Lucan

Lucan GAZET TE FREE

YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

INSIDE: Confey College pupils elect their own ‘President’ P2

Planning a festive family getaway in the sun TRAVEL: P22 RECYCLE THIS COPY. KEEP DUBLIN TIDY.

November 3, 2011

A MARATHON EFFORT: Reservists’ fundraiser for counselling service P6

Annual walk fun: Stepping out on a fundraiser FUNDRAISING for their school

Camogie: Sarsfields’ sides make Dublin juvenile history Pages 31 & 32

was a black and white issue for these sixth-years from St Joseph’s College, who enthusiastically dressed up for the school’s annual walk recently. With all of the years at the school assigned a different colour, the students and staff created a colourful sight as they walked through the village, St Catherine’s Demesne and back again, providing a striking contrast to all of the autumnal hues along their walk.

Full Gallery on Page 8

Sports Awards: October’s winners are announced Page 29

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS ................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Metro West levies to be reimbursed With rail project Q PAUL HOSFORD

shelved, council to return funds

PLANNING applicants who paid levies for the multimillion euro light rail system, Metro West, are set to be reimbursed, The Gazette can reveal.

In response to Labour councillor Eamon Tuffy, who had raised the issue at a recent

council meeting, South Dublin County Council confirmed that applicants who had paid the levy fees would be reimbursed.

With the project effectively on the shelf, Cllr Tuffy said he believed that to continue to charge the fees would have been “nonsense”.

“Metro West has been effectively cancelled, and it would be a nonsense for the council to continue to charge a Section 49 levy to any developer or individual who wants to build on the lands adjacent to a non-existent piece of transport infrastructure,” he said.

Full Story on Page 4

2 LUCAN GAZETTE 3 November 2011

SCHOOLS Confey College students hold a mock election

Rachel Briggs, Rachel Leonard and Rita Reynolds with, front, Megan Irwin, Nazim Khan and Molly Dowling

Verifying the students’ identification

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Rita Reynolds has fun acting as security for the election, along with Coleman

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Rachel Briggs casts her vote

Kelly and John Canning

Voting in an educational project S TUDENTS at Confey College had fun getting on with a very serious event when they held mock elections at the school recently. The third-years undertook their presidential elections under the watchful eye of teacher, Rita Reynolds, who organised the event to help educate the students on Ireland’s proportional representation system, and the role of the president.

In order to nominate their own president, the students

devised a campaign, with each presidential hopeful having a message broadcast about them across the school intercom at interval time.

Under the watchful eyes of the election’s security officials, staff and students cast their vote at the election centre, with a member of Leixlip Town Council due to attend to assist with the count. It was all a fun way to engage with the serious duty of political duty and choice.

Getting on with the serious business of making their confidential votes

3 November 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 3

FUNDING Money a major boost redundant construction workers

€55 million for retraining is welcomed FUNDING from the European Commission amounting to €55m for the retraining of redundant construction workers has been welcomed this week by Dublin Mid West TD and Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald.

Speaking to the Gazette, the Minister said Dublin Mid-West had been particularly badly

hit following the downturn of the construction industry. She said she was hopeful the funding would help alleviate that problem.

The money is being made available under the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, and must still be approved by the European Council and the European Parliament.

“This is very positive news for thousands of construction workers who were made redundant during the height of the economic crisis. The ECF will help to co-finance a range of retraining measures to help up to 9,000 people from the building trade who lost their jobs between July 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010,” said the Minister.

“Like areas right across the country, Clondalkin, Newcastle and surrounding areas have been severely affected by the unemployment crisis, which was accelerated by the collapse in the construction sector. Hundreds of former construction workers across our area are struggling to find work and many of them need to adapt their skills

to ensure they can find sustainable employment for the long-term.

“At least €22 million under this programme has already been invested in training initiatives to date.

This additional EGF support will help to provide a range of opportunities from evening training and further education courses to full-time third level education programmes.

These measures are firmly aimed at getting people into the workforce.

“An inter-agency group within the Department of Education is focused on maximising the supports available to redundant workers. I am hopeful that the additional money being made available will be of benefit to many people across Dublin MidWest,” she said.

Anger at €60 bin charge LABOUR TD Robert Dowds has demanded a meeting with local bin company Greyhound after receiving correspondence which indicates that the company intends to press ahead with plans for a €60 charge on householders from October 1.

After writing to Greyhound to express what he described as his deep frustration with the company’s decision to impose a charge, Dowds reiterated his call for the company to bin its plans for extra charges.

“The response which I received from Greyhound indicates that the company has no plans to scrap its proposals to introduce a charge, a charge which will go directly to the company, not to the council, the Government or anyone except Greyhound’s bank account.”

However, responding to Deputy Dowds’ comments, Greyhound said that it had no plans to meet with him.

“Our position has already been clearly explained to Deputy Dowds. We will not be arranging a meeting in light of that,” said a spokesman for the company.

The hike in charges

comes following the recent privatisation of bin collection services in South Dublin.

Speaking to the Gazette, Deputy Dowds said: “The company can make all the excuses that it wants, but the landfill levy does not nearly begin to justify imposing a charge of €60 per household. Householders had no idea this was coming and are now being told to pay the charge or face not having their rubbish collected. I have written another letter to Greyhound demanding a meeting with its CEO over these charges. The people I represent want answers from the company.”

Dowds said that the charges have come from nowhere.

“This charge has come out of the blue and has angered many of my constituents. It’s sharp practice and I want to see the justification for it. I have written to Greyhound Recycling and Thorntons Recycling to urge them to scrap their plans for increased charges, to give an explanation as to why they are introducing them and whether they are going to be taking steps to assist those in financial difficulties,” he said.

Fighting global hunger: Local Girl Guides recite pledge at annual Gorta conference PICTURED at the annual Gorta World

Food Day conference in Dublin recently were Lucan-based members of the Irish Girl Guides - Shauna Murphy, Tamsin LeRoux and Clare Sheridan. The girls, led

by Gorta’s chairman Andy Cole, recited a pledge during the conference which called on the global community to stand

up against hunger.

The theme of this year’s conference was: Food Prices: From Crisis to Stability - Building Resilience in Africa’s farming communities.

Having been established in 1911, this year is the Irish Girl Guides’ centenary year.

COUNCIL: DEMOLITION

Building levelling ‘above board’ Q PAUL HOSFORD

lucan@gazettegroup.com

THE demolition of buildings at Esker House is above board, South Dublin County Council has said.

Responding to a question by Labour’s Caitriona Jones, who had asked if there are any enforcement implications in regard to the recent demolition of buildings at the site of Esker House, the council said that the buildings demolished had no real historical significance, but it would carry out all necessary checks to ensure the planning permission was adhered to.

The Chinese Gospel Church of Dublin Trust had lodged an application to SDCC, seeking to change the use of Esker House.

The proposal outlines a change of the existing two-storey private house and single-storey annex to a Retreat House with extra accommodation in the annex.

The plan also looks for a change of use and conversion of the stable blocks into classrooms, a workshop and service room, along with the construction of a new community building, complete with auditorium, hall, canteen, toilets and accommodation.

The plan was granted permission on August 23 this year.

“The existing gate lodge, c. 1970s, of no architectural merit will also be demolished and replaced with a new single-storey gate lodge for use as care takers living accommodation,” said the council.

4 LUCAN GAZETTE 3 November 2011

POLITICS Presidency race sees city’s constituencies weigh in behind Higgins

Dubliners mirror national trend in support for Michael D Q PAUL HOSFORD

THE message was clear from voters all across Dublin – Michael D Higgins was the capital’s overwhelming choice to become the ninth President of Ireland.

In every constituency across Dublin, the votes for the former Minister

piled up, as the capital set the trend for the national results.

Dublin West mirrored its own byelection by giving the Labour candidate the top spot.

In the final count, Higgins, Gallagher, McGuinness and Norris were all over the 10% mark, taking 43.2%, 24.1%, 11.9%

and 10.1% of the vote, respectively.

Mitchell, Davis and Scallon took 5.3%, 3.3% and 2%, respectively.

Level of support M e a nw h i l e , a f t e r Dublin South East, Dun Laoghaire gave the next biggest level of support to Michael D, with

52.5% giving him their first-preference vote.

Gallagher took 17%, Norris took 10.2%, Mitchell took 7% and McGuinness took 6.9%.

Davis and Scallon took 3.5% and 2.2%, respectively.

In Dublin South, Higgins again took over half the first preferences,

with 51.1%. Gallagher took 20%, with Norris continuing his strong Dublin showing by taking 9.8%, with Mitchell’s 7.3% putting him ahead of McGuinness’s 6.5%.

Davis and Scallon took 3.3% and 2%.

In Dublin North, Higgins led the way, with 44.8% giving him a first-

preference.

Gallagher took 25.5% of the vote in the constituency, with Norris again taking 9.8%, but Mitchell’s 4.4% had him a long way short of McGuinness’s 10.4%.

Davis and Scallon took 3.2% and 1.8% respectively.

Dublin Mid West fol-

lowed the trend established across the country, as Higgins, Gallagher and McGuinness led the way, with 40.3%, 22.1% and 15.9% of the vote apiece.

Behind them, Norris, Mitchell, Davis and Scallon each took 10.2%, 6.5%, 3.1% and 2%, respectively.

Homeowners left to carry the can – Cllr

Q PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com

HOMEOWNERS have been left to “carry the can” and are at the “mercy of the lending institutions”, Independent councillor Guss O’Connell warned, this week.

The councillor was speaking following the publication of the Keane Report on mortgage arrears.

He said the arrears that many households are now in will mean a “lifetime of debt bondage”.

Cllr O’Connell said that, in response to the distress of the many families who have contacted him, he had a motion passed at the September meeting of South Dublin County Council.

The motion asked the Government to put in place formal structures to address the difficulties of

mortgage holders, but, he said, he was disappointed with the Taoiseach’s response.

Cllr O’Connell said: “What I was looking for, and what is required, is a formal structure within which individual mortgage holders can have their case reviewed and an equitable solution found.

“I am not talking debt forgiveness here, I am asking that all three parties to the current situation - banks, the Government and households – contribute to a fair solution.”

Instead, he said the homeowners are being “left to carry the can”, and are “at the mercy of the lending institutions, who have let us down in every other area”.

He went on to say that, “of course, one size does not fit all, and we need to

approach the situation on a case-by-case basis”.

However, he said that this must be within a transparent and workable framework.

“The EU have not grasped the nettle at European level, and we can see the ongoing consequences of that. Are the Irish Government going to do the same thing with our domestic issues?

“I would urge our TDs and senators to reflect urgently on the situation, and to bring forward practical proposals, along the lines advocated by the New Beginnings group,” he said.

“The State collected huge levies during the boom years, and while these may have been squandered, that’s no excuse for letting the financial institutions and the State off the hook,” said Cllr O’Connell.

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With the Metro West project effectively shelved, Labour councillor Eamon Tuffy called for planning applicants who had paid Section 49 levies related to the now effectively shelved project to be reimbursed

SDCC: WOULD BE A NONSENSE TO KEEP FUNDS – TUFFY

Metro West levies to be reimbursed Q PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com

PLANNING applicants who paid levies for the multimillion euro light rail system, Metro West, are set to be reimbursed, The Gazette can reveal.

South Dublin County Council (SDCC) confirmed that applicants who had paid the levy fees would be reimbursed, in response to Labour councillor Eamon Tuffy, who had raised the issue at a recent council meeting.

A full report on the project was brought to local politicians at a recent council meeting, during which SDCC agreed that, as the project

had been shelved, continuing to charge levies was not a course of action it wished to pursue.

With the project effectively on the shelf, Cllr Tuffy had said that he believes that to continue to charge the fees would have been “nonsense”.

“Metro West has been effectively cancelled, and it would be a nonsense for the council to continue to charge a Section 49 levy to any developer or individual who wants to build on the lands adjacent to a non-existent piece of transport infrastructure,” said Cllr Tuffy.

In recent years, South Dublin councillors have adopted two Section 49 development levy

schemes – one for the Kildare Route Project, and a second for the now abandoned Metro West project.

To d a t e , a l m o s t €100,000 has been collected by the council for Metro West.

Cllr Tuffy had tabled a motion before the council meeting asking that in view of the cancellation of the oral hearing on the proposed Metro West project, and the statement by Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, that funding for the project is unlikely to be available within the next 15 years, that the council request the County Manager to “begin the process to cancel the Section

49 development levy adopted by the council for this infrastructure project, and to arrange for the return of any associated development levies already paid to the council”.

The motion was not debated, as SDCC said its report on the project cleared up the issues surrounding the project.

Following the discussion of Minister Varadkar’s statement on the shelving of the project, the council recommended that the members adopt a motion scrapping the levies, and to reimburse those who had paid them.

The motion was passed by members.

3 November 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 5

PEOPLE Charity’s founder is honoured at awards

€35,000 fund is awarded to Pieta House Q PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com

SOCIAL entrepreneur and Lucan resident Joan Freeman, who set up Pieta House, the self-harm and suicide prevention charity, has been named as a winner of the Elevator Programme, and received an award to the value of €35,000 to support the centre, as part of the 2011 Social Entrepreneurs Ireland (SEI) Awards.

T h e aw a r d s we r e announced at a reception this week, where a call went out for the creation of a venture fund for social entrepreneurs to provide support for individuals who are developing new,

big ideas to address a wide variety of social and environmental challenges.

Since launching in 2005, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland has supported 150 social entrepreneurs, directly investing more than €4 million into supporting exceptional individuals.

These, in turn, have directly helped more than 100,000 people, and indirectly helped another 400,000 people.

Speaking at the presentation, Tommy Breen, CEO of DCC plc – a sales, marketing, distribution and business support services group, and who sponsor the entrepreneur scheme – said: “DCC was

delighted to sign up for a three-year period as the main sponsor of SEI’s award programme.

“The relationship that has been growing between SEI and DCC, we believe, is a true partnership, and one which we are delighted to be part of.

“In addition to the financial support that DCC has been able to provide, a number of our employees have participated in the selection process and, over time, we look forward to assisting some of these innovative and passionate people through the sharing of some of our business experiences.

“The award winners

Pieta House’s founder, Joan Freeman, is pictured with local FG deputy Derek Keating, a director of the charity, at the launch of her book on self-harm

demonstrate what can be achieved when the entrepreneurial spirit is harnessed to deliver positive change.

“By encouraging and supporting these social entrepreneurs, both the private and Government sectors can help them deliver a better and more sustainable future for all of us,” he said.

Guest of honour, Tom Suddes, chairman, SEI, said social entrepreneurs are critical to developing the new thinking that is going to be required to address some of the entrenched social and environmental issues facing Ireland and the rest of the world today.

“These awards are fundamental to driving a new

agenda in Ireland, whereby social entrepreneurs can enact real change in society. The ideas and the motivation are there, and the quality of entrepreneurship in this country is second to none.

“The support given to these business people is one that will resonate outwards and show a real return,” said Suddes.

CHARITY

Look out for angels in Lucan!

SHOPPING centres, local supermarkets, businesses and schools throughout the county of Dublin will be full of “angels”, thanks to angelbranded pins, pencils, phone charms and fun packs, all courtesy of the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) as it launches its Angel campaign.

IWA offers services in every county in Ireland, including Lucan and West Dublin, according to the spokesperson for Lucan Resource and Outreach Centre, Cathy White.

Angel products go on sale from Thursday, November 10, to raise vital funds for the IWA to support local services.

Volunteers from all across Dublin will be out in force selling the angel products, which cost €2 each.

For further information, see www.iwa.ie/ fundraising/angels.

6 LUCAN GAZETTE 3 November 2011

LAUNCH: NEW GARDEN

Growing a community THE Mayor of South Dublin County Council, councillor Catriona Jones, was on hand to officially launch the Kilcronan Community Garden, last week.

The garden has been developed by Kilcronan Gardening Group, which was established early this year by residents of Kilcronan Court and Kilcronan View.

The garden is located adjacent to the pylon in Kilcronan estate that had, in the past, been the site of illegal dumping and antisocial behaviour.

Residents commenced work in February on the site, and have planted vegetables, herbs, fruit bushes and trees, flowers and shrubs.

The garden is now a

beautiful spot, and has helped to build community spirit locally.

Karen Sheils, a member of the gardening group, said: “Residents have put a huge amount of their time into transforming this site into an amenity for the whole community.

“We are so glad that so many children on the estate got involved in the project.

“This is just the start of the garden, and we hope that it will encourage people locally to start thinking of growing their own food, and becoming more interested in the environment.”

The launch took place at the garden, with refreshments in the community room in the in-fill housing in Kilcronan Court.

IT’S YOUR STORY Info on Aspel Counselling

McKee Barracks reservists, John Carroll and Eoghan McNamara, took part in the Dublin City Marathon this week in aid of Aspen Counselling, marching the 26 miles in full army uniform - including 30kgs of Kevlar gear

Marching on with plan to help support Aspen Q ANITA COURTENAY

PRO, Aspen Counselling

ATASPEN, we endeavour to provide a safe, professional, quality and confidential counselling and psychotherapy service.

Our passion for our work is immeasurable.

Client care is paramount, and we are dedicated to help our clients reach their potential and live their best life.

Counselling and psychotherapy allows a person the opportunity to have a deeper understanding of what is going on in their life.

Each client will meet with a qualified therapist for a consultation before being assigned to a suitable counsellor.

Every therapist will support and encourage each client throughout their journey, while the client will experience personal development and, hopefully, be put on the path to a more positive future.

Our unique service is located in the heart of Lucan, and has been running for more than 10 years.

Aspen is a private, not-

for-profit organisation, and is currently in the process of changing to a charity status, in an effort to try and meet the needs of the local and surrounding community.

With this in mind, Aspen have recently started fundraising initiatives, such as a sponsorship scheme, where companies, groups, individuals, or just a few friends or workmates, getting together can donate any sum of money, which will be used to provide free or subsidised counselling sessions.

Umbro Ireland and Shamrock Rovers were the first to support this scheme, which has already made a difference to people’s lives.

A wonderful event we organised was a 70’s and 80’s fancy dress disco in the Spa Hotel, Lucan, which was also part of this year’s Lucan Festival.

Numerous spot prizes were donated, including a signed Ireland jersey from Umbro. Another successful event was the pub quiz in Sarsfield’s GAA club.

The sponsors for the pub quiz included the

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‘Aspen is a private, not-for-profit organisation, and is in the process of changing to a charity status, in an effort to try and meet the needs of the local community’

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camera makers and companies, Panasonic, Nikon and Canon, who donated prizes, while the Irish Professional Photographers Association also gave us a cheque for €250.

Ruth Foran Photographers also gave €300, and many more donated and sponsored the event.

The host of the pub quiz, John Carroll, is a member of the Reserve Defence Forces, and took part in the Dublin Marathon last Monday to raise money for Aspen.

John was joined by fellow McKee Barracks reservist, Eoghan McNamara, and both were marching the 26 miles in full army uniform – including 30kgs of Kevlar gear.

Last year, John was the first reservist to march the marathon, and this was his second year tak-

ing part.

These great guys endure an incredible training regime, including running in the Phoenix Park, weight training and kickboxing. Their motivation for doing this is simple – instead of simply donating money, they want to do something unique to make a difference, and contribute with their [public] profile [at the marathon, for Aspen].

All the therapists were out in force to support the guys on the day, and were hoping to raise plenty of money for the centre.

Aspen’s ultimate longterm goal is to provide the service free of charge to try and meet the needs of the most vulnerable people in our community.

This, of course, won’t happen overnight, as it costs a considerable amount to provide such

a service. Aspen is a nonprofit organisation, and will depend greatly on the generosity of people.

The staff in Aspen are passionate about what they do, and have never turned anyone way from receiving the counselling they need because they couldn’t pay for it.

Aspen’s Linda Balfe says: “We understand that often the most vulnerable people cannot afford counselling, and get lost in the system.

“This can lead to an even greater sense of hopelessness and despair, and makes it more difficult to deal with situations. We don’t want anyone to ever feel they have nowhere to turn to,” she says.

If you would like to contribute, to get involved, or to attend any of our fundraising events, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Find out more about us at www.aspencounsellingservices.com.

You can also email us at aspenabc@gmail. com, or call 01 621 7063.

For further details on the Marathon efforts, see www.mycharity.ie/event/ rdfmarathon.

3 November 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 7

OPINION Marketing our traditional urban centres

Realising the true value of our village THE past 25 years have brought phenomenal change to Ireland and to West Dublin.

In college, as an architecture student, I studied the effects of urban sprawl.

Common trends prevail – miles of endless housing estates, the development of out-of-town shopping centres and retail parks, the predominance of car travel and associated problems of congestion and long journey times and the decline in traditional town and village centres We have seen all this in Lucan – a quadrupling of the population of Lucan South area between 1996 and 2011; thousands of new houses; a significant increase in traffic. The development of the Liffey Valley shopping complex and the resultant pressures on our own traditional village centre in Lucan.

Shopping centres such as Liffey Valley have become an important part of our economy and our culture and it serves many local needs. That cannot be denied.

However, while council planners like to refer to Liffey Valley as a town centre we know that is anything but. It has no streets or squares. No

civic space. No functions beyond those of consumer-driven, high-street retail outlets and eateries. The only night-time attraction is the cinema Lucan Village is very different. Lucan has a traditional urban structure, with streets and urban spaces and a rich architectural heritage.

Lucan has a diverse commercial life, with financial institutions, offices, shops, pubs, restaurants and coffee shops.

Many of these are locallyrun family-owned businesses.

But Lucan Village is also an important social and civic hub; home to churches, community and parish halls, medical and counselling services as well as hosting many annual community and family events.

But Lucan Village and Liffey Valley should not be in competition. They are very different and can cater for very different markets.

Lucan Village and Liffey Valley couldn’t be more different, and this difference can be, and should be, to Lucan’s advantage.

But only if properly exploited and by that I mean if we sustain and promote Lucan Village as a unique heritage village with a niche range of commercial and social attractions not available elsewhere.

This is the big task.

Shopping centres such as Liffey Valley have wellresourced management companies who promote and market their centre as a destination for shoppers to visit.

But why don’t we do the same for villages such as Lucan?

At last month’s meeting of South Dublin County Council, I tabled a motion, along with my colleague from Rathfarnham, Cllr Emma Coburn, seeking that the council establish a tailored programme to support and market our traditional urban centres such as Lucan Village and Rathfarnham Village.

In effect we proposed that a special unit be established within the council to ‘champion’ our villages.

Such an initiative by the council could also provide leadership in building and strengthening local partnerships with voluntary groups.

If we could only start by attracting more of the residents who live south of the N4 to visit Lucan Village, in addition to visiting Liffey Valley, then we would be delivering a massive commercial boost to our village and to supporting local jobs.

I only hope our council managers will get on board and support our proposal.

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

Planning a Christmas family getaway

W

Q ARCHITECT AND CLLR, WILLIAM LAVELLE

Holidays:

Lucan Village. Inset: Councillor William Lavelle

SEE TRAVEL PAGE 22

8 LUCAN GAZETTE 3 November 2011

IT’S YOUR SHOT On the annual St Joseph’s College Fun Walk

(Top left) make mime a double ... Liana Tomescu and Rachel Walsh; (above left) Rithika Raju and Amy Walsh; and (above) sixth-year students cross back into the village

Girls’ colourful help for school TUDENTS from St Joseph’s College created a colourful sight as they went about their annual fundraising walk recently, which took the girls through the centre of Lucan village, across the bridge and through St Catherine’s Demesne.

Marking the fourth such walk, the students took the chance to create some colourful out-

S

fits, with each of the years assigned a different colour scheme, with first-years in pink, second in yellow, third in orange, fourth in purple, fifth in blue and sixth in black and white.

Staff also got into the spirit of the day, with several well-known characters spotted along the route, with everyone playing their enthusiastic part to help support the school.

Rachel Hayes and Sara Byrne at one of the walk’s busking stations

Is it Marge Simpson or Ms O’Melia?

Some berry happy fourth-years

3 November 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 9

RETAIL Fundraising at Orchard Home and Garden Centre

Fundraisers, Teresa Hynes and Helen Kelleher

Ann Butler and Sharon Davitt. Pictures: Rob Love

‘Christmas’ brings support for hospice RCHARD Home and Garden centre held a special Christmas preview evening recently, inviting locals to not only come along to see some of the centre’s wide range of Christmas goods which were on offer, but also to help support a vital good cause.

The fundraising evening was being held in aid of Kildare Hospice Foundation, with

O

complimentary wine, homemade treats and live music helping to add to the upbeat mood of the evening.

Of course, Lucanians and west Dubliners were also keen to get a look at the centre’s Christmas wares, with thoughts turning to a meaningful end to the year, and gifts and home furnishings to help celebrate the season.

Paula Dunphy

Catriona Cunningham and Pam Murray

Aoife Barnicle, Goretta Mason and Margaret Rowland

10 LUCAN GAZETTE 3 November 2011

HERITAGE Celebrating the power and beauty of the Liffey

The churning waters created large deposits of foam

A day earlier (inset), the Liffey had burst its banks, and flooded the area – thankfully, the waters had receded the next day. Pictures: Shane Dillon

Looking at one of Lucan’s best assets AZETTE staffer – and occasional Lucan resident – Shane Dillon captured some of the beauty of the Liffey passing through Lucan, on a bright, sunlit morning the day after the river had burst its banks following the recent deluge.

He says: “I’ve lived in a few places

G

around old and new Lucan before, and I’ve always liked the nature that’s found all around the old village.

“In particular, the river, and the weir bank, are really striking at this time of year. However, with many people in Lucan living far from the weir, as well as those who’re at work, I’m sure lots

The slick steps reflect like a polished mirror

The weir roars with power at this time of year

of Lucanians don’t have the chance to see what’s on their doorsteps.”

With this in mind, The Gazette is happy to highlight some of the beauty of one of the village’s, and the area’s, best natural assets. The coursing river water, and the rich colours of autumn, combine to create these great shots.

Leaves neatly marked The autumn colours reflect wonderfully on the weir’s waters

where the flood reached

The bank remains lined with rich autumnal colours

3 November 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 3 November 2011

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

Full of beans …

Lucan twins, Jedward, are set to take centre stage when they appear at the Olympia Theatre in this year’s Panto this December. Jedward & The Beanstalk at The Olympia Theatre will run from December 21 until January 8

The Battle of Speeds THE stunning Orangery in Marlay Park has been announced as the location for a production of The Battle of Speeds, by Daniel Figgis this November.

The new show will consist of six short fantasy movies, each with a separate original orchestral soundtrack, composed by Figgis. The six movies will play concurrently on all available surfaces in the Orangery – four walls, floor and ceiling – totally immersing or “suspending” the viewer in the multi-sensory experience.

Figgis first presented a new work in the forest in Marlay Park in 2004. While performing there, he became intrigued by the park’s boathouse and shot all the video footage for his current show in and around the boathouse and lake in late September.

The Battle of Speeds will be performed for one day only on November 27, over a six-hour period between 10am and 4pm.

Family tickets cost €5 and are available online on www.tickets. ie.

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

DIARY Career and lifecoaching event COACHING Potential, a new business and social enterprise, will hold a free Career and Life-Coaching event for parents on November 12, in the Burlington Hotel.

The event will help parents learn skills and exercises that will help them explore and understand your child’s interests, skills and abilities and how they link to potential career options, as well as enhancing communication through effective questioning and listening techniques, setting goals and actions plans and develop personal resilience to deal with obstacles and challenges.

The company diverts 10% of all of its revenue to it’s foundation that recognises ability and potential in young people, providing grants for education and training.

Places are limited and booking is essential, so to book your place, email courses@coachingpotential. com or see www.coachingpotential.com

Arch Bistro’s Christmas menu THE Arch Bistro in Churchtown

will be brimming with Christmas spirit this week when they launch their Christmas menus.

This year, the restaurant is running an Early Bird Special on Saturdays, which is guaranteed to give a great night out with fantastic value.

For €35 per person you get a three-course early bird dinner, a half-bottle of house wine and a reserved area downstairs in the Glenside, where all ladies will be treated to a glass of Prosecco on arrival and live music for the rest of the night, so you can party away for the evening without having to move.

They are also running a €35 set dinner menu all evening every evening for the month of December, but spaces are limited, so book soon.

For all bookings and inquiries, contact Mark on 01 2966340.

Clarification THE Gazette has been asked to point out that the Beechfield Nursing Home Group, which encompasses Glengara Park Nursing Home in Dun Laoghaire and Beechfield Manor Nursing Home in Shankill, will hold their Charity Bridge Tournament in the Fitzpatrick’s Hotel in Killiney on Friday, November 4, and not at either of the above mentioned nursing homes.

The Gazette is happy to clarify this.

3 November 2011 GAZETTE 13

14 GAZETTE 3 November 2011

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY Avoid the big freeze with cozy coats this winter

Lancome’s Designer brush set

LANCOME has teamed up with worldrenowned fashion and interior designer, Ben de Lisi, to create a stylish, de Lisi personalised Lancome designer brush set. Visit the Lancome counter at your nearest Debenhams Department Store, from November, 20, 2011, and with the purchase of two or more Lancome products, receive your personalised skincare and beauty essentials along with your very own Ben de Lisi Designer Brush Set and a complimentary €5 Ben de Lisi fashion voucher.

And, with purchase of a third Lancome product, a full-size cleanser is yours, absolutely free.

ITH the three dreaded words on everyone’s mind this winter – The Big Freeze – fast approaching, Kilkenny, home to Ireland’s largest collection of Irish designers, has a fantastic range of coats and woollies to help you brave the elements in style and stay warm in the cold weather.

Wrap up in style with fabulous winter coats from a host of top Irish and international brands, such as Fee G and Fuschs & Schmitt. The Fee G Mohair Shawl Collar

W

Coat, €329.95 is available in two of the season’s must-have colours, bright red and electric blue, and the shawl collar gives the coat an effortless chic look.

Meanwhile, the beautiful Fee G Boatneck Coat, €339.95 will help you up the glam-stakes this winter, with its embellished button finish.

Fuschs & Schmitt has a great range of practical everyday coats – our top pick is the stylish and practical Fuschs & Schmitt Quilted Belt Coat, €285, with its faux fur trim hood for extra

warmth.

Chunky cardigans are essential winter fashion items, and the Fenn Wright Manson Charcoal Cashmere Mix Cardigan, €186 is a wardrobe must-have.

Wear with skinny jeans and knee-high boots for a casual winter look that will keep you fashionably warm.

For cosy accessories, Kilkenny has a range of winter knits that will not only keep you warm, but also make a difference to people’s lives. As part of its Warm Irish Hearts campaign to help raise €50,000 for the Irish Heart Foundation, Kilkenny stocks a range of hat, scarf and glove sets, all hand-knitted by members of the ICA from around and the country.

These beautiful knits are available in red, cream and purple.

Fee G Boatneck Coat (€339.95)

Young and stylish

There will be a touch of royalty at The Children’s Rooms in Brown T homas this winter, when Princess Marie Chantal of Greece’s stunning girl’s range comes to town.

With subtle hues of rose pinks, burgundy and blended chocolates and warm autumnal hues of plum and moss , the collection is perfect for any little Princess.

Highlights this autumn, are sure to be the Chantal wool dress in camel, navy or grey and, for cold winter days, the Russian gold button coat in rose or grey herringbone. The outfits are as pretty and elegant as a girl’s wardrobe should be and are destined to be treasured favourites.

Meanwhile, new for the boys is Hartford, a cool and trendy brand, with

Bonpoint dress (€115)

Fuchs & Schmitt Quilted

Mona Lisa Belted Puffa

and coat (€260)

Belt Coat (€285)

(€150)

distressed check shirts, chunky alpine knits and great leather jackets, as well as Italian favourite Paio Crippa, which specialises in tailored pea coats with velvet collars perfect for the wintry days ahead.

The children’s department will also carry designer favourites, including Armani Junior, Baby Dior, Boss,

Bon Point, Burberry, Caitmini, Chloé, Cyrillus, Dore Dore, Jelly Cat, Juicy Couture Acc’s, Juicy Couture Kids, Juicy Baby, Junior Gaultier, Marthé Francois Girbaud, Molly Brown, Moncler, Monnalisa, Natures Purest, Paul Smith, Ralph Lauren and Stella McCartney.

And one of my favourite brands, Petit Bateau,

will make a welcome arrival for baby, girls and boys, offering timeless and modern classic cottons with simple and fun t-shirts, trousers, jumpers and coats.

Tartine et Chocolat’s gorgeous baby gifts from rattles and comforters to soft toys also make ideal presents and come packaged in the brand’s power blue signature colour.

3 November 2011 GAZETTE 15

Edited by Dawn Love

Holiday gift sets from Cowshed are udderly delightful STAYING true to its philosophy for keeping things simple but effortlessly stylish, this Christmas, Cowshed have herded together gift sets to cater to everyone on your list and make this year’s shopping stress-free.

With every Cowshed formulation naturally paraben, petrochemical and sulphate-free andcreated using wild-crafted ingredients – these products are suitable for all.

In keeping with Cowshed’s unique heritage, all products contain a herbal infusion sourced

from the walled garden at Babington House.

Amongst the array of gift sets on offer is the Grumpy Cow Duo (€24.95).

Grumpy Cow is a citrus blend, with the essential oils of red mandarin, petitgrain and grapefruit.

This duo will invigorate the senses and keep the mind uplifted and energised. The gift set includes Grumpy Cow Uplif ting Bath and Shower Gel 100ml and Grumpy Cow Uplifting Body Lotion 100ml.

The Hand Care Caddy Set (€44.95) features

two of the brand’s most popular products.

This set is a must-have duo for pampering those hard-working hands and essential for any kitchen or bathroom.

Choose either the combination of Grubby Cow Zest Hand Wash with Cow Slip Soothing Hand Cream, featuring essential oils of sweet orange to cleanse and peppermint to revive, or Dirty Cow Freshening Hand Wash and Cow Pat Moisturising Hand Cream with the oils of coriander and orange.

This set features bot-

Cowshed have herded together gift sets to cater to everyone on your list

tles of each and a limited edition Cowshed-branded maple holder to the display the gifts in.

16 GAZETTE 3 November 2011

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: DUBLIN SPCA OFFERS A SAFE HAVEN PROGRAMME FOR PETS IN NEED

The link between domestic violence and animal abuse URING one of my adult lectures this week, I was asked an important question by a student. He wanted to know what the term “domestic violence” meant?

My answer?

If a person, (usually a woman, but sometimes a man) is physically or emotionally abused in a relationship – then that

D

constitutes domestic violence. It’s important to mention that, in the majority of these situations, the abuser may use a range of behaviours/ tactics in order to gain control and power over their victim.

By coincidence, Safe Ireland, a support organisation aiming to create safety for women and children affected by domestic

violence, released figures for their annual one-day census report showing that on one given day last year, a staggering 555 women and 324 children received help and support from a domestic violence service. Now, when you break this down, that means 23 women and 13 children needed help every hour of that one day, which was November 4, 2010.

This led my class to have a discussion regarding the link between domestic violence, as well as mass and serial violence and animal abuse. You see, there is a connection between those who abuse animals and those who abuse their partners.

Now, I’m not sure what figures are available for Ireland concerning animal abuse/spousal abuse, (or indeed if there are any) with regard this situation; however, a recent study in Wisconsin (USA) revealed that one-in-four cases of women who reported abuse at the hands of their partners, had also witnessed those partners being abusive toward pets and livestock. I would imagine the situation is similar around the world.

To add to this, the Chicago Police Department examined the criminal histories of animal abusers who were arrested between 2000/01 and found approximately 30% of these had domestic violence charges to their credit. In my opinion, these statistics are way too high and I find them scary and unacceptable, to say the least.

I would also add that, during my own research, I found that, in association with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a US-based

Victims of domestic violence often remain in dysfunctional relationships in order to try and protect their pets

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

‘Seventy-one percent of those women who were pet owners and who entered a women’s shelter reported their abuser had injured, maimed, threatened or killed family pets’ --------------------------------------------------------

organisation, 71% of those women who were pet owners and who entered a women’s shelter reported their abuser had injured, maimed, threatened or killed family pets.

Worryingly, 32% of those women also reported their children had either hurt or killed animals.

So, why do those who abuse their spouse/ partner also abuse their animals? Well, there are many reasons but I believe the main ones to be: • To enforce submis-

sion • To create and further enforce an environment of fear • To prevent the victim from leaving • To prevent the victim from showing independence • To enforce submission by the victim • To isolate the victim and children from other family members/friends Those of us working in animal welfare refer to this cycle as ‘the link’.’

You see, those who com-

mit these horrible crimes have usually used animals as rehearsal tools during their teenage years, before graduating toward violence against humans.

We refer to these atrocities as “starter crimes”, when the abuser commits them during adolescence.

However, as they get older, the abuse gets more severe and we refer to these as “indicator crimes”, meaning it’s an indication the perpetrator will graduate to committing more serious crimes against human beings.

This is why it’s important that those working within law enforcement who respond to calls reporting domestic violence recognise and are familiar with “the link”and be on the alert for children and animals

who may also be suffering in that particular household.

It’s a sad fact that victims of domestic violence often remain in dysfunctional relationships in order to try and protect their pets. Unfortunately, those who take part in animal cruelty rarely stop there, so it’s vital everyone understands that an effective response/prosecution to those perpetrating these crimes will have huge benefits for society.

The Dublin SPCA offers a Safe Haven programme for those pet parents who are suffering at the hands of an abuser by providing an emergency/ safe place for their pet to stay either at our shelter when resources allow, or through our network of foster families.

3 November 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC REVIEW: NATIVE INSTRUMENTS’ LATEST UNITS

Traktor put Kontrol at your fingertips Q ROB HEIGH

THE BAT TLE of the turntables over the last year has not been who has the skills to pay the bills but, instead, who can come out with the best DJ controller as a sizable number of DJs convert to digital systems and software packages.

With the lines drawn similar to the Apple vs Android battle in the smar tphone market, the hardware wars have shifted slightly as well, with the main players, Serato and Traktor, aligning themselves with various hardware

manufacturers to produce the best four- and two-channel controllers.

However, since then, Native Instr uments’ Traktor products have taken the lead in terms of the controller battles by creating their own line of controllers that seamlessly integrate with the software they produce - well, if anyone should know how to create a controller that matches the capabilities of the software, surely it should be themselves.

Last year saw the launch of the Traktor Kontrol S4 unit, which stands head and shoul-

ders ahead of the pack in terms of it’s usability, feature set and integration with the controller software.

The S4 is unparallelled in terms of how simple and fun it is to use.

The range of configurable built-in effects, the availability of a fouroption sample deck to add depth and options to your mix and the upfront, tactile and sensitive controls allow you to build a four-channel symphony without a steep learning curve.

It also has the advantage of not draining all of the CPU capability of your laptop or compu-

ter, meaning that there are no nasty drop-outs that some DJs have encountered when using other such highend controllers.

Traktor has always been a very usable software, but the controllers match and harmoniously integrate all of the features of the software, putting physical and tangible control at your fingertips.

Traktor have come out in the next phase of the battle with the S2, a stripped back, twochannel version of the S4, that still features all of the high-spec elements of its big brother,

Traktor S2 is a more basic, but equally feature-filled version of the S4

but with a simplified interface for more novice digital DJs. In fact, it is almost a three-channel controller, with the sample deck still being available, with its own vol-

ume in the centre of the unit.

The S2 does everything that the S4 does so well - making the most of the software’s capabilities - while bringing the user experience

back to basics. While it’s not the bells and whistles approach of the S4, the S2 is still head and shoulders ahead of the pack in terms of doing what it does incredibly well.

18 GAZETTE 3 November 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs SKODA UNVEILS NEW 4X4S: SKODA Ireland unveiled its new range of 4X4 vehicles at last month’s Ploughing Championships. Dublin residents are encouraged to call in to their local Skoda dealer and test drive the new 4X4 models, which will be available to test drive during an Open Week at local dealerships from November 1-6.

There are three Skoda dealerships in Dublin, Annesley Williams Ltd, Swords Road Clogran, Autostation, Sandyford Business Park, and Pilsen Auto Ltd, Ballymount. As an added incentive, those who undertake a test drive will receive a free winter driving pack, which will be useful in the months ahead.

All new Kia Rio on the market KIA Motors Ireland have announced the prices and specs of the all-new Rio Range which went on sale in Ireland towards the end of October.

There are two model trims for Rio in Ireland – LX and EX. The entry level LX, at €15,295, is powered by a 1.25-litre petrol engine, which is A rated for annual road tax.

The EX model is available in both the 1.25-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel (also A rated) at €16,495 and € 17,895, respectively.

Like all Kia models, the new Rio comes, of course, with Kia’s unbeatable seven-year warranty.

The new Rio is one

of the company’s most anticipated launches in recent years, and attendees at this year’s National Ploughing Exhibition had an opportunity to preview the car before it’s launch.

Space

The new model is longer, wider and lower, and features a wheelbase extended by 70mm – greatly enhancing passenger space and cargo capacity. With an overall height of 1,455mm, new Rio has one of the lowest rooflines in Kia’s European product range, emphasising its purposeful stance.

The cabin is more spa-

cious than its predecessor’s, enhancing occupant space and cargo capacity. The base of the windscreen is moved for wards by 156mm and up by 18mm, while the wheelbase is 70mm longer and the bodyshell 25mm wider. Front legroom is increased by 45mm, front headroom by 8mm.

Trunk space in threeand five-door hatchback models is 100mm wider and the capacity is now 288 litres – a 6.6% improvement over the previous model – with the rear seats upright, and more than 920 litres with the rear seats folded down. The backrest of the

There are two model trims for Rio in Ireland

rear seat is split 60/40 for maximum versatility and creates an almost flat load area when folded down.

Standard safety equipment features six airbags (including side curtain airbags ), ESC electronic stability control, HAC hill-start assist control, and “active” front seat head restraints to protect against whiplash injury

in a rear impact.

For additional safety, an ESS (Emergency Stop Signal) system is standard. Sensors detect when the driver is braking suddenly and hard, and then flash the brake lights three times to alert following drivers that the car is slowing rapidly.

In addition to the enhanced space and safety, new Rio custom-

ers will enjoy audio comfort features, such as Bluetooth, remote audio controls and iPod compatibility. The EX model, which is expected to be the volume seller, comes with a host of features, including 16” alloy wheels, front fogs, allround electric windows, leather trimmed steering wheel and gearshift and cooled glove box.

3 November 2011 GAZETTE 19

Opel Astra GTC set to rock mid-size coupe class NEXT MONTH will see the arrival of the Opel Astra GTC in Opel dealerships. The sports coupe, which will lay down the gauntlet to the mid-size coupe segment with a heady mix of dynamic excellence, dramatic design features and competitive pricing.

Closely based on last year’s stunning GTC Paris concept, the production Opel Astra GTC enters the Irish market priced from €22,995. But even in entry-level trim, the Astra GTC adopts the sophisticated front suspension from the Insignia OPC, featuring Opel’s HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut), combined with the clever Watt’s link rear axle for unmatched stability and handling precision.

The third body style to come off the new Astra’s Delta platform (following the Hatch and last year’s Sports Tourer), the only

elements the GTC shares with its siblings are door handles and the roof aerial – even the wheelbase and tracks are different. Mark Adams, Opel’s vice-president of design, has aimed to create a car that looks like it has been plucked from the class above, with its low, wide stance and simple, yet rakish lines.

But don’t be fooled – the GTC’s “straight-fromconcept” looks shroud a cabin that’s roomy and comfortable enough to accommodate four adults and their luggage.

“The Astra GTC is the sporty member of the Opel family,” says KarlFriedrich Stracke, chief executive officer of Opel.

“It has been designed and engineered in our facilities in Rüsselsheim to be a highly desirable sports coupe, with invigorating driving performance, while remaining affordable, roomy and

The GTC range starts at €22,995 for the 120PS Sport 1.4-litre Turbo and extends to €30,495 for the 165PS SRi 2.0-litre CDTi

flexible. We’re convinced that it will bring a breath of fresh air into the midsize coupe segment.”

The Astra GTC can be ordered initially with a choice of four engines – three petrols and one diesel, with two 1.7-litre CDTi engines to follow in January, 2012.

With 165PS, the 2.0litre CDTi is an upgraded

version of the diesel that’s fitted to some models in the Insignia and Astra ranges. All engines feature six-speed transmission and Start/Stop as standard, maximising economy and performance. Delivering 380Nm of torque (including overboost function) the 2.0-litre CDTi engine provides excellent mid-

range acceleration for the GTC, combined with a 0-100 km/h time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h.

That torque also allows the GTC a relaxed cruising gait, meaning a combined fuel consumption of just 4.9 litres per 100 km and C02 emissions of just 129g/km. It also gives drivers a range potential

in excess of 1,100 km.

Standard equipment is generous no matter which GTC model customers choose. Even in entry-level Sport trim, the GTC comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, DAB stereo and USB functionality. Move up to the top-spec SRi, and buyers get, as standard, tinted glass, onboard c o m p u t e r, l e a t h e rtrimmed steering wheel and fog lamps. The latest generation Bi-Xenon Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL), which offers nine separate light beams, is optional across the range.

A range of new colours and materials, bespoke to the GTC, set the car apart from others in the Astra range. Morello Red, a new premium leather trim, is also available as an option and brings with it six-way adjustable front seats.

EUGEOT’S new 508 is a spacious and solid looking car. The car has been designed as a purpose-built estate, and that gives it a presence and standing on the road that’s volumes ahead of the previous 407 model.

The comfort levels are good and there’s plenty of space on board, from the large boot to the rear seats. The car has a solid, functional feel to it that was made special by the extra features included in the test car.

The inside is made feel more airy with the panoramic sunroof that runs the length of the car, well

P

20 GAZETTE 3 November 2011

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Frances Flannery, owner of Dublin Vitality Centre

WHOLE OF LIFE POLICY Q – I have just found out I was sold a whole of life policy on my mortgage more than 11 years ago.

I am livid, as I could have had a much cheaper policy all these years. Do I have any comeback on the broker who sold it ? Jimmy – Churchtown A - Yes you are quite right that a whole of life policy is much more expensive than decreasing cover or mortgage protection, which only covers the balance on the mortgage at time of death. Whole of life insurance pays out a lump sum WHENEVER you die.

But, really, you only want to cover the term of your mortgage, so if you live well after the repayment of your mortgage, it can be very expensive mortgage protection. Obviously mortgage protection is much cheaper, while level term insurance cover (covering the mortgage term for the FULL amount right throughout the term) is slightly more expensive than decreasing term. Perhaps your broker did explain, but possibly did not stress the pecuniary differences. You could take a case to the Insurance Ombudsman but, personally, I believe with your having signed the proposal, received the policy document and left it for 11 years, the chances of success would be slim. I would ask for a new quotation, choosing the decreasing term for the number of years left on your mortgage and at least save some money now. You might also have a small pay back from the whole of life policy.

BUDGETING Q –I am useless at budgeting. Is there any quick fix method which will help me focus on managing my money in a better way ? Joan - Lucan A - The key to financial happiness is having enough money to meet your commitments. You need to total all your annual household bills – do not hold back, include everything – and divide by 12. That’s the amount of money you need just to keep you ticking over. Capital expenditure (washing machines, car break downs, summer holiday costs) should be provided separately. We should all live within our means i.e. the costs of living should be borne by what we earn NOT by our savings. Email me for a simple free word document budget template to track your household costs.

Remember the Money Doctor mantra … ensure best value at all times. Ask yourself on every item of expenditure a) do you need it and b) is there a better or cheaper alternative.

This month sees the launch of a FREE Money Doctor mobile app to help you track your spending.

Extremely easy to operate – just tap in the amount every time you spend money into the drop down menu for a set period, at the end of which you will be sent a full report on exactly what you have spent for your own analysis or professional consideration.

For iphones, androids, blackberries and Microsoft 7 mobiles, you can access the APP in the usual sources, plus through the web site www.moneydoctor.ie and help you better manage your money.

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

A health clinic with a difference FRANCES Flannery is a business woman who knows the value of excellent training and diversification. She completed a post-graduate degree in eBusiness and Business at NCI, and ranked one of the highest in her year with a first-class honours qualification. She also has qualifications in web design, graphic design and is certified by Google as an Adwords Professional.

“I spent many years working in marketing and design. I had a fabulous marketing role in Brown Thomas for three years and had the opportunity to work with some top people. That gave me a 3D perspective on service, product and quality.”

Frances is an example of a new breed of Irish business owner – one who has many feathers in her cap. As well as being a highly qualified business professional, she is also a registered dental nurse and internationally qualified health practitioner.

Her clinic, Dublin Vitality Centre, is located in Blanchardstown Village and provides laser teeth whitening, red vein removal, microdermabrasion, food intolerance testing and colonic hydrotherapy.

“At this time of year, people are preparing for the party season – which means looking and feeling good inside and out.”

Frances Flannery, owner of Dublin Vitality Centre

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

A: I wanted help people and also to run a business. I feel so lucky to be doing what I’m doing.

Q: What was your first job?

A: One of my first roles was a temp placement at Saatchi & Saatchi in London, where I cultivated a love for branding, marketing and design.

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: Probably about £200 per week.

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: I’ve been running Dublin Vitality Centre for two years.

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: I love making people feel better about themselves. I have qualifications in dental laser teeth whitening, colon hydrotherapy, Indian Head Massage, Microdermabrasion, red vein removal and food allergy test-

ing. My training has taken me all over the world.

Q: What part of your working day do you delegate?

A: Very little. In order to offer the very best prices around, which we do at Dublin Vitality Centre, I work very hard. When in not working in the clinic I am doing something else related to the business.

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Gym time is imperative for me. I practise what I preach. A 7am session is not unusual.

Q: What sport can you play?

A: Tennis, but horrifically out

Irish President, in my opinion.

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: High Energy Dance music for the gym

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Health forums, raw food blogs, detox and body health pages.

Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update?

A: I posted a notification about how detoxing your liver can speed up weightloss. Have a read on our website.

ing money frivolously?

A: I enjoy spending but never frivolously.

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: A yearly cull on clothes and shoes ensures those not worn get brought to a charity shop. I choose quality over quantity.

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: I really love diversity. Even if things don’t go according to plan, its always an adventure.

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: I’m very lucky. Running

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: At this time of year, look out

Dublin Vitality Centre is my dream job.

Bellx1 right now.

for chestnuts, which can be deliciously roasted on a baking tray in the oven.

Q: What do you plan to do when you retire?

A: I’ll tell you exactly. Im go-

Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – Michael D Higgins or Jedward?

A: Michael D. Impressive com-

Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna?

A: Dame Edna for her fashion

munication and transparency will make Micheal D a great

Q: Where do you enjoy spend-

ing to pioneer a very unique retreat/health workshop centre, where I will offer health retreats and have clients visit Ireland from all over the world.

I may live to be 110.

of practise.

Q: What is your guilty music/ TV or movie pleasure?

A: I’m loving Snow Patrol and

sense and sparkling repartee.

3 November 2011 GAZETTE 21

Fresh fruit and vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins and Brazil nuts contain zinc and selenium

NUTRITION: FIGHTING THOSE WINTER GERMS

David Killeen, chairman of The Irish Franchise Association; Orna Stokes, senior manager, SME and Franchising, Ulster Bank; Anita O Neill, area manager, Ulster Bank Commercial Banking, Central Dublin and Tom Shanahan, executive director of The Irish Franchise Association

Onwards and upwards for the franchise sector ON Friday, April 27 and Saturday April 28, 2012, the Irish Franchise Association hosts the Ulster Bank Irish Franchise Association EXPO and Awards at the RDS, Dublin.

The purpose of the exhibition is to act as a showcase for Irish franchisors and the franchising sector. With an unrivalled series of seminars and exhibitors, this event is an opportunity for people to access and avail of real-time information on franchising that normally takes months of painstaking research.

The Irish Franchise Awards, which will run in conjunction with the exhibition, recognises excellence in franchising and rewards outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals engaged in the franchise industry.

As the recessional dust begins to settle, it’s clear that more and more people have been turning to franchising. As a result of redundancy, job dissat-

isfaction, or just a deeprooted entrepreneurial desire, the country is rapidly awakening to the vast opportunities to be found in franchising – it’s one of the few buoyant markets in uncertain times.

According to the latest Irish Franchise survey, there has been a marked increase in turnover for the sector to €2.4 billion, representing an increase of 15% since the last survey in 2006. In total, the Irish franchise industry contributes 4,086 operating units on the island of Ireland and has generated 42,927 full-time jobs The EXPO and Awards will be the highlight of the franchising calendar for 2012.

The exhibition will take place from 10am to 6pm on Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday and will feature guest speakers, seminars on franchising, exhibitors from the franchise sector and extensive information and advice for individuals interested in franchising.

New workshops will be introduced and a separate seminar area, panel discussions as well as private meeting rooms for franchisors and prospective franchisees to discuss opportunities privately. Monthly easy payment options, as well as substantial early booking discounts, are now in place for exhibitors to avail of.

The Irish Franchise Awards will be presented at a formal black-tie awards ceremony in the RDS Concert Hall on Friday, April 27.

The award ceremony is anticipated to be one of the most impressive business events of the year reflecting the remarkable growth of the franchise sector in these challenging times.

Booking forms and information packs are available from the Irish Franchise Association.

Call 01 8134555 or email expo@irishfranchiseassociation.com or see www.irishfranchiseassociation.com

Strengthen your immune system LEILA JOHARI

WITH a mini ice age apparently on the way, this winter could be the coldest we have faced in decades.

This means that it is even more important we ensure that our immune systems are working at their best, so we can fight the nasty germs that thrive during the winter months.

White blood cells work to fight these germs and protect us against infection.

These white blood cells need to regenerate to do their job and need the appropriate nutrients. We can help our white blood cells help us by eating the right foods.

Fresh fruit and vegetables

All fresh fruit and vegetables, such as green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes and citrus fruits, will provide excellent sources of vitamins A (beta-carotene) and C. Green leafy vegetables, like spinach and kale, are high in folate. Folate prevents DNA and blood vessel damage.

Fruit contains powerful antioxidants that detoxify and fight bad bacteria. Phytonutrients strengthen the immune system by rebuilding

damaged cells and enhancing new ones and are found in peppers and broccoli.

Garlic, ginger and chillies

Garlic, onions, leeks, ginger and chillies have antibacterial properties and are decongestants.

Raw garlic can be eaten in salads or dressings, such as pesto and salads. Onions and leeks can be used in warming winter soups and ginger and chillies can be used in spicy curries.

Brazil nuts, wheat germ, oysters and beef

Brazil nuts, wheat germ, oysters and beef contain zinc and selenium. Selenium is an anti-oxidant and fights free radicals which damage cells. Zinc is a mineral that can enhance your immune system by strengthening antibodies and helping white blood cells reproduce more quickly. So, get those slimy oysters down your throat!

Whole grains, yeast extract, tuna and pulses

Whole grains, yeast extract, tuna and pulses contain the B group vitamins, which are important in combating stress. Stress can lower the effectiveness

of the immune system, which will leave us vulnerable to catching an infection. Vitamin B and vitamin C will help prevent stress.

Natural, low-fat probiotic yogurt

Most people don’t associate the word “bacteria” with health but there are certain bacteria that we could not do without. Good bacteria, such as lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, regulate the immune system by increasing the antibodies and preventing the rise of pathogenic organisms.

Fight symptoms the natural way

If you do begin to feel signs of the sniffles, there are natural remedies to ease symptoms. There is no need to run to the chemist and by packets of medication.

Besides, if are going to have another ice age you may not be able to leave the house anyway!

Honey will help ease a sore throat, green tea can help kill bacteria and a hot lemon drink is rich in vitamin C, and is ideal for sufferers of colds, coughs, bronchial problems and flu.

Thyme and eucalyptus oil may help clear congestion, use a few drops in boiling water as an inhalant and use

thyme in your cooking.

Echinacea will stimulate the immune system and you should drink plenty of water.

F o o d s t o avo i d include diary produce, chocolate and all foods high in saturated fats.

These foods are mucus forming and will make you more congested.

Immune-strengthening diet

• Breakfast: Pink grapefruit followed by muesli with extra nuts and seeds and 1 dessertspoon wheatgerm.

• Lunch: Warm broccoli, red pepper and sesame salad served with rye bread.

• Dinner: Salmon, sweet potato and stirfry of green beans and spinach • Dessert: Mixed berry compote with low fat, natural pro-biotic yogurt We have all been warned to prepare for The Big Freeze but it is equally important to prepare for The Big Sneeze!

And remember, prevention is better than cure, so start your immune boosting diet now and keep those nasty winter bugs away.

22 GAZETTE 3 November 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel

Sunset Beach Club can offer a wide range of venues for your special day

A Spanish Wedding Open Day to be hosted by Sunset Beach Club this November ANYONE considering getting married abroad should make a note of an upcoming Spanish Wedding Open Day being hosted in November by Sunset Beach Club.

This is an ideal opportunity to learn everything you need to know about getting married in Spain, and to personally meet with wedding planner, Kerry Vear Smyth, and wedding coordinator, Claire Mitchell, who are the key personnel who take care of all the details of a wedding at Sunset Beach Club.

Four-star hotel Sunset Beach Club, one of the most popular hotels on the Costa del Sol, offers complete wedding services and boasts a fabulous location on the seafront of Benalmadena, just 15 minutes from Malaga airport.

Depending on the date of the wedding and size of the party, Sunset Beach Club can offer a wide range of venues, from their formal banqueting room with spectacular sea views, terrace restaurant for an al fresco reception, or the new Luna Beach Club, the ideal spot for an informal wedding or day-after party.

As well as bespoke wedding services, Sunset Beach Club offers complete weddings, which include every detail of your special day; the wedding ceremony and legal paperwork, hair and make-up, flowers, wedding car, photography, cava for the speeches, reception with free-flowing wine, wedding cake, table centre, chair bows, menus, live entertainment, and much, much, more! For example, a complete wedding for 40 guests starts from €5,100.

The open days take place on November 19, in Bewley’s Hotel In Dublin, and in the Clarion, in Cork, on November 20.

To find out more about the Open Days in November and the Wedding Services at Sunset Beach Club, visit www.sunsetbeachclub.com or contact the hotel wedding coordinator, Claire Mitchell directly at weddings@sunsetbeachclub. com or telephone (34) 952 579 400 Ext. 3123

Holiday heat: The family-friendly Smugglers’ Cove in St Lucia (above) and Riu Cancun Resort in Mexico

HAPPY HOLIDAYS: FESTIVE TRIPS S ABROAD D

Plan a Christmas family getaway CHRISTMAS is just around the corner and, for many, stress levels are already rising. For those who bite the bullet and decide to forgo the endless last-minute shopping, snow and spending, there are plenty of festive trips abroad.

Set in 60 acres of lush, tropical gardens on a secluded bay, seven nights on an all-inclusive basis at the four-star Smugglers’ Cove in St Lucia is available from €4,646, for a family of four. Boasting extensive facilities including a popular kids’ club, mum can escape to the spa, which offers yoga and Pilates classes, while older children and dad can also enjoy a wide

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‘With a reputation for world-class shopping, pampering and glamour, Dubai makes an excellent choice to ring in the New Year’

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range of watersports, as well as tennis, squash, seven freshwater swimming pools and archery.

The price includes scheduled flights on December 20 from Dublin (via Gatwick), resort transfers, taxes and surcharges.

Families will love the four-star Almond Beach Village in Barbados, with seven nights on an all-inclusive basis, from €4,249 for a family of three. For the ultimate bucket-and-spade festive holiday, this family-

friendly resort is located on the stunning Platinum Coast. Facilities include a selection of kids’ clubs, 10 swimming pools, fitness centre, tennis courts and fine restaurants and bars.

The price includes scheduled flights from Dublin departing December 20 (via Gatwick), resort transfers, taxes and surcharges.

After Christmas, travellers can combine a city and beach holiday in Dubai departing December 27.

With a reputation for world-class shopping, pampering and glamour, Dubai makes an excellent choice to ring in the New Year. Enjoy nine nights on a bed-and-breakfast basis at the five-star Movenpick Ibn Battuta Gate from €1,499 per person. This luxury city resort houses eight restaurants and bars and has access to the Oceana Beach Club, just 10 minutes from the hotel, via complimentary shuttle bus. The price includes scheduled flights from

Dublin (via Gatwick), resort transfers, taxes and surcharges.

The five-star RIU Cancun Resort is in an enviable position on the beachfront, opposite two shopping centres and just a short distance from Cancun’s lively restaurants and bars. Enjoy seven nights on an allinclusive basis over New Year from €2,099 per person, to include scheduled flights from Dublin (via Newark), resort transfers, taxes and surcharges.

Resort facilities include windsurfing, canoeing, a spa and four restaurants.

To book any of these offers, visit www.tropicalsky.ie or telephone 01 8077996/ 068 56800.

3 November 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

WEEKEND GETAWAY: RECHARGING THE BATTERIES

Travel B ri e fs A touch of luxury at The Lodge at Ashford Q DAWN LOVE

ALTHOUGH I always enjoyed holidays in the West as a child, I have to say I don’t miss the four hours – if we were lucky - it took to get there. It was an endurance test in patience, although probably more for my parents than us kiddies.

Okay, so the motorway isn’t as picturesque as the winding roads I remember as a child but the trip down to The Lodge at Ashford, Co Mayo took us no time at all.

Once home to the estate manager of Ashford Castle, the Lodge is perched at the crest of a hilltop and enjoys incredible views of Lough Corrib. Today, the hotel boasts 24 deluxe bedrooms and 26 suites, one of which we stayed in.

It’s really ideal for families or couples who enjoy the great outdoors.

The Lodge itself is comfortable and the suite we stayed in had oodles of space and lots of extra little luxurious touches, such as underfloor heating in the bathroom.

And, I have to say, although there was a wedding on our second night we didn’t hear any music or any revellers, which can so often be the norm in hotels and can make you wish you had just stayed at home.

For me, the big highlight of The Lodge was the food and the wonderful walks of the Ashford Castle estate. Head Chef Adrian Bane was previously the Sous Chef at Ashford Castle and the dinner menu at Wilde’s (named after the father of Oscar Wilde, who holidayed nearby and later wrote a book on his beloved Lough Corrib) features an array of tempting treats.

For starters, I went

Be adventurous – visit the highlights of Jordan such as Mount Nebo, Amman and ‘rose city’ of Petra

The Lodge at Ashford, Co Mayo, which was home to the estate manager of Ashford Castle which enjoys incredible views of Lough Corrib

JORDAN is a land steeped in history and culture and conjures up images of sultry desert nights.

Visitors can now see the highlights of Jordan’s capital Amman, visit historical sites, including Jerash, the Desert Castles, Mount Nebo, Kerak and Madaba and explore Jordan’s jewel, the Nabataean ‘rose city’ of Petra, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Adventurous types take a jeep safari into Wadi Rum and marvel at its stunning desertscapes, or languish in the warm waters of the Red Sea and stand at the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea, long famed for its therapeutic powers.

An eight-night package with GoHop.ie costs from €1,263 and includes flights, all transfers in an air-conditioned car, eight nights accommodation in four-star hotels, sightseeing and meals as indicated, services of an English-speaking driver, local guide in Petra, short horse ride to the entrance of the Siq in Petra, as well as a two-hour tour of Wadi Rum by Jeep and all entrance fees.

For more information, visit www.gohop.ie.

Fitzwilliam Hotel is offering packages to help you look and feel your best this Christmas season for an Autumn Harvest Salad (€7.50) with organic local leaves, walnut oil and reduced fruit vinegar with autumn fruits. It was slightly too salty for my taste buds but I particularly loved the pretty baked apple slices tossed through the salad and I think it’s little extra surprises like that, that makes Wilde’s excellent reputation well-deserved.

For the main course, I opted for the Rack of Pork (19.50), which came with buttered savoy cabbage, bacon, potato croquette and wholegrain mustard emulsion. This was, to sound like Darina Allen, simply delicious.

Cooked to perfection, I would recommend it to anyone.

As for dessert, well, on a cold autumnal evening there is nothing like a hearty Warm Crumble with Granny Smith Apples, Fresh Sage and Preserved Berry (€6.50).

T h e n e x t d ay we enjoyed a great walk around the grounds of Ashford Castle and the ruined abbey nearby.

There are different trails to suit all fitness levels and, if you fancy getting on your bike or pony trekking, then this can all be organised by the team at the Lodge.

For lunch, we ate from

the Quay Bar menu and again the food was really lovely and, after we had recharged the batteries, it was off again for some more sightseeing.

Arriving back at around 4.30pm, we decided to order some room service and have an early meal at around 5pm. I have to say the only downside to a lovely stay was that, due to the fact there was a wedding on, we were informed the kitchens would be closed to other guests until 8pm.

So, with no food available at The Lodge, we headed to the castle for a more extravagant meal for two.

THE Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin has created three seasonal packages guaranteed to help you look and feel your best this Christmas. Whether you want to spend the month of November getting party ready, or perhaps getting all your Christmas shopping done early, The Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin has some great packages.

The Seasonal Style package allows guests to check into their signature guestroom and receive a fashion-inspired welcome amenity, followed by a complimentary glass of bubbles in The Inn on the Green. This get-away costs from €99pps.

The Naughty and Nice package includes a three-course meal in the hotel’s Citron Brasserie on the evening of your stay, and costs from €115 pps.

The Fitzwilliam Feel Good Factor includes a rejuvenating and revitalising hour treatment at the hotel’s in-house Spirit Spa. The Feel Good Factor package also includes a healthy breakfast in the hotel’s Citron Brasserie on the day of your departure and costs €140 pps.

For more information, log on to www.fitzwilliamhoteldublin.com.

24 LUCAN GAZETTE 3 November 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 Paddy Casey AWARD-winnging singer-songwriter Paddy Casey is playing a special fundraising gig at the Pavilion, with everyone invited to come along and support a worthy cause – and hear his great music too, of course. Casey’s gig is in aid of Children’s Hope, the South Dublin children’s charity, and, he says, he hopes as many music lovers and charity supporters as possible can come along to help him support the cause.

His fundraising gig takes place on at 7.30pm on Sunday, November 6, with the fundraising tickets priced at €15.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Aristocrats BRIAN Friel needs no introduction to theatre audiences, with his popular plays continuing to strike a chord with arts lovers. Now, one of his most best-known plays, Aristocrats, is coming to the popular Dundrum venue, as a family wedding in a crumbling mansion sees the past very much intruding on the present, exposing the fragility of the characters’ relationships ... Regarded as one of Friel’s finest plays, Aristocrats is running nightly at 8pm until Saturday, November 5, with tickets priced at €16/€14.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 My Way GARVAN Gallagher’s exhibition on the “invisible” status of older citizens is drawing to a close, with his diverse range of work having very successfully examined and highlighted the status and self-image of our elders. My Way is an excellent, diverse project underlining how valuable our “invisible” citizens are, and how age should not affect anyone’s status in society. My Way runs at Driaocht’s ground floor gallery until Saturday, November 5.

Dusty old tomes with long-forgotten tales are actually part of the puzzle that will lead reporter, Tintin (Jamie Bell) and his faithful pet, Snowy to the trail of a long-lost 17th century galleon. However, as always, there’s also a bad guy on the trail, with a race on to find the ship ...

Galleons of appeal Brussels sprouts another unlikely hero, with the wellknown cartoon character making his big-screen debut Q KATE CROWLEY

SPEAKING of winter of discontents – and I was, last week, when sending Mr Crowley up to the attic to retrieve wellies to deal with that dreadful downpour we were all drenched by – I note a certain new release that’s soon to come sulking onto our screens.

Thankfully,The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 isn’t here just yet, so my inner Scrooge will just have to wait.

And so, moving from one timeless character to another, I’m not sure what kind of space Tintin comes from (as the iconic cartoon character certainly comes from an entirely different universe than most clean-cut heroes), but it’s one that has kept him popular for several decades now.

Irish readers – and cinema audiences – don’t have quite the same passion for the plucky Bel-

FILM OF THE WEEK: Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn +++ (PG) 106 mins Director: Steven Spielberg Starring: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig, Nick Frost, Simon Pegg, Mackenzie Crook, Toby Jones

OUR VERDICT: ALTHOUGH at times, Tintin seems to have less personality than his dog, there’s still plenty to admire in this debut big-screen film for the well-known sleuth reporter. Purists won’t be happy with all of the changes made to Tintin’s background, with three well-known Tintin tales blended to create this version, but regular audiences should warm to this clean-cut, determined “new” hero ...

gian super-sleuth reporter, but Steven Spielberg’s (and producer, Peter Jackon’s) new film is all set to give Tintin more fans here than he’s had since he first appeared in 1929.

(And no, dear readers, I’m not quite that old.)

The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn is a realistic, yet highly-stylised, computeranimated film, and – Oh! I spy readers running off to hide under their beds, suddenly thinking of the CG horrors of Tom Hanks’ The Polar Express, and Jim Carrey’s wretched A

Christmas Carol.

Well, stay where you are, folks, as this is a busy, dynamic tale that’s both a good showcase for Tintin’s stories and characters, and is also a decent film on its own merits.

Tintin (voiced by Jamie Bell) is a plucky Belgian reporter getting by in a European vaguely old-world setting, which nicely sums up the 20th century.

Of course, any good repor ter-cum-sleuth needs a good mystery to solve, and it isn’t long before Tintin, and faithful pooch, Snowy, are caught

up in the mystery of a long-lost 17th century galleon, with The Unicorn, and her secret treasure, being sought after in the modern day.

Following a swift kidnapping by Sakharine, a descendant of the pirate that sank The Unicorn (both played by Daniel Craig), Tintin’s on board an old steamer, where he soon runs into Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis).

Ever sleuth needs a bumbling, bad-tempered sidekick, and so Tintin and Haddock, are soon on the trail of both The not-so-lost Unicorn and Sakharine, who’s strangely determined to find the ship and get his hands on its loot.

However, what use could something from the 17th century have for a very modern villain?

And how can Tintin, Snowy, Haddock – and a number of other characters from Tintin’s universe – beat Sakharine to

the treasure? Tintin’s on the case ...

Mashing together a number of Herge’s tales into an introductory opening film in the planned Tintin trilogy has upset purists, but it’s an effective enough way to introduce Tintin to modern audiences.

Of course, the animation is pretty great, for the most part – although the stylised characters still feel somewhat uncanny.

However, its globetrotting antics, broad comedy and stylish animation make for a decent first entry and “return” of Tintin.

Finally, speaking of mysteries, a cer tain stunning reviewer went snooping around on Tintin’s international website, but couldn’t find “Ireland” listed under the European release dates section. Tsk, tsk. Perhaps Tintin’s next adventure could be “The Curious Case of the Missing Country ...

3 November 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces Happy about another Angry Bird?

Deliberately more detailed to behold than the in-game vehicles, the virtual showroom models are simply stunning to examine – and could pass for the real thing on our motoring pages – with the in-game’s vehicles also looking great as they tear around the tracks

A worthy champion of the racing genre SHANE DILLON

LAST week, I mentioned the recently released XBox 360-exclusive title, Forza Motorsport 4 (or Forza 4, for short) which I’m taking a deeper look at today.

In terms of new and current racers on the XBox, nothing else comes close to Forza 4, with it certain to continue motororing into plenty

of homes, both now and at Christmas.

For newcomers to the Forza series, or for those who’re just looking for some more information, here’s some more info that should help you decide if this is the racer for you.

Although the 360 has seen accomplished racers jockeying for position in the past couple of years, Forza 4 has the graphical

edge, with a number of clever processing effects putting a noticeably polished edge on an already highly-impressive title.

The tracks are eyecatching for all the right reasons, while the cars have both the looks – and the muscle – to grab racers’ attention from the get-go.

In fact, the car modelling seems taken to another level here, with

Anotherweebyte...

Grand new title on the way ...

BY THE time Gazette readers see this, it’s likely that the question of what the next Grand Theft Auto title will be will be answered, with the first trailer by Rockstar set to spill the beans on Number 5 in the series on November 2.

There’s been an awful lot of speculation over

the past year, with the New York-inspired 4 seeming a long time ago by now.

Still, the hints, nudges and winks dopped by Rockstar, as well as “those in the know”, have all been pointing towards a Los Angeles “inspired” setting for the next title. True, we’ve already seen this in the “Los Santos” setting of Grand Theft Auto: San

Andreas, but it would be intriguing if this was the direction for the next in the series, which would just mark the second appearance for the series on current consoles.

Although Grand Theft Auto 5 may not even hit consoles in 2012, it’ll be great to have some idea on November 2 of what we can expect, then.

the virtual showroom that lets you look at, and, in some cases, climb into, all kinds of both ordinary cars and supercars presenting them in stunning detail.

I bet the range of car manufacturers whose ranges are presented here wished their cars looked quite as ... perfect, in real life.

For those who may be looking for their own unique racing experience, it’s quite interesting that cars can be modified, with a comprehensive paint editor allowing all manner of interesting user designs to be created, which is certainly not standard for racers.

However, all this polish and clever design is just icing on the cake – gamers demand a lot from their racers, and boy, does Forza 4 deliver.

There’s a vast range of tracks, vehicles, brands, licences and challenges to unlock – and that’s even before hardcore

petrolheads start delving into the comprehensive tuning options, to really maximise and individualise their Forza experience – offering a comprehensive, detailed experience with plenty of depth.

Starting off with the lowest-class vehicles which, predictably, handle like shopping trolleys (but with less speed), a few determined races later sees the driver and manufacturer experience begin to rack up, unlocking extra cars, challenges and grades.

In short, Forza 4 lays down the gauntlet, both to other XBox racers, as well as to the PlayStation 3.

It’s difficult to see what the next evolution, or iteration, can be for the racing genre, given the level of graphical polish, programming cunning and gameplay options that Forza 4 delivers, but, for now, this genuinely seems like a must-have title for any XBox racing or car fans.

HOW do you make gamers happy with a longrunning series? Give them more of the same, it would seem, as the all-conquering Angry Birds title has received yet another update – with this one introducing a new bird to the tried-andtested forumula.

Rovio, the Finnish developer, doesn’t seem to have to do very much to push and develop the brand, given the global march of the unlikely smartphone/ IOS-ruling game.

With sales of approximately 12 million downloads from Apple’s iTunes alone, to date – which ignores the vast range of spin-off merchandise – Rovio needn’t do anything else but sit back, and watch the cash roll in.

Still, in a nod that other developers could note, at least Rovio continues to develop its brand with its spin-offs and expansions rewarding loyal customers.

And so, it’s likely that gamers will welcome the arrival of the new Globe Bird, within the 2011 update of the Angry Bird Seasons pack. Sure, it’s just more of the same – but more Angry Birds just seems to keep creating more happy gamers ...

GAZETTE

26 LUCAN GAZETTE 3 November 2011

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3 November 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

WINNING FORMULA:

October winners of Dublin Sports Stars are announced Page 29

PERFORMANCE: THIRD ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON EXCELLENCE COMES TO DUBLIN

sporttracker bring elite to the elite once more sport@gazettegroup.com

SPORTTRACKER.IE are hosting the third annual multi-sport coaching conference at the Regency Hotel on November 19 from 9 am to 3.30pm.

The event, entitled Preparing To Perform, is another gathering of high-profile dignitaries from the world of sport in Ireland and abroad, who will inform and inspire. Last year’s event saw some 600 delegates

in attendance, including well-known sports personalities.

It provided a networking platform for attendees to exchange knowledge, ideas and personal experiences.

This year’s event will feature keynote addresses from the likes of former head coach of British Triathlon and Welsh Athletics, Chris Jones. He has worked extensively with Dr Greg White in pioneering the first UK

Sports Science research programme with elite triathletes, and his athletes compete at Olympic, European, Commonwealth and World level.

Also speaking is Guro Strøm Solli, from Norway, an elite cross-country skier with a Masters in Exercise Physiology and Sport Science, and has researched the effects of increased exercise intensity on the female athlete.

The Regency will also

World champion cross-country skier, Guro Strom Solli, will be one of the keynote speakers

welcome Billy Walsh, head coach of the Irish Amateur Boxing Associations High Performance Unit, as well as sport psychologist, Phil Moore, and athlete management expert, Ken Lynch.

With such an array of topics the aim of the conference is to cater for coaches, trainers, fitness experts, managers, triathletes, athletes and the amateur enthusiast.

The list of speakers for

the conference is being updated daily, and will include Pete McGrath, Down’s double All-Ireland winning manager, and Jim Kilty, who has coached many athletes and coaches internation-

ally with great success.

Log onto www.sporttracker.ie to view the full programme and list of speakers or, alternatively, you can telephone 042 93 24504 or email info@ sporttracker.ie.

28 LUCAN GAZETTE 3 November 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Recovering the need for speed

PETER CARROLL spoke to Jack Kennedy, a local superHeineken Cup defence set bike ace, who has proved his mettle with a return to to begin in Montpellier the saddle after a crash nearly ended his career LEINSTER captain Leo Cullen was on hand last week to help to launch the Heineken Cup for 2011/12 at the National Convention Centre in Dublin.

Leinster, who will be playing in Pool 3 for the opening phase of the competition, will kick off their defence of the title on Saturday, November 12 against Montpellier Herault in the Stade de la Mosson.

They will then welcome Glasgow Warriors to the RDS the following Sunday for a lunch-time kick-off before travelling to Bath on Sunday, December 11 in the first of the traditional December double-headers - with the fourth-round tie taking place in the Aviva Stadium the following Saturday evening.

For more information, see www.leinsterrugby.ie

Development seminar set for November 19 The second annual Club Development Seminar, organised

by Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare Sports Partnerships, will take place at Croke Park on Saturday, November 19.

This follows on from the very successful inaugural seminar held in the Aviva Stadium in 2010.

The seminar will host leading speakers on issues such as budgeting, strategic planning and volunteer recruitment, and has been set up to help

clubs to tackle the problems they face and to ensure they are well positioned for the future.

The event will run from 9.30am (registration is from 9.00am) to 1pm, followed by lunch, and the whole day will only cost €20 per person.

Contact Audrey Grainger at South Dublin County Sports Partnership, on 01 414 9000 ext 2678, or email agrainger@ sdublincoco.ie for more information.

For more information on the speakers at the seminar log onto www. eventelephant.com/ thefutureofyourclub

THE world flies by. The rider reacts and guides his machine through meandering circuits. Splitsecond decisions are the difference between champions and obscurity.

In a sport with a welldocumented history of danger and high-risk endeavours, local racer Jack Kennedy knows all too well that the adrenaline and satisfaction of the race far outweigh the injuries and forks in the road.

Last May, Kennedy came off his Appleyard Yamaha in the meeting at Thruxton, while he was sitting second in the British Super Sport (BSS) standings.

A big moment in the 23-year-old Clon-

silla man’s racing career, Kennedy knew his future lay in his reaction and recovery from the injury.

“It was very difficult.

It was a bad back injury, a fracture to my L1 ver-

tigious Brands Hatch circuit, Kennedy showed the world that he couldn’t be discounted, claiming a victory against the odds.

“To win that race itself is brilliant. The fact that I

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

‘The problem was that the mini-motos and training were on the same day. Even though I loved playing football, I just knew racing was for me.’

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

tebra. It’s a horrible feeling sitting the races out, watching them on television. You miss the feeling of the competition,” said the passionate rider.

In the last meeting of the season at the pres-

was just back from injury made it a lot more special. A lot of spectators and critics watch to see if a rider can come back and be competitive after they have a spill.

“There have been a lot

Jack Kennedy is looking forward to developing his superbike career

of decent pilots who’ve never recovered after coming off their bikes, so it was a really important win for me.”

Kennedy began his racing career at the age 10, and was much inspired by his father, David, who was well-known on the Irish scene, competing in both cars and bikes.

The young adrenaline seeker had to make a choice between hurling and football at O’Toole’s, or the sport that would later go on to be his career.

“The problem was that the mini-motos and football training were on the same day. Even though I loved playing for O’Toole’s, I just knew racing was for me.

“I always took it very seriously and a had a lot of discipline. I just knew it was what I wanted to do with my life.”

Colin Appleyard called on the skills of the dynamic rider in 2010, which allowed Jack a taste of the higher level of the game on the British scene.

“The British and Irish bike communities are both very similar, they’re all very passionate fans.

Of course, I’ll always have a lot of time for the Irish people that have supported me. It’s a great feeling when I’m down in Mondello and people come up and wish me luck or tell me they’ve been watching my races, it means a lot.

“There are big differ-

ences though as far as the racing is concerned. It’s a big step up, it’s like comparing the Premiership to the Championship. The timing is a lot better, the officials are far more professional. It’s just 100% racing.

“There are big rivalries in the pits. Alistair Seeley won it last year and even though I get on very well with him, he’d play his cards very close to his chest. Everyone out there is trying to make a living.”

The tragic death of Marco Simoncelli sent shockwaves throughout the racing world, and it really hit home to Jack, who was watching the race from home.

“I was sitting watching in my house in my cast. It really hit me hard, he just lost control of the bike and it can happen to anyone. He was 24, I’m 23. I was crying my heart out, it’s very frightening to see that,” said Kennedy.

Despite this, the future looks bright for Kennedy, the racing world is his oyster and he hopes to continue pursuing his path in it for the foreseeable future.

“I just want to make a career out of this. In a few years time the dream move would be to World Super Sport I’d get to travel the world and really enjoy myself. At the moment I just want to focus on winning the BSS championship, then who knows?”

3 November 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 29

in association with

HOCKEY: SCHOOLBOY TEAMS EXIT IN SEMI-FINALS

2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS OCTOBER WINNERS IN ASSOCIATION WITH

STARof theMONTH

PAUL RYAN BALLYBODEN St Enda’s Paul Ryan has been at the forefront of his club’s drive for five. He has taken over the main scoring mantle for the Firhouse Road club since the injury of talisman Conal Keaney and his contribution in the final against O’Toole’s was one of the main reasons that Boden claimed the fivein-a-row.

TEAMof theMONTH

EGAN AND FLEMING

SALMON Leap Canoe Club members Peter Egan and Neil Fleming took the Liffey Descent title to add to their huge achievements this year, having claimed the Irish and British canoeing championships. The pair will now focus their attentions on attaining the qualifying standard for inclusion in the Irish team to compete at the 2012 Olympic Games.

THE autumn arrived with a vengance in the last weeks of October and it’s no surprise that the fast waters provide us with one of the month’s Dublin sports stars.

Peter Egan and Neil Fleming have been slowly rising through the ranks of Irish canoeing and it is heartening to see them at the top of their game just before the crucial qualification process for London 2012 begins. Three huge titles in 2011 is a great platform to begin from.

Paul Ryan assisted Ballyboden to their 2011 Dublin crown and helped them claim the first five-in-

a-row in the capital since Garda achieved that milestone in 1929.

His contribution throughout the campaign meant he could not be ignored in the shakedown.

Let us know!

Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin — and give you, or your team, a chance of being one of our monthly stars.

Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes, and follow us on Facebook at facebook. com/gazettesportII.

St Andrew’s David Cole celebrates a goal against Regent House

Local sides bow out of Leinster chase sport@gazettegroup.com

LEINSTER’S challenge for the All-Ireland Schoolboy’s hockey championships title came to an end at the semi-finals stage as, for a second year running, both final four ties went to penalty strokes.

St Andrew’s fell 3-0 to Banbridge in their competition after Matthew Bell’s late flick tied up a game which the Dubliners led for a long period.

Fiachra Maher had put his side in front in the second minute with a brilliant touch to David Cole’s flick.

Wesley were undone on the eighth round of

sudden death penalties, 7-6, by Cookstown.

Ian Sloan had put the Ulster side in front with time running out before Kirk Shimmins gave his side a lifeline with four minutes left but they could not see it home in the shoot-out.

Both had reached the last four a year ago and they returned to the semis as they got the wins they needed against Ashton and Friends, respectively, in deciding group games.

Their progression was far from comfortable, though. Ashton lost the cutting edge that marked their 6-1 win over Sullivan Upper earlier in the com-

petition and let slip seven penalty corner chances.

Ian Stewart, meanwhile, snapped up the chances that came his way, netting in the first minute of the tie and got an insurance goal later on to punish the Blackrock Road school’s profligacy.

Andrew’s corner prowess helped them through against Lisburn’s Friends School. Needing just a draw, the first half was tight for the Booterstown side as the Ulster school held more possession and clipped a post and the bar.

After a scoreless first half, though, Andrew’s stepped up as Fiachra

Maher twice slid onto disguised David Cole corner flicks, sandwiching a straight Cole drag.

Friends did pull one back but Lee Cole’s solo effort capped a solid win, overturning a 4-3 loss to the same opposition a month ago in a friendly tie.

Sutton Park came close to beating Cookstown when they led 3-1 at halftime but four second-half goals denied them, leaving them with just a point from three group games a 2-2 tie with Newpark.

St Columba’s garnered a draw from their game against Munster champions Midleton but fell to Banbridge and RBAI.

Juveniles in final Win tickets to see UCD in friendlies action: across Dublin this weekend

Villarreal finished UCD AFC have announced recently that fourth in last seasons La they will host two friend- Liga and so are qualifiers for next season’s Chamly THE matches at the Belfield Tesco juvenile football championship pions League.

As well Bowl against Scotland’s finals take place this weekend, on Novemas this, they have a wide Stber Johnstone FC on July 5 and 6. range of talented 10, and Spain’s Villarreal Over 2,000 girls will take part in 63 finalsfootballers at their disposal CF on July10 16. across locations in Dublin. withbut Barcelona StEntry Johnstone finished to the finals is free, there willtarget be and former Manchester eighth in the SLP last a collection for Guide Dogs for the Blind United player, Giuseppe season, and have the a long at each venue, official charity of DLGF. Rossi, on the top tradition in Scottish Pictured are players from St Maur’s and of the list. of Tesco, at the football.

Former with players St Slyvester’s, Mr Ping GazetteSpor t and include Sir Alex Ferguson Junior A final in September.

Picture: GAApics.com UCD are giving lucky and Ally McCoist.

readers the chance to win pairs of tickets to these matches.

Simply answer the following question: Where was Villarreal striker Guiseppe Rossi born?

Send your answer, together with your name, address and mobile phone number, to sport@ gazettegroup.com, with “UCD Friendlies” in the subject line of the mail.

UCD’s Robbie Benson

30 LUCAN GAZETTE 3 November 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

BASKETBALL: INTERNATIONAL EVENT AT LOCAL SCHOOL

Barnhall do it the Ards way in AIL encounter BARNHALL continued their run in the All Ireland League with an away test to Ards, and ran in an impressive performance that improves their placing in the table, while their opponents slide lower and lower in the rankings.

Ards converted a penalty after 11 minutes.

However, that was the last score that they were to register in the tie.

Barnhall started to put on the pressure, and Rob McGrath broke the Ards’ defence to run in a try on 20 minutes.

Ards were pinned in their own half for the majority of the half, Barnhall maurauding at will, and the home side gifted a penalty to the visitors for an 8-3 lead.

However, it was not until the second half that Barnhall came into their own, Hopkins slipping over for a converted try. Barnhall’s driving scrum was merciless and Barry Dunne touched down for another converted try from the base.

With five minutes to go, Barnhall went in search of the bonus point, which they secured with another Dunne try, and a conversion from Gillespie that took the score to 3-29 in the visitors’ favour.

Pobalscoil Iosolde’s sport centre was the venue for the event which saw players from Germany, Norway, Poland, Estonia and Ireland take part

Iosolde host hoop event sport@gazettegroup.com

POBALSCOIL Iosolde’s Sports Centre in Palmerstown recently hosted an international basketball challenge event, which coincided with the arrival of four international navy ships to St George’s Quay in Dublin. .

The countries represented were Germany, Norway, Poland and Estonia, and each contested the challenge alongside a team from Pobalscoil Iosolde itself.

The visiting teams, mainly made up of deep-sea divers, were delighted to have the

oppor tunity to take time out in Palmerstown to engage in their favourite sport, and were were impressed with the facilities and welcomed the experience to play against other basketball sides from around the world.

The Estonian ambassador, Mait Martinson, was in attendance and, during the presentation after the matches, spoke in glowing terms about how much he had been entertained. He also hoped that the upcoming matches between Ireland and Estonia in soccer would yield better results for his home-

land.

The teams all received trophies and mementoes of this auspicious occasion.

Others present on the day were the Mayor of South Dublin Coun-

ty Council, Caitriona Jones, local TDs Robert O’Dowd, Derek Keating and Joanna Tuffy.

Representatives of Basketball Ireland and Ballon Basketball Club were also represented,

and participated in the event.

The organisers wish to pass on their thanks to the staff of Co Dublin VEC and Pobalscoil Iosolde, who helped to co-ordinate the event.

Lucan lose out at the last in championship DUBLIN SFC SEMI-FINAL St Oliver Plunkett’s Lucan Sarsfields PETER CARROLL

1-12 1-8

sport@gazettegroup.com

LUCAN Sarsfields will find it very hard to watch this year’s Dublin Senior Football Championship final after a critical moment in the dying minutes of their semi-final clash with St Oliver Plunkett’s proved their undoing at Parnell Park last weekend.

Going into the game as underdogs, Sarsfields proved

equal to the championship favourites and gave the Navan Road side a hard match throughout the 70 minutes, constantly probing for gaps and firing on sight of the opposition posts.

The incident of controversy came with just five minutes left on the clock when the Sarsfields’ men were attacking Plunkett’s into the Church end. Dublin veteran Paul Casey handed off the ball to Jimmy O’Neill, who was firing toward the danger zone.

O’Neill found himself run-

ning into a wall of Plunkett’s men before a collision sent him flying to the ground right in front of the goal.

The Sarsfields’ players and support roared their protests, but the referee waved them away, with the Lucan men losing out on the penalty which, if converted, would have put them ahead with the score at 1-9 to 1-7.

From there, the play went up the pitch and resulted in a free which Bernard Brogan put over with ease followed by another point from open play

by Ross McConnell. These points but Plunkett’s four ahead in the last two minutes and effectively took the game out of Mick Bohan’s men’s reach.

Lucan can be very proud of their performance, really putting the star-studded Plunkett’s side through a stern test throughout the fixture.

They worked hard for every point and performances from David Quinn, the goal scorer, and Tommy Brennan won admiration for their prowess in front of the goal.

3 November 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 31

in association with

CAMOGIE: SARSFIELDS REGISTER FOUR TITLES

CLUB NOTICEBOARD LUCAN SARSFIELDS LUCAN Sarsfields issued an appeal

Johnny McCaffrey has organised

for support for site purchase via

two coaching courses for mentors

press release during week: Lucan

in November. If interested, contact

Sarsf ields GAA Club has issued

Johnny.

an appeal to its members and the wider community to support them

November 5: Music by Mulligan.

November 17: AGM.

in their bid to purchase an adjoin-

All tables sold for gala ball. Con-

ing site that is currently on the

tact Paul Stapleton or Mar tina

market.

McGillowa y to be included on a

The club is asking members to join

reserve list.

a new interest-free loan scheme

The Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club 25

so that they can access sufficient

Card Drive every Friday in the club-

funds to buy the site. Full press

house bar at 9pm.

release on website.

Hard luck to our senior football-

Set dancing 8.30 to 10pm every Wednesday night.

ers in semi-final of chamionship

Bank Holiday Lotto numbers will

who came so close to reaching final

be on website af ter draw. Liam

for first time.

Mulhall’s team will be in charge

Great opne-point win by the minor

next weekend. Do not forget you

hurlers which means they reach

can always enter our Lotto online

the championship semis.

at www.lucansarsfields.ie.

ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN Two of the four Lucan Sarsfields camogie teams who each won their Dublin championships last weekend

Camogie comes of age in Lucan quartet

COMMISERATIONS to our senior

If you haven’t got your tickets yet

hurlers on their one-point defeat to

you can book same be calling or

Naomh Fionnbarra in the B cham-

texting 086 7255 586.

pionship final on Sunday last, and

Congratulations to our junior

also to the combined minor hurlers

footballer Simon Faughnan and his

who were beaten in their champi-

wife Siobhan on the birth of their

onship final by Raheny.

daughter Caitlin.

The senior hurlers are at home in

Members please note this Sat 5th

the league this Saturday at 3pm to

is the last day to order any xmas

Whitehall Colmcilles.

gifts from our club shop which will

The annual Mass of remembrance Q PETER CARROLL sport@gazettegroup.com

LUCAN Sarsfields’ camogie teams have had an astonishing year that has set them apart once again in their code in the capital.

The determination, skill and competitiveness of their sides have seen the club capture four Dublin undreage championship titles in recent weeks, from Under-13 up to Under16 level, a truly remarkable feat that adds to the celebrations as the club acknowledges its 125 anniversary.

The Under-16 team proved that toughness is a vital characteristic to a team after suffering heart-breaking losses in the championships in previous seasons.

In St Vincent’s, they were facing a big challenge against their perennial rivals, and the game was very much a nip-and-tuck affair.

Kate Whyte’s amazing tally of six points from six frees gave the Lucan side the edge heading into the last ten minutes, which they went on to dominate, with the score finishing at 2-7 to 1-6.

With it being their last year as juveniles, the memory of this championship title success will long live in the memory of Sarsfields faithful and the team will be used to success at the highest county level as they develop their skills at a higher level.

In the Under-15 final, Claire Devereux got the scoring under way after a hard-worked goal passed the Plunkett’s keeper and opened the floodgates.

At half time, the score was 3- 4 to 1-3, after the Lucan defence had guarded their posts like lions, and their creativity in midfield led to many scoring passages.

Taking no chances,

the girls gave the Navan Road side no let up in the second half when they continued their dismantling of Plunkett’s.

Laura Morrissey and Charlotte Rooney scored the final goals to end the rout at 7-7 to 1-4.

The Under-14A final was again an encounter featuring Sarsfields and Plunkett’s, and again this team had seen its fair share of disappointments over the last 15 months.

This didn’t stop the girls putting on an exceptional display of the game for the first 45 minutes. Charlotte Rooney was on the score sheet again for the U-14 team, putting her side 15 points ahead going into the last quarter.

Despite the huge effort from the Plunkett’s girls, there was to be only one winner on the day. Amy Conroy’s contribution was especially significant dur-

ing the entire campaign with the final score finishing at 3-13 to 5-2.

The outstanding Jessica Condron and five other team mates lined out for the U-14 final winning team the day before they appeared in the U-13 final, but their commitment was ever-present as they went head-to-head with Naomh Brid.

Gemma Berr y and Orlaith Murphy’s control of the midfield began instantly and Mur phy opened the scoring with a 45 shortly after.

Lucan managed to per form even better in the second half and only let up for the few seconds that it took Naomh Brid to take their only score of the game.

The final finished 3-8 to 0-1 to Sarsfields and the memory of the four sides’ success is sure to live for a long time at the club.

be open 10am to midday.

of deceased members and friends

Lotto numbers drawn were 18, 20,

takes place in the clubhouse on

21 and 28. There was no winner of

Saturday, November 12 at 8pm.

the €5,200 jackpot.

Only three weeks to go to our

Match any three numbers win-

jubilee gala ball which takes place

ner was Tommy Connily, and he

on November 19 in the Red Cow

receives €200. Next week’s jackpot

Moran’s Hotel.

is €5,400.

Tickets are only €45 with a cham-

The draw is held each Sunda y

pagne reception at 7.30pm and the

night at 10pm in the Palmerstown

meal will be served at 8pm sharp.

House.

WESTMANSTOWN GAELS/GARDA THE intermediates have final league

The club awards night is on Satur-

game of the season away to Naomh

day, December 3 in Westmanstown

Mearnog next Sunday, November 6

at 8pm.

at 2.30pm.

Well done to the Gaels’ U-12s, win-

The Junior 1s had an important

ners of the Martin Gibney Cup in

win over Fingallians on Sunda y

an inter-county club event held in

morning.

Cavan this weekend.

The ladies’ final league game of

Congratulations to Keith Corrigan

the season against St Sylvester’s

and his support team who have had

did not take place last week and is

a great season and made the club

postponed until further notice.

proud this year.

The Battle of the Thin Blue Line

Watch out for Pat Hawkins’ U-12

boxing night between the Garda

girls’ team who won on their first-

GAA Club and the Garda Rugby

ever outing this weekend. This team

Club takes place in Croke Park on

is definitely one to watch in the

Friday, November 25. The night is

future.

a fundraiser for both clubs and in

The ongoing membership drive:

aid of the Tania McCabe Foundation.

Thank you to everyone that has

Tickets are available from commit-

distributed leaflets in local estates

tee members.

in recent weeks.

ALL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM27-31 PAGE 27-31 ALLOF OFYOUR YOURCASTLEKNOCK LUCAN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE

NEWSTARS: ALL GANG IN Lucan ’TOWN: juvenileWestmanstown camogie teams host Leinster annex all schools’ four Division rugby blitz 1 titlesP28 P31

BACK SUPER ONSTARS: TRACK Kennedy May award on his nominees superbike revealed inside returnP29 P28

GazetteSPORT

Lucan Sarsfields annexed the Under-13, -14, -15 and -16 A championship titles last weekend

MAY 26,3, 2011 NOVEMBER 2011

Lucan camogie stars make Dublin history Sarsfields’ juvenile ladies’ four titles in one week show strength and depth of commitment to code Q PETER CARROLL

lucansport@gazettegroup.com

IN AN historic weekend for Lucan Sarsfields camogie, the club became the first in the history of Dublin camogie to clinch all four juvenile county championship titles.

This feat has confirmed the club as one of the greatest in Dublin camogie, and GazetteSport caught up with a man who has been central to the organisation of matches and the teams, Gary Beagan, who explained the steps Lucan have taken to make the girls’ unbelievable achievement a reality.

“It was a brilliant weekend, in our 125th year, at our home pitches of the 12th Lock, and the effort we’ve put into the camogie programme seemed to all come together. It was fantastic.

“The girls got the reception they deserved at the clubhouse last Sunday night, the place was absolutely packed.

“This has never been done in the history of Dublin camogie, or in the history of the club, so we are delighted and we’re very proud of the girls,” said Beagan.

It wasn’t just a fluke that Lucan managed to capture the four juvenile titles in one weekend.

Beagan highlighted the importance of the programmes that Lucan Sarsfields run outside of the club that make them the powerhouse they are in the game.

“We’ve had the nursery programme in place now for nine years and, since its launch, we’ve seen a major improvement in numbers and the quality of how the girls play the game.

“The club runs programmes in schools and host competitions that put the schools in competition against each other.”

“GPO Johnny McCaffrey has spearheaded the programmes in the schools and that results in a lot of people taking part in the nursery.

“We have over 300 girls playing camogie here

and we have gained a high profile in Dublin for our efforts and achievements in the sport,” said Beagan.

“Before we launched the nursery, we only had two juvenile teams and one senior team.

Now we have two teams in every age group at that level, and we could have three senior teams as of next year.

“Our champions last weekend set an example for all of the girls in the community and our numbers seem to be improving already.

“Our U-16 group will be going on to the adult panels next year, and five of them are already on the Senior B team. Another five are on the intermediate team, and the rest are playing minor camogie,” said Beagan.

Lucan Sarsfields’ ladies will look to add to their silverware collection this weekend when they face off against their closest rivals, St Oliver Plunkett’s, in the semi final of the Minor A championship.