Lucan GAZET TE FREE
YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER
INSIDE: St Kevin’s marks a major milestone P4
‘It’s not a tall order to find family fun on a Cork break’ TRAVEL: P22. RECYCLE THIS COPY. KEEP DUBLIN TIDY.
September 15, 2011
JUMP TO IT: Lucan Festival 2011 is
finally here, with fun for all See Page 5
Muddy-ful fun: Enjoying a wet assault course THIS group of mud-spattered and
Sarsfields: Lucan teams back in action in championships Page 32
wet women couldn’t stop showing how happy they were after completing an unusual event in Palmerstown earlier this year. According to the organisers, the wet and muddy Craic Assault Course at the appropriately-named Waterstown Park in Palmerstown was a big hit with more than 300 adventurous competitors, with everyone invited to splash out at the next such event on Saturday, September 24. See Gallery on Page 9
Canoeing: Local paddlers win gold in British event Page 28
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS ................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
‘Tireless’ Joan is Person of the Year Tributes are paid Q PAUL HOSFORD
to the founder of Pieta House
TRIBUTES have been paid to local charity CEO, Joan Freeman, who has been named as RTE Person of the Year. Freeman, the founder and CEO of the suicide prevention charity, Pieta House, was honoured at a special ceremony
at the Citywest Hotel for her tireless work with the organisation. The presentation of awards was televised last Saturday evening on RTE, and Fine Gael Deputy Derek Keating, who originally nominated Joan, said the award was richly-deserved.
“I cannot think of a better person, and a better week for Joan, to be considered for this award. Having nominated Joan for this special award of Person Of The Year, I know the whole community will join with me in wishing Joan every best wish,” said Deputy Keating. Full Story on Pages 6-7
2 LUCAN GAZETTE 15 September 2011
COUNCIL: ALLOCATION OF FUNDS INCREASED FOR WINTER WORKS
FUNDRAISER Intel employees raise almost €20,000
Extra €11k to maintain icy roads LOCAL Fine Gael Minister, Frances Fitzgerald, has welcomed news that the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, has allocated an additional €11,061 to South Dublin County Council (SDCC) in respect of its Winter Maintenance Grant. This additional funding means a total of €99,549 has been allocated to help keep roads clear across South County Dublin. Minister Fitzgerald said: “I am delighted that SDCC received such a major increase in its Winter Maintenance Grant. “The last two winters have been particularly harsh, and that has had serious consequences for road users and the roads throughout our county. “This winter, we will h ave a n a d d i t i o n a l €99,000 to help with the cost of purchasing, storing and spreading salt during hazardous driving conditions, and to help repair roads damaged by ice and snow,” she said. “Nationwide, local authorities will have access to 60,000 tonnes of salt, on top of the sup-
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‘A total of €99,549 has been allocated to help keep roads clear across South County Dublin’
The Intel cyclists and support crew cheer at the Hill of Tara after completing the charity cycle
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Minister Frances Fitzgerald
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plies purchased by the National Roads Authority. “This winter, we will h ave a n a d d i t i o n a l €99,000 to help with the cost of purchasing, storing and spreading salt during hazardous driving conditions, should this winter bring another cold snap. “Last year, the council’s Roads Department worked around the clock, gritting as many roads as possible within their resources. “While we are all hoping that this year’s winter will not be as cold, we need to plan ahead to ensure we have adequate salt supplies readily available to the council’s gritting crews,” said Minister Fitzgerald.
Lining up to begin the cycle
The cyclists passed by a number of scenic sights and historical sites
Padraig O’Murchu waves as he sets off on his 80km cycle for CASA and LauraLynn House
Setting off on a wheely big trip NTEL employees came up with a wheely great fundraising idea when they were considering how best to support two charities as part of their annual fundraising efforts. This year, the company chose CASA (Caring and Sharing Association) and LauraLynn House to benefit from their fundraising drive – or, rather, fundraising cycle – as the company’s employees took to two wheels on a variety of journey lengths. With the option of cycling routes of 40, 80 or 160km, Intel’s staff set off from their Leixlip campus and struck off across the country, with their pedal power taking them through Kildare and Meath, and with each of the chosen routes culminating at the Hill of Tara. And, once they’d reached the iconic site, they all pedalled off on the return leg of their tiring, but worthy, trip. Thanks to the efforts of the 115 employees – as well as the support staff of 30 volunteers – almost €20,000 was raised, a figure that’s set to rise still further with a number of other fundraising events throughout the year. Lisa Harlow, external relations manager, said: “This was a fantastic achievement. We were delighted to have so many employees take part in the cycle and, most importantly, we are thrilled with the significant amount raised for our 2011 signature charities.”
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15 September 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 3
EDUCATION: BODY WANTS THOUGHTS ON COMMUNITY NATIONAL SCHOOLS
VEC in call for parents’ ideas THE opening of several highly-modern new Community National Schools has been proposed by County Dublin VEC, which is calling on parents to express their interest now in advance of an imminent Department of Education decision on the new schools. Parents are invited to express interest for any enrolment years, including 2012, onwards. County Dublin VEC needs to hear from parents by Friday, September 30. The VEC has plans to open a new Community National School for 2012 enrolment in Citywest, to service the Citywest/ Fotunestown area. New schools will also be planned for other enrolment years, so parents should also express their interest for any
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future year when they will want to enrol a child in such a school. T h e d e ve l o p m e n t f o l l ow s t h e r e c e n t announcement by the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn, that 20 new primary schools will be opened in Ireland over the next six years. Welcoming the plans for new schools, Dr Marie Griffin, chief executive of County Dublin VEC said: “We are being contacted every day by parents who are interested in a new Community National School for their area. “We have hundreds of expressions of interest from parents in each area across County Dublin. “We are delighted that this possibility is now coming closer as the Department plans to fund the opening of much-needed new pri-
mary schools,” she said. Community National Schools are new, Stateoperated multi-belief primary schools, providing high-quality primary education and personal life skills development for children of all beliefs. T he schools have met with a very positive response from parents and their local communities. They provide the full National Primary School Curriculum, laid down by the Department of Education and Skills. Parents must express their interest in a Community National School for their area by September 30, to allow County Dublin VEC to relay this on to the Department. For further information, see www.mycns.ie; email cns@codubvec. ie, or telephone 01 452 9600.
Debuting a stylish local look: Dressed to impress at St Joey’s Debs’ ball DYLAN Walsh and Serena Tobin Reihill looked very glamorous when they prepared to head to the St Joseph’s College Debs’ ball. Serena’s grandmother, Mary, was among the proud onlookers as the recently-graduated Serena headed out for her Debs, with both of the 18-yearolds looking very stylish indeed. Serena, who stands more than six feet tall, was decked out in a dress with some star quality – Rosanna Davison wore the same style to The Elton John Aids Foundation Winter Ball in 2010.
EXHIBITION
Library showing art works LUCAN Community College Adult Art Classes’ students unveiled their art exhibition this week, and are inviting the public to come and see their work. The exhibition is in Lucan Library, and will run until Thursday, September 29, and is open from 9.45am to 8pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 9.45am to 4pm on Friday and Saturday. Students attending the class are from all levels of ability. However, the majority of students have been attending classes for a few years, which is evident in the good standard of work. Most of the students come to the class not only to improve their artistic skills, but also to relax. Their teacher, Marysia Harasimowicz, has been teaching evening classes at the centre since 1996. She is a qualified art teacher who has taught in second-level for years.
4 LUCAN GAZETTE 15 September 2011
JOBS: CALL ON TRAINING
SCHOOLS St Kevin’s marks a significant milestone
‘Sign on for your credits’ RECENTLY unemployed workers can still qualify for the JobBridge internship scheme, local Labour TD Joanna Tuffy said, this week. She said: “Unemployed persons who are not drawing for any welfare payment should remember that they are eligible to participate on the Government’s JobBridge internship scheme, but only if they are signing on for credits. “There is a temptation for people who might be unemployed, but who may not qualify for any payment, not to bother signing on – but this effectively rules them out of eligibility for participation in schemes such as JobBridge. “I would urge anybody who is unemployed to make sure that they are meeting all qualification requirements by signing on for credits,” she said.
A group of students modelling the smart, contemporary new school uniforms that are helping to mark St Kevin’s Community College 25th anniversary
All change with a new look Q PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com
SAINT Kevin’s Community College, on the Fonthill Road, will be marking its 25th anni-
versary with a new look, this week. Established in 1986, second-level programmes available at junior cycle include the Junior Certificate programme, as well
as the Junior Certificate Schools programme. At senior cycle, the programmes offered include the Leaving Certificate, the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, and the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme. The Community College is also a participant in the School Completion Programme. In addition to the second-level programme, the college offers additional courses and programmes for adults. The school has been busy throughout 2010, celebrating the milestone, and has started the new school year with some impressive new additions to the class room. In February, President Mary McAleese stopped by to help the school mark their silver anniversary, with the outgoing President impressed with the school’s record in serving the students of Ballyowen and north Clondalkin over the last quarter century. To mark the achievement, the school has opted to update their look. Gone are the juniors’ green jumper and grey trousers, and the seniors’ blue jumper and grey trousers look. In for the 2011/12 school year are a black jumper and black trousers or check skirt – a look that the school feels
While students are happy with their new-look uniforms, they also joined teachers in welcoming the arrival of whiteboard technology in the classrooms (above)
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‘St Kevin’s classrooms were all fitted with interactive whiteboards over the summer’
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is smarter, overall. The school moved to “up-style” the look of the uniforms, and the student body voted in agreement
with the move, putting the uniforms in place for this year. It has been a summer of change in the classroom as well, with a massive transformation taking place over the holidays. The classrooms were all fitted with interactive whiteboards over the summer, with dusty chalkboards now a thing of the past and, in their place, the latest in school-going technology.
The benefit of the boards is that it brings the internet right into the heart of learning, with savvy students and teachers able to access a world of technology right in the classroom. The use of the internet is aimed at putting the fun back into school, as well as making the learning experience more rewarding. The school is set to hold its open day on Thursday, September 29, welcoming all new faces.
15 September 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 5
COMMUNITY A superb calendar of events this year
Massage therapy contest
Lucan Festival has something for everybody LUCAN Festival 2011 is finally here. Taking place from Monday, September 19 to Sunday, September 25 in Lucan Village, this year’s festival is bigger and better, with events, acts and performances for children, adults and the young at heart. These will take place all week, leading up to the festival weekend, which expects to attract more than 5,000 people to Lucan village on Sunday, September 25 for the Festival Family Day, when the village will be closed from 11am to 7pm. The festival week will be launched on Monday, September 19 at 7.30pm with the opening of an art
exhibition (in the former Gunne offices) by Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Catriona Jones, and will be followed by a poetry evening. The exhibition, sponsored by CBRE, showcases the work of local artists and runs for the duration of the festival. For the rest of the week, locals and visitors alike can look forward to Lucan historical walks; two 15-minute excerpts of fun and frolicks, courtesy of Lucan Dramatic Society, of 15 Moll, and Hamlet; and a Young at Heart tea dance at the Spa Hotel on Wednesday, September 21, from 4 to 7pm, with admission
priced at €5. Wondering how Lucan will exist as a society in 2050? Then get along to a talk on Lucan, “Forward to 2050”, in Finnstown House, also on Wednesday evening, and hear some interesting debate. The climax of the festival will be Festival Family Day on Sunday, September 25. With street closures through Lucan village, this year there will be more than ever to keep everyone entertained. For music lovers, there will be a new Village stage showcasing a wide variety of musical tastes, featuring local bands, and others from further afield, including The Riptide
BUSINESS: FITNESS
It’s finally here... You may very well feel like jumping for joy at the terrific line-up of events at Lucan Festival 2011, which has something for everyone to enjoy
Movement, The Ghandis, Morgan La Fey, Adela and the Meanits, Half Shot, rap artist Prince4God, Sophie Coyle, Lorcan James and Water Woods and Mountain. The Main Street stage will feature Madra, Dancity Ireland, Lee Byrne Dancers, Heart Strings. There will also be a number of intercultural acts, including hiphop dancers, Liffey Valley Homework Group, a Nigerian folk dance group, traditional Polish
dancers and singers, and Rosaria, an Italian singer. N a t h a l i e Mo y a n o Gonzalezare will be giving Flamenco workshops, providing a unique opportunity for participants, who will find out that marking the rhythm with the foot and clapping along is a lot of fun. The Garda Open Day will also take place on Sunday, September 25, and this always proves a very popular event, with a concert by the Garda Band to be held between
2 to 4pm. Of course the Reptile Zoo, Punch and Judy and local dance acts will be back again, along with the bouncy castles, street markets, craft demonstrations, a choral event at St Andrew’s, face-painters and street entertainers for children. There will also be pony rides and a duck race. Headspace will also have a mixed media exhibition and workshop taking place on Sunday at the exhibition centre.
LOCAL business, Range of Motion Physical Therapy, is celebrating a year in business by offering five full deep-tissue massages. The company, run by local man, Andrew Tully, is based in Gandon Mews, in Lucan village, and offers physical therapy, focusing on the manual treatment of the joints and soft tissue, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia. Tully recently launched a new website, www. romphysicaltherapy.ie, which contains a lot of helpful information, testimonials and articles giving advice and training tips for clients. He is confident that his services will continue to be a welcome addition to the community. To be in with a chance of winning one of the tissue massages, see the website, or click “Like” under its Facebook page.
6 LUCAN GAZETTE 15 September 2011
COUNCIL: EMERGENCY MOTION PASSED CRITICISING WASTE FIRM’S DECISION
Greyhound defends its pricing structure Q PAUL HOSFORD
GREYHOUND Recycling has defended itself against angry comments from local politicians over it’s new pricing structure. The company, which took over the delivery of South Dublin County Council’s waste services earlier this year, sent a letter to local residents informing them that they would be required to pay a €60 flat service charge by October 1, thereafter paying by kilo weight of the bin. An emergency motion, signed by a number of councillors, was passed at Monday’s county council meeting, criticising the charge, but the company says that, even with the service fee, people will save money. “Under the old system, people were paying €10.50 per collection, which, for fortnightly
black bins, works out at €273 a year. “With our new pricing structure, you pay by the kilo as well as paying a €60 service charge. Based on an average bin weight of 20kg, that adds up to a total of €220 a year. “That means that we have delivered 41% more value to customers,” a spokesperson for Greyhound said. The spokesperson was also keen to stress that Greyhound has upheld the four conditions of the original sale. “Payment methods have remained unchanged; we have not increased charges to customers, we looked to introduce 30% more value to all customers immediately; and the waiver scheme will continue for existing waiver customers for a further 12 months.” Local TD Joanna Tuffy was one of those who
came out in opposition to the fixed charge. “I believe the existence of a fixed charge flies in the face of the ‘polluter pays’ principle. I do not believe the new arrangements necessarily mean better value for money for customers, and fear the opposite. Residents have told me they are considering moving to a different waste collector on foot of this new charging system,” she said. The Greyhound spokesperson said that the charge was not a new one and that it was important to the service as a whole. “The service charge is an intrinsic part of our pricing structure and it allows us to deliver more value to our customers. We are just asking people to pay a yearly service charge up front. But, ultimately, everyone is paying less.
HONOUR Tireless work of founder
Joan is named
Joan Freeman is pictured with presenter Grainne Seoige
15 September 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 7
and CEO of Pieta House is recognised at awards
the Person of the Year Q PAUL HOSFORD
Lucan@gazettegroup.com
THE founder of the Lucan-based Pieta House charity, Joan Freeman, has been named RTE Person of the Year. Freeman, the Founder and CEO of the organisation, was honoured for her tireless work with the suicide prevention charity. Local TD Derek Keating said that the award was richly deserved. “I am delighted that Joan Freeman has been honoured with the Person Of The Year Award,” said Keating. The presentation of Awards was televised last Saturday evening on RTE TV and was sponsored by Rehab. Deputy Keating said that a better person could not have won. “Earlier this year I invited Deputy Dan Nev-
The finalists at this year’s Person of the Year Award
ille to support me in my nomination of Joan, the founder and CEO of Pieta House. “I cannot think of a better person and a better week for Joan to be given this Award. “Having nominated Joan for this Special Award of Person Of The Year, I know the whole community will join with me in wishing Joan every congratulations.
last week was Suicide Awareness week, and Saturday, September 10, was World Suicide Awareness Day, which gave the nomination perfect timing. Deputy Keating, who is a volunteer and director at Pieta House, says that he had seen first-hand Freeman’s selfless dedication to those affected by suicide. “I am proud to be asso-
ciated with Pieta House, the Centre for the Prevention of Self-Harm or Suicide, which officially opened its doors in January 2006. “As a director and volunteer in Pieta House, I am continuously working in Dail Eireann to ensure our ideal is achieved – that is a service being available to every person, free of charge, who feels they need help because
of suicidal or self-harm thoughts. “I speak on a regular basis to the Taoiseach Enda Kenny, regarding the need to support our service. I was delighted the Taoiseach included the whole issue of suicide in his inaugural speech upon taking office. “As TD for Dublin Mid West I have hosted a number of meetings with Ministers and officials
with a view to consolidating and developing the services of Pieta House. “I appeal to every family member, who is worried about someone who may be in need of emotional support, to contact a health professional or Pieta House even if you’re not totally sure you are correct,” said Derek Keating. In his nomination, Keating extolled the virtues of the work of Pieta House and of Joan. “So inspiring is Joan, that she has been referred to by our current Taoiseach in his inaugural speech to Dail Eireann upon accepting office. “Joan is recognised, not only by the Department of Health and Children, but also by leading clinicians, as the authority in the key of intervention with those who are at risk of suicide and self-harm,” said Deputy Keating.
WATER
Results of quality testing THERE have been just three non-compliant drinking water quality tests in South Dublin this year, the council has said. That is from a total of 1,720 tests and the council says “the few noncompliances noted are always re-sampled again after flushing the watermains and are always compliant”. The council was responding to a question from Palmerstown councillor Gus O’Connell, who asked “for an upto-date, detailed report on the standard of the drinking water provided by this council for public consumption”. In their response, the council said: “Samples are taken throughout the South Dublin network and analysed. A summary of the results of drinking water testing and analysis for the past 6 years is on the council’s website.”
8 LUCAN GAZETTE 15 September 2011
EVENT Model agent, John Compton, ties the knot with partner
Cutting the cake
Marlon Jimenez, Vivienne Connolly, John and Mark Compton. Pictures: Una Williams
Enjoying a model occasion
OP model agent John Compton and his Venezuela-born partner of seven years, Marlon Jimenez, celebrated their civil partnership with family and friends recently. Guests included model Gail Kaneswaran, US-based TV presenter Emma Buckley and “best woman” Vivienne Connolly. After the ceremony, the happy couple moved on to the Angler’s Rest at the Straberry Beds where they held a lavish reception that proved a very memorable occasion. And, when all the partying and celebrations were done the pair then headed off to Marbella in southern Spain for their honeymoon.
T
Sean and Pauline Compton with John and Marlon
Jane Carpenter, John Compton and Holly Carpenter
John Compton and Debbie Compton Higgins
Emma Buckley
Alan, Paul, John and Mark Compton
Happy together
Outside the Registrar’s Office
15 September 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 9
IT’S YOUR SHOT Water way to have craic in Palmerstown
Covered in varying amounts of mud and water, this group still delighted in their experience
Splashing out on a muddy fun course ITH these pictures showing some of the fun-filled events and feelings at the inaugural Craic Assault Course held in June at Waterstown Park, Palmerstown, organisers say they’re expecting another batch of adventurous competitors for the next fun event, on Saturday, September 24. More than 300 people took part in the first
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event, with the wet and muddy obstacles along the way proving a hit with contestants. The organisers are keen to say that the long 10km course, and the shorter 5.6km course, cover all levels of fitness, creating a great and memorable event to remember, with a DJ at the start/finish area adding to the fun. For full details, see www.thecraiceventsco.com.
Having fun sliding on a wet stretch
Splashing on towards the finish
This competitor didn’t mind braving the muddy parts of the course
10 LUCAN GAZETTE 15 September 2011
CHARITY: ETHIOPIAN ADVENTURE
ARTS Photographic study of landmark structure
Hoping to help educate the poor LEIXLIP native Joann Keenahan (31) is set to leave for the trip of a lifetime soon when she travels to Ethiopia on a two-year placement with international development charity, VSO. Keenahan, who has worked for the past number of years at St Philip’s National School in Clonsilla, will commence work as a trainer at the Nekemte College of Teacher Education in western Ethiopia at the end of September. Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world, with 44% of the population living below the poverty line, and nearly 45% of primary-aged children not enrolled in education. Keenahan will be paid a local wage by VSO, and will live in the locality of the teacher training college. Speaking of her departure, she said: “I am really looking forward to the challenge of the next two years. The photographer’s study of Shackleton Mill captures some of the stillness of the historic building, as silence fills the once bustling building. Pictures: Tim Durham
Difference “Hopefully, my time at the Nekemte College of Teacher Education will make a difference to the educational needs of the region.” VSO recruit experienced professionals such as Joann to work long-term in the areas of education, health, community development and business management. Currently, VSO volunteers are working in more than 44 countries worldwide, serving some of the world’s poorest communities. Malcolm Quigley, director of VSO Ireland, said: “In developing countries such as Ethiopia, some people are living on just $2 a day. Things we take for granted are hard to access for marginalised people.” To learn more about volunteering, or about the work of VSO, please visit www.vso.ie.
Shackleton Mill’s life celebrated in show AN INSIGHT into the work carried out at the historic Shackleton Mill on the banks of the river Liffey has been captured in photography, and is on display in Dublin’s city centre. The water-powered Shackleton Mill, also known as Anna Liffey Mill, was established as a flour mill in 1776. It was later bought by the Shackleton family in the late 1850s. It stopped flour production in 1998 and, in
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‘After the millers left came a decade of use as a store for school desks, wax cauldrons from the Rathborne candle factory, auction-lots of books in banana boxes, and a display board of the Blanchardstown Brass Band’
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2002, it was acquired by Fingal County Council with an aim to create a heritage museum and visitor centre there.
B u t , b e f o r e wo r k began, photographic artist Tim Durham started his project to record the interior of the main mill
building. The photographic artist’s interest lies in architectural interiors, in the workplace and domestic. Projects by Durham include photographs of the last month of the Irish Times in D’Olier Street in 2006; two years later, he had a show on the Tara Mines at the Solstice Arts Centre. The Shackleton Mill photos were taken in October, 2009, and show how buildings can reflect
and record activities of those who inhabited them. For centuries, the mill saw millers work on milling, and this is represented by the rollers, sifters, ovens, weighing scales, silos and vacuum tubing that remains in the building. After the millers left came a decade of use as a store for school desks, wax cauldrons from the Rathborne candle factory, auction-lots of books in banana boxes, and
a display board of the Blanchardstown Brass Band. This is the latest in a series of photographic shows taking place at the Irish Architectural Archive. This exhibition is on display from now until November 25 at the Irish Architectural Archive, located at No. 45 Merrion Square, Dublin 2. The exhibition is open to the public from Tuesdays to Fridays, 10am to 5pm, and access is free.
15 September 2011 GAZETTE 11
MILESTONE
MEASLES: WARNING TO HAVE YOUR CHILDREN’S VACCINES UP-TO-DATE
Ten years for Go for Life
HSE call to have kids vaccinated Q STAFF REPORTER
THE HSE is calling on parents to protect their children from measles by having them vaccinated this September. Measles is highly infectious and is spread by coughs and sneezes. The only way to protect against measles is to get the MMR vaccine. Children need two doses of MMR vaccine at 12 months and again at 4 to 5 years of age. “Any child or young adult in Ireland who has not been vaccinated is at risk of measles. Since the beginning of this year there have been over 160 cases of measles and, over the summer, there has been a rapid increase. These have occurred mainly in children less than four years of age
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‘Any child or young adult in Ireland who has not been vaccinated is at risk of measles’
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who were never vaccinated and most of the cases were in north Dublin City,” a spokesperson for the HSE said. “As normal routine kicks in, children are going back to creche, pre-school and primary school this week. This is a time when more children are mixing together and so the risk of spreading measles is increased. “Make sure that your children are protected against infectious dis-
eases by ensuring they are up-to-date with their vaccines. If your child is starting school (aged 4 or 5 years) and has never had an MMR vaccine, they need to get it now. They should get it from their GP. MMR vaccine is free. “Children who have had one dose of MMR, will get their second dose of MMR vaccine either at school or from their GP. “Any child between 6-12 years of age should already have had two doses of MMR vaccine. If they have not they need it now. Go to your GP for the vaccine. If your child has only had one dose, they should go for their second dose to the GP. MMR vaccine is free,” the spokesperson said. For more information see www.immunisation. ie or www.hpsc.ie
Welcome home: Dubliner whiskey planning to take over the country GOLDEN Goddesses Holly Carpenter and Roz Purcell were on hand to welcome The Dubliner home as First Ireland Spirits announce that new Dubliner Irish Whiskey Liqueur, one of Ireland’s most exciting new exports, is now available in Dublin after seizing a golden opportunity in Australia and tasting success in the US. As well as Dublin Airport, Dubliner is also stocked in the Irish Celtic Whiskey shop on Dawson Street with plans to go nationwide over the next 12 months at a recommended retail price from €22 to €25. It is now sold in the US, Ireland, Britain, Germany, Holland, Ukraine, Israel and Australia.
OVER 1,000 volunteers of a national programme for sport and physical activity for older people – Go for Life – helped celebrate its 10th anniversary in The Helix in Dublin last week. Go for Life is an Age and Opportunity initiative funded by the Irish Sports Council. The volunteers have trained as Physical Activity Leaders (PALs) and lead elderly people in their local community group in sport or physical activity. Speaking at the event Minister of State for Tourism and Spor t, Michael Ring TD said: “Older people play such an important role in our society and in this, the European Year of Volunteering, I’m delighted to be there to support so many older volunteers who make being physically active easier for their peers all over the country.”
12 GAZETTE 15 September 2011
MEDIATE, OR NO? Exploring Alternative Dispute Resolution
Mediation – it’s the new kid on the block FOR THOSE considering going to court to solve a dispute, be it a business, family, or just the ordinary disputes that occur in day-to-day life, Alternative Dispute Resolution
(ADR) is now an alternative to court. Until recently, people felt that their only recourse to justice, in dealing with civil/commercial or family issues was to “have their
day in court”. This can often prove more of a hindrance than a problem solver. Sometimes it resulted in the failure of viable companies and the destruction of good business relationships. This, in turn, caused a lot of stress resulting in marital problems, breakdown and, again, more court proceedings. Under these circumstances, mediation is fast becoming the “light at the end of the tunnel”. It is now mandatory in civil and commercial courts that parties considering going to court must be given the option of mediation and informed of its advantages prior to their court appearance. The courts can take a “poor view” of parties who refuse to undertake mediation, and final decisions can be swayed by the reluctance of the parties to undertake same. Mediation is equally as important in Family Law cases, where the cost of court may be very high,
Mediation is becoming a popular alternative to the courts when it comes to dispute resolution
both on an emotional and financial level. Therefore the Family Law Courts are now in the process of advocating mediation as the least painful and most costeffective form of dispute resolution. Mediation is becoming very popular in Ireland as both the judiciary and the disputing parties see the advantages of its flexibility, problem-solving and its ability in time-saving, both for the disputing parties and courts viewpoint. Process of mediation
Mediation begins with either of the parties in dispute contacting the mediator directly or it may be a solicitor referral to mediation in order to comply with legal requirements. Initially, a meeting is set up during which the mediator explains the process, the rules and role of the mediator. At this time the parties are informed that Mediation is voluntary,
confidential and its aim is to come up with an agreement satisfactory to all. Clients are encouraged to have independent legal advice at all stages. However, they are obliged to refrain from litigation during the course of mediation. An agreement to mediate is signed and then the process can be continued in both joint/ single sessions. The mediator’s role is to guide the discussion and to remain impartial. Mediators do, of course, act as “devil’s advocate”, ask difficult questions and prompt replies that initiate solutions. Upon conclusion a “Memorandum of Understanding” is drawn up, signed by the parties and taken to their respective solicitors to make it legally binding. By this process the parties themselves have resolved their own issues. Going to court to solve disputes, whether they arise in the course of someone’s business or pri-
vate lives, is an arduous, time-consuming, expensive and often traumatic process. In court, judgments and adjournments can be time-consuming and, when a ruling is finally reached, it is often impossible to adhere to, due to the lack of input from the disputing parties. From once you enter court there is little or no confidentiality. When your case is being heard anybody can walk into the courtroom, can hear all your business, and report on their findings. When compared to the mediation process, it is obvious that many of the disadvantages of court are eliminated. As a rule, mediation costs are substantially lower than those of court proceedings. Mediation can resolve complex disputes in as little as a day. There are no waiting lists or adjournments. The parties in the mediation control the process,
and the outcome. No agreement or solution will be imposed. This in itself helps to maintain friendships – mediation is a lot less destructive to private and commercial relationships as parties enter mediation in good faith and with the intention to settle. Mediation items discussed, and their outcome, are completely confidential between the mediator and the parties concerned. Another advantage is that parties come to a mutually beneficial solution that can become legally binding. This happens when parties have agreed some or, hopefully, all of the items on the agenda. For instance, an accredited mediator has the authority to create with the parties a document called a Memorandum of Understanding. This document is then given to a solicitor who will take it to court on your behalf, to have it “rubber stamped”. It then becomes legally binding, therefore, you personally never need to attend court. In conclusion, it was asked at the start of the article should you “mediate or not”? It seems clear we would all agree to definitely mediate. For further information, contact Citywide Consultants & Mediators, Rosie Gallagher FCPA, C Dip. AF, telephone: 01 219 4444, mobile: 087 666 9887, email: rosie@cwcm ie or visit www.cwcm.ie
15 September 2011 GAZETTE 13
VOLUNTEER
SUPPORT: APPEAL TO HELP PAY FOR YOUNG CANCER PATIENT’S TREATMENT
10 years on for Go for Life
Fundraiser is cabaret crazy A FANTASTIC night of vintage-inspired entertainment has been arranged for the upcoming fundraiser for the Marc Owens Medical Fund. On September 22 at the Sugar Club, Fab Cabaret will take to the stage. Headlining the night will be chanteuse Jeannette Byrne, with her 10-piece band performing classic French chansons a la Piaf, Aznavour and Brel. On the bill also will be Liza Minnelli Tribute act, Sharon Sexton, and magician/comedian Jack Wise. If you’re looking for an evening of classic romantic music, with some amazing magic tricks thrown in, then look no further. Tickets, priced €15, are available from Shane
Lynch – 087 8317677, Paul Collins 087 2591508; or email marcowensmedicalfund@gmail.com. At the age of just 18, Marc Owens was just about to embark on his final year in Belvedere College when he was diagnosed with a rare and very aggressive form of cancer. There were no warning signs, just an acute stomach ache and, suddenly, this happy, sports-mad teenage was a cancer patient with very poor prospects. His doctors sent him to the MD Anderson Cancer Care Clinic in Houston for cutting-edge, life-saving surgery last February. After many complications, set-backs and not a little pain, Marc returned home in May and, for the moment, he is continu-
ing his treatment in the Mater Hospital. To help fund the enormous cost of Marc’s ongoing treatment, a fund has been set up – the Marc Owens Medical Fund - to raise €1 million over the next three years. In less than four months, €250,000 has already been raised through various fundraising activities. Cathy Herbert, who is on the fundraising committee, said: “Marc is facing the kind of challenge that puts all other challenges into perspective. We all need to rally around him to ensure he can get the best medical care in the world.” For more information about Marc, call Cathy Herbert, 087 2395393, or see website www.marcowensmedicalfund.com
Showdown: Turn the Aviva Blue for first RaboDirect Pro12 encounter LEINSTER RUGBY players Eoin O’Malley, left, and Dominic Ryan want to see the Blue Army descend on Landsdowne Road to support the Heineken Cup champions as they take on arch rivals, Munster, in November. Following pre-sales, which incorporated a special Hour of Power reduced-price window last week, over 21,000 tickets for the match, dubbed Fever in Aviva 2, have been sold for the November 4 showdown. The Leinster team are calling on all Dublin supporters to come and support the team. For more information, log on to www.leinsterrugby.ie
OVER 1,000 volunteers of a national programme for sport and physical activity for older people – Go for Life – helped celebrate its 10th anniversary in The Helix in Dublin last week. Go for Life is an Age & Opportunity initiative funded by the Irish Sports Council. The volunteers have trained as Physical Activity Leaders (PALs) and lead elderly people in their local community group in sport or physical activity. Last year, more than 40,000 elderly people took part. Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD said: “Older people play such an important role in our society and in this, the European Year of Volunteering, I’m delighted to be there to support so many older volunteers who make being physically active easier for their peers all over the country,” he said.
14 GAZETTE 15 September 2011
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC Jay and Silent Bob strike Vicar Street for a live show FILMMAKER, comic-book author, actor and internet pioneer Kevin Smith, together with his longtime partner-in-crime, Jason Mewes, are coming to Vicar Street next February 21 to record a special Dublin edition of their internet radio show, Jay and Silent Bob Get Old. The iconic duo’s show is part of a catalogue of programming on the SModcast internet radio network that Smith has developed in recent years, that tours the US recording in theatres, comic-book conventions and comedy clubs. The SIR network, available through iTunes, features podcasts and shows with many faces and voices familiar to fans of the Jersey boy’s movies, including Ralph Garman, and comedian and actor Jay Mohr. Anyone who has seen Kevin Smith’s spoken word shows will know to expect the hilarious and the irreverent in equal measure. For more information, see thesirmon.com
REVIEW: A CELEBRATION OF SURVIVAL AND COMMITMENT
Twenty years on and Pearl Jam still endure Q ROB HEIGH
A FRIEND tells a story of when he was working in the US as a roadie and tech for a few big-name bands. There was this kid who used to hang out, and then work with the crew he was with, an unassuming, quiet and polite lad with long hair and a love of surfing. One day, he gave my friend a tape with demos of some songs he’d written, and asked what he thought. My friend listened, liked what he heard, and said he should stick at it. The kid was pleased, and they continued working together until my friend moved back to Britain. One night, a few years later, he recognised a song by a new band making their television debut on BBC’s Late Show. It was
Pearl Jam are celebrating their anniversary with a series of events, including the release of Pearl Jam 20
one of the songs the kid he’d worked with in the US gave him, and he was singing with the band. The kid was Eddie Vedder, and the band was Pearl Jam, playing a blistering version of Alive. Since 1991, Pearl Jam have been a constant force of rock nature, and 20 years on from the
release of Ten, they are celebrating their anniversary with a series of major events — a mini-festival in Wisconsin last weekend that featured The Strokes, Queens of the Stone Age and Soundgarden, as well as two epic closing sets by PJ, a double album retrospective and PJ20, a motion picture documen-
tary by filmmaker and long-term friend of the band, Cameron Crowe (who cast them in his movie, Singles, in 1992). The movie had its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival last weekend, and I was lucky enough to catch a special screening this week. The movie is a tribute to the enduring power of friendship, creativity and music that has seen the individuals go through some immensely tough times in their history, that shaped their work, themselves as people and as a band of brothers. The movie goes right back through the history of Pearl Jam, to their genesis as Mookie Blaylock from the ashes of Mother Love Bone in Seattle in 1990, right through to the present day, where they are rightly regarded as one of the best live acts in the world, proven time and again through the archive and specially-filmed concert footage from the 2010 tour. Individual interviews with the band members, both archive and recent, are interspersed with personal, TV and backstage
material, and contributions from their contemporaries, like Chis Cornell. Cameron Crowe and his editors have made their way through an epic amount of archive footage to come up with the two hours of material that make up the movie, and if I had one quibble, it would simply by that it is not long enough. I left the cinema hoping that there will be a director’s cut. But Cameron Crowe has told the story of Pearl Jam with sympathy and narrative flair, showing a group of very different people growing up and making the choice to stay committed to their project when most other bands would have broken up. PJ20 shows across Dublin next week on September 20 for one day only at Vue Liffey Valley, the IFI, the Dun Laoghaire IMC and the Rathmines Omniplex. If you are even a passing fan, or a rabid devotee, I urge you to go along. This illuminating and heartfelt salute to an enduring and important rock band is a great film in it’s own right.
15 September 2011 GAZETTE 15
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY
Edited by Dawn Love
Winter months are coming soon and moisturising is key WITH the winter months almost upon us, it’s time to start taking extra-special care of your complexion, particularly if you are prone to dry, flaky and tight skin. With ingredients that are almost good enough to eat, skin savvy shoppers are sure to love The Handmade Soap Co’s Body Butters. The Irish company’s highlyrestorative handmade body butters are effective on even the most dried out and parched skin. Perfect for putting on after the shower or bath, the thick, rich
butters are particularly great for elbows, knees and heels. When the solid butters come into contact with the skin, they literally melt, providing a luxurious hydrating layer that locks in moisture. And, along with keeping your skin in tip-top shape, their delicious range of body butters are also ideal for massage. Packed with natural goodness of whipped shea butter and cocoa butter, they get to work quickly to soften, moisturise and encourage skin restructuring and
rehydration. Meanwhile, sweet almond oil deeply moisturises, restoring elasticity to the skin, leaving it feeling fabulously silky and soft. And, the best part for me is they are free from parabens, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and artificial colours or fragrances. The Handmade Soap Company was founded by couple Donagh Quigley and Gemma McGowan in 2009 when, as a result of the recession, Donagh’s thatching business was left struggling. Looking for a new
50 years for Peter Mark
The Handmade Soap Co’s aloe vera, sweet almond and shea butter body butter
and exciting career, the couple were on holiday in the Australian rainforest when they seized upon the idea of creating a handmade soap company. The couple set out with a passionate vision – that even seriously good skincare should be fun. And, in a short space of time, the couple’s company has an order book with
shoppers from as farflung as Japan and Brazil, that would make even a skincare giant green. It’s no wonder then that the company is fast becoming an industry leader, winning a rake of awards for its range of skincare products and gorgeous, quirky, retropackaging. Av a i l a b l e i n t wo yummy scents – Grape-
fruit, scented with citrus tones of grapefruit and may chang and Aloe Vera, scented with floral tones of palmorosa, ylang ylang and bergamot. The Handmade Soap Co Body Butter range is priced at €22.95 for 200ml and is available from The Organic Supermarket in Blackrock, Skerries Mills in Fingal and The Kilkenny Shop.
IT’S 50 years now since Peter and Mark Keaveney opened their first salon on Dublin’s Grafton Street and, since then, 73 more salons have opened nationwide. To celebrate, Peter Mark has joined forces with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to ‘Support 50 Wishes’ with two weeks of activities in salons throughout the country, from September 18 to October 2. From fancy dress days, to bargain blowdries, cross-training sessions to 80’s theme days – there’s plenty going on! There’s also a €10 gift card for every client who avails of hairdressing services in any Peter Mark Salon during this time.
16 GAZETTE 15 September 2011
SNAPSHOT The stories of the day from around the capital
Getting interactive at Dublin Contemporary Pictured is Hugh O’Neill, age 3, enjoying artist Liam O’Callaghan’s installation, Tales from the Inside Out On Repeat, at Dublin Contemporary 2011 in Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2
Toast time for Arthur THE DIARY has been keeping its ear to the ground to find some good Dublin venues to enjoy this year’s Arthur’s Day celebrations, and it appears The Glenside in Churchtown is set for a rollicking good session this year. At 17.59 on September
DIARY 22, the famous Dublin pub will be bouncing to the sounds of the Christy Moore Tribute Show as well as Dublin’s finest balladeers, The Freewheelers.
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The Glenside is one of south Dublin’s finest Pubs. Owned by the Mangan Brothers it has a warm and friendly atmosphere. From the outside, the pub looks like what you would have imagined a pub in times gone by, with its authentic thatch roof. The venue hosts traditional music every Sunday and live bands on Saturdays. Contact Glenside on 01-2985932 for further information on event options.
And time to toddle... THE Meningitis Trust is appealing for toddlers to take part in the annual Toddle Waddle throughout next month to raise vital funds and awareness about meningitis. The national charity is hoping to raise €60,000 this year. The Toddle Waddle has seen up to 32,000 toddlers waddle their way around Ireland, raising more than €560,000. It is a fun, sponsored walk for young children and their carers, and the sponsorship money they raise will help to provide on-going support to individuals and families who have been affected by meningitis. To order a free Toddle Waddle organiser’s pack, call The Meningitis Trust on 01 2764269 or visit www.meningitis-trust.ie
15 September 2011 GAZETTE 17
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: DOGS DON’T ‘SWEAT,’ OR PERSPIRE LIKE HUMANS DO TO KEEP COOL
Do dogs sweat, and can they become smelly? WAS asked an interesting question by a student during the week. “Do dogs sweat, and can they become smelly?” My answer was, er, yes and no. Dogs don’t “sweat”, or perspire the way we humans do but they can overheat and, yes, they can produce body odour. As humans, when our body temperature builds up due to vigorous exercise, etc., we perspire and it becomes quite obvious – damp patches under the arm pits, moisture droplets on the skin and unpleasant body odour, because our sweat glands are all over our bodies. However, a dog’s body is different. His sweat glands are located around his foot pads (merocrine glands), so, when he overheats due to hot weather or too much exercise, you will notice little wet pawshaped patches where he’s been walking. When your pet overheats, in order to control his body temperature, he will pant quite a bit. This
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action makes the moisture on his tongue evaporate, and the heavy breathing that accompanies it allows the moist lining of his lungs to become a surface from which excess moisture can also evaporate. Hence, his body cools effectively. A tip for those who own bulldogs and pugs. These are breeds with a compromised respiration system, so are at a higher risk of overheating because they are unable to pant efficiently, so please keep this in mind when exercising. However, sometimes, along with your pet’s panting, comes doggie body odour, which can be unpleasant for some pet owners. It’s up to you to help alleviate his discomfort; this depends on the cause of his body odour and if you are unsure that it’s simply due to overheating, then it’s always best to contact your vet. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you help him remain a cool canine.
If you believe the odour was caused by your dog being in contact with something unpleasant like fox poo, then give him a bath with a normal dog shampoo, but clean and rinse him thoroughly. If you believe it’s his diet then alter it. Some dog food can cause a build up of oils on his skin and a lower fat diet may help with this. Always consult your vet before you change your dog’s diet. Make sure you feed your pet a high-quality dog food. Some low-quality foods may not contain the essential vitamins your dog requires to maintain proper health and vitality. Read the label. Prevent your dog from eating dog faeces. One of my Jack Russells has a fascination with other dogs’ faeces. No, she’s not strange, many dogs do this, but you must watch them carefully and prevent it happening. Here’s another tip! If your dog eats his own poo, add a tin of pineap-
ple chunks to his food. Once the pineapple is absorbed, the dog goes to the toilet and then decides to eat it, the taste of the added pineapple will make his poo taste bitter and your dog should eventually stop. Sorry, I’ve no tips for preventing him eating other dogs’ poo other than to keep him away from it. Finally, If you’re uncertain as to what is causing your dog’s body odour, (as in you know it’s not over-heating or any of the above) then please take him to the vet for a full health check because serious health conditions need to be ruled out. Conditions, such as an infection, mange, dental problems and cancer, can all cause unpleasant doggie odours, so it’s always best to get an expert opinion, and who better to provide this than your local vet. For more info log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@ dspca.ie
A dog’s sweat glands are located around his foot pads to keep him cool and he will also pant, which allows moisture to evaporate from his tongue and lungs
18 GAZETTE 15 September 2011
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS Warning – being towed can be scary AN AA survey of 2,500 Dublin motorists who have had their car towed on one or more occasions reveals that, while the majority of motorists had a reasonably satisfactory experience, a number reported a range of problems and bad experiences, from exorbitant onthe-spot charges by local garages, to white-knuckle fear while being towed on a rope by a friend or family member. “Motorists stranded on the side of the road are in a highly vulnerable and dangerous situation, particularly if it’s on a motorway or at night,” said Conor Faughnan, director of policy, AA Ireland. “While not the rule, we did hear from a regrettable number of drivers across the country who were left stranded for hours waiting for assistance to arrive. Others indicated they had difficulty getting through to their insurance provider on the phone. This is particularly worrying when it involves more vulnerable road users, such as an elderly motorist, a lone female or someone travelling with children.” Exorbitant
While the AA reports that a driver who does not have roadside rescue cover such as AA Membership can expect to pay an average of €105 for a 50km tow (equivalent of Skerries to Rathcoole), and information which is readily available on AA Routeplanner, some motorists reported paying local garages exorbitant amounts for relatively short recoveries. “One motorist, for example, told us that for
a miniscule two-mile tow, they were charged an astronomical €150,” said Faughnan. “And this was far from an isolated incident, according to the feedback that we’ve received. It seems that some local garages, are prepared to chance their arms and take advantage of the situation.” Accepting a tow from family/friends – a cautionary message
Another concern the AA raises is well-meaning friends and family taking on a towing job without the correct equipment or knowledge. “It’s not as intuitive as you’d imagine and we certainly wouldn’t recommend providing a tow if you’re ill-equipped and unsure of best practices. During the poll, we heard of bumpers --------------------------
‘Being towed on a rope by a friend or family member was a hair-raising and very scary experience’
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being pulled off, a thirdparty vehicle unwittingly ploughing through an unseen towing line and motorists being towed in terror for miles as they couldn’t afford the ad hoc services of a local towing provider,” said Faughnan. “A lot of people also said that being towed on a rope by a friend or family member was a hairraising and very scary experience.”
Mercedes Benz has a new M-Class on the way for 2012 with a smaller, more fuel-efficient engine that will deliver more pace for a lower running cost. Prices have not been confirmed but expect it to be marginally cheaper than the current edition and with lots more features.
M-Class SUV luxury MICHAEL MORONEY went to Germany and drove into Austria to test the new M-Class and give it his appraisal MERCEDES Benz considers the 4x4 market very important and aims to get a bigger share of the premium end with its upgraded new M-Class. The new model has claims of being more fuel-efficient and better equipped. Mercedes Benz has downsized the entry engine from a 3.0- litre to 2.2-litre in its quest for better fuel economy. We drove two versions of the car during the recent European launch, driving out of Munich. The first one was the petrol-powered M-Class, followed by the equivalent engine in diesel power, and the far more interesting ML 250, with 2.2-litre diesel engine under the bonnet. Called the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, this SUV delivers a combined fuel economy figure of 16.6km per litre (6l/100km or 47mpg). That’s an impressive economy figure for a heavy 4x4 vehicle that
SPECS: MERCEDES BENZ ML 250 BLUETEC 4MATIC Top speed: 210 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 9.0 sec Economy: 16.6 km/litre (6.0 l/100km) CO2 emissions: 158g/km Road Tax Band: D (€447) Euro NCAP Rating: NA Warranty: 2 years Entry Price: NA
runs on a permanent four-wheel-drive arrangement. Relative to the current model, that delivers about a 25% reduction in fuel consumption from the new model when pitched against the older, bigger engine version. There are few SUVs in this power and weight category that can come near to these new lower running-cost figures. The M-Class with this entry-level diesel engine is also claimed to give an unmatched driving range on a full tank of diesel. The basic tank has a capacity of 70 litres giving a range of 1,170km.
You can opt for a bigger 93-litre tank and this will then give a range of 1,500km. With low fuel usage comes lower CO2 emissions. The new entry-level M-Class delivers a figure of 158g/km provided by Mercedes Benz. This will put the new M-Class in the Band D for motor tax purposes, meaning a drop in rate to €447 from close to €2,000 for the current model. That alone is a significant saving, before you even venture near the pumps. Mercedes Benz has opted for a smaller engine with lower levels of fuel consumption to develop similar power to the bigger engine of the past. The new technology also ensures that the car’s torque is at its best, with a figure of 500Nm being quoted. Taking the M-Class on the road gives a very pleasant driving experience. The car is smooth to accelerate and the controls are logical and
well-placed. But despite its relatively high price, somewhere above the €60,000 mark, this 4x4 is not particularly big on the inside. The front seating is good with lots of adjustment, but those in the rear seem to get a slightly poorer result. The safety package is impressive with nine airbags on board. The new M-Class uses improved Assistance Systems that are already available on the E-Class models. The standard buyer gets the drowsiness detection system, called Attention Assist, the anticipatory safety system, called PreSafe and a tyre pressure loss warning system, as well as adaptive brake lights and Brake Assist (BAS). There is also an extensive range of optional Assistance Systems. With a high towing rating of almost 3.5 tonnes, if fitted with a factory hitch, the Mercedes Benz may be recruited for work, as
well as for pleasure. The ground clearance under the heavy-duty chassis is better than many others, at 191mm. The M-Class will sport the Mercedes badge that always adds to the price. But overall, it’s not a very big SUV, even if it is expensive. For many existing M-Class drivers the change is good in terms of the running-cost value. The comfort is enhanced and the car drives very well, even if the acceleration poke is a little slower than anticipated from the 2.2-litre engine. The final part of the new M-Class story is that it will be reasonably competitive, not that this is a word often linked with Mercedes Benz prices. While the final prices have not yet been agreed for the Irish market, it is expected that, with a higher specification, the new M-Class will be cheaper than the current model when it arrives in Ireland early in 2012.
15 September 2011 GAZETTE 19
Tubik is Citroen’s new comfort MPV
CITROEN will show off its new, highly innovative concept van-type vehicle at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Called Tubik, this is designed to be a high-tech executive shuttle based on one key idea – that travel should be fun. The Tubik design has been inspired by Citroen’s Type H or ‘TUB’ van, but with all the styling and characteristics of modern Citroen design, Tubik is a nine-seater packed with entertaining technology. This striking van design boasts offbeat, distinctive styling with colours and materials designed to meet the highest standards of sophistication and comfort. To make travel enjoyable for its passengers, Tubik incorporates a lounge-style cocoon dedicated to comfort and relaxation. The modular seats are designed to be arranged in many
different ways (semireclined, face-to-face, etc.). Citroen claims that the onboard technology, which includes a giant semi-circular screen and high-definition surround sound, turns the cabin into an area that is perfect for sharing over long distances.
Nissan will be offering a new 1.6 litre turbo-diesel in the Qashqai models to improve fuel economy with a Stop/Start option due in 2012
A Pure Drive with the latest Qashqai option
Aerodynamics
This Tubik concept is powered by Citroen’s new Hybrid4 technology. With this full-hybrid diesel drive and optimised aerodynamics, Citroen claims that the Tubik maintains CO2 emissions at a level comparable to a conventional saloon. The full-hybrid diesel drive also offers more range than a stand-alone internal combustion engine and maximises traction in four wheeldrive mode. The front wheels are driven by the diesel engine and the rear wheels by the elec-
The new Citroen Tubik concept car shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show is designed as the ultimate in terms of people carrier design
tric motor. The 22-inch wheels feature deep, narrow, very low-rolling resistance tyres to further help optimise fuel consumption. At 4.80m long, 2.08m wide and 2.05m tall, Tubik is big enough to carry up to nine passengers. The front end, which stands
apart from the main body, brings to mind the corrugated metal of the Type H van with its distinctive ribbing, while the windscreen pillars are reminiscent of the Type H’s two characteristic ridges. To make the Tubik look even more protective,
Citroen’s designers have combined two contrasting colours. The metallic grey of the body shell enveloping the pearlescent white at either end marks the position of the diesel engine (at the front) and electric motor (at the rear) used by the full-hybrid diesel drive.
Peugeot teams up with IFA THE IFA Member Services and Peugeot will launch a new partnership on the occasion of the 80th National Ploughing Championships, Athy on September 20-22. To celebrate the new venture, the IFA is launching a Peugeot 508 giveaway, to the value of €24,850, at the Ploughing Championships, details of which can be sought at both the IFA and the Peugeot stand. T h e I FA / P e u g e o t partnership will bring to fruition many motoring benefits to IFA members, of which there are currently 87,000 in Ireland. Effective from November 1, 2011, IFA members will enjoy excellent value service offers from Peugeot. They will be eligible to join the IFA Peugeot Service Club, offering
John Bryan, President of the Irish Farmers’ Association, Des Cannon, Peugeot Sales & Marketing Director, JJ Kavanagh, IFA National Treasurer and George Harbourne, Peugeot Managing Director.
every fourth service for free. A €250 rebate will be paid to IFA members on new Peugeot vehicle registration. George Harbourne, Peugeot managing director said: “Peugeot has a very natural affiliation with Ireland’s farming
community and the IFA, thanks to our strong diesel heritage. “We are very excited about this partnership and we very much look forward to working with the IFA in the coming years to make sure it is a success for Peugeot Ire-
land, The IFA and IFA members.” John Bryan, president of the Irish Farmers’ Association said: “IFA is delighted to announce this partnership with Peugeot. “We are committed to delivering the best range
of deals through our Member Services division, and the tie-up with Peugeot will bring added benefits to the existing package. “I expect there will be strong interest at Ploughing, given the superb prize on offer.”
NISSAN has developed a new Pure Drive version of the top-selling Qashqai, which produces just 129g/km of CO2 with a fuel consumption of 20.km/litre (4.9l/100km). This latest Qashqai is powered by a new 1.6litre diesel engine that claims to deliver strong fuel economy and low emissions, but which has the same levels of torque and top speed as the 2.0-litre dCi engine it replaces. Peak power from the new engine is 130bhp, which is backed by a torque figure of 320Nm, available from as low as 1,750 rpm. And this is just the start. Early next year, a version of the model will be launched with Nissan’s Stop/Start System, which will help to reduce CO2 emissions still further to a 119 g/km and 22km/ litre (4.5l/100km) of fuel consumption. To add to the new items of equipment including, for the first time on a C-segment car, Nissan will be offering the Around View Monitor (AVM) system. More usually found on luxury cars, AVM uses a series of small cameras located on the exterior of the vehicle to make parking and manoeuvring as safe as possible by giving the driver a real-time bird’s eye view of the environment around the car. A new CVT gearbox
will also be available on 1.6-litre petrol models to bring further drive options to the range. The Pure Drive designation is given to every Nissan product that emits 130g/km of CO2 or less. On its introduction, the “cut off” point was 140g, but, as part of the Nissan Green Programme, membership of this exclusive club gets tougher all the time. The programme calls for a further drop to 120g in 2013.
20 GAZETTE 15 September 2011
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS EXHIBITION: OFFICIAL OPENING
Condren wins 2nd photo award THE AIB Photojournalism Exhibition 2011, a collection of some of the most remarkable press photographs from the past year, was officially opened in AIB Bank, Dame Street, last week, by Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister forArts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. The opening was marked by a reception hosted by Padraig McGowan, branch manager, AIB Bank, Dame Street. This year, over 2,010 images were entered by 123 photographers from around the country, across nine categories - news, daily life, sports action, sports portfolio, portrait, environment, politics, arts and entertainment and reportage. The overall AIB Photojournalist of the Year 2011 title was awarded to Mark Condren, for the second year in a row. Opening the Exhibition, Minister Deenihan said: “This exhibition offers us a picture diary of life during 2010 covering everything from hard news stories, sporting events, politics and everyday life. The photography on display acts as a visual snapshot of public and private life during 2010, covering all aspects of life in Ireland and abroad during this time. The Awards help portray the craft of press photography and showcase the photographer’s skills for timing and preparation. I would like to offer my congratulations to Mark Condren for winning the AIB Photojournalist of the Year Award for the second year in succession.” The images from this year’s Exhibition can be viewed by logging on to www.ppai.ie.
The Springboard programme offers new skills to those who wish to enter the fast-growing world of international financial services
EMPLOYMENT: NEW SKILLS FOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES
Get a new start with FSI CareerStart programme WHILE the shock of unemployment is hitting thousands of people who never thought it could happen to them, however, there is some good news. Speaking at the launch of the Springboard programme, earlier this year, Education and Skills Minister Ruairi Quinn said: “The Government put together the Springboard programme as part of our overall Jobs Initiative. Springboard aims to upskill and reskill unemployed people in order to allow them to change career and give them a real chance of re-entering the workforce” The FSI CareerStart programme, one of the programmes funded under the Springboard initiative, offers participants a combination of industry relevant professional qualifications, management training and work placements or mentoring while
still retaining their social welfare benefits. Whether switching to an entirely new career path or starting out in your career, FSI CareerStart could be the key to a range of employment opportunities in the growing financial services sector in Ireland.
Programme Over the course of six to 12 months (depending on your preferred option), the programme offers new skills to those who wish to enter the fast-growing world of international financial services, and provides an in-depth knowledge of the industry, the IFSC companies and the job opportunities in the sector. The places are offered free of charge to eligible jobseekers. One of the main attractions of the financial services sector is the diversity of skill sets and backgrounds that
can be accommodated. Whether your strength is in numeracy, languages, science, technology or creative thinking, a career in the international financial services sector may be the perfect fit for you. The course is industryled, so the education and skills that candidates will develop during the course are those identified as desirable by IFSC employers. “Much of the challenge for employers involves finding workers with the specialised skills and backgrounds they need,” says Brendan Bruen, director of Financial Services Ireland. “FSI CareerStart is giving a real solution to employers and employees alike – identifying what each needs from the other, and getting the balance right and there are career opportunities in this sector.” The programme
presents participants with a choice of four options. Option 1: Certificate Stream – International Financial Services + Certificate in Management Option 2: Certificate Stream - Investment Funds Services + Certificate in Management Option 3A: Diploma Stream – International Financial Services + Certificate in Management Option 3B: Diploma Stream – Investment Funds Services + Certificate in Management You are not restricted to choosing one option, you may apply for more than one of these courses as availability may be limited on your first choice All of the courses are Level 7 higher education awards, which are highly valued by employers and considered core qualifications for working in the sector. The courses are delivered by IBEC Man-
agement Academy and the Institute of Bankers, a recognised college of University College Dublin and the leading education provider for those working in banking and financial services.
Opportunities Throughout the programme, participants will be offered either work experience opportunities in world-class IFSC companies, or mentoring by industry professionals. The placement and mentoring opportunities offer participants a great opportunity to gain extensive knowledge on employers and their requirements, and places participants in an ideal position to demonstrate their new skills and impress a prospective employer. This is the second year of the programme. According to Brian
McMahon, Programme Manager for the Careerstart programme, of those who undertook the programme last year, almost two-thirds of the participants are now working, more than half of them employed by the company in which they completed their work placement. “This encouraged us to expand the 2011 programme, which offers 160 places.” To be eligible to take up a place on the FSI Careerstart programme, applicants must meet one of the following criteria – be on the live register and claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Benefit, or signing for credits, or claiming One Parent Family Payment. To apply for FSI CareerStart 2011, visit www.fsicareerstart.ie. For more information, contact 0818 333113or email info@fsicareerstart.ie
15 September 2011 GAZETTE 21
Supported by AIB
Interview: Rosie Gallagher (F.C.P.A. C.Dip. A.F.) Accredited Mediator
Rosie rises to the top in mediation ROSIE Gallagher is an accredited mediator with her own accountancy business, Citywide Consultants and Mediators (CWCM), which she set up in 2001. During the last ten years, she has built up her expertise as a mediator through her involvement with conciliation between people seeking loan deals and also working as a consultant for the banking industry. In this role she acted as a mediator/conciliator between the banks and their clients. She also worked with the Free Legal Advice Centre and (FLAC) and Money Advice Bureau Services (MABS). She is also a Family Law Mediator and has expanded her service to cater this area. She has many years of experience dealing in conflict situations, varying from issues in civil and commercial matters, such as business break-up, insurance and employee issues, right through to family matters such as separation and divorce, children’s issues and solutions for looking
after the elderly. Prior to setting up her own business, she worked in banking, both domestic (TSB, where she was assistant manager) and in corporate banking as senior lending executive with ICC Bank. While working as a senior lending executive with ICC Bank, she was head-hunted by the IDA --------------------------
‘This training was so successful that the staff were awarded Banking Diplomas bringing them up to European standards’ --------------------------
and was selected from a large number of nations to set up the lending arm of The Development Bank of the Seychelles. Here she trained a staff of 250 people, through lectures and on-the-job training. This training was so successful that the staff
were awarded Banking Diplomas, bringing them up to European standards. During this time, she developed her mediation skills, as she managed international mediation between foreign banks. Working in the Indian Ocean region, she was on the welcoming committee for diplomats arriving in the Seychelles. She also attended business meetings in the various Embassies where she mediated on behalf of the Development Bank of the Seychelles, with heads of state and finance ministers of visiting countries. Her company, CWCM, provides a confidential service, using experienced staff, to help those who are in dispute or experiencing conflict. Citywide Consultants and Mediators boasts a team of professionals that include accredited mediators, accountants, barristers and social workers. It also offers a choice of solicitors in order to legalise the agreements reached after a successful mediation.
ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS
HAVE AN ARF Q – Recently retired, I have just taken out an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) and have been told I must take this “imputed distribution” of 5% of the fund each year. Is this true – I don’t really want to touch the fund as I am still relatively solvent and don’t want to touch this fund ? John – Gormanstown A - Unfortunately, whether you take this income or not, you will be liable for income tax, PRSI and Universal Social Charge on the 5% of the fund in the same way as if an actual ARF withdrawal or imputed distribution had been made. When you retire, depending on the scheme and the fund value, you have three choices of execution. 1. Annuity – basically a fixed deposit interest rate set at the time of retirement and that never changes. The insurance company gets to keep the fund when you pass away. So the idea is to outlive the interest e.g. € 200k fund at 5% will give a pension of € 10k. Live beyond 20 years and you have taken over €200k from the fund. 2. Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) – more choice with your investment options plus you MUST take 5% of the fund each year BUT when you die, the ARF goes into your estate for redistribution. 3. Cash – there are certain rules with this e.g. you MUST have € 120k in a Approved Minimum Retirement Fund (AMRF) until age 75 over which amount you can encash at your marginal rate of tax AFTER you have taken your 25% tax-free lump sum ( maximum now € 200k). Therefore, I would take the imputed distribution and either invest the money in a medium-term deposit account ( best rate 4.29% AER for an 18-month account ) or spend it.
CREDIT CARD MESS Q – I have three credit cards, all of them maxed out. I am still able to pay the minimum amount each month for each card but it is getting more difficult as other debts are mounting. I have tried transferring them, but no credit card company will allow the transfer. I am at my wits end – any suggestions ? Rob - Adamstowns Rosie Gallagher
A - Most of the credit card companies offering credit card balances transfers have both relatively low limits and strict credit guidelines. The Irish
Q&A Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: A Hairdresser Q: What was your first job? A: Ansbacher bank Q: And your first pay cheque? A: £30 per week Q: When did you start your present job? A: 2000 Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: Working with people. It is always challenging
Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’?
Credit Bureau (ICB) in Clonskeagh Dublin 14 is their
A: The long hours Q: What sport do you follow? A: Horse racing Q: What sport can you play? A: Cycling Q: What is your guilty music/TV or movie pleasure? A: Quiz programmes Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward? A: Neither Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: All of the above
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: Nobody, don’t believe in it
Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? A: Fashion, food and enter-
Q: What was your last Tweet/status update? A: Do not know, probably
tainment
first port of call to check your credit history. Any blemishes, a missed payment and the refusal is guaranteed. Your debts are starting to mount so now is the time to communicate and negotiate with your creditors. Speak to them individually and try and come to an agreed arrangement. You will
business promotion
Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: 30+
Q: Describe your dream meal? A: On the French Riviera,
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: Travel across Australia for
all your assets, liabilities, income and whether your
lots of wine with two good friends
2-5 years
Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Neither, could I swap for Bob Geldof?
Q: What would be your dream job? A: Mediation Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: Travel
need a fully detailed income and expenditure analysis plus a certified statement of affairs showing tax affairs are in order. For further information or a consultation, email me. 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 15 September 2011
GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Breaking up the DublinWest Cork highway! Great deals on offer on top beach holiday destinations like the Maldives, St Lucia and Cuba
TRAILFINDERS is offering a complimentary upgrade to full-board at Olhuveli Beach and Spa Resort in the Maldives from €1,629 per person (saving over €140 per person), based on two sharing. Available for selected departures from October 4 to 24, the price includes return flights from Dublin (via London Heathrow and Doha) with Qatar Airways, seven nights’ accommodation in a deluxe room on a full-board basis, resort speedboat transfers, taxes and surcharges. A beautiful and romantic island retreat located on the tip of South Malé Atoll, Olhuveli Beach and Spa Resort offers stunning beaches, abundant sandbanks and superb recreational activities. Facilities include a selection of restaurants and bars, two large pools and an excellent watersports centre, with kite-surfing, wake boarding, big game fishing and dolphin safaris, to name but a few. A large, shallow blue lagoon surrounds the whole island, which also makes it great for snorkelling. For more information, see www.trailfind ers.ie or phone 01 677 7888 / 021 464 8800. Tropical Sky
Tropical Sky is offering seven nights on an allinclusive basis at the four-star Coconut Bay Resort and Spa in St Lucia from €1,169 per person (save €410 per person). Valid for selected departures in September and October, the price includes flights from Dublin (via Gatwick) with British Airways, accommodation with a complimentary room upgrade, resort transfers, taxes and surcharges. Set along the exotic Savannes Bay, facilities include an on-site water park, three pools, four floodlit tennis courts, fitness room, spa with 12 treatment rooms, steam room, sauna and a selection of fine restaurants The same tour operator is offering a 10-night city and beach getaway to Cuba from €1,199 per person (save €390 per person). Available for selected departures in September and October, the price includes flights from Dublin (via Gatwick) with Virgin Atlantic, accommodation split between three nights at Hotel Sevilla in Havana on a bed-and-breakfast basis, and seven nights at Breezes Varadero on an all-inclusive basis, resort transfers, taxes and surcharges. The Hotel Sevilla is the ideal base for those wanting to explore Havana and offers a gym, swimming pool and rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city. Breezes Varadero is located on the worldfamous Varadero Beach and offers a selection of watersports, jacuzzis and golf course. For more information, see www.tropicalsky.ie or phone 01 8077996 / 068 56800.
CORMAC CURTIS
After years, nay, decades, of complaining about the various bottlenecks on the Dublin-Cork road – Kildare, Monastervin, Abbeyleix, Mitchelstown etc. – the long-awaited motorway between the capital and the so-called ‘real’ capital of Ireland is now very much a reality. So, the seven-hour drive to west Cork, for instance, has now been assigned to the “tell us about driving to Baltimore in the old days, granddad” category. This is, in itself, a huge relief, but, along with satnav and GPS, the convenience of the non-stop drive has taken a little of the mystery out of holidaymaking at home. In an effort to break up my family’s annual pilgrimage to West Cork for two weeks in August, we decided to stop off somewhere around Cork city for a night or two before descending on my mother-in-law’s house in the country. As family attractions go, it’s hard to look past Fota Wildlife Park when it comes to getting kids excited. The idea of seeing exotic animals from Go Diego Go up close and personal conjured up some magical anticipation in my four and fiveyear-old daughters.
Finding somewhere to stay was pretty straightforward; Cork city is not short of quality accommodation. Instead of staying in the city itself, we decided to try the Radisson SAS on Little Island – it’s just off the Ring Road that brings you around the city and on to West Cork and Kerry, which meant we wouldn’t have to deal with any city traffic. As usual, a few lastminute hiccups meant I was travelling with the kids while their mother took care of some business-related issues before catching up with us – translation: daddy brings the kids to the swimming pool at the hotel for an hour or two to use up some of their pent-up energy! As I mentioned – the road to Cork is a good one these days, so after about two-and-a-half hours we pulled up at the hotel. The Radisson SAS in Cork cannot be accused of boasting a scenic location – but that really isn’t the point. Its neighbours may include Harvey Norman and KFC, but the hotel itself has a modern, contemporary design and, once inside, marble, glass and dark wood finishes complement each other and suggest a far more
CHILLING OUT AS well as a very child-friendly swimming area for the kids to enjoy, the Radisson SAS Hotel in Cork also offers a variety of beauty and spa treatments. The spa offers a secure, unique environment of warmth, comfort and peace. It features nine treatment rooms with a range of luxurious Elemis treatments and relaxation suites. There is also a selection of packages available at the Retreat Spa, from oneday to two-night options. For details, visit www.radissonblu.ie/ cork luxurious setting. The staff, in true Cork fashion, couldn’t have been more welcoming, and the check-in only took moments; a real bonus when two little girls have just escaped from a car after a long drive! As a family, it’s always nice to be booked in to a ground-floor room in a hotel, and that’s exactly what happened here – nice touch. We were given a tworoom family suite, giving the kids the chance to
bounce on their double bed and eat the complimentary frosted cupcakes (like they needed any more energy!) while I unpacked and looked up the swimming pool information. Bingo! The pool was open until six(ish) for the kids so it was swimming time. A family changing room would have been nice – but the pool area was so close to our room it was no big deal. The kids can’t get enough of bubbles and
waterfalls, so they had a blast. It was also nice to see a lifeguard on duty. Thankfully, it wasn’t too long before Mama arrived, so we all got ready for dinner. A good deal of thought has gone in to the design of the dining room, even if it has begun to look a touch worn here and there – the seats had lost some of their bounce, for instance. This is easily overlooked, as our French waiter was charm personified, and the menu
15 September 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 23
Edited by Mimi Murray
TravelBriefs
Becky, Sarah and dad, Cormac, go wild at Fota Wildlife Park, left, and, above, the kids tuck into cupcakes at the Radisson SAS in Little Island, Cork
GETTING BACK TO NATURE FOTA Wildlife Park is set on 70 acres on the scenic Fota Island in the heart of Cork Harbour only 15 minutes from Cork City (top 10 in the best cities to visit in the Lonely Planet guide’s ‘Best in Travel 2010’). The park is not like an ordinary zoo; here you can come face-to-face with free-roaming animals and birds from all parts of the world. So, whether it’s a kangaroo that hops in front of you, or a ring-tailed lemur that jumps down from a tree, each visit is sure to bring its own fantastic memories. For more, visit www.fotawildlife.ie, or call (021) 481 267
had a great selection of kids’ options – not just smaller portions of the main menu. As for the grown-ups, starters of crispy duck leg confit with sautéed savoy cabbage, smoked bacon and a port wine reduction, along with a baked goat’s cheese salad with mixed grapes, fig and lime chutney and cherry balsamic dressing were delicious. When it came to the main course I went for a slow braised shank of lamb with colcannon,
roast root vegetables and red wine gravy, while the other side of the table opted for roast breast of corn-fed chicken and confit leg with parsnip puree, broad beans and jus roti. To say we finished our meal completely satisfied would be a gross understatement to say the least. The only distraction during our meal was the swing-and-slide set just outside that the kids had spotted – a very nice touch to have such a simple activity for the
little ones to burn off the ice-cream they devoured after dinner! Parents and kids retired to our rooms, ready for a good night’s sleep. I’m a big fan of blackout blinds and our rooms didn’t let in the slightest chink of light, so we all slept soundly and woke just in time for breakfast. After a terrific feed, we set off to Fota Wildlife Park – and what an experience that was. From the meerkats as you enter the park, to the cheetahs chasing their
lunch at feeding time, this was a huge success. As I mentioned – a good grounding in Go Diego Go in recent years has made my daughters expert in everything from baby jaguars and penguins, to sloths and baboons; I was truly impressed with how much the kids recognised. A family could spend a whole day here enjoying the wildlife, as well as the various arts and crafts that the kids can dip and out of along the way – there’s even a train if it gets a bit
much for the little ones. After our long and busy day, including a family visit along the way, we all enjoyed another great night’s sleep, another great breakfast, and another great swim before we headed on to West Cork for the rest of the holiday. It has to be said that, even though there were weddings on both nights at the hotel, it didn’t interrupt our visit in the slightest, and we’ll be hearing about the zoo for a long time to come!
Plan a getaway to the beautifully plush surroundings of Tankardstown House in Meath STAY in the plush surroundings of Tankardstown House in Meath any Wednesday and Thursday, and visit Newgrange followed by the battle of the Boyne site with the hotel’s compliments. Immerse yourself in archaeology and history for the day and discuss what has been, and what might have been, over dinner in their A la Carte Restaurant that night, which is located in the Garden Village at Tankardstown. In keeping with the battlefields, sip a glass of Warres Warrior Special Reserve before a sumptuous sleep in one of their plush Main House Heritage bedrooms. Beautifully decorated and extremely spacious, they make for a relaxing night’s sleep. It costs €180 per person sharing and this rate includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner to the value of €35 per person, followed by a nightcap before bed. Contact Details: info@ tankardstown. ie or call 0419824621.
The Radisson BLU is turning pink for breast cancer awareness THE Radisson BLU is turning pink for breast cancer awareness month this October . The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin city centre is encouraging everyone to stop, relax and turn their lunch break into a charitable bite for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Radisson Blu Royals are making a donation of €1 to the Irish Cancer Society for every person who orders food, tea or coffee in the hotel’s much-loved Sure Bar during Pink Month. During last October, Sure Bar served 1,922 customers and, this year, they are hoping even more peckish people stop by to help put a stop to breast cancer. The hotel will also be selling the famous pink ribbons at reception throughout the month and holding special staff events to give the fundraising a boost on Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 7.
24 LUCAN GAZETTE 15 September 2011
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1
GoingOUT GoingOUT MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340
Andrew Linnie and his Swing Orchestra WITH the help of his live jazz band, Andrew promises to bring the very best of Big Band, Broadway, Buble and beyond to the popular south Dublin venue, celebrating a wide range of crooner classics, Big Band standards, and much more, with music from samba to Sinatra sure to provide something for everyoone. The music starts at 8pm on Saturday, September 17, with admission costing €18.
PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Ger Carey Live
THE workings of the teenage brain are a lost mystery ... unless you’re either A) a teenager, or B) Ger Carey, whose latest comic show is set to prove beyond a doubt that he knows what it’s like to be a teenager. Aimed at young people between the ages of 15 and 18, his one-man comic show is set to help teenagers laugh at themselves and the complexities of their lives, as well as seeing their place in the bigger picture of society. Ger also says that grown-ups are welcome. Catch Ger’s show on Monday, September 19; to make a booking, call the box office on 01 231 2929.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Stones in his Pockets
THE award-winning comic tale of a quiet Irish community turned upside down by the arrival of a Hollywood movie shoot is sure to entertain, with two actors cleverly playing all 15 memorable characters in what guarantees to be a great night out. See Stones in his Pockets on Friday, September 16 and Saturday, September 17 at 8.15pm in Draiocht Studio, with admission costing €15/€13 conc.
Gary Oldman is back on top form as a cool-headed, somewhat ruthless intelligence agency figure in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
A deadly game of I-Spy Although something of an ironically-named character, Smiler is an intelligence agency’s best hope of finding a secret Soviet spy Q KATE CROWLEY
DISH du jour, Ryan Reynolds, returns to our screens this week with a new film. Or perhaps I’m mixing him, and that term, up with Ozzy Osbourne, who also graces our cinema screens with an equally Oscar-worthy film. Reynolds, Osbourne ... you can see how a stunning cinema reviewer might get a little confused and mix them up, with a mind that has to remember ever y thing from reminding Mr Crowley to get going on clearing away autumn leaves in the back garden, to what one was doing back in the 1970s. Fortunately, here’s something to give me – and a number of other old codgers (or codgerettes?) – a mental blast from the past, with the release of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (based on the 1974 novel by John Le Carre). While younger readers
FILM OF THE WEEK: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy +++++ (15A) 127 mins Director: Tomas Alfredson Starring: MGary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, John Hurt and some of the chilling aspects of life in the 1970s
OUR VERDICT: KATE’S summary note says that this film “has a refreshing reminder that the ’70s also had a lot of menace, in addition to the memorable wallpaper styles and flares”. And who are we to argue? Top marks from The Gazette’s reviewer for what she also describes as “a surprisingly cracking tale” which she also notes treats the audience as intelligent observers, who will enjoy its complexities.
may associate the decade, and the era, with amusing hairstyles and lots and lots – and lots – of orange and brown wallpaper, older readers (and gracefully maturing cinema reviewers) will associate the era with global paranoia. Amongst other things, it was a time of frosty international relations, and the clinical, deadly Cold War that Soviet agents seemed to be embroiled in on a number of fronts (matched by counterpart British and American agents). It’s in this icily cold setting of global chess
against Moscow spymasters that Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is set, as the film opens with British spy agency, Circus, in disarray, following a bloody mission in Budapest. Its head, Control (Hurt) is forced to retire, along with Smiley (Oldman) ... except, of course, that one never retires from one’s duties, and the British government is quick to seek discreet help in uncovering a spy, with Smiley her crumpled choice of agentdetective, of sorts. The unsmiling Smiley is set to work, one
of the few men to know that the Soviets have a deadly and highly-placed agent at work near the top of Circus, with all of the potentially disastrous and double-crossed consequences that implies. It’s down to the slightly shabby, yet ruthless Smiley to find the mole, and eliminate him, with a small pool of suspects to monitor and investigate. However, all the while, the Soviets and Circus continue plotting their next moves in their neverending game of chess, with deadly results for any players that cross paths ... It’s been a long time indeed since the Cold War seemed like such a hot topic, with wisps of frosty air practically tumbling down from the screen. Still, although mistrust in governments never quite goes out of fashion, perhaps it’s a timely release for this tale, as its group of shabby and shady pro-
tagonists somehow stepping through events with, potentially, international consequences has some resonance with current economic and political affairs. As for the film’s 1970s setting, I remember only too well the “joys” of re-threading typewriter ribbons, whacking my fingers with metal keys, shouting into discoloured plastic phones, and creating barely-legible copies of documents using fluttering sheets of blue carbon paper – all of which is brought to life in this surprisingly cracking tale. I also half-remember the late ’70s television version of Le Carre’s spy novel, but this reimagined version seems to be truer to the tale. And so, although we now seem to live in a modern world of iPads and Apps, this lost world of I-Spy is certainly worth applying oneself to, given the chance ...
15 September 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING An interesting case to follow Another weebyte game took place in a standard (if meticulously researched and recreated late-1940s) open-world setting, the game’s main characters, played by a variety of real actors – in some cases, famous ones – were filmed with MotionScan, a proprietory system that digitally recorded and recreated every last little muscle tick, gesture and expression of the actor’s. This created many scenes where, at last, game characters really emoted, on a par with television, theatre and cinema performances. This enabled gamers to investigate several crimes, ranging from arson to a serial killer’s handiwork, all the while attempting to judge whether characters were being truthful, evasive or downright lying.
Zombie’s dead silly mistake
From boarding houses to shabby bars, old dears to tough gh dames (inset), the downbeat world of LA Noire was a far cry from then Hollywoodland’s heights
Released mere months ago to near universal critical acclaim, one could be forgiven for assuming the developer behind it, Team Bondi, would be riding high on the crest of glorious critical – and financial – waves. Not so. While not dead, the company has been placed into administration after
incurring significant costs from spending several years developing the title. However, perhaps more damaging to the company are the very vocal criticisms that have emerged, post-release, of various working practices and management styles at the studio, with significant numbers of complaints
by former staff members, and spouses, creating lots of negative stories in the specialised gaming press. It will be ironic indeed if a company that developed a game primarily focused on complex investigations is, itself, the subject of a number of investigations, leaving this as an open case to keep an eye on ...
IN KEEPING with the open-world theme of o this week’s main artith cle, many were looking cl forward to the recent fo release of Dead Island re – a luxury hotel island turned deathtrap, filled tu with hungry zombies. w Unfortunately, many PC owners got a shock when the wrong version of the game was released online via Steam, the popular digital distribution service, complete with gamedestroying problems. The game’s red-faced developers were quick to apologise for what, in hindsight, was a dead silly mistake to make.
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IF A week is a long time in politics, six months is, well, a long time for everybody, but can bookend a games company’s most triumphant moment, followed by its unexpectedly rapid decline. Given the costs of games’ development, and their quarterly importance to parent companies, there is, usually, a tremendous amount of pressure behind the scenes of what may look like a solild-gold hit. While not a brand-new release, there’s been a surge of renewed interest in the recently-released (and very high-profile) multiplatform title, LA Noire , thanks to the developer behind it entering administration, mere months after rolling out
what was a hit in most global gaming markets. Set in a post-World War II Los Angeles, and, as the title suggests, LA Noire took part almost exclusively on the wrong side of the tracks in the starstruck city. It tasked the player with investigating all manner of murders and crimes as a lowly cop, gradually rising through the ranks to uncover far-reaching, rotten conspiracies. Played out as a very straight-faced title, free of the mischievous adult humour found in similar “sandbox” titles, such as the Grand Theft Auto series, LA Noire was a fascinating (if slightly dull) title, with a look at some superb new technologies that are likely to reappear in gaming. While much of the
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26 LUCAN GAZETTE 15 September 2011
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SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Martin and June Chrystal are applying for Planning Permission for the conversion of the existing attic space for one new bedroom at attic level to comprise alterations to the existing roof ridgeline to allow for the construction of a dormer to the rear elevation. In addition to an apex dormer to the front elevation at 27 Liscarne Gardens, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. This application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am - 4pm, Mon-Fri, 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. Signed: BG Architectural services, 51 Red Arches road, Baldoyle, Dublin 13 - 0876187750
Planning permission is being sought for revisions to previous permission reg. ref; SD09A/0464, consisting of (1) revised rear extension with pitched roof, to provide 2 no. surgeries, (2) reconfiguration of the existing ground floor layout to provide waiting room, reception with private office, and new disabled wc facility, (3) widened garden entrance to provide 2 no. carparking spaces and incorporating new ramped access to the building, and (4) all associated site works at 19, Ashwood Road, Clondalkin for Dr. D. Herbert & Dr. M. Wilson.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, Mon - Fri, 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.
Susan McDonald is applying for permission for the demolition of single storey extension to rear, and its replacement with a two storey extension consisting of a kitchen, living room, hall and toilet on ground floor level, Bedroom on first floor. 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, Mon - Fri, 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.
13514
13549
BUILDING
DIVORCE SERVICES
BRICK, BLOCK AND STONEWORK 20 years experience ,living locally. Garden walls, sheds, brick piers, patio and paving. Decorative internal brick work, Plastering Insurance quotes. Call Dave anytime 0872917647
DIVORCE BY CONSENT Separated 4 years ? Agree on all matters ? We will draft and process your divorce documents for Court. From as little as €600 per couple. Separation Agreements fixed fee €500 per couple. Contact: Damien Mara at 086-1211820 Email: damienmara@eircom.net Website: www. divorcebyconsent.com
CLASSES SEWING CLASSES/ CURTAIN MAKING Beginners and Improvers 6 week Sewing Classes on Dress Making and Curtain and Roman Blind Making Starting Mid-September. Half Day workshops also resuming in October. Book your course on www. sewgreat.ie, or call 01 822 7650. Curtain and Roman Blind making service at competitive prices. We reline and re-pleat all curtains; full selection of poles and rails available.
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
PLUMBING
PLANNING NOTICE
COMPUTERS SALES, REPAIRS AND NETWORKING Network Installation & Maintenance. Specialise in Computer/Network Security. Virus/Spyware Removal. PC Tuneup. Broadband Installation. Call Kieran 087 6698385. COMPUTER REPAIRS AND SALES Virus removal, broadband + wireless setup PC running slow, annoying pop-ups. Call Damien 0861714713 for a quote NO CALLOUT CHARGE
DVD SERVICES
and up to 3 kids go FREE. Call TODAY on+353 (0) 21 466 1551 or visit www. trabolgan.com
HANDYMAN HANDYMAN Roof and Gutter Repairs gutters Cleaned Attic Insulation. Curtain Poles, Flat Pack Furniture Assembled Carpentry, Tiling, Painting and Decorating. Free Estimates Phone John : 0879982782
DVD TRANSFERS Cinefilms,Photos and Slides transferred to DVD with Music and Titles added. Camcorder and Videotapes edited and transferred to DVD. Phone 01-2807838 Mobile 087-9132265 Email: alleventsvideo@ eircom.net
HANDYMAN From a leaking tap to a dream bathroom. We carry out all aspects of household maintenance inside and out, no jobs to small. Fully insured and registered with 35 years experience. For more information call Joe 0868256004
ELECTRICAN
HEALTH/WELL BEING
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
MAX MEDITATION ™ De-Stress, Relax, ReEnergise. Rejuvenate YOU. Be gently guided to a place of peace. All Welcome Tues. Sandymount 7:00pm 0851262032 Tues. Maynooth 8:30pm 0872034619 Wed. Portmarnock 7.30pm 0860622819 Thurs. Portmarnock 10am 0860622819 Facebook “Dublin Max Meditation” www.meetup.com
GATES QUALITY TIMBER GATES Supplied and Fitted from €159 (with new Frame, bolts, hinges) Shed doors, decking, Sheds and fencing All work guaranteed Paul: 086 8914690
HOLIDAYS KIDS GO FREE THIS SEPT Book your 2011 Sept getaway at Trabolgan Holiday Village where KIDS GO FREE on selected midweeks and weekend self catering breaks. Pay €99 per adult (min 2 adults)
HATHA YOGA 8 WEEK COURSE FOR BEGINNERS Stretch and relax your body, quieten and free your mind, Discover yourself in movement.Yoga Therapy Ireland Certified Teacher Tues 20th Sept 10.15am - 11.30am @ Spa Hotel Lucan (N4) Thurs 22nd Sept 7.30pm - 8.45pm @ Yoga Mums Leixlip Captains Hill Leixlip (above Tuthills) Full Term 80.00 euro or pay as you go 12 euro per class Contact Karen PH: 0868467045 Email: livingwithyoga@ gmail.com
LOST LOST - GOLD PENDANT & Chain (Celtic River God Face) Liffey Valley on 7 Sep 2011. Reward offered. Pls Call 086 8178183
13487
REPAIRS WEFIXFURNITURE.IE We repair: Leather, Frames, Recliners, Flat Cushions, Upholstery service available. Repair at the fraction of the cost of a replacement 087 8547566
PAINTERS
RECRUITMENT
POLISH PROFESSIONAL PAINTING AND DECORATING Best quality. Free Quotations. No job too small. Very reasonable prices. References available on WWW.MARKCOMPANY. IE find us on FACEBOOK Please phone Mark on 0879442445
SALES ADVISERS required to sign up Electricity and Gas customers to discounted rates. No exp necessary, full training provided. OTE €500/Week. john@billsave.ie or call 016619505
PET SERVICES DOG TRAINING AND KENNELING Residential training in obedience and behavior 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 & Germany. Qualified master dog trainer, veterinarian & dog shelter recommended. Highly trained security dogs for sale. References available,watch our dogs in action and read our many references at www.topdogtraining.com or phone 087 0514467 PET MINDERS Safe, Cosy, Pet Boarding. 5 minutes from Castleknock, Blanchardstown, Lucan. Call now for early booking. Call 086 8126387/01 8223690. Reasonable rates.
PROPERTY WANTED: Bulgarian, Turkish and Spanish Property. Contact: 01-4847033
EXPERIENCED FULL TIME CHEF DE PARTIE required with 4/5 years experience in a busy hotel environment for Bewley’s Newlands Cross Hotel. Please apply in confidence by email to hr@ bewleyshotels.com with a cover note and CV
WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240
15 September 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 27
GazetteSPORT
ORIENT EXPRESS:
Local racer blazing trail on Japanese F3 circuit Page 29
COACHING SKILLS: LEGENDARY EXPERT COMING TO PORTMARNOCK FOR CLINIC
Soccer coaching gets a Horst boost next week sport@gazettegroup.com
THE White Sands Hotel in Portmarnock will host a special soccer clinic event from Friday, September 20 to Sunday, October 2, when they host renowned soccer coach, Horst Wein, who will give his unique take on coaching and mentoring young players. The sessions are designed to help coaches help young players to reach their full potential
and even develop some future stars, while contributing to the playing of the beautiful game. Horst Wein’s model promotes development over winning at all costs, so that creative, intelligent players flourish and all young footballers get a fair chance to develop to their full potential. It differs from traditional coaching methods in style, substance and in the structure of the competitions that the kids
play. Many of the key elements of the model have been in place in countries like Spain and Holland for many years and more recently in England, Germany, Scotland, Denmark, much of South America and even Australia. In 1985, when Horst was a master hockey coach, he was invited by Carles Reixach (who went on to serve as assistant coach to Johan Cruyff) to demonstrate his
Internationally renowned coach Horst Wein will be giving a masterclass in Portmarnock
methods at FC Barcelona. They liked them so much that they purchased his hockey books, presumably to adapt some games and exercises for football. The club then encouraged Horst to move from hockey to football where he created the youth football development model and he has never looked
back. To this day the youth coaches at Barcelona still use Horst’s football books. A coach from Portmarnock, who undertook the course recently, said: “Horst gave a very interesting talk that focused on learning the game well, rather than just about winning the
game. If only all six-yearolds began their career this way then maybe they would reach teenage years loving and appreciating the skills needed, rather than checking their trophy cupboard. And the same could be said for us coaches, too, if truth be told. Horst was a breath of very fresh and
invigorating air.” Practical outdoor coaching sessions are at Portmarnock AFC, which is close to the hotel, and full-day attendees on either Saturday or Sunday will receive a certificate. Prices start at €30 and more information on the event can be found at www.beautifulgame.ie
28 LUCAN GAZETTE 15 September 2011
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
CANOEING: IRISH PAIR SUCCEED IN INDIVIDUAL AND PAIRS
Nine medals for Lucan cyclists in youth test HAVING already secured four medals on day one of the Youth Track Championships in early August, Lucan’s track team broke their own impressive record by adding five more on day two, which was held last weekend. The Lucan youth policy that yielded six national medals in 2010, and eight medals in 2009 was surpassed with a nine medal tally, and four new national track champions. Kayleigh Gibbons won a silver medal in the girl’s Under-16 500m TT, and a silver medal in the Sprints. Adam Stenson is now both the Under-14 250m TT and Sprint Irish Champion, and also added a silver in the Scratch Race. Conor Hehir won the Under-12 100m TT title while Ryan Whelan is an Irish sprint champion, too, and added a silver in the 100m TT and bronze in the Scratch Race, giving the first year Under-12 rider nine national medals in the past three seasons. There were more good performances from Lucan riders, Dermot White was riding his first national championships, and the LCRC coaches expect the Under-14 rider to make a big impact in 2012. Mathew Stenson is still U-10 and is already battling out the Under-12 events, spurred on by the success of his national champion older brother. Bronagh Hehir crashed heavily on the day in a bunch sprint but has already shown that she will make a great track cyclist in only her first full season on the bike. Meanwhile, in the veteran Omnium National Championships 2011, Brendan Whelan finished on the podium in the Veteran’s National Track Championships for the third year in succession, by winning bronze in the five-race event.
Peter Egan and Neil Fleming of Salmon Leap and Celbridge Paddler’s Canoe Clubs were in action in Worcester last week
International gold for locals sport@gazettegroup.com
NEIL Fleming, of Celbridge Paddlers Canoe Club, won gold medals in both the K1 individual and K2 doubles, partnered by Peter Egan of Salmon Leap Canoe Club, at the British National Marathon Canoe Championships, which were held in Worcester last week. In the K1 individual event last Saturday, Fleming went head-tohead with the best British K1 marathon paddlers. Right from the start, a group of four, including Fleming, broke away from the rest of the field. This group stayed together with nobody prepared to make a decisive break. Fleming, together with Tim Pendle from
Norwich Canoe Club, were looking the strongest in the group and so it proved, with Fleming out-sprinting Pendle to win gold and become British National Marathon champion, with Edward Ruther ford, from Elmbridge Canoe Club, finishing third. Sunday saw the turn of the K2 doubles and Egan, of Salmon Leap Canoe Club, teamed up with Fleming to take on the best of the British double pairings. This race was r un over the same course and distance as the K1 race, some 30km, which consisted of seven laps with six portages. The crews of Simmons and Childerstone, of Wey Kayak Club, Pendle and Boyton from Nor wich and Royal Canoe Club respective-
ly, Daniels and Seaford from Reading Canoe Club and Lambert and Terr y of Wey Kayak Club, were all hoping to ensure a British victory in this class. Off the start Lambert and Terry set a blistering pace hoping that they would drop the Irish crew of Fleming and Egan but, true to form, the Irish crew stayed in the pack. Midway through the first lap, the group was reduced to four boats, with Lambert and Terry unable to maintain their early pace and dropping out of this group. A game of cat and mouse developed for the next three laps between these four crews. Daniels and Seaford eventually dropped off the back of this group on the fifth lap, leaving
three crews to fight for the championship title. For the British boats, this event was also being used as a selection for the World Marathon Championships, which are going to be held in Singapore at the end of October. With only one boat to qualify, there was a real battle for the honours. Egan and Fleming were already selected as a result of winning the Irish National Marathon Championships, which were held in July. Egan and Fleming began to increase the race pace with 1,500 metres to go, and were never challenged as they went on to take a second British marathon title within two days. Simmons and
Childerstone took second place and winning selection for the Marathon World Championships, and Pendle and Boy ton taking third place. Other highlights from the weekend included Deaglan O’Drisceoil of Salmon Leap Canoe Club winning the Over44 Veterans K1 individual race, with Tadgh De Barra placing second in the Over-34 Veterans K1. Liam McCarthy finished four th in the Over- 49 Veterans K1 individual race, with Kate McCarthy keeping it in the family by placing third in the Under12 Junior Women’s K1 race. Dermot Hudson finished a very respectable sixth position in the Senior Men’s K1 event.
15 September 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 29
in association with
From Mondello to Motegi, Japan Making a huge name for himself in F3 is local motor racing star, Gary Thompson. ROB HEIGH spoke to the prodigy on a recent trip back home WE’RE getting used to our talented sportsmen and women going abroad to achieve the success they deserve on a world stage. The opportunities to make a huge mark in your sport often requires you to leave the comforts of home and the limited facilities available to those with the skills to make their mark globally. One man who has made that jump, and at a very young age, is Malahide motor racing wunderkind, Gary Thompson. The 19-yearold has gone from watching racing at Mondello to flying around the tracks of Japan in their F3 series. GazetteSport spoke to Gary just after he claimed his first first-place podium finish he has been chasing
since he started racing in Japanese Forumla 3, and he was delighted with the win. “It’s been a long time coming, for sure. It feels like a long time since the
sport in 2002, when he began to show his promise in the Irish and international cadet class. Even before that, he was desined to make his mark in motor racing.
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‘In Japan, the racing is at a high level, but it has very little exposure in Europe. You need to let everyone know how well you are doing.’
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last win, so it was great to get that. Everyone’s been working really hard for the last few years, and it’s great for it all to finally come together.” The young driver has shown immense talent since his debut in the
“My dad used to race at Mondello Park in the Formula Opel. I remember from a young age being there, being around the cars and watching racing, sitting in the car and asking if I could drive them when I was about five.
Gary Thompson celebrates his success at the Motegi race track in Japan
Then when I was nine, one day my dad came back from a motor show in Britain, and he had been talking to someone about racing cars, and he realised that was an opening for me to start racing at that age. “I started driving cadet carts from age 8 to 12, which were 60cc or so. I did one year in Ireland. I ended up in England for races the next year, and I was doing really well, so we decided to keep racing over there as the standard and opportunities were much higher. I raced over there for about four years, before doing two years racing in Europe before I moved to Asia.” Connections in Asia, through his father and the motor racing fraternity, meant that Gary was able to capitalise on the promise of his form in Europe. “I started driving in Asia in 2009. Before that, my dad was managing a driver out there. From being out there, my dad had a lot of contacts, and ended up part-owning a team out there, racing Formula BMW Pacific cars. The plan was that I was going to go out there and drive for them in 2009, but, unfortunately, the team folded before the season began. I had all of the contacts, and that seemed to be the best place to develop my career. “The Japanese part came about after my first
car race in 2009, in a support race to the Asian Grand Prix. I qualified on pole and won the main race. After that, the owner of the KPMG team that I drive for now approached me and offered me a place with their team in Japan, and I accepted.” Gary is very clear about his ambitions, and how he will achieve them. “The ultimate goal is to be F1 world champion. In an ideal world, I would graduate to Formula Nippon next year, which is a place where a lot of drivers come through - Eddie Irvine drove there before he moved on to F1. It’s one step below F1, but it is not really considered on the ladder, from a European point of view. It’s only solely based in Japan, but GP2 is classed as the main feeder for F1. “In Nippon, the cars are slightly quicker, the drivers are getting paid. In GP2, you need to put in about €1.5m every year. “From Nippon, you can progress straight to F1, but there would be a lot of work involved. It is in Japan, it is a high level, but it has very little exposure in Europe. You need to let everyone know how well you are doing. It also helps that the head of the KPMG team is really enthusiastic about motor racing, and he has dreams of putting together an F1 team. So this would seem to be the best road to go down at the moment.”
FastSport
Solheim excitement rises as teams are announced WITH the recent announcements of both the European and American teams, it is now all systems go for The 2011 Solheim Cup, which will be staged for the first time in Ireland on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Killeen Castle this September 23 to 25. Up to 80,000 people are expected to attend over the six days – three practise days on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and the three days of competition, Friday through Sunday. Solheim Cup Director, Roddy Carr said: “The Solheim Cup is a truly great golfing spectacle and, with players like Laura Davies and Michelle Wie competing, this unique event is a must-see for sports and entertainment fans.” A range of anyday and season tickets are available on www.solheimcup.com, www.ticketmaster.ie or by calling with 0818719309.
HQ hosting unique prefinal night bash CROKE Park is hosting a prefootball final bash, FeverPitch, this Saturday, September 17. Headquarters is opening its doors on the eve of the final to capture the unique atmosphere and offer supporters from Dublin, Kerry and Tipperary a focal point to gather in friendly rivalry on the eve of the final with the cream of
Irish entertainment. The line-up for the night includes live music from Ryan Sheridan, The Inishturkbeg Collective and The Cuban All Stars, ,along with Dublin bands Royseven and The Riptide Movement, as well as comedy stand-up with Neil Delamere, Fred Cooke and Colm O’Regan, and insight from sporting legends Jimmy Magee and Peter Canavan. The show begins at 7pm and, for more information, see gaa.ie
30 LUCAN GAZETTE 15 September 2011
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
SOCCER: LIFFEY VALLEY ROMP TO VICTORY OVER WFTA
Lucan GC claim ladies’ Eastern title in Clonmel LUCAN golf club won the Eastern section of the Miele All-Ireland Ladies’ Inter-club fourballs last Monday at Clonmel Golf Club. Lucan’s pair of Patricia Collins and Kate Whyte were first home with an emphatic 8 and 7 winning margin, but Wicklow’s Therese Porter and Anne Hollingsworth levelled the tie with their own decisive 6 and 5 win. The first match was a nip-and-tuck affair with Lucan winning on the 19th via Sandra McCaffrey and Grace Mulhern, but Wicklow won the last match on the course, also on the 19th. With the contest level at two matches apiece, Lucan were announced winners on the “holes up” regulation. The Miele All-Ireland semi-finals and final will take place in Kilkenny Golf Club, on October 8 and 9.
Summerfest set for next weekend THE 2011 Tesco mobile SARI Summerfest, the largest intercultural soccer tournament in Ireland, is set to take part this year at the Garda and Camogie Sports Grounds, in Phoenix Park on September 10 and 11 from 11am to 5pm each day. The Summerfest will also coinciude with the CONCERN kitefest, where kite flyers from around the world will display their kites and give kite workshops for children. The two-day festival also includes a wide array of entertainment for all the family.
For more information, see www. facebook.com/sarireland.
Castleknock Celtic seeking ladies talent CASTLEKNOCK Celtic FC’s ladies and girls section are recruiting new talent to the cllub for the soccer season starting later this month. If you were born in 1996 or earlier, visit the club’s website at www.castleknockceltic.com, and pass on your name and contact details in the How To Join section provided on the site. The club are also looking to recruit girls born in 2001/2002 to play soccer in the DubliGirls Soccer League.
Liffey Valley Rangers have scored 18 goals in three games to put them at the top of the Under-16A league
Rangers on cloud nine DDSL UNDER-16A WFTA Liffey Valley Rangers
1 9
sport@gazettegroup.com
CRAIG Fitzgerald’s hattrick powered Liffey Valley Rangers to a third emphatic win of the DDSL campaign as they continued their 100% start to the season with a thumping win overWFTA in Finglas. It backed up a comprehensive 6-2 win over Willows FC a week earlier, and a 3-1 success over Cabinteely that has set the pace at the top. The side made six changes between the Willows and WFTA tie,
with Sean Brophy, Andy O’Donnell and Dano Condron all unavailable for selection. But Fitzgerald came back into the starting eleven and continued his brilliant recent scoring form by notching his first ever treble for the club, whilst Rangers’ top marksman, and Irish underage international, Dylan McKeever, grabbed a brace. Skipper Lee Higgins scored a wonderful solo goal just before the break to see the side lead 6-0. Five changes were made at half-time as the Valley played into the wind in the second half. The game had lost its
McCaffrey hits the mark: Lucan star is crossbar champ LUCAN Sarsfields’ Johnny McCaffrey
struck gold when he won the famous Bord Gais Energy Crossbar Challenge at half-time during the All-Ireland Under-21 hurling championship final between Galway and Dublin last weekend at Semple Stadium in Thurles. He is pictured here recieving his award from Ger Cunningham, Sports Sponsorship Manager at Bord Gais. Picture: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE
edge, with Liffey Valley well in control, but they did add to the tally through Stephen Casserly who grabbed the seventh with a fantastic volley from just inside the area. The full-back could have had a second moments later but somehow missed on the goal line. Man-of-the-match Jack McDonnell, deservedly got his name on the score-sheet with a great diving header after being set up by Vinny Ogbe. Ogbe rounded off the scoring with a brilliant goal. He latched onto a ball after some good work from the excellent Lee
McCarthy, held off the challenge of a defender before looping the ball over the keeper and into the net. The Valley did concede a goal in between, caught in possession in their own half but they can be happy with their day’s work It followed an equally impressive run-out against Willows in which skipper Lee Higgins opened the scoring after 20 minutes with an early goal-of-theseason contender. A Giordano Cinelli cross was only half cleared and Higgins caught the ball on the half-volley from 25 yards and it flew into the top corner, giving
the keeper no chance. Fitzgerald added the second, after being introduced from the bench in place of Ian Griffith, heading in McKeever’s cross. Cinelli, McKeever and Ogbe where all denied by the Willows’ netminder but, just before the break, Fitzgerald got his second, and the Valley’s third, again heading the ball in around the back post. McKeever made it four just after the re-start from the penalty spot and Carl O’Meara and Ogbe completed the scoring with Willows nabbing two consolation strikes for the losing side.
15 September 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 31
in association with
U-21 HURLERS: DUBLIN DENIED IN ALL-IRELAND
CLUB NOTICEBOARD LUCAN SARSFIELDS THERE WAS a good win for the junior
ber 24. The tee-box is booked from
B hurlers in the championship.
12.30 to 2.30pm. Visitors welcome.
The list for tickets for All-Ireland
To book your slot, call Mick on 087
football final is now on the club-
242 8419 or Michael on 087 233 1983.
house notice board. Tickets will be allocated by draw this Thursday. Don’t forget the Premium Ticket Draw, which is attractive wa y
Best wishes to Emmet O’Conghaile for Dublin in All-Ireland minor football final and to Paul Casey in the senior final.
of being in with chance to see all
Saturday September 17 sees eve
finals. Entries available from Paul
of All-Ireland entertainment in the
McGann, the bar or any mentor.
clubhouse with Tom Peters.
Fun day for all the family in 12th
Lotto: Numbers drawn were 1,
Lock is on Saturday, September 24.
15, 22 and 26. There was no winner.
The Gala Ball is on Saturda y, November 12. Deposits being taken at bar.
Next week’s jackpot is €2,000. Mick Mulhall’s team will be in charge next weekend.
Clean-up da y is this Saturda y
Do not forget you can alwa ys
from 9am in 12th Lock. The last
enter our Lotto online by clicking
golf outing of 2011, our Captain’s
on www.lucansarsfields.ie.
(Dave Whittle’s) Day, takes place at Castleknock on Saturday, Septem-
Thanks to Newcastle Golf Centre who are this week’s sponsor.
ST PATRICK’S, PALMERSTOWN St Pat’s Palmerstown’s Liam Rushe in action for the Under-21s against Galway last weekend
Local stars miss out on hurling history U-21 HURLING C’SHIP Galway Dublin
3-14 1-10
sport@gazettegroup.com
DUBLIN’S hopes of a first All-Ireland U21HC were dashed by Galway in a matter of three first-half minutes as the Tribesmen netted twice in the buildup to half-time in last Saturday’s decider at Semple Stadium. It meant that St Pat’s, Palmerstown skipper, Liam Rushe, was denied making a little piece of history. Despite an under-par, first-half performance, the side were still in the mix in the lead-up to half-time but the Maroons grabbed those goals to put themselves firmly in control. There was to be no heroic comeback by the Dubs in the second period as they continued to struggle to unlock the Galway defence and even secure enough possession to put together a sustained period of pressure against
a very talented side. In the 28th minute David Burke unselfishly placed one of Galway’s many outstanding performers on the night, David Glennon, who fired to the net. Before the break it got worse of Dublin when James Regan used his pace to accelerate through on goal and give keeper Ger McManus no chance for Galway to enter the break eight points to the good, 3-6 to 1-4. The half had started well for the Dubs when Thomas Connolly showed good opportunism in the third minute to raise a green flag after Kevin O’Loughlin’s angled point effort had cannoned back off the crossbar. Three minutes later O’Loughlin converted a superb free from halfway to push Dublin 1-1 to 0-2 clear. That was as good as it got as Galway benefited from the first of few suspect decisions when ref
Tony O’Carroll awarded a penalty to the influential Barry Daly, despite fact the Galway forward looked to be going to ground prior to any contact with goalkeeper Ger McManus. Tadhg Haran drove the penalty into the net and Galway began to cause more problems for Dublin’s defence. Dublin briefly rallied in the second half with two points from sub Robbie Mahon, but the Dubs needed his second to find the net but he was brilliantly denied by a full length save from Jamie Ryan in the Galway goal. Elsewhere, Lucan
Sarsfields’ Junior B side were knocked out of the hurling championship on Sunday morning by Liffey Gaels in a tight fixture at 12th Lock, missing out 2-11 to 1-12. The club’s senior championship sides, though, are still very much in the mix. In hurling, Lucan have been drawn to play Cuala on the weekend of September 24 and 25 for a place in the quarter-final in the reformatted competition with the group stages annulled. The footballers face St Anne’s with a third round place against Templeogue Synge Street the prize.
IN HURLING our U-8s played in the St Anne’s blitz.
Our thanks also to co-ordinator Pat Dunne and his team of organisers.
The U-9s and U-10s played Liffey
Our sincere sympathy to vice chair-
Gaels and Dubh Gall, while the U-11s
person Jimmy Gilbert and his dad Jim
lost to St Monica’s, and the U-15s lost
(snr) on the sad passing of both their
to St Mark’s in the championship.
mother and wife Frances, and to the
The U-12s represented the club in the Camant finals in Parnell Park. Our U-13s and U-14s footballers lost to Donabate and Na Fianna and the U-16s beat St Mark’s. Our jubilee golf classic was a great success on Friday last at Lucan GC. Our sincere thanks to our main
Manning family our sincere sympathy also on the passing of their mother, Vicky. May they both rest in peace. The club has been allocated a very limited amount of tickets for next Sunday’s football final. Members will be advised if they are to receive a ticket by Friday evening.
sponsor on the day, the Moriarty
Hard luck to the Dublin Under-21s
Group (Supervalu, Palmerstown) and
hurlers, and we now wish our minor
to all who sponsored a team, tee-box
and senior footballers the best of luck
or green.
next Sunday.
WESTMANSTOWN GAELS/GARDA WELL done to our intermediates who
day, September 20, at 8pm for final
had a hard-fought, one-point win
instructions and distribution of
over St Finian’s in the league away
gear. Attendance is mandatory for
in Newcastle last Thursday night in
all travelling.
very bad weather conditions. Next fixture is away next Saturday evening to Crumlin at 6pm.
Family Ceili Night is on Saturday, September 17 – the night before Dublin win the All-Ireland; after
Training is on Tuesdays and Thurs-
the great success of last year, we
days at 7pm. Training for the Ladies
will run the Ceili night again from
is on Wednesdays and Fridays at
7pm-10pm in Westmanstown Sports
7pm.
Complex. Families and children of all
Reunion of the 1986 intermediate
ages are welcome. Non-members
championship team is on Friday
are very welcome to participate.
September 16 at 8pm in Westman-
Individual tickets €8, and families
stown.
€15. There will be special displays
Meeting of the New York tour group in Westmanstown is Tues-
and, of course, plenty of opportunities to dance for all.
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MAY 26, 15, 2011 SEPTEMBER 2011
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Back to business for Lucan’s codes
GazetteSPORT
Lucan Sarsfields’ senior hurlers are looking forward to getting back to championship action against Cuala
Senior footballers and hurlers return to championship action as Dublin gets back to normal after All-Irelands STEPHEN FINDLATER lucansport@gazettegroup.com
LUCAN Sarsfields’ senior footballers and hurlers found out their fate in their respective championships on Monday night following three months of waiting in limbo. The hiatus came about due to the extended runs of the county sides in the respective codes, a situation that has seen the hurling championship forced to undergo a massive overhaul at short notice. Sean McCaffrey’s side had beaten Na Fianna in the first of five rounds of group games back in May, but that result now counts for nothing. The round-robin phases have been scrapped in favour of a straight knock-out as the time pressure is on to deliver a club to the Leinster championship. The situation was created after the SHC went on a break until the Dublin senior and U-21’s All-Ireland runs concluded, thus freeing players to line out for their clubs.
Four rounds of action have been scrapped, leaving McCaffrey the task of getting his side to peak for a one-off tie against Cuala in Parnell Park on Saturday, September 24. It has made such preparations a tricky affair, he told the Gazette. “It’s been a very tough year. We played one championship three months ago and then played a number of league matches, with a lot of players with the county or in America over the summer. So, it’s been a very disjointed season to date.” Problem
He says that part of the problem has come about because the county board scarcely expected the hurlers to advance to the All-Ireland semi-final. But alternative plans will need to be implemented if clubs are to be able to plan accordingly and have their top stars available. “I’d say there definitely will be changes next year. Those changes may require the facil-
ity of the county manager to buy into them as well, which he may or may not be interested in doing. “I would be in favour of the knock-out competition. Last year, for example, we qualified early enough and had two games where we mentally weren’t prepared and lost both. As a result of that, the intensity wasn’t in training whereas, up to that, it was. Now, the intensity is there because, they know, lose on Saturday week and their season is over. “The group stages are fine if there’s a means by which you can play some championship matches during the course of the intercounty season so you get to the quarter-final stages of the championship by now – three games played during the course of the year. It keeps your good players interested and they know what, and when, they are training for.” The club’s footballers face St Anne’s in their second-round tie in the SFC with a victory putting them into a last 16 tie against Templeogue Synge Street.