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.

There will be a new family of three, four and six-cylinder engines in diesel and petrol format, all using the same basic design. This will mean common parts, such as engine structures and fittings, even pistons and camshafts, making engine assembly easier, and bringing big savings in terms of economies of scale.

But the changes are not big enough to expect a drop in prices, according to the company; it will be more of a situation where they will give better economy and performance without increasing the prices into the future.

These new engines will feature a new BMW TwinPower turbo-charging system that ensures more power and lower fuel consumption in both

petrol- and diesel-fuelled cars. We had an opportunity to take a short test drive in the first of these new engines, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was fitted to the new X1. In the new BMW X1 xDrive28i, this engine has improved the acceleration of the vehicle from zero to 100 km/h, taking just 6.1 seconds. The new engine delivers 245bhp.

This is over 70bhp more powerful than BMW’s previously most powerful four-cylinder engine.

The engine produced a huge level of torque for a petrol engine and even more impressive is the fact that it does so at a low 1250rpm engine speed.

BMW claims that the new TwinPower Turbo engine even surpasses a BMW six-cylinder engine in terms of response and pulling power.

On the electric car front BMW has created

what it calls a new subbrand, called the Megacity vehicle. The company will have two models on offer in 2013, a full electric car, the i3, and a plug-in hybrid petrol car, the i8x.

BMW told us that they are developing their own electric motors, voltage invertors and high voltage storage systems. The aim is to develop a system that achieves flexibility for future hybrid and electric vehicles.

Each battery storage unit of the future BMW hybrid or electric vehicle comprises a different number of modules, which in turn, each consists of a specific number of battery cells.

These are interconnected in series in order to match the power and energy capacity needs of each vehicle.

The new lightweight technology being planned for future BMW cars aims to cut the over-

all weight of the cars.

That, too, will improve fuel economy. Plastics are going to be used to a greater extent, along with carbon fibres, some developed from agricultural crops, to produce vehicle body panels and insulation materials that incorporate new types of resins that make them strong, yet light.

BMW is researching every aspect of the cars for the future to make them more sustainable in terms of economy and easier to build in a process that causes less lasting damage to the environment.

T hat means using products in their manufacture that can be grown within Europe.

These of their own accord can mean new opportunities for farm crops and some of the materials show during the Innovation Day provided real evidence of this.

28 April 2011 GAZETTE 19

20 GAZETTE 28 April 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs Skoda sponsors Tipperary GAA SKODA is the new GAA sponsor of Tipperary GAA. The three-year sponsorship agreement, which begins following the 2011 National Leagues, will see Skoda Ireland invest approximately €200,000 into the Premier County per annum. As part of this sponsorship agreement, Skoda and Tipperary GAA officially unveiled the new 2011 Jersey at Croke Park on April 19. AllIreland Hurling Champions Eoin Kelly, Brendan Cummins, Padraic Maher and Conor O’Mahony were on hand to showcase the new strip and discuss Tipperary hurler’s prospects of defending theirAll Ireland crowns as the 2011 championship season approaches. The full sponsorship of Tipperary GAA covers both the hurling and football codes and includes all grades from minor to senior inter-county teams over the next three years. As part of the sponsorship agreement, the new-lookTipperary jersey was unveiled displaying the Skoda brand name.

Pictured at the announcement is Ray Leddy, marketing manager of Skoda Ireland, centre, with Tipperary hurling manager Declan Ryan, left, and Tipperary football manager John Evans

MERCEDES BENZ IN TALKS ON FUEL CELLS: MERCEDES BENZ is involved in a partnership with Renault and Nissan to develop new fuel cell technology for cars for the future. This comes a year after both companies formed a global alliance in which both companies swapped stakes in each other to co-operate on the development of small cars, commercial vehicles and future engine systems.

FIAT WANTS A CROSS-OVER NOT A GOLF: FIAT hopes that reshaping the Bravo hatchback

into a crossover will lead to a surge in European sales.

Fiat has decided to replace its slowselling Bravo compact hatchback with an all-new high-roof cross-over inspired by the popular Nissan Qashqai.

Fiat had originally planned to relaunch the Bravo as a rival the Volkswagen Golf, which is Europe’s bestselling car. The current Bravo and Qashqai were both launched in Europe in 2007. Their sales results were close at first but last year the Qashqai outsold the Bravo by a 5-to-1 margin (216,091 to 44,850).

The new Volkswagen Beetle is built to be one of the safest cars on the road, thanks to features such as standard ESP and six airbags

New VW Beetle goes back to its roots VOL K S WAGE N unveiled the latest generation Beetle at the Shanghai Motor Show in a style that moves away from design of the New Beetle of 1998.

This latest generation Beetle draws on cues from the original.

This new Beetle, due here later this summer, is longer, wider and lower, giving a more masculine and dynamic appearance.

The Beetle now measures 4,278 mm in length (+152 mm), 1,808 mm in width (+84 mm) and 1,486 in height (-12 mm).

The track width front and rear, as well as the wheelbase at 2,537 mm, is also increased.

The car’s new proportions mean the roof extends back further, the windscreen is shifted back and the rear section is now more akin to that of the origi-

nal Beetle.

The boot capacity is a practical 310 litres, up from 209 litres in the 1998 model. The Beetle has four seats, with a split-fold rear seat for added versatility.

Inside the cabin, the Beetle’s designers created a modern, practical and distinctive appearance with easy to identify and ergonomic controls.

Certain features, such

as the glove box and colour accent panels, hark back to the original.

Three trim levels will be available – Beetle, Design and Sport – and each will have its own individual character and features. There will be a wide range of optional equipment available.

It is expected that, in Ireland, there will be a choice of four engines: three petrol – a 1.2-litre TSI 105bhp,

a 1.4-litre TSI 160bhp and a 2.0-litre TSI 200bhp; and one diesel – a 1.6-litre 105bhp with BlueMotion Technology. Thanks to the addition of Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems, the Beetle 1.6-litre 105bhp is estimated to have a combined fuel consumption of 23.8 km/litre (4.2l/100km) and a low CO2 emissions rating of 112 g/km.

Porsche returns to southside of the city PORSCHE has long been one of the most prestigious brands in the world and Porsche Centre Dublin is delighted to announce its return to South County Dublin, introducing some exceptional cars that are exclusive to this centre in Ireland.

Whether window-shopping or otherwise, you don’t even necessarily need to be a Porsche obsessive to appreciate the Porsche Boxster Spyder

PDK. This is the first and only car of its kind in the country, and now on display at Porsche Centre Dublin, Rochestown Avenue.

This new Porsche Service Centre retails the full range of Porsche Approved used cars and provides customers in the Republic of Ireland with the only authorised facility that caters for all Porsche aftersales requirements.

All Porsche-approved used

cars are inspected using a 111-point checklist and come with a 24-month, manufacturer-backed Porsche Approved Warranty, with no mileage limit, and a 24-month Porsche Assistance policy, offering Europe-wide breakdown assistance.

Experience Brand manager Ryan O’Connell, has a wealth of experience with the Porsche brand and

is one of the most experienced Porsche experts in Ireland having overseen an impressive 350 deliveries to Porsche customers across the country.

Porsche Ser vice Centre Dublin is located at Joe Duffy Ltd, just off exit 16 of the M50 at Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

Customers can contact the Porsche Centre Dublin on 01 2353375 or by email at info@ porschedublin.ie.

28 April 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Graham Costigan, general manager, Room To Room

Furnishing what customers want DUCA Furniture, trading as Room To Room, started business more than 10 years ago as a furniture wholesaler.

Given the tough economic conditions prevailing in the country, the company decided to take their furniture directly to the public, with a benefit for the customer being the excellent value the company says it offers all year long.

Talking to the Gazette this week, general manager Graham Costigan told us about his career and the company.

“I was born what seems like an eternity ago in Dublin, I spent seven years living in Germany, and came back to Ireland 12 years ago.

“Since leaving school (Joey’s in Fairview) I’ve run pubs, an accounts department and a freight company before joining Duca Furniture about a year ago.

“I enjoy work, golf, travel, a couple of drinks now and then and relaxing with [partner] Karen, but not necessarily in that order!” Graham says.

“Duca Furniture started business over 10 years ago as a furniture wholesaler.

Based on the outskirts of Dundalk, we have a state-of-the-art 75,000 sq ft warehouse facility. Our showrooms in Santry, Fonthill and Leopardstown are decked out in the best of furniture.

“We sell quality and pride ourselves on this. There are plenty of furniture retailers, but we feel we have some of the

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS DECIDING ON PAYING PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS Q – My new employer will pay 5% into my defined contribution pension if I match it. I am only 26 – do I have to agree to this, or can I put it off until I am at least in my thirties? Mary – Stillorgan A - THERE are currently more than 420,000 Irish citizens over the age of 65 and, by the year 2050, there will be 1.8 million citizens over this age.

By 2026, a total of 767,300 such citizens are expected, meaning that 16 years from now, more than 16% of the population will be in retirement.

Another fact is that half of the current earning population of Ireland does not have a pension. They are obviously hoping that the State Pension (which is currently €230.30 per week) will be enough to tide them over at that stage, AND that the Government will still have

Graham Costigan, general manager at Room To Room

the funds to be able to pay it when they reach retirement age.

best furniture out there. And, as we’re a wholesaler by trade, the price is fair as there is no middle man.

“We stock most of the floor items and have a wide range of customised furniture. Why not slip by if you’re in the market?”

According to Graham, Room To Room don’t mark up prices to enable them to mark down in a fake sale.

The company is keen to promote its core belief of providing the customer

with an excellent level of service and quality at a fair price.

Room To Room carries stocks of leather, bedroom, dining and occasional furniture, with most of these items available for immediate delivery.

Added to the its extensive range of custom-made fabric suites, the company believes it has something to suit every taste and every pocket.

Customers can find all of the company’s details at www.roomtoroom.ie

With the pension funds being decimated over the last few years, and the ageing population ambivalent about saving for their retirement, something had to give.

The Government, through the recent National Pension Framework plan, has addressed this issue and, by 2014, all employees and employers will eventually have to contribute to a pension fund of some sort, plus the retirement age will be raised gradually to age 68 in 2026, with one uniform standard rate of tax relief applied to all contributions – 20%, by 2014.

So, if you are currently on the higher rate of tax, it will certainly be worth your while making that 5% contribution, as your employer is also making a 5% contribution.

This is a win-win situation for you, while you are never

Q&A

too young to start a pension!

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

A: I wanted to be a foot-

Q: What part of your job do you dislike the most?

A: Doing the accounts –

baller.

boring.

Q: What was your first job?

A: I worked in Dunnes in the northside, stacking shelves and sweeping floors.

Oh, how I miss those days ...

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: It was from the same place.

Q: How many people do you have to talk with every day?

A: Loads. Sometimes too many, sometimes not enough.

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: The greatest thrill is getting things organised and not having any problems with deliveries.

Q: What air carrier do you use when going on holidays?

A: Generally Aer Lingus or Ryanair, whichever is best value.

Q: What car do you drive?

A: I drive an old Audi.

Q: Can you swim?

A: I can, and try to, as much as possible.

Q: Would you ever bungee jump?

A: Nope; I don’t like heights.

Q: Do you play any sport?

A: I play golf.

Q: What is your favourite food and drink?

A: My favourite food is stew;

my favourite drink is coffee.

Q: Who would you like to have dinner with – Brian O’Driscoll or Brian Cowen?

A: Brian Cowen. I’d love to give him a slap up the side of the head.

Q: How many times a week do you go to the ‘hole in the wall’?

A: Way too often.

Q: How many times each year do you shop for clothes?

A: As seldom as possible. I don’t like shopping.

Q: What is the name of your favourite shop?

A: Room to Room, of course! But, really, it’s Macy’s in New York.

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: About 15, I think.

Q: Where is your favourite holiday destination?

A: Portugal.

Q: Have you ever met Brian Cowen?

A: Nope.

Q: What other job in the whole world would you really like to have?

A: A professional golfer; otherwise, I’m very happy with my work.

Q: When do you wish to retire?

A: As soon as I have the means to do so, comfortably.

Q: What will you do then?

A: I haven’t got a clue. I will read books and take it easy for a while, and just spend some time smelling the flowers – I don’t get a chance now.

Even at 20% tax relief, the full 10% contribution (5% from you and 5% from the employer) is only costing you a net 4% of your income.

Ask for a report each year from the trustees to ensure the fund is on course to pay you what the original estimates hope to.

Quite simply put, a pension is a must. It is a savings plan which attracts three specific tax breaks.

Firstly, tax relief on the contribution that you make to your pension at your marginal rate –in 2014, it reduces to 20%.

Secondly, tax-free growth in the pension fund.

And, thirdly, the availability of a tax-free lump sum, currently 25% of the fund, on retirement age, with a cap of €200,000.

Independent, authorised and experienced advice is essential, and it would be preferable to pay for it, to ensure that independence. Do it!

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

22 GAZETTE 28 April 2011

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY CLONEE: RANGE OF APARTMENTS NOW ON SALE NEAR BLANCH

Ard Cluain hits the market

Allendale Glade offers three-bed living in D15

CLONSILLA: ASKING PRICE OF €204,950

Allendale is cosy in Clonsilla WILSON Moore have made a final reduction to encourage an immediate sale on No. 4, Allendale Glade, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, a stunning three-bedroom mid-terrace home in immaculate condition throughout and very well maintained by its present owners.

The accommodation consists of entrance hallway, living room, kitchen/dining area, guest wc /utility room, three-bedrooms (of which the master is en-suite) and a family bathroom.

To the rear is a good size garden with seeded lawn and conservatory.

Special features include a feature fireplace and coving in the living room with double doors leading to the dining area, cream-fitted kitchen with tiled splash-back and doors leading to a large conservatory; Egyptian Travertine flooring in the conservatory and semi-solid wood flooring throughout the ground floor. There are fitted wardrobes in all bedrooms, and the attic is fully floored with Stira stairs.

The property features a south-facing rear garden with outdoor tap and outdoor electricity sockets and is wired for outdoor lighting; gas heating, PVC windows and new PVC guttering and fascias, an alarm system and offstreet parking.

This property is conveniently close to the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre with all its amenities – schools, shops, N3 and M50 motorway, Clonsilla Train Station and, well serviced with an excellent bus route to the city centre. Viewings are by appointment only and can be arranged via Wilson Moore on 1890 808080.

THE ARD Cluain apartment complex in Clonee is now available for viewing by appointment through Wilson Moore Estate and Letting Agents.

The apartments feature professional, landscaped open areas and courtyard; high-speed lifts serve all floors from ground floor car parks, and there is an intercom entry system.

There is a a good electric specification, including each apartment has at least two telephone and TV points and an ample number of double sockets throughout. Smoke and heat detectors are fitted in each apartment and all units are wired for security alarms and downlighters in living room and

Ard Cluain apartments are on sale now

kitchen.

The bedrooms have high-quality fitted wardrobes, and the majority of the two-bedroom apartments will have en-suites off the main bedroom.

Bathrooms feature high-quality, white sani-

tary ware, as well as floor and wall tiles to dado rail height throughout all the bathrooms and en-suites as per show apartments.

Chrome towel rail, toilet roll holder and large fitted vanity mirrors, as per the show apartments,

and thermostatically controlled high-pressure showers. All apartments are covered by a ten-year Homebond scheme.

This apartment development is situated just off the N3, within easy access of the M50 motorway, with Dublin city centre only a short distance away.

The selection of amenities within walking distance include various restaurants, pubs and a wide choice of shops. A variety of sporting facilities are available in the vicinity, including the conveniently situated Clonee Tennis club right next door.

There is a choice of local golf courses as well as horse-riding facilities

close by and numerous sport clubs.

The Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, with its own multiplex cinema and extensive range of retail outlets, is only a short drive away.

This impressive development has two attractive courtyards with designer-landscaped open spaces.

Ard Cluain is a onestop-shop and offers first-time buyers and investors an opportunity to secure both real value and top-class quality in one simple step.

Viewings are by appointment and can be arranged via Wilson Moore on 1890 808080.

RATHMORE, MEATH: FIVE-BEDROOM LUXURY HOME FOR €595,000

A designer home at a price to dream on CARTY Properties have brought Carraig Rua, Rathmore, in Co Meath, to the market once again with a significant reduction to the price, making what is already an elegant spacious home even more attractive to potential buyers.

Carraig Rua, on the market for an asking proce of €595,000, is a detached, dormer-style residence standing on approximately 0.6 acre of landscaped grounds w i t h a n i m p r e s s i ve entrance. The property itself is nestled in scenic surroundings.

This designer home extends to c 3,200 sq ft and offers generous proportions, an abundance of natural light with attention to quality and detail.

The kitchen, living and dining rooms are interconnected and all

have French doors leading onto patio areas.

The property comprises entrance hall with a double hardwood front door with leaded glass panels, recessed lighting and porcelain-tiled flooring, a lounge with a nine-foot ceiling, a raised feature fireplace with granite hearth, a large, bow-style window, and solid oak timber flooring.

T he dining/family room has a mahogany fireplace, large bowstyle window and steps down to the kitchen/ living room, which features built-in wall and floor cherry units, complete with stainless steel sink, pull-out larder, built-in double oven, electric hob, integrated dishwasher and fridge freezer, with a large centre island.

There is also a utility

Carraig Rua in Rathmore, Co Meath is on the market for €595,000

room and shower room.

There are five wellproportioned bedrooms, the main being en suite, with a mixture of carpeted and wooden floors, and built-in wardrobes. The family bathroom has a jacuzzi bath, with velux window and recessed lighting.

The location is second

to none as it is within walking distance of Rathmore church and school while Athboy, Kells and Navan towns are only minutes away with their wide choice of educational, leisure and shopping amenities. The property is less than 10 minutes to the new M3 access point. This pro-

vides an easy commute to Dublin making this an ideal home for families looking for a serene, idyllic country location while offering a wealth of amenities close at hand.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Carty on 046-9486860, or see www.carty.ie.

28 April 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 23

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel

The impressive cliffs of Moher are only one of the many attractions in Co Clare

HOLIDAYS AT HOME: A VAST OFFERING IN ENNIS BEYOND THE BURREN

Much Moher than just cliffs in Ennis BARRY HARTIGAN

T’S only when you get to see the Cliffs of Moher for yourself do you truly realise how breathtaking they really are.

The famous tourist attraction has featured in a number of films, including The Princess Bride, and has even made an appearance on the small screen in an episode of Father Ted, but you really should try to see them for yourself.

The cliffs are in the final 28 of the New Seven Wonders of Nature competition and, once you view them, it’s not hard to see why.

The reason for my trip to Co Clare was an invitation from the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis to visit the hotel on the 50th anniversary of its opening and to sample the delights of the town and surrounding county.

Ennis is the very definition of the term “picture postcard” and it’s not

I

hard to see why it won the Tidy Towns competition in 2005 and placing second in 2008. It’s very picturesque, with narrow winding streets and it still maintains the feel of the market town it once was.

There is still a market in operation each Saturday, albeit somewhat reduced in size, and there was quite a range of stalls on offer the weekend I visited.

Saturday morning was spent on a walking tour of Ennis, and a very pleasant spot it is to amble around. The centre, made up of medieval streets and laneways, give it a small town feel.

However, Ennis actually has a population of around 25,000 making it the largest town in Munster and the sixth largest town in Ireland.

I found several fine book stores to browse in while the women on the trip were more than happy with the number of shoe and clothing stores that Ennis has to offer.

The Old Ground Hotel

itself dates back to the early part of the 18th Century when it was built as a private dwelling and, in 1895, it was transformed into a hotel.

It has had a very chequered past and Sinn Fein used the premises as their campaign headquaters from 1917 onwards.

One of the more interesting parts of its history is the fact that, in 1936, famed pilot Charles Lindberg stayed at the hotel while scouting for locations to open a transatlantic gateway.

Today the hotel has a wonderful combination of both old and new and, while the public areas have a pleasant ‘olde world’ feel, it also boasts all mod cons.

The hotel’s Town Hall restaurant is clearly one of the most popular in Ennis as it was packed the night we dined there.

Without going into elaborate details about the food all I will say was that I enjoyed one of the finer meals there that I have eaten in recent years.

I f y o u f a n c y g e tting some exercise and fresh air this spring the hotel is offering walking weekend breaks around the Burren. The Saturday consists of a full day guided walk from Black Head to the Burren Coast taking in stunning vistas of Galway Bay, Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands and the majestic, rocky Burren itself.

Sunday is a gentle halfday walk in the Burren National Park, one of the last great uncontaminated landscapes in Ireland, and includes the ascent of one of the country’s most eccentrically shaped hills, Mullaghmore, as well as interestesting sights off a famine relief ef road, herds of feral goats,, and the seasonal Tu r l o u g h lake. The weekends also coincide de with the world-famous orld-famous wildflower season in

the Burren so there will be beautiful blooms all around.

There are three walking weekends to choose from, taking place on April 29, May 6 or May 13.

The two-night break, including two nights luxurious accommodation with full Irish breakfast both mornings, a fivecourse dinner on the evening of your choice, a packed lunch and the guided walks (including transfers) is just €195 per person sharing, subject to availability.

For further information check http://www. flynnhotels.com/Old_ Ground_Hotel_Ennis/ Welcome .

A killer of a night out in Louth at murder weekend in Darver Castle DARVER Castle, Ardee, Co Louth, is hosting A Knight of Murder by Murder Mysteries Ireland on Saturday, May 7. This entertaining medieval murder dinner show starts with budding detectives being greeted by the show’s shady cast at the welcome reception.

Keeping their eyes peeled for clues, guests will then enjoy a sumptuous four-course dinner with wine as a murder is played out in the castle’s banqueting hall.

After the killer is caught everyone can dance the evening away and enjoy the late bar.

Tickets for A Knight of Murder are €65 per person, there is a group booking discount available for bookings of 10 seats and over. Fancy dress is not essential but preferred to help you get into the spirit of things.

Sleuths can also stay in the Castle’s guesthouses for €100 for two sharing, including breakfast.

Contact info@darvercastle.ie for more details, and, to book your medieval murder mystery dinner show tickets, please call 085 2828 420 or book online at www.murdermystreriesireland.com.

US and Canadian tourism agents see Ireland’s offering first-hand OVER 30 top American and Canadian travel agents arrived in Galway last week to meet with representatives of the Irish tourism trade to discuss business opportunities for the season ahead and looking beyond into 2012.

The agents represent high-end travel groups from across North America and Canada and have delivered significant amounts of business to Ireland over recent years.

Speaking after the event, Gillian Binchy, trade marketing manager at Fáilte Ireland said: “Events like these provide wonderful opportunities for overseas agents to come and taste the culture and heritage of Ireland for themselves, and has such a key role in encouraging these agents to consider Ireland as a holiday destination and promote Ireland to their customers.”

The workshop, which took place at the Ardilaun Hotel, provided valuable business and networking opportunities for the Irish trade at a fraction of the cost of an individual sales trip.

24 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 April 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1

GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 Little Gem Love, sex, birth, death, dildos and salsa classes: Little Gem sees three generations of Dublin women on a wild and constantly surprising journey.

April 29 and 30 at 8pm. Tickets: €15.20/€16.80/€19/€21.

The Pride of Parnell Street In a series of intercutting monologues, Janet and Joe chart the intimacies of their love and the rupturing of their relationship, as well as their enduring love affair with Dublin city itself. This is an intimate, heroic tale of ordinary and extraordinary life on the streets of Dublin.

May 3 to 7. Tickets from €15 to €23.

SEAMUS ENNIS CULTURAL CENTRE 01 802 0898 T with the Maggies Triona, Maighread, Mairéad and Moya, T with the Maggies, all come from the same corner of County Donegal and all have illustrious career histories. Each individual brings a unique and varied interpretation of their musical heritage.

April 29. Commences at 8:30pm. Admission: €25.

Ger Wolfe In the company of a new line-up of top-class players Edel Sullivan (violin), Paul Frost (double bass) and Richard Lucey (button accordion), the man who brought us The Curra Road will take us on an unforgettable musical adventure from older gems such as The Lark of Mayfield and No Bird Sang, to exciting new songs inspired by his time as writer in residence listening to the stories of the older members of the Muscrai Gaeltacht in Cork.

April 30 at 8:30pm. Admission: €16.

THE HELIX 01 700 7000 The Not So Grimm Fairytales All your favourite Grimm characters... Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Tom Thumb, a handful of princesses, a whirlwind of witches and one weally, weally wicked wolf... are all brought to life in this energetic, colourful, laugh-aminute show, with music, surprises, a touch of magic and lots of fun for all the family.

April 30 and May 1. Tickets: €12.50.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 The Pajama Game The story deals with labour troubles in a pyjama factory, where worker demands for a seven-and-a-half cents raise are going unheeded. In the midst of this ordeal, love blossoms between Babe, the grievance committee head, and Sid, the new factory superintendent.

May 3 to 7. Admission: €18/€15

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Hot Mikado This hilarious musical comedy is a 1940’s style update of Gilbert and Sullivan’s, The Mikado, and features highenergy dance routines with great vocal arrangements of blues, swing, hot gospel and scorching torch songs.

April 28 to 30 at 8pm. Tickets €21.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 4627477 Vladimir and Classical Twist Vladimir’s main musical focus at the moment is his small ensemble, Classical Twist, (two violins, viola, double bass, piano and drums) and their wonderful fusion of classical music, jazz, pop & rock. From Bach to Bowie and from Mozart to the Rolling Stones via Lynard Skynyrd, Classical Twist puts a fresh, contemporary spin on some of the greatest melodies ever written. Classical Twist’s inventive and dazzling musicianship and rhythmic arrangements are delivered with verve in an accessible and approachable style.

May 5 at 8pm. Admission: €18 and €16 concession.

Fred (James Marsden) finds himself looking out for EB (Russell Brand); the runaway son of the Easter Bunny who’d rather be a drummer in LA than take over his father’s job of running Easter each year. But Easter Island needs EB to come home, quick – or a coup d’egg-tat could occur ...

A bunny awful film ...

Another week, and another sub-standard CG film leaves Kate hopping mad, thinking ‘Up’ never seemed so far away Q KATE CROWLEY

WELL folks, as the month of April prepares to dash out the door, quickly grabbing its coat and chucking a Gone Fishin’ sign in the window, it’s fair to say that the film industry has done pretty much the same thing.

Oh, sure, there are plenty of films trundling along towards Dublin’s screens, but not many of them are much cop, as April/May is traditionally the annual time for Gone Fishin’ fever to hit Hollywood’s head honchos, who start to hold back their bigger, “better” films until the summer season.

Why, just consider some of these films – “The Joy of Wicker”, “Go, Donkey, Go!”, “Escape from Luton”,“Charlie and the Lost Slinky”, “Grandma’s Got A Gramaphone”, “My Favourite Cheese” and “Too Many Bow Ties”.

I just made ’em all up, but they still sound like

FILM OF THE WEEK: Hop ++ (G) 94 mins Director: Tim Hill Starring: Kaley Cuoco, James Marsden, Russell Brand, Hugh Laurie, David “The Hoff” Hasslefhoff

OUR VERDICT: DIRECTOR Tim Hill was responsible for “Alvin And The Chipmunks” – four words designed to strike fear/rage into the soul of parents everywhere. And it shows, as Hop takes more-or-less the same formula of “adorable” cute CG animals having “zany” adventures with “goofy” adults to “hilarious” effect. The film is likely to feel like all stick, and no carrot, for viewers wishing to hop away ...

oddly plausible titles, compared to some of the Easter offerings rolling around out there.

Still, one such deliberate (and very real) Easter-related film is Hop; a family-friendly film that’s been on release for a couple of weeks now, yet which I thought would be better served by reviewing now.

After all, who isn’t filled with the joys of just-passed Easter at the moment?

Which, in Hollywood’s eyes, is nothing to do with anything vaguely religionconnected, but is all about cute ickle wabbits and

CG-enhanced romps, of course. Well, duh. And duh-at’s eggs-actly what Hop’s directors are keen for you to swallow, along with your gulps of chocolate, this Easter season.

The Easter Bunny (Hugh Laurie) has spent his life preparing his son, EB (Russell Brand) to step into his shoes, and carry on the family business of bringing the joy of Christm– err, Easter to the world, with lovely Easter baskets made at their busy Easter Island factory (where else).

However, once EB has all growed up a little

bit, the appeal of being the Easter Bunny versus, say, a rock drummer, has peeled away like the thin wrapping around an Easter egg, and he runs away from Easter Island to Los Angeles (again, where else), where a talking, drum-playing rabbit isn’t going to raise many eyebrows.

It isn’t long before EB crosses paths with Fred (James Marsden), who’s a bit of a shmuck, and yet is soon an unwilling minder of sorts for the wascally wabbit, who knows very well that dad has dispatched an elite ninja rabbit squad to find his son, and drag him back home.

Of course, if EB doesn’t come home, someone else will have to step into making sure that Easter runs smoothly, and a long-suffering Easter Chick, Carlos (Hank Azaria) may finally have the chance to take over running Easter.

Actually, by this point it all starts to get a little

convoluted, as the likes of Hugh Hefner, David “The Hoff” Hasslehoff and Brand, in a live-action cameo, start adding to the mix.

They, and the Easter Bunny, rabbit ninjas, cunning chicks and a coup d’egg-tat all combine to create what’s probably supposed to be a sweetly charming film, yet is, perhaps, more than many viewers can stomach.

Sure, the animation is pretty nice, but the story is flat, flat, flatter’n tin foil, and Marsden’s mugging, coupled with a film that’s even less convincing of being anything to do with the meaning of Easter than the sight of a certain stunning cinema reviewer wearing rabbit ears, all combine to create a colourful mess.

Hop could be a perfect punishment to pack off older children to see, with younger siblings in tow, but otherwise, it’s more or less a bunny awful film.

28 April 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 25

Household fee instead of TV licence ADAM MAGUIRE

IN THE past, anyone who wanted to watch RTE One needed a television set and some kind of signal coming into the house, either via aerial, cable or satellite.

Today, all you need is a computer – or phone – and a half-decent internet connection.

This massive shift is causing a lot of problems for a lot of people, not least programme makers, who are finding it harder to sell adverts and bring in big audiences.

The effect of the trend is also being felt by the Irish Government, which is now trying to understand how it will impact on the TV licence fee.

If a household has a device capable of receiving television signals, the

though it does not require a licence to do so.

residents are obliged to pay the annual licence fee of €160.

This is the case even if they do not use the television, or watch public service broadcaster channels such as RTE on it.

How new technology gets around this As the definition of a “television” requires the device to pick up signals via an aerial, most types of computer and phone are excluded.

They can allow a user to watch TV in other ways – generally, over an internet connection – even

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Doomsday scenario At the moment, only a tiny minority of users have completely replaced their TVs for computer screens. However, it is a growing number.

If left ignored, there is a very real possibility that the amount of money being taken in via the licence fee will eventually become dangerously low, even though the number of television watchers has not dropped at all.

The solution ... ?

No decision has been made as to how this problem is to be solved, but the Government has suggested the introduction of a household charge instead of the licence fee, which will see every

house pay an annual rate, no matter what devices they do or do not own

The argument for This system would make the process cheaper for the Government, as there will be no need to have inspectors trying to prove a person has a TV set but no licence.

The argument against Some people do not have televisions, and this will unfairly force them to pay for something they get no benefit from.

When a decision will be made A review is currently under way to try to find a workable solution, and full recommendations are expected within the next few months.

HTC Desire S As the latest in a growing range of HTC’s “Desire” phones, the Desire S takes the best of its predecessor and makes t h e m even better.

With t h e original Desire being a really great phone, t h i s follow-up has a lot to live up to, but promises much in its specifications.

With a lighter, slimmer but stronger body, the phone looks and

feels great, while its 3.7inch screen is stunningly bright to look at.

It runs on Android, and is layered in HTC’s o w n “Sense” interf a c e , which is really easy to use and gives a user loads of information in a small space.

All of the features you would expect are there, and they are done extremely well – the phone also feels great to use, and its touchscreen is responsive and quick.

If there is a downside to the device, it would have to be its battery, which can struggle to last as long as you would like.

This can be put down to that super-bright screen, for a start, not to mention all the other bells and whistles stored within.

However, the battery is not so bad as to ruin the phone, and HTC have again come up trumps, showing they are the masters of Android.

The Desire S is a powerful competitor to anything its rivals have to offer.

The HTC Desire S is available on O2 and Meteor from €39.99.

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

GAZETTE

26 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 April 2011

LUCANclassifieds

BATHROOMS

To advertise, call us now on 01 60 10 240

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

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

Also Camcorder and Videotapes edited and Transferred to DVD. Phone: 01-2807838 Mobile: 087-9132265

DENTAL

Email us at sales@gazettegroup.com ELECTRICIANS CRYSTAL ELECTRIC For All Electrical Work incl.

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

Security and Garden Lighting, Extra TV points Energy saving lighting upgrades Domestic CCTV. Call Steven on 087-4170481

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

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

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

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

ROOFING

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

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

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

PC Tuneup. Broadband Installation. Call Kieran 087 6698385

KITCHENS

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

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

JT PLUMBING BEST PRICES IN DUBLIN!! All areas covered.

15 years experience. Free estimates. Water Tanks, Drippings Taps, Radiators, Burst pipes, Cylinders, Pumps, Outside Taps, Showers, Immersions, Bathroom Suites.

For your free estimate call now on 085 7555412 mjrules44@ gmail.com

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

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CONTACT COLM PH: 01-4570829 or 087-9700259

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

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5 minutes from Castleknock, Blanchardstown, Lucan.

Call now for early booking.

Call 086 8126387/01 8223690. Reasonable rates.

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PLANNING NOTICE

PLANNING NOTICE

PLANNING NOTICE

SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Yoichi Hoashi is applying for Permission for retention for moving the setback front wall, containing a door and glazed side panels, of a ground floor room which was converted from a carport as permitted under Planning Application SD06B/0558 of September 2006, forward by 1.2m to align with the front wall of the house at 33 Hansted Drive, Lucan, Co. Dublin.

This application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am - 4pm, MonFri, and a submission or observation may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt

by South Dublin County Council of the application.

Vincent & Philomena Harlow are applying for single storey front porch at 162 esker lawns, Lucan, Co Dublin. This application may be inspected or purchased, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am - 4pm, MonFri, and a submission or observation may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by South Dublin County Council of the application.

Brendan O’Donnell is applying for permission for the retention of the single storey ground floor porch located to the front of the two storey dwelling house and including the retention of associated changes to elevations at 12 Esker Lawns, Lucan, Co Dublin.

This application may be inspected or purchased, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am-4pm, MonFri, and a submission or observation may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt

by South Dublin County Council of the application.

12462

12463

12387

28 April 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

SPORT AWARDS: GazetteSport’s April nominees are announced: Page 29

HOCKEY: LOCAL PLAYER SET TO TAKE PART IN EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Gormley gets real as Madrid side get ready STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

CLONSKEA man Ronan Gormley will become one of a rare breed next month when the Irish men’s hockey captain will contest the semi-finals of the EuroHockey League – the sport’s equivalent to the Champion’s League.

Gormley switched from Dublin-side Pembroke Wanderers last summer to play on a semi-professional basis in Madrid

with Club de Campo.

And last weekend they won both their last 16 and quarter-finals ties in the competition at the EHL’s KO16 stages in Amsterdam.

Ironically, he ended up facing his former club last Friday and swept to an 11-0 victory against the Dubliners, who had lost several Irish internationals to European clubs in the close season, as well as enduring injuries to Scottish star Paddy Conlon

and former Irish striker Gordon Elliott.

For Gormley, it was bittersweet. “It was tough playing against my old side. I played for them for 13 or 14 years but you come out to win. We’ve got objectives in the tournament and you have to think of it as another team.

“They’ve had a very tough year with the players that have left the club, eight or nine of the starting eleven, and a coach,

Ronan Gormley will be representing Club De Campo when they take their place in last four of the EHL

so they’ve done very well to push an Irish team into the last 16, so fair play to them “We aimed to start well, we didn’t quite achieve that and I think they won the first short corner but, once we got into our game,

we played some good hockey, put good moves together and played some three-touch stuff at a high tempo and managed to stick some goals in.”

That victory set up a quarter-final tie with Spanish rivals, Atletic Ter-

rassa, on Easter Sunday. A cagey affair, normal time ended 1-1, as did extratime leading to a penalty shoot-out, which was won 2-0.

It sets up a semi-final date in June with English club, Reading, who

feature Irish player Chris Cargo and is a challenge Gormley cannot wait to meet: “Every match now is do-or-die, there’s top teams involved so it will be tight margins. We’ll fight for every ball and see where it takes us.”

28 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 April 2011

GazetteSport Sport Rugby

FastRugby

GARDA: SPENCER CUP FINAL NOW ON THE HORIZON

Locals play huge role as Ireland claim title BLACKROCK College’s Conor McEllin, Gavin Thornbury and Mark Roche helped Ireland’s schools’ team to European glory last weekend when they got the better of England in the FIRA AER international tournament in France.

Indeed, McEllin got the boys in green on top early on in Saturday’s final in Tarbes, when he crossed for a 26th-minute try.

Talismanic captain Luke McGrath was hugely influential again, distributing well and keeping the English defence on its toes. He kicked two early penalties, settling early nerves and the Irish were 11-3 ahead at half-time.

England’s heavier pack had an advantage in the scrum but Ireland were sharper in most other facets of the game. Their decisionmaking, composure in possession and ability to take the right option time and again helped them maintain their lead in muggy conditions at Stade Maurice Trelut.

McGrath struck two more penalties to stretch the margin to 14 points and although English prop Alec Hepburn got over for a late unconverted try, nothing could take the gloss off what was an accomplished display from these young Irish players.

The victory avenged a 29-12 qualifier loss to England at Donnybrook back in December, and saw Terry McMaster’s charges follow up on their terrific semi-final win over tournament hosts France.

It was Ireland’s fourth time to reach the final (they lost to France in 2007, 2008 and last year), but this was the first year that the Schools team competed in the championships instead of the club’s fifteen.

Coolmine’s Niall Ganly attempts to evade the long arm of the opposition but Garda were the side to progress to the Spencer Cup final

Garda march on in cup SPENCER CUP S-FINAL Coolmine Garda

17 28

sport@gazettegroup.com

GARDA followed up their recent promotion success to Leinster League Division 1A with a tantalising chance of a double this season on the back of a convincing victory over Coolmine in the Spencer Cup at Ashbrook last week.

The derby atmosphere was palpable as the teams faced off at Coolmine’s home ground, where the sides will no doubt come to get to know each other better next season after Garda’s elevation to the division Coolmine have plied their trade in for the last season.

These local derbies are always closely-fought

affairs, and Coolmine have had the upper hand in recent meetings.

However, the home side knew they would be facing a very different side to the one they had beaten at the start of the season, with Garda winning their league title comfortably several weeks ago.

Coolmine were missing some of their first-choice players due to other commitments, but this didn’t hamper their performance as they ran from deep and spread the ball wide from the off.

First blood went to Coolmine after six minutes of sustained pressure, Conor Hayes converting a penalty in front of the posts.

But Garda pulled the three points back almost immediately with a pen-

alty of their own after a high tackle.

Hayes’ second penalty attempt went wide of the posts, but Coolmine’s back line were up quickly and very nearly regained possession to snatch a try.

With 17 minutes gone, Garda pulled ahead with another penalty. Then, 36 minutes into the half, Brian Moran scored a fine individual try, beating four players to score the first try of the game.

Both sides missed penalties, leaving Coolmine leading 10-6 going into the break.

Garda pulled ahead soon after the restart, a quick tap-and-go penalty inside Coolmine’s 22 put them over the whitewash, and they went ahead for the second time in the

game.

Brian Moran was soon causing more problems up the centre with another blistering run, but was called back by the referee for crossing deep into the opposition half.

But they maintained the valuable territory and, a minute later, Eoin Mullen crashed over to put the home side back in front.

Then, 23 minutes into the half and another Garda penalty cut Coolmine’s lead to a single point.

With five minutes left, Garda scored a wellworked try and led by six points with the minutes ticking away. Coolmine fought back but Garda ran in another try in the dying seconds to secure the victory.

Garda’s recent promo-

tion to Leinster Division 1A ensures plenty more of these local derbies to look forward to next season.

Meanwhile, Coolmine’s seconds’ treble hopes were dashed last Saturday after losing to Clontarf.

After the initial onslaught, Coolmine started to settle into the game. Clontarf had a big pack and played eightman rugby for most of the match while Coolmine played a contrasting game spreading the ball wide at every opportunity.

Clonar f, however, took their chances and went into the break 13-6 ahead.

Coolmine clearly had a superior back-line and continued to play open rugby but their last touch let them down on several occasions.

28 April 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 29

in association with

FastSport

ASDFASDF: SASDF ASDFASD FDSAF SDA

2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - APRIL NOMINEES IN ASSOCIATION WITH

+ STARof the

2011 Matchplay entry now available to golfers

MONTH

ENTRIES for the 2011/2012 City Matchplay Championship, played throughout winXxx yyll xxyyl zxyxzz zz x xxylyx.

Xxx yyllthe xxyyl zxyxzz at Castle Golf Club, are now available. zzter x xxylyx.

Picture: Xxxxx Zzzzzz

PETER CARR

JAMES CLUSKEY

DAVID MALONE

CARR has been in stellar form for both Swords RFC and for the Dublin Eagles rugby league side at local level, and has represented Ireland in league colours at several levels, being picked for RLI’s Four Nations campaign in Scotland this month

SWORDS tennis star Cluskey has been on a roll this month, his outstanding performances on the ITF Futures tour netting doubles victories in Liechtenstein and Switzerland with playing partner, Frenchman, Fabrice Martin

PARALYMPIC pool legend Malone received another Olympic accolade to add to his medal haul this month when he was named as the team manager for Ireland’s swimmers for their London 2012 Paralympic Games campaign.

+ TEAMof the

The Mens’ Championship is open to men with a handicap of 18-or-under, and the Ladies’ Championship to ladies with a handicap of 28-or-under.

Entry costs just €55 to cover competition fees and green fees for the entire tournament.

The first round will be played in August through the following months to a final in April.

Entry can be made by sending the entrance fee, name, address, mobile phone number, e-mail address, club and handicap to Castle Golf Club, or via e-mail at info@ castlegc.ie. For more information, contact Castle Golf Club on 4904207

asdf asdf sa dfdsasd fdas fdasf dasdfd Softball Ireland call for new recruits

MONTH

COLAISTE IOSAGAIN

CLONDALKIN RFC

DUBLIN LIONS

COLAISTE Iosagain’s young footballers claimed the first All-Ireland title for a Dublin school at this level when they defeated Holy Rosary College of Galway to be crowned the Senior B Second Level Colleges champions in Roscommon

CLONDALKIN ladies’ rugby team made history when they defeated a tough Edenderry outfit to claim the club’s first ever womens’ trophy at the home of nearby rivals, Barnhall, in the Leinster championship

DUBLIN Lions’ basketball club made club history this month when all three of their senior mens’ teams became champions in the Men’s Top 4s competition at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght

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

With spring’s awakenings making way for summer sun, we’re delighted to once again

be able to celebrate the finest achievements in Dublin sport, with some huge efforts at local levels coming to our attention in a variety of wellknown, and some less prominent sports.

Ever y form of sporting achievement, at any level and in any sport, is valuable and

gives an impression of the diversity of sporting commitment there is around our fair city at all times of the year.

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 in the month of May, 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

for the sport, and they are keen to recruit new players to this burgeoning, inclusive sport.

Softball is a unique and social sport for players of all ages, genders and abilities. It caters for every level and standard of player from those wanting a recreational knockaround to those wishing to compete at the highest level of international competition.

There are some 30 teams playing across Dublin at present, and for those who are interested in finding out more information about the sport, and about joining a club in their local areas, can do so at Softball Ireland’s website, http:// www.softball.ie

300 wds

THE softball season for 2011 commenced recently with an allday start-of-season blitz held at ALSAA Sports Grounds.

All money raised on the day was to assist the National Squad in their fundraising for attending the European Championships later this year.

For anyone interested in playing softball, teams are looking for new recruits at any time.

Please check out www.softball.ie for information.

Softball Ireland is the national governing body

30 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 April 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

LIFFEY VALLEY: RANGERS THRILLED BY TRIP TO MANCHESTER

Lucan put on Gorey show and end with green jersey LUCAN CRC riders put in a brilliant team performance in the An Post Gorey ThreeDay event on the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Ending the campaign with five top-eight stage finishes, including a stage win, the team won the An Post Green Points Jersey competition.

One hundred and eighty riders were entered for this prestigious event, including a very strong Lucan team.

The LCRC support staff of Keith Fagan, Alan Dunne and Sean Reynolds all put in a tremendous amount of work over the weekend to keep the team on two wheels.

Sarsfields girls show talents in Feile action LUCAN Sarsfields’ Under-14 girls footballers took part in the recent football feile at Clanna Gael Fontenoy Sean Moore Park in Ringsend.

The girls played a total of four games against very strong opposition, which included St Peregrine’s, Clanna Gael Fontenoy, Foxrock Cabinteely and St Oliver Plunkett’s.

The first game

against St Peregine’s started well but unfortunately saw a concussion to one of Lucan’s players.

Overall, the side played very well and were a little unlucky on the day to miss a couple of good scoring opportunities that would have seen them succeed.

The final game against St Oliver Plunkett’s brought the competition down to the wire with all to play for.

This was a hardfought battle. The final score, however, was 2-3 to 0-1 in favour of the Navan Road side.

Liffey Valley Rangers were guests of Manchester City FC and trained at their Platt Lane academy over the Easter weekend.

Rangers hit the City trail STAFF REPORTER sport@gazettegroup.com

LIFFEY Valley Range r s ’s Un d e r-13 a n d Under-14 sides enjoyed a fantastic weekend as the guests of Premier League side, Manchester City FC, at their academy in Platt Lane over the Easter weekend.

Inbetween training at the high-quality venue, the club took in the relegation six-pointer between Blackpool and Wigan at Bloomfield Road, as well as taking the opportunity to tour the City of Manchester stadium.

The tour concluded

with the young sides taking on Barnsley in a challenge match last Monday morning, which manager Mark Connors said was a great opportunity.

“For our lads to have the opportunity to pit their wits against an academy side, one in which the boys would train three or four times a week, in is great.

“It was a nice test and gave us an idea of where we are at.

“I’m sure the lads enjoyed the challenge and the whole experience.”

In those games, they rounded off a successful trip with fur ther

All stars at DIT: Egan presents the Sports Awards GRAHAM Higginbotham, from Lucan, was presented with his DIT All-Star Award from Kenneth Egan recently when the college celebrated their 14th Annual Sports Awards, which took place in the Aviva Stadium.

Each year, DIT recognises the outstanding contribution of individual student athletes across many diverse sporting diciplines for their acheivements in sport and contribution of the sports clubs to campus life.

successes, the Under13s running out 3-0 victors, while the U-14s were successful with a 1-0 result.

It concluded a journey which began with an early start on Friday, before making their way to City’s training grounds.

After a high-quality training session under the Platt Lane Friday night lights with the Manchester City coaches, the group transferred to Blackpool pleasure beach theme park on Saturday, passing numerous football stadia en route, including Bolton’s Reebok Stadium.

From there, they transferred to Bloomfield Road where the atmosphere was incredible, though Wigan proved too strong for the hometown club.

The group subsequently took in the Manchester United/ City game at their hotel before indulging in a Liffey Valley’s got talent contest with Jack McDonnell and Shane Quinn’s Rubber Bandit-based rendition the finalists.

Sunday took in a trip to the City of Manchester Stadium where a VIP tour awaited them.

The lads visited all the areas in the Stadium,

including the Press box, the dressing rooms, the dugouts and the pitch side area. Some of the lads where mesmerised by the facilities.

Following the tour the group headed back to Platt Lane for a twohour session in the scorching sun as they prepared for game day on Monday.

For both of Monday’s games, the ground was superb with both sides playing on immaculate grass pitches at the same time, recording their pair of victories, exceptional performances to round off a trip that will long in the memory for all involved.

28 April 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 31

in association with

AIB CUP: CUALA CRUMBLE AS PAT’S SCORE FREELY

CLUB NOTICEBOARD LUCAN SARSFIELDS GOOD luck to Dublin hurlers and Lucan

Set Dancing every Wednesday in

Sarsfields’ players Peter Kelly and

function room at 8.30pm. All welcome.

Johnny McCaffrey in next weekend’s

Upcoming dates for diary: Saturday,

National League final between Dublin

May 7: Music in bar by The Foggy Dew,

and Kilkenny.

9.30pm till late. Saturday, May 14: Trad

Boys’ football Feile set for April 30.

Session, Lucan Comhaltas. Friday,

Good luck to all involved. Check web-

May 20: Annual race night. Saturday,

site midweek for more details.

May 21: Golf society next outing to Tul-

Membership deadline was March

St Pat’s Palmerstown were on top form as they defeated Cuala and St Anne’s

Pat’s prepare for UCD test with win AIB CUP ROUND 1 Cuala 1-12 St Pat’s Palmerstown 3-11 JONNY STAPLETON sport@gazettegroup.com

QUALITY in front of goal proved to be the the difference between the sides when St Patrick’s, Palmerstown, warmed up for their massive championship opener against UCD with victory over Cuala last week.

Pat’s took their threepoint chances when they arose to eventually finish five points clear of their rivals in the first round of the round-robin contest.

The Palmerstown side followed that impressive win with a draw against Tallaght side, St Anne’s, over the weekend, but know they will have to produce their best form if they are to get past UCD in their championship encounter this weekend.

The Students were championship semifinalists last term, and

Pat’s will be hoping they are not taught a football lesson in the Iveagh League grounds when the game comes around.

P a t ’s m a t c h w i t h Cuala was fairly even to start, with both sides trading scores.

Graham Kelly and Finton McGuire, who challenged for the manof-the-match title, split the posts for the away side.

D u b l i n U n d e r-21 star, Peter Keeney, was another who impressed in the middle of the park for the visitors and, fittingly, he registered the score that gave Pat’s the lead going into the turn.

Keeney took his chance in front of goal when the opportunity arose, enabling the visitors to take a slight lead into the break.

Cuala hit back after the turn and stole back in front via a mini-scoring spree, but, in a tight encounter, it was goals that proved the differ-

ence, and Pat’s were better adept at scoring them.

With McGuire and Jonny McDermott starting to excel, Pat’s started to create more chances.

Lee Dunne and Paul Fauchnan took advantage of two such opportunities to give Pat’s a comfortable five-point cushion with full time approaching.

Dunne’s finish was particularly impressive, and his manager Damien Flood, who labelled the win “morale boosting” will be hoping he can repeat the feat against UCD.

Cuala did try one last attempt to come back into the game, but all their efforts to eat into the five-point advantage were cancelled out

by St Pat’s strikes.

Free-taker Fauchnan added to his goal by converting four points, whilst Colum driver and Fergal Maher also raised the white flag.

Up next now for St Pat’s is a big test against UCD, but they will be confident if they reproduce this kind of goalscoring form, that they have every chance of progressing to Round 2 of Dublin football’s premier competition.

farris.

31. Due to registration and insurance,

Lotto numbers are not available

No pay, no play is now being enforced.

as draw is Bank Holiday Monday. See

Payment still available online via link

website for numbers after draw.

on website, however phased pay-

Mary Flannery’s team will be in charge

ments no longer available.

for May Bank Holiday lotto. You can

Premium ticket draw could be very

always enter our Lotto online by click-

attractive this year, with both Dub-

ing on www.lucansarsfields.ie. Thanks

lin teams on the up. Entries available

to Henley Folklift who are this week’s

from Paul McGann/Bar or any men-

sponsor. Please support our sponsors.

tor. Draws are happening most week-

Thanks to Lucan Village Pharmacy who

ends.

are this week’s sponsor.

ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN SENIOR footballers played two cup

hurling league final can be collected

matches during last week, beating

at the clubhouse on Thursday night

Cuala away and had a draw with St

from 7.30 to 8.30pm.

Anne’s.

Good luck to the Dublin senior

S e n i o r fo o t b a ll e r s p l a y f i r s t

hurlers and our own Liam Rushe

round of the senior championship

in the national league hurling final

this week in Ivy Grounds against

next Sunday in Croke Park against

UCD. Please turn out and support

Kilkenny.

the lads.

Easter camp continues this week

To visit our website, simply log on to www.stpatricksgaa.ie.

until Friday. If you want to join in the

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 8,

fun, just turn up at the clubhouse at

13, 15 and 26. There was no winner

9.45am and you will be finished at

of the €6,400 jackpot. There was

2.30pm, or call Paul at 087 6613 104

no match any three numbers win-

for details.

ners.

Our sincere thanks to all the juve-

Four lucky dips winners were KSD,

niles, mentors and parents who

Eileen Maguire, Sadhbh Duffy and

turned out last weekend to help

Liz Conway, and each receive €50.

with our bag-pack at Supervalu,

Next week’s jackpot €6,600.

Palmerstown.

Tickets for this weekend’s national

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

WESTMANSTOWN GAELS/GARDA THE senior men’s teams: Interme-

prepare to participate in the club’s

diates play in the championship on

first ever boys’ Feile next weekend.

this week against Ballyboughal at Parnell Park.

Junior 1s next league fixture away to Templeogue Synge St on May 8 at 11am.

The Gaels will host Templeogue Synge St, Naomh Fionnbarra and Clann na Gael. Good luck to the boys!

A big welcome too to Michael Ahern

Junior 2s away also on May 8 in the

who starts as the juvenile club’s

league to St Francis’ Gaels in Cab-

first ever full-time GPO from next

inteely at 3pm.

week.

Ladies play Clontarf away in league this week.

Good luck to Eugene O’Sullivan, who retires from An Garda Siochana at the end of this month after more than 30 years service.

The GAA skills Easter camp runs to Friday 29 and costs €40 per participant (that’s €10 per day!).

Visit http://www.westmanstowngaels.ie for more information.

Finally, please support the grow-

Fortunately, Eugene will continue

ing number of teams here at West-

to play an important administrative

manstown, and participate in our

role at the senior club.

fund-raising table quiz evening on

Westmanstown Gaels’ Boys’ U-14s

Thursday May 26 from 8pm.

ALL OF YOUR LUCAN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

POWER PAT’S: Palmerstown show strength in AIB Cup with win over Cuala: P31

SPORT AWARDS: April nominees are announced: P29

GazetteSPORT

Luke Satchwell in action for King’s Hospital. The local player was introduced early in the FIRA European final against England

APRIL 28, 2011

Satchwell proud of Ireland showing King’s Hospital player’s part in Ireland’s win over England in European Under-18 final in France STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

KING’S Hospital’s Luke Satchwell said last Saturday’s 17-8 victory for Ireland’s U-18 schools over England in Tarbes, France, was “the proudest moment of his career”.

In winning, the side claimed the FIRA AER European title. Satchwell was introduced in the 16th minute for the injured Jerry Sexton – brother of Irish international, nny.

He was initially placed in his preferred position before a second lock, Gavin Thonbury, went off too, leaving Satchwell to cover a second-row berth for the majority of the second half.

Speaking to the Gazette, he admitted it was a surprise early entrance but was a challenge he relished.

“I wasn’t expecting to get on quite so soon but one man’s misfortune is another man’s fortune.

I was very nervous coming on so early, especially as the lads were doing very well in the first ten

minutes but, after five minutes, I got a feel for the game.

“It was pretty awkward because I’d never played second row before, just one or two training sessions with the Irish set-up just in case things did go wrong.

“It was a difficult day in the scrums. The English lads were so much stronger than us, to be honest, all fully grown men, but I was really happy with how I got on.”

Leading Ireland Ireland led 11-3 at half-time, Conor McEllin’s early try and two penalties from Luke McGrath building the advantage before two further penalties had Ireland well in the lead.

A late English try did not bring them into range and Ireland comfortably saw out the closing stages for a famous win, one which Satchwell felt was coming as the Irish grew in belief throughout the game.

“We were expecting England to be a bit better

than they were, not meaning to be disrespectful to them.

“But we figured out that if we stopped their big ball carriers up the middle head-on, then they seemed a bit one dimensional. Our defence went nearly 100pc as planned. After that, we kept the ball and knew that, when we went through the phases, we could score points. To be honest, we might have left ten or 12 points on the pitch.”

It marks a fine end to his school’s career, having helped his school to the quarter-finals of the Senior Cup and last year’s league final.

He was subsequently included in the Leinster U-18 set-up for the first time this year, leading to his elevation to te Irish panel.

“Beating England was my proudest moment.

There was a lot of hard work put in in KH getting to this stage. This is my first year [of representative rugby] so it’s been quite fast, some of the lads having two years with the provincial set-up, but I just had the one myself but I was thrilled to get called into the squad and make an impact.”