Lucan

Lucan GAZET TE FREE

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INSIDE: Tracy Piggott welcomed for local school visit Page 6

Rugby League: Barnhall man scores hattrick for Ireland Page 32

Camogie: Championship success goes on for Sarsfields Page 31

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

November 10, 2011

PARENT POWER: New ClapHandies classes to have fun with baby Page 4

€144k in bid to gain seats in Dail Q PAUL HOSFORD

GENERAL Election spending in Dublin Mid-West totalled more than €144,000 this year, The Gazette can reveal.

Figures released by the Standards in Public Office, show more than €9.2 million was spent in the election campaign, with Fine Gael leading the way on €3.1 million.

Seven of the 14 candidates in this constituency, the four elected TDs, as well as Eoin

O’Broin, John Curran and Gino Kenny, will be able to reclaim €6,350 of their expenses on the campaign, having secured enough of the vote in February.

Labour Party TD Robert Dowds shelled out €24,227.83, while party colleague, Joanna Tuffy, spent €21,628.43 on her campaign. Fine Gael’s Frances Fitzgerald and Derek Keating spent €16,208.10 and €14,410.22, respectively.

Full Story on Page 3

Trotting out a new look: Fancy dress fun at equestrian centre ALTHOUGH Kelly Ray and Sean

Geoghan, riding Flicka, weren’t sporting regulation riding gear – with superheroes on horseback being decidedly rare, these days – they were allowed to carry on with their fun

look, as they were taking part in a fancy dress event at Little Oak Equestrian Centre recently. Riders (and their mounts) were all eager to trot out some imaginative looks for the event.

Full Gallery on Pages 8-9

2 LUCAN GAZETTE 10 November 2011

COMMERCE: TOO MANY TAXIS FOR EXISTING RANK – CLLR LAVELLE

Meetings to discuss fate of taxis in village Confey at the top: Students get scholarships THREE Confey College students

received academic scholarships at a ceremony in NUI Maynooth on Monday, November 7.

The three students – Barry Dowd, who is studying Law; Sinead O’Connell, who is studying Science, and Fintan McGrath, who is studying Computer Science – were

awarded the scholarships on the basis of their Leaving Cert performances.

All three exceeded 500 points and, as a result, were presented with a piece of crystal and cheques for €1,000 by the president of the university, Professor Philip Nolan.

The entrance scholars also have

campus accommodation reserved for their use.

Pictured at the NUIM Entrance Scholarship awards presentation are entrance scholar, Sinead O’Connell; NUIM Registrar, Dr David Redmond; entrance scholar, Fintan McGrath and Confey College principal, Niall Hare.

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LOCAL Fine Gael councillor, William Lavelle, has welcomed plans for consultation meetings to be held jointly by council engineers and councillors with the main groups of local stakeholders, with the topic of the possible relocation of the taxi rank in Lucan village.

The group will include residents, businesses and taxi drivers, who will all be affected by any possible move.

Cllr Lavelle said that the current situation, with the taxi rank currently adjacent to the park in the centre of the village, is unworkable, due to an overflow of taxis.

“The current taxi rank is very short and far too often results in taxi queuing up at night outside houses at Sarsfield Terrace and Vesey Terrace.

“This has led to many valid complaints from residents, regarding the impact on their quality of life.

“I have met with the Sarsfield Park and District Residents’ Association, along with individual residents, to discuss these problems and possible solutions,” said Cllr Lavelle.

He said that any changes to the current set-up would have to take into account the impact that would be had on local stakeholders.

Local impact “However, any changes to local taxi rank arrangements must also take into account both the impact on local business and the views of local taxi drivers.

“Over the summer, I actively supported local businesses in opposing the installation of a

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‘The taxi rank is very short and far too often results in taxi queuing up at night outside houses at Sarsfield Terrace and Vesey Terrace.

This has led to many valid complaints from residents.’

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Cllr Willliam Lavelle, FG

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second taxi rank outside Lynch’s Centra, due to the loss of parking spaces and the impact on night time deliveries.

“This was not the right solution, and proves the need for full consultation so as to find the solution that works best,” he said.

“I also appreciate the concerns raised by many of the taxi drivers, with whom I have been in contact.

“It is important that the council engage with all stakeholders before any decision is made,” said Cllr Lavelle.

10 November 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 3

POLITICS Costs revealed for Dublin Mid-West race

COUNCIL: DETAILED REPORT

Report reveals extent of social housing scheme Q PAUL HOSFORD

lucan@gazettegroup.com

A selection of some of Dublin Mid West’s General Election hopefuls from earlier this year, their parties at the time of campaigning, and their campaign spend: (top, left) Frances Fitzgerald (FG) spent €16.208.10; (top, centre) Paul Gogarty (GR) spent €11,771.93; (top, right); Robert Dowds (Lab) spent €24,227.83; (above, left) Joanna Tuffy (Lab) spent €21,628.43; (above, centre) Derek Keating (FG) spent €14,410.22, as well as receiving €11,126 from party HQ; and (above, right) John Curran (FF) spent €9,210.55, and was assigned €2,803.20 by the Fianna Fail National Election Agent.

General Election bill: €144,000 for parties Q PAUL HOSFORD

lucan@gazettegroup.com

GENER AL Election spending in Dublin MidWest totalled more than €144,000 this year, the Standards in Public Office (SIPO) has revealed.

SIPO figures released recently showed that more than €9.2 million was spent in the election campaign, with Fine Gael leading the way on €3.1 million.

Seven of the 14 candidates in this constituency, the four elected TDs, as well as Eoin O’Broin, John Curran and Gino Kenny, will be able to reclaim €6,350 of their expenses on the campaign, having secured enough of the vote in February.

Labour party incumbent Joanna Tuffy spent €21,628.43 on her campaign, which saw her top

the poll.

Of Deputy Tuff y’s expenditure, €7,260.48 was payable from public funds – that is, the work of Parliamentary and Secretarial Assistants, postage and photocopying in the Oireachtas.

Deputy Tuffy’s campaign spent €4,000 on posters, with another €6,231 going on election materials, such as leaflets, stickers and canvass cards.

Deputy Robert Dowds, who was elected for the Labour party, spent €24,227.83, after allocating €11,295 to his party’s national campaign.

However, he was not allocated any direct funds from HQ. Of Deputy Dowds’ spend, €4,000 went on election posters, and €6,612.65 went on election leaflets. He also spent €5,522.18 on

advertising.

Fine Gael’s Frances Fitzgerald, who was elected, and has since been appointed a Minister, filed expenses of €16,208.10, with €867.86 of that figure coming from public funds.

That is because Ministre Fitzgerald was a Senator at the time, and would have been entitled to the use of office equipment and services in the Oireachtas.

Minister Fitzgerald allocated Fine Gael €17,718 of her allowance, receiving €2,874 of that in return.

Her campaign spent €9,593.61 on posters, paying out €1,000 for 10,000 cable ties.

Her party colleague, Deputy Derek Keating, spent €14,410.22, as well as receiving €11,126 from party HQ. Deputy Keating’s spend

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‘General Election spending in Dublin Mid-West totalled more than €144,000 this year. More than €9.2 million was spent in the election campaign, with Fine Gael leading the way on €3.1 million.’

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included €8,949.11, under the heading of election posters and €3,575.41 under advertising.

Fianna Fail’s John Curran, the former Government Chief Whip, spent €9,210.55, and was assigned €2,803.20 by the Fianna Fail National Election Agent.

Curran allocated €15,060 of the statutory spending limit of €37,650 to the party’s national spend.

Of Curran’s spend, nearly €7,000 went on election posters and

material, the former TD spending €3,900 on posters and €3,072.59 on election material.

The Socialist Party’s Robert Connolly filed for no expenses, although the national agent for his party reported a spend of €9,215.37 on his campaign.

The Worker’s Party’s Michael Finnegan, who polled 694 first-preferences, spent €3,519.80, splitting the costs between leaflets, at €1,850, and posters, at €1,669.80.

Outgoing Green Party

TD Paul Gogarty filed expenses of €11,771.93, of which €69.84 was met from public funds.

Gogarty spent €4,339.06 on leaflets, spending €1,950 on leaflet distribution, with the controversial former deputy shelling out €3,481.10 on posters and their erection.

People Before Profit candidate Gino Kenny spent the bulk of his €6,996.28 outlay on election materials, with €4,609.13 accounting for leaflets, a website, canvass cards and newsletters, amongst other things.

As for the Independents, Michael Ryan declared no expenses, according to SIPO documents, while Colm McGrath spent €4,764.16, Jim McHale spent €4,454.16 and Niall Smith’s campaign cost him €1,300.

SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) has had 103 applications for housing under the Social Housing Leasing Scheme since the programme’s inception.

Responding to a question from Labour councillor Eamon Tuffy, who asked for a report on the operation of the Applicant-Sourced Housing Scheme in the Lucan electoral area (EA) , and for information on the number of homes offered by proper ty owners and the number of homes which have been secured for the scheme and allocated, the council said that it had received more than 100 applications.

Interest A SDCC report said: “To date, the council has received expressions of interest from owners of 103 private properties in the Lucan EA for inclusion in the Social Housing Leasing Initiative, of which 27 of the properties were presented through the ApplicantSourced Homes (ASH) scheme.

“All properties were assessed for suitability, and negotiations were conducted with the various property owners.

“Lease terms have now been agreed for a total of 31 properties, including two ASH cases, and these properties have been tenanted. A further three ASH cases are currently in process.

“An enhanced roll-out of the ASH scheme will be commenced in the coming months, in tandem with the ChoiceBased Letting scheme,” said the report.

4 LUCAN GAZETTE 10 November 2011

ART: MODIFIED EXPRESSION

A major new art exhibition A MAJOR new art exhibition, Modified Expressions, has been opened in the County Library by the Mayor of South Dublin County, Caitriona Jones, with special guest, former managing editor of The Irish Times Arts Section, Gerard Smyth.

The exhibition will run until November 18 during library opening hours (Mon – Thurs 9.45am – 8pm / Fri AND Sat 9.45am – 4.30pm) and has been described by curator Angela O’Kelly as a collection of works by 14 emerging and established applied artists, whose work is inspired by the written word, letter art, recycling, paper cuts, binding and book art.

On display will be calligraphic text, decon-

structed books, intricately hand-cut paper, fibre manipulation and recycled and re-sculptured works where literary works have been transformed into visual ones creating powerful new forms of expression.

All aspects of books were considered in this process, from the text itself to the structure and binding, the paper, the print and the illustrations.

The artwork is inspired by the written work of authors who participated in the Literature element of the Kilkenny Arts Festival 2011.

For more information, please contact Una Phelan at County Library Ta l l a g h t , u p h e l a n @ sdublincoco.ie or phone 01-4620073.

PARENTING Teaching how to play the imaginative way

Classes taking Dublin by storm Q NATALIE BURKE

SINCE it was established in 2007, ClapHandies, which runs weekly classes to guide parents and their babies on how to play in imaginative and innovative ways, has taken Dublin by storm.

Founded by Liza Crotty, a mother of two, the

company now runs classes right across the capital and surrounding areas.

Liza says: “After having my first child, I wanted something to do that would be educational and developmental and that would interest both me and my daughter, but there really wasn’t anything out there.

ClapHandies holds weekly classes to guide parents and their babies on how to play in imaginative and innovative ways

“I spoke to my friends, and realised a lot of people were in the same position. So, it gave me the idea to set up some play workshops, and I began collaborating with the people and experts who could help make that happen.”

Over a three-month period, Liza set up workshops where she watched, listened and learned, seeing what interested the infants, what engaged them, what worked and what didn’t. In 2007, she then began classes in Sandymount and Terenure with more than 60 clients, and the business has continued to grow.

Today, ClapHandies hosts more than 80 classes a week in 20 different venues across Dublin, and features three core classes, including PlayLabs, Baby Massage and Paediatric First Aid. During a PlayLab, babies, toddlers and their parents have the opportunity to have one-on-one play time, with a focus on a different developmental

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‘ClapHandies hosts more than 80 classes a week in 20 different venues across Dublin’ --------------------------

theme every week.

The Baby PlayLabs cater for babies aged from six weeks, the Wobblers Lab from 12 months and the Toddlers Lab from 21 months to three-and-ahalf-years.

“Baby Massage is another class we hold, and is a wonderful thing to do,” says Liza. “They’re beneficial for parent and baby, and helps them bond, helps prevent colic and is proven to benefit mothers suffering with post-natal depression.

“Some health insurance companies actually cover the cost of Baby Massage classes for new mothers too,” she says.

Shortly after launching PlayLabs, Liza was asked by her customers to start running first aid courses

for parents, and she joined forces with Responder Training to deliver first aid courses focusing on baby and toddler first aid.

“Parents come to the classes for a huge amount of reasons. Some parents come for advice, some for support and some for friendship. It’s a great way to meet parents in the same area with children the same age,” says Liza.

“It’s especially good for new mothers, as it offers a lot of support and the opportunity to ask questions they might not be able to ask anyone else.

“It can be hard to have proper play time at home with so many distractions but in the ClapHandies classes, parents have a whole hour they can dedicate to just having play time with their baby.”

ClapHandies has a recently opened their brand new venue in Lucan, in the Lucan Spa Hotel. To book in for a trial session and a lesson in fun, visit www.claphandies.com, or contact Liza on 087 919 6042.

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10 November 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 5

TRANSPORT Dowds calls for an ‘immediate review’

Dublin Bus must ‘listen to customers’ DU BL I N B u s m u s t launch an “immediate review” of changes it has made to its services in Clondalkin and Palmerstown, Labour TD Robert Dowds said this week after receiving a wave of complaints from angry commuters.

Speaking to the Gazette, Deputy Dowds said Dublin Bus needed to start “listening to the concerns of customers, up their performance and deliver the top-class service that was promised when they rolled out Network Direct”.

“The number 13 and the number 26 have only been running these routes a matter of weeks, and already my constituents are sick to the teeth of waiting at bus stops for long periods of time only to see two buses coming together.”

In response, Dublin Bus said it would continue to monitor the routes.

“The Dublin Bus Network Review is the result of in-depth research and analysis into the current travel patterns of customers and customer experiences and expectations of their bus service.

“All Network Direct Proposals, including those for Route 13 and 26 were based on these findings and incorporate the

recommendations of the Deloitte Cost and Efficiency review of Dublin Bus. “ O n e o f t h e ke y demands determined from this research was an increase in cross-city routes,” the transport company added.

“Regarding Route 26, this service operates from Palmerstown to Merrion Square via the Lucan --------------------------

‘I am hearing stories every day of two buses coming along at the same time’

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Road and Chapelizod.

Customer feedback on this service has been very positive and welcomed in the community,” the company continued.

But Deputy Dowds said he had been “sceptical of the idea of crosscity services from the start, as there is a much greater chance of a bus getting caught in traffic jams in town, leading to buses not being on time.

But the daily reports I am getting from people of two buses arriving at the same time is beginning to cause great annoyance to commuters”.

The Labour TD said he had recently received

a letter from Dublin Bus that said the problems with the new bus routes were due to “implementation issues” that would be addressed shortly. But rejecting this explanation, he called on Dublin Bus to launch an immediate review of their new routes.

“I recently received a response from Dublin Bus to a letter I sent them about these issues, and, while I appreciate their admission that there are problems with the new routes, I reject their assertion that these problems can be put down to ‘implementation issues’, as they claim. It was inevitable that cross-city bus routes, such as the 13, were going to run into serious trouble.

“I sincerely hope that Dublin Bus can improve their performance in the future, and deliver the top-class service they assured us they would provide.

“I am a strong supporter and frequent user of public transport, and I want to fight to protect that funding stream. But it makes my job much tougher when I am hearing stories every day of two buses coming along at the same time.

“I hope that Dublin Bus will heed my call and review their new routes immediately,” said Deputy Dowds.

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Take time to spoil yourself: Total luxury at the K Spa in Straffan

Deputy Dowds received a wave of complaints from angry commuters

BEAUTY PAGES 14-15

6 LUCAN GAZETTE 10 November 2011

ENTERPRISE 14 jobs, cash share from national programme

€87,000 funding boost for South Dublin CEBs THE Minister for State for Enterprise, John Perry, last week announced the provision of an additional €3.1million to the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) directly to fund job creation projects in the remaining months of 2011 – meaning €87,000 and 14 new jobs for South Dublin.

The additional funding is provided from savings elsewhere in the Minister’s department, and is provided

in response to specific requests from CEBs. The funding is additional to the €15 million already provided to CEBs in 2011.

Making the announcement, Minister Perry said that supporting these kind of jobs was vital.

“If we are to get out of this crisis, it is crucial that we strive in every way possible to encourage the start-up and expanding businesses that will

create the jobs of the future.

“The County and City Enterprise Boards around the country have a key role to play in providing much-needed capital for these businesses.

“This year, a number of CEBs have indicated that they would not have sufficient funding to respond to the needs of start-ups in their area, and so the department sought to make savings in other areas to provide funding for these vital

businesses.

“I am delighted to announce, as a result, that we will be providing an additional €3.1 million for start-up and expanding businesses,” he said.

Additional demand “This funding will go to the 28 CEBs, which are experiencing additional demand for their services, and will directly fund projects that will create more than 400 jobs around

the country.

“It is very encouraging that 28 CEBs have sufficient demand from projects in their area to justify these requests, and this shows that the startup spirit is alive and well in Ireland.

“The provision of this additional funding to support businesses is further evidence of the Government’s commitment to the small business sector, and ensures that resources

are targeted at those CEBs where demand is greatest,” said Minister Perry.

Each CEB has also examined the funding it currently has available, and whether it already has sufficient money to cover the projects coming to them seeking funding over the rest of the year.

Arising from this, seven boards concluded that they had sufficient funds available to them in 2011.

Local parks get a major boost PARKS in Lucan and Clondalkin received a major boost this week following the announcement that funding in excess of €40,000 has been allocated to them.

Minister Michael Ring, Junior Minister at the Department forTransport, Tourism and Sport, allocated the funding as part of a Capital Grant scheme for local authority-backed sports projects.

Corkagh Park, Griffeen Valley Park, Hermitage Park and Rathcoole Park will all get €10,200 to enable them to be fitted with fitness equipment.

The funding is being allocated to projects that will boost participation in sport.

The funding is not a new round of the Sports Capital Programme, but, rather, a targeted measure for local authority sports facilities. No decision has yet been made on the timing of a new round of the Sports Capital Programme.

Local Fine Gael TD, Derek Keating, said that he was pleased with the award, and hoped that it would incentivise people to get involved in sport.

“I am delighted that some funds listed above [can be] used by South Dublin County Council to enhance our national sports programme, which depends so much on the dedicated voluntary and local support of many parents and community leaders,” said Deputy Keating.

South Dublin County Council offices

COUNCIL INITIATIVE: FORMED TO SUPPORT SOCIAL INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY

New Migrant Integration Forum is to be launched

A NEW Migrant Integration Forum is to be officially launched in County Hall next week by the Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Caitriona Jones.

The launch of the new forum will take place on Wednesday, November 16, as part of South Dublin County’s Integration Initiative.

The Forum was formed recently by a number of migrant groups in the area, in collaboration with South Dublin County Council (SDCC), Dodder Valley Partnership and CPLN (Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Lucan and New-

castle) Partnership, to provide an opportunity to members of the immigrant community in the area to collaborate, network and peer support on social inclusion and cultural diversity.

Clondalkin Intercultural Choir will provide music entertainment on the morning, and support for the scheme is widespread.

Issah Husseini, interim chairperson of the Forum, and CEO of New Communities Partnership, said: “This Forum is being inaugurated at a time when the increasing diversification of our country has created

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‘Through this Forum we wish to hold healthy and constructive conversations’

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Dr Theophilus Ejorh, Forum member and sociologist

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a need to promote the richness of our diversity, and the importance of fostering both the integration of new communities and mutual co-existence between them and the majority population, based on the ethic of equality, mutual respect and care for one another.”

Processes leading up to the setting up of the Forum began at a

workshop organised last December in Tallaght by the Social Inclusion Unit of SDCC’s Community Services Department, in addition to several monthly meetings held this year.

The mission of the Forum is to serve as a platform to help develop an inclusive, supportive, secure and intercultural community that is based on the principles

of equality, diversity, healthy communication, social justice and mutual respect.

With membership consisting of migrant community leaders and representatives in the area, the Forum also aims to disseminate information to migrant communities in South Dublin, provide a link between their communities and the local people, promote migrants’ perspectives in policy matters within the county, provide a space where county officials can present topics of interest, and inform migrant communities on developments in the

county, among others.

Forum member and sociologist, Dr Theophilus Ejorh, said: “Through this Forum, we wish to hold healthy and constructive conversations with the native population, build bridges across our diverse and differentiated groups, and also demonstrate that we all can be different and still be Irish.”

For further information, contact Maria Finn, Social Inclusion Officer, Community Services Department, South Dublin County Council.

Telephone 086 380 3060 or 01 414 9270, or email: mfinn@sdublincoco.ie.

10 November 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 7

VOLUNTEERS Fundraising for Playing For Life praised

Tracy makes a special visit to thank school Q PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com

POPULAR TV personality and newly appointed head of RTE Sport, Tracy Piggott, was in Lucan for a special visit last week to thank students from Scoil Aine Naofa for their fundraising efforts for her charity, Playing For Life.

Playing For Life is a registered Irish Charity that has worked closely with communities in Tanzania, Kenya and Malawi since 2005.

It focuses on the teaching and training of skills and trades, mainly in rural areas where many young people do not get

the opportunities to complete a 2nd or 3rd level education.

The charity was founded by sports presenter Tracey, the daughter of horse-racing great Lester Piggott and since 2005, it has had over 300 volunteers working on projects in the aforementioned countries.

They ask volunteers who partake in their projects in Africa, (over a 10 to 12 day period) to roll out introductory workshops in the various skills or trades that the community has asked the charity to provide.

This gives both the visitors and the local people a unique and wonderful

insight into something they would never have experienced before. Some of the successful projects that we have worked on to date include Building Projects such as building the Sakata Vocational School, in Malawi, extending the Namisonga Community School and the ongoing completion of the building of their third Vocational Training centre in Mkwichi.

The link between the charity and the school comes through Ann Jones, who is the director of the charity and a parent at the school.

She was introduced to the charity by her brother, former Tyrone GAA star

COUNCIL

Walking and cycle routes SOUTH Dublin County Council is proposing a number of walking and cycling routes to serve local communities throughout the county which it hopes will create more sustainable local neighbourhoods with direct pedestrian and cycle links to local destinations.

Padraic Carney (Headmaster Scoil Áine Naofa), Tracy Piggot and Anne Jones

Shortcuts

John Lynch.

“I was recruited by John as a volunteer for Playing for Life in August 2006. My work involved co-ordinating the Healthcare Programme in Malawi both in 2006 and 2007.

“In 2009, I became a Director with the Charity and have been working hard fundraising and recruiting volunteers to travel with us on our Projects in Malawi Tanzania and Ethiopia. In January 2012, I am planning to travel to Ethiopia

with PFL. “On Friday October 28 the children of Scoil Aine had a Non- Uniform Day in Aid of Playing for Life.

Each child donated €2 towards our Project in Ethiopia 2011 and Tracy visited Scoil Aine last Friday to speak with the children about our work which was a huge success as the children bombarded Tracy with excellent questions relating to Africa and our work,” explains Ann. “Scoil Aine Naofa have been consistent in their

fundraising efforts for me since 2006. I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Mr Sean Houriharne and Mr Padraic Carney, school principals, who have supported this worthwhile cause every year. My gratitude extends also to the staff and pupils of Scoil Aine.”

The charity is still seeking volunteers for their Ethiopia trip in January. For more information, Contact Gillian on 045 482479 or check the website www.playingforlife.ie

In many cases, the links are based on existing shortcuts or footpaths; enabling cyclists and pedestrians including those with decreased mobility to access safe, hard surfaced and direct routes to the local shops, schools, community centre, bus, rail or Luas stop, cycle routes or the park or playground.

For maps, descriptions of each project and a feedback form of each route, the council is asking people to visit www. sdcc.ie

8 LUCAN GAZETTE 10 November 2011

PASTIMES Fancy dress fun for equestrian centre’s riders

The riders, and their mounts, line up in their fancy dress gear

Kim Nolan and Albi

Niamh Corbet rides Billie Bunter

Trotting out to have a great day ALLOWEEN fun came to Little Oak Equestrian Centre in Prosperous, Co Kildare recently when riders and horses got dressed up for the occasion.

An AIRE (Association of Irish Riding Establishments)-approved yard, Little Oak Equestrian, run by Tallaght native, Anne Creevey and her family, held its very first Hal-

H

loween show since being opened almost three years ago, with .

There were four classes of showjumping to suit all levels of riders’ skills, from the littlest riders with mini-minor jumps, to the braver jockeys with a mini, midi and maxi class, and also a fun costume parade to show off everyone’s fancy dress efforts.

Shaunna Kane and Albie

Ruby Noone and Jackson

Sanovitae’s Super Slimmers WE are half way through our Superslimmers challenge in the Sanovitae Health Club.

Dave Ward and Sean Daly have been working hard under the watchful eye of Keith Dixon and Matt Corbett from Performance Health Ireland.

In the last 5 weeks Dave has lost 12lbs and reduced his body fat by 8%.

This has shown a remarkable improvement in health for Dave. By reducing his body fat, Dave, reduces the likelihood of heart disease, diabetes and other diseases.

He is a changed man, just last week he had to have a clear out of his wardrobe as his body has changed shape to such an extent that his clothes don’t fit him anymore!

Sean has lost 13lbs and dropped his body fat by 4%. The key to Sean’s success is in his training intensity.

Sean is really battling on with his training program.

He is covered in sweat when he finishes his training sessions.

Dave and Sean have a varied training program.

This means they do strength training, cardiovascular work and circuits.

This helps them to train their body in different ways so that they utilize more body parts in more functions resulting in more fat loss.

It also means that they are stimulated when they train. They are not doing the same training week in week out.

Both our Superslimmers have changed their eating habits to maximize both health and weight loss benefits. When looking at nutrition plans there are a few key things that they must have.

• Protein. Protein is essential for building lean muscle. And lean muscle means calorie burning! Protein will also give you a feeling of fullness without being bloated.

• Healthy greens. Green vegetables are essential for providing minerals and vitamins essential for your health. Chlorophyll and red blood cells share a lot of the same DNA! • Minimize starchy carbohydrates. White carb’s

like bread, pasta, rice and potatoes raise blood sugars which can encourage fat storage. It is almost impossible to have a completely carbohydrate free diet. Carbohydrates provide essential nutrients and energy.

• Be alcohol free. Alcohol is damaging to your health in so many ways. Alcohol not only has a huge amount of calories it can also mimic insulin causing increased fat storage. Alcohol also dramatically effects performance and so reduces your capacity to train at an optimal level.

• Eat regularly and do not starve yourself. Eating regular small meals encourages digestion and enhances your metabolic rate.

You can follow Dave and Sean’s progress on both the Sanovitae and PHI Facebook pages just like Performance Health Ireland.

Contact Performance Health Ireland if you would like a FREE consultation and thorough assessment.

Email matt@phireland.com or call Keith (087-9327668) or Matt (087-2037393)

Week 5 Sean

Week 5 Dave

Week 1 Dave

Week 1 Sean

Contact Performance Health Ireland if you would like a FREE consultation and thorough assessment.

Email matt@phireland.com or call Matt 087 2037393 or Keith 087 9327668 for more information.

10 November 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 9

as they celebrate the Halloween spirit in memorable style

Nuka, dressed as a Unicorn

Ellen Merrins and Misty; Sophie O’Grady, Alex Purcell, Kelly Ray and Ciara O’Reilly and Harry

Charlie

Sean Geoghan, riding Flicka, being led by Kelly Ray

10 LUCAN GAZETTE 10 November 2011

10 November 2011 GAZETTE 11

LIVE A return to home soil as Dubliners Tarantella Falls relaunch debut album

It’s all falling into place now Q MICHAEL HANNAN

DUBLIN band Tarantella Fall will relaunch their debut album, Abandoned Road, at Blanchardstown’s Captain Americas this Friday, November 11.

It is a homecoming gig for frontman Chris Kinsella, a Blanchardstown native who has lived there all his life, and he is looking forward to playing back on his old turf.

“Captain Americas is a fantastic new venue in the area that the band is very excited about playing. It is great to see a new venue in the area promoting live original music and, it’s free in on the night so be sure to get there early,” he said.

Abandoned Road is a concept album that tells the story of John Willmore, a man with a dark

past who decides to share that darkness with those he meets.

The album has been described as “reminiscent of the storytelling of Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen or Willie Vlautin” which “veers between the alt. rock musings of REM, the heavy guitar workouts of Neil Young and the sinister atmospherics of Slint,” according to Olaf Tyaransen of Hot Press.

Formed in late 2009, Tarantella Fall’s line-up is completed by Neville Foster on drums, Graham Keogh on bass and Ronan O’Donovan on guitar and harmonica.

They take the first part of their name from the Tom Waits song Tango Till They’re Sore and the name of an Italian dance.

The second part comes from a poem by Hillaire

Belloc in which the last line refers to a waterfall.

The band made their live debut in January and first launched Abandoned Road in March.

It’s been an eventful year for the quartet, who had their song, Wasteland, featured in Network Two’s The Importance of Being Whatever.

They helped musician Dave Browne break the Guinness World Record for continuous guitar playing of over 114 hours with a stint with him in the Temple Bar Pub. They have also performed for Special Olympics Ireland on Henry St, and shared the stage with Irish bands of the moment Royseven, The Minutes and Bipolar Empire as part of the Jägermeister Freezer Sessions in Dundalk.

Dublin band Tarantella Falls are set for a debut album relaunch in Captain Americas this Friday, November 11

12 GAZETTE 10 November 2011

GazetteNUTRITION NUTRITION Getting your digestive system in tip-top shape Q LEILA JOHARI

IF you find yourself experiencing hear tburn or indigestion you may be suffering from a digestive imbalance, an inability to produce the appropriate enzymes to break down food or an inability to secrete the acid or alkali environment throughout the digestive system.

A poor digestive system can result in embarrassing symptoms such as bloating, burping and belching which we would all prefer to avoid.

Importance of a healthy digestive system An optimally functioning digestive system is essential to good health.

The nutrients in food cannot promote health if they are being inefficiently absorbed.

The average person only absorbs 30% of the nutrients needed by the body each day. This is why we must ensure that our gut is as healthy as possible.

Strategies for dealing with dodgy digestion • Avoid large and too frequent meals • Avoid drinking with meals as this dilutes the action of digestive juices making complete digestion more difficult • Avoid strong spices, salt, sugar, curries, alcohol and coffee as these are gastric irritants and acid-forming foods such

as meat and fast food • Avoid fried foods • Avoid eating under stress as it impairs digestion • Avoid poor food combinations. A meal consisting of raw fruit, cooked fruit, raw vegetables, cooked vegetables, several types of protein, starch and sweets will lead to indigestion.

Keep meals simple and chew food well.

Never combine fruits with vegetables, fruits with starches or liquids with solids.

Bacteria isn’t always bad One of the most important factors in boosting digestive health is ensuring that there is the right balance of good and bad bacteria in the stomach.

When bad bacteria overwhelm the good, d i g e s t i ve p r o b l e m s occur.

A good way of guaranteeing you have enough of these beneficial bacteria is to eat probiotics - foods that contain cultures of these bacteria.

Probiotic bacteria naturally dominate in a healthy gut; they reinforce the integrity of the intestinal lining as a protective barrier to prevent harmful organisms or materials from crossing into the body’s bloodstream.

The lifestyle link If you are ill, stressed, very tired or taking antibiotics, your gut flora suffers. When your gut flora is in decline, the harmful bacteria can

grow in formidable force, and, of course, the good bacteria are no longer able to do their important jobs.

So you’re convinced that you need to keep your good bacteria happy and healthy. The question is how?

Eating more probiotics is the obvious answer.

They contain living cultures of good bacteria, most often Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium species. They are available in milk-based drinks, yogurts and cheeses.

The idea behind probiotics is that they introduce colonies of good bacteria into the colon.

Eating probiotic products is like infecting your body in a good way.

Some research suggests that only a small proportion of the bacteria in probiotics make it through to the colon – many are killed in the acidic conditions in the stomach, which is why acid-forming foods should be avoided.

Prebiotics are food for the good bacteria. They are indigestible carbohydrates that encourage the existing good bacteria to thrive. Basically, they are soluble fibre such as whole grains, oats and rye, and good sources include Jerusalem artichokes, onions, garlic and bananas.

So listen to your gut reaction and make the dietary changes that will boost your digestive system. And remember, it’s not “you are what you eat,” it is “you are what your body can absorb”.

An optimally functioning digestive system is essential to good health

10 November 2011 GAZETTE 13

EVENT

10 Years and still going strong for the Boys!

The longest-running male lifestyle event, Toys 4 Big Boys, in Ireland kicks off on November 11 with a host of brand new features. Girls in the City will run in parallel with Toys 4 Big Boys in a different part of the Citywest venue.

Be wowed

by Toys 4 Big Boys at Citywest GET ready to experience this juggernaut of excitement as the longest running male lifestyle event in Ireland kicks off on November 11 with a host of brand new features.

Take a deep breath and prepare to be amazed and wowed as the show provides something of interest to all – lads, dads and families. Those who visit the event will enjoy a fun day out full of escapism and the chance to feast their eyes on everything they could possibly want.

This year will witness the biggest show yet, where revellers can expect to see amazing stunt shows that will shock and awe, the biggest Military Zone ever, the greatest cars and bikes you will see in Ireland, as well as the coolest gadgets on the planet!

Driving and drifting

Scream at the top of your lungs as the Oblivion Zip Line takes you from the top of the massive arena to the bottom in a matter of seconds. And if the Terminal Velocity Stunt Jump doesn’t frighten you to death, make your way over to the Live Action Arena and witness some top-class formation driving and drifting from some of the best drivers that Ireland has!

If you are still standing, and can take some more excitement, make your way over to the Adventure Zone or try water zorbing, kayaking, the bunjeetrampoline, climbing, the gaming arena, golf, hovercrafts, the Jedi Academy, for our younger visitors, laser clay shooting, our fantastic live stage, paintball, microlights, RC rac-

ing, skate ramp, wrestling, martial arts displays and much more.

The impressive Nintendo Unleashed Tour comes to Ireland for the first time at Toys 4 Big Boys, where you will be able to experience incredible 3D graphics, thanks to the revolutionary new Nintendo 3DS and you can also try out some ground-breaking prereleases. Nothing beats the satisfaction of playing new releases before everyone else, especially trying games that aren’t even available in the country!

And with great excitement, the event will see the first ever Soccer Live!

Arena, where Ireland’s best young freestylers and street footballers will make their mark at this years’ inaugural competition. There will be freestyle master classes with world renowned Daniel Dennehy and Peter Fleming, Ireland’s first ever 2 v 2 soccer tournament, street soccer challenges, and you may even get the chance to meet a soccer legend!

No excuses

Did we say there was free parking? Well, there is but, if you want someone else to do the driving, take the Luas (which departs from Connolly Main Line Railway Station) right to the front door – hop on the Luas Red Line to the last stop (Saggart) and you’re just 200 metres from the venue, so there really are no excuses! You simply need to come to this show!

Commenting on the Toys 4 Big Boys Show, John McDonald said:

“The Toys 4 Big Boys Show has changed considerably over the years and this year, being our 10th anniversary, there are no holds barred. We’re investing a huge amount of money in the 2011 event, which will see a big array of new features and activities for everyone to enjoy – and there will be parts to the show which no one has seen before!

There really is something for everyone at this year’s show – young lads and their friends, dads with their sons and families looking for something different to do. And, for the ladies….the Girls in the City event will deliver on everything they could possibly want.”

For tickets, and more information on this year’s show, check out www. toys4bigboys.ie. Flat rate ticket price of €10 with children under 10 free!

Girls in the City

This brand new event will run in parallel with Toys 4 Big Boys in a different part of the Citywest venue. An all-new concept event for women and their friends to have fun, with beauty, style and fashion. Three fashion shows a day; talks, workshops and demonstrations; delivering all the elements of a fulfilled and confident life. This event is styled and produced

by French fashion guru, Cynthia Baloula.

Online admission price of only €10 Free parking Community and competitions: Facebook.com/ girlsinthecity.ie Tickets: girlsinthecity. ie/tickets

14 GAZETTE 10 November 2011

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY Total luxury at the K Spa in Straffan

Vaseline’s makeover

ONE of Ireland’s most trusted skin care ranges, Vaseline, has just undergone a major makeover. Built on the premise that no two women are the same, Vaseline has developed a new three-stage moisturising treatment that works with every woman’s unique skin type. The essential range includes, Essential Moisture, Aloe Fresh and Cocoa Radiant.

“Our customers wanted a thicker texture and a milder formulation and so we created our new Essential Care Range in response to those demands,” says Lauren Brooking, of Vaseline Ireland.

The Vaseline Essential range is available from supermarkets nationwide

Q DAWN LOVE

I’VE been to a fair few beauty spas in my time as a journalist, but there are few that can compare to the K Spa in Straffan, Co Kildare. Tucked away on the grounds of the luxury five-star K Club Hotel and Resort, this is an absolute gem of relaxation and tranquillity.

Once the home to the

Barton family, the design of the hotel is based on that of a great chateau at Louveciennes, situated to the West of Paris, and just as it exudes luxury so to does the K Spa. Covering 20,000 sq ft, the spa is situated in a separate building to the main hotel and incorporates seven treatment rooms, two private suites, a swimming pool, saunas

and steam rooms.

The Spa carries two beauty ranges, the Irish organic brand, Voya, and the luxurious French skincare range, Carita.

I arrived on a rainy Thursday morning and was offered a glass of chilled, still water while I filled in a questionnaire form for the two therapists who would be looking after me.

Covering 20,000 sq ft, the K Spa is situated in a separate building to the main hotel

After changing into a luxurious towelling robe and slippers I headed off for a K Spa Signature Massage, which is a fullbody massage that fuses Eastern and Western techniques. My beauty therapist was Janet and to say I was thoroughly spoilt would be an understatement.

Using delicious grapeseed oil, Janet really concentrated on getting the lymph system going and when I say I felt three inches thinner at the end of the hour-long treatment, I’m not kidding. I think that’s the beauty of going for a K Spa Signature Massage. They are designed to suit the individual needs so, if you are pregnant and want to tackle any fluid retention, or if you have cellulite or you simply want to relax, then it’s an ideal treatment to opt for.

Next up was a facial using products from Carita, the range that every chic Parisian keeps on her bathroom shelf.

My therapist, Mona, felt that, although my skin is combination, it was also dehydrated, so she treated this in a number of ways.

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

‘I left feeling completely pampered and indulged, the way you should after a morning at a first-class spa’ --------------------------

First off, my skin was cleansed and then exfoliated with Carita’s famous mixture of roasted sunflower seeds marinated in essential oils such as thyme, lemon and clove, all of which are designed to exfoliate, brighten and soften your skin.

The next stage involved a relaxing massage and, for the mask, Mona used Carita’s Bain des Lagons, which plumps up the skin cells and increases its ability to maintain its moisture reserves.

While the mask was on, my hands were massaged and I was given an Indian head massage, at which point I nodded off completely.

Before applying a moisturiser, she used a concentrated moisture booster called Serum des Lagons (a favourite with many a beauty editor) which is essentially a fresh, thirst-quenching gel that refines the skin’s texture and leaves it looking like you drink the requisite eight glasses of water on a daily basis and never, ever indulge in a late night.

I left feeling completely pampered and indulged, the way you should after a morning at a first-class spa.

For more details about the K Spa, or to make a booking, call 01 601 7200 or log on to www.kclub. ie

The luxury five-star K Club Hotel and Resort

10 November 2011 GAZETTE 15

Edited by Dawn Love

Getting your hair ready for the big party season DOES your hair need a touch of magic in the leadup to the party season? L’Oreal Paris’ first triple reinforcing programme, with Arginine and a protein complex, could be just the ticket for you then.

The high concentration of Arginine in the Elvive Triple Resist range works from the root along the lengths, to the ends, leaving your hair feeling stronger and nourished.

Fans of the range include Hollywood siren Jennifer Lopez and products to chose from include the Triple Resist Reinforcing Shampoo (€5.35) and Triple Resist Reinforcing Conditioner (€5.35).

For a special treat the Triple Resist Reinforcing Masque (€7.96) has a rich, melting and soft texture while the Triple Resist Reinforcing Treatment (€5.99) penetrates ultra quickly targeting the root of the hair. and has seven treatment rooms, a swimming pool, saunas and steam rooms

16 GAZETTE 10 November 2011

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC Competition time: Win new editions of classic Nevermind Still one of the most influential and game-changing records ever made, Nirvana’s Nevermind is 20 years old this year, and to celebrate we have ten copies to give away.

Simply answer the following question: What was the name of Nirvana’s first album?

Send your answer to competition@gazettegroup.com, with the subject line “Nirvana”, before Friday, November 11 or log on to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gazettenews, and like and share the Nirvana post on your wall.

INTERVIEW: CELTIC ROOTS SHINE THROUGH

Katherine’s dream continues apace Q ROB HEIGH

MAKING the connection between the Celtic traditions has been something that many overseas acts have attempted over the years, to varying degrees of success, but Welsh mezzo soprano Katherine Jenkins has more of an affinity than most.

She was on fine form when I spoke to her from London recently, where she was promoting the release of her new album, Daydream.

The record features two very Irish songs in its roster of beautifully rendered standards, which Katherine was delighted to talk about how they came to appear on this, her seventh studio album.

“Carrickfergus is a song I’ve known for quite a few years, and I have always wanted to record it, but sometimes when you’re making an album, there’s not space for everything, and not everything fits.

It has been on my list for quite a few years, and finally I had a space for it.

Katherine Jenkins will return to the Dublin stage in December 2012

“Black is the Colour was introduced to me by an Irish friend, who told me about Christy Moore, and I had never heard of him before.

“I started listening to some of his songs, and I found out how beautiful that song is, I knew immediately that would be the first song on the

album.

“When I had that, I knew I had a song that would match Carrickfergus, and that they would complement each other.”

Katherine was in Dublin last week, making press appearances and suggesting by Twitter that she was about to take over as the host of The Late Late Show, but she is set to return to the stage of the O2 next December with a full choir and orchestral backing, something she cannot wait to come around.

“I’m really looking forward to coming back to Ireland. I absolutely love singing there, and I always feel so welcome, the Welsh and the Irish have a great affinity.”

Katherine has had a meteoric rise to fame over the years since her first appearance on the music scene, and Daydream again underlines what is so special about her voice and style. It sounds like a Sunday afternoon at Christmas-time, warm and enveloping, mellow and rich. I asked Katherine when she thought

she had truly found her voice.

“I think that came on my second album. At the time I was doing a lot of touring between recording sessions, and I felt I had developed a lot as a performer.

“And I think I found my voice through the live experience rather than through the recording process. I think that’s when I started to realise where I was and where I wanted to be.”

For someone who has achieved so much - millions of record sales worldwide, singing with some of the finest tenors and acts in the business, I wondered what ambitions Katherine still had for her future career.

“I feel like a lot of the things I’ve really enjoyed and am proud of are things that I never expected to be involved in, like Doctor Who, like Popstar to Operastar, and so I feel that I’m happy to go along this path. And I’m really lucky, if I can carry on singing and making albums, I’d be really happy with that.”

10 November 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: RATS MAKE GOOD COMPANION ANIMALS DUE TO THEIR HIGH INTELLIGENCE

Keeping the social and furry rat as a pet LET’S talk about rats!

Pet rats! Yes, people do keep them as pets; mainly because due to their high level of intelligence, they make wonderful companion animals and, as they live a relatively short life, (average three years), those who don’t wish to make the long-term commitment that comes with owning a cat or a dog, usually find this type of pet appealing.

Here’s the science bit: The domestic rat is related to the wild brown rat. However, people have been breeding him as a companion pet for around a hundred years.

Including his seven-inch tail, this animal ranges in length from between 14 to 18 inches and his coat can be curly and shiny, all

black or black and white.

However, (for a variety of reasons) not everyone is suitable to have one of these curious little creatures as pets.

And here’s why…

salmonella may produce problems in an otherwise healthy adult that may then pass to the unborn child. Personal hygiene is the key here and, if you’re in any doubt, consult your family doctor.

Care

You cannot keep a pet rat caged 24/7. Like the rest of us, they need time out to stretch their legs, to socialise, to interact with their owners by snuggling up on their laps and to explore new areas of their environment. If you don’t allow this type of socialisation, your rat may become depressed.

Rats are nocturnal creatures, which means they sleep during the day and need a quiet room when you’re going about your business. During the night

Welfare

The domestic rat is a relative of the wild brown rat

when you want to sleep, Roland the Rat wants to play. Are you prepared for this?

Do you know what a Zoonotic disease is (a disease in animals that may be transmitted to humans) and how to prevent it?

If you’re getting a pet rat for a child, you need to be aware that young chil-

dren have an underdeveloped immune system and aren’t in the habit of washing their hands following close contact with animals. This can make them particularly vulnerable to the effects of salmonella – an intestinal bacteria carried by rats.

The same rule applies if you’re pregnant because

As social animals, your pet rat will need a companion and this means another rat because, if Roland doesn’t have a friend, he’ll get bored and become unhappy. A pair of males is recommended because they do well together if introduced when young. (Babies can be removed from their litter at six weeks). Female rats actually get on better if introduced when they’re a little older.

Please be sensible, you

don’t need to be Sherlock Holmes to know that males and females who are unaltered will breed, and breed, and, er breed and the litter count can reach as high as 20! So, have the little guys neutered/spayed as soon as you can.

Housing

Rats love climbing so get your little pet a wire cage with a solid floor and use pelleted, recycled paper, shredded paper towels or napkins. Never use pine or cedar shavings – they’re harmful to rats. Provide a small box or plant pot for hiding and PVC tubes for running through or small tree branches for climbing. If introducing an exercise wheel, make sure it has

a solid surface without wire rungs to ensure his tail doesn’t get caught when running.

Diet

Roland Rat’s main diet should be a good quality pellet chow containing soy meal, which is specifically formulated for rodents. I’d recommend peas, carrots, apples and bananas as treats and dog biscuits to keep his teeth in good condition – but never give chocolate, onions, toffees, peanut butter etc. Fresh, clean water in a feeding tube should also be available at all times.

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

18 GAZETTE 10 November 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs VW PASSES 8 MILLION MILESTONE: VOLKSWAGEN Group increased vehicle sales in September to achieve record nine-month results.

The German-based car company said that it is well on the way to hitting sales of eight million cars this year.

Volkswagen group retail sales for all brands, including Audi, Skoda and Seat, rose 13.3% in September to 751,900 vehicles. This gave a ninemonth retail sales figure of 6.11 million cars, a 13.9% increase from last year.

The Audi and Skoda brands have lead the expansion in sales by increased sales in expanding markets, including China and central and eastern Europe and by a significant rise in US sales. In Europe, Volkswagen Group sales grew by 10.8% to 2.7 million cars.

The new BWM 3 Series range has more space and significantly better engines

BMW launches new 3 Series BMW has launched the latest version of the 3 Series, its best-selling model in the world, in time for the 2012 market.

The new BMW face, with flat headlights reaching along as far as the BMW kidney grille, is part of the signature design of the new BMW 3 Series.

The sixth generation of the 3 Series has grown in size compared to its predecessor. It has a wider track, both front and rear, and the car is 93mm longer with a 50mm longer wheelbase. Despite the extra size, the new car is

40kg lighter.

On the inside, BMW claims that the new 3 Series is noticeably bigger and the rear passengers get more space and leg room. The new car will be available in three trim and equipment variants, the Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line.

BMW will be offering a choice of four new refined and economical engines, all of which feature new BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. In addition to two further optimised diesel engines, and the already

successful six-cylinder petrol unit, customers can also enjoy the power of the new turbocharged four-cylinder variant in the BMW 328i. This latest-generation petrol engine claims to give dynamic driving coupled with reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

BMW is the first carmaker to offer an eightspeed automatic gearbox in the premium mid-size segment. It can be specified in combination with any of the petrol and diesel engines in the range

and links up with the Auto Start-Stop function that comes as standard.

BMW claims that the compact and efficient gearbox allows the new BMW 3 Series to match, or out-perform, models fitted with the standard six-speed manual gearbox in terms of both fuel economy and emissions.

The new eight-speed automatic claims to bring together shift comfort, dynamic performance and efficiency of the highest order.

As components of the BMW EfficientDynam-

ics technology line-up, the Auto Star t-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Shift Indicator and needbased operation of ancillary components also play their part in reducing fuel consumption.

Added to which, the new Driving Experience Control switch offers Comfort, Sport and Sport + options, but also Eco Pro mode.

The Eco Pro switch helps drivers maximise fuel economy through their driving style, thereby enabling them to

increase the distance they can travel between visits to the pumps. The same goes for the CO2minimising BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition, whose peak output of 163bhp contrasts with average fuel consumption in the EU driving cycle of 24.3km/litre (4.1l/100km or 68.9 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 109g/km.

BMW said that it will add further cutting-edge engines to the line-up in 2012. The new BMW ActiveHybrid 3 petrolelectric engine cars will be premiered next year.

Volvo records Europe leading cut in CO2 VOLVO claims to be at the top of the table among European carmakers when it comes to reducing carbon dioxide emissions. This is shown in the sixth annual analysis conducted by T&E, the European Federation for Transport and Environment.

Europe’s eight largest carmakers cut their CO2

emissions by an average of 2% to 6% in 2010.

Volvo Car Corporation is the exception that stands out, with a CO2 reduction of no less than 9%.

Successful

This is the result of an environmental focus under the Volvo “DRIVe towards zero” banner.

Sales of fuel-efficient,

diesel-engine cars from the DRIVe range have been successful.

This is one of the explanations behind the major reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Examples of popular models are the V50 DRIVe with emissions of 99 g/km and the V70 DRIVe with 119 g/ km. Volvo Car Corporation’s CO2 strategy also

includes electrified cars with varying degrees of hybridisation, even more efficient diesel and petrol engines, and alternative fuels.

This is one of the explanations behind the major reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

Another reason may be that Volvo has downsized its engines in many

cars from bigger older technology engines that were less efficient.

Feasible

“The aim is to come down to an average of 95 grammes of carbon dioxide per kilometre across our total car sales in 2020. In theory that is entirely feasible, but a lot depends on devel-

opments in legislation, incentives, energy availability and, of course, customer demand. In addition, the EU intends to introduce a new method for calculating carbon dioxide, and this, too, will impact our plan,” said Peter Mertens, senior vice-president Research and Development at Volvo Car Corporation.

R1

10 November 2011 GAZETTE 19

20 GAZETTE 10 November 2011

10 November 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Jim and Trish Doherty, The Golf Warehouse

Couple know their golf business off to a tee

CLOSING EXPENSIVE BANK ACCOUNTS Q – I have three bank accounts and a credit union account at the moment. I was thinking of closing the bank accounts, due to the fees I am currently paying. Will this affect my credit history ? Also have c. € 35,000 to invest for between five and 10 years – where is the safest and best

THE Golf Warehouse is an Irish, family-run and owned business located at the Mill Shopping Centre in Clondalkin. The shop in Cherry Orchard had been open for over 10 years when it moved to the Mill Shopping Centre in September 2011. So, they have a lot of experience in the golf business.

Run by husband and wife team, Jim and Trish, they are aiming to make golf affordable.

Jim has been involved in the golf business for nearly 20 years. He is from Palmerstown but went to primary school in St Joseph’s and secondary school in Moyle Park College. He then went to college in Scotland, the birthplace of golf. When he came home, he was working in his family’s golf wholesaling business, supplying all the professionals and golf shops around the country. He opened up The Golf Warehouse in November, 2001.

Trish is from Stillorgan and has worked in various companies in an accounts role before getting involved in the golf business. Being lucky enough to have worked in companies, from Maersk to Ogilvy and Mather, has given her a wide knowledge of how companies work. She is also a qualified Accounts Technician.

They are excited to be in the Mill Shopping Centre and their aim is to be the alternative golf shop providing advice and good value for money to their customers.

return ? Jimmy – Westland Row A - Maintaining one current account, let alone three, is expensive, especially if you use overdrafts and then exceed them. Interest rates start at c. 14%, and you could pay an additional 12% in surcharges when you exceed your overdraft. This, apart from the arrangement fee (€ 25) plus referral fees (€4.44 per day per item) and then the ignominy of having a standing order, direct debit or cheque sent back (€12.70 each). Charges can vary from bank to bank. Bank of Ireland for instance charge 28c per transaction, BUT it is free if you lodge € 3,000 per quarter (three months). You also have to make nine debit payments from the account using Banking 365 online or maintain that € 3,000 in the account at all times. Their charge is € 11.40 per quarter for the first 90 transactions (average cost 12.66c per transaction), after which the cost rises to 28c per transaction.

As you can see, it is all money. Only if you have a number of standing orders and direct debits (which cannot be appropriated to deposit or cash save accounts) is it worth maintaining a current account. I would certainly close two of the current accounts and, as long as you are not abandoning debts, this will not affect your credit history. Credit unions can only pay third parties by cheque – they do not have Direct Debit or standing order faciliJim and Trish Doherty of The Golf Warehouse

ties. Also, unfortunately, they do not pay dividends or interest at the moment either because of the bad debt provisions they have to allow for - this by

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

A: Trish: A ballerina.

Jim : A rock star.

Q: What was your first job?

A: Trish: McDonalds.

Jim: Lounge Boy in The Silver Granite, Palmerstown.

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: Trish: It was £30 and I got a pair of Pepe Jeans.

Jim: Probably around £20 and spent it on records.

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: Trish: December, 2006.

Jim: November, 2000.

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Trish: Meeting different people.

Jim: The interaction with customers.

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

A: Trish: Some of the golf talk –

order of the Financial Regulator - but they are a

Jim knows more than I do.

The Frames to Yo-Yo Ma!

Jim: As much as possible.

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Trish: Jim does that

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Trish: Eh, golf.

Jim: Golf, football, rugby, snooker, darts, tennis – pretty much anything with a ball.

Q: What sport can you play?

A: Trish: Eh, golf.

Jim: Golf, football – badly, snooker – just hit and hope.

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

A: Trish: Have to say Happy Gilmore – proves anyone can play golf.

Jim: Love Actually (but it’s a secret – don’t tell anyone).

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: Trish: There are nearly 10,000 songs – everything from Mamma Mia to Frank Sinatra to Cold Play.

Jim: Quite varied, from U2 to

Jim: Loads of people, from BOD to Martin Sheen to Glen Hansard, list is long.

Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update?

A: Trish: Ask Jim. Jim: Happy Election Day.

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Trish: Coca Cola Ham. I might print off the recipe for anyone who asks me nicely.

Jim: Anything cooked by Trish (fab cook). Fajitas, mmmmm.

Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: Trish: The need for chocolate

Jim: Would rather starve – and that’s saying something.

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: Trish: Books – love reading.

Jim: CDs, DVDs etc.

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Trish: Not sure.

Regarding your € 35,000 for that period of time, the National Treasury Management Agency’s State Savings would be both the best and safest in terms of deposit returns. The National Solidarity 10 year Bond pays 1% less DIRT tax per annum – net 0.73% per annum. That is 7.3% after 10 years, but you also receive a 40% tax-free lump sum totalling 47.3%. In your case, that would mean a total return of € 51,555 net into your hand after 10 years on your lump sum.

To obtain the same from any DIRT deducting deposit

Jim: Too many for a bloke, maybe 20-30.

taker, they would have to offer you a gross 5.41%

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Jim: With Trish and our six-

Best rate currently is Permanent TSB’s two-year

year-old by a pool, in the sun, with many beers.

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: Trish: Mystery shopper or

every year to match the 10-year Solidarity Bond. fixed account at 4.22% per annum 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

personal shopper.

daily.

Jim: Rock star.

Jim: Eating sweets late at night.

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

A: Trish: Suppose I have to go

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

A: Trish: Neither.

very useful and important Irish institution.

where my hubby goes…

Jim: Somewhere warm.

146,000* PEOPLE IN DUBLIN READ OUR PAPERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

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22 GAZETTE 10 November 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel

Chatsworth House is one of several historic English venues celebrating Christmas in style

Help to celebrate the spirit of Christmas with delightful family holidays in England IN THE build-up to Christmas, there are lots of enchanting festivals and events taking place just across the water – so what better time to take the family on a short break to England?

In Westonbirt, the National Arboretum will become a wonderland of festive lights when the Enchanted Christmas event returns for 2011.

Alongside carols and festive treats of mulled wine and roast chestnuts, visitors will be able to take the 45-minute illuminated trail around the old arboretum. The trail takes in some of the gems of Westonbirt’s collection, spectacularly highlighting the beauty and shape of the trees.

For further details, go to www.forestry.gov.uk/ website/forestry.nsf/byunique/infd-8j9ce8.

Chatsworth House, in the Peak District, has brought out the holly and the ivy for its very own Christmas carol spectacular. All the classic carols will be brought to life in a series of stunning visual displays, along with a few extras, across the lower floors of the historic home.

Visitors will be taken on a magical, festive journey around the house, complete with beautifullydecorated Christmas trees, shepherds and their sheep, snow and sleighs. There is also the opportunity for children to take part in a traditional Nativity at the farmyard, starring real animals. This is running until December 23. For further details, go to www.chatsworth.org.

At Kenilworth Castle, kids can participate in traditional toy-making workshops with historical games experts, Heuristics. Not only will they learn how to make a traditional wooden toy, which you can take home, there will be carols, fun games, storytelling, mince pies, mulled wine and hot spiced apple cider. This runs from November 27 to December 31. For further details, see www.englishheritage.org.uk/kenilworth.

Where better to put on a Dickensian Christmas market than in the historic Kent town where Charles Dickens once lived? Lining the grounds of the red-and-green-tinged medieval Rochester Castle are rows of cheery fairy light-draped stalls, offering mulled wine, Dutch waffles, roasted chestnuts and plenty of handmade gifts.

And, as shoppers enjoy the seasonal sugary treats, they’ll be entertained by costumed characters, street performers, bands, and carol singers.

For further details, go to www.dickenschristmasmarket.com.

Whether for weddings, business travellers or holidaymakers, the wellappointed hotel has something to suit all interests and requirements

HOTELS: RELAXING AT THE RADISSON SSON BLU ST HELEN’S HELEN’S

Fine food is the icing on the cake Q MIMI MURRAY

THE Radisson Blu St Helen’s, located along the Stillorgan dual carriageway, is the perfect spot for business meetings, but also has an informal atmosphere that attracts guests for pleasure as well.

Staying there on a recent Friday, my husband and I were slightly perplexed on arrival to see a wedding party just about to check in. However, we were attended to promptly, and we hurriedly rushed past the bride, not wanting to lower the tone of her pictures.

Our business-class room was well laid out, and had everything the business traveller would

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

‘We made our way to the beauty salon on the ground floor – it really was one of the best treatments that I have had in a long time’

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need. With one ear on the radio and the presidential election count, and an eye on the clock, we dressed for dinner.

Talavera Restaurant, located in the basement of the hotel, serves typical Italian cuisine. It seems to be popularwith locals, and many couples dropped by their neighbour’s tables in order to say hello and discuss our latest “prez”, Michael Squee.

The mostly Italian staff were excellent, and really attentive throughout the night. My starter choice

of beef carpaccio, with sheep’s cheese, was nice and light, while my husband’s pasta with seafood was really tasty.

Plaice fillets with a caper and tomato sauce was nicely cooked and light. My husband felt he chose badly, as he wasn’t a fan of the polenta, but his ossu bucco (veal shank) was well-cooked.

An affogato dessertice cream with Baileys poured over it was delicious, and my other half said the tiramisu was spot-on.

Wines are mostly Italian, with a handful from other regions, but we decided to stay faithful to the Italian theme and ordered a lovely Sangiovese, which was very drinkable. After dinner we moved to the Orangerie Bar for an after-dinner drink.

Next morning, we made our way to the beauty salon on the ground floor for some pampering. I went for a full body massage, while my hubby decided to try something a bit different and went for

facial – or “a macial”, as I have been calling it ever since.

My therapist, Roisin, was excellent, and it really was one of the best treatments that I have had in a long time.

There is no pool but guests can use a nearby club if they feel the need to get a few laps in before breakfast. However, there is a gym, which we did not make good use of, and instead headed back to Talavera for a tasty breakfast and a dissection of the election results.

For more information on the hotel go to www. radissonblu.ie/sthelenshotel-dublin. For information on the spa call 01 2188198 or email info@ pureradiantbeauty.ie.

10 November 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

Bridge the gap to a trip to Tullamore THE four-star Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore, Co Offaly, is currently holding a room sale until 6pm on Sunday, November 13, during which time a limited number of rooms will be available each day for just €25 per person sharing, on selected dates until the end of February, 2012.

Located less than 90 minutes from Dublin, Limerick and Cork, the Bridge House Hotel, with a luxury spa, awardwinning leisure club, and Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant, is perfectly located for a short break. for further details, visit www.bridgehouse.com, or telephone 057 932 5600.

With a limited room sale for just €25 per person sharing, Tullamore’s luxurious Bridge House Hotel has so much to offer guests, whether those staying with a promotional or regular rate

For those looking to travel further afield, have Christmas all wrapped up with a Stena Line shopping weekend in Wales, from only €99 per adult.

This fare includes

return travel by coach from Rosslare to Fishguard with Stena Line, and one nights’ accommodation in The Ivy Bush Hotel, with dinner and breakfast.

Enjoy an afternoon shopping in Carmarthen, and, before returning home the next day, enjoy a visit to Haverfordwest Indoor Market for all those little festive extras.

For further information, or to book, see www. stenaline.ie/iv ybush, telephone 01 204 7733, or visit your local Stena Line office or travel agent and quote A586..

FRANCE: RANGE OF SUPERB ANNUAL FESTIVALS

From wine to lights, the French celebrate in style MANY cities around France are pulsating with festivals at this time of year, with just a few to mention, including the Beaujolais Nouveau Festival, The Festival of Lights and the Cannes Dance Festival.

Running from Thursday, November 17 to Saturday, November 19, the Beaujolais Nouveau Festival will kick off at the stroke of midnight.

It is rumoured that the young wine, which comes from a region south of Burgundy in France, must be finished

by Christmastime, and there have been regulations put in place to delay the wine’s release until the third week of November.

This means that the arrival of the wine is strongly received in France, and, all over the country, celebrations take place and grand traditions have developed in honour of its release each year.

TravelBriefs

The biggest of these takes place in Beaujeu, the capital of the Beaujolais region, which springs to life with the Sarmentelles’ party.

This three-day festival involves the opening of huge barrels of the wine, and much sampling by party-goers, along with music and fireworks.

Wherever you may be in France, this is a great night to be a part of.

Lyon festival Over in Lyon, every building is illuminated during December’s Festival of Lights, or Fetes des Lumieres, as the locals call it.

The people of Lyon parade through the night carrying lanterns, keeping alive the tradition, which dates from 1852, when a statue of the Virgin was unveiled on the hillside during a storm.

Today, a host of activities take place throughout the procession,

Flying fish swimming over and around spectacularly colourful buildings and sculpture? Lyon’s spectacular Festival of Lights always delights locals and visitors.

which has been extended into a jam-packed four-day festival, in early December.

Finally, the Cannes’ Dance Festival takes place from Tuesday, November 22 to Sunday, November 27.

The “overshadowed” cousin of the Cannes Film Festival has just as

much cultural value and entertainment on offer, and this major festival is held every two years at the Palais des Festivals.

The Christmas Markets, located at the Boulevard Saint Germain and Place Saint-Sulpice in Paris, are a must visit for those travelling in the area throughout

December. Sip on a vin chaud as you browse for gifts and treats for loved ones. And, of course, Pere Noel is always on hand as well to take requests from any young visitors.

For further details on any of these festivals, go to www.rendezvousenfrance.com.

Great must-see offers at The Mustard Seed hotel in Limerick The Mustard Seed hotel in Limerick has a great value three-night break offer, including a bottle of Prosecco in your room on arrival, a four-course dinner on one evening, and full Irish breakfast each morning.

A light supper can be available each evening during your stay, and massage therapy is available from the resident Thai masseuer. Picnic baskets can be arranged for day trips or local hikes. This package costs €315 per person.

Alternatively, a rest and recharge package offers two nights accommodation, full Irish breakfast and dinner on one evening, from €180 per person sharing. For further details contact the Mustard Seed on 069 68508, or email mustard@indigo.ie.

24 LUCAN GAZETTE 10 November 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 Boom Box

SHANKILL-based Rampage School of Dance are ready to bring their innovative dance to The Pavilion, with more than 50 dancers, drawn from a wide range of age groups, helping to bring the community group to life. Their 2011 annual show comprises several modern dance styles, with suprises adding to the fun. See their shows nightly at 8pm on Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12, with admission costing €13.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 A Skull in Connemara

THE Mill presents the second play in the Leenane trilogy, by playwright Martin McDonagh. In a rural Connemara town, a gravedigger prepares for his annual autumnal task of disinterring old, forgotten bones in the graveyard to make room for new arrivals. However, with his late wife’s remains due to be moved, rumours about her sudden death begin to surface ... This play runs nightly at 8pm from Tuesday, November 15 to Saturday, November 19, with admission costing €10.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Travels with my cello

THE internationally-acclaimed celist, Julian Lloyd Webber, will perform a diverse body of work, ranging from favourite classics by Bach, Faure, Saint-Saens and Debussy to a number of pieces by his father, William, and his brother, Andrew. He will also reminisce on his collaborations with musicians as diverse as Yehudi Menuhin, Joaquin Rodrigo, Cleo Laine and Stephane Grapelli, as well as Elton John and, of course, his brother, Andrew. This not-to-be-missed show takes place at 8pm on Saturday, November 12, with admission costing €30/€27 conc.

This group of would-be penthouse robbers – purely on behalf of ordinary people who’ve lost all their savings in an elaborate scam – are keeping a close eye on their unscrupulous target, in a bid to come up with the perfect plan to reclaim everyone’s savings

Not a towering hit Despite high hopes for its notable cast, this high-rise heist never hits the dizzying heights of comedy, says Kate Q KATE CROWLEY

Oh, BROTHER. It’s at times like this – the preChristmas lull, in terms of cinema releases – that I start eyeing up my metaphorical Gone Fishin’ sign, gathering metaphorical dust as it hangs on the back of a metaphorical chair.

However, there’s nothing metaphorical about being unable to go Gone Fishin’, as you folks are due a review, and by jingo, you’re going to get one, whether you like it or not.

Speaking of lines and hooks, here comes something that’s fishin’ for your attenshin’, in the form of Tower Heist.

I’m not the kind of gal that normally takes to heist movies, or Ocean’s 11 derivatives (honestly, did anybody like Ocean’s 12? Anybody?), or anything where a bumbling e n s e m b l e s o m e h ow comes up with a plan for one last/big/unlikely

FILM OF THE WEEK: Tower Heist +++ (12A) 104 mins Director: Brett Ratner Starring: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Alan Alda, Casey Affleck, Matthew Broderick, Gabourey Sidibe, Noo Yawk, Noo Yawk

OUR VERDICT: SOME of the scenes and storyline seems a little too muddled, more because of the direction than any intentional character development, but, despite this and some flat gags, it’s a diverting enough tale. Putting a white-collar, comic spin on the “Ocean’s 11” one-big-score niche, the enemble do their best to create an amusing tale of revenge, despite ineptness ...

score. Again.

Frankly, dear old Hannibal in television’s The A-Team came up with better plans in the time it took to light his cigar than a group of shmucks do in two hours at the cinema – still, when the shmucks in question are Eddie Murphy, Alan Alda and Ben Stiller, it’s a film that’s probably worth shmucking along to.

With a story to spur viewers on from the getgo in these difficult economic times – and to cut a long story short – a building manager (Stiller) of a typical rich Noo

Yawker tower, by Central Park, finds himself coming up with a cunning – and highly illegal – plan once it emerges that the Madoff-like super-rich character (Alda) in the penthouse at the top has invested all of the tower staff’s funds rather unwisely.

Namely, he’s invested their money in the Bank of Himself, ripping them all off in grand style, and is now still very much living a luxurious life in his sky-high home, while all of the now-penniless (or dollar-less?) doormen, cleaners and so on are –

well, you can guess the rest, I’m sure.

What’s an upset building manager to do? Why, hatch a plan to get everyone’s money back, of course, with the staff – and a number of hangerons, including a building tenant who’s also lost everything (Broderick) – determined to help him carry out a heist.

Seeing that they’re all pretty sure they’ll fail without some real criminal know-how, as this bunch of blue collar havea-go thiev- err, heroes have plenty of determination, but not enough street smarts to pull things off – it’s not long before they’ve added a career criminal (Murphy) to the mix.

After all, it often takes a crook to catch a crook, and, under his tutelage, it’s not long before the “perfect” heist to plunder the penthouse is on the way, with everything from a gun-toting Jamaican maid (Sidibe) to what I’ll call

An Unlikely Ferrari part of the denouement.

So, can the guys and gals of the tower pull together and find a way to stick it to The Man (at the top)?

Can they pull off their big job during the perfect distraction of the Macy’s Day Parade? And can Stiller and Murphy wisecrack some gems together in this unlikely buddy movie?

Without wishing to rain on anyone’s Macy’s Day Parade, it’s not quite a towering achievement, as despite the notable cast, some of the jokes and gags fall further than the eye from the top of the tower.

Still, at least Murphy is back on amusing “street” form, after a few too many interminable family- and make-up-led roles in recent years, while there’s a nicely underplayed, and largely sympathetic, feel to some of the characters.

10 November 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING ‘Kinect is great for the entire family’ SHANE DILLON

LAST week, I spoke to Kieran Penwill, Microsoft’s Retail Sales and M a r ke t i n g C o u n t r y Manager for Ireland, who was keen to talk about the XBox 360’s Kinect motion sensor, which is a key platform for Microsoft to open up gaming to be more accessible and fun for the whole family, as well as enabling new and emerging types of gameplay.

The Kinect sensor and technology takes the controller out of gaming, and can enable additional user input, thus making gaming both simpler and more accessible, or more involving and immersive, depending on its implementation.

Kieran has worked with Microsoft since 2005, and has worked in this current role since 2010, overseeing the launch of Kinect in Ireland in November, 2010.

He has overseen the launch of a number of significant games here, such as Halo Reach, Gears of War 3, Forza 4, as well as key Kinect titles, including Dance Central 2, and Kinect Sports: Season Two – all of which makes him the perfect insider to talk to for everything XBox 360-related in Ireland.

Kieran was keen to

stress the XBox console’s move out of gamers’ “territory” in bedrooms, and into family living rooms, with the Kinect sensor playing a large part of that success, coupled with the console’s use as an entertainment hub capable of streaming TV and content to other rooms.

“The feedback from the random sample groups, is that something like 40% of people’s time on XBox is spent on non-gaming experiences.

“We need to look after our core gamers, who love XBox, but we have to remember that, when we launched Kinect, this is more than just a core gaming platform – this is a home entertainment device,” said Kieran.

“The [360] has traditionally been there for teenagers, or for the 20-something, but what we’re seeing now with the launch of Kinect is that [the 360] is down in the living room, so that the 360 can be brought back to ‘home’,” he said.

It’s fair to assume that much of that 40% of nongaming use would come through Microsoft’s partnership with Sky, with XBox users able to use their consoles for much more than gaming.

“The partnership with Sky has absolutely been a focus, to further integrate the 360 into home enter-

Bytesandpieces Ready to blast a new battle game ONLINE browsers may have noticed a variety of initial complaints about the cross-platform new release, Battlefield 3 (B3), for a few reasons, such as the surprise (though entirely optional) need to install a 2GB texture pack on the XBox 360 to maximise how it looks.

Personally, my first (and unexpectedly irritated) hour with B3 was spent turning my console on and off, while a constantly freezing and looping intro mission had me ready to march on the developers, ready to give them an earful!

Still, it’s important to note that the vast majority of B3 gamers, regardless of their console or PC set-up, have not reported any problems, and, with a patch likely to appear in the near future to “fix” any such potential problems, B3 has certainly lived up to the pre-release hype and interest, with several superb features.

With its rival, the latest instalment in the Call of Duty series, now in shops, the retail battlefield is definitely raging – but perhaps all this is just target practise before Halo: Reach arrives ...

Kieran Penwill, Microsoft’s Retail Sales and Marketing Country Manager for Ireland, is keen to promote the XBox 360 as a console for “hardcore gamers”, but, with the Kinect motion sensor, also as a fun family console and home entertainment hub

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

‘We need to look after our core gamers, who love XBox, but we have to remember that, when we launched Kinect, this is more than just a core gaming platform – this is a home entertainment device’

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tainment.

“Over the course of time, what we want to do is like in the US, and ideally to start streaming terrestrial [television], but that’s something to happen in the future.

For now, Sky subscribers can stream [Sky content] through their Xbox.”

Of course, a key Microsoft strategy is to celebrate the Kinect sensor, and to publicise how it can add to gaming experiences, Kieran said.

“For example, with [racing title] Forza 4, we implemented that with Kinect, so that when you turn your head, the motion sensor senses that you’re moving your

head, and it enables you to look at what’s coming up behind you.

“That’s what we’re doing – bringing Kinect more into that core gaming experience. It just gets you more immersed.

“We’re nurturing our core gamers, and we’re trying to utilise the Kinect for the family as best we can. For example, we’ve got third-party titles, like Sesame Street: Once upon a Monster, coming out; it’s timeless, and great for counting and so on, a great learning experience for children.

“We’re going to have three times as many Kinect titles launching in these next nine

months versus the last nine months, so we’ve got a lot more Kinect product launching through the first half of 2012,” he said.

With sales of upwards of 10 million Kinect units on top of the 55-million XBox 360 base, there’s already a huge user-base that should be expected to expand massively in the new year, with titles like the upcoming Kinectenabled Star Wars – possibly the ultimate Kinect title – inevitably going to further boost bits profile, and user base.

For now, the message from Kieran, and Microsoft, is very clear.

“It’s really important to say that we look after our core gamers, who are our number-one priority. We look after them, and we nurture them.

“But the 360 and the Kinect is for everybody – everybody can use it, and the great thing about it is that it gets you up off the couch!”

GAZETTE

26 LUCAN GAZETTE 10 November 2011

LUCANclassifieds

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To advertise, call us now on 01 60 10 240 Email us at sales@gazettegroup.com PLUMBING

PLANNING NOTICE SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL I G.Hansard intend to apply for Planning Permission for single storey extension for use as sun room at side and rear of 23a Oldbridge Park,Lucan Co.Dublin.

This Application can be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the Offices Of South Dublin Co.Council,County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24 during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the Application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of five weeks beginning on the the date of receipt by the Authority of the Application.

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GazetteSPORT

ROAD TO LONDON: Linda Byrne set for marathon battle at Olympic Games Page 29

DIVING: NAC HOSTS SIXTH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS THAT SAW CITYWIDE SUCCESS

Locals claim the honours at NAC championship sport@gazettegroup.com

IRISH divers won more than 60 medals against an international field in the National Diving Championships last weekend at the National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown.

Almost 30 competitors from Dublin and Kildare faced off against tough opposition from across Europe, including the UK, Italy and Lithuania.

The national diving

championships, now in their sixth year, are the highlight of the sport’s calendar in this countr y and always produce fiercely contested action.

This year was no different, with the three-day event featuring competitors aged eight to 60, diving from heights ranging from one metre to 10 metres.

The highlights included triple gold for Natasha MacManus (13),

from Killiney, who won the one-metre, threemetre and platform women’s competitions.

Jack Ffrench, from Maynooth, won gold in the one-metre and platform men’s events. Sean McCormack, from Rathfarnham, won the threemetre men’s event.

All three are members of the National Diving Squad, which is supported by Swim Ireland.

Other winners included Tony Miller, Vivienne

The Irish medal winners at the National Acquatic Centre after the National Diving Championships

and Francesca Hew, Roisin Kane, Seanagh Carton, Jack Price, Adam Walsh and Fionn Nolan.

Many of the young Irish winners are a similar age to British Olym-

pic medallist Tom Daley when he won his first championship.

“I am so pleased that so many countries were represented this year,” said Ireland’s national coach, Vladyslava

Shapoval.

“It was a fantastic competition at all levels and I would like to thank all of the officials - including members of the London 2012 team – and volunteers who assisted this

weekend.

“I am delighted with the performance of the squad and we aim to compete next year at junior elite level in the UK next summer and elite European level in 2013.”

28 LUCAN GAZETTE 10 November 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Bulls parade to fifth after Nenagh negated NUIM BARNHALL’s narrow victory over Nenagh Ormond in a cracker at Parsonstown moves them to fifth in Ulster Bank Division 2B. They did it the hard way, coming from 12 points down to record a famous victory. The Blue Bulls had started well with some great scrummaging from the pack, which saw them take a ball off the head and win a penalty after eight minutes, slotted over by Simon Gillespie.

But Conor Whelan and Dan Fogarty swapped the lead before Steve Carey made it 15-3 for Nenagh with his side’s second try of the day in the 25th minute.

Blue Bull Captain Eoin Hogan rallied his side and came out fighting, enabling the pack to force another penalty. Nenagh again responded in kind to force another penalty to extend the lead again to 6-18 to the visitors.

But Barnhall were finding their gears, with some lovely attacking play by Dave Stewart, kicking through to allow Barry Dunne to score in corner.

The second half saw head coach Dennis Bowes bring on the dynamic Ryan Hopkins to the side and this proved to be vital with the pack taking line-out after line-out.

The home side waited to strike and, after 60 minutes, Hopkins secured the ball and broke the Nenagh defence to score a try, which was converted by Gillespie to make the score line level at 18-18. The home side were hungry for the win, forcing a penalty on the last play of match and as the large home support held it’s breath.

Gillespie did what he does best and took the winning three points to bring the final score to 21-18 to the home side.

CANOEING: LOCAL PADDLERS COMBAT SINGAPORE CONDITIONS

Jenny Egan, leading, was one of the top performers in the World Kayak Championships in Singapore recently, coming seventh in her class

Great show in Worlds sport@gazettegroup.com

The Irish Kayak Marathon Team travelled to Singapore recently to compete in the World Kayak Championships.

The Irish team members included Women’s Senior K1 contender, Jenny Egan, from Salmon Leap Canoe Club, and the pair who last month claimed GazetteSport Dublin Team of the Month, Neil Fleming ,from Celbridge Paddlers Canoe Club, and Salmon Leap’s Peter Egan in the Mens’ Senior K2 event, and Richard Hendron from Richmond Canoe Club.

Forty nations and almost 500 athletes took part in the event.

The Irish team travelled out ten days before the event to allow for acclimatisation to the tem-

peratures, which range between 35-40C and in excess of 80% humidity.

These championships were going to be a severe test for all athletes from the northern hemisphere who were not used to these conditions.

Jenny Egan was the first Irish athlete to compete, and she completed a tough 26km course in eighth place.

She was part of an initial seven-strong breakaway group, but the extreme conditions meant she could not stay in contention throughout.

Over 20 of the top women’s kayakers in the world were on the start line for this race, including the 2010 World Champion, Renata Csay, of Hungary, so Egan’s placing was highly commendable.

The Men’s Senior K1 race was next, with Fleming and Hendron taking part. In a race that was described by last year’s champion, Ben Brown as “the toughest conditions I have ever raced in”, the 30km course was too much for Fleming, who retired after the third portage, completely drained.

R ichard Hendron completed a very steady race and finished in a very creditable 20th position.

The double K2 crews took to the water the next day, with 26 crews on the start line.

This race promised to be one of the most exciting of the championships, with Spanish, Czech Republic, France and Hungary being tipped to contest the medal positions.

Egan and Fleming were hoping for a top-10

finish at these championships, and there was early drama in the first lap when one of the Spanish crews, Merchan and Banos, broke their rudder when running the first portage, which ended their race.

At this stage, Egan and Fleming were in a group covering positions sven to 11, which included the boats from Australia, Belgium, Great Britain and South Africa.

The South African crew of Stott and Solomon also had to retire from the race due to rudder problems.

As the race progressed, a group of three boats had now broken away — Czech, Spain and France.

The last portage was going be crucial and, with the Spanish being fastest back on to the water and

with 750m to the finish line, they went on to take gold, with France taking silver and the Czech Republic taking bronze.

Back down the field, there was a real battle going on, including Egan and Fleming, who were leading the group into the last portage, but unfortunately Egan had begun to suffer severe cramp in his forearms, and this was to be their undoing.

On re-entering the water on the last portage they slowed down considerably over the last 750m, losing out on a top-10 finish.

They finished a very tough race, achieving 11th position at the World Championships.

Both athletes stated that they were extremely disappointed on having just missed out on a top-10 finish.

10 November 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 29

in association with

Byrne-ing up the miles ahead Dundrum South Dublin’s Linda Byrne made a huge statement for her future in athletics by qualifying for the 2012 Olympics

IRISH athletics had a glimpse of its future in the Dublin marathon last week when Linda Byrne was the first Irish woman home over the 26-mile course, and achieving the qualifying standard time for the Olympics in 2012.

It’s all the more massive an achievement when Linda’s previous distances in cross-country racing were only between five and eight kilometres, even more so when you realise that this was her first-ever full marathon.

“I ran half of the Dublin marathon last year for the experience and really enjoyed it, and was doing really well in road races.

After I left the Under-23 cross-country age group, I felt that I had to focus on the marathon, as it seemed like an event that I could make the qualifying time in.

“This was just my first marathon, and I think that I got everything right in the run-up to the race, and I just need to keep doing that in the lead up to London.

old Dundrum South Dublin athlete ran a well-planned race on the October Bank Holiday weekend in which her preparation paid off.

“It was a huge sense of

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

‘When I saw the clock above the finishing line, I could see the time, and I told myself, ‘just hold up’. It was a huge sense of achievement’

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

“As well as that, I think I can go faster - the weather conditions in Dublin weren’t ideal, and, on a better day, on a faster course, I’m sure I could improve my time.”

Linda was delighted when she spoke to GazetteSport last week about making the qualifying time for the London games, and the 25-year-

achievement. I realised pretty much as soon as I crossed the line that I’d achieved the standard, and I’m still trying to take it in now. I was in shock, really.

“Over the last few miles I knew I was inside the time, but my legs were starting to tighten up and it was very tough. But I knew I had to keep going,

Linda Byrne marks her debut in the marathon with the national title in Dublin

and when I saw the clock above the finishing line, I could see the time and I told myself, ‘just hold up’.”

“Now I have the qualifying time, there is a huge amount of pressure off, and I know that I won’t have to make the time at another race before the Olympics. It’s a lot of work to go into a race and then recover in time for the Olympics and get in the right training to peak in time for the big race. I can concentrate on shorter distances, and prepare for London.”

H e r a c h i e ve m e n t means that she may also be eligible for funding from the Irish Sports Council, whose decision to cut her from the carding scheme in 2009 meant that she was on the verge of leaving athletics for good, before deciding on long-distance events as her focus for the future.

“I was pretty much supporting myself in terms of my training. I should, hopefully, get back on the carding scheme for support from the Irish Sports Council, which will be great and mean I can concentrate on training full time from now on.”

Linda is also at an advantage in terms of her age. With the majority of marathon stars coming into their own as they reach their early 30s, the 25-year-old knows she is only at the beginning of a long road ahead.

“My trainer, Enda Fitzpatrick, was saying to me that London will be a stepping stone for me, and I will be aiming to improve continually over the next few years, with the goal being Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

“A lot of people think I was quite young to run a marathon at this age, but that’s because I have been running for so many years, I’ve built up a lot of training and I thought I was ready to try,” said Byrne.

Linda has made a huge leap in terms of distance and performance in a short space of time in graduating from crosscountry to marathon running, but her grounding in her original discipline has stood to her in her decision to change up.

“I’ve been taking part in competitive races since I was 15, when I was in my first international crosscountry race, and that stood me in good stead.

“Obviously, the distances are much different, going from five to eight kilometres to 26 miles, but you need to be strong over country ground.

“I’ve put in a lot of miles over the years, and that strength came into play in the marathon. I changed my training a bit, but not a huge amount.

I didn’t put in a huge amount of miles before this marathon, and I think there is room for improvement there.”

FastSport

Cross-country success for locals at Santry THE Dublin cross-country championships, which took place at Santry last weekend, saw a number of successes for athletes and clubs across the city.

Metro St Brigid’s athlete John Coghlan, son of the former world 5,000m champion, Eamon, won the senior men’s race, ahead of Blanchardstown native David Flynn, running in the colours of Clonliffe Harriers, and fellow MSB racer Liam Tremble.

In the junior men’s event, James Egan, from Dundrum South Dublin, finished in second place behind Kevin Dooney, from Raheny Shamrocks.

In the women’s races, DSD achieved a one-two-three in the junior race, with the places taken by Siofra Cleirgh Buttner, Claire McCarthy and Sorcha Humpries.

DSD were place second overall in the women’s team event, while Rathfarnham WSAF came third in the men’s team competition.

O’Driscoll set for a season on the sidelines LEINSTER and Ireland star Brian O’Driscoll is set to be out of competitive rugby for around six months after undergoing surgery on a neck injury.

This will mean the soonest he would return would be around the time of the Heineken Cup semi-final, and it is unlikely that he would be included at that stage.

He will also

be absent for the 2012 Six Nations competition, but should be available to make his return in the summer tour of New Zealand.

There are concerns that O’Driscoll would consider an end to his career, but with 18 months remaining on his current contract, he has no intention of hanging up the boots anytime soon.

Leinster will begin their Heineken Cup campaign this weekend against Montpellier in the French city.

30 LUCAN GAZETTE 10 November 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

SOCCER: HEROIC SHOWINGS IN LEAGUE AND CUP FOR LOCALS

Glenville FC were put out of the FAI Cup when they were defeated by Cherry Orchard in their recent match

Lucan United close in on place in FAI Cup ties LUCAN United’s reward for their superb wins over TEK United and Lissadell in the FAI Umbro Intermediate Cup is a date with Cobh Wanderers in Cork on December 4.

Ranked as one of the lowest remaining in the competition by virtue of their LSL Sunday Senior 1B status, it was always going to be a tough draw – made on Tuesday afternoon in Abbotstown.

Cobh are currently mid-table in the Munster Senior League division one and provide one of the biggest tests of Lucan’s history.

Should Lucan win, they would make it into the first round draw of the FAI Senior Cup for the first time in their history.

Cherry pip Glen’s cup sport@gazettegroup.com

GLENVILLE’S hopes of emulating their incredible FAI cup run of two seasons ago came to an end when they were knocked out of the intermediate cup at the hands of LSL giants Cherry Orchard last Sunday.

The third-tier outfit were allowed to dream of another major scalp in the competition when Neil Byrne gave them the lead, but the Cherries responded in kind with a double strike from Philip Sheppard, and one from Declan Carroll.

They had held the lead for much of the game,

but a sending-off in the second half provided their illustrious opponents with the impetus to push on, and they pulled clear in the closing quarter of the tie in front of a massive crowd in Palmerstown Community School.

It was the first time the Glens have been beaten this term, as they look set to continue their amazing run through the divisions.

Currently, they lie second in the league, a point off Drumcondra but with two games in hand, and just two goals conceded in the campaign so far, with nine points the gap

Sam still on tour: All-Ireland trophy at Wrights Cafe KENNY McDonagh was one of the lucky punters who was pictured with Dublin’s All-Ireland winning players Darren Daly, Eamon Fennell, Bernard Brogan and Paul Flynn, when they recently came to the Wrights Cafe bar to continue the celebrations with the Sam Maguire Cup.

Picture: Caroline Quinn/www. cquinnphotography.com

to the other promotion hopefuls.

With five of their wins on the road, their flying start leaves them in fine fettle to push on, while they face Lissadell in the Moore Cup next Friday night.

Having come fifth and third in the last couple of seasons in Sunday Senior 1A, it represents the longest they have remained in the same league in the past decade, having achieved several promotions since their formation, including a straight dash through 1B in their maiden intermediate season.

In those years, they famously managed to reach the third round of the FAI Senior Cup, which culminated in a lucrative day out at Richmond Park, where they faced Bohemians in the biggest game in the club’s fledgling history.

Lucan’s progress Meanwhile, a division below, Lucan United have been creating similar waves and they sit on the precipice of a Senior Cup place following their 1-0 win over Lissadell in the intermediate cup, backing up their shock win over TEK United in round one.

As a fourth-tier side, it has been an epic performance already, and they are well poised in the Sunday Senior 1B, also lying in second place with two games in hand on table-topping Templeogue United.

Among other local leaders, Liffey Valley Rangers moved seven points ahead of the pack in the LSL Sunday Division Two when they got the better of Cherryfield United 3-1 last Sunday.

They have, however, played five more games than their nearest rivals and so face a tough battle to hang on to their advantage.

10 November 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 31

in association with

CAMOGIE: LUCAN REVIVE TO TAKE TENSE TIE

CLUB NOTICEBOARD LUCAN SARSFIELDS THE 125 Gala Ball night of November

Sunday at 10.30am in championship

12 is fast approaching. Payment for

semi-final.

tickets is now due. Please pay in

Tickets have now been issued to

club bar, and collect tickets before

mentors for the Lucan Sarsfields

November 6.

“Spor ts’ Persons Dream” Draw,

All tables are allocated but there

which is an alternative to the tradi-

are a small number of individual

tional Christmas Draw. All members

slots available, so not too late to

are asked to support this important

join what promises to be a great

fundraiser.

club night.

Enquiries to Martina McGilloway (087 126 2131) or Paul Stapleton (087 205 8572).

Great results for minor section of

DUBLIN MINOR A S/F St Oliver Plunkett’s Lucan Sarsfields

3-7 2-12

sport@gazettegroup.com

LUCAN Sarsfields minor A camogie team continued the club’s recent success in the code when they overcame the challenge of St Oliver Plunkett’s in the minor A camogie championship semifinal in Phoenix Park last weekend.

However, Sarsfields had to dig deep in order to reach the final, having been stunned by their opponents’ determined approach to the match in the opening exchanges.

Plunkett’s were fast out of the blocks and registered three unanswered points in the opening minutes of the tie.

Lucan responded with two points courtesy of Ali Twomey and Ciara Sheehan. But just as the dust was begin-

ning to settle, Plunkett’s responded with strike to the Lucan net, scoring a goal that restored the distance between the sides.

Plunkett’s were on a roll and they put over another couple of points, quickly followed with a second goal.

L u c a n we r e p l ay ing second fiddle for a good part of the first half, and although positional changes did stem the opposition advance, they were still on the wrong end of the scoreline come halftime, seven points adrift as the sides turned around.

The management cl e a r l y we r e d e t e rmined to make changes, and the introduction of Ellen Downes and Niamh Byrne, together with Ali Twomey slotting into half-forward, sparked Lucan into life.

Lucan hit a purple patch, with Twomey

reeling off three unanswered points. T hey piled on the pressure, and eventually netted to bring the sides level.

The second half saw end-to-end championship camogie, with both sides trading points and fighting for their campaign survival.

Lucan then put the opposition keeper under pressure, and she batted the ball into the path of the incoming Downes, who slotted home.

Plunkett’s still would not lie down and fought their way down field to pick off the final point of the game.

Lucan took the spoils with a two-point margin in a game which was a credit to both sets of players.

This was a game of total commitment with excellent individual displays by both sides.

Lucan’s Claire Rigney excelled throughout with a masterclass of hurling, while Emer

Moloney gave a fine defensive display to keep the opposition at bay on many occasions, and Kate Whyte pulled off a couple of super saves.

Lucan Squad: K. Whyte; S. Grimes; A. Ryan; E. Moloney; A. Dowling; R. Kenny; G. Mulhern; C. Rigney; L. Murtagh; T. Keenan; C. Sheehan; M. Kelly; L. Sexton; S. Courtney; N. Berry; A. Twomey; L. Malone; AnneMarie Courtney; S. Clarke; N. Byrne; L. Morrissy; A. O’Grady; E. Downes

session.

The Lucan Sarsfields’ GAA Club 25

win over O’Toole’s means they play

Card Drive is every Friday in the

Naomh Barrog in the championship

clubhouse bar at 9pm.

Camogie minors won their semi

Sarsfields rebound to claim final berth

Enter tainment in 12th Lock on November 19 is Comhaltas monthly

club at weekend. Football team with

semi.

Lucan Sarsfields small-ball successes were continued and the side will face Na Fianna in the final

This year’s AGM is on Thursday, November 17.

Set dancing from 8.30 to 10pm every Wednesday night.

and play St Vincent’s in the final,

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 2, 11,

and this weekend, our hurlers take

17 and 18. There was no winner. Next

on Ballyboden in O’Toole Park this

week’s jackpot will be €6,000.

ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN THE Under-11s hurlers lost nar-

Moran’s Hotel. Tickets only €45 with

rowly to St. Finian’s while the U-16s

champagne reception at 7.30pm,

footballers had a big win over St

and meal served at 8pm sharp.

Mark’s in the league semi-final.

If you want to be present on this

Senior hurler s had a narr ow

part of the occassion you still can

league win against Whitehall Col-

by texting 086 725 5586 and we will

mcilles.

arrange your table and tickets.

Senior footballers play their last

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 2, 15,

league fixture this Sunday away to

20 and 29. There was no winner of

Ballinteer St John’s at 11am.

the €5,400 jackpot.

Mass for our deceased members

Match any three numbers win-

and friends takes place this Satur-

ners were Mikey Towey and Noel

day in the clubhouse at 8pm.

Brady and each receive €100.

There are only a few tickets left for our jubilee gala ball on Saturday week, November 19 in the Red Cow

Next week’s jackpot is €5,600.

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

WESTMANSTOWN GAELS/GARDA THE intermediates finished their

GAA Club and the Garda Rugby Club

league programme with a good

takes place in Croke Park on Friday,

win away at Naomh Mearnog. They

November 25. The night is a fund-

were unlucky to finish just outside

raiser for both clubs and in aid of

the play-off places, but we look for-

the Tania McCabe Foundation. The

ward to the 2012 season with opti-

tickets are going fast so get yours

mism.

now from any committee member.

Junio r 1s h ave a n imp o r t a n t

The Christmas party and awards

league fixture next Sunday morning

night takes place on Saturda y,

at home to St Maur’s, and the ladies

December 3 at 8pm at Westmans-

also have vital away fixture to St

town.

Sylvester’s on Saturday at 3pm.

T h e club AGM i s o n Tu e s d a y, November 29 at 8pm.

The golf outing is on Thursday, November 10 at 11am. All enquiries to PJ Gallagher, please.

The Battle of the Thin Blue Line boxing night between the Garda

Many thanks to club GPO Michael Ahern and Eddie Martin who managed the very successful mid-term U-7 and U-8 Blitz in Beechpark, Clonsilla.

Well done to the U-11s who beat Lucan Sarsfields in their final match of the season.

Follow GazetteSport on Facebook and Twitter, and at www.gazettegroup.com

R1

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

NEW GANG IN ’TOWN: CHAMPIONS: Lucan camogie Westmanstown claim another host Leinster title in schools’ the championship rugby blitz P28 P31

MAY 26,10, 2011 NOVEMBER 2011

LONDONSTARS: SUPER CALLING May award Linda Byrnenominees on a revealed inside marathon mission P29P29

STEPHEN FINDLATER lucansport@gazettegroup.com

FORMER Barnhall club man Joe Taylor produced a scintillating performance for the Irish rugby league side when he crossed for a hat-trick of tries in the third game of the Autumn international series.

His treble was ultimately in vain for the Irish side as France rallied late to secure a 34-16 victory in Thomond Park.

In what was the first-ever rugby league international in Thomond Park, a record number of spectators were in attendance to see Irish wing Taylor in fine form. He impressed in the first series of matches under the stewardship of Mark Aston, the former Sheffield Eagles’ boss who is looking to progress the sport in Ireland.

It is the starting point toward the 2013 World Cup and, with the North Dublin Eagles, Taylor is one of a rare breed in Irish green who has made his way into the team by starting out his career in Ireland.

The majority of the national panel are drawn from second- or third-generation Irish people living in the rugby leaguerich north of England.

But the side have high ambitions as Aston explained when talking about the relevance of the game in Thomond and fixtures against Wales and Scotland in the past weeks.

“It is important that we improve on last year as we are building towards the World Cup in 2013. I spoke to the players about the games and outlined that we want to see them improving and proving that they want to play for Ireland. They have to be proud to play for their country.”

In the France tie, Aston’s men got off to a flying start when a kick from Paul Handforth forced a goal-line drop-out which led to a sweeping back move down Ireland’s right with Greg McNally supplying the final ball to the Laois native.

France bounced back to build a lead but 20-year-old Taylor bagged his first ever international try in the corner from Tyrone McCarthy’s pass Ireland were happy at the break as they went in with a two-point lead ahead of a side they had never beaten before.

A dream start followed in the second half when Liam Finn chipped into the corner for Taylor, who rose above his

Joe Taylor was on scintilating form for Ireland’s rugby league side

opposing winger to gather and score in the corner. However, with 66 minutes on the clock, Olivier Elima made amends for earlier indiscretions when he touched down to bring his side to within two points.

France then took the lead when Kane Bentley crashed over for his second of the game. Bosc added the conversion to put them 16-12 up.

Then, with 15 minutes left France extended the lead when Greg McNally misjudged the bounce of the ball and Bosc pounced to touch down. He added the conversion to put France ten points ahead. Elima and Bentley then rubbed salt in the wounds to make it 34-12 but, with seconds left, Taylor had the last laugh with a hat-trick of his own.

GazetteSPORT

Treble for Taylor at Thomond