Lucan

Lucan GAZET TE FREE

JUNE 28, 2012

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LUCAN • PALMERSTOWN • CELBRIDGE • LEIXLIP • ADAMSTOWN • DODSBORO • LIFFEY VALLEY • BALLYOWEN

INSIDE: President helps to celebrate 100 years of Peamount Pages 8-9

Hurling: Sars’ McCaffrey hopes to bounce back from loss Page 32

Sport Awards: June’s nominees for honours are announced Page 29

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 BUSINESS ................... 20 MOTORS ........................21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

OPINION: Frances Fitzgerald on child protection services reform See Page 6

Locals object to plan for food outlet I PAUL HOSFORD

RESIDENTS have raised objections to plans to put a new takeaway restaurant at the Tesco in Hillcrest.

A planning application has been lodged with South Dublin County Council for a change of use at Unit 3 at the Lucan Shopping Centre in Hillcrest, from a retail unit “to a food takeaway restaurant with ancillary seating”.

However, locals have con-

tacted The Gazette to voice their anger over plans to add another fast-food outlet in the town.

“There is a huge objection locally,” said one resident, who wished not to be named.

“We know what will happen – the residents of Hillcrest, Woodview and Airlie Heights will be left to clean up the mess,” said the resident.

Full Story on Page 3

Supporting Sam: SuperValu set to sponsor GAA championship SAM Maguire had a little help from

local businessman Luke Moriarty and Dublin footballer, and former captain, Bryan Cullen at Croke Park for the launch of SuperValu’s sponsorship of the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior

Championship. This is the third year that Moriarty’s SuperValu group are sponsoring the championship, as part of the retailer’s continuing drive to support local communities – not least with the nationwide passion for the GAA.

2 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 June 2012

COMMUNITY: LOCALS’ SCHOOLS Fancy dress fun for everyone at St Andrew’s GLORY AT ELDER GAMES

Gold win at Go for Life I PAUL HOSFORD phosford@gazettegroup.com

A TEAM of 12 older people from South Dublin took home gold at the pilot Go for Life games held in DCU recently.

The South Dublin team were victorious during the recent pilot games of the national programme for sport and physical activity for older people.

The winning team, supported by South Dublin County Council (SDCC), beat off stiff competition from six other counties, and were crowned Best Overall County during the games.

Team member Tony Nolan said: “It was a great day out; we had a great time and the bonus was coming away with the title.”

The national games are based on some of the games played by Go for Life groups across Ireland,

including Lobbers (based on boules and petanque), Disc Toss, and Skidils (based on skittles).

SDCC sports and recreation officerAlison Silke said: “It was a fantastic day out. The atmosphere was electric and everyone got stuck in and had great fun. We are looking forward to next year’s national games.”

Go for Life’s programme director Mary Harkin said the games are a “festival of physical activity; a celebration of sport”.

“The heats in each county have attracted a lot of people. We hope to see 2013 as a year where we have a team from every county coming from the thousands of people who take part in Go for Life every week,” she said.

For further information on Go for Life, call 01 805 7733, or SDCC at 01 414 9000.

Regardless of their colour or costumes, all the pupils had a lot of fun in engaging with the imaginative event

Pupils were green-ing away OME rogue pinks, blacks, blues, reds and oranges stood out like a sore thumb amidst the sea of green that swamped St Andrew’s recently, where the pupils, and staff, had dressed up for a fun-filled “green” day, aimed at promoting ecological awareness and highlighting the importance of recycling.

Many students had created their own colourful outfits

S

by recycling waste into imaginative attire for the day, while those who were dressing up in other creative looks were happy to join their classmates in promoting the day.

It was a great, fun-filled way to get the pupils thinking about green issues, the environment and recycling, giving them lots of enthusiasm to continue their eco-awareness throughout the long summer months off school.

While Emmabot was programmed to spread the Green message, her classmates, friends and teachers were all also eager to help

28 June 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 3

FAST FOOD Keating urges locals to voice opposition

Locals ‘dead against’ plan for takeaway I PAUL HOSFORD phosford@gazettegroup.com

RESIDENTS have raised objections to plans to put a new takeaway restaurant at the Tesco in Hillcrest.

A planning application has been lodged with South Dublin County Council for a change of use at Unit 3 at the Lucan Shopping Centre in Hillcrest, from a retail unit “to a food takeaway restaurant with ancillary seating”.

However, locals have contacted The Gazette to voice their anger over plans to add another fastfood outlet in the town.

“There is a huge objec-

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ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240 PLANNING NOTICE SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL Planning permission is sought by Eoin Crowley for retention of a 9 meter length wall which is 1.4 meters in height to the front of the house at 71 Abbeywood Avenue. The wall will include a 2.5 meter gate to allow access to the Local Authority in line with planning restrictions on our land. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the South Dublin County Council during the public opening hours of 9am – 4pm, Mon – Fri, and a submission or observation may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt

by South Dublin County Council of the application.

PS001

tion locally,” said one resident, who wished not to be named.

“It will attract litter, anti-social behaviour, traffic concerns – you name it. There is already enough takeaways and fast-food restaurants in Lucan; we don’t need another.

“There are huge concerns already, and local people are dead against this plan.

“We know what will happen – the residents of Hillcrest, Woodview and Airlie Heights will be left to clean up the mess,” said the resident.

The application comes in the wake of the council’s decision not to grant

permission for a separate takeaway at a store in Foxborough, and the refusal of two similar takeaway applications at Rosscourt, as well as a plan to put a takeaway in Griffeen.

All of those plans faced considerable objections from local residents, and local Fine Gael deputy Derek Keating is urging locals to make their voices heard on the issue before the July 5 deadline.

He said: “I will be making a strong submission against this plan to the council, and hope residents can do the same.

“The people of Woodview, Hillcrest and Airlie

The Gazette has been contacted by locals objecting to a planning application for a takeaway at Hillcrest – a view echoed by local Fine Gael deputy Derek Keating

Heights have been inundated with litter problems in recent years, and this plan will only exacerbate those problems.

“There are already a disproportionate amount of takeaways in the Lucan area and, in the Hillcrest area, there is a pizza restaurant and

a supermarket that does hot food takeaways.

“Another takeaway is not what is needed,” said Deputy Keating, who said that the issue was not of the unit being able to be put to better use, but of an over-supply of fast food restaurants in Lucan.

“I think the use of the unit is a commercial issue, but it is abundantly clear that there are too many takeaways in Lucan and the residents of the estates around the shopping centre don’t need another litter concern,” said Deputy Keating.

COMMUNITY

Festival drawing to a close THE Palmerstown Festival comes to its conclusion this weekend, with a jam-packed programme of events.

On Thursday, June 28, there is a concert on Manor Road, with music, dancing, a barbecue and a kick-boxing demonstration.

On Friday, June 29, between 4pm and 10pm, there is a wildlife and bat walk in Waterstown Park.

For further information on this event, contact Ger at 087 287 6938.

The event continues through the weekend, with Saturday seeing a sports day at the Palmerstown sports complex. The day will also see the final of the soccer tournament that has run throughout the week.

The showpiece event on Sunday will see an array of events, including a baking competition, a parade and a fun fair at Waterstown Park.

4 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 June 2012

SDCC ‘Work will be completed before Blessing of the Graves in September’

Council plans to fully cut Esker Cemetery grass

I PAUL HOSFORD phosford@gazettegroup.com

SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) has said that it will fully clear overgrown grass and weeds at Esker Cemetery before the Blessing of the Grave ceremony in September.

Locals had contacted

The Gazette to complain that the grass in the cemetery was completely overgrown, with some graves inaccessible or even hidden entirely from view.

One local, who did not wish to be named, said that they had taken to maintaining their deceased relative’s grave,

but that weeds were growing on neighbouring plots, which was causing problems, and that other cemetery visitors may be stopped from visiting graves, particularly in the middle of rows.

When contacted by The Gazette, SDCC said that the work was ongo-

ing, but that a full clearing of grass would take place before the September ceremony.

A SDCC spokesperson said: “Staff were at the cemetery last week and cut parts of the grass,” adding that the priority for staff was to have the graveyards in the county

ready for the blessing ceremonies which will take place across the summer.

“The cemetery Masses are on at the minute, and staff are trying to ensure that the places are looking well for those events, because they are such big events,” said the spokesperson.

The spokesperson also said that the weather was making it difficult to keep up with the growth of grass and weeds.

“Another problem that staff are encountering is that the hot, humid weather, coupled with the heavy rainfall this summer, is encouraging

extremely fast growth of the grass and weeds.

“With regards to Esker Cemetery, staff are scheduled to cut the grass again in July, and it is a monthly plan until August.

“For the cemeter y Mass, there will be a full clean-up,” said the SDCC spokesperson.

Tuffy welcomes new committee challenge LOCAL Labour TD Joanna Tuffy TD has been elected chair of the newly established Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection.

On her election to the prestigious role, Deputy Tuffy said: “It’s an honour to have been elected chair of the new Committee on Education and Social Protection.”

The committee will shadow two departments, both of which Deputy Tuffy says are close to her own political interests.

“This committee, in shadowing two key departments, will have a meaningful input into legislation and policy which supports economic recovery and social renewal.

“Ireland’s resilience in previous recessions has, in past decades, been attributed to our education system,”

she said.

“Amid current difficulties, the committee will have a role in ensuring our education system benefits all of society and helps everyone reach their best potential,” said Deputy Tuffy.

She added that the protection of local students and those on the Live Register was of utmost importance.

Pressure “With the budgets of all departments coming under increasing pressure, it is imperative, too, that we safeguard a strong and equitable social welfare system, which protects our most vulnerable citizens.

“I look forward to working with all of my colleagues and the relevant mnisters to ensure this committee works as a team,” she said.

Detail of the map outling recommended Dublin Dail constituencies, and their new names, where relevant

REPORT: CONSTITUENCY COMMISSION’S FINDINGS

No change for Dublin Mid-West boundary I PAUL HOSFORD phosford@gazettegroup.com

DUBLIN Mid-West will not change under the recommendations of the Constituency Commission.

The commission report, released last week, will see big changes across Dublin, but the constituency that covers Lucan, Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Rathcoole and Newcastle, will remain a four-seater.

The report says that: “No change is recommended for the Dublin Mid-West constituency”, adding that, along with changes to the neighbouring Dublin SouthWest constituency, most of South Dublin County Council would be contained in two Dail constituencies.

The continuity was roundly welcomed, with Labour deputy Joanna Tuffy saying that it would be good for constituents.

She said: “I argued that this should be the case in my submission to the Commission. This constituency will remain to be contained within the boundaries of South Dublin County and the local authority area of South Dublin County Council.

“The recommendations also maintain the position that the natural boundary of the Liffey is, in the main, adhered to and that, for example, Palmerstown has not been taken out of the constituency and put in with a constituency based mainly in Fingal, as was the case from 2002 to 2007, when it was in Dub-

lin West.

“I think this is important to the people of Palmerstown that they are not shifted around the place all the time, and put with areas north of the river for one election and south of the river the next.

“I had made the point in my submission that it was important that county boundaries and constituency boundaries were contiguous to provide a proper link between local and national representation on behalf of the constituents, including in Palmerstown, but also in the constituency generally,” said Deputy Tuffy, who voiced her opposition to an overall cut in TDs. “The cut in the number of TDs will bring the Dail membership so close to

the constitutional limit that the number of TDs will almost certainly have to be increased after the next census.

“I feel it is important to put on record my concerns about the overall decrease in the number of TDs and the impact that this change will have on our democracy,” she said.

Her constituency support was echoed by Cllr Trevor Gilligan (FF), who said that residents connected well with the constituency as a whole.

“I think Clondalkin and Lucan have similar connections. Many residents from Clondalkin have now moved over to Lucan, and many people can relate to the constituency as a whole.

“I welcome the recommendation of the report,” said Cllr Gilligan.

28 June 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 5

6 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 June 2012

OPINION Helping families in crisis should be a top priority

Report on child deaths is ‘deeply disturbing’ FRANCES FITZGERALD, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, highlights the need to reform child protection services It is a terrible tragedy to lose a child, no matter what the circumstances.

It goes against the natural order of things. I appreciate therefore that the publication of the Report of the Review Group on Child Deaths is particularly difficult for the families of the 196 children and young adults who died in HSE care, in “aftercare”, or who were

“known to the HSE” in the decade up to 2010.

Before this Government took office, there were conflicting data about the numbers of children who died in State care. This lack of transparency and accountability was shocking. It was utterly unacceptable that the State could not even tell how many children had died in its care.

The report’s findings

GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW!

are deeply disturbing.

We read of children and young people and families, often vulnerable, often in crisis; who needed support. We read of services often willing, but fragmented and not comprehensive in their response. The question must arise, how, after a period of such unprecedented economic prosperity we were left with a child protection service

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in need of such reform.

The report highlights a range of failures including poor risk assessment; poor co-ordination between services; poor flows of information, and limited access to specialist assessment and therapeutic services.

Evidence

If ever evidence was required of why we need a totally reformed system of State care and intervention, then this report is it. And if ever evidence was required of the need to take child protection away from the HSE, and to set up a new agency, then this report is it.

As Ireland’s first ever Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I am committed to rectifying this situation. Work on the establishment of this independent body, the Child and Family Support Agency, is now well advanced and my intention is that it will be fully operational from January next year.

Clearly early intervention for vulnerable children in families in crisis is critical. The report highlights key identifiable risk factors which underscored those vulnerabilities. In 56 of the cases, alcohol and drugs were prevalent in the home; in 46 cases alcohol or drug use by the young person was a factor. In 30 cases, domestic violence was a feature of home life; in 29 cases criminal activity was a feature of family life, while non-school

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald

attendance was a factor in 20 cases.

Another lesson from this report is that young people with a need for aftercare should, and must, receive the support they require when they leave State care. I believe the law needs to be strengthened in this regard, and with advice from the Attorney General, I will be proposing legislative change later this year, in the Bill to establish the Child and Family Support Agency.

Access

I am also committed to extending access to 24-hour social work assistance. Child protection crises arise 24-7. So why should child protections services operate any differently?

Structures and systems

are all very well, but the Government is also determined to ensure that the underpinning legislative and policy framework is also right. The Government is committed to holding a referendum which will strengthen children’s rights in the Constitution. Work is also well under way on the advancement of the Children First Bill. This will make it mandatory to report all suspected cases of child abuse, and this is another critical milestone for 2012.

The report I published [recently] makes for stark and uncomfortable reading. As a society we need to help families in crisis and protect vulnerable children. We also need to recognise and support the critical role played by carers including the

many, many foster families that we are so lucky to have in Ireland.

We can never put everything right; to suggest that we can would be wrong.

However, we must seek to ensure that children who receive State care and support the move onto a more positive pathway in their lives.

We cannot change the tragic outcomes for the children covered by this report. However, a great many changes have already been put in train for other vulnerable children because of what happened. The Government is committed to transparency and honesty in getting children’s services right, and I am passionately committed to delivering this vital outcome.

28 June 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 7

COMEDY

COUNCIL: CLLR LAVELLE MOTION LEADS TO LOCAL COMMUNITY SPACE CHECK

You’re (almost) perfect

SDCC to review indoor spaces I PAUL HOSFORD phosford@gazettegroup.com

MORE indoor community spaces are needed in Lucan, and South Dublin County Council (SDCC) will review this, it was revealed at an Area Committee Meeting this week.

CouncillorWilliam Lavelle (FG) tabled a motion seeking provision of new indoor community space.

Cllr Lavelle said: “In recent months, I have met with many local groups looking for increased additional indoor space.

“This need for additional space is completely understandable given that, according to recently-published census statistics, the population of Lucan increased by 18% since 2006, while the population of Lucan South has quadrupled since 1996.

“The population of Lucan now stands at 45,000 – the same size as Waterford City. “ H o w e v e r, b a s e d on information I have received, in response to questions I tabled, only 0.18% of the total capital expenditure by the Community Services Department was invested in Lucan.

“This is a shocking statistic, which proves Lucan lost out. In effect, we saw the Celtic Tiger bypassing Lucan,” he said.

“As somebody who only came on to the council after the Celtic Tiger period, it makes me very angry that previous councils did not target investment into Lucan.

“This is also a shocking indictment of SDCC management for failing to prioritise Lucan, and focusing investment on

Tallaght,” said Cllr Lavelle.

In response to Cllr Lavelle’s motion, council managers said: “If this motion is passed, it will be necessary to carry out research to try and establish precisely what the need for additional indoor community space is in Lucan and its environs.

“Once that exercise is completed, the next logical step is to assess what existing indoor space is vacant, available and suitable, in the area.

“This will allow us to see what the demand is, and if the supply of indoor space matches up to the demand from community organisations and clubs.

“At this point, we will arrange for the appropriate people to sit down and, armed with this information, we can discuss the options available.”

“I LOVE You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’ comes to Westmanstown on July 8.

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is a hilarious musical which pays tribute to those who have loved and lost, to those who have fallen on their face at the beginning of romance, to those who have dared to ask: “What are you doing on Saturday night?”

More than a little bit impressive: Colm’s memorable shot takes a prize COLM Merriman, a member of Palmerstown Camera Club, won the

best colour print in the club’s recent exhibition which took place at Palmerstown Parish Centre recently with his memorable image, Little and Large.

The club welcomes photographers with all levels of experience, from absolute beginners to advanced photographers. There is a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where members can get together to learn, discuss and develop their photography. New members interested in joining can contact the club through its website, www. palmerstowncameraclub.ie.

WE HAVE 135,000* READERS EACH WEEK

*based on standard industry measurements

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Money Doctor is the trading name of Providence Finance Services Limited and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

Tagline The play’s tagline is: Ever ything you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and inlaws, but were afraid to admit.

The play will take place at 7.45pm, and tickets, priced at €15, can be bought by calling Caroline Trenier at 087 614 2224, or by emailing ctrenier@hotmail.com.

8 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 June 2012

HEALTH President Michael D Higgins helps mark hospital’s

Frances Griffen

Mary Flynn

Kate Connaughton, Siobhan Hartigan, Michael O’Toole and Sheila Sheridan. Pictures: Ian Fleming

President Michael D Higgins meets Mabel Lyons, Age-Related Rehab

Hundreds helped celebrate the event

Celebrating 100 years of service RESIDENT Michael D Higgins was on hand to mark a milestone as Peamount Hospital marked a century of service with a big birthday bash recently.

Founded in 1912 as a tuberculosis sanatorium by Lady Aberdeen and the Women’s National Health Association, the hospital has gone from strength to strength and, today, is an independent voluntary organisation that,

P President Michael D Higgins plants a commemorative tree in the grounds of the hospital

Breeda Stack

in partnership with the Health Service Executive and colleagues in the community, provides people with a range of health and social care services.

The day saw several engaging activities, with President Higgins commenting on the hospital’s remarkable ethos and dedication to patients and the community, which will surely carry it to its next centenary, too.

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

The New Era of Pharmacy Services in Lucan Lucan Village Pharmacy is the only late night pharmacy in Lucan village. We are also the only pharmacy open seven days a week including bank holidays in Lucan village.

We know that medical issues can arise at any time and it is important to be available to meet the needs of the community which is why we offer these extended opening hours.

Lucan Village Pharmacy is an Irish independently ow n e d c o m m u n i t y pharmacy situated in the heart of Lucan Village.

Nessa and her colleagues have been looking after the pharmacy requirements of the people of Lucan and its surrounding areas since 2002. We are conveniently located in Lucan Village on the triangle at 4 Main Street next door to Centra and the Post Office.

Online Services Visit us online at our website LucanPharmacy. ie for more information on our services and a range of health issues.

LucanPharmacy.ie explains the wide range of health and pharmacy services that we offer. LucanPharmacy. ie is packed with videos to help explain the different services we offer such as how we perform a cholesterol test. Videos are also used to explain different health topics such as heart attack, angina and stroke. You can also follow us on Facebook.

Healthcare Services Our consultation room allows ourcustomers access to a wide range of services.

You do not have to make an appointment to avail of these services; you can just

drop in to us. Our services include cholesterol testing, blood pressure measuring, food intolerance testing, winter flu vaccinations, and emergency contraception in addition to smoking cessation programs and weight management programs. You can get more information on these services at LucanPharmacy.ie.

Diabetes Service As healthcare providers we are aware of the growing risk of diabetes. Currently 1 in 3 Irish families are affected by diabetes. We are offering free diabetes tests to anyone concerned about diabetes. The test is carried out in our consultation room. You can just drop in to us, fill out a short form, and then the test is performed. You get the result within 1 minute

of the end of the test. We also provide a free blood pressure measuring service that is performed in our consultation room. You can book these services online at LucanPharmacy. ie

Health Clinics We also provide our customers with one day clinics that offer specialised services and advice. These one day clinics are free. In our upcoming events we will be having a dietician, an asthma clinic, and a diabetes clinic. On June 28th there will be a free Haemoglobin testing day.

During these clinics an expert gives you one-toone advice about the topic of the session. Please drop in for more information on these clinics or register online at LucanPharmacy. ie for our upcoming events

newsletter.

Prescriptions Services We dispense prescriptions on all the community drug schemes.

We have been trained to offer advice on a broad range of medical issues from details about your prescription to vitamins to baby care. In our consultation room you can talk privately about your medication with the pharmacist or another memberof the teamwithout making an appointment.

We offer a free blister packing (monitored dosage system) service to patients to help ensure that their medication is taken correctly. Blister packing removes the stress from managing your medication. Instead of you having different boxes and vials of tablets you have a single card that contains each day’s medication broken into morning, afternoon, evening and night time. We also offer a repeat prescription service allowing you to contact us to prepare

your prescription. This saves you time waiting for your prescription to be prepared. You can also order your repeat prescription online at LucanPharmacy.ie.

Passport Photo Service We offer a passport photo ser vice that produces photos to the exact specification of the Irish Passport Office. In Lucan Village Pharmacy you can instantly print your photos on our photo kiosk.

28 June 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 9

birthday as Peamount hits a magical milestone mark

St Mary’s Chorale

Marie Gorean, Phil Donnelly and Deirdre Caroll

Mayor Caitriona Jones (Lab) was one of many local dignitaries in attendance

Donal Collins, chairman, Peamount

Mary Gaffney, Margaret Buckley, Patricia and Emma Brady

Peter Byrne and Michael McBennett

President Michael D Higgins autographs a commemorative programme for June Lee

Michael Gilligan, resident artist, shows President Michael D Higgins some works by Peamount’s patients

10 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 June 2012

CYCLING Dublin shows it’s no slouch by getting the bikes out

Jonathan Killeen and Monika Wojtek

Aidan Power, Minister Alan Kelly (Lab), Lord Mayor of Dublin Andrew Montague (Lab) and Claire Solan. Pictures: Conor McCabe

Ger and Meadhbh Seery

There were many colourful characters Stephane Capdela and Geraldine Fore

present on the day

Lord Mayor of Dublin Best dressed male winner Gary Tyrrell

Andrew Montague (Lab)

Participants took off from Grand Canal Square in Dublin’s Docklands at 12.45pm on the leisurely (for some) 6km cycle ending up back where they started where food stalls had been set up

Get on your bike VER 2,500 cyclists working in and around Dublin joined Lord Mayor of Dublin Andrew Montague, Minister for Public and Commuter Transport Alan Kelly (Lab), and event brand ambassadors and 98FM DJs Claire Solan and Aidan Power as they put their foot on the pedal for Dublin City Council’s Bike to Work lunchtime cycle.

O

The cyclists took a spin around Dublin on bicycles to promote health, fitness, money saving and stress free travel. The day also featured prizes for the best dressed male and female, and for the company who had the most representatives on the day. For more information on future events visit www. dublincitycycling.ie/

28 June 2012 GAZETTE 11

R1

TRANSPORT Travel card a big hit

Jumping ahead of costs with the Leap THE new Leap card, which takes you anywhere in the city on Dublin Bus, Luas, DART services as well as commuter rail in Dublin’s Short Hop Zone, has exceeded 100,000 sales.

The handy, all-round ticket, which is similar to that used in cities all across Europe, was launched only six months ago, and has proved so popular that more than 4.5 million journeys have been clocked up on it, while €9 million has been spent on the Leap card in travel credit, to date.

Sales remain strong, and the number of people using Leap continues to jump ahead, as around 2,000 people per week pick up their cards.

Leap cards save users up to 11% on the price

of Dublin Bus fares, up to 17% on Luas singles, and up to 18% on DART and Commuter Rail singles.

Another feature of the card is that users no longer have to worry about planning their journey and having the correct change – they can jump on participating transport services around Dublin when it suits them.

T he Leap card is described as “the ticket of the future”, when all payments will be done by card and online in advance.

Leap scheme director Tim Gaston welcomed the encouraging sales.

He said: “It’s great to see more and more Leap cards being used around Dublin.

“People who still pay

cash for single tickets should really think about getting their Leap card as it could save them [money through regular usage].”

Gaston went on to indicate that many other additional features will be developed in the future.

“We’re looking for-

ward to adding more features and products onto the card later in 2012 to make it even more attractive for users,” he said.

Buy your Leap card at any of the 400-plus outlets in Dublin, or go online at www.leapcard. ie to top up your travel credit.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS Callum Tilly and Chelsea Murphy helped launch the Leap card at Heuston Station

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LOCAL MATTERS

12 GAZETTE 28 June 2012 Commercial Feature

Personal pregnancy care at the Rotunda Private Clinics

Hazel Cazzini, Midwifery Manager

BUSINESS Deloitte contest call

The modern and inviting waiting room at the Rotunda Private

PREGNANCY is a special time in any woman’s life. The first visit to meet the consultant, who will be caring for you, can be exciting, but also a little daunting. The multidisciplinary team of Doctors and Midwives at the Rotunda Private Clinics are specially trained to make women feel as comfortable as possible during the course of their pregnancies.

It all begins during the first visit, or “booking

The ethos of the entire team at the Rotunda Private Clinics is to work in partnership with the expectant mothers and their partners, offering holistic care, support and advice at what can be an uncertain time for any woman.

In this, the first of three special monthly features with the Rotunda Private Clinics, we speak to the Midwifery Manager, Hazel Cazzini. upon.,” said Hazel Cazzini, Acting Midwifery

visit”, which begins the process of ensuring that

Manager at the Rotunda Private Clinics. “It’s all

every mother is as well prepared as she can be

about keeping the mother healthy so she can enjoy

when she is expecting - and beyond. Everything,

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from health promotion and diet to the booking of

There are a number of other useful facilities

ante-natal classes will be discussed, as well as

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any concerns or questions that might be on the

breastfeeding workshops, which are offered free of

mother’s mind.

charge – although mothers are advised to take up

The first visit is also important because the

these classes later in their pregnancies. Ante-natal

mothers get to meet a midwife, who will go through

classes and parenting classes are also offered as

her family history and check routine elements such

part of the overall private service, and are available

as height, weight and blood pressure. Routine blood

during the day, the evening or on weekends.

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are available throughout the pregnancy by

“Maybe most importantly, the mother can have an honest conversation with the midwife, who will find out how she is feeling about her pregnancy and the

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Midwives are available through the Rotunda

incredible change that a baby brings. The midwife

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will also advise on the importance of a healthy

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might have about their pregnancies.

work/life balance and issues such as smoking and alcohol consumption will be discussed and advised

For further information or to book an appointment, phone: 01 874 2115

At the launch of this year’s Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards Programme are judging panel members, David Harney, CEO, Irish Life Corporate Business; Siobhan McAleer, head of strategic partnerships, Irish Management Institute, and Kevin Sheehan, partner, Deloitte

Can your firm claim the Best Managed title?

I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

DUBLIN companies are being challenged to put themselves forward for the Best Managed company award by leading business advisory firm, Deloitte.

Management practices are the focus of the Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards Programme, which is now open for entries from Dublin companies.

This is the fifth year for the programme, and former winners from the first four years have total revenues amounting to more than €10 billion, with accumulated staff employed by them coming to more than 24,000.

Thanks to their management prowess, 20 companies showing superior performance will be selected for recognition at the end of the Best Managed Companies process in March, 2013.

This is the only awards programme to comprehensively assess and fully evaluate the management practices of the competing companies.

The judging criteria includes strategy, capabil-

ity, commitment, financials and management performance across all key functions of the business.

Kevin Sheehan, partner, Deloitte, highlighted the benefit of joining the growing network of Best Managed Companies.

He said: “Currently, there are approximately 70 ‘best managed’ companies across the island of Ireland. We are encouraging other indigenous Irish companies to enter the programme and so be in with a chance of joining this winning network of companies.

Innovative “This year, the judges will be paying close attention to the innovative strategies companies are adopting to ensure their continued success.

“Some of the successful traits companies have demonstrated over the first four years of the programme include the ability to monetise their intellectual property, recognition of the different roles of the entrepreneur and management, in addition to an ability to recognise and act upon weaknesses

and threats and reassess necessary skills.

“Those companies who believe they are implementing similar successful strategies should certainly look to reap the rewards this programme can bring to their company,” said Sheehan.

Deloitte is urging all kinds of companies from various industries across Ireland to submit their applications for the awards.

Last year’s winners came from sectors including IT, telecommunications, hospitality and catering, outsourcing, and design and print, among others.

Winning the title of Best Managed Company is a term that carries considerable weight in marketing terms. The awards are also a great opportunity to celebrate the efforts of many business people in the country in difficult economic times.

For further information, and for details of how to enter the awards, see www.deloittebestmanaged.ie. The closing date for entries is Friday, August 24.

28 June 2012 GAZETTE 13

EVENT Taste of Dublin returns

A garden full of tasty treats I PAUL HOSFORD

TASTE of Dublin returned to Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens last weekend and, despite the gloom of Ireland’s failed Euro 2012 bid and the unpredictable weather, the beautiful park was transformed into a foodie heaven.

T h e h i s t o r i c g a rdens, tucked behind the National Concert Hall, have played host to the festival, which shows off the best that the city has to offer in food and drink.

Restaurants offering fare from across the world including Mexican (777), Asian (Jaipur), Tapas (Malahide’s own Bon Appetit) and everything in between, thrilled the masses who would not let a bit of rain get in the way of the enjoyment of their tastebuds.

The four-day event was opened by Jamie Oliver, who wowed fans with a live cookery demonstration using sponsors Electrolux new Inspiration appliance range.

That was not to be the last of the live events

At the launch of Taste of Dublin 2012 were Kevin Dundon, Catherine Fulvio , Jamie Oliver and Derry Clarke

as chefs demonstrated their skills over the weekend, including Pichet’s Stephen Gibson, Rachel Allen and Paul Flynn.

Drinks experts were on hand to offer tastings and advice including Premier International Beers’ Dean McGuinness, the Moncrieff show’s beer guru on Newstalk.

Over the weekend, 20 of the city’s best restaurants dished up their finest in an al fresco gourmet feast, while 100 producers provided a bounty of the best food and beverages, ensuring that guests sampled and shopped for a

range of produce in the laid back atmosphere of a boutique food market.

R e s t a u r a n t s we r e tasked with fashioning special menus of startersized dishes for the occasion, including signature dishes created by chefs to specially reflect their philosophy and showcase seasonal and premium ingredients.

As a Taste virgin, the first thing that struck this writer was the fantastic job done in maintaining the beauty of the Iveagh Gardens. After exchanging our Euros for Florins, the festival’s

own currency, we took a stroll around, scouting for food.

We both made Bon Appetit our first stop, with buffalo wings and prawn tempura both going down a treat. On to the second restaurant enclosure, where the Saddle Room’s Charleville Fillet of Beef proved irresistible and the Jaipur Chicken Kebab had the perfect kick.

A couple of drinks and another lap of the park before the rain set in and sent us packing rounded a thoroughly enjoyable, and Taste-y, day.

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

14 GAZETTE 28 June 2012

CHILDREN Prepare for summer with a look at just some of

Ready, set, go I LAURA WEBB

Why not take part in a fun FAI soccer camp this summer?

KEEP children entertained this summer by getting them involved in a summer camp they will have no problem waking up for.

Secondar y schools closed earlier this month, and national schools are set to end their school year next week for the summer holidays, so parents are busying themselves looking for ways to occupy the kids.

T his week, T he Gazette is taking a little pressure off parents by sharing some of the many camps available throughout Dublin.

Let kids dance their heart away this summer

with dance camps. In Dun Laoghaire, dance company, Dance Theatre of Ireland, are offering daytime courses, entitled Dance All Day. This one-week course is designed to give young people and adults exposure and experience to a variety of dance styles, in a course that concentrates on modern forms of dance.

The week is not just about dance styles, but puts an emphasis on fun through dance. This course is for all levels.

For further information, see w w w.dancetheatreireland.com.

T h e J i g A c a d e my, located in Powerscourt Theatre in Dublin 2, is hosting its first Irish

Dance summer camp throughout the summer months.

There are camps for beginners and improvers, and this camp is suitable for kids aged six to 14 years.

Beginner camps are held between July 2 to July 6, while improver camps are held later in the summer, between August 20 to 24.

Performance Camps will run from 9.30am to 12.30pm, Monday to Friday, and there will be an end of week performance for parents and friends. For further information, see www.jig.ie.

Stagecoach runs summer camps in singing, dancing and acting, where kids learn every day, and work towards a final performance.

There are camps for kids aged from eight to 14 years, and kids aged from four to seven. For further information, see www.stagecoach.ie.

Most local spor ts clubs across Dublin will have their own summer camps, so check out their website or notice boards to find out more.

Each year, the FAI host their own summer camps, and this year is no different.

Running from July 2 through to the end of August, and for boys and girls aged between six and 14 (of all levels), the camps will see FAI-accredited coaches offering five exciting fun days.

Starting in the morning, with skills-specific training such as passing, dribbling, shooting and heading, the camps will be followed by an afternoon of mini leagues and tournaments.

There are also dedicated goal-keeper camps, and girls-only camps.

For further information on venues and dates, see w w w.summersoccerschools.ie.

Rugby camps are also on the agenda for the

summer season. The VW Leinster Rugby Camps take place through July and August, for kids aged six to 12 years.

Here, children learn about rugby values such as team work, commitment and integrity, and also become more aware of the importance of physical activity.

For those who may not be into sports, why not find out more about science with Anyone4science summer camps this July and August?

This is a fun, handson, educational summer camp for kids, held in a number of locations in Dublin this July and August, and for kids aged five to 12 years.

Locations include Portmarnock Community School (from July 2 until July 5); Rathmichael National School (from July 9 until July 12), and Castleknock Educate Together National School (during the week of July 16 to July to July 19).

The camps for fiveto 12-year-olds run for four days, from 10am until 2pm each day, and cost €120.

There are also a number of camps for teens which cost €160 for five days, and which run between 10am and 3pm.

Creative For the ar ty ty pe, Giddy Studio’s creative summer camps are ideal. Located in Dundrum Town Centre, this camp is suitable for kids aged five to 12 years.

The pottery painting studio is a great creative destination for those who love art. Each day, kids leave with some great summer-themed works of art. Activities include pottery painting, keyring-making, paper crafts, clay and fabric work and beading work.

For further information, see www.giddystudios.com.

Artzone is another great ar t camp that works with different

28 June 2012 GAZETTE 15

the range of great camps for kids

for lots of fun themes each week, making great portfolios for kids. There are junior and senior camps available in locations across Dublin including Rathfarnham, Malahide, Lucan, Castleknock and Dundrum.

Prices for this include all art and games equipment, and an Artzone t-shirt.

Camps take place in July and August, with five-day camps costing €109 and four days, €99.

Discounts on additional children are offered. For fur ther information, see www. artzone.ie.

Don’t forget the above camps are just a sample of what is out there, so make sure to check out local schools and centres for an idea of what is available before making the choice.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS Artistic children will love creating colourful work at an Artzone camp

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16 GAZETTE 28 June 2012

R1

28 June 2012 GAZETTE 17

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY Edited by Laura Webb

First aid kit essentials TRAVELLING to different climates and encountering different conditions abroad can expose you to circumstances that affect your health. While it’s important to consult with your GP to check what vaccinations or antimalarial medication may be required, there are some essentials that you will need for your first aid kit.

• Over-the-counter medicines to treat minor illnesses (travel sickness, insect bites, traveller’s diarrhoea and headache) • High factor sunscreen • Aftersun lotion to treat sunburn • Insect repellents • Plasters and antiseptic cream • Antiseptic wipes Your local pharmacist can provide you with assistance in assembling the kit and answer any more concerns you may have.

With thanks to the staff at Lucan Village Pharmacy

Face time

HE skin regime usually starts at the top with the one area that’s heavily on display – the face.

Using the right moisturiser is a key element to having a fresh, youthful look and finding the perfect product can take time. Trial and error is how most people figure out what best suits their skin type. One trial conducted over the past month was Lancome’s Absolue L’Extrait.

Exclusive to Brown Thomas in Dublin and Cork, this cream has been on the market since May 1.

The massage petal, which is black on one side, gold on the other, helps users apply the cream sparingly. Using the tool for the first time it takes time to get the technique right, but once you use it the ritual is easy enough to keep up. Skin feels soft and regenerated after use.

The black side of the tool is to apply the cream, while the gold side is to massage into the skin. When trying to find out what’s so special about this product, the science jargon can make your head spin, but what we do

T

know is that rose petal stems have a lot to do with the results. Lancome say they developed and perfected “a totally new active ingredient obtained through an exclusive biotechnology process” from Rose Lancome stem cells. These stem cells are to provide an environmentally friendly source of their exclusive regenerating active ingredient.

With an RRP at €290, it is a little steep for most – but using it sparingly makes it last much longer than most creams and the results after a month make you think it’s sometimes better to spend that little bit more.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240 Lancome’s Absolue L’Extrait

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LOCAL MATTERS

18 GAZETTE 28 June 2012

28 June 2012 GAZETTE 19

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC Monsters Inc: Local band line up September tour

FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

LOCAL band, Cry Monster Cry, have announced a September tour that follows on the success of their Malahide-recorded debut EP, The Fallen, which reached number 2 on the iTunes chart last month.

Their song, This New Country, was recently chosen by Tourism Ireland to feature on their new online campaign, Jump Into Ireland.

The band will play The Sugar Club on September 28 and tickets, priced €11, are on sale now.

REVIEW: CANADA’S ELECTRO-ROCKERS RELEASE NEW SET

Metric’s high-gloss hits on Synthetica I ROB HEIGH

THERE are a few bands who spend entire careers burbling just under the radar of popular acclaim and the level of sales which they probably deserve.

Canada’s Metric are one of those bands, one of a few breakout acts from the Northern Americas who are making serious noises and catching the ear of discerning listeners this side of the pond - Hey Ocean being another, notwithstanding the large debt they owe musically to Metric themselves.

The band’s fifth album, Synthetica, arrives on the coat-tails of what was easily their best record to date, Fantasies. Released in 2009 and toured relentlessly (but not so relentlessly that they reached Ireland, dammit!) , that album was a hugely polished summation of their career to date and hit all the marks — breathless canters of songs, laser sharp melodies and riffs, Emily Haines’ perfect vocal and just downright great songwriting.

By rights, it should

Metric miss a chance to step into the next division with their latest album, Synthetica

have been lauded as one of the records of the year (it was) and have set Metric on a path to global notoriety.

To an extent, it did they landed the US tour support slot with Muse as they themselves went mega across the States, and were the one act to come out of involvement with any of the Twilight soundtracks without eternally soiling their place on the artistic roll call.

It also put them in a place where they got exactly what they were looking for, as all bands

ultimately are looking for - sales, publicity, press.

And those of us who loved Fantasies as a consummately great alternative pop record (imagine Garbage if they were actually good) hoped that would lead them on to the next stage.

That stage is here now, and their new release, Synthetica, sounds like a band at a crossroads instead of one hitting the highway running.

It’s as though they have the world at their feet and don’t know whether that was where they wanted it (or themselves) to be.

Emily sounds worldweary, not certain of this new fame monster she has unleashed - “Is this my life, am I breathing underwater?”

It’s not to say this is not a great record. The production by guitarist Jimmy Shaw is exemplary and plays to their strengths. Synthetica feels like a missed opportunity to stamp their glam-boots all over a new set of songs, and in turn, the music-loving world beyond their existing fan base.

Synthetica belies its truth in its title - it’s very

pretty and stylish and produced to within an inch of its life, but it never engages like you feel it ought to. It glides by on its electronic thrum and pretty tunes, shimmers off into the distance.

Hopefully, this is a stepping stone period where Metric work out what exactly they want to be as a band.

They well may be the Star Trek of bands - every even numbered release is a classic.They have the potential to be worldclass, it’s just a question now of whether they want to be.

MUSIC is a fickle business. One minute you have a band you thought would last forever breaking up, like REM, while the next there’s artists you wish wouldn’t last at all recreating Beatle-mania wherever they go, like Justin Bieber. It can be hard to keep up with the speed of it all.

Nowadays, when we can download a track or album instantly or tell an artist directly what we think of them on Facebook or Twitter, that speed is ferocious.

The Rolling Stones are one of a few bands who have stood the test of time, and gathered no moss with consistent releases over five decades.

Fans are waiting with bated breath to hear just how the band plans to mark its 50 years in the music industry.

At the moment, their lips are as tight as Jagger’s trousers as the rumour mill hits overdrive as to what The Stones have planned.

They only thing they are saying is that they won’t be headlining Glastonbury next year — contrary to media reports — nor will 2013 be their last year in the music business, as some speculate the lads plan to go out with a bang and retire after marking their 50th year in music.

The latest rumour is that the Stones are meeting in London next month to come up with a plan of action, which some say may include a gig before this year is out.

All we can do is wait and hope we can get some Satisfaction with whatever is announced.

Meanwhile the music industry trundles on, as unpredictable as an Irish summer.

In the space of a week, Croke Park is the venue to say goodbye to Westlife and hello to the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

While across the water, a stadium tour of all eight final contestants on The Voice UK has been cancelled due to lack of interest.

Not sure I really care...

20 GAZETTE 28 June 2012

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Interview: Sharon Slowey, co-founder, The Pictorium

HOW IS MY INHERITANCE SUM TAXED? Q – I HAVE inherited a lump sum under the tax threshold. As self-employed, will this be classed as income towards the Universal Social Charge?

Jim – Rathmines A – ONCE you have received an inheritance and it is under the tax exemption thresholds, you do not have any further liability. Over those thresholds, the tax is 30% - no further tax is payable on the inheritance and these are the limits: Capital Acquisition Tax thresholds 2009 (up to 7

Group A

Group B

Group C

€542,544

€54,254

€27,127

€434,000

€43,400

€21,700

€414,799

€41,481

€20,740

€332,084

€33,208

€16,604

€250,000

€33,208

€16,604

April 2009) 2009 (on or after 8 April 2009) 2010 (up to 7 Dec 2010) 2010 (on or after 8 Dec 2010) and 2011 2011 (on or after 7 Dec 2011) and 2012

There are also some clarifications in the groupings.

Group A applies where the beneficiary (the person receiving the benefit) is a child of the person giving it.

This includes a stepchild or an adopted child. It can also include a foster child if the foster child resided with and was under the care of the disponer and they provided the care, at their expense, for a period or periods totalling at least five years before the foster child reached the age of 18.

This minimum period does not apply in the case of an inheritance taken on the date of death of the disponer.

In this case, the Group A threshold will apply, provided that the foster child had been placed in the care of the disponer prior to that date.

Group A also applies to parents who take an inheritance from their child, but only where the parent takes full and complete ownership of the inheritance.

Group B applies where the beneficiary is the: • Parent (see also Group A), • Grandparent, • Grandchild or great-grandchild, • Brother or sister, or • Nephew or niece of the giver.

Group C applies to any relationship not included in Group A or Group B. Contact John with your money questions at

jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at

Friendly image keeps clients in the frame SHARON Slowey has been a graphic designer for more than 20 years, running her own graphic design business and working with clients such as Forfas, MUTEC Mercedes, IBEC and many others.

Throughout her career, she has been giving a helping hand to friends and family by touching up photos, making collages and even restoring old photos.

Sharon and her husband, Patrick, who is also a designer, decided that a shop helping people to get their photos displayed in their home, combined with professional graphic skills to make the most of their photos, was an idea worth pursuing and

so The Pictorium was born.

Situated in the heart of Monkstown Farm, Sharon says The Pictorium has friendly advice and help ranging from how to get the photo off your phone through to digitally enhancing photos and printing the final photos onto canvas, photographic paper or a host of other options.

The shop is in a gallery style, showcasing all types of pictures and collages on canvas, float frames, picture blocks and acrylic frames.

There is a section featuring before and after photographs that have been restored, while also featured is a gifts section displaying items that can be personalised

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

A: I have always loved drawing and being creative, so I pretty much am doing what I always wanted to be – a graphic designer!

Q: What was your first job?

A: I worked in Western Marine in Bullock Harbour in the office on work experience

Q: And your first paycheque?

A: Hmmm, no idea - too long ago to remember

Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing

Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: Thankfully, no

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

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with a photo and a message.

The gifts range from mugs, mouse mats, jigsaws and jewellery boxes through to

t-shirts, aprons and bibs.

Contact Sharon or Patrick at 01 284 6106, or email info@the-pictorium.com.

The Pictorium is located at Number 3, Monkstown Farm, Monkstown (opposite the Credit Union), Oliver Plunkett Road.

Q&A

www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the director of Money Doctor

Sharon Slowey, The Pictorium: Friendly advice and help with photos

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: I have been a graphic designer for more than 20 years. With The Pictorium, which opened last December, I am more involved in the photographic end of design, which I am loving

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Seeing the look on people’s faces when we give them a photo that they never

thought could have been restored

like to lose?

A: Talking while watching TV

A: Patrick makes the most

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

A: As a graphic designer, get-

Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to?

A: Marketing – getting out

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

A: Dame Edna in a heartbeat

ting that last minute job done in record time – so often!

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

A: Cooking dinner! Although my husband Patrick and I work together pretty well, he bans me from the kitchen at home!

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

A: A big piece of carrot cake Q: Is there anything about yourself that you would like to set the record straight on?

A: I am 5’ 2.5”, not 5’ 2” Q: What sport do you follow?

A: I can be quite a vocal

there and telling people all about our great new business

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

A: Oh no! I love Savage Garden – not a popular choice for the shop though!

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

A: Is this a typo? Neither Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: Lady Gaga – don’t share her fashion sense, especially that infamous meat dress!

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Stephen Fry

divine lamb curry

– could have a bit of craic with her

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: See question below!

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Ooh that would be telling and my husband will be reading this!

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: Not actually having one for a few years because of work!

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Easy – to go on a safari in Kenya – bring on the Lotto!

rugby fan, to the embarrassment of Patrick

Q: What was your last Tweet/Facebook status?

A: Not too sure – probably

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: I pretty much am doing

Q: What sport can you play?

A: I am more of a walker and

something about the miserable weather!

my dream job

a reader

Q: Describe your dream meal?

Q: What habits would you

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

A: Fill the bucket list

28 June 2012 GAZETTE 21

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS

Edited by Cormac Curtis

RoadSigns Road Signs London gets MINI Olympic boost

The FlexDoors system creates a safe zone for parents and children

Size doesn’t mean anything for this car EVERY car I get to review has one critical test to pass before it gets the thumbs up, and that is the rear access test.

More accurately, it’s the ease of rear access for my kids.

All the legroom, cupholders, flip-down tables and DVD screens in the world won’t mean a thing if my daughters can’t get into their seats and clip their own seat belts.

And this is where the Opel Meriva excels.

If I didn’t know any better, I would say that Opel drafted in a few dozen families to test every aspect of this car at every stage of design.

Far and away the most innovative new feature in the Meriva is their FlexDoors system.

Very much a throwback to cars from the 1940s, the FlexDoors feature front doors that are hinged at the front, and rear doors that are hinged at the rear, meaning the doors open

away from each other.

With both doors open, the car creates a safe zone for parents and kids next to the car.

Research by the Department of Industrial Design at Coventry University looked at the effects of lifting even just a 5kg object (a small baby, for example) in and out of the Meriva’s rear seats.

Compared with the previous model, the FlexDoors helped to reduce back muscle loads by up to 58% and leaning and twisting angles by up to 48%. Back strain was reduced even just getting in and out of the car.

It really comes as no surprise that, as a result of the new design, the Meriva has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the highly-respected German AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs) panel of doctors and ergonomic experts – the first time the group has certified a complete vehicle’s ergonomic concept, rather than indi-

vidual components.

What is most impressive is the whole approach that has been taken to this car.

Gone are the days when a family vehicle translated in to acres of space without any real plan for what a family actually required.

The Meriva isn’t the biggest family car – and that makes sense. The interior space and storage is designed so well, there is no need for a minibussized body.

Starting with Opel’s nifty FlexRail, the front seat passengers enjoy a storage system that provides highly versatile, modular multi-level storage occupying the deep space between the two front seats.

In plain English – there is a clever set of storage drawers that can each be easily moved forwards and backwards on a clever rail system depending on what kind of storage you require.

The SE model that I tested featured attractive polished aluminium rails, reaching from the front centre console back to the rear footwell, plus a practical sliding tray/cup holder.

The clever use of space is also evident in the back where, in its standard three-seat mode, there is ample leg and shoulder room for three adults.

With a simple adjustment, the centre seat can be stowed allowing the outer seats to be easily repositioned for maximum comfort.

All of the seats can be folded flat allowing for an impressive maximum load capacity of 1,496 litres.

You can’t write about this car without making reference to the panoramic roof.

This is a feature that can make the transition to parenthood a little less traumatic for those used to driving convertibles.

Generally speaking, the

arrival of a little bundle of joy means waving goodbye to the soft top coupe.

With the Meriva, you can still hold on to that sense of open-road, topdown driving, but without getting cold or wet.

It really does make the car feel light and airy, and the electric shade keeps the kids from getting too hot if the sun does decide to make an appearance.

For a family, it provided all the essential, practical elements in an attractive package that didn’t skimp on features.

The model I drove was the 1.7CDTi with options including adaptive forward lighting, brilliant paint, heated seats and steering wheel and mobile phone system with bluetooth. The price of this model is €26,295, the entry-level model starts at €20,495.

This range offers genuine value for money and shows that a family car does not need to be the size of small bus.

A TRIBUTE to the capital of Britain: The newlook MINI Rocketman Concept.

This summer the best athletes from some 200 countries will gather in London for the London 2012 Games – the biggest sporting spectacle on the planet.

Premium car brand MINI will roll out the red carpet for the Olympians and Paralympians with the new edition of a spectacular small car study first presented at the International Geneva Motor Show 2011. The new design of the MINI Rocketman Concept combines innovative ideas for personal mobility in major cities with classical, unmistakably British design features inside and out.

The MINI Rocketman Concept caused quite a stir at the Geneva Motor Show 2011 as a groundbreaking new concept car majoring in driving fun in tight spaces. The 3+1-seater, with its three doors and an exterior length of just over three metres, is imbued with the timeless core values of the brand: irresistible design, clever functionality, smile-inducing agility and exceptional efficiency.

In the process, it also offers a very contemporary take on the “creative use of space” principle that has held sway at the British carmaker for more than 50 years.

A very British concept

Woman trusts her new Ford will help DUBLINER Kathleen Fagan was announced as the winner of the Ford Fiesta in The Care Trust’s fundraising draw which, as Ireland’s biggest car giveaway, will see 36 cars up for grabs in 2012.

Set up more than 50 years ago, The Care Trust fundraises to provide essential funds to the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC), Rehab and the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. The money raised helps fund these organisations in their work with the many thousands of children and adults with physical, medical or intellectual disabilities, those who are socially disadvantaged and those requiring medical care.

The Care Trust’s prize draws take place three times per month with all winners notified by post. For €3.50 per week / €15 per month, contributors are eligible for all draws. For more information, see www.thecaretrust.ie or phone (01) 200 0060.

22 GAZETTE 28 June 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Picturesque perfection where time stands still Great family holiday deals to Montenegro in July on offer from Concorde Travel

CONCORDE Travel have recently announced some great deals on family holidays to Montenegro, departing this July from both Knock and Dublin.

With a range of family friendly properties designed with your relaxation in mind, Concorde are offering families a sun soaked break in Montenegro for as little as €1,796 (was €2,536), giving families a saving of €740, based on two adults and two children.

Just south of Dubrovnik, the Republic of Montenegro is a country of 13,000 sq km with long stretches of sandy and pebble coastline and stunning mountain scenery.

The family friendly Slovenska Plaza 3-star complex is ideally located in Budva, just 10 minutes away from the historical town centre and with the magnificent sandy beach on the doorstep.

Ideal for families with young children, the younger guests can enjoy the children’s play centre placed in Aleksandar Hotel, in the immediate vicinity of the development, as well as a children’s labyrinth and a baby corner intended for the youngest kids, with continuous supervision by friendly staff.

Entry is free of charge for hotel guests.

Evening entertainment features various themed parties including folklore evenings, salsa nights and karaoke parties.

From June 15 to September 15, guests can also enjoy the summer cinema at the Rondo Pool with privileged access for hotel guests.

The price includes direct return flights from Ireland to Dubrovnik, all taxes and charges, luggage, return transfers from Dubrovnik Airport to the complex in Budva, local representative assistance and seven nights’ accommodation in a one bedroom apartment.

You will travel from Knock Airport on July 11 or from Dublin on July 18 or July 25.

For more information or to book your family holiday, please visit www.concordetravel. ie, email info@concordetravel.ie or call 01 775 9300 to speak with one of the Concorde Travel representatives.

I STEPHEN FINDLATER

THE “quart d’heure bearnaise” refrain is gently murmured as we wander into the Maison du Jurancon 45 minutes late.

Since arriving in Pau, it is a phrase that rolls slowly but regularly off the tongue.

The suggestion is that people at the base of the French Pyrenees are perennially off time but never truly bothered; a horizontal attitude that lends itself delightfully to a chilled out long weekend.

Nestled 100 km inland off the Atlantic coast from Biarritz and fringing on the Basque country, Pau is often overlooked by pilgrims in search of a cure in Lourdes, just 40 minutes down the road.

But antiquity has shown that British and

Irish blow-ins formed a love affair with the town ever since Wellington’s days.

They were attracted by the stunning vistas of the Pyrenees but with a rare, temperate climate in France’s deep south and duly set up the continent’s oldest golf club and have a vested interest in the vast national stud and equine training centre.

What they originally found was the birthplace of King Henri IV, famously baptised by the local Jurancon wine.

Once crowned, his commitment to local produce held firm, his dictates providing every household with a chicken each Sunday to ensure each French family ate meat at least once a week.

Nowadays, the evidence of that influence

filters down from the Chateau de Pau – where the baptism took place in a decadent, giant tortoise shell.

The town acts as the hub for agriculture, coming alive in Les Halles where ever y artisan from the environs comes together.

Whiffs of duck confit can be smelt through the

It is the backdrop, though, which provides most residents and tourists alike to do their stopping and staring, overlooked by the whitetipped peaks of the Pyrenees – accessed best from the elevated promenade and the Chateau.

Signs of a faster life do adorn the streets. The red and white kerbs leading

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

‘The suggestion is that people at the base of the French Pyrenees are perennially off time but never truly bothered; a horizontal attitude that lends itself delightfully to a chilled out long weekend’ --------------------------------------------------------

deliciously clean air outside a maze of rustic cafes in the old town.

WE HAVE 135,000* READERS EACH WEEK

*based on standard industry measurements

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240 Pau is overlooked by the white-tipped peaks of the Pyrenees

away from the Palais de Beaumont and the starter markings opposite the

The Chateau de Pau in

town’s train station are a constant reminder that the city is, every May, a fully functioning racing track.

Indeed, despite the sleepy outward demeanour, Pau is the local jumpoff for la vie active.

June saw the city welcome a leg of the kayak World Cup tour at the man-made Stade d’Eaux Vives and the Gave de Pau tributary draws its source from the heart of the Pyrenees National Park Chasing those piques – among them the Tour de France favourite climbs, the Col du Galibier and the Tourmalet – was a rush in itself, rolling through lush green areas which contrast with Southern France’s more yellow edges.

The spider-web of ski slopes provides the destination and becomes a summer mecca for mountain bike riders, tearing down the melted pistes.

Most notably, regular competitions adorn the spectacular village

28 June 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs

Plenty of fun activities to keep the family happy with Stena Line’s day trips to South Wales WITH the school holidays already upon us, Ireland’s leading ferry company, Stena Line, is on hand with a range of day trips to South Wales, to help give parents a hand when it comes to entertaining the family this summer.

Families can enjoy a day trip to Oakwood Theme Park, Heatherton World of Activities or Folly Farm with prices starting from only €29* per person. Customers travelling from Rosslare to Fishguard can enjoy an action-packed day trip to Oakwood Theme Park from only €42* per person return by car (based on a car and 4 people) or €50* per person on foot with coach transfers.

Oakwood Theme Park is set in 80 acres of spectacular Pembrokeshire countryside with more than 30 exhilarating attractions including four world-class rides to enjoy.

Thrill seekers can enjoy the ultimate hairraising experience with Speed: No Limits, 2000 feet of twisting and turning steel roller coaster whilst Megafobia has been voted the best ride in the UK and is the ultimate coaster challenge with 900 metres of wooden terror track.

For the younger visitor, the Lost Kingdom is a soft-play terrain providing lots of fun with jumping, swinging, scrabbling, and climbing.

Or why not enjoy an action-packed day of karting, painting, robot wars and water walking from only €35* per person return by car at Heatherton World of Activities or a trip to Folly Farm from only €29* per person return by car.

Folly Farm offers six fantastic zones to visit the Jolly Farm, a spectacular Zoo, an enormous vintage Funfair, indoor and outdoor Adventure Play and Folly Wood Country Park.

For further information or to book a daytrip, visit www.stenaline.ie/days, call Stena Line on 01 204 77 77 or visit your local Stena Line travel agent.

the centre of Pau where King Henri IV was famously baptised

of Artouste in the heart of the mountain range’s National Park.

Riders traverse a 900 metre drop in under four minutes but a more leisurely route can be traversed to take in the breath-taking scenes of the Ossau and Palsam peaks in more leisurely form.

Resembling the internal transport system at a theme park, le Petit-Train de Artouste is actually a marvel of human endeavour.

The highest train route in Europe at 1,991 metres above sea level, its eight kilometre route provides access deep into the heart of the mountains and the secrets lying beyond the auto-routes.

It was forged in the 1930s, taking two years to blast a route to Lac d’Artouste where a dam was built, providing a source of hydro-electric power to the lower-lying villages.

Beyond functionality, it provides hill-walkers and laid-back loafers a chance to sit on top of the world.

The route back to Pau took in worthwhile stop offs at La Commande and Monein where Jurancon’s uniquely sweet wines are made to match foie gras and the ever-present duck.

Sleeping off the regular four to five-course meals, though, proved scarcely an issue as the Ferme de Candeloup – one of the area’s gites, a delightfully converted barn – sits well back from the road with nothing but the crickets’ low click breaking the silence.

Allowing an alarm for the flight back to Dublin to break the tranquility felt an uncomfortable reminder of deadlines and time being afforded an over-important value.

But Pau will remain, living at its own pace.

For more information about travelling to Pau, go to www.rendezvousenfrance.com or follow Atout France on Twitter @AtoutFranceIEpr. CityJet now fly direct to Pau three times a week throughout the summer.

Go to www.cityjet.com for more information.

*Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

The region’s uniquely sweet wines go perfectly with foie gras

24 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 June 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Five Ways to Drown

FIVE Ways to Drown looks into the interior of family life and exposes the sadness, the absurdity and the banality through vignettes of dance - theatre and installation. In this public display of the private, the choreography of everyday life becomes extraordinary. Winners of the Culture Ireland.

Touring Award in 2008 and listed in both The Sunday Times and the Irish Times as a cultural highlight in 2011 for their production of Bird with Boy at Dublin’s Kilmainham Gaol.

For one show only, June 28 at 8pm, tickets are priced at €16/12.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Somewhere under the Rainbow THIS award winning, one woman, musical theatre extravaganza has captured audiences around the country.

Now, in preparation for the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Biscuits for Breakfast are delighted to bring “Liza” to the Mill Theatre for one more performance before she leaves these shores. Sharon Sexton’s Liza recounts stories, memories and secrets that make up a fascinating career and an even more intriguing personal life. As she belts her way through Minnelli’s infamous song book, the audience are invited beyond the footlights. July 14 at 8pm. Admission: €20.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Johnnies Britches

They just couldn’t understand it, the guide book said the giant head was in this room but they couldn’t see it

BEEZNEEZ, the popular company that brought you Tuesdays with Morrie and Don’t Dress for Dinner return to the Civic with a lovely old Irish comedy, Johnnie’s Britches.

A runaway, nationwide hit when first produced in the 1940s, Beezneez bring their distinctive production values to this gentle comedy of another time. Anxious to be rid of their accident prone servant girl, Ned and Bridget are willing to allow her to be married to almost anybody, including Johnnie. July 13 and 14 at 8pm. Admission: €20/16.

A titanic undertaking

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Niamh Kavanagh and her band NIAMH’S back with her brilliant blend of rock, soul, r&b, Eurovision hits, tracks from her successful albums and her own favorites with that amazing voice Commitments’ director Alan Parker ‘‘had to have’’. Described as the ‘‘Rolls Royce’’ of Irish singers, Niamh Kavanagh represented Ireland at the Eurovision twice. Catch her on June 30 with tickets €20/€16.

WE HAVE 135,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS

CALL 60 10 240 GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

Promising so much in the lead up to its release, here is a film that unfortunately doesn’t live up to the hype I NIALL BERMINGHAM

SO YEAH… it’s good.

Not great or life changing or anything even close to that; just a good solid film.

For many, however, that will simply just not be enough. The majority of people who wanted to see Prometheus were expecting so much. It’s not that hard to see why either, giving everything director Ridley Scott said about it.

Planned as a sort-of prequel to the Alien franchise, this was supposed to answer any and all questions raised.

To say it doesn’t answer them is a bit harsh as questions are answered.

However the film does a better job raising more questions than answering the original ones that we had.

Set in 2093 the majority of the action takes place on a distant moon named LV-223. The rea-

FILM OF THE WEEK: Prometheus ### (15A) 124 mins Director: Ridley Scott Starring: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, Guy Pearce, Logan Marshall-Green, Rafe Spall, Sean Harris

OUR VERDICT: PERHAPS the most anticipated sci-fi film since 2009’s Avatar, Prometheus lets us down. Just like Avatar. Brilliant design and excellent acting from Michael Fassbender are not enough to make this the cherry on top of the cake that is Ridley Scott’s Alien franchise.

son our brave crew have made their way out to this very distant moon; to find god. Or so they think anyway.

At the beginning of the film we see an archaeological group finding a set of cave paintings in 2089. The cave painting includes an image that has been present in many other unconnected civilisations’ artwork.

It turns out to be a star map with coordinates to LV-223 and the archaeologists (played

by Noomi Rapace and Logan Marshall-Green) interpret this as an invi-

tation from humanity’s forerunners.

Cut forward four years and the pair have received backing from Peter Weyland (Guy Pearce), the chief executive of Weyland Corporation, and are on their way to LV-223. With a crew of different types of scientists, a Weyland Corp representative (Charlize Theron) and an android named David (Michael Fassbender) it is a merry bunch indeed.

Ironically the only character who appears real is David, the synthetic man. The other

characters all seem forced and sterile.

Upon arrival on the planet the crew sets out to find out whom, or what, gave the coordinates to the different civilisations and what their intention was.

Of course the film takes this point to mess everything up for the intrepid space farers.

This is also where it gets very formulaic.

Characters die, the seemingly nice and benevolent corporation reveals itself to be a big evil corporation, and aliens do nasty things that will make you squirm.

It all looks brilliant while it’s happening but it’s just too obvious. You aren’t invested in the characters and neither are you worried by their impending demises.

Except for David.

David is the one fresh apple in Prometheus’ barrel full of bad apples.

Fassbender shows just why he is so in vogue as an actor right now.

A spotless performance that will make you laugh, and then, in the very next scene, seethe with rage.

Like I said though, the film looks brilliant.

Scott does an excellent job directing it and the cinematography is second to none. But the design of the film is what catches the eye the most.

R e ve r s e d e s i g n e d from HR Giger’s art work for Alien, the visuals are incredible. Some of the sets are literally breathtaking and the moon world of LV-223 and the structure on it are both tremendously well thought out.

So in conclusion, just as I started, this is a good film, not a masterpiece, and because of that, many people will leave the cinema feeling bitterly disappointed.

28 June 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces

Digging under the new Surface

One of the founding fathers of computer gaming (also known as Super Mario’s dad), Shigeru Miyamoto goes for a ride on a life-size Mario Kart.

However, what will the company Miyamoto-san is known for - Nintendo – drive out next with its upcoming console and gaming releases?

Preparing for the next bit of impressive tech I SHANE DILLON

LAST week, I freewheeled my way through the probability of Microsoft being about to roll out a tablet (see right), and how it might compete with Apple’s iPad. Well, that feeling of deja vu that some of you may be experiencing is justified, as it’s time for another face-off, of sorts, in the form of Microsoft’s SmartGlass versus Nintendo’s Wii U. Legendary Nintendo games designer Shigeru Miyamoto (AKA: Super Mario’s Dad, AKA pretty much the Father of Gaming) was talking recently about how both of the upcoming systems are broadly similar, yet may inhabit different entertainment ecosystems.

As a recap – and bearing in mind that we’re still some way off seeing either in action, or widely

available in anything like the numbers and cultural identity of, say, the XBox 360 or the iPhone, the SmartGlass and Wii U present two very different systems for gamers, and tech lovers, to look forward to.

For starters, SmartGlass is, for the moment, being positioned as Microsoft’s secret weapon in unifying the home entertainment system – a way to enhance and enrich the experience of everyone in the home.

Gamers can use SmartGlass by seeing content pushed to their “smart” devices that supplement the titles they’re playing; a similar notable content push that also operates for broadcasting, whereby, say, your linked-in Windows phone could provide character bios, or maps, or marketing tieins to your favourite TV shows.

The Wii U, on the other hand is basically, what a lot of gamers would call “a bloody big controller”, with a large, inbuilt screen that neatly fits the dual-screen model that Nintendo has particularly focused on in the past few years.

Again, treating the TV screen as the primary content delivery system – games, if you prefer – the Wii U secondary screen can provide a wide range of supplementary information and resources, as a kind of souped-up DS set-up.

Relevant As Miyamoto said, it’s important for Nintendo to provide information that is relevant, rather than just “extra”, In one sense, it sounds like the two forthcoming systems are broadly similar, right? Both have an ability, if not focus, on

providing the user with additional information.

However, we can expect the two platforms to take ver y different directions, not least because, while Microsoft remains focused on a wide range of product streams, ranging from hardware to software, from business users to casual gamers, Nintendo still remains almost primarily focused on pure gaming, with little else to distract it.

So, while the SmartGlass system will doubtless be marketd as, say, a great way to enhance the home viewing experience, a natural fit for gamers looking to organise their play, a useful way for business users to make teir point, and so on, the Wii U is almost certainly set to be “just” marketed as a great gaming tool, facilitating interesting new types of gameplay.

In addition, Nintendo

isn’t well-known for doing very much away from its core gaming model – as innovative as its products are, Nintendo has never pushed its lighter content very hard to consumers – apart from party games, for example, its Wii avatars aren’t really used for, well, anything.

One thing’s for sure – while gamers begin to look forward to the inevitable XBox 720 and PlayStation 4, these kind of content systems and new hardware provide some pretty interesting scope for new types of entertainment.

Personally, I don’t need an interactive map showing me Ian Beale’s “live” walk across Eastenders’ Albert Square, but no doubt plenty of others would be thrilled at seeing their favourite (or most depressing) shows given an extra level of involvement.

IT SEEMS I don’t need a time machine, after all. Readers may have noticed last week my musings on the probability of Microsoft (MS) being about to launch its own branded tablet, but, alas, I hadn’t a time machine to jump ahead and confirm that.

I was dead right, because, last week, MS unveiled its Surface tablet, with which the company hopes to

provide a serious challenge to the all-conquering iPad, as well as providing a hefty new business wing for its Windows 8 OS. Details are still not completely f leshed out, but I’ll return to dig under the Surface – pardon the pun – in the near future.

As to whether the Surface comes with Angry Birds, too, like everything else, well ...

GAZETTE

26 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 June 2012

LUCANclassifieds

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PLUMBING

PLANNING NOTICE SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Richard and Svetla Heywood Jones are applying for Retention Permission for widening of gate for vehicular access to front of house at 77 Palmerstown Avenue, Palmerstown, Dublin 20.

This application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am - 4pm, MonFri, and a submission or observation may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by South Dublin County Council of the application.

BATHROOMS

15848

PLANNING NOTICE SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

DENTAL

SKIP HIRE

CARPENTRY

HANDYMAN

We, Griffeen Valley Nursing Home intend to apply for planning permission for development comprising the construction of a single storey extension (circa. 9m sq.) to rear (north east) of existing single storey building and the replacement of glass roof over existing conservatory (circa. 9.7m sq.) with a conventional roof including rooflights, with supporting corner posts with all finishes to match existing building, including all associated site works at Griffeen Valley Nursing Home, Esker, Lucan, Co. Dublin. This application may be inspected or purchased, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am - 4pm, Mon - Fri and a submission or observation may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt

by South Dublin County Council of the application.

15886

PLANNING NOTICE SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

PAINTING

DVD SERVICES

BUILDING

COMPUTERS

PET SERVICES

D.O’Hare is applying for Permission to the demolish Existing single storey Kitchen to rear, to retain and complete new rear access door to rear ground floor, to break out new internal opening between front and rear ground floor rooms and to upgrade and refurbish works to existing dwelling at 4a Millbank, Lucan, County Dublin, a Protected Structure.

This application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am - 4pm, MonFri, and a submission or observation may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt

by South Dublin County Council of the application.

15920

28 June 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

STARS ON THE RISE: Dublin Sports Awards nominees for June are announced: Page 29

GOLF: LOCAL LADY LEGEND RECEIVES MBE FOR SERVICES TO THE GAME OVER MANY YEARS

McKenna gets royal recognition for a life in sport sport@gazettegroup.com

DONABATE-based golfer Mary McKenna has been appointed as an Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire.

The MBE was given to McKenna by the British ambassador, Dominick Chilcott, at his residence in Dublin last week.

The award, bestowed

by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of McKenna’s services to

sports, comes after decades as both a player and, more recently, a chief administrator in British and Irish golf.

She regularly plays at Donabate Golf Club and said: “I am very honoured to have the MBE bestowed on me.”

She added: “I love my golf and am very proud to have represented Ireland and Britain for many years, so recognition of this sort is something really special. It is the icing on the cake

that took many years to bake.”

Her first time on the British and Irish team was in 1969, and she was still involved up until last year.

In an unbroken 22 years challenge from 19 6 8 t o 19 8 9 , s h e reached 12 finals, winning eight, and represented Great Britain and Ireland on nine successive Curtis Cup teams from 1970 and ten Vagliano Trophy teams from 1969.

Mary McKenna, in blue, was presented with her MBE by the British ambassador, Dominick Chilcott, pictured with Michael Galvin and Suzanne Geraghty , the captains of Donabate Golf Club

McKenna was appointed President Elect of the ILGU at their AGM in January, and currently sits on the High Performance Committee, continuing

to support the development of the game at all levels.

She is never short of an encouraging word for her fellow competitors and in particular

talented juniors.

McKenna once retorted to a journalist who suggested that her 40th birthday might be an apt time to consider retirement “and why

shouldn’t I continue to do what I most enjoy and do reasonably well?

Golf is a game you can play as long as you can stand up and that’s fine by me.”

28 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 June 2012

GazetteSport Sport

The puc fada was open to all visitors to the picnic

Club chairman Larry Coady was on hand to present the prizes

Westmanstown Gael Aoife Byrne

Westmanstown Gaels’ fada a huge success at the picnic UTTRELLSTOWN Castle was the venue when the annual St Mochta’s Parish Picnic was held last Sunday, June 24.

A day of music, arts and craft, sunny spells and sport was well attended, and local GAA club, Westmanstown Gaels, ran a popular puc fada event for children from the parish.

The top performers in the various categories of the small-ball competition were Conan Feeney, Tristan Downey and Aishling Carthy (Under-8), Oisin O’Flanagan, Shane Hogan and Ross O’Carroll (Under-10), and Aidan McCartney, Jed Higgins and Darren O’Keeffe (Under-12) The club wish to thank all the Gaels organisers in particular David Hanley, James Clancy, Mark O’Carroll, Matt Garrigan, Gary Meighan, Lucy Coady, Rebecca McDonnell, Aoife Byrne, and club chairman, Larry Coady, who presented the medals to the competition winners and prizes in the raffle draw.

L

Big hits were the order of the day at Luttrellstown

Larry Coady congratulates Ross O’Carroll

Larry presents Aishling Carthy with All ages and skills were part of the fun

her medal

28 June 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 29

2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - JUNE NOMINEES

FastSport

# STARof the MONTH

PHIL LAVERY

EOIN KENNEDY

ADRIAN MORROW

A BUMPER month for the Coolmine man, he won the Stephen Roche GP and the National U-23 Road Race crown in Clonmel

THE ST BRIGID’S handball legend shook off a nine month lay-off to finish second at the 60x30 Open Doubles championship

PORTMARNOCK man Adrian Morrow annexed the Irish Seniors Amateur Open title, leading from pillar to post in Athenry

COLAISTE PHADRAIG

FINGALLIANS

PEAMOUNT UNITED

AN AMAZING season, the Lucan school won the First Year Dublin League, the Leinster Cup and the national title in quick succesion.

THE sister acts of Sarah and Rachel Murray and Bronwyn and Megan Keogh claimed the 4x100 National Junior title in Tullamore

THE Greenogue club provided five of the MGL Gaynor Cup team which waltzed to the national title, sharing 27 goals between them

# TEAMof the MONTH

Rocking out: Fennell ready for Model Croker battle DUBLIN midfielder Eamon Fennell, right, and Wexford’s Aindreas Doyle surveyed the aftermath of the Westlife concert as they prepare to go toe-to-toe this Sunday in the Leinster SFC semi-final as part of a double-header in Croke Park.

Their game gets under way at 4pm while Meath and Kildare face off in the first game of the day which throws in at 2pm.

Tag tournament set to scrum down next week THE second annual Leinster Tag Championship will take place on Saturday, July 7 at Railway Union RFC. Last year saw over 20 teams battle it out to be crowned the best team in Leinster and this year the tournament is set to be bigger and better than before. Once again, prize money of €1,000 is up for grabs, as well as the coveted Perpetual Leinster Tag Rugby Championship trophy.

Along with a day of top-class tag rugby, the entry fee of €240 per team will include refreshments during the matches and a barbecue afterwards during the prize-giving.

The prize-giving will see the handing over of €1,000 cash to the winning team, with prizes also for the winners of the Plate and Bowl sections of the tournament.

Railway Union RFC club president Francis Roche said: “We are delighted to again host this event at Railway Union RFC. The rugby club has undergone huge growth this season and all potential new players, whether vastly experienced or new to the game are welcome to join.”

Registration is now open. For further details, email info@railwayunionrfc.com or contact George Ross on 086 383 1992.

30 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 June 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Locals shine at Dublin Community Games NOT even the inclement weather over the weekend could dampen the spirits at the Dublin Community Games county athletics finals supported

by DAA at Morton Stadium, Santry.

Over 2,000 children, along with family and friends, from 49 areas around the city and county filled the park with the energy and excitement that have become synonymous with Community Games.

Among the top performers, local stars performed brilliantly in the sprint events with Lucan’s Samuel Elukanlo was a third place finisher in the U-8 60m race while Saoirse Eccles was a second place finished in the U-12 100m race. Sarah Rehill took bronze in the U-16 100m event.

Rebecca Slattery weighed in with another silver in the U-14 80m hurdles while the area’s success carried through into the relays as the girl’s U-12 team finished third and the mixed U-13 side claimed silver.

In the field events, Ciaran Behan won silver in the ball throw at U-12 level with Max Carey, jumping the furthest in the U-14 long jump, finishing ahead of Malahide’s Luke Ructor.

Rehill added to her running exploits with a silver in the long jump, finishing just behind Balbriggan’s Hannah Tully.

A hugely successful and enjoyable weekend was had by all and every competitor will cherish their memories from the 45th finals.

Tony Feeney, president of Dublin Community Games said: “It was wonderful to see so many young enthusiastic athletes competing across a range of events and at all age levels. Each and every one has represented their areas with pride, and helped to make these finals such a success.”

Maura Cassidy of the DAA said: “It was great to feel the fantastic atmosphere at the Dublin Community Games Athletics finals. Well done to all involved.”

CYCLING: LOCAL RIDERS WELCOME TRACK STAR TO CRUMLIN

Roisin Kennedy, seen here in track action, was one of the local riders who welcomed Martin Irvine in support of Down Syndrome Ireland

Olympian Irvine at Sundrive I sport@gazettegroup.com

A DA M S T OW N r i d ers Roisin Kennedy and Kevin Whelan welcomed Irish Olympic track cycling star, Martyn Irvine, as their special guest at the Ice-Cream Funday for Down Syndrome Ireland at the Sundrive Track last Wednesday.

Track cycling specialist Irvine took time out of his preparations for London 2012 to show his support for his fellow track cyclists and for DSI. He also presented prizes to the winners of the Summer Track

League, which finishes up after eight weeks of racing at the outdoor Dublin venue.

Irvine is a seven-time Irish National Track and Criterium Cycling Champion cyclist who has qualified for the Omnium track event at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

The Omnium races s t a r t o n S a t u r d a y, August 4, with a flying lap 250m time-trial, a 30km points race and an elimination race.

On the following day, Irvine will compete in the 4km individual pursuit, 15km scratch race and a 1km time trial.

Golfing Nirvana: Skills Challenge starts at Donabate LADY captain at Lucan Golf Club Patricia Harmon showed off her driving skills at the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Golf Skills Challenge regional qualifier which took place at Donabate Golf Club last week.

The challenge is a new competition which aims to find Ireland’s most skilled golfers. There are four regional qualifying events, from which a number of qualifiers will progress to a national final at the GUI National Golf Academy in September. Picture: Pat Cashman

He has raced at the highest level all over the world to qualify for these events, and we wish him ever y success in his races on the new London 2012 Velodrome.

The Summer Track League at the outdoor track on Sundrive Road in Crumlin caters for riders of all abilities and ages.

So far this summer, over 80 riders have taken part in the league, and the Adamstownbased club were expecting most of those riders would be present for the wrap-up night with Irvine.

The final night included track racing for all categories, the end of league prize-giving, and an ice-cream fundraiser for DSI.

A good cause This May and June, Down Syndrome Ireland, supported by HB Hazelbrook Farm, is asking people to host an ice-cream funday party to raise funds to suppor t people with Down Syndrome across the country.

Celebrities such as Pierce Brosnan, Michael Flatley and Enda Kenny have been associated with the campaign, and

the campaign continues at www.downsyndrome.ie.

A we e k e a r l i e r, Kennedy took her second win in a row in the Ladies Race Series at Corkagh Park.

S h e a t t a c ke d t h e scratch group with five laps remaining, catching the remainder of the groups ahead, and going on to win on her own.

It has been a hectic few days for Kennedy after riding 175 miles for charity on Saturday, she took two wins on the track on Monday before lining up the following night at the Park.

28 June 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 31

HURLING: YOUNG DUBS CLEAR THE CATS’ HURDLE

CLUB NOTICEBOARD LUCAN SARSFIELDS WELL done to out U-13 girls football

recruit 15 volunteers to assist us with

team who won the league last Thurs-

this new section.

day night by defeating St Monica’s in

The clubhouse is ten-years old this

a thrilling final played in Edenmore in

month and, to mark the occasion,

horrendous conditions.

club president Mick Molloy is hosting

Congratulations to St Mary’s BNS

a mid-summer Barn Dance on Satur-

and Lucan Sarsfields’ juvenile hurl-

day, June 30. This will be an open-air

ers, Ben Coffey, Luke Walsh, Daire

event (weather permitting), with live

Newcombe, Niall Moynihan, Chris

music, dancing, bar facilities, finger

Costa, Emmet Allen, Colm Walsh,

food and open fires in a traditional

Matthew Dunne, Ruairi Connolly and

outdoor country style. It promises to

Edward Connolly, who represented

be a great club night and tickets are

Dublin against Kilkenny at half-time in

available from the bar or any social

the Leinster senior hurling semi-final

committee member at just €5.

in O’Moore Park, Portlaoise.

Lucan Sarsfields’ was on hand to help the Dublin minors over the line. Picture: Chris Lynam

Local minors help reach Leinster final LEINSTER MHC S-FINAL Dublin Kilkenny

1-12 0-10

I sport@gazettegroup.com

LUCAN Sarsfields’ Sean McClelland produced an excellent performance to help the Dublin minors to an impressive 1-12 to 0-10 win over Kilkenny in Portlaoise last Sunday.

That semi-final victory saw them advance to the Leinster MHC final, keeping alive their hopes of recording back-toback titles at this level.

Shay Boland’s side recovered from a slow start to fully merit their place in the provincial final, with Paul Winters’ stunning 22nd-minute goal the catalyst for victory, the boys in blue concluding the opening half with a lead of 1-5 to 0-4 at the break.

The early signs for the Dubs were less encouraging. Three points (including one free and one 65) from Conor Martin had

the Cats 0-3 to 0-0 in front after 14 minutes. It could have been worse, but for an excellent penalty save from Cian MacGabhann in the 13th minute when he denied Martin another score.

Dublin eventually opened their account with a superb Cormac Costello point in the 16th minute and, three minutes later, wing-back Sean McClelland split the posts as the Dubs began to build a bit of momentum.

The crucial goal arrived in the 22nd minute when Winters brilliantly flicked overhead and into the net to catapult his side into a 1-2 to 0-3 lead.

Winters added two frees, the second from halfway, to bolster Dublin’s lead, before grabbing one from play following some excellent defensive work by the impressive Shane Barrett.

So, from trailing by three points, the Dubs

turned it around to lead 1-5 to 0-3 by the 27th minute, before Martin added his fourth point to reduce the half-time arrears.

A minute into the second half, Costello added the second of his three stylish points as Dublin moved five points clear.

They lost their way for a while before the midpoint of the second half as Kilkenny got back to within two points in the 41st minute (1-7 to 0-8), but the Dubs settled again to run out winners despite the sending off of Caolan Conway in injury-time.

In the second game of the day, the Dublin senior panel could not emulate their minor counterparts as they were undone by the Cats 2-21 to 0-9 points in a tortuous Leinster SHC semi-final.

Now the Dubs move into the All-Ireland SHC qualifiers where they will play Clare on Saturday, July 7, after the sides were drawn to face each other in Monday morning’s draw. The Banner County will have home advantage in Ennis.

Cork will face Offaly as a result of Monday’s draw.

Lucan Sarsfields’ family sponsored

Congratulations also to the girls

cycle takes place on Saturday, June

from St Mary’s GNS who represented

30 at 2.30pm. All are welcome to take

Dublin in the camogie match at half-

part, and sponsorship cards can be

time in Portlaoise.

collected from bar or from website in

We are starting a new section in

the download menu. The cycle itself is

the club this coming September. This

from 12th Lock to 3rd Lock via Grand

section will cater for children with

Canal Cycleway. The event is being

intellectual disabilities between the

sponsored by Stagg’s Cycles in Lucan

ages of six and ten years. We need to

Village.

ST PAT’S PALMERSTOWN ST PAT’S hos ted a n evening in

Finnegan on his new title, Granda,

Glenaulin Park this Wednesday as

following the birth of baby, Noah.

part of Palmerstown Festival Week.

Lotto numbers and results: First

The Scor na n-Og team performed

draw numbers drawn were 2, 7, 8

their acts and the juvenile football

and 10, and the jackpot remains at

hurling and camogie games were in

€10,000. There was no winner.

friendly action.

The second draw: numbers drawn

The club wish to thank the juve-

were 20, 21, 24 and 28. Anita Flem-

nile mentor s and parent s who

ing matched three numbers to win

helped with setting up pitches and

€200.

refreshments.

Tickets for Dublin senior football V

Nex t we e k’s j a c k p o t go e s t o €3,000.

Wexford can be collected from the

Best wishes to all our juvenile

clubhouse between 7 and 8pm on

members graduating primary

Thursday.

school this week and to those fin-

Congratulations to Paddy

ishing up their exams.

WESTMANSTOWN GAELS THE junior 2s had good win over St

Wednesday evening at 7.30pm.

Peregrine’s in a home league fix-

Please come out and support all

ture at Westmanstown, with the

our teams. For the latest informa-

intermediates suffering a narrow

tion, visit www.gardagaa.ie.

defeat in a friendly with top Division 2 side, Fingallians.

The ladies cup fixture against St Margaret’s was postponed.

This week, the intermediates have an important league fixture away on Saturda y evening to Scoil Ui Chonaill at 6.15pm.

The footballing weekend saw the U-8 fixture v Crumlin cancelled due to an unplayable pitch.

The U-9s footballers lost to Ballinteer, but the U-12s beat Robert Emmett’s.

The U-14s drew with Good Counsel mid-week.

The Junior 1s also have a league

Ticket s are being distributed

fixtures at home, with Naomh Bar-

for the annual €1,000 Buster Draw

rog providing the opposition on Fri-

which takes place on Saturda y,

day evening at 7.30pm.

June 30.

The Junior 2s have an away league match against Whitehall Colmcille at Cloghran on Thursday evening at 7.30pm.

Finally, the ladies have an away cup f ix ture at Clan Na Gael on

The Family Fun Day takes place on the same day from 2pm onwards.

The Gaels Cul Camp takes place from July 9 to 13.

You can register online at www. westmanstowngaels.ie.

ALL OF YOUR LUCAN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

CATS CAUGHT: Lucan’s Sean McClelland stars in defeat of Kilkenny P31

JUNE 28, 2012

JUNE SPORT STARS: The shortlist is in for this month’s heroes P29

GazetteSPORT

Lucan Sarsfields’ man Johnny McCaffrey is hopeful his Dublin side can bounce back from last weekend’s disappointing loss to Kilkenny

Clare tie offers chance to atone Harrowing loss to Kilkenny sees Lucan man Johnny McCaffrey seeking to bounce back in SHC qualifiers lucansport@gazettegroup.com

LUCAN Sarsfields man Johnny McCaffrey is pleased that the Dublin hurlers will have a short turnaround time as they bid to shake off their torrid loss to Kilkenny last Saturday.

The Dubs produced a sub-par performance, falling 2-21 to 0-9 in Portlaoise in the Leinster SHC semi-final and must now face up to the All-Ireland qualifiers.

To that end, Monday’s draw pitted them against Clare on July 7 in Ennis, penciled in for 7pm, offering Dublin a fortnight’s turnaround between the Kilkenny loss and the meeting with Anthony Daly’s home county.

McCaffrey said this week that the ability to refocus on the next step rather than dwell too long on the Kilkenny loss is a positive one.

“It’s good to know who we are playing straight away,” the Dublin skipper said “We’ll get nothing easy off Clare down in Ennis, they were unlucky against Waterford

and I’m sure will fancy their chances against us.

“We played them a couple of years ago so the novelty factor [for Daly], from that point of view, has worn off.

“His job is with Dublin and he is 100pc committed to Dublin. There will be no divided loyalties.”

Devastated Looking back on the Kilkenny loss, McCaffrey admitted it was a bitter pill to swallow “We are absolutely devastated. It is hard to put the finger on what went wrong. I suppose the best thing about the qualifiers is that we now have a chance to put things right in two weeks’ time.

“We’ll have to come up with the answers and put things right. We have to get back into training and back to work.

“There was nothing new from Kilkenny that we weren’t expecting or that we haven’t seen

before. They produced exactly the type of performance we thought they would.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t produce the type of performance that we know that we are capable of.”

For the Dubs, the attention now turns to the footballers who return to action after close to a month away from intercounty as they took part in the local club senior championship.

They play Wexford on Sunday at 4pm in Croke Park in the semi-final of the competition as they continue their attempted defence of the All-Ireland title.

Experienced Lucan man Paul Casey came off the bench against Louth in the quarterfinal of the competition and will hope that he can force his way into playing some part in Sunday’s tie.

The Wexford match is part of a doubleheader with Meath playing Kildare at 2pm in the curtain-raiser which will provide the other final place.