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Staff sit-in after shock closure I PAUL HOSFORD

STAFF at the GAME store in Liffey Valley began a sit-in this week.

The staff members took the action after the retailer closed all of its stores in the Republic of Ireland, with the loss of 121 jobs.

Spokesman James Daly, of the Mahon Point store in Cork, said the notice period was too short, and the redundancy arrangements inadequate.

“We’re still seeking a meeting with the company, but, as of 3pm today [Tuesday], we haven’t heard anything.

“We were told [on Monday] that the stores were to shut the doors and we would be paid until the end of the week – and that was it; our contracts would end over the weekend.

“We were also told to go to the Government and seek our statutory redundancy,” he said.

Full Story on Page 4

Your pal in Nepal: The latest update from Nagarhope IT’S been quite a while since local man, and

founder of Nagarhope, Fachtna “Doc” Clandillon (right), wrote to The Gazette about his news from Nepal – and no wonder, given how busy he, and the organisation, have been.

However, Fachtna found some free time to give all his supporters in West Dublin an update on the organisation’s great work.

Full Story on Pages 8-9

March 29 29, 2012

2 LUCAN GAZETTE 29 March 2012

THE MAHON REPORT Local politicians speak on the impact

Cllr Therese Ridge should resign – SF I PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com

SINN Fein Dublin MidWest representative, Eoin O’Broin, has called on Fine Gael Clondalkin councillor Therese Ridge to resign.

Cllr Ridge, who has been a councillor for the area for 21 years, was found to have received payments from controversial developer Frank Dunlop in a way that Justice Mahon described as “improper”.

O’Broin’s call came after the tribunal concluded that, “payments to Cllr Ridge by Mr Dunlop directly and indirectly (by the discharge of costs associated with her election campaigns) made during the currency of the Quarryvale rezoning process compromised the requirement on Cllr Ridge to discharge her duties as a councillor in a disinter-

ested fashion”.

The tribunal findings went on to describe the payments to Cllr Ridge as “entirely improper”.

O’Broin said that the publication of the report marked a dark day for Ireland, and said: “The detail of the tribunal report on the rezoning of land at Quarryvale makes uncomfortable reading for many former Clondalkin and Lucan councillors, including Fianna Fail’s Colm McGrath, and the Progressive Democrat’s Colm Tyndall.”

Former councillors Tyndall and McGrath are named in the report alongside Ridge, with the Report satisfied that Tyndall had been lobbied

by Owen O’Callaghan in relation to the Quarryvale site, concluding that Mr Tyndall had exploited his position and had acted improperly.

McGrath, who ran as an

Cllr Therese Ridge, FG

independent in last year’s General Election, was found to have solicited a payment of £10,000 that, the report says, was “in all probability” requested on the basis of assistance he was giving O’Callaghan.

Further payments of £10,700 and £20,000 could neither be described as political donations or “loans”, as had been suggested, and such payments were corrupt, the report found.

It concluded that McGrath’s duties as an elected councillor had been “hopelessly compromised” because of his “corrupt financial relationship” with Dunlop and O’Callaghan.

The Tribunal named Ridge as an “acknowledged conduit of information to Mr Dunlop”, and said that she had actively encouraged fel-

low councillors to vote for the rezoning.

The report also says that she was “handsomely rewarded” for her efforts – firstly in the form of £1,000 in cash, as well as Dunlop financing parts of her election campaigns, which, O’Broin says, compromised her position.

He said: “What is clear is that Cllr Ridge accepted payments which compromised her role as an elected representative.

“While Cllr Ridge has given significant service to the people of Clondalkin since her election in 1985, her acceptance of these payments was wrong, and now makes her position as a public representative untenable [...] we need politicians who acted improperly to be held to account.

“All of the sitting public representatives named in the Mahon Report as having accepted corrupt or improper payments must resign from public office, in order for the public to regain confidence in the political system,” said O’Broin.

The Gazette made a number of attempts to contact Cllr Ridge in relation to this story, but had been unsuccessful at the time of going to press.

Deputy Robert Dowds, Labour

‘Dublin Mid-West is still paying the price’ I PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com

THE fallout from last week’s publication of the Mahon Repor t continued this week, with Labour TD Robert Dowds saying that Dublin Mid-West is still paying for the decisions made.

He said: “As a representative for the people of Clondalkin, Lucan, Palmerstown and Quarryvale, it is my belief that our community is still paying the price for the widespread corruption in the planning process outlined in the findings of the Mahon Tribunal.”

He said that the location of services, commerce and town centres were examples of planning problems that the

people of the area are still living with.

“It is people in our community that are still living with the consequences of the corrupt planning decisions of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

“Examples of this are the lack of a nearby town centre for thousands in Lucan and Clondalkin; the fact that the Clondalkin railway station is located where few people actually live, and the fact that Clondalkin, Lucan and Palmerstown villages all live under the commercial threat of a major supermarket at Liffey Valley.

“The consequences of this corruption continue to be felt in 2012, as the people of the area have been deprived of a decent

town centre, and the area that was originally intended to be a town centre remains undeveloped to this day.”

He said that the Liffey Valley centre deal, which came in for particular attention in the longawaited report, had hampered the ability of Clondalkin to forge a community feeling.

“Most of the residential areas are far away from what purports to be the town centre at Liffey Valley. The findings of the tribunal have borne out what was common k n ow l e d g e a m o n g many people in our community – that various Fianna Fail politicians were receiving corrupt payments in exchange for votes on planning issues,” he said.

29 March 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 3

of the far-reaching investigation on planning and corruption

‘We all need to end rezoning windfall gains’ LABOUR TD Joanna Tuffy added her voice to the reactions to the Mahon Report, as she called for an end to windfall gains from rezonings.

Deputy Tuffy said that a hunger for money caused the decisions on rezoning to be taken.

“The driving force behind corruption found by the Mahon Tribunal was that decisions by councillors to rezone land for residential and commercial development could make a handful of landowners and developers very rich.

“T his was at the expense of local communities, and the individuals

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and families that purchased overpriced homes and retail units in these communities. “ B o t h t h e K e n ny Report and the recent Repor t on Proper ty Rights by the All-Party Committee on the Constitution, of which I was a member, recommended steps be taken to prevent this happening, including a cap on the price of land and windfall taxes,” she said.

Comprehensive “Although a windfall tax on capital gains from rezoning was introduced in the National Assets Management Agency Act of 2009, I believe more

comprehensive steps to end windfall gains are needed,” said Deputy Tuffy.

She said that she was hopeful that recommendations of the Kenny Report, written in 1974, would finally be implemented.

“The main recommendation of the Kenny Report was that local authorities should be empowered to compulsorily acquire land in designated areas at existing use value, plus 25%.

“This was in order that planning authorities would capture betterment, created by the provision of physical infrastructure, which it could

Deputy Joanna Tuffy, Labour

put to the provision of services, including social housing and social infrastructure.

“It would also prevent over-inflation of land values, and I believe the Kenny Report recommendations should still be on the table as a possible reform to be implemented in the aftermath

of the Mahon Report,” she said.

“The point is that what happened then can happen again, and while the other recommendations of Mahon will help prevent this kind of corruption in future, the most radical and gamechanging step remains to be taken – ie, the ending

of windfall gains arising from decisions taken by councillors to rezone lands.

Profit “I have no difficulty with people making a profit from work they carry out to land that adds value to the land by how it is used.

“However, I absolutely abhor the situation that has existed, and remains, that developers can make massive profits solely on the basis of decisions by councillors to rezone land that should, instead, be solely motivated by doing what’s best for local communities and the country,” said Deputy Tuffy.

4 LUCAN GAZETTE 29 March 2012

COUNCIL

Appeal to pay the house tax THE deadline to pay your household charge and to avoid penalties is fast approaching, and South Dublin County Council (SDCC) is appealing to all residential property owners to support their local authority by paying their €100 charge before the end of March.

Household charge registration forms are available in the council offices, and SDCC is accepting payment at SDCC headquarters in County Hall, Tallaght and the Civic Offices in Clondalkin.

In addition to regular opening hours, both Tallaght and Clondalkin offices will be open from 9am to 3.30pm, and open throughout lunch, on Saturday, March 31 to facilitate payment.

You can also pay the charge online by credit/ debit card at www.householdcharge.ie before the deadline.

RETAIL Liffey Valley workers join national protest

GAME staff in sit-in as chain closes stores I PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com

STAFF at GAME stores across the city and country have begun a sit-in this week.

Members of staff took the action after the retailer closed all of its stores in the Republic of Ireland, with the loss of 121 jobs in its branches, including Liffey Valley, Blanchardstown and Dundrum.

The news came after the group went into administration earlier in the week.

Only five stores in Ireland were spared the axe – but all are in the North.

The closures were effec-

tive immediately.

Staff were angered by the short notice given by the company, which spokesman James Daly, of the Mahon Point store in Cork, said was too short, and also by the company’s redundancy arrangements.

“We’re still seeking a meeting with the company, but as of 3pm today [Tuesday], we haven’t heard anything.

‘Shut the doors’ “We were told [on Monday] that the stores were to shut the doors and we would be paid until the end of the week – and that was it; our contracts would end over

the weekend.

“We were also told to go to the Government and seek our statutory redundancy,” says James.

“Where we feel we are different from other [redundancy] cases that have gone before us is that they [the GAME chain] are still a going concern and a viable entity in Britain. “ We b e l i e ve i t shouldn’t be down to the State in Ireland to have to foot the bill – it should be the company itself.

They should be paying us,” he said.

The group were commended by Socialist Party/United Left Alliance MEP, Paul Murphy, who said: “I fully support the brave stand that the staff in GAME stores across the country have taken.

An impromptu sign at one of the GAME outlets in the Republic of Ireland, where staff were angry at being sent to the State for redundancy payments from the company

“This is similar to the action that is ongoing at Viva Cortex, and previously at La Senza. The workers in GAME are making a stand for workers all over the country, and, indeed, Europe who are being treated the same way.

“It is symptomatic of the way employers in this country think that they can discard staff on a whim and without fulfilling their legal duty to the staff who have made them huge profits through the years.

“I will visit the staff

tomorrow to give my full support and any assistance that is required.

This company cannot be allowed to walk away from its staff. The trade union movement must now make a determined stand to defend retail staff,” said Murphy.

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29 March 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 5

CHILDREN: CALL TO COME AND HAVE FUN IN SUMMER

Kids to shine at Starcamp

Cooking up a great fundraiser: Lucan Community College students hold a bake sale to help Dsylexia Association STUDENTS in Class Brecht at Lucan Community College cooked up a great fundraising idea when they held a bake sale recently.

The second-year students held the sale to raise funds for the Dyslexia Association of Ireland (Celbridge

Workshop), with their fundraising initiative organised as part of their CSPE Action Project, which involved all students in the class taking on a role as part of the overall organisation of the event.

The roles included the baking of

cakes, collection of donated cakes (Superquinn were extremely generous), advertising, taking photographs, the setting up of a shop and, of course, the sales of the cakes, all of which helped the students to raise €220 for the great cause.

STARCAMP is coming to Lucan again this year.

Ireland’s singing, dancing, acting and all-round fun summer camp is looking for all four- to 13-year-old boys and girls to come onboard for a rollercoaster week of performing, from 9.30am to 2.30pm daily during the summer holidays.

Starcamp was voted one of Ireland’s top five nationwide summer camps last year, and they have giveaways for early bookers – including those who choose to pay by instalments.

Everyone that logs onto the site at www.starcamp. ie can enter a draw to win a free place in any camp of their choice. Jedward have given the camp three signed copies of their album to give away.

This year, the camp is also launching Starcamp’s Face of 2012

competition. To enter, your child must simply attend Starcamp 2012, and to win, you need to send in a funny, cute or dramatic photo of your child in their Starcamp t-shirt.

The prize is a Trabolgan family break for up to five people and a free place in Starcamp 2013, while the winner will be the Starcamp face on all its flyers and posters for 2013.

Qualified music teachers, choreographers and drama coaches are amongst the instructors who will be creating the fun-filled environment for participating children, who are recommended to wear comfortable tracksuit pants, leggings and soft shoes or runners.

For further information, call 021 4377 900, email info@starcamp.ie or see www.starcamp.ie.

6 LUCAN GAZETTE 29 March 2012

COMPETITION: STUDENTS CHARITY Local woman sees how UNICEF funds are spent ARE MAD WITH SUCCESS

Wonderbank in AIB finals I LUCY MULLIGAN

CONGRATULATIONS to six fifth-year economics students and their teacher, Ms C Ward, who are through to the national finals if the AIB Build a Bank challenge, which will be held in the RDS in April.

These capable young bankers from St Joseph’s College, Lucan, established a very successful banking facility in the college.

Theme

A requirement of the competition was that the bank have a theme. The girls chose the animated film, Alice in Wonderland, as theirs and built their bank around it. Thus

the Alice in Wonderbank was established.

Over 100 students opened Mad Hatter current accounts with the bank. In return, the bankers treated their loyal Mad Hatter savers to a Mad Hatter Tea Party and an Alice in Wonderbank cinema afternoon.

Events

These events were financed through sponsorship from local companies and a Queen of Tarts’ bake sale.

The girls continue to develop the bank in the college and hope with their efforts, and the support of their very valuable clients, that they will be successful in April.

Elaine speaking to a group of local volunteers during her week-long visit to Zambia

Elaine’s eye-opening experience in Zambia SIX members of Aer Lingus cabin crew, including Lucan woman Elaine Smith, have just touched down in Ireland following a week-long visit to Zambia, where they witnessed at first-hand, the incredible work carried out by UNICEF. In 2011, Aer Lingus passengers and crew raised over €1 million for UNICEF Ireland through their Change for Good partnership with the international children’s organisation.

Change for Good is a special partnership between UNICEF and several major airline carriers across the world, including Aer Lingus, and is one of UNICEF’s best-known and longestrunning partnerships.

The alliance is designed to collect unused currency from passengers and convert their spare coins and notes into life-saving materials and services for vulnerable children around the world. This year marks the 15th anniversary year of Aer Lingus’

partnership with UNICEF Ireland, which has raised over US$15 million to date for UNICEF programmes for children across the world.

During their time in Zambia, the Aer Lingus cabin crew were able to see for themselves exactly what their fundraising was achieving for the children of Zambia. The team also gained a far greater understanding of UNICEF’s work, and of the child survival issues that are still causing the preventable deaths of more than 200 children under five every day in the country.

Poverty

Poverty is widespread throughout Zambia, with 64% of the total population living below the poverty line, rising to 80% in some rural areas.

Throughout the week there, the Aer Lingus team saw first-hand what it really means for a family not to have enough income to meet their daily food needs and how the

HIV and AIDS pandemic has hit an already vulnerable population the hardest – leaving over 1.2 million children throughout the country orphaned and vulnerable.

During the week-long visit, the six Aer Lingus Ambassadors for Change for Good visited a wide variety of UNICEF programmes, including a rural primary school, a HIV/AIDS Project, a community-led sanitation project, a social cash transfer project and a climate change programme.

Speaking about her trip, Elaine said that it was an eye-opening experience.

“UNICEF has been supporting a mobile health initiative, known as project Mwana, which focuses on finding ways mobile technologies can strengthen health services for mothers and babies in rural areas of Zambia.

It was fascinating to learn how the introduction of a text messaging system in June 2010, which has

rapidly increased turnaround time for infant HIV results, therefore leading to earlier infant initiation to retroviral drugs.

“To date, over 3,000 infant HIV test results h ave b e e n r e l ay e d through this system –

cutting the waiting time in half, as well as the time delay for children waiting to receive treatment.

UNICEF will continue to support the project as it’s now beginning to be rolled out nationwide throughout Zambia.”

29 March 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 7

8 LUCAN GAZETTE 29 March 2012

CRIME: ARRESTS

Firearm, drugs seizure GA R DA I f r o m t h e Organised Crime Unit, attached to the National Criminal Investigation Bureau at Harcour t Square, last week seized a firearm, ammunition and a quantity of controlled drugs following an operation in Palmerstown.

The search took place last Wednesday at a house in Palmers Court, Palmerstown Manor.

Gardai seized a revolver and ammunition, as well as quantities of ecstasy, cannabis resin, cannabis herb and cocaine which, pending analysis, may have a street value in excess of €500,000. Three people were arrested at the scene; a man and woman in their 20s, and a man in his 30s.

They were all detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at Lucan and Ronanstown Garda Stations.

NAGARHOPE Fachtna ‘Doc’ Clandillon writes on the

Nagarhope still has a lot to do to help out in Nepal AS EVER, the first paragraph of a “nagarmail” is taken up with apologies for not having mailed sooner than now. It has been 10 months since my last mail, so it’s well overdue.

In July of 2011, Nagarhope took one of its biggest steps to date, when we acquired one-anda-half-acres of land on which we plan to build a children’s home and community centre – our long-term plan.

On December 1, we planted wheat with the help of local men and women, some of whose children we sponsor in the local Nagarkot schools. We will reap our harvest sometime close to the Nepali New Year (mid-April).

Fachtna ‘Doc’ Clandillon, Nagarhope founder

Teacher, Manju Miss

We have since opened a small office/tuition centre in the main Nagarkot bazaar, which has been utilised to help weaker students to cope with everyday school life. Students attend classes daily before and after school in our tuition centre.

As well as providing this service to local children, we are also provid-

ing copies and stationary at a 20-25% discount to local kids, as every five cent spent on a copy or a pencil adds up to a sizeable amount every year.

Also, last July, Divya left as the main teacher of our Teku project in Kathmandu, and has been replaced by Manju Miss, a Nagarhope Nepal committee member.

This coming April, six children who were attending our day class will go into formal schooling full-time, having benefitted from a full ten months of classes in preparation for this step.

Sankar Project – a Belgian NGO, founded

by Simon Antoine – has been working hand in hand with Nagarhope for a few years.

As they haven’t formed their own Nepali NGO yet, Nagarhope is assisting them with the transfer of funds and muchneeded expertise in the day-to-day running of an organisation in Nepal.

Sanjay Suwal, their Nepali social worker, has been looking after their operation in Sunrise and Deep Jyoti schools, as

well as starting a library in both these schools for the children’s daily use.

In September and October, 2011, Nagarhope, through kind donations, was able to build a small, one-roomed house for a lady, Sunita, and her three children.

I’ve known Sunita personally for as long as I’ve been in Nepal; she works as a labourer to feed her kids, having to struggle to meet simple needs.

She was living in a tiny bamboo and clay house, but, thanks to our help, she is now the proud owner of a stone house, which keeps her and her kids safe and sound during the harsh rainy and cold seasons. This building was also kindly contributed to by Andre

Renting, a friend of ours.

Our third annual Hallowe’en fancy dress fundraiser was held in October, and a good number of Lucanians came dressed up as different cartoon characters for the theme, What’s Up, Doc? Tadhg took the reins once again to organise what was a great night, and many thanks to all who supported the night.

In November, we took on an extra staff member, Saroj, a painter. He has been painting schools, anything from the ABC to the Nepali alphabet, as well as shapes, colours, parts of the body, days of the week, murals, national emblems and sayings.

The classrooms, after receiving a lick of paint

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29 March 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 9

latest developments at his charity in Nepal

SCHOOLS: BUILDING WORKS

Call for building jobs ‘to go to locals’ I PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com

The continuing support of Lucanians and West Dubliners, such as in a recent fun fundraising match (above), makes a very real impact thousands of miles away in

Helped by Nagarhope, these children offer their

Nepal to lots of Nepalese children and their families (left)

thanks to all who support the charity’s work

and some colour, really do make for a better learning environment for children and teachers alike.

We have many other schools contacting us in relation to this service, and we hope we can continue to colour classrooms to the kids’ liking for as long as it takes.

Every child we sponsor received a raincoat in the rainy season this year, as well as a warm jumper for the winter months.

Schools are bereft of central heating; the majority of the kids walk long distances to school, and a simple gesture like this can improve their attendance which, in turn, gives them a better chance of doing well in school.

Just before I left for Ireland in December, Nagarhope staged its first SponsorKidz picnic, at which about 200 children from different schools attended.

A bus was brought from Kathmandu and Bhaktapur that ferried kids from Miniland and Khwopring schools to the picnic site, which was provided by the local army base.

T here were many games of football, volleyball, badminton and racing for the smaller kids, and our very own Sambar Lama showed up with an amp and a guitar to provide musical entertainment for the masses.

A regular event We hope to make this a regular event in our calendar, just like our annual women’s picnic on Women’s Day in February.

Kush Lama, a threeyear-old handicapped, almost fully blind and deaf child we came across, and

his mother, Sunita, have been attending rehabilitation classes in an organisation called Matri Griha in Bhaktapur.

Kush cannot feed himself, walk or even sit upright. For the past three months, his mother has been bringing him to this centre in the hope that he can become a bit more independent. His progress has been slow, but the staff and his mother are working hard to give him a good chance.

However, her journey is quite arduous – a onehour walk up the mountain, before a one-and-ahalf-hour bus journey to the centre, and then home again in the evening.

Our planned children’s home and community centre hopes to alleviate some of these problems for the rural people of Nagarkot, who cannot access such centres without much travel time and expense. We hope to have a weekly schedule whereby experts in certain fields can visit our centre, making it easy for people such as Kush and his mother to attend without too much hassle.

Sunday, February 12 saw the inaugural Nagarhope Celebrity Challenge in Lucan Sarfield’s GAA Club. Brian Kerr’s celebs took on Michael

O’Grady’s Lucan, on what turned out to be a fantastic family day.

The craic was mighty in the dressing rooms beforehand, on the pitch, and in the clubhouse afterwards, where Jack Wise, Johnny the Juggler and Silly Sally entertained kids and adults alike in the function room.

Volunteers A massive thanks to Croke Park for sending out a camera crew; to O’Neills for sponsoring the celeb jerseys, and to all the helpers and volunteers on the day.

Fintan was instrumental in the organisation of the whole thing. We hope to be able to run this event next year due to the excitement and fun it created for all.

Our annual women’s picnic took place just two weeks ago, close to a temple called Changu Narayan. Dhurba, as ever, did all the ground work, with Wolf, an American friend, who along with Irantzu, a Spanish UN worker, provided the vital donation needed for the day.

Here’s to the next letter; I hope ye won’t have to wait as long again.

Thanks to one and all for your continued assistance, sponsorship and words of encouragement.

CALLS have been made for the jobs created in the Government’s School Building Programme to stay local.

Nine Lucan schools were included on the list of works in the Government’s plan to work on 275 schools nationwide as part of a €1.5 billion five-year School Building Programme.

Under the scheme, five schools – Esker Educate Together, Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada, St Andrew’s NS, Clonburris Post-Primary and a new school in Lucan South – will all get new school buildings.

Four further schools – St Mary’s NS, St Joseph’s College, Lucan Community College and Griffeen Valley Educate Together NS – will receive exten-

sions to their existing buildings.

Local Fine Gael TD Derek Keating has said that the jobs created in the building works should stay with local tradespeople.

“With nine new schools and extensions being built in the next three years, I want these jobs to be given to locals.

“T he new School Building Programme is not only great news for the children of our area, but it also sees within three years a hive of activity which will bring with it jobs for many local crafts persons, trades persons and others seeking employment in the building industry,” he said.

Deputy Keating said that he had written to Education Minister Ruairi Quinn to encourage local employment.

10 LUCAN GAZETTE 29 March 2012

OPINION Eoin O’Broin, Dublin Mid-West SF representative

‘We, the citzens, should not pay the Promissory Note bank debts’ ON SATURDAY, March 31, the Fine Gael-Labour Government are due to hand over €3.1 billion of your money to Anglo Irish Bank.

The payment is the second of 21 payments due to be made to Anglo every year until 2031.

The first payment, of €3.1 billion, was made by the Government on March 31 last year. The total amount due to be paid to this toxic bank is

€47 billion.

This is the now infamous Promissory Note.

In Budget 2012, the Government cut €3.6 billion from the economy in spending cuts to education, health and community services and tax increases on low- and middle-income families. Last year, they gave almost the same amount of money to Anglo Irish Bank.

Budget 2013 will see the

Government announce a further €2.25 billion of cuts and tax hikes from the economy, yet it still plans to hand over billions of euro to Anglo.

Unlimited This simply makes no sense. Is the Government seriously telling us that it has no money for schools, hospitals or community services, but has an unlimited supply of money for Anglo?

So, what is the Promissory Note – why are we, the citizens, paying for it; and is the deal currently being negotiated by the Government with the European Central Bank going to result in a reduction of this odious debt?

In 2010, Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide had a problem.

Combined, they had a €30 billion black hole on their balance sheets.

To remain in business, they needed emergency loans from the Irish Central Bank. Under its rules, the Central Bank was not allowed to lend to insolvent institutions.

So, the Fianna Fail-

Eoin O’Broin

Green Party government stepped in and promised to fill the €30 billion hole with taxpayers’ money.

They didn’t have €30 billion to hand over to Anglo and Irish Nationwide, so they gave the banks an IOU, known as a Promissory Note.

This committed the Government to pay Anglo and Irish Nationwide the €30 billion in full, plus an additional €17 billion from 2011 to 2031.

This was done without any debate or vote in the Dail.

When Fine Gael and Labour took office in March, 2011, they were committed to paying this toxic private banking debt in full.

Of course, the Government doesn’t have the €3.2 billion each year to meet this odious debt.

This money has to be borrowed. The extra cost of this borrowing could be as much as €28 billion, making the full cost of the Promissory Note to the citizens a shocking €75 billion.

When the March 31 payment date arrived last year, the only party to raise any objection in the Dail was Sinn Fein.

We argued that this was not public debt, and that the taxpayer should not be paying for the greed of Anglo. We called on the Government to declare its inability to pay this toxic private banking debt and enter negotiations with the Irish Central Bank and European Central Bank to have the debt written down.

T he Government

refused to take this course of action. They insisted that the debt must be honoured in full. This is still their position.

However, since January of this year, the Government has been in discussions with the troika about changing the repayment terms of the debt.

Last week, the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, said that “progress” was being made on this front. At the time of writing, no deal has been announced, though a deal is expected in advance of the March 31 payment date.

Payment Based on what Minister Noonan told the Dail last week, any deal will not reduce the debt. At best, it will change the payment schedule, and possibly reduce the interest cost. This is just not good enough.

Fine Gael and Labour are still committed to using citizens’ money to pay the €47 billion to Anglo in full, while cutting vital funding in education, health and community services.

Like Fianna Fail and the Green Party before them, they are putting the interests of banks before the interests of the people.

29 March 2012 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 29 March 2012

MUSIC: FAMILIES How sisters took plunge on a baby swim club franchise EARLY BIRD FUNDRAISER

Whelan’s to host a Spirit of Folk gig DESCRIBED as one of the best up-and-coming festivals of 2011, Spirit of Folk (SOF) returns this year, from September 21 to 23, with another aweinspiring line-up of events and music.

Festival sales will kick off with an early bird deal at a SOF fundraiser, to be held in Whelan’s on Thursday, March 29, when you can buy a weekend ticket for €50 for 24 hours only.

It promises to be a raucous affair for all the right reasons, starting off with a folktastic line-up that includes The Hot Sprockets, The Young Folk, Bunoscionn and TRAZ. This will be followed by some kicking tunes by Mr Benny. Bust and Bust will take to the stage to compere the evening and give out an array of raffle prizes, including weekend camping tickets.

Last year’s festival saw an amazing bill of artists with many up-and-coming singer-songwriters, as well as an array of folk legends, including Gay Woods from Steeleye Span, Lisa O’Neill and Rhob Cunningham.

Speaking of the niche festival, O’Neill told festival goers: “I think we’re at the start of something very special here.”

The weekend ended with a monster performance from The Hot Sprockets.

To get in early and purchase a ticket for €50, go to www.tickets.ie, or you can buy them in Whelan’s on the night.

Tickets for the fundraiser cost €10, and the full line-up will be announced in early May.

Water Babies graduates, from left: Manus Connolly, age 4, Blanchardstown; Mya Macari, age 3, Dun Laoghaire; Emily Webb, age 5, Blanchardstown; Rachel Searle, age 4, Blanchardstown; Alicia Hampson, age 5, Sandyford; Grace Beausang, age 5, Kinsealy; Maia Gabbie, age 5, Malahide and Rhianna Harvey, age 4, Portmarnock

Making a big splash I LAURA WEBB

news@gazettegroup.com

CHILDREN are taking to swimming like ducks to water, thanks to a leading baby swim club, which recently celebrated its third birthday.

Water Babies was introduced in Ireland back in 2009, and has become the fastest-growing franchise out of the 44 schools across Ireland and Britain, thanks to Blanchardstown businesswomen, and sisters, Carol and Therese McNally, who teach 1,400 babies and toddlers every week in 16 locations in Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow.

T he business also employs 11, including swimming instructors and administration staff.

Growing up, their father, Hugh McNally, ran a sports centre in Blanchardstown, and was heavily involved in Irish

Water Safety.

This led to the sisters following in their father’s footsteps and a childhood in water, competitive swimming, life-guarding and teaching were the natural career choice.

While on holidays in Britain, Carol came across a Water Babies’ leaflet, and knew that it was the perfect business for them.

The mothers were able to combine their love for babies with their love for swimming, and help to pass a love and understanding of water to their own and other children.

Carol says: “Swimming is a life-protecting gift from parent to child, and one that gives me true satisfaction to promote.

“The lessons give you such a feel-good factor – and I’ll never get over the thrill of seeing babies swimming underwater,” she says. “[The classes] also create a huge sense of achievement, especially seeing what the babies can do from so young.

“I think we often underestimate how much children are capable of, even when still babies, and they clearly love the sense of freedom that being in water provides,” she says.

The Water Babies programme is designed to

Manus Connolly shows how easily he graduated from the baby swim club, above, while Water Babies’ Carol and Therese McNally relax underwater, below

make the most of babies’ natural affinity with water, and teaches confidence and safety, using specialist techniques that see many swimming short distances from as young as 30 months.

Baby swimming is an entirely safe and gentle activity, which helps parents to bond with their baby while giving them a lifetime’s water confidence and safety skills.

Locations include Rathfarnham, Blackrock, Swords, Castleknock and Liffey Valley. To find out more see www.waterbabies.ie; to find out about “taster” classes, or to book a class, call 01 824 9987.

29 March 2012 GAZETTE 13

FOOD Free programme’s aim to tackle obesity

New study to help improve teens’ health The Teen Nutrition Study was recently launched by Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin, and is funded by the National Children’s Research Centre.

The study will look at the effect of a novel nutritional approach on teen health. The free, eight-week programme, designed by nutritional experts, is the first of its kind to be held in Ireland.

Overweight teens, who take part in the study, will take a nutritional supplement as well as learn how to manage their weight by following a healthy eating plan.

The study aims to combat some of the problems associated with carrying extra weight.

Ruth Connaughton, one of the researchers, says: “Carrying extra weight can cause the body to produce unhealthy substances, known as inflammatory substances, which .

“These inflammatory substances travel around in the blood and can increase risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease.”

The Teen Nutrition Study will test whether taking a supplement containing healthy nutrients that are usually found in foods such as fruit, veg-

Dietary experts, including Dr Fiona Lithander, lecturer in Human Nutrition at Trinity College Dublin; Ruth Connaughton, researcher; and Aoibheann McMorrow, research dietitian, are calling for overweight teenagers to take part in a new, free eight-week study programme to help improve their diets and health

etables and fish, and are generally lacking in an Irish teenager’s diet, can reduce the number of these unhealthy inflammatory substances in the blood and improve overall teen health.

The programme also incorporates an easy-tofollow healthy eating plan, which was developed to help young people make

healthier meal and snack choices and, as a result, manage their weight successfully and boost selfesteem.

Parents accompanying the teens will also be educated on the healthy eating programme, meaning that participation in this study will potentially benefit the whole family.

This study is now call-

ing for new participants aged between 13 and 18 years of age to take part.

Interested teens or parents can email teen.nutrition@tcd.ie, or call or text 086 721 3854 for further information.

More information can also be found on the study website, at medicine.tcd. ie/nutrition-dietetics/ teenstudy.

Hunger Games melodramatic adaptation of a teen novel that has a fanatical fanbase. But don’t let that put you off …

M

ALMOST one-in-five teenagers are overweight or obese. Research has shown that Irish teens consume one-fifth of their calories from cakes, biscuits, chocolate and savoury snacks.

Dr Fiona Lithander, lecturer in Human Nutrition at Trinity College Dublin, says: “Poor food choices contribute to weight gain, and teenagers who are carrying an excess amount of body weight for their height have a significantly greater risk of carrying that weight into their adult years.

“As a result, they have an increased risk of developing diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes.”

More than a game:

ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 24

14 GAZETTE 29 March 2012

GazetteFITNESS FITNESS Knowing the symptons of a heart attack ALMOST six out of 10 Irish people know heart symptoms, but only half of heart attack victims arrive at hospital by ambulance.

Sur vival rates of heart attack victims can be improved by as much as 50% if patients access treatment within one hour of the onset of symptoms.

The symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, light-headedness,

loss of consciousness, weakness, tiredness, and upper body pain in the neck, back, jaw or arms.

Heart disease can lead to stroke and heart attack. One of the best ways to prevent heart disease is to keep your cholesterol at a healthy level.

Drop into your local GP or pharmacy to have your cholesterol level checked.

With thanks to the staff of Lucan Village Pharmacy.

GOT A PICTURE? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email picturedesk@gazettegroup.com

Brought to you by Derry Temple personal trainer and pilates instructor

Toxins affect ability to lose weight TOTAL OF 80,000 chemicals have been i nt r oduced t o our environment since the turn of the 20th century. We are only now beginning to understand the effect of these substances on our body.

Latest research shows that many such toxins can affect your ability to lose weight, so a detox programme is an important part of any weightloss plan.

Toxins can hinder your metabolism in many ways. They can alter thyroid hormone production, cause an increase in inflammation and imbalance neurotransmitters that negatively affect appetite control. They can slow down the metabolic rate by damaging the mitochondria within our cells and increase oxidative stress and free radicals.

To reduce your toxic load, you need to consider environmental toxins, such as exposure to common household cleaners or garden chemicals, second-hand smoke, plastics and phthalates in food and water containers.

Many foods that are a staple in our modern diet also contain toxins. These

A

include trans fatty acids, alcohol, caffeine, aspartame, genetically modified foods, hormones, antibiotics and the most common toxin, sugar.

These foods should be avoided or minimised.

Your detoxification system relies on the right balance of proteins, fats, fibre, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals to be effective. The trick is to eat “clean” and avoid processed foods.

Protein provides amino acids that are vital for many of the bodies detoxification systems and good sources include eggs, whey protein, beans, nuts and whole grains. Eat only organic food and animal products to avoid petrochemical pesticides, herbicides, hormones and antbiotics.

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, collards, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower can provide many phytochemicals that enhance detoxification. Other vegetables such as garlic and onion contain sulphur that helps the body excrete toxins. Bioflavonoids in grapes, berries and citrus fruits will also help the detoxification process.

It is important to sweat

Detoxifying is an important part of overall health and weight loss

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

‘Your detoxification system relies on the right balance of proteins, fats, fibre, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals to be effective’ -------------------------------------------------------

when trying to detoxify and people who have a heavily toxified system often find it difficult to perspire. Exercising regularly is a great way to increase blood and lymphatic circulation. If you find exercising difficult or need some extra help, then try the sauna.

The sauna is an established treatment for detox therapy and can help the body excrete many toxins

through the skin. A farinfrared sauna is the best type of sauna for detoxifying. It is more tolerable then conventional saunas because it does not heat or dry the air and yet it penetrates much deeper into tissues of the body.

Drinking plenty of fresh water will ensure you have enough fluid to help the kidneys flush out toxins.

To s u p p o r t y o u r

immune system you should also take a strong multi vitamin and mineral complex.

Shed Toxins to Shed the Pounds

Detoxifying is such an important part of overall health and weight loss.

While we live in an everincreasing toxic environment, it is possible to limit your exposure and to support the ability of your body to detoxify and lose weight.

Join Temple Training on facebook to get tips on training and eating for fat loss and for special offers on health and fitness packages. See www. templetraining.ie.

29 March 2012 GAZETTE 15

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: THE RIGHT QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN SEARCHING FOR A NEW VET

Finding the perfect vet for your pet S a responsible pet parent, I know one of the most important decisions I have ever made was finding and choosing the right vet for my doggies.

Ok, I’m at a distinct advantage because I work at Ireland’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity, so I’m surrounded by wonderful veterinary staff and experts. However, I didn’t always work for the Dublin SPCA and as a “civilian”, I would have depended entirely on my personal research skills and referrals from family and friends regarding the suitability of the local veterinarians.

So, if you’ve recently adopted a companion pet, you’re already a pet parent who has moved to a new area or, perhaps, you’re unhappy with your veterinary clinic’s facilities and aren’t sure where to turn – don’t worry, help is at hand. I’m going to give you a few pointers that you can use as guidelines.

Of course, the final choice

pet’s specific needs and who explains things in a manner you understand.

A

Emergency Service

I would recommend you don’t base your choice on convenience, but I would suggest you ask if the vet is available for emergencies/outof-hour’s calls/does the practice enjoy hospital status?

Ask Questions

The lovely three-legged greyhound, Red

is up to you. That said, do bear in mind your vet will be your closest ally in your quest for a healthy, happy, long and loving relationship with your pet.

Referral

Get a recommendation from your local animal welfare shelter or family and friends. However, make sure their idea of a good vet matches your own personal criteria.

For example, you want to find a vet who suits your

Are appointments required?

Does the vet specialise?

For example, as I prefer the holistic approach, it’s important for me that at least one vet in the practice specialises, or is open to, using homeopathic remedies.

Is he/she familiar with your pet’s specific breed?

Fees for routine checkups, vaccinations, out-ofhour’s service. Ask about options, such as pet insurance.

How are overnight patients monitored?

What is the protocol for pain management?

Atlantis (Lance for short), a baby goat, who was born the day the space shuttle Atlantis was launched, and Pooch

Ask for a tour of the facility and check out the examination rooms. How sanitary/up-to-date/efficient are they?

Effective communication is the key: What’s staff morale like? Does all staff have a good rapport with each other?

With your pet?

Is there a facility for x-rays, blood tests, ultrasound, etc., to be carried out in-house or by referral to a specialist?

How many vets are in the practice? Most modern surgeries have several and allow for different skills sets/specialties. This does not mean one vet is better than another.

Check for:

Does the vet have exceptional people,

as well as pet skills? I believe a good vet should be able to listen, learn and be willing to update his/her skills.

Does he/she have a library of reference books in order to diagnose difficult ailments?

Are dogs and cats housed in separate areas?

How organised is this vet? Are instruments arranged methodically or lying about in a haphazard fashion?

So you see, choosing the right vet for your pet requires extensive research because, believe it or not, you’re doing more than engaging the skills of a medical expert – you’re searching for your new best friend!

You’re employing the services of someone who

is as passionate and compassionate about your pet as you are. That’s why I use and recommend the amazing veterinary clinic at the Dublin SPCA. In my professional opinion as an animal welfare officer, and as a woman who places her animals on a pedestal, the facilities are stateof-the-art, the staff are dedicated and passionate about my dogs.

The team offer highquality medicine that is not only affordable, but individualised to suit each of my dogs’ specific needs (and, believe me, with rescue dogs, they are varied), and the fabulous ladies who work there provide an emergency, out-ofhours service making it convenient, as well as

Dublin’s premier onestop complete veterinary service.

Oh, and another good reason for choosing this state-of-the-art facility – as if the fabulous staff weren’t enough – all profits go straight back into the Dublin SPCA Animal Welfare Charity to help us rescue, treat, rehabilitate and rehome more cruelly-treated and abandoned animals.

Now, that’s not just innovative and creative – it makes for positive animal welfare for you and for your beloved companion pets.

For more information log onto www.dspca.ie, or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie, or phone our veterinary clinic on 01-4994780. They’d love to hear from you.

16 GAZETTE 29 March 2012

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY

HOME RENOVATION: MANAGE THE PROCESS AND AVOID THE STRESS

Making your home the best it can be Some of the fine aspects of No 2, Liffey Walk

LUCAN: LIFFEY WALK PROPERTY €205,000

Valley Park corner site a classy catch NUMBER 2, Liffey Walk, is located in a soughtafter development on a corner site, with professionally landscaped gardens both front and rear, expertly decorated inside and with a large conservatory.

The downstairs accommodation offers a large living room with double doors opening into the kitchen/dining room, and features a stylish kitchen.

This opens into the conservatory, which provides an ideal reception area to entertain your guests in style as it overlooks the beautiful garden that enjoys a sunny aspect.

Upstairs, the established theme of good taste continues with three bedrooms, en-suite and the recently upgraded family bathroom. Finally, there is access to the attic, which is partially floored and lit.

Every room is beautifully presented in neutral tones, with a splash of colour here and there creating an interior designer finish. According to the agents, you could move in, change nothing, and be the envy of all your friends.

Accommodation comprises entrance hall with laminate flooring and guest WC. The living room has laminate flooring, a stylish fireplace and double doors leading to the dining room/kitchen. This space spans the width of the home, with plenty of wall and floor units and a breakfast bar dividing both rooms.

There is a conservatory located to the rear, with solid wooden flooring overlooking the rear garden.

Upstairs, bedroom one is located to the front of the house with T&G flooring, fitted wardrobes and a beautifully decorated en suite with wc, whb and stand-in shower.

GERHARD Heyl, director of HSLC Ltd, is an expert in home renovation, and here discusses some of the most important aspects of the process.

Renovating and extending your home can be a challenging and stressful endeavour. There’s the upheaval, and don’t even think about the mess, it’s hard enough to get the kids to wipe their feet!

But it doesn’t have to be like that. A properly managed extension project can be run with the minimum disruption to family life. There are a few key things you can do yourself before and during the build to help things go as smoothly as possible.

Planning Discuss all aspects of the extension project with your building team in advance of any work taking place. Make sure you have a timetable of work so you know what days and at what times workmen will be arriving.

Discuss with your project manager the possibility of organising deliveries when the house is quiet. Things

will run much smoother if the cement truck arrives after the school run as opposed to when you are trying to reverse out of the driveway.

There is no denying extending your home with kids in tow is no joke and finding ways to amuse house-bound children is a challenge for even the most imaginative parent.

However, you need to keep the goal of the renovation in focus throughout the project. You’re doing this extension to give more space, light and energy to your family home and ultimately your loved ones. So, chin up, you can do this!

Often with a large renovation project, there will be no choice but for the family to move out. It simply isn’t safe to have a family living in a house that may have an open external wall, or no kitchen/bathroom facilities.

There will be an additional cost involved in renting alternative accommodation but, on the other hand, if the crew are not working around your domestic schedule, they

The slight inconveniences of renovation are well worth the effort

may be able to complete the job sooner.

Pets Animals thrive on routine and can be easily upset if their living quarters are suddenly turned upside down with a renovation project. You need to consider your pet’s existing routine and adjust accordingly for the life of the extension. If your four-legged friend is an outside pet, you need to make a new secure area for them. Side gates will

be left open, walls may be taken down and the last thing you want is for your pet to stray.

Disruption management There is no way of escaping it, getting an extension completed on your home will create mess and dirt. There is no point in being upset or surprised by this; it’s a fact of life. Be proactive and prepare in a sensible way before the renovation project even starts. Treat

the preparation for a build like moving house and pack up precious items and put them into storage. Look on the bright side, you have a genuine excuse to declutter!

Having your home extended is a marvellous way to reinvent your living space, matching your home to your lifestyle.

Hopefully, with good disruption management, the inconvenience of the build, will be forgotten once your new home is revealed.

HOLLYSTOWN: DETATCHED FOUR-BED PROPERTY IN DUBLIN 15

Redwood towers over the rest SHERRY FitzGerald are delighted to bring No 38 Redwood to the market.

This detached four-bed property is presented in showhouse condition, with exquisite interior design and taste evident throughout.

The best quality fixtures and fittings adorn this turn-key home and it further benefits from a magnificent landscaped, sunny, south-west facing rear garden with water feature, split-level patio

and garden lighting.

Situated in a quiet cul de sac beside Hollystown Golf Course, this home enjoys a good selection of shopping and leisure facilities, both locally and within a 10-minute drive.

Viewing is highly recommended and is imperative to appreciate this stunning home and the exceptional interior finishes throughout.

The floor area is a most impressive 1,360 sq ft.

The accommodation

comprises entrance hall that sets the tone for the impeccable standard throughout, with prolific use of exquisite Canadian solid hardwood flooring on the ground floor.

An attractive radiator cover further ads to the elegance. There is particularly good under-stair storage here also.

The guest WC is oversized, and elegant in its simplicity, with quality wall and floor tiling, and it includes WHB and WC.

The living room is a magnificent reception space, and benefits from dual aspect, a bay window to the front and a picture window and double glass doors which open to the gorgeous rear garden.

The contemporar y stone fireplace has a gas inset fire.

The study/fourth bedroom is currently used as a study/TV room, but was originally laid out as the fourth bedroom. It, too, has a lovely bay window

to the side, along with a window to the front.

The kitchen/breakfast room has a stunning ivory fitted kitchen and is complemented by a deep, red-tiled splash back and cream ceramic floor tiles.

The electrical appliances are mainly top-of-therange Neff appliances, such as a double oven, five-ring gas hob and chimney-style extractor fan. There is an integrated fridge freezer and dishwasher.

29 March 2012 GAZETTE 17

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Getting back to the basics GET back to basics by rejuvenating your daily skincare routine, and get faces feeling clean, glowing and well-moisturised.

This week, we are taking a look at one of the most important routines of the day – cleansing and moisturising.

Women, and men, are using so many different products that it’s easy to forget two of the most important steps in skincare.

According to Celebrity facialist, Anastasia Achilleo, cleansing is a must.

“It’s key to having bright fresh, healthy-looking skin. It’s particularly important to cleanse the skin effectively at night to remove make-up and ensure that pores don’t become clogged and debris isn’t left on the skin that can cause bac-

teria, which is how spots can develop on younger skin. In the morning, skin just needs a quick sweep with cleanser to freshen it for the day ahead.”

Olay has re-launched its iconic cleansing and moisturising range, Classic Care as Olay Essentials. The new-look product has everything a person needs to acquire clean, glowing skin that is moisturised and wellprotected. Here are a few to check out to help get back to basics.

In the Olay Essentials Cleansers range are Olay Essential Wet Cleansing Wipes (RRP €3.99). No woman should be without cleansing wipes.

These wipes help to remove dirt and makeup, while also providing sensitive skin with con-

ditioning benefits. This product has been tried and tested on stubborn waterproof mascara and has left faces without panda eyes.

The Olay Essential Smoothing Face Scrub (RRP €3.15) range also offers a smoothing face scrub, which helps to smooth away surface skin cells, impurities and make up.

Olay Essentials Moisturisers have Olay’s proven skin conditioners, with effective protection against UV damage. No matter what day of the year it is, protecting skin from UV damage should be on top of the skincare list.

Olay Essentials Complete Care SPF 30-Day Lotion (RRP €12.99) is a light, daily facial moisturiser that has been

Olay Essentials Complete Care SPF 30

specially designed to give skin everything it needs to help maintain and improve the look of the skin. It provides

up to eight hours moisturisation, SPF 30 protection and pampering vitamins, combined with a non-greasy formula.

Edited by Laura Webb

Go gold with limited edition False Lash Effect mascara TO celebrate Max Factor’s most awarded mascara, the beauty giant has released a limited edition gold False Lash Effect.

False Lash Effect Gold comes in a stylish gold pack and gives long, lash-loving girls an ultra feminine, black eyelash look.

It features Max Factor’s biggest ever mascara brush to give lashes that long lash appearance. The dynamic mascara brush works wonders with Max Factor’s patented Liquid Lash formula, which glides onto each lash with ease, so lashes are instantly volumised and separated. The formula allows for layering, so a fatter lash look can be created to suit the mood. For best results, Gazette Beauty recommends turning the mascara brush as you apply the product on the top lid, which helps curl and enhance long lashes.

18 GAZETTE 29 March 2012

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods THE mornings are brighter, the evenings are longer and it’s all good news from the Nova camp this week.

Thin Lizzy had fans in a Cold Sweat when they cancelled a gig planned for The Olympia in August, seemingly without explanation, last month.

Now the boys will be back in town when they’re special guests at Guns n Roses’ return to The O2 on May 17.

Axl Rose is a huge Lizzy fan, with a tattoo of the black rose from their 1979 album cover inked on his right arm (let’s hope he wears a watch on that arm too, so as to be on stage on time for a change).

And, not forgetting the original Lizzy frontman; the brilliantly exhaustive Phil Lynott exhibition that lived in the top floor of the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre at the end of last year is moving to The O2 in London next month. If you didn’t catch it while it was here, book a flight!

And, at a time when everything seems to be going up except wages, it’s good to know it isn’t always a bad thing when there’s an increase. The new Odeon cinema at the Point Village around the corner from us here at Radio Nova is showing movies on screens three stories high.

Social commentators said the dismantling of Revolver (aka the giant wheel) at the village was a symbol of Ireland’s economic downfall.

Let’s hope the cinema signifies bigger and better things to come for our little country. Failing that, there’s always Nova!

Listen to Dee Woods from Radio Nova every weeknight from 7pm to 12am on 100.3FM

REVIEW: A RETURN TO CLASSIC FORM FOR THE QUEEN OF POP

MDNA has the right mix for pop ecstasy I ROB HEIGH

MADONNA. The name alone conjours some iconic moments in music from the last 25 years in your mind.

Along with Prince and Michael Jackson, she was the female part of the musical Holy Trinity who defined what a thrilling ride pop music could be in the Eighties.

Madonna was the queen of pop throughout that decade and the decade that followed. She paved the way for female artists to express themselves, and there would certainly be no Lady Gaga now if Madonna did not exist.

Albums such as Like A Prayer, Ray of Light and Confessions on a Dancefloor have been career defining, but the records in between have proved variable to say the least, and have not had the impact on the pop firmament they might have done had the focus been more on the

music and less on the public image or movie career.

Working with Ray Of Light producer William Orbit, as well as current leading lights of the house and dance scenes, the Benassi brothers and Mar tin Solveig, the album is certainly a strong and contemporary effort that draws hugely on the styles and trends at play in the clubs, but which also dips back and samples everything that made Madonna such an influential figure on her way to global megastardom.

In the same way that Bruce Springsteen created a summation of everything that made him such an icon on his recent Wrecking Ball album, here, Madonna tries to amalgamate everything good from her recent past in a collection of tracks that are a mix of bubblegum pop, hard house beats and classic tracks that, really, no one else could have

Madonna releases her 12th studio album this month

created.

But, as far as creating an incisive and defining statement of intent like Ray of Light on this record, there is something not quite hitting all the marks on MDNA. That is certainly not to say that the album is not without its high points, and the longer it goes on, the better it gets — as the view of the landscape gets broader, and samples and inflections from previous records, like Hung Up and Beautiful Stranger, begin to appear on I’m A

Sinner, there is more of a sense of her own history at play. Madonna has never been better at being herself than on Turn Up The Radio, more obviously the lead single from MDNA than the slightly weak Give Me All Your Luvin’.

It takes her (or her producer’s) way with a pop hook and plays it out to its logical conclusion, with more of a melodic twist than her recent records have demonstrated.

There are a few cringeworthy moments — the

shopping list song of modern divorced megastar parenthood being a case in point, but, again, you feel as though this album as a whole is part of Madonna’s journey back to her very best.

Certainly, someone of her stardom and calibre should be hitting the marks more often and being able to create a coherent and consistent set of songs on every outing, but compared to Erotica, American Life and Hard Candy, MDNA is a very easy pill to swallow.

29 March 2012 GAZETTE 19

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Lesley Condron, Bowen Technique Therapist

Helping people to live without pain LESLEY Condron is a Bowen Technique Therapist, having trained in the discipline in 2008. Having spent many years working as a staff nurse, she developed lower back pain.

Here she tells the Gazette of her journey from severe back pain sufferer to Bowen Technique Practitioner.

“Little did I know, when I boarded a flight to Australia in 2007, events would unfold that would change my career path,” Lesley says.

“I worked as a staff nurse for many years, a job I loved. But, over time, I began to experience lower back pain.

“While visiting my brother in Melbourne, my back seized. He suggested I go to see a Bowen Technique therapist.

I entered Margo’s clinic and one hour later, with very little discomfort, the pain had all but gone. I left moving quite freely and standing straight.

“Before leaving Australia, I had another treatment and to this day I have

been pain free.

“In 2008 I decided to train in the Bowen Technique, and have been a fulltime therapist since 2010.

“The work is easy on the client, and can be used in acute cases as well as with small children and the elderly.

“The practitioner uses fingers and thumbs to apply sets of rolling type moves on very precise points of the body. These moves stimulate the muscles, soft tissue and energy within the body, promoting relief of pain and recovery of energy.

“The work can be done through light clothing and many health problems can be treated using this method, ranging from minor ailments, such as headaches. I have found that problems, such as frozen shoulder, back and neck pain, as well as knee and ankle injuries, are very responsive.”

Lesley can be contacted on 087 249 0565, or 01 497 5388.

GOLD INVESTMENT Q – Gold seems to be out of favour at the moment but I am being told to buy it still as rumours abound that it will go to $5,000 per troy ounce – don’t even know what a troy ounce is ! Help ? Mary – Raheny A - Troy ounces are slightly lighter than avoirdupois ounces – 16 of them make a pound (lb) but gold has had a meteoric rise over the last four years. In 2007, it was $850 per troy ounce – but was $850 as far back as 1980…so taking 27 years to get back to the level of 2007… $850. Just bear in mind that $850 in 1980 is equivalent to c. $2,500 in today’s money !

Since 2007, gold went to $2,000 but has fallen back to c. $1650 and some commentators believe it could have peaked. Peter Schiff is a well-known precious metal analyst with CBNC in New York – he has forecast gold prices will reach $5,000 per troy ounce by the end of this year.

The balanced portfolio will have c. 10% of the funds in a precious metal. There is only 170,000 metric tonnes of the yellow metal on the planet. If it was a blob, it would be a 68-foot sided cube worth $9.6trillion! Two thirds the size of a football pitch.

Question is, if you decide to buy, what form should it take ? Gold mine shares, exchange traded funds (ETFs), gold coins ( e.g. kruggerands ) jewellery – security and safety are important issues as well as the investment risk.

Perth Mint Certificate Programme in many ways

Lesley Condron practises in Rathgar, Dublin 6, and

answers most of these issues – this is 24 carat gold

Curves in Sundrive, Dublin 12

bullion, stored in a Perth Australian mint with a guarantee from an AAA-rated government – the Western Australian government. You receive a

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

A: A cook Q: What was your first job?

A: Hotel receptionist Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: Can’t remember Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: No Q: When did you start your present job?

A: 2010 Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: I get very excited when I see how the body responds to the gentle Touch that is the Bowen technique.

Q: Have you ever achieve anything that you once thought you could not pull off?

certificate for the gold you bought, though at any

A: Motherhood

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

A: Criminal Minds

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

A: None

Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward?

A: David Norris

Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be?

A: Chocolate Q: Is there anything about yourself that you would like to set the record straight on?

A: No

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: No

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Rugby Q: What sport can you play?

A: Tennis, golf

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Italian with family and

Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: Not being able to say no Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to?

A: A weekend break in Berlin in a few weeks time

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: None

friends

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

A: Dame Edna Q: Where do you enjoy spend-

time you can repatriate the gold to your home if

ing money frivolously?

A: Paris

you wish. Prices are determined by the market and

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: 35 Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: Going on a sun holiday to northern France; we were camping three young children, it was cold and very wet.

you buy and sell on the prices of the day. There is a 2% fee on buying and 1% on selling. Email me for details (jlowe@moneydoctor.ie) Contact

John with your money questions at jlowe@ moneydoctor. ie or visit his

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: See below

website at

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: See below

Lowe, Fellow of

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

A: Buy a campervan, tour

founder and

Australia and New Zealand for two years

Money Doctor

www.moneydoctor.ie. John the Institute of Bankers, is managing director of

Harvey Norman sells out of iPad3 ahead of launch HARVEY Norman cancelled its planned midnight launch of the New iPad due to oversubscription of pre-orders.

“We have already pre-sold most of our launch stock for the New iPad, interest is very strong,” said Tim Hannon gen-

eral manager of computers for Harvey Norman Ireland.

The New iPad went on sale this week across Ireland.

“Demand has been overwhelming, and we decided not to open at midnight as we simply did not have enough

stock. We have more arriving this morning, but we didn’t want to disappoint customers.”

Unveiling the new iPad two weeks ago in the US, Apple sold out of its initial stock in online pre-orders within two

days. Harvey Norman have dropped the price of the existing iPad 2, which is now available for only €399 making it a serious competitor to the Amazon Kindle Fire.

Apple has announced it has sold three million of its

new iPad, since its US launch on Friday, March 16. The new iPad features a new Retina display, Apple’s new A5X chip with quad-core graphics, a 5 megapixel iSight camera with advanced optics for capturing photos and 1080p HD video,

and the same all-day 10-hour battery life.

Harvey Norman confirmed that they have more stock due to arrive in its shops, but warned that availability will be tight across Ireland for the first few weeks.

20 GAZETTE 29 March 2012

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs

Charge up at the Stillorgan Park

ESB ecars and the Stillorgan Park Hotel have joined forces to install multiple ecar charge points at the hotel, a first for a Dublin hotel.

The hotel is one of the first in Ireland to offer charging, but they have gone one step further to offer three charge points conveniently located in the car park.

Daragh O’Neill, general manager of the Stillorgan Park Hotel said: “As part of our overall Green Strategy and our continuing efforts to become an environmentally friendly hotel, we are delighted to announce that, in partnership with ESB ecars we have installed three ecar charge points at the hotel for our guests and employees.”

The roll-out of charge points is part of ESB ecars plan to build the charging infrastructure nationwide to meet the Government target of 10% of all vehicles to be electric by 2020.

To date, more than 560 charge points have been installed in public locations, service stations, commercial premises and in homes across Ireland.

Paul Mulvaney, managing director, ESB ecars said: “We are delighted that organisations like Stillorgan Park Hotel are supportive of the nationwide ecar programme and proactively promoting sustainable transport.”

New charge points at the Stillorgan Park Hotel

¤15M IN RENAULT FINANCE: SINCE launching in Ireland in September 2011, Renault Finance Ireland has lent over €15 million to both individual and business customers.

The arrival of Renault Finance in Ireland made motor finance accessible to all, and, currently, eight out of ten customers get approved to purchase a new car or van with Renault Finance.

Its arrival also brought 15 muchneeded jobs to the

finance sector.

Commenting on the figures, Alessandro Garzia, of Renault Finance, said: “Since the start of the year 80% of applicants have been approved for finance with us. In addition to Renault’s competitive car range, and Renault Finance rates, the cost of change for our customers has never been lower. You get €2,000 discount off a Clio and a rate of 4.9% APR. We believe in making it simple for a customer to deal with Renault.”

A tale of Motoring Editor, Cormac Curtis out if petrol is the new diesel, THERE’S a battle raging in the minds of car buyers at the moment.

The price of fuel is fluctuating wildly (and by that I mean increasing), and analysts tell us that the price of diesel is likely to overtake petrol later this year.

Accepted wisdom has always suggested that, when the cost of ownership and MPG was a big concern for the buyer, then the diesel engine was the way to go.

Not only was the fuel significantly cheaper, you also got more miles out of every tank.

In recent years, Ireland’s emissions-based road tax system has meant that cars with cleaner, more fuel-efficient engines can compete with their diesel counterparts in terms of cost of road tax.

Also, the fact that car manufacturers are doing their best to cover the full spectrum of

options with a wider choice of engines and green technologies, a car buyer can be left scratching their head when it comes to choosing between different models in a given range.

In recent weeks, I had the opportunity to road test two of Skoda’s Superb range – both of which could very easily appeal to the same buyer, one with a diesel engine, the other with a petrol.

The first model was the Skoda Superb Combi 1.6-litre TDI GreenLine. Anyone who reads the Gazette motoring pages will know that I am a bit of a fan boy when it comes to Skoda, and the Superb range in particular is one that I always enjoy driving.

The level of attention to detail in this range really does see Skoda punching above its weight.

It has been said that the Superb is a direct competitor

with Ford’s Mondeo, but I feel that is selling the Superb a good deal short.

In the Elegence Spec that I tested, the interior is incredibly attractive yet understated. The leather seats are luxurious, the points of contact, such as the steering wheel, gear shift, handbrake and door handles are solid and reassuring, as well as being wrapped in leather.

The legroom in the Superb range is not only the best in its class, but also in the class above.

And, somehow, the designers always seem to be able to squeeze a centimetre or so more out of it with each new model.

It can take an awfully long time to list the features of a car of this level; suffice to say that it comes with a set of seven airbags, a host of driver-assistance programmes, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise

SPECS: SKODA SUPERB COMBI 1.6TDI GreenLine Top speed: 190km/h 0–100km/hr: 12.6sec Economy: 4.4 l/100km CO2 emissions: 114 g/km Road Tax Band: ¤160 Entry Price: ¤26,935 (model driven, ¤31,055 Elegance Spec)

control, an array of car information on the driver’s Maxi DOT display, as well as a host of navigation, media, and telephone connectivity through the impressive centre console display featuring Bluetooth, much of which can be controlled through the multi-function steering wheel.

In practical terms, the storage in the Combi is exceptional.

With the seats down, there is a

29 March 2012 GAZETTE 21

Edited by Cormac Curtis

RoadSigns Road Signs UPWARDLY MOBILE AT MAZDA:

2 Superbs scratches his head as he tries to figure and if Skoda’s saloon tops their estate SKODA SUPERB SALOON 1.4TSI GreenTech Top speed: 204km/h 0–100km/hr: 10.6sec Economy: 5.9 l/100km CO2 emissions: 139 g/km Road Tax Band: ¤225 Entry Price: ¤25,615 (model driven)

cavernous 1,865 litres of storage space, and, with that, a selection of hooks, rails and assorted storage aids including a nifty little LED torch that stores magnetically in the boot.

So, what’s it like to drive?

Put it this way, I was driving the family to my wife’s godson’s Confirmation recently, and we weren’t exactly running on

time.

When my wife suggested I put the boot down a little, i had to politely inform her that we were already driving at over 140kph.

It felt like we were just idling along the motorway at the time – it’s that comfortable.

And let’s not forget about the fuel economy. Other motoring journalists I have spoken to have claimed to get 1,000km out of a tank of diesel, but I only had the car for a week and my commute isn’t that long!

What makes the Superb Combi GreenLine different from the standard model is that it employs a set of technological solutions designed to reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.

The estate version I drove featured a four-cylinder 1.6litre TDI CR/77 kW (105bhp)

common-rail direct-injection turbo diesel engine.

The set of GreenLine technological components that Skoda have developed for the car can be selected for the Active, Ambition and Elegance trim levels in both of the Superb’s body versions (hatch and estate/combi).

So, just as the GreenLine models feature diesel engines, Skoda’s Superb GreenTech model features their newly developed low-emission 1.4litre TSI petrol engine that utilises the latest direct injection petrol technology, together with turbo-charging to develop a surprising 125bhp from this small unit.

To reduce emissions and fuel consumption even further, they have added GreenTech technologies, including Stop-Start, optimised aerodynamics, lower

rolling resistance tyres and brake-energy regeneration.

Just like the estate Greenline version, this car has all the eye-grabbing attractiveness and luxurious interior and an exhausting list of features.

With an entry price of €23,995, it is €2,150 cheaper than the 1.6TDI diesel derivative with identical specification.

On top of that, it has 20bhp more power and achieves 0-100km/h two seconds faster than the 1.6 TDI. The Skoda Superb 1.4-litre TSI with GreenTech consumes just 5.9l/100km (48mpg) and with CO2 of just 139g/km, which places it in the affordable motor tax band B with annual road tax of €225.

The diesel version is in the lowest tax band (A) and has slightly better fuel consump-

tion, but that doesnt tell the full story.

If the cost of diesel matches that of petrol at €1.67 per litre, the diesel only becomes more cost effective after 94,000km of driving.

Like I said – it’s all headscratching stuff when you’re trying to get the most cost-efficient model.

But, then again, what Skoda have done here is give buyers one less decision to make.

If I had to chose between the two, I would simply pick my favourite!

To hell with the fuel cost - it’s practically negligible.

I can see why the faster, lighter saloon would be the preference for some drivers, but, for me, the ridiculously attractive, as well as practical Combi version, would be my pick.

Maybe I’m getting old!

MAZDA Motors have announced the appointment of Steve Jelliss as Director Market Support for Ireland.

Having previously had the roles of Aftersales Director and Fleet Director in Mazda Motors UK, Jelliss is taking up responsibility for all aspects of Mazda affairs in Ireland with immediate effect.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Jelliss said: “Mazda is committed to re-energising g g the business in Ireland.

The strength of the Mazda brand, reputation for building extremely highquality cars and a professional Dealer Network provides us with a solid platform for future growth.”

Steve describes his hobbies as keeping fit for triathlons and playing golf.

22 GAZETTE 29 March 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel

A season of bouncing fun and educational pottery classes await at Trabolgan Holiday Village TRABOLGAN Holiday Village in East Cork have secured funding for a new Bounce Zone at the holiday village for the 2012 season. The Bounce Zone will include a Bungee Trampoline Unit, an Inflatable Bungee Unit and an Inflatable Obstacle Course and will give guests and visitors to the holiday village a unique and exciting leisure experience whatever the weather.

Meanwhile, it’s all hands to the ready as they team up with local Midleton business, Craftyhands Pottery Studio, to bring a range of educational pottery and ceramics classes to guests at the holiday village for the 2012 season.

Trabolgan’s general manager, Donal O’Sullivan, said: “We are delighted to work with local businesses in the East Cork area and showcase to our guests the extensive range of educational activities available to them at our holiday village. The pottery classes will give our guests the opportunity to try their hand at something different in a relaxed learning environment, and allow them to take home something that they themselves have created to remember their holiday at Trabolgan. We want to offer guests, visitors and school tours to the park an unforgettable educational and valuable experience.”

A holiday with a difference awaits with a 13-day cruise in Iceland

BROADEN your horizons and take a holiday with a difference this year, with a 13-day tour of Iceland with Cosmos Tours and Cruises.

Experience an erupting geyser, swim in a geothermal pool and be at the heart of Iceland’s history with this amazing, eye-opening tour.

Holiday highlights include: Reykjavik city and a Geyseir walk around the hot springs. Take a Arnastapi walking tour and swim in geothermal pool in the Blue Lagoon. Visit Erik the Red’s replica farmhouse in Laxardalur and Lake Myvatn Dimmu Borgir and Krafla volcanic area.

The package includes return flights ex Dublin/ Cork via Heathrow to Reykjavik, accommodation on tour in a twin room with private facilities, meals on tour, services of a tour director on tour, transfers between overseas airports and hotels.

It departs on October 8. View a selection of our tours on line at TravelFox.ie or call 021 4976293 to speak to our Escorted Tours specialists.

The Talbot Hotel is an ideal place to stay when exploring Carlow. A family-friendly pool will keep the kids happy, while a range of spa treatments will help to relax the parents

Carlow-bound for a weekend break LAURA WEBB

IT MAY come as a surprise to some, but, there is one area in particular that has been on my list of places to see in Ireland. Not the usual weekend away destinations like Galway or Kilkenny, but it was the smaller and more intimate town of Carlow that impressed me recently.

The journey from Dublin to Carlow took just 1 hour and 15 minutes, thanks to the M9 motorway.

On arrival at the Talbot hotel Carlow, I was greeted with a red carpet entrance, but, much to my disappointment, it wasn’t for me! It was for newlyweds who had tied the knot earlier that day.

I quickly got over my disappointment and checked in. The room

The Pure Beauty spa room holds the key to some real pampering and relaxation

on the third floor was a standard double room and decorated in a modern style. Wi-fi is easily available by getting a password at reception.

Finely dressed kids and adults took over the ground floor as they prepared to enjoy the wedding celebrations. I had a sneaky look at the reception room where

the newlyweds officially tied the knot. The room made for a lovely intimate ceremony with family and friends, and was filled with beautiful flowers. It looked like the perfect place for anyone looking for an alternative to a church wedding.

The hotel offers residents’ access to the gym and sauna, as well as the

pool area. For anyone in need of some relaxation, the Pure Beauty spa room is available on the same floor. I had booked in for an Ultra Soothing facial with Sue, who worked wonders on my dehydrated face, using Eve Taylor products, a product that I am now thinking of using.

The relaxed atmosphere at the spa helped me to unwind, and afterwards I felt like doing nothing for the rest of the day.

Dinner at the hotel’s top-floor restaurant, the Liberty Tree, was simply delicious. Our waitress for the night was Rachel, who was not only entertaining, but full of general knowledge on her local area.

The salmon was fresh, and served with a delicious white wine cream sauce, and everything

from the starter to dessert was tasteful and deserving of a finished plate.

High-rise windows in the corner of the restaurant offered great views of its surroundings. The restaurant is also the location for the buffet breakfast, offering continental and hot food.

Carlow is full of fun activities, and a great place to bring the kids.

Some of the attractions include Rancho Reilly Pet Farm and Children’s activities, Carlow Art Collection, St. Laserian’s Cathedral, the Carlow Brewing company (for the grown-ups!) and many outdoor activities.

Definitely worth a look.

For more details, call 059 915 3000 or email reservations@talbothotelcarlow.ie. Visit www. talbotcarlow.ie for more details.

29 March 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

Free ferry tickets for kids must end soon!

UP TO 12 million kids throughout the Republic of Ireland and the UK can travel for free with Stena Line in 2012, as part of an initiative launched by Ireland’s leading ferry company to celebrate National Ferry Fortnight, which is running until March 31.

Stena Line is offering children, up to the age of 15 years, free travel on all of its five Irish Sea routes, when a car booking is made during National Ferry Fortnight, which gives tourists a couple of days to make those bookings. In the Republic of Ireland there are approximately 870,000 kids 15 years of age and

under, and, when combined with the number of children in the UK, this would equate to almost €36 million worth of free travel.

Stena Line’s head of PR and communications, Diane Poole, hopes National Ferry Fortnight will help focus attention on just how far ferry travel has transformed in recent years, as well as highlighting the benefits of ferry travel. “National Ferry Fortnight is a great opportunity to bring the ferry travel into the spotlight. Taking the ferry really is the most relaxing way to travel, and, with so much to do, your holiday really does start as soon

TravelBriefs 40th birthday celebrations at Dublin’s Burlington Hotel

March 31 is the last day holiday makers can pick up free Stena Line tickets for kids

as you step onboard.

“All of our ships boast excellent facilities, including Curious Georgethemed play area, Teen Town, free movies, choice of restaurants and bars, free wifi, an on-board shop with great savings on fragrances, spirits and lots more.

“We continuously invest in our routes and services, and, we want

to highlight the benefits of travelling with Stena Line and encourage people to take advantage of our fantastic kids-go-free offer.

“We are offering free places to children aged up to 15 years when car travel is booked before March 31 for trips to be taken until January 5, 2013, so it really is an offer not to be missed,”

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Diane said.

To find out more, or to make a booking, log onto www.stenaline.ie/nff, call 01 204 77 77 or contact your local travel agent.

FIRST opened in April 1972, the renowned Burlington Hotel is celebrating 40 years in business this year. The hotel has changed faces many times over the last 40 years, most recently with a new opening following a brief closure for an extensive refurbishment in 2008.

The Burlington Hotel has seen many famous faces pass through its revolving doors over the years, including international celebrities such as Bill and Hilary Clinton, Mel Gibson, Maureen O’Hara, Johnny Cash and Celine Dion, as well as home-grown stars such as Bono, comedian Pat Shortt and Bob Geldof.

General manager, David Monks, said: “We have an exciting year planned in order to celebrate The Burlington Hotel’s Ruby birthday and look forward to showing our many loyal guests and customers just how ‘Dublin’s Grand Dame Hotel’ celebrates.”

Avail of some special offers at The Burlington Hotel in celebration of the hotel’s 40th birthday.

For information, call 01 618 5600, email reservations@burlingtonhotel.ie or visit www.burlingtonhotel.ie.

24 LUCAN GAZETTE 29 March 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 A Spell of Cold Weather

Two down-in-the-mouth farmers, Betty and Bob, have forgotten how to have fun. There is no joy on the farm anymore. Then during Christmas and New Year Betty and Bob get a surprise, when their little niece Holly comes to visit them. At first Holly feels very alone, in a strange place with no friends, but then she meets Tomos Trickman – a puck-like fairy who explains to Holly how the two farmers have forgotten how to sing, dance and play games.

Together, Holly and Tomos bring the farm back to life and create some seasonal cheer, just in time to ring in the New Year with an unforgettably magical party. Sat 31 Mar 1 & 3pm. Tickets €10/8. Booking: (01) 231 2929 Online booking www.paviliontheatre.ie

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 The Mai THE MAI is the moving story of four generations of women in one family in the midlands. An accomplished, beautiful forty-year-old woman, The Mai has always sought an exceptional life. We enter the world of The Mai on the day of her husband’s return after an absence of four years. In the midst of their troubled reunion are the idiosyncratic and comical characters that comprise the family. Irreverent and unapologetic, the opium-smoking, 100-year-old matriarch, Grandma Fraochlan, presides over all. Catch the magical performance from March 7 to 31, at 8pm, with tickets priced at €16/€14.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Schoolbooks in Wallpaper IAN Perth, a local Tallaght comedian takes you on a journey of fun and outrage in his one-man show. From the bizarre period that was 80s Ireland through our hilarious Celtic Tiger ways to the comedy of errors that led to Ireland’s financial meltdown. His style of charismatic warmth, along with his witty observations from the past and present, have made him a regular in comedy clubs across Ireland and Britain. Runs from March 29-March 31 at 8.15pm.

Admission: €10.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Coolmine Goes To The Movies Lights! Music! Action! Since movie-makers first added sound to the action, the marriage of movies and music has been a match made in heaven – whether it be theme songs, mood setting music or full-blown musicals. Let Coolmine take you on a magical musical tour from the glamour of the Hollywood classics through the wonderful world of Disney and to the theme songs that immediately evoke a movie. Catch this show on March 30 and 31 at 8pm. Tickets €16/€14 concession.

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Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) takes aim as she prepares to enter The Hunger Games, a barbaric event held by The Capital to remind the citizens of Panem that rebellion will not be tolerated.

More than a game

It’s a melodramatic adaptation of a teen novel that has a fanatical fanbase. But don’t let that put you off.

I PAUL HOSFORD

EXPOSITION in The Hunger Games comes quickly.

Within 90 seconds, the audience has been introduced to why we are where we are.

Two men discuss the concept of The Hunger Games, a yearly fight to the death by one boy and one girl, aged 12-18, from each of Panem’s 12 Districts.

Panem, of course, has risen from the ashes of North America sometime in the future.

A fractured society, broken into districts, tried to rise up 70 years ago, but was brutally put down by the forces of The Capital.

Now, to remind the districts of The Capital’s control, a yearly raffle, or “reaping”, is held to determine the unlucky participants.

Of course, winning the Games comes with its

FILM OF THE WEEK: The Hunger Games #### (12A) 142 mins Director: Gary Ross Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci

OUR VERDICT: A fantastic achievement. Ross manages to steer this film away from teenage melodrama, into the waters of thoughtful, terrifying and smart film-making. Lawrence deserves huge credit for her turn as Katniss, managing to keep away from an overly emotional or too cold portrayal, giving the audience a heroine they can root for when she goes into the arena.

own reward.

The winner will be showered with praise, honour and enough food to ensure they never go hungry.

The losers will be taunted and booed until my throat is sore.

Or killed. Whatever.

In District 12, we are introduced to Katniss Everdeen.

Katniss is a hardy sort, caring for younger sister Prim and her mother after her father’s untimely death.

More than hardy, Katniss proves her bravery by entering her name into

the reaping twice, allowing her family receive extra food.

Keeping up? Good.

In Prim’s first year being entered into the reaping, her name is called.

But, being the hardy and brave sort she is, Katniss volunteers herself to go forward in her little sister’s place.

Alongside long-time admirer Peeta Mellark (Hutcherson), Katniss is whisked to The Capital.

There she is styled to make an impression on shady sponsors and trained by District 12’s only winner of the Games,

a bizarrely be-wigged Woody Harrelson.

With the odds stacked against her, Katniss must fight, using all of the skills learned illegally hunting in District 12.

Where The Hunger Games succeeds, is in the creation of the world of Panem.

A contrast of haves and have-nots, the disparity between The Capital and District 12 is bleak.

The industrial, mining community of District 12, all gnarled hands and downtrodden spirits clashes believably with the neon lights and flash of The Capital.

The direction is clever, with urgent, hand-held camera work whipping around the action.

In the heart of it all, this is Lawrence’s show.

Flexing all of the acting muscles honed in her Oscar-nominated turn in Winter’s Bone, as well as the action muscles she displayed in X-Men: First

Class.

Her Katniss is nowhere near as annoying as many female leads in adaptations of teen books.

She is not sullen, despite having more to complain about than being in love with a vampire.

Instead, Lawrence infuses her character with a depth that is genuinely refreshing.

Inside Katniss is a deeper sense of melancholy, which seems apt in the earlier, harsher environs of District 12.

But, when it hits the bright lights and big city, Katniss, and Lawrence, comes into her own.

Bouncing off the demented characters of Banks, Harrelson and, oddly enough, Lenny Kravitz, there is a steely cynicism displayed, as Katniss is solely focused on getting home.

Overall, a surprisingly good film that leaves us wanting more.

29 March 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING www.

gazette .com

group

Wayne Rooney indulges in some impromptu jigs and reels.

It’s time to take it back to the mean Streets PAUL HOSFORD

THE title, FIFA Street, fills a lot of football gaming veterans with the kind of dread usually reserved for Adidas Power Soccer, Three Lions or (gulp) David Beckham Soccer.

In fact, the sight of R o n a l d i n h o ’s b a d l y warped body looking like a rejected Rocky cartoon was enough to have this reviewer praying for the sweet release of Soccer Kid. So, you can imagine that news of a release

coming this week didn’t exactly fill me with hope.

But, for the second time this week (see opposite) I have been surprised.

T his FIFA edition is more a compliment to FIFA 12 than an attempt to be dow n with the kids.

The kids, of course, play football in ghettos and can do backflips with the ball between their legs.

The gameplay here is more ported over from the main FIFA franchise

and the movement feels a lot like 12.

The passing is less precise, which makes afficionados of tiki-taka somewhat redundant.

Instead, the gameplay is weighted in favour of baiting opponents and knocking the ball beyond them.

Holding a shoulder button puts your player in control of the ball, rolling between his feet.

The idea is that your opponent will ignore the first rule of Sunday league football and dive in.

Once he’s committed,

your superior skills, set in motion with the right analog stick, will leave him with egg on his face and you with a clear run at goal.

This style of play can get repetitive, but the difference in levels, with varying goal sizes, pitch dimensions and the presence of goalkeepers, it makes the game a lot more varied.

This is really Newcastle under Kevin Keegan football.

Defending is a secondary concern, with the emphasis on scoring one more than your opponent.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that, this is a street football game, after all.

It will, however, have you cursing at your virtual players for their inability to make a simple tackle.

But a majestic Marseille Turn or a bamboozling series of stepovers later and all will be ok in the container that your team

presumably uses as a dressing room.

Longevity is never something that this particular franchise has been able to achieve and, unfortunately, this is not somewhere this iteration succeeds.

The World Tour mode, in which you must take your rag-tag bunch of street players to the world street finals in Brazil, is fun enough, if a little lacking depth.

But, what the game loses in depth, it gains in immediacy.

The game requires little getting used to. New players can jump straight in and began flummoxing opponents with a few flicks of a stick.

In this way, FIFA Street holds an advantage over it’s mainstream brother.

There is no frustration when a striker screws a shot wide or your midfielder loses the ball.

All in all, grab some friends, beat them 10-8 and enjoy.

All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away

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26 LUCAN GAZETTE 29 March 2012

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Alan Haran Is applying for Permission For the alteration and extension of an existing two-storey semi-detached single family dwelling, comprising the removal of an existing hipped roofed single storey bedroom, previously a garage, from the front and side, and the provision, in lieu, of a two storey pitched roof extension to the front and side comprising an ensuite bedroom to ground and first floor and the provision of a single storey lean to porch to front and sundry internal alterations and site adjustments including the relocation of an existing side entrance gate. at 1 Liffey Avenue, Liffey Valley Park, Lucan, Co. Dublin. This application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am - 4pm, Mon-Fri, and a submission or observation may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (â‚Ź20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt

by South Dublin County Council of the application.

15217

RECRUITMENT

DENTAL

PLUMBING

PLUMBING DVD SERVICES

DIVORCE SERVICES PET SERVICES

HANDYMAN BUILDING

COMPUTERS

HANDYMAN

29 March 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

STARS FOR MARCH This month’s Dublin Sport Awards nominees are announced: Page 29

ATHLETICS: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S CHARITY ASKS FOR MINI-MARATHON SUPPORT

Britton and Bergin back the Because cause sport@gazettegroup.com

OLYMPIC athletes and Dubliners, Fionnuala Britton and Claire Bergin, joined forces with international children’s charity, Plan Ireland, last week to call on the women of Ireland to be a part of the Because I Am A Girl team and run or walk for girls in the upcoming women’s mini-marathon, which is set to take place on June 4.

The athletes are supporting the campaign, which aims to fight gender inequality, promote girls’ rights and break the cycle of poverty.

Jessica Majekodunmi, of Plan Ireland, was on hand to help launch the campaign, saying: “We are calling on all women, friends, daughters, sisters, nieces, aunts, mothers and grandmothers, to make a difference this June Bank Holiday weekend and join our

team at this year’s women’s mini-marathon.

“By taking part in the world’s biggest womenonly event, you will help to build a brighter future for some of the world’s poorest girls. Every step makes a difference.”

Britton said: “This is such a great cause. I should know, I volunteered with Plan Ireland a few years ago. I know the impact that their work has. The campaign is really inspiring as it

Fionnuala Britton hopes that runners in the mini-marathon go the distance for girls in the developing world

specifically focuses on supporting and empowering girls in the developing world who need our help the most. I’m delighted to play my part and I hope women around the country will join myself and Claire in supporting this fantastic campaign.”

All funds raised will

go towards life changing projects for girls in the developing world. Contributions will be invested in effective projects that address and promote equality for girls.

Currently, Plan Ireland’s work with girls i n cl u d e s e d u c a t i o n p r o j e c t s , i n cl u d i n g establishing girl-friendly

schools, maternal and reproductive health projects, protecting girls and women against trafficking and child labour, empowering women to achieve financial stability through savings and loan schemes, and tackling early and forced marriage and exploitation of girls and young

women.

To sign up and help change a girl’s life in the developing world, submit the official form and fee to Flora Women’s Mini Marathon, and visit www.plan.ie or call freefone 1800 829 829 to sign up for your fundraising pack, which is provided by Nivea.

28 LUCAN GAZETTE 29 March 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

BASKETBALL: LEAGUE SUCCESS FOR PALMERSTOWN SIDE

Answer athletic call on the school mile THE Irish Schools’ Athletic Association and Athletics Ireland will run the Aviva School Mile Challenge this spring. This new event will provide a superb opportunity for local schools to support an initiative to encourage teenagers to get a taste of recreational participation in sport.

There is a fun, competitive element also as the organisers will be looking at categories such as best schools, counties and provinces, and may even uncover the next sub-four minute miler, but that is incidental to the main purpose, which is to promote running or walking as part of a balanced healthy lifestyle.

The event, which is being supported by Aviva, will see some 10,000 teenagers from 100 secondary schools throughout the country run, jog or walk a mile at their school this spring.

Athletics Ireland chief executive, John Foley, said: “This is a truly positive initiative and Athletics Ireland is delighted to support it. The AVIVA School Mile Challenge is targeted at secondary school students across all bands of ability and fitness and is an excellent way for young people to get involved in exercise. The focus of the AVIVA School Mile Challenge is to ensure that participants enjoy the experience and assist in opening up the sport to a wider audience.”

John Shields, from the Irish Schools’ Athletics Association believes the School Mile Challenge can promote athletics at all level: “This is an excellent opportunity to encourage young people to take part in a healthy form of exercise.

For more information, contact Christopher Russell at Christopher.russell2@mail.dcu.ie, or John Shields at johnshields@athleticsireland.ie or on 087 2633376.

Ballon’s Division 1 side matched the heady achievements of last year’s senior men’s cup team

Ballon clash with the Titans DIVISION 1 FINAL Ballon Chemist Titans

80 78

I sport@gazettegroup.com

PA L M E R S T OW N based Ballon, winners of the February Team of the Month in the Dublin Sports Awards for 2011, were crowned Men’s Division One champions last week af ter defeating Matt O’Flaher ty Chemist Titans in a breathtaking final at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght.

B a l l o n e ve n t u a l l y secured the crown 80-78 after a nail-biting finale to this epic encounter.

It was unfortunate that someone had to lose this tie, as both sets of supporters had been treated to a tremendous exhibition of skilful basketball.

A blistering opening

to the match saw some superb shooting from both sides.

Giedrius Trakauskas found his range early on, shooting a superb three-pointer for Ballon to bring the scores to eight apiece in the opening quarter.

Titans were well up for this contest, however, and Gintaras Sedebskis was an integral part of establishing a 14-10 lead for his side at the midway point in the quarter.

Titans were certainly showing more steel in their offense, but only led by a 21-19 score at the end of the opening quarter.

Ballon redoubled their efforts at the beginning of the second quarter, an effort that saw Irmantas Griskas hitting three baskets and drawing the foul

to give his side a threepoint lead.

It was a superb quarter, with the two equally-matched sides tussling for supremacy in what was a hugely physical encounter.

Paulius Peldzius helped Titans stay in contention and, soon afterwards, gave them the lead with a fine three-point shot.

Second half The sides were level again early in the third quarter when Imantas Griskas again weighed in for Ballon.

The sides were evenly matched throughout ever y quarter of the match, and it was impossible to pick who would run out the eventual winner, with the sides trading baskets throughout the third quarter.

It was Titans who held a marginal advantage heading into the final quarter, leading by the slimmest margin of 63-61.

The fourth quarter was a hugely passionate affair, with both sets of fans noisily attempting to spur their side over the line to the Division One title.

There was some splendid attacking talent on display, none more so than from Will Archambault, who produced a breathtaking dunk to edge Titans in front.

Still, there was nothing to separate the sides with just three minutes on the clock, 71-71.

Ballon were back in front with 90 seconds remaining, thanks to a huge shot from outside the key from Mazvydas Cepliauskas.

A huge score from Conall MacMichael gave Titans a two-point advantage with two remaining before Ballon responded, Aurimas Statkus hitting three for Ballon to give them a two-point lead.

With just 16 seconds remaining, Paul Freeman made light of the intense pressure, superbly firing home to square the teams once again.

With just seconds on the clock, Cepliauskus – the smallest player on the court – took advantage of a sliver of free space inside to drive to the basket, for what turned out to be the decisive score.

Titans had pulses racing with a shot for the hoop right on the buzzer, but it was to be Ballon’s day, albeit by the slenderest of margins.

29 March 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 29

2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - MARCH NOMINEES

FastSport

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

# STARof the

Olympic nightmare for Hermes star O’Flynn

MONTH

MARIA MCCAMBRIDGE

DAN CASEY

KARL BURDIS

THE DSDAC graduate became the third athlete from the club to reach the Olympic qualifying mark with an exceptional run in Rome this month

TOWERING star of St Joseph’s Boys’ U-15s, Casey captained Ireland on a memorable day for his club, scoring against Belgium in the process

THE Portmarnock man returned to the Irish swimming scene with a bang to qualify for the European championships in cracking fashion

METEORS

COOLMINE RFC

COLAISTE PHADRAIG

AN incredible month for the Stillorgan based club, they claimed the U-14, U-15 and U-16 titles as well as U-17 and U-18 silver in quick succession

ASHBROOK’S rugby heroes picked up a league and cup double as their seconds nailed down the Leinster league division 1A and the Spencer Cup

THE Lucan school picked up the Leinster 1st Year Cup crown with a superb win over Chanel before adding the league title with victory over the same opponents

# TEAMof the MONTH

Cul runnings: Young Dubs get taste for Kellogg’s camps THE 2012 Kellogg’s GAA Cul Camps

were launched in Croke Park on Tuesday, with Dubliners Rhiannon Campbell, age 6, Matthew Ryan, age 11, Jack Sullivan, age 6, from Howth, Eabha Last, age 9, Daniel Ryan, age 9, and Kilmacud Crokes’ Conor Sullivan, age 10, all on hand to enjoy their day at headquarters.

A SECOND Irish Olympic hockey dream went up in smoke within seven days as Belgium proved an all-round superior force in Kontich last Sunday, barely offering Ireland a glimmer of hope with a rousing 4-1 victory in the direct play-off for a ticket to London.

It was rough justice on Irish player of the tournament, Hermes’ woman Audrey O’Flynn, pictured, as Ireland struggled in the face of some early Spring heat and a vociferous home support to get off the ground.

“The girls said after it was like living a nightmare,” said O’Flynn. “The match just flew by. They were just winning every 50-50 ball, I don’t know, we just never got into it, never got going. Ah, it’s just so disappointing.

“We said before the match that we’ve put in two years of hard work for this but we have to show that on the pitch – and we didn’t show it today. We just didn’t perform in any area of the pitch,” she said.

Sofie Gierts’ seven-minute hat-trick effectively ended the tie as early as the 19th minute as she cracked home a brilliant volley, added a contentious penalty stroke and swept home a neat penalty corner move to run up an imposing 3-0 lead.

After Gierts early blitz, the remaining 50 minutes was a physical battle but Ireland’s inability to score from corners – bar O’Flynn’s eighth of the tournament in the 57th minute – meant there was never any drama.

And coach Gen Muller added it was a rough day for his young side against a Belgian outfit lower ranked in the world but flying high on confidence.

“Technically, we were not good enough, didn’t score on our corners and couldn’t get back into the game and whenever we had a sight of it, we’d let in another one.

“They were the better team, they were technically better, they scored at moments of ascendancy, we just couldn’t get a foothold in the game,” the coach said.

“There were one or two controversial decisions that went against us but they still deserved to win, they have been the best team at this event, and deserve to go to London. I congratulate them.

“This Irish team has improved enormously to get to this stage but there wasn’t enough in us; not technically, not physically so we could never create that tension,” he said.

30 LUCAN GAZETTE 29 March 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

SOCCER: ALL-IRELAND SEMI-FINAL BECKONS FOR LOCAL SIDE

Lucan ladies get set to defend their ILGU title THE 2011 Champions, Lucan, will start the defence of their ILGU Fourball Championship title with a first-round tie against Howth, while last year’s runners-up, Faithlegg, face Waterford Castle.

The tournament has a record number of 234 clubs involved this year. Each club may enter one team of eight players, the combined handicap of each pairing must be no less than 19 and no more than 46.

This year’s North and East Regional Finals take place at Co Meath Golf Club on September 3 while the South and West Finals take place at Limerick Golf Club a week later.

The regional winners will then face-off in the All-Ireland semi-finals at Westmanstown Golf Club on Saturday, October 13, with the All-Ireland Final scheduled for the following day also at Westmanstown.

Chief executive of the ILGU, Sinead Heraty, announced last week that Miele will sponsor the event for a sixth consecutive year.

Colaiste Padraig celebrate their victory over Chael College from Coolock in the final last week

Padraig claim Leinster title FAIS LEINSTER CUP FINAL Colaiste Padraig Chanel College

2 1

I sport@gazettegroup.com

IT PROVED a memorable week for the Colaiste Padraig first-year soccer team as they won the Umbro FAI Schools’ Leinster Cup after defeating Chanel College, Coolock, 2-1 in the final held at Arklow Town FC. Lucan entered the final on the back of ten successive victories and they started the game much the sharper of the two teams, swarming all over their opponents with intensity and ferocity.

E m m a n u e l L aw a l

headed over from close range while Dylan Hayes stung the keepers palms from 25 yards as Lucan pressed for an early goal.

And their captain, Ciaran Kelly, deservedly opened the scoring in the 10th minute when he capitalised on hesitancy in the Chanel defence to fire home from just inside the box.

The goal seemed to wake Chanel up and they equalised almost immediately. Their pacy left winger accelerated down the left and his inviting cross was expertly flicked home at the near post.

The looked set to kick on, enjoying a ten-minute

Sprinting students: Athletics Ireland’s schools’ initiative THE Irish Schools’ Athletic Associa-

tion and Athletics Ireland will run the Aviva School Mile Challenge this spring. This new event will provide a superb opportunity for local schools to take part in sport.

For more information, contact Christopher Russell at Christopher. russell2@mail.dcu.ie. Alternatively, you can contact John Shields at johnshields@athleticsireland.ie or on 087 2633376.

spell of domination and had two good opportunities after wonderful deliveries from wide.

But Lucan soon regained their composure and Lawal was through but, as he bore down on goal, he took a heavy touch and the ball trickled harmlessly to the grateful Chanel keeper.

Babington had a goal bound effort well saved while Dean Russell went close with a looping header that was tipped over the bar.

Dean and Sean Foley were dominating the midfield, launching the attack from which Simon Jarworski gave Lucan the

lead back just before half time.

He dispossessed the Chanel right back just outside the area and composed himself before firing in a low, hard shot into the far corner.

Paul Cleary’s 25 yard drive went just wide of the far post after a typically buccaneering run, denying them an even bigger half-time lead.

The second half followed much the same pattern as Lucan continued to play with attacking intent.

Tom Prior came off the bench to good effect and his 25 yard pile-driver was brilliantly tipped

around the post. Lawal was also thwarted but Lucan rarely looked like conceding.

Babington had a glorious opportunity to stretch the advantage while Lawal headed Conor Kane’s superb cross just inches over while Simon Jarworski fired over from the edge of the box.

With just seconds remaining Chanel had the chance to force extra time but their striker just failed to make contact with the ball as it fizzed across the Lucan goal.

The team now represent Leinster in the AllIreland semi-finals to be held in mid-May.

29 March 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 31

in association with

GAELIC: FOOTBALLERS, CAMOGIE DEVELOPMENT

CLUB NOTICEBOARD LUCAN SARSFIELDS AWARENESS of sudden cardiac death

Saturday, April 28.

in the young has increased in the

Our school of excellence takes place

last few years, however, to add some

from April 2 to 5 for 12- to 14-year-

substance to this awareness, Lucan

olds. Contact your mentor for more

Sarsfields has arranged for Dr Deir-

details.

dre Ward from the charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) to speak to our

The social initiative group’s trip to Belfast will be on April 12.

parents and mentors. The talk, which

Set dancing classes take place every

will take approximately one hour, will

Wednesday from 8.30 to 10pm in the

be held in our function room on April

function room of the clubhouse.

3 at 7pm.

Our nurseries for boys and girls

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 1, 14,

born in 2005, 2006 and 2007 are every

19 and 28. There was no winner. Next

Saturday at 1.30pm on our all-weath-

week’s jackpot will be €2,500. Jose-

er pitch at the 12th Lock. This is your

phine Donohue’s team will be in charge

child’s chance to be coached by Dublin

next Sunday, when our sponsor will be

senior hurling captain Johnny McCaf-

Lucan Village Pharmacy.

frey.

The heats for our Sars’ Stars talent

Opening times for our club shop are

contest will take place on April 14 and

Tuesday and Thursday 7.30-8.30 and

21, with the grand final taking place on

Saturdays 10.30-11.30.

ST PAT’S PALMERSTOWN THE senior hurlers lost their league Lucan Sarsfields’ junior footballers recorded their first win of the campaign against Ballinteer St John’s

Juniors take cup place after first win of 2012 Lucan Sarsfields Ballinteer St John’s

Well done to our own Liam Rushe

while juniors drew at home to Par-

who’s grab and smash goal in the

nell’s. Minor footballers had a big win

dieing seconds against Tipperary

over GP Moran’s.

on Saturday gave the Dubs a well-

Juvenile football U-8s, 9s and 10s played Wanderers, St Anne’s and Crumlin, while U-11s, 12s and 14s lost to Lucan Sarsfields, Templeogue SS and Thomas Davis.

In hurling, U-13s and 16s lost to Castleknock and Round Towers (C).

MURPHY CUP 0-15 0-10

I sport@gazettegroup.com

LUCAN Sarsfields’ junior As secured their first win of the season with five points to spare over Ballinteer St John’s at the 12th Lock last weekend after a strong performance in a very competitive game.

A f ter a slow star t, Lucan found themselves 0-6 points to 0-1 behind with 15 minutes gone, before lifting their game to score eight unanswered points over the remainder of the half, with some great team play and some fine score-taking that settled the nerves and set the platform for the eventual victory.

Ballinteer scored another point just before the half ended to leave Lucan ahead by two points on a half-time score of 0-9 to 0-7.

The second half was

end-to-end, but Lucan were the more composed in front of goal and took their points when they were presented, while Ballinteer missed a few good scoring chances.

Apart from the opening 15 minutes of the first half, Lucan played ver y well, defending solidly and, with all of their forwards getting on the scoresheet, by full-time Lucan had run out deserving winners on a scoreline of 0-15 to 0-10.

Barry Torsney weighed in with a trio of points to top-score.

Elsewhere, under the blistering sun, half of the Lucan U-9 camogie side played Castleknock in their first-ever competitive games.

I t w a s a n e ve n l y matched contest, with Lucan coming out slightly ahead by winning two matches, drawing one and losing one but all could have gone either way, such was the level

of skill on display from the two teams.

This balance of play was typified in game one, when Lucan pressed hard from the outset, with great strikes from Phoebe Shannon and Sadhbh Murray narrowly missing the target.

Chloe Beirne followed up with a cracking sideline cut that was also just wide of the post, but Murray took her next opportunity with great skill.

Castleknock equalised and, only for Ellie Graham’s stopping of another certain score, the visitors might have moved further ahead.

But Lucan continued to dig deep in the second half, with Beirne making two fantastic saves on the line and pucked out the length of the pitch.

Lucan fought gamefully and, on the stroke of full-time, Emma Hayes won a crucial ball in midfield and sent a precision pass into her for-

wards. Aisling Ni Ruairc rose to the ball, turned and struck with tremendous skill to be an inch wide of the post in the dying seconds, just missing out 2-1.

In the second match, Graham and Beirne were again at the heart of the action, rising the ball in midfield under great pressure and striking into their forwards, who were very unlucky not to reap a score from their efforts.

Lauren Strong, Ciara Nic Chraith and Emma Hayes won every ball in the forward line but the scores simply wouldn’t come. In the backs, Sadhbh Murray, Aoife Fortune and Phoebe Shannon were impeccable in defence and, at the final whistle, this high-quality match astonishingly finished scoreless.

They later played a couple of games with Good Counsel, sharing players in one of the ties, getting a couple of wins.

Brigid’s this Sunday at 10.30am.

fixture away to Naomh Fionnbarra,

earned draw To view our website, simply log on to www.stpatricksgaa.ie Lotto: Numbers drawn were 2, 13, 14 and 25. There was no winner of the €9,200 jackpot. No winner of match any three numbers. Four Lucky dips

Fixtures for this weekend: Senior

winners were Aoife Burke, Cally, John

footballers are away in the league on

Burns and Padraic O’Brien and each

Saturday against Naomh Mearnog at

receive €50.

6pm, while juniors are at home against Wild Geese on Sunday at 11am.

Senior camogie away in league to St

Next week’s jackpot will be €9,600.

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

GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN THE intermediates were the only

Their first competitive game of the

team in action last weekend with a

season takes place on next Wednes-

good win over Thomas Davis in the

day evening at Westmanstown with

cup competition.

a cup game against Lucan Sars-

Back to league action next Sat-

fields at 6.30pm.

urday evening, with an important

All club members please come

home league fixture against Man-

out and support the team. Training

O-War at Westmanstown at 6pm.

continues on Saturday morning at

Junior 1s have an away league fixture against Clontarf at St Anne’s Park on Sunday morning at 11am.

9am at Westmanstown.

Westmanstown Gaels were busy with all football teams in action.

Training continues on Tuesdays

U-8s beat Round Towers at home.

and Thursdays at 7.30pm.at West-

U-9s lost away to a strong Tem-

manstown.

pleogue Synge St team. U-10s beat

The ladies continued their good

Ballyboden St Enda’s away. U-12

pre-season form with a two-point

Boys had a good away win at St Fin-

win over Ballyboden in a friendly

ian’s. U-12 girls beat Erin’s Isle in

away on last Wednesday evening.

Finglas.

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32 LUCAN GAZETTE 29 March 2012