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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

INSIDE: Celebrating retirees’ power at a Citywest event P8

April 26, 2012

MINISTERIAL PRAISE: Frances is

impressed by a new youth cafe Page 4

Prize for Pieta: Glory at Ulster Bank awards Dublin Feile: Lucan Sarsfields claim the Division 3 crown Page 31

Rugby: Garda secure AIL league title with victory Page 28

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ..................... 2 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

PICTURED with Sean Martyn, regional director, Ulster Bank at the National Final of the 2011 Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards are Cathy Kelly, Marie Peelo and Cindy O’Connor, all of Pieta House.

The Lucan-based organisation was one of eight leading businesses from across the island of Ireland that were named as winners at the ceremony, which was held recently at the Mansion House, where Pieta House’s vital suicide and self-harm work was warmly praised by the judges.

SDCC in joint bid on children’s hospital Co-location site I PAUL HOSFORD

plan by council, Tallaght Hospital

A FORMAL application has been made to the National Children’s Hospital for it to be co-located on a publiclyowned site adjacent to the existing Tallaght Hospital facility.

South Dublin County

Council and Tallaght Hospital formally made the application this week.

Eilish Hardiman, chief executive of Tallaght Hospital, said that the plan would bring a major hospital site, comprising three separate hospitals, to South Dublin.

Labour councillor Eamon

Tuffy said that the plan made sense for South Dublin and the country as a whole.

“It is a prominent site, which is well serviced by public transport. I think it is good for the people of Lucan. It’s accessible, and right on our doorstep here in Lucan,” he said.

Full Story on Page 3

2 LUCAN GAZETTE 26 April 2012

RELIGION: ALL INVITED

Interfaith conference

THE Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, Ireland, have announced plans to host their sixth annual Interfaith Peace Conference on Saturday, April 28, at Finnstown Country House Hotel.

The topic of this year’s conference is Purpose of Religion. The conference will start at 5pm, and finish by 7pm.

The conference is to be addressed by the Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Councillor Caitriona Jones, along with religious leaders from three major faiths, namely Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

The guest speakers to address the conference include Fr John Hassett, Yanky Fachler and Imam Ibrahim Noonan.

Members of An Garda Siochana of Lucan and Ronanstown Garda Station, and local councillors, are invited to attend, along with members of

the public.

Imran Ahmed, from the group, says that the conference promotes the ideals of harmony between religions.

“The main purpose in organising our Interfaith Peace Conferences is to promote peace and mutual harmony amongst people from all religions, and of no religion.

“People from all different backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities are invited to share common values, and to develop understanding in order to form a basis of tolerance and respect for each other in society, where we all live together irrespective of beliefs.

“The importance of religion is fading in society, so that is why we have selected this topic, Purpose of Religion, and have requested religious leaders to enlighten us and to make it useful for us to use in our daily lives,” he said.

COMMUNITY At the inaugural meeting for a Tidy Towns

Sally-Ann Murray, Annette O’Connor and Alan McQuaid. Pictures: Ania Sherlock

Preparing to tidy Palmerstown A

NUMBER of Palmerstown locals and West Dubliners met recently at Palmerstown Parish Centre to launch the inaugural meeting of Palmerstown Tidy Towns. Fine Gael councillor Emer Higgins was on hand to launch a call to arms for the entire community to help play their part in sprucing up, and caring for, the area.

She said: “During the month of April, An Taisce offers support and resources to estates and communities

who roll up their sleeves and clean up their area. South Dublin County Council also offer Social Credits to local groups who tidy their villages, so the benefits are twofold. If you are interested in finding out more about how to get involved in the Tidy Towns Competition, or the National Spring Clean, get in touch with the council, or contact me directly, and I’ll do all I can to support your community,” she said.

Fine Gael councillor Emer Higgins, and Dennis Hogan, local Ger Ford

Maire Ni Domhnaill and Sorcha O’Brien

SuperValu store manager

Eileen McQuaid

26 April 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 3

HEALTH ‘Set National Children’s Hospital in Tallaght’

lucan@gazettegroup.com

SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) and Tallaght Hospital have formally applied for the Tallaght site to be home to the new National Children’s Hospital, to be co-located on a publiclyowned site adjacent to the existing Tallaght Hospital facility.

Eilish Hardiman, chief executive of Tallaght Hospital, said that the plan would bring a major hospital site, comprising three separate hospitals, to South Dublin.

He said: “The Tallaght Hospital Board has worked closely with South Dublin County Council on this joint submission to National Children’s Hospital Review Group.

“The proposal envisages an overarching campus governance arrangement that facilitates separatelygoverned hospitals in a dedicated medical quarter to achieve maximum optimisation of shared services, campus opera-

tions and development of state-of-the-art, patientfriendly children’s, maternity and adult hospital facilities.”

Philomena Poole, county manager, South Dublin County Council, echoed her hospital colleague, saying that the plan made financial sense.

She said: “The development opportunity at Tallaght Medical Quarter has many driving factors in accommodating a children’s and maternity hospital, in terms of clinical and operational trilocation benefits, access, site availability and buildability.

Proposal “Our view is that this proposal, from a healthcare planning, urban planning and time-scale perspective, offers a value-for-money opportunity to deliver best-practice paediatric services and facilities at the proposed Tallaght Medical Quarter, which will see delivery of the National Children’s Hospital in 2016.”

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The key strengths of the proposal in Tallaght Medical Quarter are the availability of a site immediately adjacent to the existing adult teaching hospital, and, in compliance with approved healthcare policy, with a proposed maternity hospital also planned for the site, therein offering a trilocation opportunity.

The sites identified are in public ownership, and comprise some 6.5 hectares with excellent access and strong public transport options, as well as being subject to a Local Area Plan, which delivers flexible development options of up to 180,000 square metres of hospital development.

As part of the pre-planning process, SDCC will make available a multidisciplinary technical team of senior officials to work with the National Children’s Hospital design team.

Tallaght Town Centre is also seen as providing additional potential for excellent retail, commercial, and residential

OPEN spaces in Lucan will have their grass cut once every 15 to 18 days during the summer, South Dublin County Council has revealed..

Labour councillor Eamon Tuffy asked the county manager at this week’s Lucan Area Committee meeting to “advise on the schedule of grass cutting, ie the planned frequency, on greens/open spaces in the Lucan electoral area during 2012”.

In response, the council said that they hoped to do so every 15 to 18 days, where possible.

“The anticipated frequency of grass cutting in Lucan for 2012 during A section of the rendering for the proposed new National Children’s Hospital, which South Dublin County Council have joined with Tallaght Hospital in calling for the summer months will be 15-18 working days. it to be located in Tallaght “While every effort will be made to achieve this Tallaght Hospital. opportunities. ernment.

A redesign of the origi- frequency, it is important The project leaders Some time ago, solicipoint out that SDCC tor and developer, Noel nal Mater plan is being to note that cutting grass h a s a s t r o n g t r a c k Smyth, offered a free site supported by three hospi- is dependant on a range record in terms of work- off the Naas Road, at tals: the Mater, the Rotun- of factors, including other ing with large develop- Newlands Cross, which da and Temple Street works on hand,” said the council. ment projects through would also be close to Children’s Hospital. the pre-planning process, as evidenced by the Strategic Development Zones at Adamstown and Clonburris, and the council-owned Grange Castle International Business Park.

Since An Bord Pleanala’s rejection of the original plan to build the facility on the Mater site, there have been a number of sites offered to the Gov-

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group

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I PAUL HOSFORD

Plans to cut grass outlined

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SDCC submits joint proposal for hospital

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4 LUCAN GAZETTE 26 April 2012

FastNews

COMMUNITY New youth cafe officially opened at centre

Third annual Art Attacks exhibition THE third annual Art Attacks Balgaddy exhibition takes place this week, opening on Friday, April 27 and closing on Sunday, April 29.

The success of the exhibition can be gauged by the already overwhelming demand from photographers, artists, crafters and woodcarvers to be involved with the event.

An official opening will take place on Friday, with the Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Caitriona Jones, in attendance, with the exhibition open from 7.30 to 10pm, before reopening on Saturday from 12 to 6pm, and on Sunday from 11am to 5pm.

Admission is €3 and children with an adult go free. For further information, see the school website at www.archbishopryansns. scoilnet.ie, or call 01 467 0689.

Car boot sale at Celbridge’s Mill Centre A CAR boot sale will take place in the Mill Centre, Celbridge on Saturday, May 5.

The event will start at 9.30am and finish at 4pm. The cost is €15 per car, with small vans costing €20, and no commercial sellers are allowed.

The centre also wants people to be aware that their

Saturday morning food market has been cancelled until further notice. It is hoped a new format for a future market will be organised in the summer months.

For information on the car boot sale, call 01 628 8556 or 01 627 6259; see www.celbridgemillcommunitycentre.ie, or email celbridgemillcommunitycentre@ eircom.net.

You can also find the centre’s page on Facebook.

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Councillor Emer Higgins, Palmerstown activist Tony Stafford and Minister Frances Fitzgerald

Minister’s praise for Palmerstown facility PALMERSTOWN’S new youth cafe was officially opened by Fine Gael Minister, Frances Fitzgerald, this week.

The service, which recently started operating out of the Palmerstown Sports and Community Centre, was opened with financial support from Minister Fitzgerald’s office, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

Paying tribute at the launch to those who made the cafe happen, Minister Fitzgerald said: “It’s such an honour to be here in the heart of my constituency to open this fantastic new service for the area.

“It’s quite obvious that you have managed to create a fun and safe space for our young people in this well-used centre.

“Foroige’s Regional Youth Officer, Claire Hutchinson, has put enormous effort into establishing the Palmerstown youth club, and I was delighted to make funding available for their latest project – the Palmerstown Youth Cafe,” she said.

She paid tribute to the work and political support

of other local representatives who attended the event, including Councillors Gus O’Connell, Emer Higgins, William Lavelle and Eamon Tuffy, as well as to her Dail colleagues, Labour deputies Robert Dowds and Joanna Tuffy.

Support Minister Fitzgerald said that local political support was key to establishing and maintaining local services and facilities such as the cafe.

“More than two years ago, I conducted a doorto-door survey asking residents throughout Palmerstown if there was a need for a youth cafe.

“The response was overwhelming, and I was delighted, in my new role as Minister for Children

and Youth Affairs, to be able to help that idea become a reality by allocating funding towards this project,” she said.

“As a local representative for the area, it gives me great pleasure to open a new service for the community.

“The Community Council, the Foroige leaders and the young people themselves have worked tirelessly to create a successful youth-focused service for Palmerstown,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

“There is no doubt about it – we are living through tough times at the moment, and it’s tough on our children, teenagers and young people. We need to ensure that, despite the economic conditions, we

continue to invest in the next generation.

“We’ve had a fantastic production of Alternative Red Riding Hood here tonight, and I was just thinking, as I watched these confident, talented young people on stage, that it is so positive that they are being given the opportunity to develop their skills like this.

“It’s a great learning experience for them, and you can clearly see how much they all enjoy it.

“Well done to all those who made tonight’s official opening possible, and I wish you all continued success and look forward to continuing to support this youth cafe and families right across Palmerstown and Lucan,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

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26 April 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 5

COMMUNITY: CALLS MADE FOR NEW OFFICE TO REDUCE PRESSURE

TREATY: REGISTER

‘Lucan needs a welfare office’

I PAUL HOSFORD

lucan@gazettegroup.com

A COMMITMENT has been made that social welfare waiting times will be cut in Dublin MidWest, but a new office is needed in Lucan to take the pressure away from Clondalkin, local politicians have said.

Local Fine Gael deputy Derek Keating said: “We need a social welfare office in Lucan to meet the needs of all the other entitlements that residents may need.

“More than 1,200 people still have to queue every Thursday/Friday in the village post office, while the Department of Social Protection tries to introduce a ‘short-term’ response by spreading the payments across the whole week.

“We need a social wel-

fare office in Lucan to meet the needs of all the other entitlements that residents may need, too,” said Deputy Keating.

Fellow party TD, and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, welcomed the improvements in waiting times for social welfare appeals.

She said: “I have always had a high number of constituents coming to me with concerns about appeals – in particular, the waiting times associated with them.

“However, over the past two years, I have noticed an increase in appeal cases and, in turn, an increase in waiting times,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, announced the assignment of 12 additional appeals officers, as well

as improvements to IT systems last December, in order to address the growing waiting list times.

Waiting times for summary hearings have now been reduced, from 25 weeks to 22.4, and from 52.5 weeks to 40.9 for oral hearings.

Minister Fitzgerald said: “While much progress has been made in the past three months to reduce these waiting times, there is scope for more improvements. Families, in particular, are under great pressure while waiting for decisions. I see this in my own constituency, as well as in my department.

“I continue to assist constituents with appeals, and continue to let my colleague, Minister Burton, know the reality of the appeals process for many people across Clondalkin and Lucan,” she said.

Stewart O’Keeffe

Let’s Cook! New cookery campaign to help support people with arthritis CITYWEST is hosting an evening with celebrity chef, Stuart O’Keefe, to demonstrate some of his arthritis-friendly recipes. The campaign, Let’s Cook! is aimed at people with arthritis and will teach them how to use comfortable cooking techniques while encouraging a healthy and balanced diet that can help control the condition. This free cookery class is on at 7.30pm in Miele, Bianconi Avenue, Citywest Business Campus on Tuesday, May 15. Enjoying some healthy food with Stuart is Maggie Lynch from Soul Food Company.

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‘Ensure you will be heard’ PE OPL E a r e b e i n g encouraged to vote in the referendum on the Fiscal Compact Treaty, due to be held on Thursday, May 31.

Fine Gael TD Derek Keating has called on all those who are not registered to vote to register to do so, to ensure they will have their say.

Importance Speaking on the importance of voting, he said: “All over the world – in Sierra Leone, Burma, Cuba, Libya and many other countries – people are protesting to vote, to have a say.

“Many new Irish [citizens] will have a vote in this referendum, and you should check you’re on the Voters’ Register in the next few days.

“Please contact me if you need advice or help,” said Deputy Keating.

6 LUCAN GAZETTE 26 April 2012

PARENTING: ROADSHOW SUPPORT

Community cleanup: At a Griffeen get-together

Car seat fitting advice

by RSA

GRIFFEEN Community Devel-

opment Group (GCDG) members recently got together and rolled up their sleeves for a clean up of Griffeen Avenue.

The GCDG members set to cleaning and sprucing up the area, working hard with An Taisce’s Spring Clean Month initiative helping to spur them on with their efforts. Congratulations to the GCDG members for their great dedication.

THE Road Safety Executive (RSA) Check it Fits roadshow will be in Liffey Valley Shopping Centre from 10am to 5pm on Thursday, May 10, to provide assistance and practical demonstrations to parents on how to fit their child’s car seat correctly.

Noel Brett, chief executive, RSA said: “The biggest worry a parent has is that their child might be injured or harmed, so we do everything we can to prevent this from happening.

“However, as a parent myself, I know how difficult it can be to fit child car seats, and I commend all the retailers who offer practical assistance to parents.”

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‘At the free RSA roadshow, experts will check the child’s car seat and answer any queries’

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At the roadshow, the RSA will have a purposebuilt marquee, where experts will check the child’s car seat, provide a practical demonstration on how to fit it, and answer any queries. The Check it Fits roadshow is a free service.

In the run-up to the roadshow, the RSA will be running a Facebook competition where parents who attend the roadshow will be in with a chance of winning a voucher for a new child car seat or restraint.

For further details, visit the RSA’s Facebook page at www.facebook. com/RSAIreland. Further information on child safety in cars is available at www.rsa.ie/childsafetyincars. A child safetyin-cars booklet and DVD are also available to order free online, or by phoning LoCall 1890 506080.

Adriana and Tracy Tidde, with Aine Cronin, Maria Smith and Valerie Ennis. Pictures: Ian Fleming

Aine Cronin wheels away waste

COUNCIL: COMMENDED FOR ADAMSTOWN STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT MODEL

SDCC named as top-ranked local authority by An Taisce I PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com

SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) was the top-ranked local authority by An Taisce, the national heritage organisation, in their survey on planning in local authorities..

The body used eight criteria to come up with the grading, including over-zoning, the amount of zoned land as a percentage of population in 2011, decisions reversed

by An Bord Pleanala from 2005-2010, decisions confirmed by An Bord Pleanala in the same period, the percentage of vacant housing stock in 2011 and water

Fianna Fail councillor Trevor Gilligan

quality.

In the review, entitled, State of The Nation: A Review of Ireland’s Planning System 2000-2011, no council received an ‘A’ or ‘B’, but South Dublin scored a ‘C’, getting 74% and scoring 200 from a possible 272.

The council was also commended for its use

of the Strategic Development Zone in Adamstown, with the lack of similar use across the country coming in for criticism.

The Bacon Report, published from 1998 to 2000, recommended that the Adamstown model be used across the country, but the An Taisce

report says: “Bacon’s recommendations were entirely abandoned in the endemic parochialism, clientelism, cronyism and low-level corruption of the Celtic Tiger era.

“Councils zoned thousands of hectares of land with impunity, regardless of the underlying demographic demand, location, infrastructure or compliance with national policy.”

SDCC also performed well in Development Control, with more than 40% of its appeals upheld

by An Bord Pleanala.

The report said that: “The rate of overturn of planning authority decisions represents an important yardstick

for the performance of councils in undertaking their development management functions.”

The report highlighted areas where local authorities had, in their view, breached regional planning guidelines, with major planning issues that had involved objections by the body.

In South Dublin, the retention of a conference centre at Citywest is the one case highlighted.

An Taisce says that “regional governance remains a dog that does not bark, and without reform, will remain so”, before going on to make a call for enforcement of planning laws that must be “urgently improved”

and overseen by an independent planning regulator.

The council was congratulated by FF councillor, Trevor Gilligan, who said that the council must begin from here.

He said: “I would also like to congratulate the planners on South Dublin County Council.

“However, this is only the beginning. We need to keep our finger on the pulse and, over a number of years, push that C grade up to a B grade and, eventually, an A Grade.

“I am certain that, with hard-working elected representatives, county planners and residents, we can achieve an A grade,” he said.

26 April 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 7

8 LUCAN GAZETTE 26 April 2012

PEOPLE Celebrating older members of society at the second

Grainne Walsh and Sean Rowley, of Stair steady

“Magic Mary”, of the Energetic Wipe Cloth Company. Pictures: Ian Fleming

Celebrating ‘grey power’ at Citywest REY power was to the fore at the Citywest Hotel, Saggart, recently when lots of retired people gathered for the Active Retirement Ireland Trade and Tourism Show.

Aimed at promoting the often overlooked role that senior citizens, and retirees, can contribute to the econ-

G

omy and communities, it was a great showcase for the vibrant role that such citizens make, both across the city and the country.

More than 70 exhibitors were in place to meet the attendees, with several stalls offering products and services of particular interest to reti-

Kathy Ryan has her hair done by Johnathon Casey, of Lime Hair Design and Beauty Rooms

rees, and all looking to connect with the “grey euro” spending power that many retirees may have.

However, the event was seen as a great event, thanks to its high-visibility result in showcasing the vitality, and enthusiasm that retirees contribute to both our economy and society.

Fionnuala Dillon, of the Jim Boylan

Gretta Knowles and Sue Sullen with Jim Healy, Chocolate Garden

White’s Hotel Wexford

Nell Doyle struts her stuff on the catwalk

26 April 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 9

annual Active Retirement Ireland Trade and Tourism Show

Models looked great when they took to the catwalk, while (right) Christy O’Carroll, Maire Sexton and Tom Staples showed some of their catwalk skills, too

Rita Cahill and Babs Murphy showed some great styles, left – they weren’t alone, as these models also showed off some superb outfits, too

Jim and Phillis Delaney with Patricia Roland, of TM Cathy O’Connor, TV3

Roland Jewellery Design (centre)

Daenna Weir, Suzanne Cairns and Lynn O’Brien, Specsavers

10 LUCAN GAZETTE 26 April 2012

EVENT

Bavaria City Racing App launch campaign

Sandra Dodd, Brian Kiely and Ciara Hennessy

Appy time at a launch

UBLIN’S D2 nightclub was the venue for a very glamorous launch of the Bavaria City Racing App for the Bavaria City Racing event, which will be held in June.

The event will feature five hours of nonstop motorsport action for everyone to enjoy in the heart of Dublin city centre.

Caterham F1 Team will line up alongside an ever-growing list of international and domestic motorsport talent that includes the Vodafone McLaren F1 team, the Aprilia Superbike team, the Motorbase British Touring Car team and the GP2 Teams.

Rebecca Tyrrell, Niamh Kavanagh, Emma Stafford, Adzee Merai, Megan Buggy and Brian Kiely. Pictures: Ian Fleming

Stewart Connolly with Adzee Merai

D

Ciara McAlaree and Jayne Owens

Jack Tune, Ceoladh Pratt, Robert Rogers, Lisa Murphy and Daniel Lafferty

26 April 2012 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 26 April 2012

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day from around the capital

Getting into the spirit of things at a festival THE Spirit of Folk festival launched with a bang recently as festival goers, musicians and some famous faces flocked to Whelan’s of Camden Street, to celebrate the unique event.

TR AZ , Bunioscionn, T he Young Folk and The Hot Sprockets took to the stage with an attentive audience taking in the folky-inspired tunes ranging from traditional Irish to country rock.

Spirit of Folk, now in its second year, aims to create an event where lovers of folk, trad, bluegrass and country can come and revel in the best Ireland and Britain has to offer.

It doesn’t stop there, however, with living history, storytelling, archery, falconry, games, ancient druidic rituals, as well as a mind, body, soul area filling the grounds at Dunderry Park, County Meath, where it will be held from September 21 to 23.

As one punter put it: “If the quality of music tonight is anything to go by, the festival should be a stomper!”

Spirit of Folk early bird tickets are now on sale starting at just €65 for the weekend. See www.spiritoffok. com for more details.

A sweet move to raise funds A DUBLIN hairdresser is hoping to raise €10,000 for St Francis Hospice when it gives every penny made on May 13 to the charity.

Brown Sugar, on South William Street, in Dublin’s city centre, will open its doors on May

Kathryn Thomas, Emily Duffy and Natasha Duffy at the launch of the Spirit of Folk Festival held in Whelan’s on Wexford Street recently

13 to fundraise for the hospice in Blanchardstown and Raheny.

The salon offers make-up and brow treatments, as well as the usual hair styling and pampering.

From 12pm until 5.30pm every cent made on the day will go to the hospice. To book an appointment at Brown Sugar book, Tel: 01-616 9967 or see brownsugar.ie.

St Francis Hospice provides palliative care for patients suffering from cancer and motor neurone disease.

Bressie boost for very good cause WATCH out, Bressie’s about, and he is coming to Castleknock to help raise money for a very good cause.

This May 3, the singer/songwrit-

er and Voice of Ireland judge, aka Niall Breslin, will lend his celebrity status to charity.

He is set to host a charity lunch at Brasserie 15 in Castleknock with all proceeds going to cancer support centre - Lakelands Area Retreat and Cancer Centre (LARCC).

He will be joined with special guests to host the event, which is offering a three-course meal with wine, plus some great entertaining.

The charity lunch takes place on May 3 at 1pm. Tickets cost €65 and are available by calling Brasserie 15 on 01-828580.

The LARCC Centre, Mullingar, gives support and holistic help to people living with cancer, providing a supportive environment where patients and family members can participate in their courses, obtain information and experience complementary therapies.

26 April 2012 GAZETTE 13

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GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: IT DOESN’T TAKE MUCH AT ALL TO KEEP YOUR PET CAT KEEN

Keeping your cat smiling ELL, well, well, who’d have thought there were so many lovely cat people out there and I’m delighted you’re all regular readers of my column.

I’d like to start this week by thanking you for your phone calls regarding my FIV piece; I’m so glad it was of help to you.

With that in mind, and since cats appear to be so popular, I thought I’d dedicate this week’s column to cat toys and cat play with an aim to help you make your home a more stimulating environment for Miss Kitty.

First of all let me say that, when it comes to self amusement, cats are experts and it doesn’t take much to keep them keen.

For example, if you have a balled up piece of paper or a little rubber ball you can flick, well Miss Kitty will be in puurrfect heaven just chasing and swatting it.

W

When it comes to self amusement, cats are experts

In fact, the clever cat may actually like to play “fetch”, by placing an object in your lap, expecting you to throw if for her.

And, yep, I know, pets’ toys can be expensive; I’ve got dogs who have managed to shred every single “guaranteed unbreakable”, toy I’ve purchased, but with a cat it’s different; you don’t need to raid the piggy bank to keep her happy. Below are a few of my very simple, but doable, hints for playthings for you to make Miss Kitty Claws.

• An empty cardboard box is a great way for cats to investigate and play hide and seek. Or make a cat apartment by attaching boxes together and cutting out doors and windows.

• Make it a family affair and set the kids a project by getting them to make felt mice stuffed with catnip.

• Used paper towel, or toilet roll, tubes are great for Kitty to unwind.

• Paper bags are fab but

make sure you remove the handles. Never, ever use plastic bags, they are a suffocation risk and sometimes cats can chew and choke on the plastic.

• Plastic golf balls… you know the ones hubby uses for practise. Steal one from his stash and place it in a dry bath tub and let Kitty play.

• Cats love anything that moves so why not get a tub of bubbles and blow them through the air and let Kitty catch and burst them.

• Turn off the lights, get the torch out and play shadows on the wall by dangling cat toys back and forth encouraging your cat to leap up at the wall trying to catch her prey.

Keep it safe Cat-proof your home and keep objects, such as pins, needles, plastic bags, chewable items, elastic bands, including hair bobbins, paper clips, staples, dental floss, etc., out of reach of your cat.

Keep it interesting Like all good relationships it’s good to keep your playmate happy so, if Kitty has a favourite toy, keep it handy but do rotate the others in order to provide her with a bit of variety. You know, toys to roll, toys to pounce upon, toys to cuddle and toys to wrestle with. You could also try hiding a few and letting her find them.

Remember, play strengthens the bond between pet and parent, so make sure your toys are interactive.

Catnip First of all, what is catnip? It’s a type of herb, it’s perfectly safe, it’s a member of the mint family and it contains a chemical that, when crushed, gives off an odour that attracts cats. It’s worthwhile remembering that cats who have access to catnip on a regular basis tend to become bored with it; so get creative and rotate those toys.

Petting your cat We’ve discussed ways to entertain your cat but never underestimate the power of petting Miss Kitty. It’s beneficial for both pet and parent and for best results, pet her on the side of the head and, between the eyes and ears where her scent glands are located, that way she can deposit her special scent on your hand.

Remember the above are simply guidelines that I hope will improve your cat’s playtime and stimulate her mentally and physically, giving your feline hours of fun.

For more information, contact your local equine vet or log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@ dspca.ie

26 April 2012 GAZETTE 15

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GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY YSL’s bring a Touche of magic WITH celebrity fans such as Julia Roberts, Rhianna and Katy Perry, it’s no wonder Touche Eclat is still Yves Saint Laurent’s best seller 20 years after being released.

To celebrate this milestone, YSL has launched a collector’s edition of its Touche Eclat. The complexion enhancer is an essential tool for every make-up bag and is widely known as a magic wand. It places an invisible layer of light, erasing dark areas of fatigue, lines and hallows.

Yves Saint Laurent 20th Anniversary Collector Edition has a RRP of €35.

Light, luminate and lift-off for No7 new skincare range

C

OSMETIC giant No7 is setting new standards in anti-ageing skincare with its new Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum for women aged 45 and over.

The serum was launched this week and, according to No7, it is proven to tackle three key signs of ageing for women aged 45 and over – lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness and uneven pigmentation.

“No7’s innovations are always developed having identified and understood women’s skincare needs and wants,” a spokesperson for No7 said. “These insights have made No7

the leader in the antiageing category with products that work, to make women look and feel good.

“With proven solutions for women of all ages, No7 now has a range of serums which specifically address all three key signs of ageing.”

Boots experts consulted with leading scientists and dermatologists to understand pigmentation, the current solutions available and the emotional impact on women.

Dr Katherine Mulrooney, Cosmetic Dermatologist at The Clinic, Sandymount Green in Dublin said: “There is no doubt that skin

ageing has a significant effect on patients, particularly women.

“Signs of skin ageing tend to manifest in the 40-plus age group when patients present in my clinic with concerns about irregular skin tone, such as hyperpigmentation and age spots, broken veins, fine lines, wrinkles and dull, lax skin.

“Effective treatment options, such as IPL and FR AXEL Laser, chemical peels, and prescription creams are available. However, they require patient compliance during and after the treatments for long-term results.

“I would gladly welcome a specific, safe, at-

home skincare regime to tackle this problem,” said Dr Mulrooney.

To ensure the new ser um met the high standards women expect from No7, Boots experts worked with world leaders in antiageing to create the formulation.

No7 Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum has been tested in over 20 studies, i n cl u d i n g a b r e a kthrough clinical trial, two supporting clinical trials and on over 1,200 women.

No7 Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum (2 x 15ml) is available exclusively in Boots stores nationwide priced at €34.

No7 setting new standards in anti-ageing skincare with its new Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum

26 April 2012 GAZETTE 17

Edited by Laura Webb

Armani arrives with burst of colour

G

AZETTE Beauty is getting lippy this week, and is taking a look at Giorgio Armani Cosmetic’s new sheer rouge range.

More and more lips are being treated to great colour block this season, and Rouge d’Armani Sheers are keeping up with the trend with its a range of vibrant and stylish shades.

Three such colours delighting the palette include straight orange to pink-orange — Acid Tangerine 300, Tokyo Coral 301 and Orange Mutation 302.

Reds are available in Red Car pet 400, R ipe 401 and Scarlato 402, and there are three lively transparent pinks: Ecstasy 500, Vita 501, Blush 502, and

our favourite, as well as three purple shades of variable intensity: Bitten 600, Tulipe Noire 601, Black Laquer 602.

The lipsticks are resistant to water and lock in hydration on the lip surface for over eight hours. With a creamy texture and feather y lightness, the new range acts as a great balm.

Linda Cantello, Armani’s cosmetic director said: “The Sheers are a revolutionary new lipstick hybrid. The vividness of lipstick with the translucency of a gloss and the comfort of a lip balm — colour like you’ve never seen before.”

Giorgio Armani Rouge Sheer range of lipsticks is available from Brown Thomas, Dublin, and Brow n Thomas, Cork, with a RRP of €26.

Maybeline launches new range of bronzers for summer market SUMMER has yet to come, so, in the meantime, staying a shade darker than milky is still a look we are trying to achieve, and with a little help of some feline inspired bronzers - it’s possible.

Although most of us are still covering up from arms to legs, faces and necklines are still on show. Looking at most Spring/ Summer catwalks they are simmering with spicy colours such as burnished gold, warm bronze and molten copper. Taking some inspiration from this trend, Maybelline has brought out a new feline inspired Dream Terra Sun Bronzer for a great golden, safari glow – even if we can’t make the real thing.

The Dream Terra Sun Bronzer is available in three shades – Light Bronze, Tiger and Golden. Test the shade before you purchase and chose the one that is closet to your skin tone to give it a healthy glow.

The Light Bronze and Tiger shades have a natural pinkness ideal for fair to medium complexions, while Golden is more copper, perfect for olive skin tones or as a blush for darker skin tones.

Megan Fox, the face of Giorgio Armani’s Beauty Visual Rouge d’Armani Sheers range

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18 GAZETTE 26 April 2012

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

NEW BANDS: MICROSOFT AND MUZU PARTNER FOR CONTEST

Unsigned acts battle for ultimate prize I ROB HEIGH

EASTENDERS, Corrie, Fair City, you can keep ‘em. Their plot lines pale in comparison to the outrageous soap opera drama that surrounds Axl Rose.

The plot thickens as the Guns N’Roses frontman pens yet ANOTHER open letter following his refusal of the invitation and induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this month.

Now he’s written an apology to the city of Cleveland for snubbing the prestigious ceremony but, in the same breath, says he doesn’t understand what the Hall is or how or why it makes money. (There are those who wonder the same about you these days, Axl.) The G N’R lead singer also thanked those fans who are standing by him, but, funnily enough, he left out the people who did attend the gig when the rest of his band were inducted into the Hall of Fame, and who booed every time the word “Axl” was mentioned.

He ended the statement with this: “I once bought a homeless woman a slice of pizza who yelled at me she wanted soup. We got her the soup. You can get your own.”

Ehhh...so he’s not cooking for us any time soon?? I still have high hopes for The O2 gig with Thin Lizzy on May 17 — just bring your own soup.

WITH bands trying every way possible to break through and get the attention their music deserves, Microsoft and MUZU TV, in association with IMRO, are opening the doors for new unsigned bands to compete via online media and try to win the grand Unsigned and Online prize.

The initiative, which is designed to promote independent Irish music, challenges unsigned Dublin bands to creatively use a suite of Microsoft products, social networking and a smart online presence to promote their band, to rise up though the MUZU TV leader board and compete for the prize.

The band that secures the biggest online fan base at the end of the eight-week initiative will be crowned the winner of the inaugural Unsigned and Online competition. This band will win a prize that is designed to help them to bring their music to the masses, valued at over €10,000.

The prize consists of a digital marketing campaign for the band across the major Microsoft platforms, including Windows Live and

Banks can use their online savvy to land a digital marketing and promotional prize

MSN. They will also win an acoustic session in the MUZU TV studio, and a slot in the line-up at Dublin’s Academy, giving a real profile boost to the winning band.

Speaking at the launch, Orla Sheridan of Microsoft Ireland said: “Through our consumer research, and on the ground work in third level campuses across the country, we know that music is a passion and consumers are increasingly accessing it via digital channels.

“What is interesting is despite the fact that this audience is techno-

logically enabled, many have only scratched the surface of what can be achieved through technology and the web.

The truth is that musicians can now creatively script, shoot and edit a film-quality video and syndicate it to their community with just a few clicks.

“It is for that reason that we decided to partner with MUZU TV. We want to merge the best of what Microsoft technology offers with MUZU TV’s reach, capability and music expertise to create an initiative that will make a real differ-

ence to unsigned Irish bands and those who love up and coming music acts.”

Ciaran Bollard, CEO of MUZU TV added: “We are delighted to come together with Microsoft to provide an engaging platform for unsigned bands to get their music out there.

“Unsigned and Online will enable bands to explore new ground with their music and will help music lovers discover new bands.

“There are so many talented new Irish bands out there with little or no platform of support out-

side their city or town.

Microsoft and MUZU TV would like to begin to change that with an initiative that opens up the full potential and reach of the web to bands that want to embrace and explore it.”

For details on how to enter log onto www.facebook.com/unsignedandonline. The competition will close on June 13 when the top act on the MUZU TV leader board will be crowned the winner. Music lovers are invited to track the progress of their favourite band on www.muzu. tv/unsignedandonline.

26 April 2012 GAZETTE 19

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Niamh Bownes, Company Director, Carpet and Flooring Concepts

Niamh’s rolling out the business plan NIAMH Bownes is happily continuing a longstanding family business association with Dun Laoghaire.

Combining being a busy mother of two small children and running her, and husband, Mark’s successful business, Carpet and Flooring Concepts, based at Number 95, Lower Georges Street, Niamh’s days are always busy.

Her preferred field of expertise is carpet colour and quality selection, having been a professional fashion buyer in her previous career, and utilising her eye for coordinating colours and textures.

She has also gained a professional knowledge of carpet, laminate and timber flooring, resulting in a formal, flooring consultant qualification.

Niamh and Mark pride themselves on maintaining excellent customer service, along with expert advice and fitting on all types of carpet and flooring, and Niamh is always looking for new, innovative flooring products.

She was thrilled to recently become Dun Laoghaire’s only stockist of Adore Touch luxury vinyl tiles, which are available in a selection of wood finishes along with its unique, patented Uniclic fitting system and 25-year guarantee.

Adore Touch is a wonderful addition to an already excellent product range, says Niamh.

Niamh Bownes, Carpet and Flooring Concepts

Q: What was your first job?

A: Cutting my parents’ grass and ironing my dad’s shirts

Q: What sport can you play?

A: I could play them all, I am sure (ie: none at all)

Hmmm, should I admit that?

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: 2010

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

A: I think it’s Jedward . They

ter at them

A - It is really important to examine all the financial circumstances before locking away money erations include: - Rainy Day Fund - you should have circa three to six months’ net annual income in an accessible account for emergencies, sudden loss of income or that investment opportunity.

This € 10,000 might be best invested in a demand account (best currently is 3.25% - email me for details) if you do not have the required threshold for your RDF.

Age may be a factor - Age - a 60s investor will have different investment views than one in their 20s.

- Family - you might not realise the expensive years ahead of you if you have, or are, thinking of having children. Third-level costs for one child top €42,000 – and that is without fees (source: Bank of Ireland).

- Income - are you living within your means?

Perhaps you may be put on a short week or, worse, be made redundant.

- Investment types - There are many forms of investment, not all attributable to deposits. The rate of return is an important factor ... forestry can give up to 10% per annum, tax-free, but you may have to wait 10 to 12 years to realise it.

To be considered Gold, while expensive, is best as part of a portfolio of investments (they say 10% is the recommended percentage), and the stock market itself should be considered as a long-term investment.

Safety wise, you are well under the protection threshold of €100,000 per person for deposit takers in Ireland, and, as regards State savings (this includes National Savings Certificate – five

ing deposit takers; there is nothing better for this

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: None

and 50p a shirt

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

A: The measures – Mark is bet-

Any suggestions? John –Drumcondra

equivalent to 5.04% per annum from DIRT- deduct-

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

A: Oh, it has to be Dr Phil ...

helping people to find what they want at the right price

don’t mind locking it away for up to five years.

years and six months, offering 21% tax-free and

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: Five pounds for the grass,

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Dealing with the public, and

Q – I have €10,000 to invest from savings, and

that you may need sooner than you think. Consid-

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

A: Eddie Macken - showjumper

WHERE COULD BE THE BEST PLACE TO INVEST MY €10,000?

look a bit disorganised; I think they are clued in, and moving in the right direction.

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: If you buy me one, I will tell you!

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Carpet and Flooring Con-

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: I plead the fifth, and admit

cepts

nothing

Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update?

A: “Adore touch, luxury vinyl

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: Not really had a bad one –

tile now in store; patented click system for ease of fitting; no subfloor prep required!”

touch wood!

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: A quiet night out for two for Mark and I, and not having to worry about what time to be home for the babysitter

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

A: Dame Edna Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: On my children

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Disney world with the kids, or a safari

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: I love what I do, and wouldn’t really want to change it

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

A: Travel, hire a motor bike and drive down Route 66

term), the protection comes in the form of sovereign debt – an unconditional direct obligation of the Government of Ireland.

Contact John with your money questions at

jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

20 GAZETTE 26 April 2012

R1

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs

Citroen readies a fresh new DS line FRENCH motor manufacturer, Citroen, has announced details of a move that the company describes as a fresh look at the Citroen DS line..

Marketed in parallel alongside Citroen’s main range, the company claims the DS line explores new automotive territory.

Just two years after its launch, the DS line – comprising the Citroen DS3, DS4 and DS5 – has already notched up more than 200,000 sales worldwide.

The DS line will be launched in China this year and, to mark the event, Citroen has designed a new concept car, Numero 9, which will be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show. The concept signals the styling cues of the next three DS line models: a C-segment premium sedan, an SUV and a D-segment executive saloon.

A new take on the shooting-brake body style, Numero 9’s concept is designed with plug-in full-hybrid technology; an ultra-efficient system that boasts remarkable levels of performance – 166mpg fuel economy, 50km range in ZEV mode, 295hp, a “boost” function and 39g/km of CO2.

Designed in Paris, it is hoped that Numero 9 will open a new chapter in the styling of the DS line. Subtly combining the proportions of a coupe with those of an estate, Numero 9 hints at exceptional driving sensations, with its taut lines, long bonnet and ultra-low stance (1.27m tall) on 21-inch wheels.

It also promises unique on-board comfort with its generous proportions (4.93m long and 1.94m wide, with a 3m wheelbase) providing plenty of room for rear occupants.

Numero 9 features new-generation microhybrid technology, designed to switch the combustion engine to stand-by whenever it is not required. When the driver requires speed and torque, a “boost” function combines the power of the combustion engine and electric motor to enable high levels of performance (up to 295hp).

Numero 9 takes just 5.4 seconds to go from 0 to 62mph, and 25.3 seconds to travel 1,000m from a standing start.

When grip is lacking, the car switches to fourwheel drive mode, with the electric motor driving the rear wheels and the combustion engine powering the front wheels. In particularly difficult driving conditions, the driver can manually select 4WD mode.

The VW Golf Cabriolet 1.2TSI is described by our correspondent as “pretty, sleek and beautiful”, as well as “the return of something great”

So much more than simply aspirational CORMAC CURTIS

OME glorious sunshine decided to grace the skies a b ove D u b l i n just before Easter, and I was lucky enough to be test-driving the latest Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet at the time.

I couldn’t have asked for a better week to put this gorgeous little convertible through its paces.

Apart from the fact that my two young daughters actually squealed with delight at the idea of a car with no roof, I also got the chance to compare a very up-to-date version of a car I used to drive before it was discontinued a decade ago.

Far be it from me to second-guess our German automotive overlords, but the idea to call a “halt” to the production of the Golf convertible in 2002,

S

SPECS: VW GOLF CABRIOLET 1.2TSIY Engine: 1.2-litre TSI, 105BHP, six-speed manual gearbox Top speed: 188km/h 0 – 100km/hr: 11.7sec Economy: 5.7 ltr/100km CO2 emissions: 132g Road Tax Band: B Entry Price: €28,465 (to €34,700)

and to offer the Beetle convertible in its stead, seemed ludicrous to me back then.

But that’s what they did, and the soft-top Golf was shelved indefinitely.

It came as a pleasant surprise when VW announced at the 2011 Motor Show in Geneva that they were reintroducing the Cabrio, and I have been chomping at the bit for a chance to test one ever since.

As I mentioned, there is a little history between

myself and the Golf Cabrio.

Back in 1999, the future Mrs Cormac Curtis realised a dream come true – not only did she meet me in a cosy little pub in West Cork, but, that same year, she bought herself a brand-spanking new VW Golf Cabrio, in midnight blue with a black, manual soft-top roof.

For a certain generation, the Golf was the perfect car; the GTI version was the Holy Grail for young, petrol-headed males – but the convertible? Well, that was something very special.

So special, in fact, there was only one insurance company even willing to quote for such a farout automobile – but I digress.

In my world, this particular soft top was so special that it was even used as one of the wedding cars

on our wedding day.

My first opportunity to see the all-new model in the flesh was in a showroom window in Dublin 4, and, to be fair to VW, they couldn’t have hit the design nail more squarely on the head.

Being as unbiased as I can be expected to be, the new model is a masterclass in understated motoring elegance.

It is lower, and a good deal sleeker than its previous incarnation, with a selection of tasty alloys to chose from.

The car has all the elements from VW’s current style book, but it is put together in such a way that gives it a look and presence that is unmistakably Golf.

It is a classic example of an object that is greater than the sum of its parts.

No individual element grabs you; there aren’t

any “aggressive” design features; you will not find any “flowing yet contrasting visual statements” ... it is simply a beautifullydesigned car.

The interior, too, doesn’t go about trying to reinvent anything, either; there are dials and displays that you will find in other cars in VW’s stable, such as the Skoda Superb.

But everything just sits so well together that it really works.

The chunky steering wheel with stitched leather, the gearstick with stitched leather, the brushed steel accents almost everywhere ... all pretty standard ideas, but the balance is right, and comes together in a simple, understated and incredibly comfortable cabin.

The model I drove had leather and suede upholstery with red con-

26 April 2012 GAZETTE 21

R1

SUPPORT

LOCAL BUSINESS

Motoring correspondent, Cormac Curtis, top, takes his daughters on a ride in the new VW Golf Cabriolet 1.2TSIy, a motor which, among several other points, he praised for its storage capacity (above)

trast stitching, as well as red mesh panels on the seats – which really gave the interior a little more punch.

I really, really want to say that the interior is stunning, but it falls a little short of that, which is a shame. You won’t get much change out of €29,000 for the entrylevel Golf Cabrio, and, for that money, a little more wow-factor in the cabin wouldn’t go astray.

What you do get for €28,465 is the 1.2-litre TSI engine, generating 105BHP, coupled to a sixspeed manual gearbox.

This is a nice combination with just enough oomph and, combined

with VW’s BlueMotion Technology, means pretty low running costs.

Back in the 1999 model, we had a thirsty 1.8-litre petrol engine that wasn’t even fuel-injected, which made for some pretty hairy moments trying to overtake tractors on West Cork roads.

The powered hood comes down with the touch of a button in about eight seconds (I didn’t use a stop watch, so that’s a rough count my kids gauged for me), and there are no latches or handles to twist and turn – so, top marks for the roof design.

We have established that the Golf is pretty, sleek and beautiful – but

can you live with it?

The target market for this car will be predominantly female, most likely with a few kids in tow, so it better have a practical side. And, believe it or not, it has.

In short, as we prepared for an Easter break out of town, I managed to get a bag of clothes, a camera bag, a box of food and drink, pillows, bed linen, a large toolbox, a car battery booster pack, a big bag of toilet rolls, a heavy coat, jackets, kids’ coats, two car seats, two kids, a huge bag of kids’ toys and myself all into the car, with just a little imagination.

Getting the kids in and out of the rear seats was a

doddle (even easier with the roof down), and the seats could tilt and slide with ease.

There are, of course, a dizzying array of options and specs associated with this car, but most of them won’t mean an awful lot to those who feel strongly enough about it to buy one.

The attraction here is the return of something great, something aspirational, something with motoring heritage that brings back memories of youth ... something you simply can’t pick out of the list of options.

Those who really want one will get one, and they won’t be disappointed.

A NEW study released by Ford shows that nearly half of European drivers admit they have read texts while driving – a highly-distracting habit that has been proven to contribute to traffic accidents.

The study was commissioned by Ford to underscore the safety issue as the company prepares to introduce its SYNC in-car connectivity system, which can read aloud incoming messages through a text-to-speech feature, and enables drivers to send a text reply by voice from a predetermined list of responses.

An average of 48% of motorists surveyed from Germany, Spain, France, Great Britain, Italy and Russia confessed to checking their texts while driving.

Despite the prevalence of the practise, drivers surveyed agreed overwhelmingly that reading texts on the move was dangerous. A total of 95% of drivers across the six countries agreed that texting affected driver ability and safety.

At least half of those surveyed in each country said they believed driver response was 50% slower when checking messages from a mobile phone.

Christof Kellerwessel, chief functional engineer, Electronic and Electrical Systems Engineering, Ford of Europe said: “Smartphones have so quickly become an essential part of many people’s day that it’s hard to imagine life without them.

“However, text messages can be a distraction for drivers, so the benefit of a system that can read messages aloud from compatible smartphones is obvious.”

Ford SYNC will debut this summer on the allnew B-MAX and will roll out quickly to other vehicles in Ford’s line-up, including Focus and Kuga.

The text-to-speech feature on SYNC, powered

by Microsoft, retrieves messages using a simple voice command from Bluetooth-connected compatible smartphones.

SYNC also enables drivers to send a text reply from a predetermined list of responses, helping motorists to remain focused on driving while staying in touch with contacts. The responses include: “I love you”, “Send directions” and “See u in 10min”.

SYNC’s text-to-speech feature will be compatible with an increasing range of smartphones, thanks to Ford’s adoption of the emerging Message Access Profile standard (MAP) for Bluetooth device-to-device connectivity, which is already used by leading mobile device manufacturers including Blackberry producer Research In Motion.

More than four million Ford vehicles in the US already feature SYNC, and Ford anticipates 3.5 million new vehicles in Europe will be equipped with SYNC by 2015.

M

Ford study shows SHOP danger of car texts LOCALLY

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22 GAZETTE 26 April 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Plenty of places to stay for May bank holiday A host of special offers available with Concorde Travel for a wellearned Springtime break

CONCORDE Travel have an array of special offers available for the next month, allowing those with a keen eye for a deal and some holidays coming up a luxurious break at a fraction of the cost. See www.concordetravel.ie

MADEIRA Spend springtime in beautiful Madeira.Depart on May 6 for seven nights, stay at the 3-star Dorisol Hotels, on a b&b basis, from only €640pp, the 4-star Lince Lido Hotel, on a b&b basis, from only €715pp or the 5-star Hotel Melia Madeira Mare, on a b&b basis, from only €800pp.

THE ALGARVE Depart from Knock on May 5, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the 3-star Praia Sol Hotel, Vilamoura, on a b&b basis, from only €430pp.

SARDINIA Escape to Alghero’s Medieval town and enjoy the Italian way of life.

Depart on May 3, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the 2-star Buganvillea Apartments, on a self-catering basis, from only €399pp, stay at the 3-star Hotel La Playa, on a b&b basis, from only €564pp or at the 4-star Hotel Punta Negra, on a b&b basis, from only €669pp MALTA Travel to the amazing island of Malta, and enjoy its great sights, history, delicious food and beautiful weather.

Depart on May 4, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the three-star plus Hotel Santana, on a b&b basis, from only €449pp or stay at the 4-star Hotel Dolmen, on a b&b basis, from only €589pp or for four nights, stay at the 4-star Hotel Marina at the Corinthia Beach Resort, on a b&b basis, in a sea view room, from only €549pp CROATIA Stay in Dubrovnik Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and experience the enchanting atmosphere of its marble streets, red roofs and the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Depart on May 2, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the 3-star Antuniska Apartments, based on two sharing a studio apartment from only €499 per person.

MIMI MURRAY

THE weather may have been bitterly cold over the last few weeks, but we are all holding out hope that summer will be in the air come this May bank holiday weekend.

With that thought in mind, there are plenty of places offering deals around the country.

Longueville House is offering one where children go free.

Stay for two nights and dine on one evening in their Presidents’ Restaurant.

Sit back and enjoy gourmet cooking by chef/proprietor, William O’Callaghan. Enhance your experience by tasting their new housebrewed premium cider, house-distilled brandy or delicious garden berry liqueurs – a true delight for all gourmands.

The offer is subject to availability, and dinner is served between 6:30 to 8:30pm, weekends.

Traditional Irish and Continental Buffet Breakfast is served each morning until 10.30am. A table D’hote menu is included on both evenings.

Up to two children, aged up to 13 years, go free in a family room, but meals are extra. The price is from €220 per person sharing. For bookings, email info@longuevillehouse.ie

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

‘Following a leisurely breakfast on Monday morning, meet Frances, who will accompany the group to Woodville Gardens – a Victorian walled garden; Coolaught Garden and Nursery; a farmhouse garden and woodland, and the Potting Shed – a small nursery garden’ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next, why not enjoy a Wexford garden tour with Frances MacDonald at Marlfield House?

Check in on Sunday, May 6, and enjoy a stroll in the garden before a glass of wine and dinner with the other attendees.

Following a leisurely breakfast on Monday morning, meet Frances, who will accompany the group to Woodville Gardens – a Victorian walled garden; Coolaught Garden and Nursery; a farmhouse garden and woodland, and the Potting Shed – a small nursery garden.

The following day, visit Frances’s own garden, The Bay Garden, and Springmount Garden Centre.

Marlfield House is now offering massage and facial treatments.

The package includes a glass of wine before dinner on Sunday; dinner on Sunday and Monday night; lunch on Monday, and lunch in Marlfield on Tuesday, as well as transport to the gardens and back to Marlfield.

The cost is €370 per person sharing; for full details, see www. marlfieldhouse.com.

Full bloom

Meanwhile, Rathsallagh House is in full bloom, and their thousands of mature trees are in full leaf, roses are in bloom, the lawns have been cut and the walled garden has come into its own.

Included in the Rathsallagh package is a discount voucher for the nearby Kildare Retail Village, and a gift certificate for Newbridge Silverware.

Available on May 5 and 6, as well as May 11 and 12, two nights cost from €190 per person sharing in a standard room.

This package includes two nights’ bed and breakfast. For further information, see www. rathsallagh.com.

Escape to the West this bank holiday and slow down with three night’s bed and breakfast at the Ice House Hotel, in Ballina.

Take a stroll on the beach with a complimentary picnic with wine.

Unwind with unlimited time in their thermal suite, including steam room, laconium and two outdoor hot tubs, and soak in a candlelit bubble bath.

Whet your appetite with a glass of bubbly on the terrace, followed by dinner on one evening from their 2AA Rosette A La Carte menu.

The price costs €325 per person sharing; for further details, see www. icehousehotel.ie.

Finally, also in the west, why not consider a twonight weekend break at Cashel House?

Experience the wonders of Connemara, including walking, riding, golfing, scenery and dining.

The package includes two nights’ accommodation, and breakfast, with dinner on one evening, and costs €185 per person sharing.

For further information, see www.cashelhouse-hotel.com/.

The idyllic setting is just

Longueville House

26 April 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs

Passengers can relax and avail of the new choice of private lounges on the Stena Nordica as she undertakes the Dublin Port to Holyhead route

New suites designed to help the Nordica’s passengers cruise to Holyhead in luxurious comfort STENA Line has launched two private lounges on the Stena Nordica, which sails on its Dublin Port to Holyhead route.

One lounge accommodates up to two people and the second lounge holds up to four people.

Each lounge is equipped with luxury leather seating, a flatscreen 3D TV, a Playstation 3 console and games, as well as tea and Nescafe Espresso-making facilities.

In addition to this, passengers will also be able to take advantage of waiter service from Stena Plus.

Jamie Christon, Stena Line Dublin Port/Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead route director, believes the private lounges will appeal to all types of passengers, whether they are travelling for business or pleasure.

He says: “The two new cabins provide fantastic facilities for people wanting to relax in private.

a taste of the relaxation on offer at Marlfield House.

Cashel House

Space “They are perfect for people travelling on business, as they provide a quiet space to get work done and, with the Sky News channel available, passengers can keep track of what is happening around the world.

“The second cabin accommodates up to four people, and is perfect for families, as the children can be kept entertained with the TV and games console, and the adults can sit back, relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, with the whole family arriving in Holyhead relaxed and ready for their onward journey.”

The Stena Nordica sails twice daily from Dublin Port, at 2.30am and 4pm, with return sailings from Holyhead at 8.20am and 9.30pm.

Prices start from €79 single for a car plus driver, and passengers can book the private lounges from only €30.

For further information, or to book, go to www.stenaline.ie, call Stena Line on 01 204 7777, or visit your local Stena Line office or travel agent.

24 LUCAN GAZETTE 26 April 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Faulty Towers Dining Experience

DISCERNING diners are cordially invited to attend Basil and Sybil Fawlty’s three-course meal at The Pavilion theatre, with fine fare to savour. Basil, and his loving wife, Sybil, will be ably assisted by Manuel – one of Barcelona’s finest waiters – to ensure the evening runs perfectly smoothly, and without any possible chance of mishap or mayhem whatsoever. Your Fawlty evening can be enjoyed nightly at 8pm from Friday, April 27 to Sunday, April 29, with the price for the three-course meal, and Basil’s attention, set at €45.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Encore! Showtime 2012

THE stage is all set at The Mill for Encore! Showtime 2012, courtesy of the Encore! School of Performing Arts. This highly-polished production features a wide selection of work and shows from the school’s many talented young performers, running right through from Friday, April 27 to Saturday, May 5, and showcasing some of the students’ diverse and impressive skills in a number of performing arts discipline. For full list of dates for the great shows, see www.milltheatre.ie.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Romeo & Juliet

FEW will need an introduction to the tale of Romeo and Juliet, yet this startling production will thrill audiences, as Ballet Ireland is set to restage its hugely successful production of Romeo & Juliet, choreographed by Morgann Runacre-Temple. With rave critic reviews, and a superb production, Shakespeare’s timeless tale will delight all at the 8pm shows at the Civic Theatre’s Main Auditorium, running from Thursday, May 3 to Saturday, May 5, with admission costing €20/€16 conc.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 I Hear You Calling Me

A MUSICAL night of pure entertainment awaits at Draiocht, chronicling the extraordinary life story of the legendary Count John McCormack, and features such memorable numbers as Macushla, Because, Roses of Picardy, Somewhere a Voice is Calling and many more. Narrated by radio and TV presenter, Kevin Hough, and featuring Waterford tenor Frank Ryan as John McCormack, and Cork soprano Linda Kenny as Lily, the concert can be seen at 8pm on Friday, April 27, with tickets priced €20/€18.

If you ever wanted to see Titanic looking even-slightly-more-realistic than before - well, now’s your chance, given the special anniversary re-release of the film, with its 3D upgrade making a great difference to certain parts but nothing much, for most other parts

Sails along nicely Unlike the poor unfortunates aboard her decks, the film once again sails along smoothly enough to its tragic end I KATE CROWLEY

APPARENTLY, some readers didn’t quite care for my A-to-Z quickstep runthrough of the film, Gone, in my blink-andyou-missed-it review, last week.

However, if you missed it, just to recap what I said about that particularly one-star film: “With the police not believing a young woman’s story of her sister being kidnapped by a serial killer, just as he’d tried to kidnap and kill her earlier, she tracks him down, saves her sister, and kills him. The End.” There. That’s sunk that particular film plot in one easy go, saving you some of your precious euro in the process.

And, speaking of sinking, and of revealing film endings, that neatly takes me (via a slightly tasteless link) on to Titanic 3D, which was recently released in 3D. Which

FILM OF THE WEEK: Titanic ### (12A) 195 mins Director: James Cameron Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, James Warner, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Bernard Hill, Gloria Stuart, an iceberg

OUR VERDICT: FORGET the watery romance between Jack and Kate – once again, the star of the film is the Titanic herself, as she cruises along to her fate. The 3D effects go largely unnoticed (but pack a punch at some crucial moments), while the classy ship gets a classy cast, courtesy of the late Gloria Stuart and (still very alive) Bernard Hill. It’s Titanic – mostly as you’ve seen before – and still a pretty huge achievement.

explains the name.

It’s my solemn duty as a film reviewer (all right, all right, you can put down that hefty stick now, Gazette ed) to at least nod at such passing ships in the night, with Titanic being about the biggest bloody boat to splash by our screens in some time.

(With apologies to the recently-released film, Battleship.)

There’s not really very much that I can say about this, other than it’s Titanic back on our screens, but in 3D this time – and, hey! – that’s at least one more dimension than

it had, first time around (though, sadly, I’m afraid that the plot, characterisation, and so on are as rigidly two-dimensional as before).

So, once again, we get the doomed young lovers on board the doomed young ship, but now with some kind-of-a-bitdecent 3D effects tacked on.

Nothing too jazzy, mind, as they’re just boosting certain key shots in the film – anyone looking for Jack and Rose to start playing a game of frisbee in Steerage, say, will be sorely disap-

pointed.

So, yet again – and look away now, dear readers, if, somehow, as bizarrely unlikely as it sounds, you don’t know what happens to Jack, Rose, the Titanic, Billy Zane, the girl with the china doll, the drunk chef, the girl at the bow of the ship, the eel in the bathtub, et al – the Titanic sinks, and Celine Dion caterwauls at some length. In 3D. I can’t say that the 3D helps the film (not least as I’m not a fan of 3D effects anyway, as they tend to both dim and blur films, detracting from their visual impact), but, whatever about the adequate that’ll-do romance at the centre of the film, there’s no denying the real heart, and star, of the film – Titanic, herself.

The appeal, and attraction, of Titanic and her enduring, yet awful, legacy is effortlessly laid bare once again on the gleaming decks of the

ship, inviting audiences to stroll along through the lost world of 1912’s society and standards.

A century on from the tragedy itself, and whatever about the film’s weaknesses, today it’s hard not to return to Cameron’s Titanic one last time, 3D gimmick or not ...

Finally, I’d like to dedicate this review to the retiring chief sub of the Gazette, who swears blind that he remembers strolling about the promprom-promenade of the Titanic back in 19-niminy-two, but doesn’t quite convince whippersnappers such as yours truly.

However, this old tub respects that old sea salt, who’s prevented me on many an occasion from revealing here what I really think of Madonna’s acting ability, the everpresent threat of Steve Martin trying to return with a comedy, and much more – titanic achievements in themselves.

26 April 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Has Web 3.0-oh, oh, oh already arrived?

SHANE DILLON

DEBATE is stirring over whether Web 3.0 is really here, or is on the way, and, indeed, whether Web 3.0 is something radically different from what we understand as the internet today, or represents a more subtle shift in how the internet will work.

Perhaps we should look at a very brief history of the internet (or, at least, what the terms Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 generally mean to people, today).

People from their mid-to-late-twenties and upwards will recall how Web 1.0 saw the first mass stirrings of the modern internet across the world, approximately 15 years ago (although the internet had existed in other forms for decades – but that’s a whole other kettle of fish).

Web 1.0, as “we” understood it, saw the inexorable rise of the internet

– a largely static experience of plain pages, basic design and minimal user interaction.

Flash for ward to approximately ten years ago, to the first evolutionary steps of Web 2.0, as new programming and design elements began to maximise the slow rise of broadband.

Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, the rise of Google and PayPal, et al – all very much products defined by (or at least strengthened by) Web 2.0.

In its simplest terms, Web 2.0 has seen a vast divergence of what the internet “is”, how we interact with it, and how it’s delivered – the rise of the always-on, alwayswired world.

What, then, could be the next step forward into Web 3.0, and are we already reaching – or have we reached – this next great evolutionary stage in the internet?

FeelingtheForce WE HAD a great response to our recent Kinect Star Wars for Xbox 360 competition, which saw five copies of the great new Kinect game up for grabs. In it, we asked you to tell us the correct answer to the following statement: Complete the following Kinect for Xbox 360 tagline: A. You are the boss B. You are the controller C. You are the best [The correct answer was B.]

China’s Great Firewall - designed to keep certain foreign influences and topics away from Chinese internet users, as well as to protect officially-sanctioned state views on the internet, and to block others - is but one “frontier feature” as the world moves towards Web 3.0: the next significant sea-level change for what the internet is, and how it may be used and accessed. Illustration: Shane Dillon

As ever, hindsight is 20:20 vision, and, while experts and the common man understand the stages of 1.0 and 2.0, nobody is entirely certain what 3.0 represents.

User-tailored While some think that Web 3.0 will be a more unique, user-tailored experience, drawing upon, and somehow collating the vast banks of data that most of us leave in clear trails around the internet to create individual-specific search,

Anotherweebyte...

Ceefax service joins the Dodo PIXEL lovers may have been crying into their cornflakes last week at the news of the long-expected death of Ceefax (or, for young readers: what the internet was before we had the internet, for millions of people across Britain and Ireland).

As a child of the 1970s and 80s, I vividly recall turning to Ceefax to look for information – only to find that the television had loaded, say, page 17 of 43, and I had to wait ten minutes for the page I wanted (usually, one that had just passed, such as page 16) to slowly loop its way around to being displayed again.

Happy days.

Now, after decades of presenting a wide variety of news and listings, presented in slow fashion, in giant, blocky letters and with basic pixel pictures, and all buried behind tv channels (and running as a forerunner to comparable systems, such as Aertel), the BBC has consigned Ceefax to history’s dustbin, joining the Dodo ...

data and product results, others think that Web 3.0 does not represent a new methodology in serving users but, rather, a fight back against what the internet stands for.

Perhaps Web 3.0 represents not something to drive the internet forward for individuals, but is (or will be), instead, an intellectual, political and economic battlefront for corporations and governments alike to skirmish over – all seeking to reshape, redefine and protect (or, in some cases, destroy) how and what people can access on the internet.

There’s already plenty of evidence of such attempts to ringfence and control the internet (as, indeed, there has been from day one), but never before has there been such a determined push by companies and corporations, in line with governments, to define, control and monitor what the internet is, and how users access it.

From China’s regular updates of The Great

Firewall to restrict what her citizens can access online, to Apple’s self-appointed definition of (and subsequent indirect censoring) of what it terms as “inappropriate” content, to continuing cyber skirmishes on a range of national security agencies’ fronts, it appears in several ways that the giddy days of free-for-all data are coming to an end.

And so, perhaps that’s what Web 3.0 represents – the evolution into a new, more refined (and defined) state of information access and flow, rather than how it’s delivered, as well as representing the rise of political, civil and intellectual battles for the right to access/ police data (depending on which “side” you’re more engaged with).

As we look back at these next stages in the internet’s development, let us hope that whatever changes are underway they don’t give us any regret, or reason to lament the rise of Web 3.0-oh-oh-oh …

Thank you to everyone who entered and, of course, congratulations to the five lucky winners, who were all selected at random after sending in the correct answer.

The winners are: Eileen O’Flaherty, Killaloe, Co Clare; Emer Breen, Goatstown, Dublin 14; Jennifer Beaton, Clondalkin, Dublin 22; Ciaran Roche, via email and Diarmuid McCourt, via email. A copy of Kinect Star Wars is being posted out to each winner.

Congratulations again, and keep an eye out for more great competitions in The Gazette!

GAZETTE

26 LUCAN GAZETTE 26 April 2012

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GazetteSPORT

APRIL ASPIRANTS Dublin Sport Awards nominees for the month announced: Page 29

WATER POLO: WORLD’S FINEST TEAMS COMING TO NAC TO PREPARE FOR LONDON 2012

International tournament comes to Dublin sport@gazettegroup.com

THE IRISH Water Polo Association is set to host a pre-Olympic men’s water polo tournament in Dublin, prior to the London Olympics at the National Aquatic Centre from July 5 to 8, which will feature the top four teams in the world as they prepare to challenge for gold in 2012.

Current Olympic champions, Hungary, will take part, as will current

European champions, Serbia, who won their title at the recent European Championships in the Netherlands. Also participating are Great Britain, Montenegro, and Croatia, with a final team to be added to the list, depending on the outcome of upcoming Olympic qualifiers.

Water polo is the main sport and passion in a number of these countries, and with this being the last chance for the

teams to meet before London, as well as London being a sell-out, it is expected that the tournament will attract significant travelling support from all across the international water polo fraternity, as well as teams, delegates and referees as they get set for their turn in the pool in the Olympic Games.

Minister of State for Tourism and Spor t, Michael Ring, who is also chairman of the London

The four best sides in the world are coming to Dublin for the pre-Olympic tournament

2012 Coordinating Committee, congratulated the Irish Water Polo Association in attracting such high-calibre Olympic teams for this tournament.

“This is another exam-

ple of Ireland benefiting directly from the Olympics and adds to the number of Olympic athletes from 13 countries who have already decided to train in Ireland ahead of the London Games.

This promises to be an exciting event,” said Minister Ring.

Tickets for the event are available from the event website, www.dublinwaterpolo2012.com.

Ticket prices range

from €4.50 for a child’s ticket, to €90 for a fourday pass, with €25 for a day pass. Matches take place daily in the early evening, with the addition of a morning session on Friday, July 6.

28 LUCAN GAZETTE 26 April 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

RUGBY: LADIES SET UP PROMOTION DECIDER THIS WEEKEND

GAA stars get on their bike for charity in Ras A HOST of top GAA stars, including All-Ireland winners Bernard Brogan and Barry Cahill, joined forces in Croke Park last week to launch the Race The Ras charity cycle event for 2012.

This is the second year of the race, which will see almost 150 amateur cyclists and a host of current and former GAA stars lining up to cycle across Ireland from May 20 to 27. All the money raised will go to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Aware.

To register for the cycle, log on to racetheras. com/event-registration/.

The Garda RFC ladies’ team secured the league title this term with eight wins from eight outings. Picture: BIll Cooper

Garda take the league title WOMEN’S AIL DIVISION 2 Garda RFC Cavan RFC

44 0

I sport@gazettegroup.com

THE GARDA women’s rugby team capped what has been a fantastic season for them with an impressive victory over Cavan RFC at Westmanstown last Sunday to secure the Women’s All-Ireland League Division 2 North title.

Garda, coming into the tie with a 100% record in the league to date, having won all seven of their seven ties, needed the victory to see off the challenge of Belfast Harlequins, the only team in a position to spoil their title bid, and ensure a league title for two seasons running, having secured promotion from the Leinster League last year.

The Westmanstown ladies set to the task from the off, and were ahead inside ten minutes when a high tackle on wing Michelle Stafford yielded a penalty, with the resulting quick tap allowing No 8 Sharon Lynch to crash over for the opening score.

With the initial nerves settled, Garda took advantage of their territorial superiority and good link-up play from lineouts to yield tries for lock Lorna O’Connor and wing forward Fiona Morrison inside the half hour.

Wa v e s o f G a r d a attacks left the Breffni Belles unable to get out of their own half and, when their single foray into Garda territor y broke down, Michelle Stafford latched on to a wayward pass to score a breakaway try under

the uprights. Impressive kicking from out-half Chrissy Doyle left the half-time score at 27-0.

With the tie almost ove r a s a c o n t e s t , Garda’s intensity seemed to drop momentarily at the beginning of the second half, and a solo effort from the Cavan hooker almost yielded a score, but for a tremendous tackle from centre Alana Lowe.

Coach Ray Murphy reinvigorated the Garda juggernaut with the introduction of three substitutes, and fresh legs gave the desired effect, as captain Aine O’Sullivan drove over f o r t h e t o u c h d ow n shortly afterwards.

A good break from Sharon Ly nch pro vided the platform for a try clinically finished by substitute wing Louisa Healy and Healy

grabbed a second at the end, thanks to some excellent mauling from the Garda forwards.

Presenting the Acheson Cup, contested between the two clubs at various levels since 1991, incoming Garda Rugby Club president, Alfie Acheson, commended both teams on an entertaining contest and congratulated the Garda Ladies on a fantastic squad effort, which has seen the team rise from the

lower ranks of the Leinster League to the upper echelons of Women’s rugby on the island over the last few years.

Garda now go on to face the winners of Division 2 South, Tralee RFC, this Saturday, April 28, in Nenagh, with the winners being promoted to Women’s AIL Division 1 for the 2 01 2 / 2 013 s e a s o n , a prize that Garda’s ladies’ performances t h i s s e a s o n wo u l d merit.

26 April 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 29

in association with

2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - APRIL NOMINEES

FastSport

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

# STARof the MONTH

Basketball blitz at NBA in Community Games CIARAN KILKENNY

CAROLINE RYAN

SEAN MARI

CASTLEKNOCK’S prodigy continues to shine in the Dublin line-up, contributing vital scores and an on-field presence that has seen the U-21s into the All-Ireland final

GARDA’S cycling sensation claimed Ireland’s first elite world track medal since Harry Reynolds back in 1897, winning bronze in Melbourne

MARI claimed Whitechurch BC’s first-ever male AllIreland title in the 27kg category at the National Stadium after a string of impressive performances

MALAHIDE CS

FOXROCK CABINTEELY

COLLINSTOWN PARK

AN all-ages golfing machine, Malahide calmly saw off the challenge of Kilkenny in the Irish Schools’ Matchplay competition this month

SOUTH COUNTY LADIES’ football is a hotbed of talent, as proved by the young Foxes annexing the Dublin Feile title, adding to titles at all levels

COLLINSTOWN Park came from behind to become Leinster champions when they got the better of O’Fiaich College in an eightgoal thriller

# TEAMof the MONTH

Super Olympians: Taylor backs Terenure run to aid SO athletes KATIE Taylor recently took time out from her

intensive preparation for the London Olympics to meet some members of the Special Olympic South Dublin Sports Club, as part of endorsement of the Terenure five-mile run on Sunday, May 13, which aims to raise €10,000 for Special Olympics. €5 of the entry fee goes direct to Special Olympics, and a big turn-out is expected. Those wishing to have an enjoyable run while helping athletes can register by logging on to www.terenure5mile.com

LAST week saw an action-packed feast of Community Games basketball when the preliminary rounds of boys and girls’ Under-13, and the finals of the boys’ Under-16 competitions took place at the Basketball Arena in Tallaght.

The girls’ Under-13 took to the court last Monday, with teams from Donabate/Portrane, Malahide, St Jude’s, Drimnagh, Knocklyon, Ballyboughal and Clondalkin all looking to secure a place in the finals.

The teams were split into two groups, with a number of electrifying games being played with fine skills on display from all of the teams.

Malahide and Drimnagh emerged from group 1, while Clondalkin and Knocklyon emerged from group 2. Malahide will play Clondalkin in the final, while Drimnagh face Knocklyon in the play-offs on May 12.

The boys’ Under-13s were in action last Tuesday, with seven teams taking to the court, with the teams matching each other pointfor-point and producing exciting games and results.

The final on May 12 will see Clondalkin play Malahide in the final, while Drimnagh face Knocklyon in the play-off.

The boys’ Under-16 matches dominated proceedings last Wednesday night and, with only four teams entered, a round-robin system was played. Each team played three matches and medal placings were only decided by the results of the last two games such was the standard of the teams.

Gold medals went to Drimnagh, while Palmerstown took silver, Bronze medals went to Knockmitten and fourth-place medals went to Clondalkin.

May is set to be a busy time with competitions taking place in rugby, tag rugby, rounders, soccer, hurling and futsol. Entries are now being taken for these competitions.

Entry forms available from your local area secretary, or www.dublincommunitygames.ie.

For more information on competition entries, contact your local secretary, or Dublin Community Games Secretary, Maureen Quinlan on 872 8203, or check out www.dublincommunitygames.ie

30 LUCAN GAZETTE 26 April 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

SOCCER: ROCHE SCORES TO SECURE LEAGUE TITLE FOR PEAS

Peamount United’s ladies’ team celebrate their success at Greenogue

Phadraig premiere with cricket victory COLAISTE Phadraig junior cricket team tasted victory in their very first home match last Thursday in Corkagh Park when they got the better of St Joseph’s, Rush.

With the support of Adamstown Cricket Club and South Dublin County Council, both the junior and senior Colaiste Phadraig cricket teams are playing their home matches at Corkagh Park this year.

And they look set to enjoy the new surroundings on the all-weather turf as team captain, Hamza Mann, was picked up the Man of the Match award in the opening Leinster Junior League division one match.

He scored a nerveless 53 in the first innings, including two massive sixes, and then backed this up with the ball, returning bowling figures of 4 for 10, nearly pulling off the magical 50 runs and five-wicket combination.

Along with Kashif Shah, who also had impressive bowling figures of 4 for 17, the St Joseph’s team were all out for 57, in reply to the Colaiste Phadraig score of 114.

The Leinster underage selectors are keeping an eye on a number of Colaiste Phadraig players as their performances continue to impress.

Team manager Billy Rafter commented on the performance: “The lads have trained hard over the winter with the help of our coach, Usman Shahid.

“It was great to eventually get the season proper going. We’ve been knocking on the door the last few years and we hope, with a Junior and Senior team entered in the Leinster Leagues, we can bring some silverware back to Lucan this season.”

Next up for Colaiste Phadraig this week will be the Senior team as they take on cricket heavyweights CUS.

Peamount crowned champions NATIONAL LEAGUE Peamount United Shamrock Rovers

1 0

I sport@gazettegroup.com

I T WA S n o t t h e i r smoothest per formances of the campaign, but Peamount United became the inaugural Women’s National League champions with a 1-0 win over Shamrock Rovers at Greenogue last week.

Stephanie Roche’s 16th-minute goal was all that separated them from the basement side, and they were made to work for the title in a match where they needed a point to take

the trophy and secure a European place.

Skipper Louise Quinn created the goal, heading back into the danger zone where Sarah Devlin was unable to hold the ball, and Roche was on hand to stab home.

From there, the Peas held the better possession and struck the wo o d wo r k t h r o u g h Dora Gorman with a spectacular effort. But they were susceptible on the counter, with Rachel Jenkins a constant thorn, but Rovers could not upset the home side’s hopes, and Quinn was left to lift the trophy.

Speaking afterwards, she said of the success: “I’m just so happy that, finally, the time has come. We’ve put in so much hard work and it went right to the wire, so we had to win today.

It left a bit of tension there, but we’re just so happy.”

After initial celebrations, thoughts turn quickly to the FAI Women’s Cup final in two weekend’s time.

“There’s still one more game to come and, hopefully, we can get the win in the cup final. It really has been up and down, but that’s what you want in a league. It was so

close to almost letting it go to Raheny at times, but we held strong, were always positive that if there were going to be downs, we were going to get back up again.”

She is also buoyed by a return to Champion’s League football, having become the first Irish side to reach the group stages of the competition last autumn.

“We’ve experienced it now and know what to expect, and know that the more we put in, the better it’s going to be.

“Hopefully, we’ll get a good high seeding as we go into the groups and will definitely be going

for qualification again.

If it goes well for us and we can top our group, there’s definitely a big chance for us to qualify like last year.”

Manager Eileen Gleeson, added that it was all about consistency.

“I remember saying at the very start, it’s not just about playing Raheny, it’s about getting results from the other games.

“We had a slip-up against Wexford that gave Raheny a bit of momentum but it shows the calibre of the squad that they can come back mentally and get the results in the follow-up games.”

Park life: Arthur Griffith FC host Bohemians friendly LUCAN soccer stars Arthur Griffith Park last week hosted a friendly match against League Of Ireland Premier

side, Bohemians FC. Although the score finished 4-2 in the visitors’ favour, the match was played in good spirits and great fun was had by both players and spectators alike. Full gallery next week.

26 April 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 31

in association with

FEILE: SARSFIELDS ROMP TO DIVISION 3 CROWN

CLUB NOTICEBOARD LUCAN SARSFIELDS WELL done to our U-14 girls’ football

sports club that collects the most

team on becoming Division 3 Feile

bottle tops from lucozade sport

champions 2012 last Sunday, with

and sport lite will win €10,000.

an impressive 3-2 to 0-0 victory over Naomh Mearnog in the final.

There were great wins on Saturday for our U-8 and U-9 hurlers and

Sha y Hurson’s team will be in char ge nex t Sunda y when our

Crumlin on Sunday.

sponsor will be Diamond and Gem Well done to Eoin Mullarkey on

all members to buy a horse or be a

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jockey or a trainer. We would also

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for the Lucozade Club Crusade. The

Berry impressive as Lucan claim title I sport@gazettegroup.com

GEMMA Berry’s hattrick lit up Lucan Sarsfields’ Division Three success when her side proved too strong for a battling Naomh Mearnog side at Parnell Park.

The Portmarnock side defended staunchly in the opening phases, Katie Smith making a string of fine saves before Lucan eventually broke the deadlock in the 12th minute when Claire Leonard’s shot from distance cleared the bar.

Naomh Mearnog did gain a slightly stronger foothold in the tie as time went on, but Maeve Dowler and Danielle Murray were superb in midfield for Lucan, while Berry’s instinct for goal was superb.

She got her first moments before half-

The next heat is on Saturday, April 28, with the grand final taking place on Saturday, May 19.

ST PAT’S PALMERSTOWN

The Lucan Sarsfields side line out prior to the final at Parnell Park. Picture: GAApics.com

3-2 0-0

Congratulations to Lorna Mur-

Any mentor should be able to give

Posters are now around the club

Lucan Sarsfields Naomh Mearnog

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guarantee a semi-final berth.

Thomas Davis also won both their initial games to set up a final Pool A showdown but, again, Lucan had the quality to top the group following a 1-3 to 0-1.

Scoil Ui Chonaill were dismissed at the final four stage, setting up the deciding showd ow n w i t h N a o m h Mearnog.

The Portmarnock club had similarly gone through their group phase and semi-final with a perfect record, getting the better of Scoil, Foxrock Cabinteely B and Kilmacud Crokes’ B team in the pool before ending Thomas Davis’ campaign.

But their journey was undone by Lucan’s superb final showing.

The weekend itself brought together over 900 players from 33 teams across 25 Dublin clubs with each taking part in the group phas-

€4,500.

U-15 camogie had a great win over

race night programme.

time, soloing for 20 metres before popping the ball over the last defender.

Drifting left, she angled home a lovely finish for a 1-1 to a noscore half-time lead.

Dublin U-14 panelist Sabrina Maloney added an insurance point with three minutes to go after a flowing rightwing move, and Berry added an extra gloss to the result with a pair of goals in the closing phases.

The first was arrowed low to the right corner while her hat-trick owed much to persistence as the initial chance appeared to have gone, but she poked a leg out and nabbed her third from the baseline.

It capped a brilliant campaign which saw Lucan make it through the group stages last Saturday with St Pat’s, Donabate and St Brigid’s, conceding just one point in the process to

Next week’s lotto jackpot will be

our U-13A and U-14B footballers.

Our annual race night takes place

FEILE DIVISION 3 FINAL

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 2, 8, 13 and 20. There was no winner.

es in Mearnog and St Sylvester’s grounds on Saturday.

The festival reached its epic conclusion on Sunday with the six divisional finals taking place at the home of the Dubs in Parnell Park, with Foxrock Cabinteely taking the big prize with a stunning 3-8 to 0-2 victory over Castleknock in the Division One decider.

St Sylvester’s Sarah Whalley was the skills winner for the top division, while St Brigid’s Laura Page in division three took the overall skills title for the Feile.

Lucan Sarsfields: R Cosgrave, A Doyle, M Dowler, E Tuohy, N Farrelly, R O’Neill, S Finegan, C Sexton, S Flanagan, S Maloney (0-1), G Mahady, M Walsh, D Murray, E O’Flynn, S Scully, L Keating, C Leonard (0-1), A Doyle, A Quinn, G Berry (3-0) Management Team: Jim Flanagan, Aisling Maloney

THE senior footballers showed great

U-21s on reaching the All-Ireland

psychological strength to maintain a

final.

lead and beat St Anne’s to put them-

We are planning a bring and buy

selves into third place in the league.

Book and Bake Sale and would ask all

U-16 footballers put up a fine per-

readers out there to start gather-

formance to beat Geraldine Moran’s

ing up your books that you no longer

in the championship.

want and we will have a drop-off

U-13 footballers put up a great

point in the clubhouse sorted in the

battle against Erin’s Isle last Tues-

next week or so. You can also dust off

day evening, with a excellent per-

your recipe books for the baking!

formance from goalkeeper Adam de

Under-14 footballers are host-

Courcy to who was awarded Man of

ing a féile group in Glenaulin Park

the Match.

on May 5. All offers of assistance

Under-12 hurlers put up a fine

with organising the event gratefully

display but were unlucky to lose

received. Contact Erroll Dunne 087

their game, and the Under-11 were

621 9320.

beaten by Lucan Sarsfields, while

Anyone with training equipment

the Under-9s beat Good Counsel in

hurls/helmets etc, which they no

a friendly.

longer use can drop donations to the

Congratulations to the Dublin

clubhouse at anytime.

GARDA The intermediates lost to St Finian’s,

Naomh Mearnog next Wednesday at

Swords, by three points in Balgriffin

7.15pm.

2-09 to 0-12, but the junior 2s had a

Training continues on Mondays at

successful outing against Crumlin in

7pm and Saturday mornings at 9am.

the junior D championship, coming

All club members interested in buying

out on top by 0-12 to 0-5.

club tops or windcheaters contact

The junior 1s lost their mid-week cup fixture by one point.

your team mentors or any member of the committee.

There are no games next weekend,

The Gaels U-8 and U-9 hurlers played

but the intermediates have a chal-

Liffey Gaels and Crumlin respectively

lenge match away to Ballyboden St

away while the U-14 boys’ footballers

Enda’s.

played and beat O’Dwyer’s in a high-

The junior 1s and 2s both play chal-

scoring encounter.

lenge matches on Thursday night at

The U-14 girls reached their Feile

Westmanstown at 7.30pm. A full turn-

football semi-final, only to lose by one

out of both junior panels is expected.

point to the eventual divisional win-

The ladies lost their away league

ners, St Margaret’s.

fixture to Ballinteer St John’s last

Thank you to the Feile organisers

Wednesday night by 2-9 to 1-6. Their

for organising a great day out for all

next fixture is a cup match away to

involved.

32 LUCAN GAZETTE 26 April 2012