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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

June 9, 2011

INSIDE: Some sweet outfits at an end-of- GUIDING DELIGHTS: Lucan girls help year school party P2 to mark 100 years of organisation P6-7

Squeezing in: Group get ready for graduation THIS group of Transition Year

Golf: Local star wins East of Ireland amateur title Page 30

students were happy to squeeze together for a great group shot at Lucan Community College when The Gazette called to see the end-of-year graduations at the school. There was certainly a lot to take in at the school as, in addition to the “usual” academic awards handed out, several impressive and notable events from the school year were also highlighted for guests. Picture: Peter Doyle

Full Gallery on Pages 8, 10

Boxing: All-Ireland success for Lucan Boxing Page 28

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES .........2, 8 & 10 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS .................... 21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Local jobless soars to eight-month high Govt is accused of not doing enough in crisis

Q PAUL HOSFORD

THE number of people unemployed in Lucan and Clondalkin has soared to an eight-month high of more than 10,000, according to the latest figures released by the Central Statistics Office. The figure, the highest

since September, 2010, was described this week by Sinn Fein’s Eoin O’Brion as deeply worrying, who said the “Government was not doing enough to tackle rising unemployment” in Dublin Mid West. “Unemployment in Dublin Mid West has hit an eight-

month high of 10,181. Of these, 2,000 are under the age of 25. The last time the Live Register in Lucan and Clondalkin passed the 10,000 mark was last September. “Across the country, 14.8% of the labour force – a staggering 443,400 people – are now out of work,” he said.

2 LUCAN GAZETTE 9 June 2011

COUNCIL: ‘MANY PEOPLE HAVING PROBLEMS’

SCHOOLS Confey College’s students celebrate end of study

Helping to fight anti-social behaviour QPAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com

COUNCILLOR Emer Higgins has urged residents of Lucan and Palmerstown to report antisocial behaviour not just to the Gardai, but also to South Dublin County Council. “During my short time on the council, I have already come into contact with so many people who are having problems with anti-social behaviour, be it in parks or in openpublic spaces, around shops or in their estates,” said Cllr Higgins. Higgins, who was co-opted onto South Dublin County Council to replace Fine Gael’s Deputy Derek Keating when he was elected to Dail Eireann, has moved motions on the issue of anti-social behaviour problems. “South Dublin County Council has really progressive measures when it comes to tracking anti-social behaviour ‘hot spots’. State of the art IT facilities and high-

ly skilled staff analyse trends, and resources are allocated on the basis of these trends,” said Higgins. “If it’s not reported, then the people who make the decisions about how to tackle these problems, simply aren’t aware of them. I would urge any resident who is experiencing anti-social behaviour, particularly ongoing issues, to report incidents, not just to the local Gardai, but also to South Dublin County Council,” said Higgins. “The council hold regular housing clinics, where people, who are experiencing anti-social problems in their estate, can sit down in a safe and confidential environment and report these problems. “Alternatively, you can phone the council during business hours on 4149000. It is also worth contacting me, or any of your local councillors, to make sure that we know about the situation too, so we can raise it as council business,” said Higgins.

David Mc Donald looking after John Dennehy, Eileen Smith and Donna Murphy. Pictures: Una Williams

School’s last bell

ONFEY College has a special practice of celebrating the end of school days for sixth year students Traditionally, the students dress up for the occasion. Some staff also dress-up to the surprise of the students. The students themselves help organise the event with their Year Heads. Ms Grainne McCormack, one of the sixth-year heads commented: “Teachers really enjoy the afternoon as it gives them an

Ciara Gore loves Katy Perry

opportunity to meet their students outside of the classroom.’’ The students suggested a barbecue and bouncy castles. Music was provided by fifth year student, Luke Bailey and there was a great atmosphere of fun as all the staff joined with the students for their special afternoon party. It was a great way to end the year and the students were reluctant to leave when the bell went for the last time.

See Story on Pages 4-5

Women in Black, Aisling and Kerri Gallagher

Ciara Munnelly guns down Confey Emu, Rachel Divilly

Old friends Jenny Corr and Sarah Casserly

Stephen Raymond in the car

Mr Whippy spins the discs

9 June 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 3

MUSIC Gig at Celbridge Library

SCHOOLS: INVITE

Concert of fine trad music A NEW album and a national tour, scheduled to hit Celbridge Library on Thursday, June 16 at 8pm, will harvest the talents of three of the most highly-respected musicians within the Irish traditional/folk scene. Sean Ty r r e l l , renowned for his unique singer/songwriter talents; legendary fiddle player, Kevin Glackin, and creative uilleann piper, Ronan Browne, will fuse their talents on stage for what promises to be an inspiring tour. Gigs have been scheduled across Ireland, from Dublin to Clifden, and from Monaghan to An Daingean. Sean, Kevin and Ronan have been playing together socially and for tours and shows since the 1980s, but are

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only now releasing a CD of songs and tunes. The CD is nicely balanced between gentle and wild music, without suffering from that dreadful modern ailment of over-production – it features just warm, friendly music and singing. On the for thcoming tour, Sean said: “Although the three of us are old hands in the business, we are very much looking forward to this tour.

Collaboration “ We r e s p e c t o n e another’s talents, and know that, as always, we will each benefit from this collaboration. “We are also confident that our audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy an honest performance.”

Close friends for many decades, Sean, Kevin and Ronan have toured and played socially since the early 1980s. Years of pressure from fans and friends have at last led to them making this recording. Unsurprisingly, this CD is true to their concert performances – a comfortable balance of gentle and wild pieces,. The tracks are rounded out beautifully by the delicately responsive accompaniment of three fine musicians – Fergus Feeley on mandola; Jimmy Fitzgerald on guitar, and Paul O’Driscoll on double bass. Full tour details are available online at www. tyrrellglackinbrowne. com. For more information or bookings, call 01 452 0611.

Sports day at St Mary’s

Brushing up on a new idea: Taoiseach launches a new ceramic matt paint AN TAOISEACH Enda Kenny,

was on hand to formally launch Colortrend Ceramic Matt – Ireland’s first ceramic matt paint – at a ceremony at the Colortrend premises, located at the old Famine Workhouse in Celbridge. Established in 1953, Colortrend is a 100% Irish-owned and

managed company, employing 65 people locally, and bringing new and innovative ideas to the market in these economic times. Ceramic Matt is positioned as “Ireland’s No 1 Toughest Paint”, due to a combination of ceramic microspheres and a premiumquality acrylic resin used in its production.

ST MARY’S Girls’ and Boys’ National Schools are organising their annual sports day on Sunday, June 12, in the grounds of St Mary’s Boys’ School, Lucan. All parents and children attending both schools are invited to join in the fun. The cost is €10 per family, payable on the day. This admission fee includes payment for all activities. Notification of all events will be circulated to the children via both schools shortly. So, come along and enjoy a great family day.

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4 LUCAN GAZETTE 9 June 2011

COUNCIL Reduction in the volume of raw water

SCHOOL The last day of official classes end with

Special day Q ROSALEEN POWER Confey College

SOUTH Dublin County Council is appealing to the public and the business community to conserve water and to minimise usage. The lower-than-average rainfall in recent months has led to a reduction in the volume of raw water available for treatment from the reservoirs at Poulaphouca, Roundwood and Bohernabreena. Restrictions

While there is no immediate need to impose restrictions on water supply, restrictions may, however, be unavoidable should the dry spell continue and should demand for water increase during the summer period. For advice on how to conserve water, South Dublin County Council says consumers should view www.taptips.ie

Grecian Goddess Megan Fitzgerarld and “Coke” Catriona Kenny

CONFEY College has a very special way of saying goodbye to their Sixth Year students. The last day of official classes ended with an afternoon of fun and celebration. Traditionally, the students dress up for the occasion. Some staff members also dress up, to the delight and surprise of their students. Ms. Grainne McCormack, one of the Sixth Year Heads commented: “Teachers really enjoy the afternoon as it gives them an opportunity to meet their students outside of the classroom. We have worked very closely with the students since their first year and the warmth and goodwill shown on the day, really shows the great relationship that exists between staff and students here in Confey.

Having a good working relationship between staff and students is very much at the core of our ethos here in Confey College.” --------------------------

‘Teachers really enjoy the afternoon as it gives them an opportunity to meet their students outside of the classroom’

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

The Sixth Year students can be under a lot of pressure at this stage of the year and the afternoon of celebration is a welcome release from the pressure. It puts everything in focus as students really come to realise the bonds of friendship that they have formed over the years. The students themselves, help organise

the event with their Year Heads. This year, they suggested a barbecue and bouncy castles. Music was provided by a fifth year student, Luke Bailey, and there was a great atmosphere of fun as all the staff joined with the students for their afternoon party. Mr. Hare joined in the celebrations and surprised students and staff by arriving in an ice -cream van to give a free ice cream to all the students. It was a great way to end the year, and the students were reluctant to leave when the bell went for the last time. They returned to school the following week for block subject revision classes. The management and staff of Confey College would like to wish all their exam students the very best in their exams.

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9 June 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 5

lots of fun, ice cream and live music

for Confey students

Confey College students excel in Maths competition

Catwoman, Sinead Furlong Claire McCourt, and Christine Deliu

IN February this year, all first year students country-wide were invited to enter a Junior Mathematics competition. Two Students from Confey College, Asha Doris and Rachel Sweeney, beat stiff opposition to be invited to participate in the finals, which, for this region, were held in Castleknock College. All participants were hailed as winners to have qualified for the finals, and the standard was extremely high. Asha and Rachel did very well, while not being eventual winners, scoring in the top 15 on the night. Lego Women

Louise Smith making a meal of it

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

What water means to a community Q NOEL O’HALLORAN Chief Investment Officer Kleinwort Benson Investors

WATER is certainly in the news. The dry spring means that Dublin’s reservoirs are at dangerously low levels, and water charges are on the way. These charges are a condition of the EU/IMF rescue deal, and the new government seems to accept that it has to be done. The decision is wildly unpopular, but, apart from the money it will raise, it should reduce waste, averting Dublin’s predict-

ed water crisis. As things stand today, plans are well advanced to pipe water to Dublin all the way from the Shannon, and the only alternative (apart from charges) may be to build a desalination plant somewhere on the coast that will convert salt sea water to fresh drinking water. Do Lucan residents really want a large chemical plant (for that’s what a desalination facility is) on their doorstep? If you think about it at all, we tend to take water for granted, yet we certainly should not. All life depends on it. Without water, we could not live; agriculture would be impossible; industry couldn’t function.

And yet, while population growth, industrialisation, urbanisation and dietary change all place an ever-increasing demand on this one crucial, irreplaceable resource, the supply remains finite. There is no more water available to us now than there was 10,000 years ago, and there may soon be less. In places, fresh water is threatened by pollution and global warming, in others it is becoming more inaccessible as underground aquifers are depleted and ground water levels fall. Less than 1% of the world’s total water content is considered available for human use on a regular basis. Water is fast becoming

Water is a resource that is fast becoming more and more inaccessible

the most critical resource issue for humanity. And, with such stark consequences for a failure to address the issue, it is easy to see why governments around the world are introducing policies intended to secure adequate water supplies for their populations. To provide enough water for all uses through 2030, industry analysts estimate that the world will need to invest as much as €1 trillion per year. The task is huge. But it has begun. Leading companies around the world are developing and imple-

menting technologies to ensure water security. Among them are firms working to increase supply through desalination and waste-water reclamation, and firms working to protect and ensure quality of that supply through filtration and the refurbishment of existing pipelines. It is for this reason that Kleinwort Benson Investors launched its Water Strategy in October 2000. It invests only in companies that derive a significant proportion of their revenue from water distribution, infrastructure

and technology. Since its launch in 2000, the Kleinwort Benson Investors Water Strategy has delivered nine out of 10 years added value above the MSCI World (a stock market index of over 6,000 world stocks). This city is getting thirstier, and so is the world. An already severe imbalance between the supply and demand for fresh water can only become more acute. Like the Dublin authorities, governments and local authorities around the world are seeking solutions, some urgently.

Recognising the potential crises that will develop if they don’t act now, many have committed to spending vast amounts of money to ensure water security in the decades to come. It is a global problem with implications for the whole of humanity. Smart companies will provide the answers and long-term investors, who are able to focus on those that are best placed to do so, will surely reap the rewards. Past performance may not be a reliable guide to future performance and the value of investments may fall as well as rise. The views expressed in this document are expressions of opinion only and should not be construed as investment advice. Kleinwort Benson Investors Dublin Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

6 LUCAN GAZETTE 9 June 2011

IT’S YOUR STORY Lucan girls join thousands

National celebrations for 100 years of Guides Q AMANDA O’SULLIVAN

Lucan Guide Leader

LUCAN girls were to the fore when more than 900 Ladybirds, Brownies, Guides, Senior Branch Members and Leaders from all over Dublin travelled to Thurles, Co Tipperary on Saturday, May 7 for the Irish Girl Guides’ (IGG) huge fun day, which saw more than 6,200 members gather to celebrate 100 years of our organisation. The day was started by the Gold Award ceremony, where 78 teen-

age girls, including some from Lucan – Ashling Caulfield, Emma Hall, Hayley Myers Cough, Maeve Redmond, Niamh Pollock, Shannon Browne, Shauna Murphy and Tamsin Le Roux – each received the prestigious award; the highest achievement that a guide can attain. For the rest of the day, the girls divided into their different age groups to try activities such as drumming, circus skills, dancing, animal roadshows and science workshops, along with having time to

enjoy the free-flow area, which included largescale inflatables, a helter skelter, a carousel and more. Mixed in amongst the fun activities were various opportunities to give back to the community – an important principle of Guiding – by contributing to the centenary charity fund, that will benefit Barnardos and the Global Girls Fund. As the day came to a close, there was a presentation of 30-year service pins by IGG’s president, Maureen Dillon; chief

commissioner, Emer O’Sullivan and special guest, Mary McPhail, chief executive of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), to many dedicated leaders, including Dublin’s Heather Bowen, Gill Buckley, Geraldine Byrne, Hazel Convery, Diane Dixon, Hilary Robinson and Tina Stoke. McPhail said: “It was a delight to walk around to see thousands of girls and young women having a fantastic time. “It’s powerful to see

Leader Amanda O’Sullivan

how Guiding has made a difference in the world, and you are all a part of that. “I am thrilled to be able to recognise and honour the Leaders who make this possible, and long may

Foxborough Q PAUL HOSFORD

lucan@gazettegroup.com

Councillor William Lavelle with Centra Foxborough manager, Debbie Tate

SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) will write to An Post to support the campaign for a post office in Foxborough. A petition in support of the siting of a new post office in South Lucan has amassed more than 1,000 signatures from locals. Local Fine Gael coun-

cillor William Lavelle had put the question to the council at the recent Lucan Area Committee meeting, asking “the manager to write to An Post in support of the current campaign to open a post office at Foxborough Centra” The councillors passed the motion, with the county manager stating: “The matter will be

9 June 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 7

at Irish Girl Guides’ event

SCHOOLS: VEC MOVES ON PLAN FOR LUCAN CC

Design team is appointed

joins Lucan Girl Guides at the fun day event held in Thurles

it continue,” she said. To end the day on a high note, the girls and Leaders partied to ABBA tribute band, ABBAesque, who led all 6,200 members in a rendition of Happy Birthday.

We have 91 Units throughout Dublin, covering different age brackets, from Ladybirds to Senior Branch, from ages five to 26. Volunteer Leaders are also very welcome to come and

join us. If you want to join Irish Girl Guides as we head into our 101st year, contact the Irish Girl Guides’ National Office on 01 668 3898, or see www.irishgirlguides.ie.

COUNT Y Dublin VEC has confirmed the appointment of the design team to progress the design and planning of the much-needed extension to Lucan Community College which, all going well, could open in September, 2013. The appointment was welcomed by Fine Gael councillor William Lavelle, who is a member of the VEC. “Due to years of bad planning, Lucan still suffers from a chronic lack of second-level school places. I understand the stress and heartbreak this

causes for many Lucan families,” he said. “However, we are now beginning to see progress in the right direction under Co Dublin VEC, of which I am a member.

Appointment “In addition to the appointment of a design team for Lucan Community College, the VEC, in partnership with Educate Together, has also been authorised to progress the long-awaited Lucan S o u t h s e c o n d - l e ve l school, on a site on the Outer Ring Road,” he said.

post office is supported by SDCC referred to An Post for their attention and, when a reply is received, the committee will be notified accordingly.” Cllr Lavelle said that the current population in South Lucan is underserved by the current location of the post office in Lucan village. “Despite the massive population growth in the Lucan South area over

the past 15 years, there is still no post office. This leads to lengthy queues in nearby existing post offices, such as in Lucan village. There is an undeniable need for a post office in Lucan South, he said.” A site has already been identified, with Centra in Foxborough organising the petition. Cllr Lavelle said: “I

am happy to support a new campaign, launched recently by the Centra store in Foxborough, to open a post office in the store. I am calling on An Post to meet with Centra to progress this proposal.” His comments were echoed by party colleague, Deputy Derek Keating, who said he has raised the issue with the

Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte. “As a result of numerous appeals for a post office service to be established in the Lucan South Area, I have raised this urgent matter with Minister Rabbitte. “The nearest post office is in the village of Lucan, over two miles away. Many residents, or elderly or infirm who may have

to walk to collect benefits or conduct business, find this lack of provision unacceptable. “I am satisfied that a new post office will be profitable, as well as a great social benefit for all of the residents,” said Deputy Keating. At the time of going to press, An Post had not responded to a request for comment.

8 LUCAN GAZETTE 9 June 2011

SCHOOLS End-of-year fun at Lucan Community College

Frances Flynn

Leah Cross, Aisling Cox and Siobhan Grimes. Pictures: Peter Doyle

Transition graduations

Aoife Dodrill and Amy Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Gordan

UCAN Community College marked the end-of-year graduations of its Transition Year students in style recently, with a decorated room set up to help mark just some of the projects and achievements attained by this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s group of TY students. Some of the activities undertaken by the students included a number of fundraising projects, but, for many, it was difficult to choose a highlight, with a Paris trip, a German exchange programme, a number of contests that were entered, presentations by guest speakers to the students and, of course, the recent Hairspray musical. A number of awards were presented to some of the students, but, as the staff and principal said, all of the Transition Year students were winners in their own right, thanks to their contributions.

Gallery continues on Page 10

Martin Futas, Robert Neary, Colm Doyle, Mark Kearns, Jordan Byrne and Stephen Fay

Emma Ni Bhriain and Sean Morrissey

9 June 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 9

10 LUCAN GAZETTE 9 June 2011

TAKE TWO Another look at LCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Transition Year students

This happy group of friends were ready to move on to the next great year at the school. Pictures: Peter Doyle

Graduating in time for a great summer

Teachers attended the important event

Joanna Williams

Sana Ahmed and Leah Cross

Alex Silao and Elizabeth Jdowu

Suzanne Johnston, corporate fundraiser for Our Ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospice, was presented with a cheque for funds raised by the students

Part of the large crowd of students, parents and guests who attended the evening graduation ceremony

9 June 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 9 June 2011

SUPPORT: FUNDRAISER TO AID OPERATIONS

FASHION Hot summer collection for less

This is your chance to give a child a big smile THE FIRST ever Bumps, Babies and Buggies national fundraiser for Operation Smile will take place this June 17 and 18. Would you like to catch up with friends, family and neighbours while giving a facially deformed child a smile which will change their world forever? Bumps, Babies and Buggies, June 17 and 18, 2011 is a coffee morning with an important difference. It is an opportunity to meet friends, relax over a cup of coffee and talk the baby talk, and at the same time raising funds to support Operation Smile’s efforts to provide surgery for children with facial deformity in the developing world. More than 200,000 children are born globally with a cleft lip and/ or palate facial deformity each year — often unable to eat, speak, socialise or smile. In Ireland, corrective surgery is easily available, but in many countries these vulnerable children are shunned and rejected. Without outside help, thousands of children with facial deformities worldwide will never have the medical care they need to live a normal life. It can take as little as 45 minutes and €240 to change a child’s life forever. Operation Smile changes lives one smile at a time. Operation Smile Ireland is part of a global alliance of Operation Smile organisations working to serve children with facial deformity such as cleft lip and palate.

Free surgery Since 1982, Operation Smile has provided free surgery to more than 160,000 children around the world with the help of dedicated medical volunteers. With the help of mums and dads around Ireland, how many more

lives can be changed? Paediatric dental surgeon, and mother of two young children, Dr Eleanor McGovern, is behind Bumps, Babies and Buggies and has worked with Operation Smile in countries such as Ecuador, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Philippines and Russia.

J’aime La Vie Inserobe

Understand

According to Dr McGovern: ‘‘As parents, or expectant parents, we understand the importance of feeding our babies. We appreciate the joy when our baby gives that first smile! How would we feel if our baby struggled with feeding because we could not access the care they needed? How would we feel if we knew our beautiful baby could have the surgery to make their face even more beautiful, but we could not afford it? Every infant born with a cleft lip or palate should have access to all the care they need, regardless of where they are born.” Author Marisa Mackle, who helped launch the event commented: “Bumps Babies and Buggies is a great idea. It is easy to organise and a fantastic excuse for people to gather friends and neighbours together while raising money for a really worthwhile cause. Operation Smile’s volunteers change children’s lives and also save children’s lives.” To get your Bumps, Babies and Buggies coffee morning hosting pack, please email Eleanor at eleanor@operationsmile. ie or call 01 667 6659. All the funds raised will go to fund cleft lip/palate surgery for children in developing countries. Monies can be sent by cheque, bank deposit or online payment. For further information on Operation Smile, you can visit www.operationsmile.ie

J’aime La Vie Penny Dress

J’aime La Vie Notti Dress

J’aime La Vie Oceana Dress

J’aime La Vie Rebecca Dress

Dun Laoghaire’s newest hotspot is Carraig Donn WHAT has a bright citrus dress, this season’s maxi, novel gift ideas and rocking jewellery got in common? The answer is the collection available in the new Carraig Donn branch in Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre. The new store opened in recent weeks and is the talk of the town with the innovate, on- trend collections, just in time for summer. Carraig Donn is Ireland’s leading lifestyle retailer, with 23 stores

nationwide showcasing irresistible fashion, jewellery and gifts collection all under one roof! Carraig Donn champions a number of brands – their own label J’aime la Vie is seen alongside Vila, Vero Moda, Amari, Darling and Peruzzi, to usher in every trend and silhouette of the season. All brands have one thing in commonfantastic prices! The Star Buy of the collection has to be the J’aime la Vie Notti dress,

retailing at only €69. The Notti features one of this season’s hottest looks in crushed fabric. The J’aime la Vie Penny dress is a close second as the season’s star buy, retailing at only €69.

Dresses Of course you will agree that the summer 2011 collection is a dream for dress lovers. Carraig Donn caters for every need at a range of budgets, making you look fantastic for every

occasion. Knight and Day and Soul jewellery completes the look with both contemporary and funky pieces. This winning formula extends to the gift and home departments where customers are met with clever, vibrant gift and home concepts again to suit any budget for every taste and occasion. Summer 2011 promises to be a busy for Carraig Donn, with the company celebrating 40 years in retail, new stores

opening across the country and online shopping launching by the end of this month!

Register You can register your own details online at www.carraigdonn.com to get all the latest news, promos and huge discounts. Carraig Donn is located in the Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre. For more information phone 01 2846121 Email info@ carraigdonn.com

9 June 2011 GAZETTE 13

now available in Carraig Donn branch in Dun Laoghaire

J’aime La Vie San Francisco Dress

J’aime La Vie Oceanna Maxi

J’aime La Vie Dress

14 GAZETTE 9 June 2011

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: WRITE “LIVE ANIMAL” ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CRATE

Your pet will benefit from the holiday experience if you carefully plan your trip

Prepare for a happy holiday with your pet chool is out, hailing the start of the summer holidays, and I want to remind pet parents to make every effort to ensure their pets – as well as their family - have a safe and happy experience when travelling to and from that holiday destination; whether it’s by road, sea, rail or air. Remember, travelling can be very stressful for both you and your pet; I know, I’m one of those people who bring their dogs everywhere, and ,take it from me, poor holiday planning can literally be listed as grounds for divorce in our house! However, with thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe, happy and comfortable experience for everyone.

Here’s a few top tips from a weary traveller.

•When you and hubby are excitedly discussing your travel plans and destinations, make sure you remember to get your pets involved. And no, I don’t mean sit down and ask them where they’d like to go! •Take your pets to the vet to ensure they are upto-date on all vaccinations and that you have a supply of any medication they are currently taking. •If you own dogs that will be in contact with other dogs, make sure they are vaccinated against kennel cough. •Make sure your dog has basic training so that he will behave well during the trip.

•Obtain a clean certificate of health from your vet and make sure this is dated at least 14 days before your departure if travelling by air or sea. •Ask your vet about any parasites, health risks, etc., to your animal that may be associated with your planned destination. •Make sure your pet wears a collar and ID tag and is micro-chipped. Make sure his details are up-to-date and clearly displayed. For air/ferry travel:

The first time I took my dogs on a ferry and somebody callously described them as “cargo,” I nearly had a fit. However, this is how they are considered, and even if your dog is the most relaxed canine in the world, (a la our middle one, Belle), the cargo hold does not make for a pleasant travel experience. If required, purchase an approved shipping crate – it should be large enough for your pet to comfortably stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. Write the words “live animal” clearly on at least two sides of the crate and use arrows to prominently indicate the upright position of the crate. Always check ahead with your airline’s/ferry’s pet policies. For car travel:

Plan the journey taking into account any rest stops and/or restaurants where you can safely eat with your pet. In order to make the journey safe and secure,

a well-ventilated pet carrier/crate, large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around. Alternatively a pet harness/safety belt should be attached. So, it’s up to you; you know your own pet, so you’ll know the best way to secure them. Never, ever, leave your animal alone in a parked car. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked car can turn into a furnace and very quickly, in a matter of minutes, heatstroke can develop, causing death. In cold weather a car can turn into a fridge, holding in the cold, causing the animal to freeze to death. Take along plenty of bottled drinking water from your own tap. Drinking water they are not used to could cause the animal’s tummy to become upset. Bring along a travel bag for your pet and include things like: •First aid kit •Clean towel •Fresh supply of water •Paper towels •Poo bags •Favourite blanket/ toys. Remember to tr y and enjoy your holiday because one bad experience for both you and your pet can prompt you to say what I’ve said so many times: “Never again!’’ For more information log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie

9 June 2011 GAZETTE 15

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Edited by Dawn Love

Find your holiday beauty essentials at Littlewoods

ANCY having top beauty brands at the touch of your fingertips? Littlewoods Ireland has just launched an extensive new online beauty store. It stocks leading skincare brands such as Elizabeth Arden, Burts Bees, St Tropez and Fake Bake. With products to suit all budgets, and a free four-day delivery service, updating your beauty regime is as simple as logging onto www.little woodsireland.ie Offers to check out include the Elizabeth Arden Intervene Holiday Set (€59), which contains 50ml Radi-

ance Boosting Moisture Cream SPF 15, 50ml 3 in 1 Cleanser Exfoliator Primer, 4.5ml Timefighting Radiance Serum and 7ml Peel & Reveal Revitalising Treatment with sponge, perfect face care staples for any trip abroad. And perfect for all your travels this summer, we love this Mister Mascara Large Travel Bag, €10, with its handy decanting kit, there’s no chance of forgetting your bathroom essentials when travelling. The containers comply with EU liquids in hand luggage regulations.

Moisturiser SPF 30 50ml, €17

Body Shop launches SPF 30 THE Body Shop has just launched its first SPF 30 product. This lightweight, easilyabsorbed daily moisturiser offers UVA/ UVB protection. Containing camu camu berry and moisturising Community Trade brazil nut oil, the Daily Moisturiser helps to revitalise the skin, leaving it soft, smooth and radiant. Elizabeth Arden Intervene Holiday Set and the Mister Mascara large travel bag (inset)

Give your lips some TLC this summer with Voya IF YOUR lips are in need of some extra TLC during the summer months, then why not check out VOYA’s new Balmelicious Lip Balms, which contain a unique blend of organic seaweed extracts, vitamin E, as well as Soil Association certified oils of sweet almond, beeswax, wheat germ, candelilla and sunflower, all chosen for their repairing, hydrating and healing properties. VOYA’s Balmelicious Lip Balms’ cell regenerating algae base formulations are packed with B vitamins and polysaccharides and work on contact to soften roughness, relieve dryness, stop flaking and prevent any further damage, leaving lips intensely moisturised and softened. VOYA’s Balmelicious Lip Balms are available in two delicious flavours, zingy and zesty Lemon & Lime, and tingling, lip plumping Vanilla & Pep-

Vitamin C Daily

permint. VOYA’s Balmelicious Lip Balms’ packaging is totally bio-degradable, too. Their outer casing is made with corn-starch and, when disposed of in the compost heap, will break down within just a few weeks, making these lip balms earth and lip friendly, too.

VOYA’s Balmelicious is set to become a firm handbag favourite this summer, to lips that are gorgeously soft and smooth. Your lips will adore VOYA’s Balmelicious! VOYA p r o d u c t s can also be purchased online at www.voya.ie. For stockists, call 071 9168956.

Vanilla Peppermint

Lemon Lime

16 GAZETTE 9 June 2011

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day GAZETTE COMMENT

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Calling out for the people of 2011

DEAR EDITOR,

IT’S that time of year again when we once more make a special appeal to readers of the Gazette to think about who are the inspiring people in your community. We here at the People of the Year Awards, which are organised by Rehab and sponsored by QUINN-healthcare, are searching for stories of achievement, success, bravery and heroism. Who cannot have been moved by the courage of 2009 winner Steve Collins in his fight for justice following the murder of his son by gangland criminals in Limerick? Or have been stunned by 2010 winner Rio Hogarty’s selflessness in fostering 140 children over the past four decades? However, we wouldn’t hear about these stories if it was not for the people of Ireland telling us about them. That’s why we need to know of those citizens in your community who have done extraordinary things and who ought be considered for a People of the Year Award. Amongst the categories this year are the Young Person of the Year Award (under 25 years), the International Person of the Year Award, the Best Friend of the Year Award, as well as

a number of other People of the Year Awards for achievements in the areas of community service, arts and culture, sports and public sector achievement, among others. ---------------------------------------

‘We need to know of those citizens who have done extraordinary things’

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

To receive a nomination form, just phone 01 205 7260 or write to People of the Year Awards, Rehab, Roslyn Park, Sandymount, Dublin 4. You can also nominate online at www.peopleoftheyear.com or by email at poy@ quinn-healthcare.com. The closing date is Monday, June 20, 2011. Then all that’s left to do is sit back and tune in to RTE One on Saturday September 10 and, who knows, the next winner of a People of the Year Award could be from Dublin. Yours sincerely,

Don Delaney Head of Communications and Marketing Rehab Group Dublin 4

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

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

Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Woodie’s Supergarden winner, Ken, picks up a bronze medal at this year’s Bloom festival Woodie’s DIY have continued their sponsorship of The RTE gardening series, Supergarden, and this year’s winner, Ken Byrne, brought his winning Supergarden to Bloom, picking up a bronze medal. Ray Colman, CEO of Woodie’s DIY, is pictured with his wife Dolores and Ken Byrne, winner of Supergarden.

It’s time to get a Taste of Dublin TASTE of Dublin, Ireland’s Premier Outdoor Food and Drink Festival, has 10 exciting new restaurants taking part in this year’s event. A d d i t i o n s i n cl u d e P e a r l Brasserie, Mulberry Garden, Locks Brasserie, Bang, Cliff Town House, The Exchange Restaurant and many more. At the Philadelphia Chef’s Theatre, the Ireland AM Taste Factor winner will showcase their winning culinary talent live on stage alongside Edward Hayden, while Kitchen Hero, Donal Skehan, will be demonstrating delicious good food recipes from his latest cookbook. Also showcasing their culinary skills will be Conrad Gallagher, Gino D’Acampo, Rachel Allen, Neven Maguire, Atul Kochhar, Clodagh McKenna, Catherine Fulvio and Derry Clarke, to name but a few. Brand new this year is the Taste Chef’s Table, in association with O’Briens Wines, hosted by restaurant reviewer Katy McGuinness. Here, visitors will have a chance to put burning questions to the Taste chefs, ask the culinary experts everything from how to grow your own, how to host the perfect dinner party, and also discuss new business ideas in the foodie world.

DIARY All taking place in the stunning Iveagh Gardens, it promises to be an action-packed, fun-filled weekend. Tickets for Taste of Dublin, which runs from June 9 to 12, are on sale, starting from €15, excluding booking fee, at www.tasteofdublin.ie or via the ticket line, 0818 30 00 30.

Bloom’s record 90,000 visitors A RECORD 90,000 visitors descended on the Phoenix Park for Bloom, Ireland’s answer to the Chelsea Flower Show, over the Bank Holiday Weekend. Amongst those who attended the gardening, food and family festival, were the President of Ireland and Patron of Bloom, Mary Mc Aleese, and her husband, Senator Martin McAleese. The President spent one hour at the event visiting the showgardens, meeting the designers and members of the public and later addressed a large crowd at the Chefs Summer Kitchen, part of the new Bord Bia Food Village. Celebrity Chef Neven

Maguire presented the President with a hamper of artisan produce from the Food Market. The international judging panel commented that this year’s gardens were some of the best they had seen in the history of the event. The overall large garden category award went to To The Waters Edge, a visually striking garden featuring a sunken seating area, designed by Oliver and Liat Schurmann, Mount Venus Nurseries, Dublin. Visitors to the show were encouraged to vote for their favourite garden with the People’s Choice award going to An Adventure with Thumbelina, designed by first-time Bloom designer Jack Harte, New Ross, Co.Wexford.

Thank you... BEAUMONT Hospital would like to thank everybody who took part in the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon on Monday. A spokesperson for the team said: “You have made a big difference to patient care at the hospital, especially to the Care of the Elderly programme. “The impact that you made is warmly appreciated, look out for the details, which will be up on our website www.bhf.ie soon.”

9 June 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazetteGAMING GAMING Only one more Kinect sensor left to be won! HE incredible Gazette Xbox Kinect sensor competition is drawing to a close as, this week, we give away the fourth and final of our terrific prizes. K inect for Xbox 360 brings games and entertainment to life in extraordinary new ways, without using a controller

With Kinect, technology evaporates, letting the natural magic in all of us shine. Controllerfree gaming means fullbody play. Kinect responds to how you move. So, if you have to kick, then kick. If you have to jump, then jump. You already know how to play. All you have to do is get off the couch, â&#x20AC;&#x153;plug inâ&#x20AC;? to

your Xbox 360 console, and jump in to experience game play.

Games Kinect Sports allows you to say goodbye to the buttons and controllers, and play six full sports games just as you always have, using your entire body. Become the heavyweight champ of the liv-

ing room with boxing, or take to the sand with some high-flying beach volleyball action. With soccer, field and track events, and even bowling, Kinect Sports has something for everyone. Meanwhile, Kinect Adventures will have you jumping, dodging, and kicking your way

through 20 pulse-pounding adventures, set in exotic locations around the world. K inect Adventures gets you to work with your friends and navigate through roaring rapids, challenge obstacle courses, and even save a leaky underwater laboratory. The spirit of adventure awaits!

WIN A KINECT SENSOR AND TWO KINECT GAMES To be in with a chance to win a Kinect Sensor and two Kinect games, to use with your XBox 360 console, just answer the following question. What kind of laboratory must be saved in Kinect Adventures? Post your answer to Kinect Competition, Gazette Group Newspapers, Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan, Co Dublin. Alternatively, you can email competition@gazettegroup.com. All entries must be received before Wednesday, June 15.

18 GAZETTE 9 June 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS Hyundai is aiming RoadSigns Road Signs higher with new i40 A new, and more stylish Hyundai, is on the way for Ireland. MICHAEL MORONEY caught up with the car at Dealers, Cavanagh’s Women’s Mini-Marathon runners can win an Apple iPad, thanks to Fiat THE Flora Women’s Mini Marathon which took place over the weekend is a major fund raising event for many charities. Fiat Ireland as the official vehicle sponsor thinks that the rewards shouldn’t necessarily stop there. That is why, in addition to giving a brand new Fiat 500 car away to one lucky participant on the day of the event, Fiat is also offering all minimarathon runners the chance to win an Apple iPad. In fact, Fiat is giving away a total of six iPads between June and December 2011 and, to enter, the only thing mini-marathon participants have to do is stick an I DID IT sticker on the back of their car and check the Fiat Ireland Facebook page once a month to see if they’ve won! Best of all, the sticker also ensures that everyone is aware of the athletic prowess and kindheartedness of the person behind the wheel, so there are really no losers in this competition.

Are we getting too fat to fit into compact cars? A RECENT published report noted that physically bigger Americans are not comfortable driving compact cars designed for the European market. With our growing obesity problem in Ireland, I just wonder are we moving in the same direction? I reckon that the growing weight problem in countries like Ireland is creating similar problems to those facing car designers in the US as weight problems create all sorts of headaches for the engineers who design small car interiors. Hand- in- hand with this US President Obama wants to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil. He’s promised a one-third slash in oil imports by 2025. That means smaller cars and alternative fuels are going to be necessary. And his wife, Michelle, is waging a war on childhood obesity. We need to do the same here because, when all of our kids grow up, they are going to have to fit into smaller cars, likely run on alternative fuels, and that’s whether they like it or not.

yundai have been keeping the arrival of the new i40 a bit of a secret from us motoring journalists and I don’t know why. The car is a reasonably big car replacement for the aging Sonata. It has much more style, even though it might feel a little tighter on the inside. T he Hy undai did impress with great styling and solid feel, coupled with a thrifty 1.7-litre turbo-diesel engine under the bonnet. The car has a completely different driving feel to the Sonata. The dash and front area comes in around the driver to give a solid look to the car. That would be my preference, but not everybody agrees. Hyundai will be offering two engine options when the car hits Irish shores later this summer. The entry model, like the one that I briefly drove, will come with a 1.7 -litre turbo-diesel engine. And they don’t tell us what the acceleration pace is either, but I searched it out and found that it’s reasonable, but not the fastest in the

league. What they do tell us is that the economy figures are good. They give us a figure of 23.2 km/litre (4.3l/100km), which is impressive for a car in this size category. These figures will be achieved with a sixth gear in the gearbox, allowing the car to cruise at low engine revs. That’s a sensible approach because it works in terms of the economy measures that make the car thrifty to own and to drive. Economy

T his entr y model comes with a low 113g/ km of CO2, which is incredibly low for a diesel powered car in this size. That converts to very good economy and a low €104 annual road tax cost. The new Hyundai i40 is loaded with features that would be extras in other mainline cars of a similar size. These include Stop/Start economy, airconditioning, nine airbags, reversing camera on the rear, plus modern looking LED headlights. In fact there’s little on

The new Hyundai i40 is a cross between a saloon and not quite an estate

SPECS: HYUNDAI I40 1.7D Top speed: 180 km/hr

Road Tax Band: A (€104)

0 – 100km/hr: 10.3 seconds

Scrappage Eligible: Yes

Economy: 23.2 km/litre (4.3l/100km)

Warranty: 5 years

CO2 emissions: 113g/km

Entry Price: €25,750

the option list apart from colour. But what impressed most when the car was unveiled at Cavanagh’s of Charleville, was the fact that it comes with a full-, size spare wheel. From here the conversations moved to whispers of how owners of more prestigious brands had horror stories to tell regarding run-flat tyres and those annoying

tyre inflation kits. The message was good for Hyundai to offer something tangible; a real spare wheel that comes in handy around Charleville and many other areas of the country. The car looks so well and has similarities to the Toyota Avensis Estate, but, fortunately, it’s more compact and tidy, and that’s proving to be needed as some of these

estate cars get beyond car parking spaces meagre dimensions. The entry price for the Hyundai i40 will be in the region of €25,750 and that’s reasonable value given its economy, performance and high specifications level. This car will widen the net even further for Hyundai where the smaller cars, and Santa Fe, have been the trail blazers.

Mazda Skyactiv engines wins award MAZDA continues to win awards for developing fuel-saving, environmentally-friendly technologies for its cars. Two Mazda engineers were presented with the Outstanding Technical Paper award at the 61st annual Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan (JSAE) presentation.

Mazda took home three awards for research that will be used in Mazda’s next-generation Skyactiv vehicles, Mazda’s unique start-stop system, i-stop, and its single-nano technology catalyst, and for ground-breaking research into the properties of sound insulation material. The Mazda designers analysed

the effects of different fuel components on ignition performance of an engine using homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI). This allowed them to predict auto-ignition timing for various grades of petrol from markets around the world. It also allowed them to demonstrate how engine knock can be

avoided when using a standard spark ignition system as well. The award- winning work was used by Mazda to develop the new SKYACTIV-G engine which will employ the highest compression ratio (14.0:1) ever achieved in a petrol engine, while drastically lowering fuel consumption and emissions.

9 June 2011 GAZETTE 19

20 GAZETTE 9 June 2011

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY ATHBOY: ASKING PRICE OF ONLY €165,000

Now we’re cooking: B&Q’s range of barbecue equipment and furniture IT’S TIME to get grilling and take the kitchen outdoors. Yes, its barbeque time as the summer finally kicks into gear, and whatever your style, B&Q has a barbeque and accessories to fit your taste. With both varieties of barbecue on offer - charcoal, for a traditional barbeque with that authentic char-grill taste, with the Adelaide slimline family barbeque for €108 and the Samba trolley charcoal barbeque for €47.60, or gas, which is great for quick and easy outdoor cooking, with the Dakota two-burner gas barbeque for €59.75, and the Darwin three-burner gas flatbed barbeque for €175 - and a range of outdoor furniture - including the St Lucia rectangular table, parasol and six chairs for €182 - whatever your taste, B&Q has a barbeque and accesories to suit you.

Number 15, Priory Gate in Athboy is on the market with an asking price of €165,000

Priority in Priory Gate NUMBER 15, PRIORY Gate in Athboy, is being brought to the market by Carty Estate Agents in Trim. This five-bedroom detached property is coming on sale for €165,000, and is perfectly positioned to the front of this modern and much-sought-after residential estate. This fine family home, which extends to c1,900 sq ft, constructed to an exceptionally high standard, provides wellproportioned accommodation. The accomodation comprises entrance hall with solid oak floor, guest bathroom, a sizable lounge with solid oak f loor, large bay window and a feature fireplace with cast-iron insert. There is a reception room with bay windows, and the kitchen and dining area has a tiled floor, a fully-fitted kitchen and recessed lighting, as well as doors to the utility room and access to the garden and the patio. There is also a dining room with an oak floor. Upstairs, the master bedroom is en suite and is carpeted, with a walk-

in wardrobe and bay windows. Of the other bedrooms, one is also en suite and has a builtin wardrobe, while all are carpeted and wellproportioned. The family bathroom is upstairs and is fully tiled, with WC, WHB and bath, and features a window to the front of the property. Priory Gate is served by oil-fired central heatind and has PVC double-glazed windows. It has a double-gated side entrance, with parking for two cars at the front of the property. The sale includes all the kitchen appliances. Priory Gate is ideally located on the Delvin Road out of Athboy, just minutes’ stroll from all amenities and services this town has to offer. Navan, which boasts a large shopping centre, is just 11 miles away and, for the commuter, Dublin City Centre is just 34 miles, easily accessible via an ever-improving road network, the new M3 and regular daily bus service. For more information, contact Carty estate agents on 0469486860.

WESTMEATH: A FIVE-BED DETACHED PROPERTY FOR €295,000

Classy country life in Clonnagapple House

C L O N N AGA PPL E Ho u s e , D e l v i n , C o Westmeath, a five-bedroom old-world stone detached house, has come to the market for the attractive price of €295,000. In a tranquil setting, the property is located on the Collinstow n Road out of Devlin, and is c300 years old. It originally belonged to Lord Greenville and is set on a c2.5-acre site with landscaped gardens. This property offers a wonderful opportunity to run a small business from home as soil has never been fertilised and is ideal for organic gardening, or new owners could finish converting the stables to tourist accommodation. The property is in an ideal location with its close proximity to Lough

Clonagapple House in Westmeath, on the market for €295,000

Lene and Delvin Golf Course.

Accommodation The accommodation comprises entrance hall with tiled floor, lounge with feature fireplace and doors to the family room, which has an old stone fireplace with a stove and railway-

sleeper mantelpiece. Also downstairs are the kitchen and a large bathroom. There is a sizable utility room and boiler house. Upstairs are the five well-proportioned bedrooms in the property, with feature a variety of built-in wardrobes, wood panels in the ceil-

ing, carpets and timber flooring. Also upstairs is the family bathroom. Outside, the property is approached by a sweeping driveway, and is set on c2.5 acres with landscaped gardens. T here are detached stone sheds, which were originally stables, which

have been partially converted. The water is from a mains connection and the heating is from oilfired central heating. The windows are double glazed. For more information, contact Carty estate agents on 0469486860.

9 June 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Rachel Scanlon, Christine King and Aileen Healy, Castle Homecare

A helping hand from Castle Homecare CASTLE Homecare is putting the finishing touches to their new office in Ballinteer. The company has been set up by three local ladies, Rachel Scanlon, Christine King and Aileen Healy. Together they have numerous years of experience in the caring profession and know well the services required in their community. They are responding directly to the demands on many families for care for their parents/grandparents/the disabled and new mothers. The company helps people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefit of living independently in their homes and local communities. Aileen recently joined the company from the HSE where she worked for 38 years. She spent 18 years in Ballinteer Health Centre followed by Care Co-Ordinator and Assistant to Manager of Services for Older Persons and Disabilities at the Local Health Office in Clonskeagh.

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS

SERIOUS ILLNESS COVER Q – I am being hounded by my bank to take out serious illness cover. I cannot see the value and don’t know the difference between this type of cover and income protection. Is it the same thing ? Gerry - Clonsilla A - I think you are being sold a product by your bank rather than have a real need accommodated. They should, of course, first tell you the benefits of taking out such a policy and then let you decide on the merits whether the benefits outweigh the cost of the financial commitment. Serious Illness Cover or Critical Illness insures against contracting a major illness ( e.g. stroke, cancer, heart attack, MS ) and once confirmed, a lump sum is paid out to “tide you over” during the period of, hopefully, convalescence. The higher the lump sum, the bigger the monthly premium. Irish Life, Friends First and Aviva lead the insurance companies in this product. Income protection, on the other hand, pays out

Aileen Healy, Rachel Scanlon and Christine King

75% ( less any social welfare entitlement ) of your annual income on a monthly basis should you be

Q&A

incapacitated – not restricted to an “illness”, but simply you cannot work. This continues to be paid

Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: Honestly, a nurse and I’ve got the photos to prove it!

Q: What was your first job? A: Picking strawberries in Fish-

A: Delegating is a huge part

A: From Edel to Rod.

of this job, as we work very closely with our carers, the families and also the health care professionals.

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: My daughter ,who’s in

ers Farm.

Q: What sport do you follow? A: Rugby.

Q: And your first pay cheque? A: Not enough for the bus fare

Q: What sport can you play? A: Kick-boxing.

home!

Q: When did you start your present job? A: I’ve been 38 years in the health care sector.

Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: The positive difference that we can make to someone’s life.

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

Australia.

Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update? A: Thanks for all the birthday wishes.

Q: What is your guilty music/ TV or movie pleasure? A: Rod Stewart.

Q: Describe your dream meal? A: My mother’s Sunday roast,

Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward? A: Jedward, because of their

Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Neither.

positivity!

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad?

of course.

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? A: On planning holidays!

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: 30.

until your incapacitation ceases or your pension

Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: Arriving back into the

is that it is the ONLY type of insurance outside of

airport to find I’d left my car lights on.

taxpayer, for every euro you spend on an income

Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: Sailing around the Greek

tax. You also have to bear in mind income is your

Islands.

income.

Q: What would be your dream job? A: I’m doing it right now. Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: Move to Kerry.

kicks in, whichever is the sooner. However, the main benefit of income protection non-assignable pension life cover that attracts tax relief at your marginal rate. So, if you are a 41% protection policy, you receive 41 cents back in number one asset,and especially if you are the only breadwinner in your family, you should insure that

Whatever you do, Gerry, don’t be sold a product. Look for independent professional advice. Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

Employes should be protected and their rights must be observed NOREEN MAGUIRE Maguire Muldoon Solicitors

WE are all acutely aware of how difficult employers are finding things during these turbulent times. Solicitors are often consulted when problems with staff arise. Employers think they cannot dismiss an employee who is on certified sick leave. Lack of capability to carry out terms and conditions

of a contract of employment are grounds for dismissal. The employer needs to gather as many facts about the employee’s condition as possible and the employee must be given fair notice that the possibility of dismissal for incapacity is on the table. The employee should be allowed an opportunity to influence the employer’s decision by providing relevant evidence where necessary.

The employer needs independent medical advice. However, the decision to terminate is not a decision to be made by a doctor, but one to be made by management while taking that advice into consideration. Remember, there is a very broad interpretation of the term “disability” and should the illness be considered a disability under employment equality legislation, the employee is protected and their rights must be observed

under that legislation. In general, the employer needs to consider the length of service, type of job, working environment and what is required of the employee. The employer must look at what facilities could be made available that would allow the employee work as normal. The Equality Acts state the cost of such special treatment or facilities should be considered. Where the employers are able to

make alternative arrangements or, indeed, can tolerate high levels of absence, they must try to do so. It would be very difficult to defend a claim where the employer failed in their duty to reasonably accommodate an employee. Each employer will have a different set of facts to consider, but should remember they must be able to show the dismissal was necessary and for good reasons.

22 GAZETTE 9 June 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Newcastle renewed is vibrant for visitors

NORTH-EAST ENGLAND: VISITING A 21ST-CENTURY CITY

The picturesque town of Sorrento, Italy

Relax and unwind in the romantic surroundings in two of Italy’s top destinations - Rome and Sorrento

ROME and Sorrento are two of the most romantic and stunning settings in Europe, and Joe Walsh Tours are offering tourists a chance to experience both destinations this September. Check out the famous buildings and landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Vatican and St Peter’s Basilica on an exclusive escorted tour as well as lesser spotted Rome and its secret hotspots. For the second half of the trip, holiday-makers can unwind in the stunning surrounds of Sorrento. There are a few options available for the final two days in Sorrento, relax and unwind in the stunning resort, or travel to the amazing Amalfi Coast or Capri. Flights depart on September 11 and include a direct flight from Dublin to Naples with Aer Lingus, transfer on arrival from the airport to your hotel in Rome, three nights accommodation in the centrally-located three-star Hotel Milani in Rome, on a bed and breakfast basis, luxury coach transfer from Rome to the hotel in Sorrento, four nights accommodation in the four-star Hotel Conca Park in Sorrento, on a half-board basis, direct flight from Naples to Dublin and luxury air-conditioned coach for all transfers and tours. Joe Walsh Tours offer this escorted tour of Rome and Sorrento for just €799. For further information, call Joe Walsh Tours on 01-2410800 or visit www.joewalshtours.ie.

ROB HEIGH

IN the last 15 or so years since I was last in the north-east, Newcastle has undergone something of a dramatic regeneration. In the interventing years, what was once a slightly grey industrial town has turned into a vibrant, culture-embracing 21st-century city with a great deal to offer the traveller looking something special from a weekend break. Part of that resurgence has come on the back of the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative’s Culture 10 programme, which was put in place to rejuvenate and reinvent the city as an inspiring and vibrant attraction for visitors and locals alike. The programme this year celebrated its anniversary with the announcement of an array of events that will appeal to everyone with even a passing interest in the arts, food, dance and theatre.

Newcastle is not the only story, as the city, on the northern side of the Tyne river, is paired with their southern neighbours, Gateshead. The ties between the areas are stronger than ever, with the addition of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, which spans the Tyne and creates a link to the Baltic Art Gallery and the Sage Gateshead Centre, a huge and hugely impressive music venue, designed by acclaimed architect, Norman Foster. One can easily walk through the town and, as you do so, through the significant moments in British history. From the Roman settlement of Pons Aelius to the new castle of it’s name, built by William the Conqueror’s son in 1080, through the landmarks of the industrial revolution built by Robert Stephenson, to the impressive, new-age development at the Quayside, you can

literally turn a corner in Newcastle and be transported forward or back in time by hundreds of years. With an artisan approach and a commitment from the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative to make the area a great tourist destination, the city embraced a musical celebration weekend, with the fifth running of the Evolution Music Festival. Drawing some of the best of new and established talent to Newcastle at the start of “festival season”, Evolution is a metaphor for the rebirth of the city. It takes the best of the old and the new and presents it in familiar surroundings with a fresh approach. There were performances from the legendary Iggy Pop and the Stooges, and the current darling of the dance scene, Katy B, performed in front of the Baltic gallery. In between acts, I was

The world -famous Colosseum in Rome

St Peter’s Basilica in

The stunning views in

Rome

Sorrento The impressive views from the top of the St James’s Park soccer stadium

able to succumb to a welldeveloped hunger and thirst at The Broad Chare, a new gastropub recently opened by acclaimed local chef, Terry Laybourne. It is already getting a reputation for its quality fare and exclusively brewed real ales, and rightly so. My starter of mussels in cider and thyme was delicious, and the main of blood pudding and apple was exquisite, as was everything that I saw served up around me in the Chare’s cosy setting. Washed down with a pint of Wayland’s Gold Tankard ale, I was more than set to head back out into the crowds, and take in the atmosphere of the festival. Newcastle is also renowned for its love of soccer, and no trip would be complete for the Sports Editor to the home of Newcastle United. A really informative and enlightening tour of St James’s Park gave another view on the city. Not

Cafe culture and arts

only was it a salute to the famous sons of the club – Jackie Milburn, Alan Shearer, and Bobby Robson, among others – but it also showed how the city is bound together by community and hard work. A walk through the town centre brought me to another success story in the redevelopment of Newcastle, the Ouseburn area, which houses art galleries, studios, museums and pubs and restaurants that draw in the diverse strands of the new Newcastle. I was lucky enough to spend some time in the Seven Stories museum, a fabulous archive of artwork, illustrations and manuscripts of children’s books that include works by some of the best-known and best-loved artists and writers of several generations, including Judith Kerr, Enid Blyton and Philip Pullman. There are readings and events at the Seven Stories throughout the summer and, even if there is not an event on the day of your visit, it is still a fascinating trip through a heritage of children’s literature – even if you are not accompanied

9 June 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs

The ESPA relaxation area at the g Hotel in Galway

Time to pamper your dad with a special spa package at the ESPA Spa in the g Hotel in Galway aplenty make up the landscape of the Quayside in Newcastle Gateshead

by a child, you can let your inner child run free! From the Seven Stories, it was a short stroll to The Cluny, another acclaimed venue for live music with a reputation for great food as well. It didn’t disappoint on that score, and their Sunday lunch of lamb with garlic, Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings was another feast on a plate, again accompanied by another locally brewed real ale, showing that the brewing tradition in the area is alive and well, in spite of the famous Scottish and Newcastle brewery relocating out of the city. Boisterous

Sunday saw possible even more revellers present across the quays at the Evolution festival, as the arguably more established and well-known acts graced the Ballast Mill stage – Example, Tinie Tempah and Plan B brought their fresh hip-hop, dance and soul sounds to the masses, and the masses responded with an even more boisterous reception than Saturday’s acts had enjoyed.

Meanwhile, I took in the acts at the Baltic stage, with DJ and producer Sub Focus unleashing new tracks on the crowd, and Canada’s best-kept secret, Caribou, bringing their dark and complex sounds to a very appreciative audience, and putting on arguably the best performance of the weekend. The success of the festival bodes well for the rest of the summer, and there are a wide array of events taking place thoughout the rest of the year to attract visitors. These include the EAT food and drink festival, which runs from June 17 to 26, which includes a street-food festival, and the ¡VAMOS! festival, which runs until July 10, which features LatinAmerican music, food and film. All in all, there are a host of events to keep the interested traveller exercised and energised throughout the summer, and Newcastle Gateshead is certainly somewhere to put on the map as a future destination – I for one will certainly be going back. For more, see www. newcastlegateshead.com

Canada’s finest export, Caribou, light up the stage at the Baltic art gallery as part of the Evolution festival

WHEN it comes to being pampered, dad’s can sometimes be overlooked but I defy any man to not enjoy a facial or several other beauty treatments on offer to men. As Father’s Day is fast approaching, we have sought out the best pamper treatment on offer for daddy dearest. The ESPA at the five-star g Hotel in Galway, is offering a Gentleman Unwind Trio package, which includes a thermal suite heat experience; deep-cleansing back exfoliation; muscle-relaxing back massage; tensionrelieving oriental scalp massage and a refreshing ‘Health Shot’ in its relaxation area, all costing €90. Overnight rates are available and, for further details, visit www.thegho tel.ie, email info@theghotel.ie or call 091 865200.

Give your dad the The James Bond Feelgood Factor at No.1 Pery Square Hotel and Spa in Limerick FOR dads who like to think of themselves as a bit suave, there is the James Bond Experience at No.1 Pery Square Hotel and Spa in Limerick. The James Bond Feelgood Factor is a bespoke male therapy with a King of Spades Spa Hot Towel Shave, using the official Geo Trumper James Bond shaving techniques and products. Then enjoy a muscle-melting Hot Oil Back Massage and the unique Solace Sound wave experience, leaving dad revitalised, but not shaken or stirred from €110 per pop. Make it an overnight stay in a luxurious guestroom, with full a la carte breakfast and James Bond Feelgood Factor from €245 per person. For further details, call 061 402 414 or visit www.oneperysquare.com.

A weekend of modern fly-fishing and spinning techniques at the Longueville House in Cork

The Central Mall, illustrating the VIctorian influence on the landscape of Newcastle

FOR something a little more traditional, Longueville House is offering residential fly-fishing courses. This three-night/two-day course is based at Longueville House in Cork, and is designed for up to six participants under tuition. All aspects of modern fly-fishing and spinning techniques are covered, but emphasis is placed on as much practical fishing as possible. The course is spread over two days and three nights, starting with dinner at Longueville House on the first night and finishing up after breakfast two days later. Prices start at €990 per person sharing in Junior Suite or €815 per person sharing in a standard room. For more details, go to www. longuevillehouse.ie.

24 LUCAN GAZETTE 9 June 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1

GoingOUT GoingOUT THE HELIX 01 700 7000 Fireworks

A WIDE range of dancers from the Sarah Moloney Stage School will present Fireworks; an eclectic show that promises an explosive mix of vibrant styles. Fireworks will showcase some of the many reasons that have put the school firmly on the map for dance students and fans alike, with this a show not to be missed. With tickets priced at €20/15, there are two dance shows to choose from, at 3pm or 8pm, on Saturday, June 11.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Tarry Flynn

THE life of a 1930s’ Cavan farmer, poet and dreamer is currently being brought to vibrant life in a celebratory fifth anniversary show at The Mill, which is marking its birthday in style with this superb production. There’s something for everyone in this production, with this tale of a simple man with a complex heart from a bygone era having much to enjoy for audiences today. The production runs until Saturday, June 18, with admission at €18, €15.

PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 The Parting Glass

WITH memories of French Striker, Thierry Henry’s handball incident during Ireland’s late 2009 qualifier for the World Cup still a painful memory for many football fans, there’s no doubt that many will relate to the feelings of Eoin, an everyman football fan who also uses that sleight of hand incident as a means to reflect on his life, the Celtic Tiger, Ireland’s recent history and more. Catch this great show at 8pm on Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11, with admission priced from €12 to €17. Please note that there will be an after-show reading on Friday, June 10 by author, Dermot Bolger and Ray Yeats.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 4627477 The Ballet Ruse

THE beautiful world of ballet may be sent spinning – or pirouetting – by two budding ballerinas, who go from bar to barre in a bid to fulfil their dreams. Lady GaGa rubs shoulders with Tchaikovsky in a show that’s not afraid to step up to the mark to present wonderful, imaginative dancing with a twist. The Ballet Ruse plays at 8pm on Thursday, June 9, at 8pm, with admission priced at €12/€10 conc.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 The Picture of Dorian Gray

ONE of Oscar Wilde’s greatest tales is brought to life in a memorable staging by Wonderland Productions. Adapted by Alice Coghlan, the decadent tale of Victorian socialite Dorian Gray will captivate audiences – who may not, however, wish to see a mysterious painting, hidden away ... With a price that includes afternoon tea, the production will be staged in the Betelnut Cafe at 3pm on Sunday, June 12, with tickets priced at €30/€25 conc.

Juliet Turner OFTEN describes as having a wry charm in addition to her beautiful voice, Julet Turner (below) needs very little introduction for her loyal fans, having delighted audiences around the country for years with her wonderful songs and anecdotes, all of which make her one to watch. Hear Juliette on Saturday, June 11 at 8pm, with tickets priced at €18/€14 conc.

Once again relying on the help of his friends, the Furious Five, Po (Jack Black) must use his unlikely but impressive martial arts skills to help right wrongs in the world – in this case, standing up to a tyrant and his deadly new weapon, threatening ancient China

Far from bamboozled Eats, shoots and leaves ... this powerhouse panda takes aim at the top of the charts with an enjoyable sequel ... Q KATE CROWLEY

OH BOY, oh boy, oh boy. It’s almost time for Mel Gibson’s The Beaver to be released here; a film which has seen critics sharpening their tongues with gusto around the world. This, in itself, probably means very little. After all, fellow film film critics have been united in hating The Hangover 2 – however, audiences seem to love it, as it turned in one of the highest-grossing weekend openers ever. (Beat that, Beaver.) What’s a stunning, if slightly mature, gal gonna do? Why, pick a fun family film to review, of course; something that can also throw a few fancy moves around at our cinemas, yet without earning the ire of reviewers or audiences alike. (And, no, I don’t mean Honey 2, for those wishing to see beefcakes and

FILM OF THE WEEK: King Fu Panda 2 ++++ (PG) 90 mins Director: Jennifer Yuh Starring: Jack Black, Jackie Chan, Angelina Jolie, Gary Oldman, Dustin Hoffman, Michelle Yeoh, err, Jean Claude Van Damme

OUR VERDICT: PROVING, perhaps, that it’s what’s inside that counts, and that even fat pandas – or slightly fuller-of-figure film critics – can have amazing skills, this film ... err ... doesn’t sound very different with its “message” from the first film. However, there’s plenty to enjoy, but its frequent battle scenes (and a background panda genocide storyline Pandocide?) rule it out for the very young, as its PG rating shows.

babes hoofing and huffing around on a screen.) I don’t know if pandas have hooves, but, even if they do, it’s not the most pressing of issues, perhaps for Kung Fu Panda 2; the somewhat inevitable sequel to the animated film from a few years ago, to need to consider. Arriving slightly tardily in cinemas – which is fair enough, as pandas are generally not the fastest of creatures – it sees a return for Po (Jack Black) and the Furious Five martial arts masters, all by now living quietly in the Valley of Peace in

ancient China, under the watchful guise of Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman). However, the film soon makes it clear that Lord Shen (Gary Oldman), ruler of the Peacock Clan, is up to all kinds of mischief, primarily thanks to his deadly new weapon. Shen’s foes soon learn that a cannon, and gunpowder, are a match for even the finest martial arts clans in China, with the would-be preening tyrant blasting away any and all opposition. Pudgy Po, and friends, learn of this rising threat, and, in finest road-warrior

tradition, are sent to stop Shen, and restore the balance of peace to China. However, r unning through the film is Po’s quest for identity, seeing as he knows that he was found as a baby and raised by strangers – you don’t see many geese raising pandas, after all, even in ancient China. Who are his real parents? Where are they? Why has he been having flashbacks when he sees mysterious symbols on the bad guys’ armour? And what’s for dinner? All these, and many more questions, are to be answered on Po’s road to enlightenment, which seems to lead past one fight sequence after another ... and another ... and another ... and ... Eventually, with an element of his inner peace restored, Po must stop Shen, rescue his friends from trouble, and save China. Yup, that’s all, folks.

Well, if you’ve seen the first film, you won’t be disappointed with the sequel, which, once again, looks marvellous. Western audiences are largely unfamiliar with ancient Chinese legends, history or settings, yet there’s still a recognisable “look” for what is expected from such a film, and, boy, does this Panda deliver. (No jokes about Chinese deliveries, please.) Given Dreamworks’ tendency to milk its hits dry (as the increasingly mirth-free Shrek series demonstrates), you could be forgiven for having concerns about this sequel. However, Kung Fu Panda 2 hits all the right marks, with some superb animation, outstanding design, and an engaging enough plot. So, sorry Mel – when it comes to landing knockout blows at the cinema, this Panda’s got that Beaver licked ...

9 June 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 25

Tech cashes in on money usage ADAM MAGUIRE

IN THE past few weeks, two big announcements – one from Google, and one from Orange in Britain – have seen the idea of the mobile wallet hit the headlines. Here is a quick guide to how it will work, and what the advantages are. A small number of mobile phones are now coming out with what’s called a “near field communications” (NFC) chip built in. Basically, this is a tiny antenna that allows the device to be recognised by base-stations when put close to them – just like many office swipe cards, nowadays.

What that has to do with money Once you combine a

replacement for low-cost transactions that, normally, would not be done via a card. In other words, this will aim to replace the change in your pocket. NFC chip with all of the information stored on your phone, you can do all sorts of things. The idea of the mobile wallet is that you can link your phone to your bank account, or credit card, and then pay for things through using it, without having to carry an actual wallet.

The benefits If you just have to tap your phone off of a shop’s till to pay for your products, it will make the process far faster and easier. The prevailing theory is that this will become a

The risks Of course, there are issues around how secure this is – after all, if you can do too much with your phone, then others can really cause havoc if they get their hands on it. To counter this, most mobile wallet proposals limit the transactions you can do to small amounts – of course, there is no reason why a PIN number, or other security details, would not also be required with a NFC transaction. When to expect it The short answer is –

no time too soon. Firstly, there needs to be enough phones out there using NFC technology to make it viable; at present, there are only a handful. Then, banks need to get on board and create applications that allow these phones to link with your financial accounts. Finally, shops need to install NFC-capable terminals to cater for the devices. All of this is going to take a few years, at least.

Otterbox iPad 2 Defender Case Designed as a sturdy piece of kit to help keep your iPad 2 secure, the Otterbox Defender case delivers; though the device’s design makes it hard to truly do so. The rise of the smartphone – and, latterly, the

tablet – has created a million-euro market in accessories. All manner of cases, bags and pouches are out there for the various products coming from Apple and, as a result, all of them struggle to offer something unique. H o w e v e r, the Defender case does manage that. While others focus on ease of use and comfort, the point here is to make your fragile technology more robust, even if it is at the expense of style. The case is not particularly easy to put on – it comes in layers of plastic and rubber – but it definitely adds a decent layer

of protection, once in place. Sadly, it is unable to boast water proofing, or the like, largely due to the iPad 2’s design, but it will stand to you in the event of a minor knock, spill or fall. Otterbox will probably try to sell this as a meth-

od for those looking to take their iPad 2 into the wild. Frankly, e ve n w i t h the case in place, that still seems a bit of a stretch. However, the case would be very useful for far more practical reasons; making your shiny new toy as close to baby-proof as you can get. The Otterbox iPad 2 Defender Case is available on iBazaar.ie for €70, plus P&P. Visit teic.ie for the latest tech news, reviews and views.

GAZETTE

26 LUCAN GAZETTE 9 June 2011

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9 June 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

LONDON CALLING: Sinead McCarthy on Ireland’s Olympic hockey destiny: Page 29

SOCCER: UNHCR AND SARI HOSTING ANNUAL REFUGEE FAIR PLAY CUP IN DUBLIN 7

Do 1 Thing this month and support soccer sport@gazettegroup.com

THE UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Office in Ireland and Sport Against Racism Ireland (SARI) are encouraging Dubliners to Do 1 Thing to support refugees this World Refugee Day, Saturday, June 18, by coming to the second annual Fair Play Football Cup in the Law Society gardens at Blackhall Place. The Fair Play Cup coin-

cides with the 60th anniversary of the UN Convention Relating to Refugees, and is a competitive soccer tournament featuring teams drawn from refugee and community groups, Government agencies and members of the media to celebrate the contribution of refugees in sport throughout Irish communities. Players from a host of different countries, including Angola, South Africa, the Democratic

Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe and Ireland will compete in the seven-aside men’s and women’s tournament. Other entertainment at the free event includes football skills training provided by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) , face-painting, music and much more for the whole family. Hot Press, winners of the 2010 inaugural tournament, will again face tough opposition against

Hailuu Netsiyanwa of Insaka FC in action against KarenGroup, members of the Myanmar resettled refugees

last year’s beaten finalists SARI/INSAKA, the Department of Justice teams and Newstalk’s Off the Ball team led by presenter Eoin McDevitt, the show’s anchor man who will also MC the event. Sophie Magennis,

Head of Office, UNHCR Ireland said: “Despite refugees’ often dire circumstances in very challenging environments, UNHCR has seen how sport can play a key role in helping to build tolerance, understanding and

respect among different communities, setting aside cultural differences and giving young people a sense of self worth.” Perry Ogden chair of SARI said: “The sporting world, in particular football, has played a signifi-

cant role in the promotion of human rights and integration.” The Fair Play Football Cup takes place on June 18 at the Law Society Pitch, Blackhall Place, Dublin 7, from 10.30am until 2.30pm.

28 LUCAN GAZETTE 9 June 2011

GazetteSport Sport Boxing

FastSPORT FastRugby

BOXING: LOCAL CLUB PRODUCES NATIONAL CHAMPION

Taylor takes another title in Poland event KATIE Taylor claimed a fourth successive European Union title last Saturday in Katowice when she completely outclassed Poland’s Karolina Graczyk. The 25-9 victory helped the Peamount United club member run up yet another boxer- of-the-tournament award on a fruitful weekend for the Irish as Lauragh O’Neill and Laoise Traynor took bronze medals. It was an 11th major honour in the past six years for Taylor who sped into a 5-1 lead, extended the advantage to 10-3 after round two and was all but home and hosed on 17-6 at the end of the third to underpin a fine success. Speaking about the event, she said her performance hit all the right notes. “I was very pleased with my performance in the final. It got easier as it went along and I would like to thank my coaches who got the tactics spot-on,” she said. “Friday’s semi-final and Saturday’s final were two different fights and I was very pleased with my performances in both, particularly the final. I thought I boxed the perfect fight in the final.” With just over 400 days to go to the Olympic Games, it is another statement of intent from Taylor as she ran up 80 points in her four bouts in the competition. She will hope to keep her run going in October where she will travel to Rotterdam when a fifth European championship title is in the offing. And the big one comes next April with the 2012 World Championships in China providing the qualifying route into the London Games.

Lucan Boxing Club continues to produce top-level contenders at all levels, and Charmaine Reilly is no exception

All-Ireland for Lucan sport@gazettegroup.com

LUCAN boxing club were celebrating just their second All-Ireland title since the 1980s when Charmaine Reilly proved her worth as the U-11 57kg champion recently. A f ter claiming the Dublin title in early May, with no opponent coming forward to take her on at national level, she was deemed to be Irish champion. But she subsequently took on Brosna’s Rachel Daly, a fellow national champion in an adjacent weight division, at the Lucan-hosted multi-counties event, held

in the Ringside club in the National Stadium. Reilly came through that test with f lying colours in the biggest tournament outside the nationals to show herself more than worthy. She becomes the c l u b ’s f i r s t f e m a l e national champion following Lucan’s rebirth a couple of years ago since they began opening their doors to women. And she could yet become their first international in the coming years as Ireland has international teams at the higher age groups. It follows Carl Maher’s recent success on the national stage

as the club continues to rise following a wait going back to the 1980s for their previous title at this level. Reilly, along with two clubmates, were also recipients of equipment from Dublin City Council following their recent achievements and were invited to participate in a showcase of female boxing on Tuesday night in the Westside club in Tallaght. It caps a bumper year for the club, which saw them notch up ten Dublin titles, while Claudiu Munteanu and Aaron McGrane were called into a Dublin panel to face London in a challenge series. Lucan are

the only club to have two representatives on that team. They are the building on the base which the club has laid, taking the initiative to host the mult-counties event for a second successive year with over 30 clubs taking part. It is part of a drive toward more tournam e n t- b a s e d b ox i n g rather than single shows b e t we e n r e s p e c t i ve clubs, many of whom Lucan have visited during the season and who were in a position to return the favour. With Dublin clubs seeing the benefit of taking part, too, it made for a superb occasion.

Since that event, Lucan have taken a highly successful trip to Waterford, which saw just one defeat from their series of bouts as the club continues to rise. T he club are also looking at running events for beginners to get involved. Have you or a friend, team mate or colleague, ever thought of boxing in front of hundreds of people or against each other? With six week’s training with qualified IABA coaches, leading up to a bout in the seventh week you’ll be more than ready. For information contact Karl on 087 1236993 or Ed on 085 7480207.

9 June 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 29

in association with

Aiming for the five-ring circus STEPHEN FINDLATER talks to Sinead McCarthy, Ireland’s star hockey player, as the team get set for their first challenge ahead of Olympics 2012 GIVEN Giovanni Trappatoni’s recent travails, what would he give for a recruit like Sinead McCarthy? While commitment to the cause is questioned on the soccer front, since making the decision to pursue her Irish international hockey dream 24 months ago, the Manchester-born player has endured two big upheavals. The second of those saw her end up with Booterstown-based club Hermes, after a year in Cork, in order to try and break into the Ireland set-up before a change in approach saw her move to Dublin. Upping sticks from

England was an ambitious move, one which she initially felt may have been in vain, but the 28year-old is now preparing to play in her first worldlevel event later this month at the Champion’s Challenge in UCD. At the tournament, Ireland will compete against seven sides ranked between 8th and 15th in the world and, speaking to GazetteSport, it’s an arena McCarthy is thrilled in which to wear a green, rather than white, shirt. ”Funnily enough, my debut was for England against Ireland in 2000 in Milton Keynes, an U-18 Home Nations’ match.

Sinead McCarthy in action against Australia

We drew and shared the gold medal. It was very odd, because I’d always been an Ireland supporter in soccer and rugby growing up. To play against them was odd.”

world leaders, Australia, offered a chance in July of last year and she has not relinquished her place yet, playing 12 times in the Irish jersey since. “I was thrown in at the

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

‘We’ve trained hard over the winter - everything we have been building for is just around the corner, and everyone is excited to see how far we’ve come’ --------------------------------------------------------

That feeling comes with two Irish parents. She retained an Irish passport as a result and, when opportunities to progress in the English set-up seemed limited, McCarthy used family contacts in Cork to see if Ireland could offer an avenue to international hockey She suffered an initial setback, though. “I spent the season with Harlequins and came up for trials and wasn’t selected for the World Cup qualifiers in Chile in 2010, and I thought I might not get another chance in many ways. “I’m older than a lot of the other girls coming into the system and I thought I had missed the boat.” With national coach, Gene Muller, looking to freshen up his panel in the aftermath of a disappointing qualification campaign, however, McCarthy was the beneficiary of a revamped selection. A friendly series against

deep end against Australia. It was an incredible experience, a day I’ll never forget.” But after just a couple of weeks with that panel, Ireland’s women revolutionised their training structures, with a Central Participation Programme (CPP) which saw players encouraged to move to Dublin for a more intensive training regimen of up to 25 hours a week. “I’d always thought Cork would be the place I would have lived in Ireland. I never considered living in Dublin. It’s a great city and it’s worked out brilliantly.” To that end, she joined a third club in three years with Hermes’ coach Mary Logue – “just the kind of person you want to work with and, as a former international, someone I felt I could learn from” – snapping up the combative McCarthy to bolster either their midfield or defensive set-up.

Commitment to the CPP made it tough to assimilate fully with the Booterstown team, but an Irish Senior Cup and Irish Hockey League final appearance, combined with a Leinster league title, helped form an emotional bond. “Winning the Leinster league showed the strength of the squad we had. I think every player who wasn’t playing was in the stand that night and celebrated just as hard as those who won it on the pitch and showed the spirit we had in the squad.” Summer brings the international season, her first of an intensive programme that builds to the Europeans in August, a first potential entry point to the Olympics. Having negotiated the Celtic Cup, the Champion’s Challenge provides the next major competition to assess where Ireland are at this point in their development. “The Champion’s Challenge is just so exciting and the fact it’s in Dublin, hopefully we can get a lot of people down to watch. “To be playing against the calibre of teams coming over, it’s been a long time coming. We’ve trained hard over the winter with no matches, and now everything we have been building for is just around the corner, and everyone is excited to see how far we’ve come.”

FastSport

Flynn named in Ireland panel for Turkey test COOLMINE athlete David Flynn has been selected to take part in the 3,000m steeplechase for the Ireland team at the European Team Championships, set to be held on June 18 and 19 in Izmir, Turkey. The team also includes former Irish Olympians, such as Paul Hession, David Gillick and Derval O’Rourke. After David’s successful college season in America, he has achieved the fastest steeplechase time in Irish history since 2002. This is David’s first senior Irish representation and said: “I am really excited about this opportunity to run in a senior vest. I know if everything goes well, I can compete with the best in world steeplechasing. “Also, I will get great expierence from this event, with the likes of Gillick and Hession there to mentor me.” David won the Rocky Mountain Athletics Conference for his college, Western State, earning his first conference title. David has also qualified to run in the European under 23 championship in Ostrava, Czech Republic this July where he is ranked 7th in europe at under 23 level.

Special stars come from all over the city WITH the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games set to take place between June 25 and July 4, it has been announced that there will be a total of 17 athletes from Dublin representing Ireland in Athens. This is the biggest sporting event to take place in the world this year with 7,000 athletes from 185 nations competing.

The athletes taking part come from across the city, and include Gary O’Brien from Portmarnock (track and field), Lorraine O’Halloran from Palmerstown (swimming), Sarah Byrne from Palmerstown and Amanda McCallister from Dun Laoghaire (basketball), Laura Rumball from Dun Laoghaire (gymnastics), and Robert Deegan from Ballinteer (table tennis), among others. There is also an array of coaches from Dublin assisting the teams.

30 LUCAN GAZETTE 9 June 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport Phadraig’s five-a-side set for kick-off

ciation@eircom.net, via the school website at www.colaistephadraiglucan.ie or by txt to 086 051 6596.

COLAISTE Phadraig’s annual five-aside soccer league is set to kick off on June 20 and run for the week to June 24, and the school is calling on local teams to get involved in the event. The league is aimed at adults over 18 years and consists of four groups of four teams. The winners will receive a perpetual cup, an individual trophy and cash prize. Runners-up will receive an individual trophy and cash prize. Presentation of the CBS Perpetual 5-Side Cup will take place after the final and will be presented by Johnny McCaffey (Past Pupil of CBS) and current Captain of the Senior Dublin Hurling Team Entry forms are available by e-mail to colaistepadraigasso-

Rangers trio named in SDFL selection LIFFEY Valley Rangers’ Dylan Byrne, Shane Quinn and Eric Keogh have all been included in the SDFL’s selection for the Kennedy Cup, which gets underway on June 13. They have been drawn in the same pool as city rivals, the NDSL – who are seeded first in the group – as well as the Limerick Desmond league and the Drogheda and district league. The four-day event is one of the highlights of the schoolboy football calendar for U-14s, played over four days in Limerick with 32 leagues from all over the country taking part.

GOLF: BLISTERING FINAL ROUND GIVES EAST IRELAND TITLE

Eugene Fayne (President, Golfing Union of Ireland) presents the East of Ireland Championship trophy to Richard O’Donovan

O’Donovan on course STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

LUCA N g o l f cl u b ’s R ichard O’Donovan produced a scintillating final round of 66 to claim the East of Ireland Amateur Open Championship which took place over the Bank Holiday weekend in Baltray. It was the best round of the championship, the six-under-par round leaving him two under for the championship and clear of local favourite Gareth Bohill (Co. Louth), Irish international Pat Murray (Limerick) and 17-year-

old Dermot McElroy (Ballymena). Star ting Monday’s final round on four over on a cool, windy day, he had breached par by the turn, taking just 30 strokes over the front nine. Indeed, he was seven shots off leader Bohill going into the final round and six behind the up-and-coming McElroy, making the Lucan man very much an outside bet going into the final round with a string of highclass opponents in his path. Indeed, he was nine shots off the pace over-

Beech Park champs: Golf club ladies take Leinster honours ANNA Condon, Noreen Palmer and

Anne Kendon, of Beech Park Golf Club, were celebrating last week when they were one of four teams who qualified for the final stages of the Solheim Cup Club Challenge. The provincial final was held at Dun Laoghaire Golf Club, and the event saw some 39 Leinster clubs represented. Beech Park now go on to take part in the Ladies’ Irish Open PRO-AM event in Killeen Castle on August 4.

night, starting his third round at 5.30am, posting a 71 to keep a flickering hope alive having scraped the fringes of the cut.

Momentum But, using the momentum of that third round, O’Donovan was in the zone on Monday afternoon and shot some of the best golf of his career to date. Five successive threes on the front nine saw anticipation build in the crowd after early, tricky par saves on his first and third holes (the 10th and 12th) before he began to put together

a string of birdie opportunities. His first dropped at the 11th from seven feet before following up with birdies at 13, 14, 16 and 18, with his superb approach play offering chances which maxed out at 20 feet. It shot O’Donovan right up the leaderboard and, while the returning nine were more timid but a shot was gained at the fourth (his 13th) where his nine-iron approach dropped to 16 feet for his sixth birdie of the round. As Bohill and McElroy faded with rounds of 75 and 74, it was

left to Murray to chase down the clubhouse score set by O’Donovan but he could not reel it in closer than two shots, handing the Lucan man his biggest title to date. Speaking afterwards, he said of the run that he was: “Awestr uck. Unbelievable . . . one flawless round did it.” When asked if it was the best of round of his life, he added: “I suppose so. I’m going to cherish this for the rest of my life. It was a goal at the start of the season and to see my name on the top of the leaderboard afterwards is unbelievable.”

9 June 2011 LUCAN GAZETTE 31

in association with

SARSFIELDS: CAMOGIE SIDE ACHIEVE LEAGUE TITLE

CLUB NOTICEBOARD LUCAN SARSFIELDS GOOD luck this week to our junior

Street league for boys/girls born

A and B hurlers in championship

2002 to 2004: Registration takes

matches this week, and to the sen-

place on Saturdays, June 11 and

ior footballers who play in the Vin-

June 18 between 1.30pm and 3pm at

cent de Paul Cup.

the hut beside AWP in 12th Lock.

The County Colours barbecue is

Matches take place on Tuesday,

this Friday, June 10, with special

June 21, and Friday, June 24 . Chil-

guest. Tickets available from the

dren must register.

bar, chairman and Ra y Barnes. Price €20. Golf Society: Next outing to Hollystown is on Saturday, June 11 (teeoff times from 12 noon to 2pm) Please contact Michael O’Grady (087 2331983) to get on timesheet. Visitors welcome.

Lucan Sarsfields’ camogie sides are proving the quality of coaching and depth of talent at the club

Lucan progress to heights in Senior B LUCAN Sarsfields’ senior camogie team wrapped up the Dublin Senior B league in comprehensive fashion recently. The team has won all of their eight matches, some by very significant margins. These performances were underpinned by a gruelling training schedule that began in midJanuary and involved some 50 sessions. T he new management team, made up of Marion Freeman, Aidan Glover, Kevin Roche, Mick Roche and Joe Whyte, working with a combination of established and newer players, have brought together girls who have taken the club through adult ranks, from junior B through intermediate and into senior B, as well as girls who won juvenile honours in recent years, including the All-Ireland Feile in 2008 and the Dublin Minor Championship in 2010.

Whether the team gets promoted to Senior A for 2011 is still in question, as the process is as yet unclear, but based on the record in Senior B in 2011, their elevation should be a formality. Manager Mick Roche picks out an improvement in combination play in all sectors of the field, but particularly with good ball being delivered from the halfback line, especially into the corner-forwards, who either take their own scores or lay the ball off for others to score. Roche has no hesitation in saying this is down to all the hard work being done by the panel and their coaches over the last five months. “There’s a really good attitude in the camp, a commitment to the cause, and a great enthusiasm about this group of players that makes every session and every game enjoyable and something to look forward to.” Marion Freeman, who played camogie with

some of the girls and now teaches some others at Lucan Community College, said: “In Lucan Sarsfields’ 125th year, this group of players and mentors is delighted to be building on the great work done in recent years by Seaghan O’Lanagain, Tadhg Clandillon, Noel Flynn, Martina Twomey, Dave Keenan, Liam Ryan and many others. “Indeed, Lucan Sarsfields has been fielding camogie teams in three different centuries, so this great tradition is being maintained, strengthened and cultivated for generations to come.” The future has never looked brighter for Lucan camogie, with a huge increase in playing numbers at juvenile level, with ever-improving playing and coaching standards and with silverware continuing to be annexed at all levels, including another All-Ireland Feile and an Intermediate league /

championship double in 2010, and Intermediate league in 2011. The next stage is the 2011 championships, which start in late-July for the intermediate and senior teams. In the interim, both teams will be playing up a level in the Dublin Summer Leagues, so the club will be represented for the very first time in both Senior A and Senior B grades. And, later in the season, comes the defence of the Dublin Minor Camogie championship.

and from August 8 to 12, and August 15 to 19. Register online via website. There is a discount if registration is done before June 30. Bank Holiday Lotto numbers on

Lucan Sarsfields’ 125 Celebration

website after draw. Seamus Clan-

Open Day: Sunday, June 19 at The

dillon’s team will be in charge next

12th Lock, from 2pm to 6pm.

weekend.

There will be fantastic displays

Do not forget you can alwa ys

fr om the Emer gency Ser vice s ,

enter our Lotto online by clicking

bands, food market, stalls, barbe-

on www.lucansarsfields.ie.

cue, as well asworkshops, etc. Free entry and fun for all the family.

Thanks to Carey’s Newsagents, who are this week’s sponsor

ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN Juvenile football: Under-8s, 9s

Cross.

and 10s played Kilmacud Crokes,

Our sincere thanks also to the

St Jude’s and Good Counsel, while

Palmerstown House who sponsored

the Under-11s beat St Mary’s and

the busses on the night.

Under-12s drew with Ballinteer St sport@gazettegroup.com

Summer camps have been fixed for the July 4 to 8 , and July 11 to 15;

John’s. Senior footballers lost their midweek league game by the narrowest of margins to Round Towers (C) while juniors had a good away win against Clanna Gael.

To visit our website, simply log on to www.stpatricksgaa.ie. Lotto no’s drawn were 4, 9, 12 and 28. There was no winner of the €7,600 jackpot. No match any three numbers.

Junior hurlers at home in champi-

Four x €50 lucky dips winners were

onship to Crumlin and away to Tho-

Sean White, Helen Callaghan, Kay

mas Davis on Sunday at 3pm.

Ryan and Elaine and Sean.

Our sincere thanks to our members,friends and advertisers who supported our fundraiser on Friday last at the dogs in Harold

Next week’s lotto jackpot will be €7,800. Draw is held each Sunday night at 10pm in the Palmerstown House.

WESTMANSTOWN GAELS/GARDA All our adult teams were in action

missed recent fitting night, please

last week but there was just one win

contact Robbie Harrison re travel-

by intermediates against Thomas

ling gear.

Back Row (from left): Caroline Flynn, Laura Murtagh, Alison Twomey, Julie McGinley, Ashling O’Toole, Marian Flynn, Mairi Moynihan, Michelle Kelly, Siobhan Grimes, Emma Flanagan, Roisin Hayden, Niamh Berry, Amy Martin, Eadaoin Casey, Deirdre O’Toole. Front Row (from left):

Davis in the league in Westmanstown.

Under-9s beat Ballyboden St Enda’s,

Intermediates play Kilcock in a chal-

also at home. Under-8s lost narrowly

lenge this Thursday evening in West-

to Kilmacud Crokes at home.

Audrey Murtagh, Caitriona Beirne, Sinead O’Toole, Kate Whyte, Noelle O’Riordan, Roisin O’Grady, Sinead Ni Lanagain, Claire Rigney, AnneMarie Callaghan, Emer Keenan (Captain)

manstown at 7:30pm. Junior 1s lost by a point away to St James’ Gaels, with junior 2s also losing out to Ballyfermot in league fixtures. Ladies lost to Kilmacud Crokes at

Scrap Saturday is scheduled for June 18 from 9.30am. Buster draw tickets are also on sale now, with draw taking place on Family Fun Day on June 25.

home in the championship. Training

Thank you to Intel and St Raphael’s

continues for Ladies at Westmans-

Credit Union for their recent financial

town on Mondays, Wednesdays and

contributions, it is greatly appreci-

Fridays at 7.30pm.

ated.

Payments due for New York trip:

Tickets for Dublin v Kildare on Sun-

contact Alan Lynch or Eugene

day 26th June can be ordered online

O’Sullivan. Any of travelling party who

at www.westmanstowngaels.ie.

32 LUCAN GAZETTE 9 June 2011