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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

INSIDE: Boogieing on back to a night out in Courtneys: P10

May 5, 2011

HOME FROM HOME: Lucan locals

drop in – from Lucan, Minnesota: P6

Royally good fun, dahlings: A toast for Will and Kate AS THEIR invites to Westminister

Hurling: Local heroes claim National League title Page 32

Sports Awards: Esteemed April winners are announced Page 29

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ....................10 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS ................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 23 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Abbey for the recent British royal wedding appeared to be lost in the post, a group of Willsbrook women, and some of their friends, held their own wedding party, in common with lots of well-wishers across the country and around the world.

Pictured looking majestic are Kathleen Donne, Karen Donne, Amy Deery, Catherine Deery, Valerie Morrissey (the self-proclaimed Duchess of Willsbrook), Susan Acres and Catherine Riggs (the Duchess of Drimnagh).

War of words over depot’s relocation Tuffy claims that spin-job was done on Labour Party

Q PAUL HOSFORD

A WAR of words has broken out following South Dublin County Council’s decision to relocate a parks depot from the Griffeen Valley Park in Lucan.

While the move was welcomed by local politicians, Labour councillor Eamon

Tuffy said a “spin-job” had been done on his party, and that the depot had been wrongly made an election issue.

Cllr Tuffy said that both he and Cllr Catriona Jones had raised the issue at council level, but that there was an incorrect perception that Labour had not supported the local oppo-

sition to the move. “Nobody except myself and Cllr Jones took the bull by the horns and put down a motion.”

Meanwhile, Cllr William Lavelle (FG) said that his party had wanted to work with council management on the issue.

Full Story on Page 4

2 LUCAN GAZETTE 5 May 2011

ENTERPRISE Gardai in appeal for witnesses to serious blaze at bus depot

Dualway count the cost of suspected arson attack Q PAUL HOSFORD

lucan@gazettegroup.com

A “SENSELESS act of vandalism” led to the destruction of 12 buses at a depot in Rathcoole on Easter Monday.

The depot, the home of Dualway Coaches, was the site of a suspected arson attack early on Monday morning, with a dozen buses being damaged.

It is understood the

GOT A STORY?

blaze, which broke out about 5am in Keating’s Park industrial estate on the Naas Road, may have been started deliberately.

Five units of Dublin Fire Brigade battled to bring the blaze under con-

trol, and saved more than 40 other vehicles, though the damage is expected to run into hundreds of thousands of euro.

The family-run company has been in existence for more than 30 years,

and employs 90 people.

It operates two local services in west Dublin; school buses and corporate and group transport.

Gardai have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Local Fine Gael TD, Derek Keating, said that the issue was worrying.

“I am very concerned about the incident, particularly given the serious amount of damage. It seems such a senseless act

of vandalism. I am concerned on the impact of jobs at the company that may be at risk,” he said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Rathcoole Garda Station on 01 666 7900.

COUNCIL: MOVE TO REGULARISE POSITION IN COMING WEEKS

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LOCAL EVENT, CELEBRATION OR FUNCTION Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

SDCC has acted to rename the Outer Ring Road, to prevent confusion and enforce a coherent naming strategy on the entire route

Outer Ring Road renamed Q PAUL HOSFORD

lucan@gazettegroup.com

SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) will formally rename the Outer Ring Road in the coming weeks.

The road was built over a period of 20 years, starting with a stretch of roadway that linked the West Tallaght area to the N81 National Secondary Route, and was then extended by a short section, known as the Ballyowen Distributor Road, which was constructed by a developer to serve residential developments.

In more recent years, the other phases were

constructed under contract, including the interchange with the N7 National Primary Route.

The council says that “lack of a coherent naming strategy over the entire route has led to some confusion, and requests have been received from the Gardai, and other statutory bodies, to regularise the position”.

So far, only three sections have been named.

The original sections serving the West Tallaght area has been named Cheeverstow n Road (Bothar Bhaile an tSibhrigh) for many years; the section from the N7 Naas Road was named Grange

Castle Road when the council’s business park was opened, and the interchange with the N7 was formally known as the Kingswood Interchange.

SDCC says it is taking a common-sense approach to naming the road. As a substantial portion of the northern section of the road has already been named as the Grange Castle Road, it will extend this name to include the entire road north of the N7 Naas Road.

Therefore, the road, from its junction with the Old Lucan Road southwards to its junction with the N7 Naas Road, will

be named Grange Castle Road (Bothar Chaislean na Grainsi).

A substantial stretch of the southern section of the road has already been named Cheeverstown Road. It is proposed to extend this name to include the entire road south of the N7 Naas Road.

The road, from its junction with the N81 Blessington Road northwards to its junction with the N7 Naas Road, will be named Cheeverstown Road (Bothar Bhaile an tSibhrigh).

Meanwhile, the interchange will continue to be known as the Kingswood

Interchange (Acomhal Choill an Ri).

The council also said that naming proposals have also been examined for the road known as the Fonthill-Outer Ring Link Road.

A SDCC report said: “Following consultations with the Local Studies section of the council’s library service, it is considered appropriate to recommend that the road be formally named Omer Way (Bealach Omer), after Thomas Omer, who, as principal engineer of the Navigation Board, planned and supervised the construction of the Grand Canal.”

5 May 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 3

ENTERPRISE Green initiative is rolled-out

Intel in push to help cut down on energy THIS week, Intel Ireland launched Reduce our Energy, a local community initiative to help schools and businesses in the Leixlip and Maynooth area save energy and costs.

This new programme promotes energy awareness and focuses on energy management and reduction at the participating organisations.

The initiative also helps to demonstrate the benefits of technology in increasing energy awareness and allowing people to effectively manage their usage.

The programme, which has been developed by Intel, involves a number of different aspects of energ y management being provided to a total of ten Leixlip and Maynooth schools and businesses.

The first phase of the initiative involved each of the participant premises being fitted out with a power metering device that captures energy usage data, which is then fed to a real-time tracking solution accessible by members of the initiative through a specially designed online interface.

The gathering of this impor tant data can then be used to develop reports illustrating energy usage patterns, and the associated cost-saving measures that can be taken by users based on these reports.

In addition to the provision of the hardware and software solution for the member groups,

Council’s Play Policy review may mean new playground Q STAFF REPORTER lucan@gazettegroup.com

Intel is putting in place employee ambassadors who will work directly with the programme participants to help them to understand their energy usage and drive education and cost savings.

The information gathered will also play an important role in informing the sustainability research that is currently being undertaken by the Sustainability and Enterprise research team, based at the Innovation Open Lab at the Leixlip campus.

Speaking at the launch, Intel’s external relations manager, Lisa Harlow, said: “We are delighted to launch this new programme and to collaborate with a number of our community partners in delivering important energy reductions.

Commitment “I think that this initiative is a fantastic example of Intel’s commitment to sustainability, and one which has huge potential to raise awareness of energy reduction and enhance behaviours towards energy usage.”

The launch of the programme coincides with Earth Week 2011, which Intel Ireland is supporting in a number of different ways.

In addition to sharing this new programme, Intel employees will take part in awareness events at the Leixlip campus and volunteer projects with a Green focus.

One of these volunteer projects involves a group of 30 Intel employees

COUNCIL: COUNCILLOR CALLS FOR A FACILITY FOR PALMERSTOWN

Members of the community and Intel staff pictured at the launch of the company’s Reduce Our Energy community initiative

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‘I think that this initiative is a fantastic example of Intel’s commitment to sustainability, and one which has huge potential to raise awareness of energy reduction and enhance behaviours towards energy usage’ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intel’s external relations manager, Lisa Harlow, on the company’s launch of a programme to help monitor energy usage patterns

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taking part in a special clean-up initiative at Castletown House in Celbridge, which will involve an afternoon’s work in the forest area.

The event is one of only a small number of projects that have been selected from across Europe to be the subject

of a special video that is being created to coincide with 2011 being the dedicated European Year of Volunteering.

And, just last week, Intel Ireland was honoured with the Green Corporate Citizen accolade at the Green Awards 2011.

The prestigious award recognises an organisation that demonstrates commitment and leadership in environmentallyfocused corporate social responsibility.

To find out more about the new initiative, see the website at www.reduceourenergy.com.

PALMERSTOWN `may get a playground as part of a review to South Dublin County Council’s (SDCC) review of its Play Policy.

Fine Gael councillor Emer Higgins asked the council to “amend the council’s Play Policy to include the provision of a playground in Palmerstown”, to reflect the need for a facility in the area.

SDCC adopted its first Play Policy in July, 2006.

The policy, which was formulated by a Sports, Recreation, Community and Parks Strategic Policy Committee, recognises “that it is a child’s right to live happily and the primary way that this can be done is through play”.

It is, specifically a county-wide policy on the development and management of playgrounds and play areas, and is a strategic plan which outlines its commitments towards the support and development of facilities.

In response to Cllr Higgins, the council said that the review was yet to be finished.

“The review of the council’s Play Policy is currently ongoing. The Play Policy review group will have regard to the experience gained to date, particularly in relation to unsupervised playgrounds.

“Consideration will also be given to the type and location of play facilities provided for children, and also the provision of exercise facilities for adults,” said the council report.

It went on to say that a playground in the town

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‘Fine Gael councillor Emer Higgins asked the council to amend the council’s Play Policy to include the provision of a playground in Palmerstown, to reflect the need for a facility in the area’ --------------------------

will be under consideration.

“Arising from the review and adoption of a new Play Policy by the council, it is envisaged that one of the actions of the new Play Policy will be the review and updating of the existing playground construction programme, which will have regard to the new policy, as well as the availability of finance at that time.

“The provision of a playground in Palmerstown will be considered as part of this review,” said the SDCC report.

4 LUCAN GAZETTE 5 May 2011

PLANNING Delight as parks depot plan changed to new site

Congratulations offered for ‘residents’ victory’ Q PAUL HOSFORD

lucan@gazettegroup.com

THE controversial plan to site a Parks Depot at Griffeen Valley Park has been defeated.

The plan, which sparked outrage amongst the community, has been changed and will now see a new location, south of the railway on Hayden’s Lane, becoming subject to a new Part 8 proposal.

Local Fine Gael poli-

tician, and the Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald, called the decision a “victory for Lucan”, and urged the council to act quickly so as not to delay the works on Esker Educate Together School, which will be housed on the site of the current Parks Depot.

“I understand that this site is due to be brought to Part 8 stage immediately.

We need to ensure this commitment is delivered

Plan’s defeat is welcomed Q PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com

LOCAL Fine Gael TD Derek Keating praised the groups involved in opposing the siting of the Parks depot in Griffeen Valley Park.

“Throughout my 12 years as a councillor, I dealt with a number of residents’ associations, and was there in the early days of the Johnsbridge Residents’ Association, who have had this great victory,” he said.

Following the announcement of the placement of the depot, a number of public meetings were held.

“At the original pub-

lic meeting, we had a forensic examination of the plans, and what we managed to get was a commitment from South Dublin County Council that Lucan residents would be consulted throughout the process.

“By that stage, it was clear that a campaign against the depot would take place.

“I am very satisfied with the conclusion, and I just hope that the Part 8 process now can be non-contentious and successful.

“What this result shows is the great value in the organisation of residents’ associations,” he said.

on so we can progress the Esker site to accommodate Esker Educate Together as a priority.

“Well done to the residents, who ran such an informed campaign. Their efforts have ensured that the best site was chosen.

“The decision to go to public consultation on the site south of the rail line is a real victory for the local community, residents and park users,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

The Minister’s thoughts were echoed by FG councillor William Lavelle.

“This common-sense decision represents a victory for the community, and I hope we can now progress this new Part 8 proposal immediately so that we can facilitate development of a new school for Esker Educate Together,” he said.

“I have never been convinced that there was no alternative site, and

I, along with both my [party] colleagues, Minister Frances Fitzgerald and Cllr Emer Higgins, have made repeated detailed submissions to council management outlining the benefits of relocating Esker Depot to a site south of the railway line,” said Cllr Lavelle.

Party colleague, Emer Higgins, said: “As councillors, it’s our job to protect our local amenities and ensure that our parks are

both attractive and userfriendly, and our facilities are supported and promoted.

“The Griffeen Valley site previously being considered would have interrupted the natural flow of the park, and I believe a depot in this location would have had a negative impact on the park, local residents and park users.

“The site south of the rail line is much more

suitable, and I am delighted that council management have agreed to this proposal. It’s a real victory for local residents and park users.

“To ensure that there are no further delays in delivering a permanent school for the children of Esker Educate Together, their parents and teachers, plans for the site need to be brought to Part 8 stage as soon as possible,” said Cllr Higgins.

MOTION: COUNCILLOR SAYS PLAN MADE AN ‘ELECTION ISSUE’

‘Spin job’ at work on move – Tuffy Q PAUL HOSFORD

lucan@gazettegroup.com

A WAR of words has broken out over the decision to relocate the South Dublin County Council (SDCC) Parks Depot to a site south of the railway line.

While Fine Gael politicians moved to welcome the decision, Labour’s Councillor Eamon Tuffy felt that a “spin job” had been done on his party, saying the issue had wrongly been made an election issue.

The decision to move the depot came on foot of a motion from Cllr Tuffy’s Labour colleague, Catriona Jones, who asked: “That this committee reaffirms its commitment to facilitate Esker Educate Together in establishing a permanent school building on a site at Esker Lane.

“However, the committee calls on the manager not to commence a Part 8 [process] to locate a Parks Depot on lands adjacent to Johnsbridge

housing estate, within Griffeen Valley Park.

“The committee, instead, appeals to the manager to prepare a Part 8 [Process] for this depot on council lands south of the railway line. These requests are made with due cognisance of council policy to locate park depots within regional parks, and having regard to the future development in the surrounding area and the extension of this park.”

In reponse, the council agreed to move the depot, but said that it preferred the chosen site.

A SDCC report said: “While this site is still the preferred site and presents the best location for parks services to the communities of Lucan, Esker and North Clondalkin, the council is aware of substantial opposition to the proposal.

“The council is still committed to facilitating the Department of Education and Skills, subject to the necessary approvals, and, as requested, is

Labour councillor Eamon Tuffy; inset, Fine Gael councillor William Lavelle

reviewing all option sites, including their positive and negative impacts, with a view to briefing the area members and the elected council,” said SDCC. Cllr Tuffy felt that, as only himself and Cllr Jones had put down motions relating to the issue, some perception that Labour had not supported the local opposition to the move was erroneous.

“Nobody except myself and Cllr Jones took the bull by the horns and put down a motion.

“On the only occasion this issue was on a council agenda, on December

13, all of the councillors voted for the disposal of the land, and to move it to Part 8 consultation.

“Part 8 is a statutory process, and councillors only have a say before and after the process. Jumping up and down in between is meaningless.

“T here were no motions from any other councillors, but, around the time of the General Election, this became an election issue, even though it has nothing to do with the election,” said Cllr Tuffy.

In response, Cllr William Lavelle said that voting yes in December was a means to an end, given

that the disposal [of funds for such works] had to be done before the end of the financial year.

But, Cllr Lavelle says he “never bought” the idea that the council had to place the depot in Griffeen Valley Park.

“It was very important to get the disposal done in time to receive funds from the Department of Education.

“We did not put down any motions, as we wanted to work constructively with council management.

“We have been working on this for months, and we are delighted with the result,” he said.

5 May 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 5

HEALTH New, online magazine for carers

Looking after You is a real priority Q PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com

AVIVA Cohen, the Lucan wife and mother who founded www.researchandhope.com to help families affected by stroke to explore alternative therapies, this week launched her newest venture aimed at helping families.

Aviva, whose husband, Steve, suffered a stroke in 2006, has launched the online magazine, Carers Sanctuary (www.carerssanctuary.com), which will provide a helpful, entertaining and informative guide for family carers.

“We wanted a magazine that was entertaining and interesting, but for carers. We didn’t want it to read like a pamphlet, or a hand-out – we wanted it to be something people who are carers could relate to,” she says.

With the idea of relation to the forefront, Aviva has decided to dedicate the first issue of the magazine to a problem that comes up again and again amongst carers – personal health.

“There is a high incidence of illness in carers and, unfortunately, it’s hard to take time to get well or look after yourself.

“Issue One is all about taking care of yourself when you’re a carer, and

remaining healthy.

“The magazine has features, articles and interviews. Every month, we will focus on a group that does work that might be of use to the families and carers,” she says.

“For example, we have a focus on Headway; a charity that works with people who have suffered brain injuries. We’ll be helping to explain the groups, and their work, to readers.

“It’s a chance for these groups to show what they do, and a good platform to showcase their work,” says Aviva.

Although being a carer is amongst the toughest things a person can do, the magazine aims to highlight some of the lighter moments and heartwarming tales that can come out of the situation.

“Even though it’s very hard – and different to anything you will ever do in your life – sometimes, there are lighter moments.

“In the magazine, we have a section called: You Couldn’t Make It Up, where people share stories of funny moments that have occurred during their time as carers,” she says.

Being a family carer is something that doesn’t come with instructions and, Aviva says, there is

COMMUNITY: PILOT SCHEME ROLLED OUT

Your area needs you!

Aviva Cohen, carer, is keen to highlight the importance of carers looking after their own mental and physical health. Picture: Peter Doyle

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‘We wanted a magazine that was entertaining and interesting, but for carers. We didn’t want it to read like a pamphlet, or a hand-out – we wanted it to be something people who are carers could relate to’

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Aviva Cohen, carer, and founder of online magazine, www.carerssanctuary.com

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often a hesitancy from people to ask for help.

“One girl wrote to us to say that the biggest thing she learned was that it’s okay to ask questions.

“There is a very high incidence of depression and illness amongst carers. It is impossible to do it on your own. There are no reference points for something like this,” says Aviva.

LOCAL SPORTS? Call our SPORTS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email sport@gazettegroup.com

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LOCAL COMPETITIONS, EVENTS OR WINNERS!

The magazine is sponsored by Boyne Valley Honey, which, Aviva says, is “very lucky”.

While all of this is going on, Aviva is preparing for her interview for the top 18 finalists of the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland competition.

If she makes the final three, she will receive funding for her ongoing projects.

COMMUNITY groups across the county are being urged to become involved in the Social Credits System.

This is a 12-month pilot programme that rewards community groups, youth groups, residents’ associations and schools who improve their environment by cleaning up, planting and maintaining areas, and encourages them to continue taking positive, sustainable actions within their community.

The programme aspires to motivate, assist and reward groups, who may not be involved in the enhancement of local area, to get involved and to take ownership of the county.

Information on the Social Credit System has been circulated to all community groups in

the county. Information and application forms are available online, with hard copies available in local libraries and community centres.

To date, the council has received 39 enquiries from community groups, residents’ associations and schools. The suggested actions range from arranging community clean-ups to the establishment of community gardens.

Applications are assessed by weighing the practicality of action to enhance the community, the feasibility of project targets/actions, community involvement and participation, structure and layout of proposal and additional information supplied.

Assessments are carried out by a cross-departmental sub-committee.

6 LUCAN GAZETTE 5 May 2011

FastNews

TRIP Family from namesake town in the US pay a visit

Gardai renew appeal for help in locating missing girl (16) GARDAI in Lucan are renewing their appeal for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 16-year-old Michelle Doyle from Moyglass Road, Lucan.

Michelle was last seen at 3pm on Monday, March 14, this year. It is believed she was going to the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre.

She is described as being 5’ 6”, eight stone in weight, slight build, blue eyes with shoulder-length blonde hair. When last seen Michelle was wearing a pink jacket, grey hoddie-fleece, bright denim jeans and grey, pump runners.

It is believed that Michelle may be visiting the Coolock and Greystones areas of Dublin.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lucan Garda Station 01 666 7300, the Garda Confidential Line 1 800 666 111 or any Garda station.

College symposium kicks off in Tallaght IT THE first Colleges’ and Communities’ Symposium will take place in the Institute of Technology, Tallaght on the afternoon of May 10 from 2pm to 5pm.

The Colleges’ and Communities’ 2011 Symposium provides an opportunity for staff, students, and members of the community to share their experiences of collaboration on a variety of activities and projects.

The aim of the symposium is to provide an environment for enhancing dialogue between colleges and communities, and to encourage wider participation in higher education.

Keynote speakers include a talk on Learning With Communities (SLWC) from Elena Gamble and Sinead McCann, Dublin Institute of Technology students, and a talk on the Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI) from Lorraine McIlrath, of the National University of Ireland, Galway.

For further information on the symposium or to book a place please email volunteering@ittdublin. ie

Ray and Alice Thull, with daughter, Sandra, and son-in-law, Bjorn, from Lucan, Minnesota, took in Mass at St Mary’s with Joe Byrne (centre)

Visitors arrive from a Lucan far, far away Q PAUL HOSFORD

lucan@gazettegroup.com

LUCAN, Dublin, got a taste of Lucan, Minnesota, recently when Ray and Alice Thull paid a visit to the village.

Ray and Alice hail from a Lucan so small it makes the West Dublin town look like a sprawling metropolis. Lucan, MN, is a town of just 226 people, located roughly two hours drive from Minneapolis.

Ray, a former mayor of the town, and his wife Alice, got the idea to come to Lucan, Dublin, following a long tradition of St Patrick’s Day parades in the town, with Alice saying that the idea came to mind about a year ago.

“About 25 years ago, a man by the name of Joe Dolan started the Lucan St Patrick’s Day Parade.

Last year we had a resident of Lucan, Dublin, as the Grand Marshall of

the parade.

“Ray and I thought it would be nice to come and visit, so we asked the mayor of our town for permission to be his representatives here and he said yes.”

Along with their daughter Sandra and son-inlaw Bjorn Barner, the couple flew into Dublin and spent two days getting acquainted with the town that shares a name with their home.

They began by taking in Mass in St Mary’s Church on Chapel Hill, before meeting up with local historian, and Lucan Festival chairman, Joe Byrne.

Taking in a walking tour of the town, Joe’s extensive knowledge of the town and its history provided a fascinating insight into the town for the American visitors.

From Chapel Hill, to the former site of the sulphurous spa and into the village, the Thulls took in Joe’s fascinating commentary on the town.

He guided the visitors to Lucan Bridge, which is the longest single-span masonry bridge in Ireland, before describing

A selection of old postcards from the town of Lucan, Minnesota, brought to Dublin on a recent visit by the Thull family

the history of the woollen mills in Lucan, which provided large-scale employment in years gone by.

That was before a trip to Gazette Headquarters to meet Gazette editor Cormac Curtis, who had helped the couple in planning the trip.

The following night

was spent meeting Lions’ Club members in the Spa Hotel, with Ray extending wishes from his local chapter to the Lucan members.

The family then headed off to take in more of the country, before returning to America, with tales of a hundred thousand welcomes sure to be told.

5 May 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 7

8 LUCAN GAZETTE 5 May 2011

FESTIVAL: COLLECTION

CHILDREN New Minister speaks out

Education key to stopping bullying

Volunteers Fiona Dalton and Kay Carroll collect for the Lucan Festival in Superquinn

Committee thank generous community THE Lucan Festival Committee this week thanked all those who gave so generously to the Lucan Festival Bucket Collection recently, with a total of €1,658.52 raised.

With costs for this year’s Festival expected to be in the region of €18,000, this is a great addition to the Festival Fund.

In addition to fundraising activities, the next event being the Stars of Lucan talent extravaganza on May 21 in the Church of Ireland Parish Centre, plans are well underway for the Lucan Festival 2011.

With the Cinemobile (mobile cinema) already confirmed, other likely events may include an art exhibition, battle of the bands, and performances from local dance groups.

Tom Dowling, Festival Secretary, commented: “We were quite overcome by everyone’s generosity last weekend; there is a real sense of goodwill toward the Festival that we want to build on this year.

“In the coming weeks

we will be contacting local businesses and organisations regarding ways they can get involved to make this festival the best yet.

“Of course, everyone is more than welcome to contact us directly as well with any ideas.”

Joe Byrne, Festival Chairman, said that the group are still looking for volunteers to help with the running of the festival.

“We were also happy to welcome new volunteers who helped out with the Bucket Collection and we would like to say a big thank you to them, our other volunteers and committee members who donated their time.

“Anyone else who would like to get involved, please get in contact as there is still lots to do in the run up to the festival and during the week itself.”

This year’s festival will be taking place from September 19-25.

To get involved and/or keep updated with Festival news, become a fan on Facebook or contact lucanfestival@gmail.com.

THE new Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald, has stated that action needs to be taken on bullying in classrooms, school yards and on social networks, such as Facebook, throughout the country, including Clondalkin.

Speaking this week, the Fine Gael TD said that educating teachers and parents was an important step in the fight against bullying.

“Bullying is a very serious problem for our children.

“We simply cannot

tolerate any form of bullying – be it in the classroom, school playground, online or at home.

“Parents and teachers need to be aware of how best to deal with incidents in order to stamp it out, and children need to be given the confidence of knowing they can talk to a parent or teacher confidentially,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

She said that despite the attention surrounding the issue, many children still felt alone when facing the reality of bul-

lying.

“Despite all the publicity around this issue, 40% of nine-year-olds sur veyed in Ireland recently stated that they have been bullied.

“Only half of these children feel they can talk to a parent about it.

“This is extremely worrying and suggests that not enough is being done to tackle this ongoing problem.

“We need to educate children, parents and teachers alike and ensure that we implement comprehensive anti-bullying

policies throughout our schools.”

She went on to say that, while the guidelines and structures were in place to fight the scourge of bullying, the proper procedures must be followed if there is to be any real success.

“There are national guidelines in place for dealing with bullying in schools and already teachers operate within these guidelines.

“This means that the Code of Conduct in every schools means they already have anti-

bullying policies and protocol for dealing with incidents.

“We need to ensure that the correct action is taken as soon as these incidents occur, ignoring the problem can have severe implications for children’s safety and mental health.

“There are a number of Government and EU websites dedicated to educating people on this issue.

“As Minister for Children this is an area I will be working on,” the Minister said.

CONFERENCE: RELIGIOUS LEADERS DESCEND ON THE CLARION

Delegates at the recent annual Interfaith Peace Conference which was held in the Clarion Hotel in LIffey Valley

Peace on the agenda -------------------------------------------------------

THE Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, Ireland, held its fifth Annual Interfaith Peace Conference on Sunday at the Clarion

Hotel, Liffey Valley.

The topic of this year’s conference was Religion’s Role in Societal Peace, with a number of speeches, including an address

by Deputy Mayor, South Dublin County, Cllr Gus O’Connell, who spoke of how important integration is in today’s environment and praised the role of Ahmadiyya movement in playing a proactive part in it.

The religious leaders from three major faiths – Christianity, Judaism and Islam – then addressed the conference.

The guest speakers included Fr Donal Roche, who is parish priest in Lucan’s Church of Divine Mercy, Fr Peter Campion, who is Chaplain at King’s Hospital School, Palmer-

‘People from all faiths, backgrounds, and ethnicities were invited to share common values in order to form a basis of understanding, tolerance and respect for each other in the society where we all live together’

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stown, and Canon Precentor of Christ Church Cathedral Dublin; Mr Yanky Fachler, from Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation, who is also the author of various books and who has written extensively on Jewish history.

Also, there was Imam Ibrahim Noonan who is the first Irish Imam born in Ireland having

converted to Islam 20 years ago and is currently missionary in charge of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, Ireland.

Cllr Caitrinona Jones, Cllr William Lavelle and Members of An Garda Siochana from Lucan Garda Station, along with members from the Garda Intercultural office in Dublin, attended the peace initiative.

D r A l e e m Ud d i n , National President of A h m a d i y y a Mu s l i m Association, thanked all the guest speakers and audience at the end for attending the event and showing their support, while Imran Ahmed Sheikh passed on a message of tolerance and understanding.

“The main purpose in organising this conference is to promote peace amongst people from all religions.

“People from all faiths, backgrounds, and ethnicities were invited to share common values in order to form a basis of understanding, tolerance and respect for each other in the society where we all live together,” said Imran Ahmed Sheikh.

5 May 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 9

10 LUCAN GAZETTE 5 May 2011

TAKE TWO Another look at locals having fun in Lucan village

Valerie Byrne and Eileen Dennehy

Boogieing right on back to Courtneys Emma Stafford and Benny Grogan. Pictures: Peter Doyle

S THE Gazette found plenty of friendly faces during its recent Saturday night sojourn at Courtneys – as shown in a gallery – it is delighted to continue the good feeling

A

Dave Rooney, Daniel Gaffney and Colm Lynch

of that night with this Take Two gallery, featuring a number of locals that space omitted from the first gallery.

As previously reported, and as is widely-known around west Dublin,

Lee Seal and Terry Gaff

Saturday night at Courtneys is always a popular night out, whether for Lucan locals or those hailing from further afield, with lots of friends and familiar faces guaranteed to be seen there.

Niamh Doyle, Sinead O’Toole and Mairead Ryan

Brendan Nestor and Gary Delaney

5 May 2011 GAZETTE 11

RETAIL Celebrations kick-off action-packed weekend

Carraig Donn’s new Dublin outlet LADIES fashion, jewellery, accessories and gifts retailer, Carraig Donn, will unveil its brand new store at Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre, in Dublin, on Thursday, May 12, at 12 noon.

The new store opening celebrations promises to kick-off an actionpacked weekend not to be missed.

Carraig Donn has confirmed that they will have hundreds of special offers in-store to mark the event, along with goodie bags for the first 50 customers on the day. A FREE J’aime la Vie necklace worth €25 will also be given away with all purchases of €50 or more for the opening weekend!!

The new store will showcase the best of Irish and international designer fashion, lifestyle giftware, accessories and jewellery. Carraig Donn will offer a boutique shopping experience with the purchasing power of a larger group.

T he family-ow ned Irish company has relevant, high-fashion and contemporary collection focused on styling and price. Carraig Donn has become Ireland’s leading lifestyle retailer now with 22 stores nationwide showcasing irresistible fashions, jewellery and gifts.

Carraig Donn champions a number of brands – their own label, J’aime la Vie, is seen alongside Vila, Amari, St. Martins and Peruzzi, to usher in every trend and silhouette of the season. All brands have

one thing in common – fantastic prices. The Star Buy of the collection has to be the J’aime la Vie Estelle dress retailing at only €59. The Estelle features one of this season’s hottest looks in crushed fabric. The J’aime la Vie Penny dress is a close second as the season’s star buy, retailing at only €69. I’m sure you’ll agree the Spring Summer 2011 collection is a dream for dress lovers. Carraig Donn caters for every need at a range of budgets making you look fantastic for all occasions, such as Communions, Confirmations and weddings. Knight & Day and Soul jewellery complete the look, with both contemporary and funky pieces.

This winning formula extends to the gift and home departments, making Carraig Donn at Dun Laoghaire a destination store. Customers can enjoy prestigious leading labels, such as Newbridge Silverware, Genesis, Killarney Crystal, and many more as well as novelthemed lifestyle giftware to suit any budget for every occasion.

2011 promises to be a busy year for Carraig Donn with the company celebrating 40 years in retail, more new store openings in the Dublin area and online shopping launching next month!

Last year, the Irish retail company opened a store at Fairgreen Shopping Centre, Carlow, as well as MacDonagh Junction, in Kilkenny, bringing the total number of new jobs

Magnum force: Join Georgia and take a break from the heat J’aime La Vie Penny Dress €69, available at Carraig Donn

created by the company in recent months to in excess of 70 in the southeast. Since its opening, Carraig Donn in MacDonagh Junction, has since gone on to win a

Top 5 Place in the annual Retail Excellence Ireland Store of the Year Awards in 2010.

Join the opening party all this weekend in Carraig Donn at Dun

Laoghaire Shopping Centre, from 12noon on Thursday, May 12, or register your details online at www.carraigdonn.com to get the latest news, promotions and discounts.

GEORGIA Salpa is pictured in the “rainforest” for the launch of the delicious new Magnum Ghana ice cream, part of Magnum’s new Rainforest Alliance Certified™ Magnum Cocoa range. The new Magnum Ghana is made with specially selected cocoa beans sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms in Ghana and is an exquisite blend of hazelnut ice cream and delicate milk chocolate sauce.

12 GAZETTE 5 May 2011

GazettePETS PETS Keeping Fido and Kitty cool and safe

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO KEEP YOUR PET SAFE IN THE SUMMER HEAT

T’S May and temperatures are rising, so, officially, we’re in the midst of summer and you know how we girlies love to get our bodies into shape for that all important bout of sunbathing.

(I’ll let you into my body beautiful secret – I’ve added a salad to every meal. The weight should be dropping off any day now!)

Ah, yes, roll on the aroma of the family barbecue and the frenzied dash to smother the kids with sun block – even though we know we’ll never see blue skies and searing sun for more than a few days at a time.

But wait, did you forget something? What about Fido and Kitty? Did you know that hot weather can pose a real threat to your pets?

Let me put this simply.

Animals CANNOT tolerate extreme temperatures.

So, as a responsible pet owner, you must make absolutely sure that when the sun does make an appearance, you’ve taken precautions to keep your pet safe.

I

Here are some tips to help you out:

Never leave your animal in a car. Pet owners should know the dangers of leaving any animal in a hot car – even for just a few minutes.

This particularly applies to dogs who love to travel in a car and it’s tempting to let them go to the supermarket with you, but don’t leave your dog inside, even with the windows open.

Temperatures don’t have to be in the 30s for a car-bound dog to be in serious trouble. Even at much lower temperatures, even under a cloud-

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

‘Temperatures in air-conditioned cars can reach the same temperature as outside within just five minutes of being turned off’ --------------------------

less sky, the humidity inside the car turns it into a sauna.

Research has shown that if it’s a sunny 25 degrees, the temperature in a car, with the windows closed, rises rapidly in 30 minutes. In short, 25 to 40C+ in half an hour!

Temperatures in airconditioned cars can reach the same temperature as outside within just five minutes of being turned off.

This means, on a hot day, it takes a matter of

minutes for a dog to end up organ damaged or dead!

If you must take your dog out in the car, make sure you have him well strapped in. Purchase a car safety harness for your dog. This is for your safety as much as his! They’re available in any good pet shop or from our Dublin SPCA gift shop. Cats should always be in pet carriers when travelling in the car.

One small jolt in traffic can have a very sad result for an unsecured pet. If you’re forced to brake suddenly, an unsecured animal can be thrown forward, hitting you in the back of the head or neck, causing painful injuries to both you and your pet.

Make sure the car window is open while driving – enough to give your animal plenty of ventilation.

Don’t leave your dog in the car if you need to leave your vehicle.

If your dog pants quickly, looks very tired or collapses, he could be suffering from heatstroke.

Put him in a cool, shady spot and spray his body with cool water, or give him a cool (not cold) bath immediately.

Never cool your dog so much that he/she begins to shiver. Let your dog drink small amounts of cool water. Contact a veterinary surgeon urgently

You must always remember that your dog has no sweat glands, which can affect them badly in hot weather. Be responsible, and remember some simple things to help your dog – or other pets – stay cool and well in summer.

for further advice as heatstroke can prove fatal.

Be responsible

Leave your dog at home. Place his bed/kennel in a shaded area, and he will automatically go to it when he needs rest from the hot sun.

Leave plenty of water and leave it in the shaded area. Check water bowls

regularly to make sure there’s plenty of fresh water available.

Never exert your dog during hot weather.

When walking your dog, remember there are areas and times during the day where temperatures soar.

It makes sense to walk your dog in the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are

lower and the hot concrete won’t burn sensitive paws.

Always take along water for yourself and your dog. Stop frequently to allow both of you to have a refreshing drink.

Many domestic animals do not sweat to keep cool.

Dogs have no sweat glands and can only lose heat by panting. Make sure they always have plenty of water to help them keep cool. Tip: Temperatures are at their highest during mid-day and 3pm. Avoid these times.

Keep your pet groomed

Very important during hot weather. If your pet has long hair then that’s akin to you wearing a fur coat in 33C! Regular brushing helps remove the winter under-

coat and helps your pet regulate his body temperature. Apply sunscreen to pets with white tipped ears and noses. Tip: Children’s sunscreen, Factor 50+ is particularly good.

Insects

Make sure your pet receives regular flea preventatives. And keep that first aid kit close by in case of bee and wasp stings.

Water Safety

If your dog likes the water, he’ll instinctively want to swim during the hot weather so put a life jacket on him.

Remember, even the healthiest of pets will suffer in extreme temperatures, so please take the above precautions.

If you’d like more information log onto www. dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie

5 May 2011 GAZETTE 13

YOUR STORY Taking to two wheels after winter

Top tips for riding safe this summer AS the evenings start to get brighter, and the cold snap has, hopefully, passed, we will be longing to get back to two wheels, perhaps after an absence of many months.

But spare a thought for your bike. What effect has the winter break had on it? Has it been stored inside, warm and dry, or outside exposed to all sort of weather, engine lying idle, oil turning to sludge?

Tyres sitting in the same unmoved position for months, the loss of air and the weight of the bike, playing their part in damage to the sidewalls. Rubber hoses can also crack and perish, so take a look at the water hoses, brake lines, etc.

Chains can also become dry, causing kinks and tight spots, and brake pads can stick and cause problems.

Moving parts that don’t move as freely as they should need attention, start with a thorough wash and clean, checking all parts as you go. Are all the lights working? Clutch, throttle, brakes, etc.

If you do not have the skills to sort problems yourself, leave it to the experts to get your bike ready for the road again.

OK, now the bike is sorted, what about you?

Having not ridden your bike for a few months, it can take time for your skills to return to a safe level. Your awareness of what’s going on around you, and your reactions to the many hazards we face may be slow, it will take time and practise to be competent again Although the weather is improving, there are still plenty of hazards. It’s still possible to find frosty patches of road early in the morning and dazzling,

low sunlight, can still be a problem.

It’s fantastic being able to get back out on the road, but riders who’ve not been out during the winter need to allow some time to get back up to speed. In your mind, you will remember how well you were riding at the end of last year.

But, after a lay-off of a few months, you are not going to be at the same level, or as alert.

Perhaps this would be a good time to get advice from an approved riding instructor, and gain confidence in your riding, learn to recognise the dangers, and become a safer and

more responsible motorcyclist. Perhaps this will be the year that you take the motorcycle riding test, or take that bike trip that you always wanted to do.

Either way, with these new skills you could also qualify for a discount on your insurance cost; it may even save your life.

Your insurance company will have a list of approved instructors in your area.

Please note that anybody providing tuition for payment must be an RSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI); see www.rsa.ie for a list of instructors in your area.

Enjoy the summer and Ride Safe.

W

Q TOM CARLETON Motorcycle riding instructor ADI

Interview: Jessica Alba shares her thoughts on the Fockers

Spare a thought for your bike’s condition after the cold winter months

ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 25

14 GAZETTE 5 May 2011

GazetteGAMING GAMING

Nintendo are soon to launch the Wii Play: Motion, the new version of the classic mini-games set which comes with a special red Wii Remote Plus

Xperia PLAY: the world’s first Playstationcertified smartphone SONY ERICSSON has announced that Xperia PLAY, the world’s first Playstationcertified Smartphone, is now available exclusively in The Carphone Warehouse stores nationwide.

The game-changing Xperia PLAY, is the latest phone in Sony Ericsson’s Xperia range of Android-based smartphones and delivers the smartphone functionality that the most serious power users could need, teamed with the immersive gaming experience that any gamer would want.

In portrait mode, the Android smartphone offers all the benefits that consumers have come to expect from Sony Ericsson’s existing range of Xperia smartphones, with best-in-class entertainment experiences, a great five-megapixel camera, a brilliant four-inch multi-touch screen and great social networking features.

A new world

However, slide out the gaming control and users enter a new world of immersive mobile gaming. The slide-out game pad reveals a digital D pad, two analogue touch pads, two shoulder buttons and the four PlayStation icons: circle, cross, square and triangle.

Qualcomm’s optimised Snapdragon processor with a 1Ghz CPU and embedded Adreno GPU graphics processor deliver silky smooth 60fps play-back 3D mobile gaming and Web browsing with minimal power consumption so Xperia PLAY users can enjoy long hours of battery life and game time.

XperiaTM PLAY will run on Gingerbread (version 2.3), the latest version of Google’s Android platform. The Xperia PLAY will also be the first PlayStation Certified device.

This means it will have access to PlayStation game content provided through the PlayStation Suite initiative, currently under development by Sony Computer Entertainment and due to launch later this calendar year.

A mini-game for all with Wii Play:Motion Q ROB HEIGH

NINTENDO’S Wii has become the ubiquitous and most popular games console in the world, and shortly, the Kyoto games “brain trust” are launching the Wii Play: Motion, the new version of the classic mini-games set that has launched so many gamers on their Wii mission.

The new iteration comes with a special red Wii Remote Plus, the motion sensitive controller that started to be bundled with the consoles for the last year.

Wii Remote Plus combines

the original Wii Remote controller with the precision of the Wii MotionPlus accessory – to deliver great value, precise motion control and immersive social fun that anyone in the household can pick up.

As you make your way through the 12 mini-games, which have multiple game modes for added depth to gameplay, see every swing, tilt, hit and spin of your Wii Remote Plus come to life, as it becomes faithfully replicated on your TV screen with exacting precision. From Treasure Twirl where the Wii Remote Plus acts

as a “winch” to collect deep-sea treasure, to Cone Zone – where you tilt the Wii Remote Plus in the correct position to balance ice cream within a giant waffle cone and stop it from falling, whilst extra scoops are being added – there’s a mini-game for everyone to enjoy.

Each of the 12 mini-games included can be played in single player mode, yet, if you fancy a different experience and want to get your friends and family involved, then the multiple game modes of a selection of Wii Play: Motion mini-games allow for up

to three other people to join in on the fun, ensuring your game play experience is always a truly unique one.

For example, in the mini-game Skip Skimmer, where you can skip stones along a lake, there is a Score Mode in which up to four players take it in turn to skip stones through a series of rings with the aim of getting to the target at the end. By strategically angling the Wii Remote Plus you can compete against your friends to get the highest score in order to win the game. Wii Play: Motion is released on June 24.

PlayStation 3 sales reach 50 million SALES of PlayStation Move motion controller for PlayStation 3 (PS3) has surpassed eight million units worldwide, accelerating the expansion of the PS3 Platform.

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc (SCE) has announced that the cumulative sales of the PS3 computer entertainment system reached a milestone of 50 million units worldwide, as of March 29, 2011. SCE also announced that PlayStation Move sales surpassed eight million units worldwide as of April 3, demonstrating continued growth and momentum of the PS3 platform.

The PS3 system, equipped with futureproof, cutting–edge technologies, including the powerful Cell Broadband Engine

and RSX processors, as well as the Blu-ray disc player and HDMI, has delivered users with high-definition and high-quality entertainment experience since its launch in November 2006. The PS3 system continues to evolve and enhance the user experience through new features and services delivered via software updates.

Communication

With the introduction of PS3, SCE launched PlayStation Network service, which now has more than 75 million registered accounts and operates in 59 countries and regions around the world. PlayStation Network supports free community-centric

online gameplay and communication tools such as PlayStation Home, and offers vast downloadable digital content through the PlayStation Store.

SCE launched PlayStation Move in September 2010 for North America, Europe/ PAL territories and in Asia, and in October 2010 for Japan, to deliver a new entertainment experience across all categories of games, from casual to immersive.

The PlayStation Move motion controller is used in combination with the PlayStation Eye camera to detect the precise movement, angle, and absolute position in 3D space of the user, thereby allowing users to intuitively play as if they are within the game.

5 May 2011 GAZETTE 15

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Edited by Dawn Love

Get the Kate look for your big day ...

DAWN LOVE

SHE’S now one of the most photographed women in the world, and while her legendary tresses are styled at London hairdresser Richard Ward’s salon, Kate Middleton showed her independent streak by doing her own make-up for the big day.

With most brides on an economy drive Kate also showed that you don’t need a make-up artist to achieve the perfect bridal look.

Just days before she tied the knot with Prince William last Friday, the willowy brunette was spotted shopping at a Lancome make-up counter.

A true classic skincare and make-up brand, Kate stocked up on several products last week, including Hydra Zen Neurocalm™ Soothing Anti-Stress Moisturising Cream, €50.50; Lancôme Hypnose Mascara in Black, €25.50 and Lancôme Artliner €27.00.

Lancome’s national

make-up artist says Benjamin Rousseau, Kate’s everyday make-up is natural, understated and very pretty - and this didn’t change very much for her wedding day.

“It's really what i expected - subtle yet enhances and highlights everything that's most beautiful about her face, especially her eyes, which has always been her signature.

“As you would expect her skin was glowing, with a f lawless light radiant foundation. As we know, she wears Lancome, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if she was wearing Lancome’s no1 Bridal foundation Teint Miracle, which allows light from the skin to be reflected out.

“Shades 01 and 03 contain slightly yellow tones, which absorb light from flash photography, neutralising her complextion ensuring it is smooth and looks flawless.

“I love the way she has combined subtle, pinky, blush tones - really to give her a beautiful bridal flush, and she applied

these on the apples of her cheeks, sweeping up to fantastic cheekbones.

“This also really complemented her chic, natural hair that she wore part up and part down with lovely curl at the back, but away from her face,” says Rousseau.

Eyes “I LOVE that Kate kept to her usual eye liner –it’s her trademark and suits her perfectly. All she has done is soften the look by blending it well into her lash line and left it strong on the lower part.

Lips “KATE went for a subtle, natural nude pink colour – it’s really an enhancement of her natural lip, but will always look classic and pretty no matter what the era, so photographs won't look dated.

Over all it is the ultimate bridal make up and enhancement of her natural style and, applied with such skill, it makes me wonder if she really did it herself,” he said.

The new Duchess of Cambridge used her own selection of products to achieve a fresh and natural look for the Royal Wedding. Hydra Zen Neurocalm Soothing Anti-stress Moisturising Cream, Lancôme Hypnose Mascara and Lancôme Artliner

Become a bronze beauty with some serious summer sun tips AS Ireland basked in glorious sunshine last week it was time to get the pins out. But if we’re all honest about it, after months hidden away during the winter an Irish girl’s legs are likely to be a distinctly pasty shade of pale.

But help is at hand with top selftanning brand, He-Shi. And to make it even easier this popular brand has just introduced their new Discovery Kit that contains 50ml travel sizes of all its products.

Ideal for weekends away, a business trip overnighter, or simply for

your handbag, the new kit is priced at €21.25, and contains three 50ml products, including the He-Shi Exfoliating Bodywash to help prepare the skin first, the He-Shi Express Liquid Tan and for those who want to start off gradually this summer, the kit also contains the HeShi Day to Day Gradual Tan. The He-Shi Miniature Tanning

Mitt is also included for perfect application. The Discovery kit’s three-step process ensures your exfoliation, application and aftercare are always as good as you expect, wherever you are!

This compact and conveniently-sized tanning kit is the ideal solution for the ultimate glowing tan. He-Shi’s products are designed especially for Irish skin tones, helping create the

most kissable complexion for enviably glowing skin.

The He-Shi Discovery Kit comes in a stylish transparent travel bag finished with a white trim, which can be reused to store all of your tanning and beauty products again and again!

He-Shi products are available from selected department stores, including Brown Thomas, salons and day spas. For your nearest stockist of He-Shi, contact Euro Products on T: +44 (0) 28 9044 9744 or www.europroducts.co.uk

16 GAZETTE 5 May 2011

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day GAZETTE COMMENT

Getting outdoors safely this summer

N

OW that the winter is well and truly over, it is time to look forward to getting outside in the sunshine and enjoying as much activity as possible.

Every opportunity to enjoy the wealth of local amenities across Dublin must be taken – from the incredible public parks and cycle routes, to the Capital’s enviable choice of high-ranking beaches and swimming spots, we are truly spoilt for choice.

It goes without saying, that, in order to enjoy these facilities, those using them must do so responsibly.

There is nothing worse than stepping through empty crisp packets and plastic, or worse, glass bottles – either at the beach or in our local parks.

Dublin’s local councils must be commended for the lengths they go to in order to maintain these facilities, but they simply don’t have the resources to do everything.

Weather The fine weather also brings with it the wonderful ‘stretch in the evenings’, that sees many people walking running, cycling or just meeting friends a good deal later than they usually would.

But it is so important that people

in the community remain vigilant, and keep an eye out for each other.

Already in west Dublin in recent weeks, two young girls were reported missing. One later returned home, but the other has not yet done so, with gardai appealing for information.

In the Swords area, there have been numerous worrying reports of “attempted abductions”.

One national newspaper claimed that there had been as many as four in recent weeks.

Local Gardai have moved to calm fears over the reports, saying that, while there have been inappropriate approaches to minors, it was wrong to categorise the incidents as attempted abductions.

In the same area, gardai are appealing for witnesses of a daylight assault on a woman in her mid-twenties.

This incident shows just how vigilant we have to be, as it happened at 11.25 am while the woman was out running.

What must be remembered, is that our parks and public amenities are wonderful places that can be used often and safely.

By simply being aware of our surroundings, and looking out for each other, there is no reason that we can’t make full use of them throughout the summer months.

GazetteContacts Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251 Managing Director: Liam Holland email: lholland@gazettegroup.com

General Manager: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com

Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com

Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com

News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@gazettegroup.com

Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com

Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com

Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com

Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

Dining, and donating, for a good cause...

Maurice Murphy, Glenda Murphy, Vivienne Thompson and Ciaran Smith were at the Eatzen Restaurant Dine and Donate event in Ashbourne, where over €5,000 was raised for the Ireland Japan Association Earthquake Appeal

Making a movie date at midnight MIDNIGHT Movies, a new series of midnight cult cinema screenings, opens on Friday, May 13, with a screening of Russ Meyer’s classic film, Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!

Brought from the team behind Film Fatale, Midnight Movies will bridge the gap between conventional cinema and late-night fun, playing the best of grindhouse, blaxploitation, exploitation, horror, underground, and cult classics.

Event producer Fernanda Parente said: “Midnight Movies offers cult film fans an opportunity to enjoy the experience of midnight movie-going, which goes all the way back to New York of the 1970s where eccentric films were played at midnight to equally eccentric film lovers.

“Films that had failed in the box office were given extended runs, while repeat viewers would often dress up and interact with the films. We aim to create the same environment.”

Tura Satana, Haji, and Lori Williams star as Varla, Rosie and Billy who, while racing cars in the desert, meet a young couple. After taking care of the boyfriend, they kidnap the girlfriend and head on a spree of mayhem.

The screening will be followed by a special cult film retro set by

DIARY DJ Shrem.

Midnight Movies launches with Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill! on Friday, May 13, midnight at the Sugar Club, 8 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2.

Tickets are priced €9/€7 students, and is strictly over 18.

Doors open at 11pm. For more information go to http://midnightmovienights.blogspot.com or visit www.facebook.com/midnightmovienight.

Free flights with every pint BULMERS have teamed up with The Grafton Lounge to give away a free return flight to a European destination when a pint bottle of the new Bulmers Lite is purchased in The Grafton Lounge this Friday, May 6, from 8.30pm onwards.

General manager, John Ennis, says it is going to be a great night and people should get in early to avoid disappointment. “It promises to be a great night, with Dj Johnny Hammond playing the best in summer tunes and 2-for-1 cocktails

throughout the night.”

For more information go to www.facebook.com/thegraftonlounge

Holy sunburn!

THE Workman’s Club is going al fresco!

We’re not sniggering at those who have booked holidays on the continent, but is there ANYTHING worse than spending a fortune on dodgy Santa Ponsa beach towels, nuclear yellow cocktails and Billy Bulldog’s British Breakfast when, in fact, at home in the dirty ole town, it’s SSSSSS-SCORCHIO!!!!!

Wish you were here? – we bet you do!

And, as if by some sort of divine moment of timing, as the skies clear and the sun blazes down, Dublin’s loveliest venue announces the launch of The Roof @ The Workman’s Club.

Yes, you heard it right! An entire roof’s worth of hanging out space, which will be an outdoors-indoors all-weather deck of fun. The Roof @ The Workman’s will have its own bar, BBQ area, heating, seating and very soon it will also have a wonderful Persian area, where Workmen can sample (legal) tasty hookah delights.

5 May 2011 GAZETTE 17

MUSIC Up-and-coming groups compete for Toronto gig

Local bands hope for shot at Indie Week A NUMBER of Ireland’s hottest up-and-coming bands will take to stages around the country next week as Indie Week Ireland comes to town, with a number of local groups vying for the chance to play Toronto.

Indie Week, the brainchild of Canadian indiescene stalwart, Darryl Hurs, is a two-country music festival in which over 150 bands a year showcase their talents for public, press and industry.

In the Irish version, bands play hoping to win a slot at Indie Week Toronto, and vice-versa.

To that end, Toronto electro-pop/new-wavers, These Electric Lives, will be playing on all the bills, as part of their prize as winners of the Toronto event in October, 2010.

The band combines influences to create a sound that has been described as reminiscent “of happier days in the

Last Second Magic

Cure, mixed with a few guitar licks from U2”.

On the local end of things, Lucan favourites, The Riptide Movement, will play the May 13 showcase in The Grand Social on Liffey St. As anyone in Lucan can tell you, The Riptide Movement are riding the crest of a wave.

Music bible, Hot Press, has called them “a thrilling live proposition that leaves crowds wondering how on earth they haven't passed out”.

On the Irish festival circuit, they have a busy

The Riptide Movement

summer ahead, with Indiependence, Vantastival, Sea Sessions, Temple House, The Leixlip Festival, Shamrock Festival, Abbey Fest, Festival of Fires, No Place like Dome all on their slate.

They take the stage at 9.15pm on the Friday, hoping to move into Saturday’s final.

Made up of Blanchardstown, Castleknock and Dundrum natives, The Dirty 9s, fresh from their own trip to Toronto for Canadian Music Week, will close the festival on Saturday, May 14, with

a set at 11.50pm in The Grand Social on Indie Week Finals night.

The Dirty 9s released their debut album “Stop Screaming, Start Dreaming”, produced by Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers) in 2010 to critical acclaim.

Described by RTE. ie as “plenty of energy.. nice hooks” and by State. ie as “a record of youthful endeavour – bags of promise”.

At 10pm in Sweeney’s, Dame St on May 11, two bands from Gazette Newspapers areas take

The Dirty 9s

to separate stages at the same time as part of Indie Week’s launch party.

Sixteen Layers are past winners of Indie Week, having claimed the crown at the 2009 event.

From there, their debut album, I Am No One, was hailed a “sonic tour-deforce” by Hot Press and Toronto’s Music Vice called their Indie Week stand “one of the best shows I’ve ever seen in Toronto”.

Hailing from Dun Laoghaire, K insealy, Castleknock and Lucan, the band are preparing to

follow-up their impressive debut album.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Indie WeekToronto alumni, Blanchardstown’s Last Second Magic, take to the stage, hoping to earn a return to Toronto following their selection for the 2010 Toronto edition.

The band took the name for their recently released second EP We Miss You, Black Stalin from a painting in the Canadian city, but that was not all they gained.

Following a set at the festival, the band signed with a Canadian manage-

ment company.

Indie Week Ireland takes place between May 11 and May 14. May 11’s launch party in Sweeney’s, Dame St is free admission, before the event moves to Auntie Anne’s in Belfast, where tickets will cost £6.

The Grand Social on Liffey St then hosts the final two gigs on Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14. Friday’s event kicks off at 7pm and Saturday’s at 8pm. Tickets for both cost €4, before 9pm, and €6 after.

For more information, see www.indieweek.com

18 GAZETTE 5 May 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs GM EXPECTS TO SELL MORE OPEL/VAUXHALL CARS THIS YEAR: GENERAL

Motors reports that it expects to sell 10,000 to 15,000 more Opel cars in Europe than originally forecast this year. GM Europe President, Nick Reilly said in an interview with Dow Jones, that strong demand in markets, such as Germany and Russia, will more than compensate for weaker sales in countries such as Spain and Portugal.

Opel/Vauxhall is GM’s second bestselling brand after Chevrolet, but is the company’s only unprofitable division.

Better sales will help GM Europe to reach its goal of breaking even this year before restructuring costs and making a profit next year. The division is reducing production capacity by a fifth and cutting around 8,000 jobs.

Jeep will be offering a new Compass model as an affordable and stylish two-wheel drive version from the end of this year for Irish buyers, with prices that are expected to be very competitive, according to Fiat Ireland, which will be the official importer from the middle of this year.

New direction for Compass Jeep is to relaunch its vehicles this summer in Ireland as Fiat takes over the brand. The most important is the new Compass, as MICHAEL MORONEY found out.

WAS in Italy recently, test driving the new Jeep Compass, the car that the newly revitalised Jeep brand is hoping will spearhead the rebirth of the brand in Ireland.

And there is some truth to that conviction, as the new Jeep Compass has been upgraded with better styling, new engines and a new level of European on-road handling.

That will make it a real competitor in the smaller SUV segment.

The important news for the redesigned Jeep Compass is the arrival of a Mercedes Benz-built 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine. This engine will be offered with two power outputs options in Ire-

I

SPECS: COMPASS 2.2 CRD 4X2 Top speed: 201km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 11.5 sec Economy: 18.5 km/litre (5.4l/100km) CO2 emissions: 161g/km (152 g/km Jan 2012) Road Tax Band: C (€302) expected Entry Price: €24,000 approx

land, either 136bhp or 163bhp. The peak torque or pulling power remains the same for both engines at 320Nm. Jeep, in Europe, is being managed by the Fiat Group after Fiat took what is now a 30% share in the Chrysler company from the US government as part of a financial bail-

out. Fiat expects to have more than 46% of Chrysler by the end of June.

Jeep, as a brand, is a very important part of the Chrysler deal – important for Fiat for the future, as it gives the company an instant access point to the SUV and 4x4 market on a world-wide scale. The success of the Compass will be pivotal for Jeep in Europe in achieving its optimistic sales goal of pushing sales from a current 15,000 units to over 150,000 units by 2014.

With the new Compass, Jeep has responded to the demand for two-wheeldrive versions of modern family-type SUVs. The new Compass, with the lower-output engine, will

be available with frontwheel drive only.

Jeep claims that its performance is moreor-less on a par with the high-power unit. The high-power unit is offered with all-wheel drive only and boasts an increased 2,000kg towing capacity.

When launched during the summer months, the 136bhp version’s emission of 161g/km of CO2 will place it in VRT Band D. The more powerful 163bhp, all-wheel drive model produces 172g/km (VRT Band E).

Those figures are still a shade too high and Fiat Powertrain Technologies is working with Jeep to substantially reduce these emission figures further.

Jeep reckons that, by the time customers will start place their orders in Ireland for January, 2012, deliveries, the new Jeep Compass 2.2-litre CRD 4x2 Limited should fall into VRT Band C, further lowering the price and making it a far more costeffective car to own.

In styling terms, the Fiat influence has made a difference. The new Jeep Compass has a new front end that’s closer in design to the bigger 2011 Grand Cherokee.

Naturally, being a Jeep, the 4x4 version of the Compass offers offroad capability and this is thanks to its Freedom Drive I full-time 4x4 system. It also features a

lockable, electronicallycontrolled centre differential for tackling more extreme conditions such as deeper snow and sand.

The Compass’ 4X4 system works in conjunction with the stability control, ABS and Brake Traction Control systems to ensure the good handling and traction characteristics.

The proof of the car is in the driving. The Compass can drive well with plenty of power in the entry-level model, which we drove across rural roads near Baracco, near Milan.

The acceleration proved its worth, but it was the handling and road-holding of the car that impressed me most of all.

The Scrappage Scheme is ending – so act now!

THE Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has advised motorists who are considering buying a car under the Scrappage Scheme, to order as soon as possible as the scheme ends in just nine weeks time.

SIMI advised that, while the scheme officially ends on June 30, a dealer

may require a number of weeks to order and take delivery of your car. So, if customers don’t want to be disappointed, they need to shop now.

SIMI reported that, so far this year, sales of new cars are up on last year, driven by the Government Scrappage Scheme and the great discounts availa-

ble. With not long left until the scheme ends, SIMI is anticipating a rise in the number of scrappage enquiries at dealerships in the next few weeks.

The Governments Car Scrappage Scheme provides for VRT relief when a new passenger car with CO2 emissions of not more than 140g/km (i.e.

CO2 band A or B) is purchased and registered, and another passenger car over 10 years old is scrapped.

The scheme runs until June 30, 2011.

The VRT relief available is €1,250 for qualifying vehicles registered during the period January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2011.

5 May 2011 GAZETTE 19

20 GAZETTE 5 May 2011

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY DUN LAOGHAIRE: THREE-BED SEMI-DETACHED FOR €349,000

Granny’s delight at Johnstown Road

14 Millmount Grove, top, and 42 Camberly Oaks

DUNDRUM: RANGE OF NEW PROPERTIES

Homes in Milltown and Churchtown SHERRY FitzGerald are bringing a number of new properties to the market at the moment.

The first featured is No 14, Millmount Grove, a hidden gem situated close to Milltown, Clonskeagh and Dundrum.

This two-bed terraced cottage that benefits from a quiet, leafy location, and will no doubt appeal to a wide variety of buyers.

This stylish home, which has been beautifully renovated, enjoys a bright crisp interior with contemporary light-filled living/bedroom accommodation coupled with an airy kitchen and private sunny rear garden with large decked area ideal for dining al fresco.

The other property is No 42, Camberly Oaks, Churchtown, Dublin 14, with an asking price of €350,000.

This three-bedroom terraced house measures 84 sq m, and is positioned off Upper Churchtown Road, close to Dundrum and Churchtown.

The property would be a great trade down or first home and offers the discerning purchaser 904 sq ft of bright and airy accommodation.

Internally, there is a living room, kitchencum-dining room, w.c., three bedrooms, bathroom and is further enhanced by a private 33ft south-facing rear garden, ideal for those with a keen eye for gardening.

To the front there is a communal parking area and landscaped borders.

The sun-drenched rear garden has a sunny south-facing orientation ideal for enjoying the evening sun with patio area, ideal for outside dining or simply relaxing.

The properties are avaible to view by appointment, which can be arranged through Sherry FitzGerald’s Dundrum branch on 296 1822.

GUNNE are bringing No 21 Johnstown Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, a three-bedroom semidetached house in south County Dublin to the market for the asking price of €349,000.

This bright and airy three-bedroom family home, of c117 sq m, boasts a large, attractive 98ft rear garden and a spacious front garden with ample off-street parking.

The property features a converted garage to the side of the house which is used as a self-contained granny flat, with its own door access, front and rear.

There is great potential to further extend to the rear of the property or

Number 21, Johnstown Road, Dun Laoghaire

convert the attic, subject to the necessary planning permission.

The property itself comprises entrance hall, living room with gas fireplace, a kitchen/dining room with tiled floor, fitted with wall and floor

units, built-in storage cupboards and is plumbed for washing machine.

The bedrooms feature built-in wardrobes and the bathroom is thoroughly tiled.

The granny f lat is situated to the side of

the house and is selfcontained, with separate own door entrance to the front and access to the rear garden. It features an open-plan living room/kitchen, with fitted wall and floor units, cooker and is plumbed for washing machine, a shower room with Triton T90si electric shower and bedroom.

There is a gated front garden with a paved driveway providing off street parking for two cars, the garden is mainly lawned and bordered by mature hedges and plants. The large 98ft rear garden boasts a decked patio, ideal for al-fresco dining, and is bordered by mature plants and

trees.

There is gas central heating in the property, with a newly installed Baxi boiler, and there are double-glazed windows throughout.

Ideally located within close proximity of a host of local amenities including excellent primary and secondary schools, shops and leisure facilities. The area is also close to good transport links, including the N11 and M50 which are within easy access and regular bus services to and from the city.

Viewing is by appointment only, and can be arranged by contacting Gunne on 01 280 1719 or e-mail dunlaoghaireoffice@gunne.ie.

RATHMINES: ORNATE PERIOD RESIDENCE REDUCED IN PRICE

Kensington Lodge a palace in the south

FINNEGAN Menton are bringing No 107 Grove Park, Rathmines, Dublin 6, an ornate Queen Anne-style detached residence in the heart of Rathmines, with four bedrooms to the market at the reduced price of €1.2m.

Kensington Lodge is a majestic period residence extremely conveniently located on Grove Park, which is a quiet residential road off Rathmines Road, close to Portobello Bridge.

The property extends to 3,000 sq ft and has a secluded garden with off-street parking.

This proper ty was designed by William Isaac Chambers, for himself, in 1882 in Queen Anne-style. Kensington Lodge was lovingly restored and sympathetically modernised by the current owners over

the past 30 years and is undoubtedly now one of the finest period residences in the area.

The property comprises hallway, drawing room with dual aspect, elegant, grey marble mantle piece, cast-iron fireplace with tiled inset, and polished wood floor.

The kitchen is fully modernised, with Rayburn cooker, with brick feature surround. There are full-length Shakerstyle maple cupboards, granite worktops and feature island unit with sink unit and storage presses.

There is an integrated fridge, double oven, grill, electric hob with extractor and dishwasher.

The sitting room has a wood-burning stove with recessed book shelves to either side, wood panelled ceiling, laminated

The kitchen at Kensington Lodge

wood floor and folding French doors to garden.

The four bedrooms are well-sized and appointed, and there is an attic room with large velux window and feature circular leaded-stained glass window and a pitched, painted wood ceiling.

There are views of the Dublin Mountains.

This superb location offers a tranquil environment just a five-minute stroll from bustling Rathmines Village and within an easy walk of Dublin City Centre (1.25km).

The area is superbly served by a myriad of shops, restaurants, and pubs with numerous schools, churches and

other public amenities all at hand, complimented by an excellent public transport system, including Luas, for those not wishing to walk to Dublin City Centre.

For more information, contact Iain Finnegan or Richard Carrigan on (01) 614 7900 or e-mail info@ finneganmenton.ie.

5 May 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS Furnishing what customers want

Supported by AIB

Interview: Graham Costigan, general manager, Room To Room

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Duca Furniture started business over 10 years ago as a furniture wholesaler. Based on the outskirts of Dundalk, we have a state-of-the-art 75,000 sq ft warehouse facility. Our showrooms in Santry, Fonthill and Leopardstown are decked out in the best of furniture.

“We sell quality and pride ourselves on this. There are plenty of furniture retailers, but we feel we have some of the best furniture out there. And, as we’re a wholesaler by

Q: What was your first job?

A: I worked in Dunnes in the northside, stacking shelves and sweeping floors. Oh, how I miss those days ...

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: It was from the same place.

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

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

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

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

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

PRSAS (PERSONAL RETIREMENT SAVINGS ACCOUNTS) Q – I am married, 43 with two children and no pension. I was told employers have to provide a facility for employees to contribute to a pension, a PRSA. Can you advise me, as I don’t fancy having to live on € 230.30 per week when I am 68? Gerry - Ranelagh

Graham Costigan, general manager at Room To Room

trade, the price is fair as there is no middle man.

“We stock most of the floor items and have a wide range of customised furniture.

Why not slip by if you’re in the market?”

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

The company is keen to promote its core belief of providing the customer with an excellent level of service and quality at

a fair price.

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

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

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

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

A: I wanted to be a footballer.

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS

A: Doing the accounts – boring.

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

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

Q: What car do you drive?

A: I drive an old Audi.

Q: Can you swim?

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

Q: Would you ever bungee jump?

A: Nope; I don’t like heights.

Q: Do you play any sport?

A: I play golf.

Q: What is your favourite food and drink?

A: My favourite food is stew; my favourite drink is coffee.

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

A: Brian Cowen. I’d love to

Q: Where is your favourite holiday destination?

A: Portugal.

give him a slap up the side of the head.

Q: Have you ever met Brian Cowen?

A: Nope.

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

A: Way too often.

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

A: A professional golfer;

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

A: As seldom as possible. I

otherwise, I’m very happy with my work.

don’t like shopping.

Q: What is the name of your favourite shop?

A: Room to Room, of course!

But, really, it’s Macy’s in New York.

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: About 15, I think.

Q: When do you wish to retire?

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

A - There are currently over 420,000 Irish citizens over the age of 65 and, by the year 2050, there will be 1.8million citizens over this age - 767,300 by 2026, meaning that 16 years from now, more than 16% of the population will be in retirement. Put another way, in 2010 there were six workers for every retired person in the state.

By 2051, there will only be two workers for every retired person. Another fact is that half of the current earning population of Ireland does not have a pension, having to solely rely on the State Pension when they retire.

As you know, that retirement age is also moving to age 68 over the coming years. So, you are quite right to be concerned, as we need to address our retirement planning and save for the future now.

PRSAs – Personal Retirement Savings Accounts - were introduced September 2003 forcing ALL employers to set up a debit system to allow employees to contribute to a pension plan if there was not one already in place. While they do NOT have to contribute to their employees’ pensions, at least not yet, they will do in 2014. They MUST nominate an insurance company now to allow these pension payments or direct debits to be made by their employees. Failure to do so can result in a fine to the employer of between € 1,500 and € 12,700 !

You should, therefore, approach your company and ask if they have nominated a insurance company and set up such a scheme. You can, of course, also take the initiative yourself and open your own PRSA with any insurance company directly. The idea behind PRSAs was to make them affordable and portable for everyone. There is a maximum annual management charge of 1%, together with a maximum contribution charge of 5%.

Needless to say, there are a number of rules, regulations, terms and conditions and therefore you should seek professional, authorised and independent advice on same.

WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK

*based on standard industry measurements

Q: What will you do then?

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

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240

22 GAZETTE 5 May 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel

Try-mendous travel offer with Stena Line for Heineken Cup Final

RUGBY fans can travel from only €44* per person by car for the Heineken Cup Final. STENA Line has a special offer from only €44* per person for rugby fans travelling by car (with four passengers) to the Heineken Cup Final in the Millennium Stadium in Wales on Saturday, May 21, which kicks off at 5pm.

Fans can travel by Superferry from Rosslare Port on Friday, May 20, at 21:15, or on Saturday, May 21, at 09:00 and return from Fishguard on Sunday, May 22, at 02:45 hours, arriving into Rosslare Harbour at 06.15.

For more information, or to book, log on to www.stenaline.ie, call 01 204 7777 or visit your local Stena Line office or travel agent. *Terms & conditions apply. Subject to availability. Fare does not include match ticket and is based on a car plus 4 people travelling.

Hop to the great cities of Las Vegas and San Francisco CHECK out two of the USA’s coolest hotspots with the latest twin city offer from GoHop.ie.

Soak up the hip vibe of San Francisco and enjoy its many fine restaurants and cultural highlights and then throw yourself into all of the excitement and buzz that’s on offer in Las Vegas.

Stay seven nights from €809 per person sharing Package includes: Return flights from Dublin to San Francisco, three nights accommodation in your choice of three-star hotel, four nights in your choice of three-star hotel in Las Vegas on room-only basis and airline taxes and charges.

Don’t miss out on this unbeatable twin city offer to San Francisco and Las Vegas, book with Gohop, visit www.GoHop.ie or call (01) 2412303.

A bit of windsurfing in Antrim WINDSURFING Week, which is taking place across Northern Ireland until May 8, provides enthusiasts with the perfect opportunity to enjoy a spring break in the surfing hub of Portrush, Co Antrim.

Co Antrim’s North Coast is dotted with surfing schools that offer lessons to all ages and abilities. Visitors and wannabe surfers can turn their trip into a short stay by availing of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s (NITB) special accommodation offer of two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at the Ramada in Portrush from only £95pps (subject to availability). The beautiful seaside town is a favourite with tourists due to its stunning scenery and fantastic entertainment venues.

For further information contact the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on callsave 1850 230 230, click on www.discovernorthernireland.com or visit the Tourist Information Centre, Suffolk Street, Dublin 2 to avail of its free advice and booking service.

A magical place for those vital first steps DAWN LOVE-LATIMER

ALTHOUGH the chance to review one of Ireland’s best-known hotels is something I would normally jump at, the idea of driving to Kerry with a 10-month-old baby made both me and my husband, Dylan, think twice, actually more than twice to be honest.

But throwing caution to the wind, on a sunny April day we loaded up our old estate and the three of us headed for the Parknasilla Resort and Spa in Kerry.

In the end, we’d nothing to worry about. We decided to stop in Adare for lunch, and the new motor way meant we zipped down in no time at all. It was like the scene in Meet the Fockers, when all the traffic lights go green, because Harry ended up sleeping most of the way to Adare and again until we reached Kerry.

Okay, getting from Killarney to Kenmare proved a little tricky, as Harry left both me and Dylan in no doubt that he’d had enough, but we got there in the end and the view when you pull up to the front of Parknasilla Resort and Spa is one of the most spectacular I have ever seen.

Perched majestically

overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this historic Victorian building conjures up images of the sumptuous hotels featured in Miss Marple and Poirot, and you can understand why both Charles de Gaulle and Princess Grace of Monaco were fans. There is a timeless quality about the hotel, although it now boasts a state-of-the-art spa and a new wing.

I think Irish artist Patrick Scott summed it up best, when, recalling the holidays he spent there with his family in the 1930s, he said: “I remember as a child being very impressed by the grandeur of it, and the locations, of course.

But it did seem to be the kind of hotel that people got very fond of and kept going there.”

To be honest, nothing has really changed, and that’s what I loved about it. Many of the people I met on our stay at Parknasilla are regulars, and many of them are families. It’s set amidst 500 acres, and, with a massive swimming pool, rock pools and walking trails, it is sheer kiddie heaven.

We’ve been to a few cafes and restaurants before where it’s made pretty clear that children aren’t particularly welcome, but, in spite of

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‘Our little bundle of joy took his first solo steps, a family memory that we will treasure, and we hope to have many more of them at this Kerry gem’

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the beautiful reception rooms in the hotel, never once were we made feel like this.

In fact, Harry got so attached to some of the hotel’s staff that on the last day, as we said our goodbyes, he leaped into the arms of John from the Pygmalion.

Other staff members,

like PJ, are also parents, in fact he is a dad of twins – so we always felt we were in an easygoing atmosphere and there was never a problem if we needed some food heated.

We stayed in one of the hotel’s new suites, and there is oodles of room for a family. One of my pet hates is poor bed linen, but

there were no fears here.

The beds are massive with really comfy mattresses and the bed linen is topquality cotton.

The bathroom was gorgeous, too, and I’m a total sucker for nice beauty products, so the Elemis ones that Parknasilla uses went down a treat.

Which brings me to the

5 May 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 23

R1

TravelBriefs

Four-star holidays deals from €53 per day all-inclusive, from Panorama Holidays

Dawn with her son Harry, left, taking his first few solo steps. A lone Drascombe Lugger, above, drifts by the surroundings of Parknasilla

SPECIAL OFFERS THE Parknasilla is currently offering guests a twonight bed and breakfast and one evening meal deal from just €159 per person sharing, or book three nights bed and breakfast and two evening meals from just €229 per person sharing.

Bookings must be made before May 31 and the stay must take place before June 30, 2011.

To book visit www.parknasillahotel.ie or telephone 064 667 5600.

next part of the hotel, the spa – a definite must. I had a Hot Stone Massage. Now, I’m a big fan of facials and massages but I’ve never had a Hot Stone one and I really wasn’t sure if I would chill out as I heard the rustle of stones at the beginning. Chill out I did, so much so that

Dylan told me I should have a massage like that more often. He was joking, of course – at least, I like to think so.

In fact, I chilled out so much I fell asleep and the therapist had to wake me when she had finished.

Most nights we ate in the Doolittle Bar, which has an extensive menu

of really wholesome food and yummy desserts – definitely try the Sticky Toffee Pudding.

The buffet breakfasts were a real treat. Set in the Pygmalion restaurant, this is a really stunning and historic room with ocean views, and on our last night we decided to get a bit dolled up and

eat there.

Head chef is Peter Brennan, who has worked in some of London and Dublin’s top eateries, and his food is pretty spectacular. I have to say I would travel to Parknasilla alone for one of his dinners. All ingredients are locally sourced, including the freshly

caught fish, local farm vegetables and meat.

On a personal note, our little bundle of joy took his first solo steps in Parknasilla, a family memory that we will treasure and we hope to have many more of them at this Kerry gem that is run the way hotels used to, and should be.

“ALL-INCLUSIVE” is very much the buzz word among cost-conscious sunseekers this year, with tour operators seeing a strong rise in holidaymakers opting for packages, which include meals, drinks and entertainment in the price. Panorama has just released a large selection of all-inclusive deals for the month of May, with prices as low as €375 per week for four-star accommodation in Crete.

The offers cover three- and four-star properties in 12 destinations spread across Turkey, Greece, Portugal and Spain, and include all meals, snacks, non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, evening entertainment and use of hotel facilities. The four-star Gouves Park in Crete is on offer for just €375 per person sharing for May 6 departure, and is ideal for families, with nightly entertainment and a kids’ club, with a day-time activity programme.

The Algarve remains a favourite with Irish holidaymakers, and Panorama has a number of all-inclusive deals in the area, with the four-star Delfim Hotel in Alvor available from May for €635, and the Dom Pedro Golf resort in Vilamoura for €756 on May 15.

The Villa Marina Club in Salou, on the Costa Dorada in Spain, offers terrific value in May, from €415, departing May 6 or 15, while Fuengirola, on the Costa del Sol, can be enjoyed for €499 (Gardenia Park). Turkey is rightly popular for its value, and Panorama has a choice of allinclusive destinations in May, with the four-star Delta Beach Resort in Yalikavak from €479, the Bathian Hotel in Kusadasi from €449 and the Piril Hotel in Cesme from €539.

Menorca, from €449, Majorca from €489, Fuerteventura from €549, Lanzarote from €545, Tenerife from €635 and Zakynthos from €619, complete the special May offers. All prices are per person, based on two sharing and include taxes and charges.

“The prospect of accommodation, meals, snacks, drinks and entertainment for as little as €53 a day must be very appealing for families struggling with the cost of living here in Ireland,” says Brian Nevin of Panorama Holidays.

To book, and for more details on any of the discounts on offer, call 0818 20 20 20, log on to www.panoramaholidays.ie or visit your nearest travel agent.

24 LUCAN GAZETTE 5 May 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1

GoingOUT GoingOUT PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Howard Marks: An Audience With Mr Nice Howard Marks is a writer, creator, contributor, storyteller, comedian, Oxford graduate, philosopher, teacher, stoner, singer, actor, DJ, social commentator, revolutionary and an all-round Nice guy. A softly spoken man, he has engaged audiences from Kilkenny to Kathmandu with his fascinating lifestyle and great anecdotal tales that has seen him driven by adrenaline and fuelled by emotion for a right and just society.

May 8 at 7:30. Tickets €19/€21.

SEAMUS ENNIS CULTURAL CENTRE 01 802 0898 Majorstuen Breakneck polkas with daring runs, easy-going lullabies with blue notes, groovy reinlenders and wickedly wonderful waltzes. This is what you may expect from a musical experience with the fiddle and cello collective Majorstuen. Majorstuen has somehow come to signify the revival of Norwegian traditional music with a hugely dynamic and forward-looking musical expression.

Already with its 2003 debut album this five-strong fiddle ensemble made it clear that things were changing in the sphere of Norwegian folk.

May 7 at 8:30pm. Admission: €16.

THE HELIX 01 700 7000 Psychic Medium Tony Stockwell Psychic Tony Stockwell has been working for some 20 years, constantly striving to push the boundaries of his communication. In that time he has had umpteen television programmes and has taught at the most respected schools for mediumistic development. Legions of people have witnessed his unique gifts and can testify to what he does as truly amazing.

May 6 at 8pm. Tickets: €30.

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

Until May 7. Admission: €18/€15

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Pineapple Pineapple is a tough and tender drama about love and survival. Calipo presents the world premiere of Pineapple, the new play from acclaimed playwright Phillip McMahon (Danny and Chantelle, All over Town, Alice In Funderland).

May 5 - 6 at 8pm. Tickets: €15/€12 conc / €10 Groups.

Vladimir and Classical Twist Vladimir Jablokov is a young violin virtuoso from Bratislava, Slovakia. He arrived in Ireland in 2004 and formed the Slovak Festival Quartet with some friends.

May 7 at 8pm. Tickets: €18 / €16 concession.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 4627477 Somewhere Under The Rainbow Starring Sharon Sexton as Liza Minnelli. Beneath the surface of sequins, feathers and razzle dazzle that is so often associated with Miss Minnelli, lies a truly captivating character, who has lived one of the toughest, most fascinating and remarkable lives in show business! Join Sharon Sexton’s Liza in the intimate setting of her dressing room as she performs pieces from her infamous musical catalogue and shares the secrets, stories and memories that make up a mesmerising career, including the memories of what was undoubtedly the most demanding role she ever played, that of “Judy Garland’s daughter”.

May 6 at 8pm. Admission: €20 and €16 concession.

Priest (Paul Bettany) knows that his kidnapped niece is somewhere out there in the wasteland. The warrior has to find her, soon, before her vampire kidnappers turn her into one of them. Meanwhile, the Church has sent agents to find and stop him – but why?

Bit of an unholy mess Kate’s prayers for an original vampire movie have ... not been answered, with this Matrix-with-bloodsuckers film Q KATE CROWLEY

A READER recently asked me if I liked any film I cover, given a near-constant stream of one-star and two-star reviews streaming out from gleaming Gazette Towers.

Well, Timmy, by golly, I’m glad you asked me that. Of course I like films and cinema, it’s just that Hollywood keeps on making bad, bad films, which then end up trying to sneak into Dublin cinemas in a bid to take your hard-earned Recessionista Roubles. The noive of those guys!

So, rather than trying to tell you about good or interesting films (such as Takashi Miike’s latest, 13 Assassins, which is another well-told tale set in violent, feudal Japan), I sometimes feel it’s my duty to climb up on the roof and start shouting about some of the lame turkeys on the way to

FILM OF THE WEEK: Priest ++ (15A) 87 mins Director: Scott Charles Stewart Starring: Paul Bettany, Christopher Plummer, Karl Urban, Lily Collins, Cam Gigandet, lots of CG beasties

OUR VERDICT: LOOKING around the world, Kate has seen some fresh twists on the vampire theme recently, such as Let The Right One In (Sweden), or Thirst (Korea). Then she gets Priest (Hollywood). Although not totally terrible, its endless style over substance is rather draining and, she says, it has rather too much leather coats, slo-mo and noisy music to make a good impression. Conclusion? It sorta sucks ...

gobble your change.

That, or to sit here at my old Remington, put on my geen eye shade, and tap away in front of the fire.

And, lo, speaking of warnings about bad films, here comes a Priest that many of you probably won’t like so much.

In a futuristic world, following a long-running clash between humans and vampires, which humanity eventually won, a warrior priest (Paul Bettany) lives in obscurity amongst the huddled masses of one of the world’s safe, walled cities,

ruled over with absolute authority by the Church.

The war was won, but the vampires weren’t wiped out, with many of their various, mutated forms prowling around in the post-apocalyptic wastelands beyond the walls of the cities.

When his niece, Lucy (Lily Collins) is grabbed by the vampires, Priest is the only man for the job to go git her, before the gal becomes a ghoul.

Well, almost the only man, as he’s joined by Lucy’s brave boyfriend and an Inevitable Feisty Warrior Woman Sidekick

for his near-suicidal rescue mission.

Not that the Church wants him to leave the city; in fact, Monsignor Orelas (Christopher Plummer) expressly forbids his mission, and even despatches other holy warriors to bring back Priest from the wasteland. Could the Church have its own nefarious secrets, perhaps?

Still, our heroes don’t have Nosferatu go to find the vampires and screaming niece/girlfriend.

However, despite being very skilled at trampling vampires, there’s still just a few of them, and an awful lot of mean vampires to get past – and the meanest of them all is Black Hat (Karl Urban), who may still look pretty human, but is a true beast on the inside.

Priest finds himself not just with a rescue mission to complete, but also has to do something about the terrible truth he

uncovers; something that Black Hat was counting on him uncovering ...

Shlock-horror fans will welcome the sight (and distinctive sound) of Christopher Plummer; a seasoned old ham who adds his reliable B-Movie stamp to the film.

Meanwhile, Bettany continues his apparent bid to usurp Clive Owen as a Grade-A indicator of a Grade-Awful film, with yet another film involving him and some supernatural hi-jinks.

I’m not adverse to vampire films – some readers may recall that I liked the bloodthirsty film, 30 Days of Night, for example – but, I confess that Priest really isn’t anything that special.

Coming across like a cross between Judge Dredd, Firefly and Mad Max, Priest will probably go down well with some, but, for this reviewer, Priest hasn’t a prayer.

Fangs, but no fanks ...

5 May 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 25

Imagine! People actually queueing to buy music!

ADAM MAGUIRE

Jessica Alba, one of the stars of J th the just-released, Little Fockers

Why Alba really loves the Fockers THE third instalment in the highly-popular Fockers series, Meet the Parents – Little Fockers, was recently released on a range of formats, with the DVD and Blu-Ray releases flying off the shelves.

One of the film’s stars, Jessica Alba, shared some of her thoughts on working with the likes of Ben Stiller. Meet the Parents – Little Fockers is available now at a wide range of outlets.

Q: Tell readers about your character ...

A: I play “Andi Garcia” and, yes, that’s a bit of a joke! She’s very bubbly, very outgoing and she never thinks before she speaks.

She says exactly what’s on her mind, and she has that ‘cheerleader’ kind of attitude.

Q: Does that mean you got some really good lines to say?

A: Yes, and I threw in a lot of slang as well, because I thought it would be funny if [Andi] did that, and if there was that sort of generational gap between Ben’s character and her character, that he just had no idea what the hell she was talking about at all!

Q: Is comedy hard to do?

A: Yes, comedy is the hardest thing to do.

Acting in other things, it’s subjective what works. But, with comedy, if you don’t make people laugh, you have screwed up. It’s hard.

Q: You’re working with some great comedians. Is it difficult to keep a straight face sometimes when you’re filming scenes with them?

A: Well, you can laugh at the scene when they’re doing their close-up, but when you are in the scene with a wide shot, you can’t break character. So, my goal every day was to try and get Ben to break character and laugh!

Q: What was it like, doing ‘Little Fockers’?

A: It was the best time ever, it really was, and every day I came home knowing that I’d had a great day at work. It was the kind of film that made me want to act in the first place. I loved it; every day was a blast.

A FUNNY thing happened recently; something that had not happened for quite some time.

People up and down the country queued outside their local music shops, waiting for the doors to open.

The reason was Record Store Day – an international event aimed at drawing crowds into record shops with live music and limited edition releases.

Its success was, no doubt, welcome for the industry, too, as it continues to struggle in a world of digital – and more often than not, illegal – downloads.

If record labels and musicians can take one thing from it, it is that people are still willing to pay for music, assuming there is enough of an incentive for doing so.

Gimmicky However, if they feel this kind of gimmicky event is enough to save an industry in turmoil, they are only fooling themselves.

The reality is that the world has changed. The internet has made it possible to get hold of practically any song, and users do not even have to pay for the pleasure of doing so.

This is a modern-day Pandora’s Box, and all the legal threats, court cases, moral appeals and guilt trips in the world will never undo this shift.

The way people consume music will never go back to the way it was before.

However, these very tactics have characterised the industry’s reaction to illegal downloading, to date, simply because they are the easiest ones available.

Unfortunately for the

record labels, this is not a simple problem with a simple solution.

Rather than waste energy fighting a losing battle in the courts, perhaps it is time for the industry to focus its energies in more productive ways.

Hinderance Individual artists are already leading the way and, as much as it has proven a hindrance, technology can also be used to help this.

There is no one route that will prove successful for all, of course, but, then again, it is a myth to suggest there ever was.

With matters such as Record Store Day and the resurgence in vinyl sales, it is clear that people will spend money on music, as long as they get something in return.

Something tangible, exclusive, personal ...

Whatever the big players decide to do, people will continue to make money from music in the years and decades ahead.

Whether they are a part of that really depends on how they react in the relatively short-term ...

Nintendo 3DS Having led the field with touch-sensitive, and then motion-sensitive, gaming, Nintendo may be on to another winner with this glasses-free 3D handheld.

The original Nintendo DS, which has been on the market in one form or another for many years now, has been a roaring success.

Worldwide sales are touching on 150 million units, and most people have played games, such

as Brain Training and Nintendogs, at least once.

Therefore, a follow-up to the handheld was always going to be hotly anticipated, and under a lot of pressure to perform.

The Nintendo 3DS, it seems, is worth the wait, with its cracking graphics and striking 3D graphics without the need for glasses.

The 3D, along with 3D cameras built-in, opens up a whole new way of playing games that will really capture your imagi-

nation.

The ability to download new titles wirelessly is handy, too, as is the likes of the “Streetpass” feature, which helps you to set up multiplayer games with people nearby.

If there is anything bad

to say, it is that the 3D can strain the eyes a little when used a lot, but it is so easy to adapt it to suit you – or to switch it off – that this is not really going to be a problem.

Expect this to be top of many people’s birthday and Christmas lists for the next year, or more.

The Nintendo 3DS is available from games retailers, with a RRP of €270.

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

GAZETTE

26 LUCAN GAZETTE 5 May 2011

LUCANclassifieds

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PLANNING NOTICE SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL Permission is sought for a 2 story detached house at site south of Linkfield House, Belgard Road, Dublin 22 by Joseph and Trish Ledwidge.

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12492

5 May 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

SPORT AWARDS:

GazetteSport’s April winners are announced: Page 29

CRICKET: NORTH COUNTY CLUB TAKES FIRST STEPS TOWARD INTERNATIONAL FACILITY

Malahide all set to celebrate 150 years ROB HEIGH sport@gazettegroup.com

THE development of cricket in north County Dublin announced in October of last year began to come to fruition when representatives of Cricket Ireland and Fingal County Council were on hand at the turning of the sod on the new international cricket facility at Malahide Cricket Club last week.

Ireland cricket inter-

national John Mooney, Warren Deutrom, the CEO of Cricket Ireland, Mayor of Fingal, Ken Farrell, and Norman Adams, president of Malahide Cricket Club were present at Malahide Demesne as the club took the first tangible step on the road to the development of the club’s grounds, which came on the back of a €450,000 funding boost.

The funds, predomi-

nantly, will go toward the cost of redeveloping and extending the outfield, as well as providing grass banking, which will accomodate the crowds attending matches.

Mayor Farrell said: “Fingal County Council is greatly looking forward to working with Malahide Cricket Club and Cricket Ireland on the development of this facility.

“The sport of cricket has a long association

Jonh Mooney, Warren Deutrom, Mayor Ken Farrell and Norman Adams at the ceremony at Malahide CC

with Fingal with some of the oldest and longest established clubs based in north Dublin and the sport is very popular in the Fingal area. It was therefore fitting that the Cricket Club in Malahide Demesne had been

chosen as the location for Ireland’s new international cricket facility.”

Celebrations The club are in the midst of another celebration at the moment, with their 150th anniversary

celebrations about to get into full swing.

As part of the celebrations, the club are hosting a Gala Dinner Dance on June 11 in the Grand Hotel, Malahide and hope that the wider community of members,

friends and supporters of the club will join in the celebrations and reunite with old friends and team-mates.

For more information on the dinner, contact Howard on 087 419 0148.

28 LUCAN GAZETTE 5 May 2011

GazetteSport Sport Rugby

FastRugby

HEINEKEN CUP: VICTORY PUTS BLUES WITHIN WIN OF TITLE

Under-12s set off on tour of Scotland BARNHALL RFC’s Under-12s travelled to Scotland on their End of Minis tour to the lowlands last week.

The club were due to play matches against Edinburgh’s Bouroughmuir RFC last Thursday afternoon and against Ayr RFC last Saturday morning.

The tour is the culmination of many months of planning and everyone involved with the side was looking forward to it.

The club would like to thank all those involved in the planning of the tour and their sponsors, Panda Waste, Boland IT Services, System Video, RMS Consulting, Kelkin and Rye Valley Foods.

Former president has passed away BARNHALL have announced the death of their former president, Frank Cullen.

Barnhall’s honorary secretary, Joe Looby stated: “Frank had been ill for some time, but still managed to attend some games during the season just past. Indeed, I had the great pleasure of being

with him at the prematch lunch in NUI Maynooth at our last match of the season against Instonians and again in the clubhouse afterwards.

“He was in good form that day, but that’s not surprising, as Frank was always in good form. It was always a pleasure to be in Frank’s company.”

Frank played as a centre threequarter for Barnhall RFC for many years where he graced many teams.

Leinster supporters Simon Pearson, from Lucan, and Sean Breaslin, from Howth

Leinster close in on cup HEINEKEN CUP S-FINAL Leinster Toulouse

32 23

sport@gazettegroup.com

LEINSTER moved a step closer to a second Heineken Cup title in three years in a breathless tie against Toulouse in the Aviva Stadium last Saturday, winning 32-23 in a wonderful exhibition of rugby.

Perennial man-ofthe-match winner and try-scorer, Jamie Heaslip, though, said there was plenty to get right ahead of the final against Northampton, set to take place at the end of the month.

“We set our goals at the start of the season to win the competition, but credit to Toulouse, who played some amaz-

ing rugby. If we’re honest, we know that we haven’t played some of our best yet.

“We knew how good they would be because they showed us last year — and we were made to work hard for the win.

“There are a lot of leaders in our team and our focus is on talking, on getting the little details right, and on the next job at hand.

“When we got into their 22 we caused them a lot of problems, but we have to look at the video and address some of the areas we fell down on. But we’re delighted to win against a quality side.”

It was Brian O ’ D r i s c o l l ’ s 14 9 t h appearance for the province and, while his

try was a vital component in the game, he was keen to emphasise that it was the team’s defensive performance which propelled the side.

“I suppose it was an important one — and I’ll take the credit for falling over the line with the ball!

“I feel that we definitely fronted up when we n e e d e d t o . We didn’t play great — and we weren’t at our best — but we showed great resolve, and we know that we haven’t won anything yet. “ We s h o u l d n ’t b e allowing silly tries like that (first try), and we have to make sure that that doesn’t happen again.

“Sometimes you have

to learn from defeats in the past but, in the semi-final stage, it’s all about getting over the line, and we’re delighted that we managed that.”

Florian Fritz profited from a fortunate bounce of the ball off the upright from a David Skrela penalty to score Toulouse’s fifthminute opener, with Leinster using their forward power to set up a 31st-minute reply from Jamie Heaslip, who started and finished the move after a wonderful spell of forward pressure.

In between both tires, Jonathan Sexton added penalties on 9 and 13 minutes respectively — the second a result of excellent work by Sean O’Brien.

The hosts edged into a 16-13 half-time lead courtesy of Sexton’s injury-time penalty, but Louis Picamoles barrelled over for Toulouse’s second try in the 43rd minute, with Skrela converting, to make it 16-20 to the reigning champions.

Leinster used their bench intelligently and Sexton’s place-kicking was assured, moving them back ahead until O’Driscoll struck after some excellent initial work from Mike Ross, Sexton and then Isaac Boss who provided the assist.

Although replacement Nicolas Bezy in the 75th minute kicked Toulouse to within six points, Sexton had the final say.

5 May 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 29

in association with

SWIMMING: ARRAY OF TITLES CLAIMED AT NAC

2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS APRIL WINNERS IN ASSOCIATION WITH

+ STARof theMONTH

DAVID MALONE THE Paralympic swimming star was announced as the team manager for Ireland’s 2012 London Paralympics campaign last month, a well-deserved accolade and further affirmation of both his place as one of the leading lights in the sport and his ability to develop and nurture new talent in the sport

TEAMof theMONTH + COLAISTE IOSAGAIN

THE southside ladies took on a challenge never attained in Dublin schools’ senior football and brought back the All-Ireland title after a titanic struggle against Holy Rosary College of Galway, showing that the game of ladies’ football in the capital has a great deal of promise for the future.

APRIL saw a great deal of sporting achievement in Dublin, and the early weeks of May look set to do the same, with the capital’s footballers, hurlers and ladies footballers all chasing league titles, and other titles being decided in all manner of sports.

But an All-Ireland crown has a special cachet, especially when it is the first one to be claimed in Dublin since the competition began, and Colaiste Iosagain must be hailed for their success.

When one of the greats in a sport received an accolade that recognises his capacity to rise beyond any perceived limitations and inspire

those he coaches to the same level of achievement, that cannot be ignored.

David Malone showed his ability to shine in the pool at international level for many years, and now is set to bring a new generation of swimmers to Paralympic glory in 2011.

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

Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes in the month of May, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/gazettesport.

Portmarnock’s Karl Burdis was one of the top performers at the National Long-Course championships

National contest sees local winners TROJAN’S Nuala Murphy and Portmarnock’s Karl Burdis were two of the bigger local winners at last weekend’s National Long-Course swimming championships, held in the National Aquatic Centre in Abbotstown.

The formerwas involved in a series of high-profile tussles with rising star Sycerika McMahon and fellow high performance swimmer, Niamh O’Sullivan.

But it was in Friday’s 1500m freestyle final that she achieved her big success, crushing her rivals by over a minute as she finished in a time of 17:19:13, well clear of Breifne’s

Cliodhna Delaney and Comans’ Sarah Kelly.

As she dropped down the distances, the quality of the fields became more intense, none more so on day three when Murphy contested the 400m freestyle race.

Murphy was well in contention with McMahon and O’Sullivan But, at the half-way mark, Murphy who is returning from an injury this year, dropped behind leaving McMahon and O’Sullivan to dominate the race.

The two rivals made an outstanding effort, and turned at the last wall within four hundredths of

a second of each other.

O’Sullivan dug in deep, but McMahon powered through on the last 25m in an impressive home, straight spurt to touch the wall ahead of the Kerry native in 4min.17.39 – just over a second faster than O’Sullivan (4min 18.17).

Prowess Burdis, meanwhile, showed his prowess in the backstroke field as he clocked 2:04:57 to win the men’s 200m race ahead of Niall Wynn as he continues his build-up for a second World University Games bid in China.

The Portmarnock man is currently studying at

DCU after a couple of high-quality seasons in the US at the University of Minnesota.

Aer Lingus were another club to prosper, picking up a number of medals despite the absence of World Senior Champiosnhips qualifier, Barry Murphy.

ConorTurner, a qualifier for the European Juniors in Belgrade, was the silver medallist in the 1500m freestle, finishing just off the pace set by Leander’s Conor Donnelly, while club-mate Andrew Meegan matched that feat in the 100m butterfly and also grabbed bronze in the 400m freestyle.

NAC to host more Olympic champions THE Irish Water Polo Association and Swim Ireland have announced that the triple Olympic water-polo champions, Hungary, are coming to Ireland in June.

The National Aquatic Centre secured the high-profile booking when the British and Hungarian waterpolo teams decided to come to Dublin for training and international fixtures, Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar announced last week.

This is the latest in a number of

high-profile link-ups with international competitors for the NAC, as it is already booked to host the USA Synchronised Swim Team for up to six weeks in advance of the London Olympics. It will also host the British Paralympic Swim squad for a training camp later this year.

International The Hungarian and British men’s waterpolo senior squads will use the National Aquatic Centre for a training camp

and two international matches between June 5 and 8, in co-operation with the Irish Waterpolo Association and Swim Ireland.

Minister Varadkar said: “It’s a great boost for waterpolo in Ireland to attract athletes of this calibre. The 22-man Hungarian senior squad has more than 40 Olympic Gold Medals [between them]. I would like to congratulate the National Aquatic Centre, the Irish Waterpolo Association and Swim Ireland for attracting these world-class athletes.”

30 LUCAN GAZETTE 5 May 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

CENTENARY SHIELD: PALMERSTOWN’S MURRAY IN GOAL

Lucan claim Division 2 Feile title at Peregrine’s LUCAN Sarsfields’ Under-14 boys had a successful bank holiday weekend when they claimed the Dublin Division 2 Feile title at St Peregrine’s.

Coming through a tough Division 2 pack, they faced off against Ballinteer St John’s in the final, coming out as clear winners on the day, on a final score of Lucan Sarsfields 2-7, Ballinteer St John’s 1-2.

Republic Of Ireland were denied victory in the Centenary Shield when England scored late to take the tie

Local stars for Ireland Q STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

Annual race set for May 22 LUCAN’S annual Tom Byrne memorial 5km road race will take place on Sunday, May 22 at 11 am. Online registration is now open at www. runireland.com and the online entry fee is

just €12.

Registration on the day will take place at the Lucan Harriers clubhouse on the Newcastle road (opposite Superquinn) from 9.30 am - 10.40 am.

The on-the-day entry fee is €15.

Further details can be found at www. lucanharriers.com.

POBAILSCOIL Iosolde, Palmerstow n’s Greg Murray kept his place in the Republic of Ireland schools side for a third successive game for their thrilling conclusion to the Centenary Shield against England last Thursday at Tallaght stadium.

The goalkeeping position was one of the most contested in the line-up with Castleisland Community College’s Paul White pushing Murray all the way in a tough call for manager Dave Archbold.

In the game itself, England struck a late winner

to overcome the Republic of Ireland in this final Under-18 game of the sheild campaign.

Chris Lyons put Ireland in front on 26 minutes by pouncing on a defensive mix-up between Jamie Summers and his goalkeeper, Ed Baldy, to tap into an empty net.

England should have equalised within a minute when Alex Meaney’s free-kick, whipped in to the far post, was headed wide by defender Joshua White with the goal at his mercy.

S l o p py d e f e n d i n g allowed the visitors to manage to get back on terms four minutes before the break when a stray

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and Sport, Leo Varadkar, pictured with Shaun Quinn, CEO of Failte Ireland and Alison Nicholas, European Solheim Cup captain, recently marked 150 days to go to the 2011 Solheim Cup, which will be staged in Killeen Castle this coming September. The professional ladies’ golf event between Europe and the USA is the most prestigious team event in women’s professional golf. For more information, see solheimcup.com

thrown-in was seized upon, allowing Jordan Ayris to cross for Fabio Goncalves De Abreu to smash home.

England’s revival continued seven minutes after the break when halftime substitute JackWood was left alone inside the box to finish from closerange.

Ireland continued to probe and midfielder John Mountney provided a deserved equaliser with a superb low thirty-yard strike which beat Baldy.

Murray then pro duced a top-class save at the near post to deny Meaney, while substitute Conor Keddy worked the England goalkeeper with

a crisp shot at the opposite end.

With the game stretched, the next goal was going to be vital and England grabbed it seven minutes from the end.

Tom Hurley split the Irish defence with a sliderule pass into the box and on hand to control and finish was the lively De Abreu.

There was still time for Ireland to stage a late onslaught but, despite Mountney drilling another of his thunderbolts towards the goal and Billy Lane’s header clipping the post in the last minute, their best efforts didn’t translate into an equaliser.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Murray (Phobailscoil Iosolde), Barker (Fingal CC), Cooney (Templeogue CC), R. McLaughlin (Carndonagh CS), Matthews (Clonkeen College, Blackrock); Merritt (Loreto CS, Milford), Douglas (St. Brendan’s College, Bray), Chambers (St. Fintan’s, Sutton), Mannion (St. Benildus College), Lyons (Presentation, Bray), Mountney (St. Muredach’s, Ballina).

Subs: C. McLoughlin (Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana) for Matthews, Timlin (Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana) for Mannion (both h/t), Molloy (Tullow SC) for R. McLaughlin (68 mins), Keddy (Carndonagh CS) for Merritt (72 mins), Lane (Presentation College, Athenry) for Lyons (80 mins)

5 May 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 31

in association with

SFC ROUND 1: UNDERDOGS TAKE FIRST ROUND TIE

CLUB NOTICEBOARD LUCAN SARSFIELDS GOOD luck to the inter and senior foot-

9.30pm till late. Saturday, May 14 - trad

ballers who play in county champion-

session. Lucan Comhaltas. Friday, May

ship matches next Friday and Satur-

20 - Annual race night. Saturday, May

day. Please check website or bar for

21 - Golf society next outing to Tulfar-

exact times. All support welcome.

ris.

Congrats to Dublin hurlers and in

Boys football and hurling nursery

particular captain Johnny McCaffrey,

every Saturday in 12th Lock from 1.30

and Peter Kelly, who played a huge

to 3pm. Girls football nursery every

part in achievement.

Saturday from 1.30 to 2.30pm.

Premium Ticket Draw could be very attractive this year with both Dublin teams on the up. Entries available

Lotto Numbers not available. See

from Paul McGann/Bar or any men-

website for numbers. Esther Keenan’s

tor. Draws are happening most week-

team will be in charge for May Bank

ends.

holiday Lotto.

Set dancing every Wednesday in

Do not forget you can always enter

Function room at 8.30pm. All wel-

our Lotto online by clicking on www.

come.

lucansarsfields.ie. Thanks to John

Upcoming dates for diary: Saturday, May 7 - Music in bar by The Foggy Dew,

Lucan Sarsfields James O’Neill on the ball against St Peregrine’s last week

Lucan stutter as Peregrine’s soar DUBLIN SFC ROUND 1 Naomh Peregrine 1-18 Lucan Sarsfields 1-12 STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

FIVE-to-one underdogs with some bookmakers, Naomh Peregrine threw conventional wisdom out the window when they swept past a Lucan Sarsfields’ side who were second-best in the pivotal moments at Russell Park last Friday night.

There were key performances; Robbie McCarthy’s 0-10 (0-4 frees) was one. Another was Karl Walsh between the posts who pulled off four top-drawer saves to frustrate Lucan, a matter compounded later when David Quinn’s simple finish was chalked off when he stepped into the square before Fran O’Hare centred.

But the Blakestown club were good value for their win. Indeed, had they taken a few more of their scores in the first half, they would have been further ahead than

the 0-9 to 0-8 lead they took into the break.

In that half, with Tommy Brennan to the fore, Lucan were under the cosh but looked more efficient in front of the posts, and their AFL1 pedigree seemingly likely to come through in a clinch.

But the momentum never materialised as David Lynch produced a dynamic performance while the key blocks came thick and fast.

It allowed the forward pairing of McCarthy and Ciaran McGuinness to run amok, especially in the early phase of the second half, when they built and maintained a four- to six-point lead.

They started in riproaring fashion, McGuinness setting the tone with a brave catch ahead of Mick Casey inside ten seconds.

Craig Lowndes’ early score, and four from McCar thy, had Peregrine’s 0-5 to 0-2 up, but All-Ireland U-21 winner David Quinn and James

O’Neill nailed Lucan’s only two attacks in the first ten minutes to show the threat they possessed.

McGuinness and Eoin Jennings traded scores with Brendan Gallagher and Brennan before O’Neill looked certain to score. Walsh dove at his feet, and reacted brilliantly to keep out the follow-up, too. Brennan did pull one back in the aftermath from a free but a Stu Lowndes’ double inside a minute kept the Dublin 15 side in front at the break.

And, despite being made to wait on the resumption, they tore into the second half. McCa-

rthy whipped over four of the next seven points while McGuinness crept over his second for a 0-14 to 0-10 lead.

Lucan’s lifeline looked to have come when a slick left-wing move found O’Hare on the baseline but Quinn was too eager and his goal was annulled in the 46th minute.

And this was quickly compounded when Craig Lowndes drove one over, albeit it almost went under the bar but for .an excellent save. Dublin’s league captain Paul Casey was denied by another Walsh stop as Lucan needed a goal to make it a game in the closing stages.

To play camogie, contact Liam Ryan at 087 223 2211.

Ryan Accountant who are this week’s sponsor.

ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN TEAM of the week was our Under-

coach Paul and his coaching staff,

12’s hurlers who had a fine victory

to our co-ordinator Maree O’Toole

over our near neighbours Lucan

and to our sponsor for the week

Sarsfields.

Supervalu, Palmerstown.

Under-8s , 9s and 10s footballers

Congratulations to the Dubs hurl-

played Naomh Olaf, Stars of Erin

ers and to St Pat’s player, No 9 Liam

and Crumlin while our 14s football-

Rushe, on a wonderful Div 1 hurl-

ers proudly represented St Pat’s in

ing league final victory against the

the feile. Our sincere thanks to the

Cats in Croke Park. To another Pat’s

host club, Cuala.

pla yer, Shane Stapleton, hope-

Senior footballers had a rather poor result when they went down to UCD in the championship.

Junior footballers at home this Sunday to Erin Go Bragh at 11am.

Last week’s Easter camp went

fully you will be back with the Dubs squad very shortly.

Congratulations to senior hurling coach, Pat Mullins, and his (senior camogie) wife, Denise, on the birth of their first baby Niamh

beyond all expectations, where 150

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 9, 10,

boys and girls turned out in glori-

22 and 26. There was no winner of

ous sunshine to take part in the

the €6,600 jackpot. One match any

fun and games in football, hurling

three numbers was Andy Slater

and camogie. Our sincere thanks to

who receives €200.

WESTMANSTOWN GAELS/GARDA THE intermediate team had a great

first time ever in a Feile Boys event.

championship win over Ballyboughal

Thank you to Keith Corrigan and

in Parnell Park last Wednesda y

his organising committee and all

night.

the volunteers that helped host the

They line out again next Wednesday night away to Skerries in the next round at 7pm.

Junior 1s play next Sunday morning away in the league to Templeogue Synge St at Dolphin Park at 11am.

Two fixtures this week for Junior 2s in league; home to Wanderers on

event on Saturday in Westmanstown too.

Congratulations to the U-9s and U-10s, both teams recorded away wins on the weekend.

Thanks too to all that participated in our well attended GAA skills Easter camp last week.

Thursday night at 7:30pm and away

To see pics of all recent events,

on Sunday to St Francis Cabinteely

visit http://www.westmanstown-

at 3pm.

gaels.ie.

The Ladies lost last week to Clontarf in the league.

Finally, please support the growing number of teams here at Westman-

Well done to Colm McNichol, Fergal

stown and participate in our annual

Egan and the U-14 boys that repre-

fund-raising table quiz evening on

sented Westmanstown Gaels for the

Thursday, May 26, from 8pm.

ALL OF YOUR LUCAN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

SARS STALLED: Lucan’s SFC bid gets

off to nightmare start to Peregrine’s: P31

MAY 5, 2011

SPORTS AWARDS: April winners revealed: P29

Local trio power Dubs to NHL title

GazetteSPORT

St Pat’s Palmerstown man Liam Rushe is “ecstatic” with ending Dublin’s long wait for a top-tier national hurling honour

Rushe, McCaffrey and Kelly all key players as Dublin end 72-year wait for national hurling league success STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

LIAM Rushe says that Dublin’s victory over Kilkenny last Sunday was, hopefully, a stepping stone to greater things but he was not going to let that hold him back from toasting a memorable day for hurling in the county.

He was part of the team that produced a remarkable showing to blast past Kilkenny in Croke Park last Sunday, ending a 72-year wait for a National Hurling League division one title.

Lucan Sarsfields’ man Johnny McCaffrey was on hand to pick up the silverware as onfield captain, raising the trophy in tandem with the injured Stephen Hiney.

Peter Kelly, meanwhile, was superb in defence as the local trio were instrumental in the biggest result for the county on this stage since 1939.

After an early Eddie Brennan goal, the Dubs

led from the front and had a six-point halftime lead and a man advantage after Eoin Larkin was dismissed in the 25th minute.

The Cats, meanwhile, were limited to just a paltry two scores from play, while Anthony Daly’s Dubs saw a brilliant return from their forwards with ten different players registering, including spectacular scores from substitutes David Treacy, Maurice O’Brien and Simon Lambert.

Ecstatic The only negative from a Dublin viewpoint would be a shoulder injury to Joey Boland, who had to leave the field in the 42nd minute.

Speaking after the game, the St Pat’s Palmerstown man was delighted to celebrate the biggest day in the county’ hurling revolution.

“We’re ecstatic; you saw at the end it was just surreal seeing Hill16 singing “C’mon you boys in blue”; we’d never had that, so we’re all ecstatic.

“It is only a league but, hopefully, we can use this. You have to start winning something somewhere.”

Asked about Brennan’s early goal, he said that the Dubs’ response was indicative of a new steely attitude in the camp, one which has been germinating for the past few seasons, with underage success translating to senior form.

“I suppose we did have a slightly jittery start, a few wides, but we’re learning from this. After the last two years, we made massive mistakes and we had to learn from them.

“Concede a goal, pick yourself up and drive on and take the next score, that’s it.

“As for Anthony Daly, he’s been fantastic all year, puts in serious commitment and we’re delighted to have him.

“We look at the championship now, Offaly is the next big obstacle for us.

“Hopefully, it will be in Croke Park and we can put in a performance like we did against Kilkenny.”