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Figures suggest 2012 car sales saw Volkswagen see off its competitors

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Month XX, 2012 Lucan • Palmerstown • Celbridge • Leixlip • Adamstown • Dodsboro • Liffey Valley • ballyowen

INSIDE: Audience focuses on a great new play about how wearing glasses affected one woman’s life Page 6

EU Presidency: Minister Varadkar on a huge opportunity for Ireland Page 8

On the ball: Boys congratulated on school’s success COLAISTE Padraig CBS pupils

Football:

Lucan U-10 side put in strong performances Page 31

Paddy Pender, Ciaran Kelly, Conor Maguire and Tom Prior were among the many Lucan pupils that were celebrating winning the firstyears’ Dublin league and cup, as well as the Leinster and All-Ireland crowns recently. Martin Russell, UCD, joined Bohemian’s boss Aaron Callaghan to congratulate the young players on their great achievements.

See Gallery on Page 6-7

Review:

GazetteSport looks back on an epic 2012 Page 28-29

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES.......................6 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................27

€20,000 funding boost for Aspen Counselling

Department of Health money hailed as ‘a huge acknowledgement’

 paul hosford

A LOCAL counselling service received a New Year’s boost this week with the news that they will be given €20,000 in funding from the Department of Health.

Aspen Counselling, which operates in Lucan village, will receive the money from the Department’s National Lottery fund, following an application to support their work in the Lucan area.

Founder and director of

the service Linda Balfe said the money represented a huge boost.

“I feel like it’s a huge acknowledgement from the Government of the work that we do at Aspen.

“To some people, €20,000

may not seem like a lot of money, but it’s huge for us.

It will really help us move forward.

“We’re going to do great work,” she said.

Full Story on Page 9

2 LUCAN Gazette 10 January 2013

dublin GAZETTe newspapers i n f o r m at i o n

high life Next stop Argentina for Jordan

Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publish eight weekly quality free titles, covering the greater Dublin area from Swords to Dun Laoghaire

c o n ta c t s Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Acting News Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Paul Hosford picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sport@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 - 6010240

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www.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.

Bear Grylls with Jordan Morris

Man to tackle highest mountain in Americas A LOCAL student will take on one of the world’s highest mountains next month, just weeks after successfully climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Jordan Morris climbed the highest point in Africa in October 2012 and will take on the challenge of Mount Aconcagua in Argentina this February. The 23,000 foot mountain, which will take a total of three weeks to scale, is the tallest mountain outside of Asia in the world and is the second highest of the world’s Seven Summits, the highest mountain on each continent.

 Paul Hosford news@gazettegroup.com

It will tick off the second of seven peaks for Jordan, but will also pose a different kind of challenge.

“Kilimanjaro was my first real proper high-altitude climb, but Argentina will be a different type of climb. It’s higher and I’ll need to wear clamps to grip the ice,” says Jordan who is studying Leisure Man-

agement in DIT. He adds that his motivation is simple.

“I just love the feeling of climbing, of keeping going. I do it for the rush, but I love heights as well. The views from the tops of mountains can be pretty amazing.”

Jordan raised over €2,000 from his Kilimanjaro climb for the Irish Cancer Society and, shortly after, got a lesson in survival tips from British adventurer Bear Grylls, when he became one of the inaugural participants i n G r y l l s S u r v i vo r Academy. The academy promises to teach “posi-

tivity, resourcefulness… and the skills that really keep people alive” and Jordan learnt quickly that there would be no punches pulled in giving the recruits an authentic glimpse into Grylls’ life.

“It was amazing. It was exactly like an episode of Bear Grylls. We were put in the middle of nowhere and had to find our way back, catch animals and build shelters,” said Jordan.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many animals in Sutherland, Scotland, and the group were forced to resort to rodents.

“After one night, we were so cold and hungry, that we were happy to have caught a rat.

“Ever yone says it tastes like chicken; well, it doesn’t!”

Getting to meet Grylls added to the highland adventure, especially given that he helped prepare their ratty repast.

With the last few months of adventures behind him, Jordan is now looking forward to February, when he will meet up with a group of strangers, all intent on tackling the tallest peak in the Americas.

“I’m a bit nervous, but I can’t wait,” he said.

Budding writers catered for in Lucan College AN adult evening course in creative writing will begin at the end of the month at Lucan Community College.

The 10-week course will be run

by Ross Campbell, a tutor from the college. The course will run in the style of a workshop, and

there will be group discussions and feedback on all assignments submitted. There will be a range of topics covered, such as creating realistic characters, constructing authentic dialogue, developing plot, planning and structuring your story.

Campbell said: “You’ll find like-minded souls to share your writing passion with and give you helpful feedback along the way.

“Also, for students who are interested in getting their work published, the course also looks at how to sell your pieces to a

magazine or newspaper and to get paid for it, and to research the target market.”

For more information, contact the Lucan Community College Adult Education Office on 01 628 2077, or email admin@lucancc. ie.

10 January 2013 LUCAN Gazette 3

gardening

keating: call for transparent system of property valuation

Course on offer for free

Home tax price fixing fear voiced CONCERNS have been voiced that property owners could be exploited by estate agents or pressurised by fellow home owners when they attempt to value their homes ahead of the new local property tax.

Local TD Derek Keating (FG) said that there needs to be a fully transparent system for valuing homes.

“I am concerned that if there is not a straightforward and transparent system of valuation in place, homeowners may be subjected to pressure by residents on the same street or estate who may get together to deliberately agree

to under value their homes.

“I have been made aware of discussions surrounding ‘price-fixing’ taking place, and I find this to be extremely worrying. No individual should be put in a position where they feel obliged to undervalue their property, or mislead the Revenue Commissioners.”

Enforcement The property tax will come into effect in July, replacing the €100 household charge, and it will be based on homeowners’ valuation of their properties.

The collection of the tax will be handled by

the Revenue Commissioners, but Deputy Keating says that homeowners undervaluing their homes will be detrimental to the country.

The controversial tax was passed in the Dail the week before Christmas, with Wicklow Independent TD Stephen Donnelly asking the Minister for Finance what the Government would do for those who did not have money to feed their children.

“W hat will he tell those who walk into our constituency offices and I am sure the Minister’s also - and say they have suicidal thoughts or their children are hungry?” he said.

Keeping record: Asthma Society phone app aims to improve care pictured at the launch of the Asthma Society of Ireland’s new free

app and mobile website, Asthma Coach are TV3 and Spin 103.8 presenter Gordon Hayden and Aobha O’ Brien. Half a million Irish people have asthma, of whom 282,000 do not have their symptoms controlled. The app aims to help these people better manage their symptoms. The app allows users to record and track their asthma symptoms, medication usage and peak flow to help them control their condition. Users can also share their diary and a graph of their asthma activities with their healthcare professional. For more information, log on to www.asthmasociety.ie.

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B e c au s e L o c a l M at t e r s

THE Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Lucan and Newcastle (CPLN) Area Partnership will run a free Planting and Potting

by Hand FETAC Level Three course from Tuesday, January 15.

The course will run for 10 weeks, and takes place from 10am to 12pm every Tuesday, and will take place at the Bush Centre at Foxdene Avenue in Balgaddy.

The course is aimed at local residents who are unemployed, or for those who have some free time and are interested in becoming involved with the Balgaddy Community Garden or environmental activities.

For more information, contact the CPLN Area Parternship office at 01 450 8478.

4 LUCAN Gazette 10 January 2013

FastNews

decision Local concern taken into account

council: vote on upgrade

Major road works plan  paul hosford

Lucan schools exhibiting at RDS Young Scientist TWO LOCAL schools are exhibiting at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition from today, Thursday, January 10.

St Joseph’s College presents “Teachers: Are they talking themselves to death?”, while St Wolstan’s Community School in Celbridge are exhibiting five projects, which include “Sea water analysis” and “Effect of cranial temperature on ability to yawn”.

Fund proposal to launch THE launch of the Youth Entrepreneur Fund Proposal of the Celbridge Youth Council (CYC) will take place on Thursday, January 31 at 7.30pm in Celbridge Library.

Darragh O’Neill of CYC says the group are hoping to “push the Government to implement the proposal”.

“We believe that our proposal will go some way in assisting young entrepreneurs gain State support,” he said.

Lucan’s Three National jobless Musketeers rate rises by THE Church of over 6,000 Ireland Parish of Leixlip and Lucan will present The Three Musketeers as their 2013 pantomime.

The panto takes place at the Church of Ireland Parish Centre in Lucan from Thursday, January 10 until Saturday, January 12 at 8pm. It will also be performed at 2.30pm on Saturday.

Tickets are available from the parish office, and cost €15 for adults and €8 for children.

For more information, call the office at 01 624 0976.

THE local jobless rate remained roughly the same last month, while the countrywide number of unemployed people rose by over 6,000.

In the Clondalkin signing office, 8,654 people signed on in December, down 23 from November’s figure of 8,677.

The figure has been coming down year on year for the last number of years, after standing at 9,604 in 2010 and 8,925 in 2011. In 2004, the figure was 2,921.

Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald believes the cemetery “would have been very concerning for the area”.

Cemetery planning application refused  Paul Hosford

A CONTROVERSIAL planning application for a cemetery to be located in Calliaghstown, Rathcoole, has been rejected

by An Bord Pleanala.

Local residents had voiced concerns and successfully objected to the proposal for the cemetery when planning permission was first sought.

The council upheld the concerns of locals and refused permission for the project, but the developers later appealed their decision to An Bord Pleanala. Locals again made detailed submissions on the proposal and highlighted their appre-

hensions locally.

Their concerns were taken into account by An Bord Pleanala, which this week have refused permission for the cemetery in what Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald (FG) has described as “a victory for the people of Rathcoole”.

“The scenic surrounds of Rathcoole are, unfortunately, often the setting for inappropriate planning applications.

Together with residents in Rathcoole Village and Windmill Hill we are currently fighting plans for a waste processing facility at Behans Quarry, and the people of Calliaghstown have been fighting

against this proposed cemetery for a number of years,” she said. “A cemetery at this location would have been very concerning for the area and had the potential to have detrimental consequences on this water supply. The cemetery was to be situated on a hill above the water supply and in a very strong limestone area.

This had the potential for huge consequences on the local water supply.”

Fitzgerald’s party colleague, cllr Tony Delaney, said the decision was the right one for the area.

“The refusal of permission for this development is the right decision for the area.

“The minor roads in the surrounding area are in poor condition and for the most part very narrow. These roads would be incapable of handling traffic associated with funerals which could pose serious safety hazards.

“There was much concern locally also regarding potential health risks of the opening up of a cemetery in land near waterbeds,” said Cllr Delaney.

M i n i s t e r F i t z g e rald concluded: “We all believed that this was not in the best interests of either the local environment or residents and I am glad that the Council recognised that.”

SOUTH Dublin County Council has moved to the public consultation phase of planning permission for a major road upgrade in Lucan.

The council voted to approve a Part Eight planning application for a major upgrade of the Lucan to Newcastle road between Adamstown and the Polly Hops.

Cllr William Lavelle (FG) welcomed the vote, explaining that the scheme would improve the quality and safety of the road.

“This road upgrade scheme will greatly improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists, and, in particular, for children walking and cycling to and from Lucan Sarsfields GAA clubs...I wish to thank council engineers for working with the clubs to ensure that the road plans are acceptable,” he said.

Lavelle also thanked council officials for the proposed measures to eliminate any negative impact on the heritage and biodiversity in the 12th Lock and Grand Canal area.

SDCC defends actions against pensioner  paul hosford

SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) has defended itself after a man in his 70s was not allowed pay the household charge in instalments.

Paddy, a 71-year-old who does not wish to use his full name, went to the Clondalkin Civic Offices with €25 to pay off the charge, which now

stands at €130, including penalties.

“I read in The Gazette that the council would lose money from the Local Government Fund if they didn’t get enough people paying the charge by the end of the year and had to laugh.

“I tried to pay the charge in instalments on November 20 and was told in writing that I

couldn’t do that.

“I couldn’t believe it, to be honest. I want to pay the charge, but I can’t afford it [in total].”

SDCC said that the partpayment option ended last March.

“In order to facilitate homeowners who were not in a position to pay the charge in full, an instalment option of four

instalments of €25 was available by direct debit until the March 1, 2012. After this date the option of paying by instalment ceased.

“South Dublin County Council can now only accept full payment of the current €130 charge at either of our headquarters at County Hall, Tallaght, or at the Civic Offices in Clondalkin.”

10 January 2013 LUCAN Gazette 5

6 lucan Gazette 10 January 2013

gazetteGALLERIES

Michelle Conlon, Ashling Egan and Emma Keaveney. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

sharp focus: Girl who wore glasses stages her story

T

HE one-woman show The Wheelchair On My Face was recently staged for a week at The Civic Theatre. The play was written by actor and comedian Sonya Kelly, and in it she recalls and explains her experience of when she had to first start wearing glasses at the age of seven.

The team with Bohemian’s manager Aaron O’Callaghan and principal Brian Murtagh. Pictures: Cathy Weatherson

football: Marking a brilliant achievement

Michael and Deirdre Regan

Susie Pink

Colaiste Phadraig champions honoured C

OLAISTE Padraig CBS in Lucan celebrated winning the first-year school’s Dublin league and cup, as well as the Leinster and All-Ireland crowns recently.

To mark the occasion, Bohemian’s boss Aaron O’Callaghan was on-hand to present each of the successful boys and their coach Ray Cullen with a framed photo of the allconquering side.

The team had seen off strong opposition all year and O’Callaghan would no doubt have been on the lookout for some new talent, with the Airtricity League due to start in the coming weeks.

Based on the heavily-weighed down trophy cabinet in Lucan, he could do worse than pick up a few of the Colaiste Padraig stars.

Reece Dempsey and Aaron Callaghan

Colum Rogers and Aaron Callaghan

Damian and Diane Jackson

Emily, Brendan and Mary Byrne

10 January 2013 lucan Gazette 7

Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only â‚Ź6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com

Titty Babington and Emanuel Lawal hoist the cup

Coach Ray Cullen is presented with his photo

Conor Maguire

Ciaran Kelly

The school was proud to show off its silverware

8 LUCAN GAZETTE 10 January 2013

FASTNews

OPINION ‘EU Presidency is a huge opportunity for us’

Lucan Library reopens with jam-packed event schedule LUCAN Library has reopened after its Christmas break and has a jam-packed January schedule on offer for local residents, including classes in four languages.

The French beginners class restarts on January 15 and runs on Mondays from 6.45 to 8pm, while English language classes recommence the following day, running on Tuesdays from 5.30 to 7pm.

Spanish classes restart on Wednesday, January 17, and will run on Wednesdays from 10am to 11.30am, with Irish classes running on Thursdays beginning from January 18 from 7 to 8pm.

All classes require booking, and to book a place, call 01 621 6422 or email lucan@ sdublincoco.ie.

Locals scoop €100k in big Lottery raffle AN anonymous Lucan couple have scooped €100,000 in the National Lottery’s Christmas Millionaire Raffle draw, which was held to mark the start of the year-long Gathering festival on New Year’s Eve. The couple, who did not wish to be named, were given their ticket as a present by the lucky wife’s father.

The ticket was purchased on Sunday, December 23, in the Centra store in Griffeen.

“We still can’t believe it. We checked our ticket online on New Year’s Day, about

lunchtime. We were laughing that we hadn’t won the top prize of €1,000,000 as we’d been daydreaming of what we would do if we’d landed the million. But then the numbers matched for the €100,000, and we’re still in shock,” said the happy winner.

“We’ve no immediate plans for the win. We’re expecting a new baby in the summer, so an attic conversion for the expanding family is a definite, and maybe a trip to Disneyland in Paris for the rest of the family in spring. Oh, and we’re going to pay off our car loan next week; that’s something I’m really looking forward to doing,” concluded the winner.

Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister of State for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton watch as the European flag is raised over Dublin Castle. Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar (inset) will be using the Presidency to promote Ireland as a tourist destination

Key goal to help Ireland and EU out of the financial crisis  LEO VARADKAR Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

IRELAND takes over the EU Presidency for the first half of 2013, and Ireland will be at the heart of European decisionmaking.

This is a huge opportunity for all of us, and the Government is determined to make the most of it. We have looked closely at how we can use the Presidency to deliver stability, jobs and growth.

For six months, I will be joining the other Irish Government Ministers in chairing EU Council meetings and negotiating agreements.

The theme of the Irish presidency is Jobs, Stability and Growth.

Our Presidency coincides with the 40th anniversary of Ireland joining the European Economic Community. In 1973 there were just nine members, which has since grown to a Union of 27.

Hundreds of politicians, dignitaries and officials will visit Ireland between January and June. As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I will be inviting them all to return again before the end of the year. I will also be using the Presidency at every opportunity to promote Ireland as a tourist destination on the world stage.

In transport, I will be pushing for better road safety standards across the European Union. In fact, the new Road Safety Strategy will be launched at a European conference being held in Dublin.

The Irish Presidency will be driving measures at European level to help job creation. We will promote new measures to combat unemployment by providing training and skills, particularly for young people. We plan to develop the single market, and help Irish trade.

We will also aim to boost the digital economy and

provide the jobs of the future.

We will be arguing for better trade relations with countries around the world, particularly with the United States, and trying to open up new markets. And in Ireland, we want to improve competitiveness for small and medium enterprises.

A large number of major events will be held in Dublin during the presidency. The European Union has transformed Dublin city and county since Ireland joined the EU in 1973.

It has helped to build the M50, LUAS Red Line, provided more than 100 Dublin buses and helped to upgrade train and DART services.

EU funding has improved water treatment and quality with over €300 million invested in Dublin’s water supply and treatment systems.

Dublin has also benefited from the EU-funded scheme to improve

broadband access.

EU financial support has helped to renovate some of Dublin’s liveliest areas, including Dublin Castle, Temple Bar and the Docklands.

Social services in Dublin have also received significant support. Some €150 million was used to increase childcare services in Dublin city and county between 20022008, and Dublin will get a massive share of the €375 million set aside for 2007-2013 to boost employment opportunities, and access to education and training.

Dublin business will also be able to benefit from the €300 million allocated by the European Investment Bank to Irish banks, in order to lend to small and medium size businesses.

Our third level institutions will benefit from €600 million in EU funding under the EU Financial Framework for Research and Tech-

nological Development, with UCD, TCD, and DIT already benefiting.

One of our key goals for the Presidency will be to help Ireland, and Europe, out of the financial crisis. The aim is to create a new system to coordinate the economic and budgetary policies of member states. It is complex, and we must get it right, but if we do it can help to restore stability and growth.

We must also ensure that Europe has a banking system that is fit for purpose and that we never have to face again a financial crisis like the one we have endured. That is why we will be prioritising new proposals on a banking union.

Over the past 40 years, Ireland has won the reputation for running efficient and impartial presidencies, for focusing on results and on the wider European interest.

In 2013 we intend to do better again.

10 January 2013 LUCAN GAZETTE 9

R1

GRANT Money will help support 100 clients

COURSE

Counselling service to get €20,000 boost in funding

150 years of art history

A LOCAL counselling service received a New Year’s boost this week with the news that they will be given €20,000 in funding from the Department of Health.

Aspen Counselling, which operate in Lucan Village, will receive the money from the Department’s National Lottery fund following an application to support their work in the Lucan area.

The group offer lowcost counselling, with founders Linda Balfe and Paula Richards saying that the non-profit group keep their costs low to avoid “roadblocks” to treatment.

The grant will facilitate support for over 100 clients and groups in the immediate weeks, with

Derek Keating TD

Aspen aiming to have no client waiting longer than five days for an appointment.

Linda Balfe said the money represented a huge boost.

“I feel like it’s a huge acknowledgement from the Government of the work that we do at Aspen.

“In real terms, the money will allow 100 cli-

ents to have sessions for as little as €10 and, in some cases, we can waive that fee. It will really make our work more accessible.

“To some people, €20,000 may not seem like a lot of money, but it’s huge for us. It will really help us move forward.

“We’re going to do great work,” she said.

Local Fine Gael TD Derek Keating congratulated the group on the funding.

“I am personally delighted to endorse Aspen Counselling who have been based in Lucan for the last 11 years with a panel of experts available immediately for any individual, couple or group who require emotional, psychological or

counselling support,” said Deputy Keating.

Keating added that the group’s goal to end the stigma surrounding mental health should be heeded.

“I am satisfied that every single cent will be used to assist people with their difficulties.

“If a person fractured their leg or had a chest infection, they would not ignore it and, likewise, if you have a stressful, emotional or a debilitating crisis in your life, use the support services such as Aspen.”

To contact Aspen Counselling, see www. aspencounsellingservices.com, call 621 7063 or email aspenabc@gmail. com. Their service is available from 9am to 9pm.

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Festival: Launching a major musical event PICTURED at St Werburgh’s Church in Temple Bar at the launch of the programme for Temple Bar TradFest 2013, Irelands traditional musical gathering, were (clockwise from top left) members of Lithuanian folk group Lietuviskas Dobilas, Angelina Eidukoniene, Petras Dzimidas, Rita Kundrotaite and Darius Vosylius. Artists from around the world will be travelling to Ireland to take part in Temple Bar TradFest from Janaury 22 to 27.

RUA-Red, the South Dublin arts centre, is running a course from Thursday, January 17 which will cover 150 years of art history.

T h e o n c e - we e k l y course, led by Brian Duggan, will cover all the major movements and ideas leading up to the present day and contemporary art.

This eight-week programme is intended as a relaxed introductory guide, and all that is needed is an interest in art and a curious mind; no prior specialist education is needed. The course lasts for an hour, between 7.30 and 8.30pm, and costs €90, or €75 for over-55s.

To reserve a place on the course, see www. ruared.ie, or call 01 451 5860.

10 LUCAN gazette 10 January 2013

gazetteGALLERY

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Danielle Reilly

Susan O’Kelly and Eoin McCullagh

Carol Doyle and Lucci Minx dressed up for the Radio Nova Christmas party

Radio Nova parties

R

ADIO Nova kicked off the festive season in style last month with a Christmas party, which they held especially for dedicated listeners.

All of the Radio Nova DJs and staff joined the crowds at Cafe en Seine, and they partied into the early hours of the next day with

live music from The Shoos, as well as some of the greatest hits played by the station’s own DJs. All of the staff and listeners who attended the party thoroughly enjoyed letting their hair down for the night and getting into the festive spirit.

Kevin Branigan, Elaine Leonard and Jeff O’Brien

10 January 2013 Gazette 11

festival P14

dublinlife

Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week, as well as the latest from our schools

asdfsdaf business P27 P16

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Gazette

diary P12

charity: Age Action launches cast-off appeal

Transform unwanted gift into much-needed funds

Christmas is a time for giving, so it’s inevitable that some gifts, for whatever reason, might end up being forgotten about or left gathering dust.

With this in mind, a number of charities are hoping that some of these cast-offs can be donated to their cause so they can go to worthy homes, or help with providing funds for these struggling organisations. As the say-

ing goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Age Action has launched an appeal for unwanted Christmas gifts to provide muchneeded funds for their work with older people.

Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins, said: “Whether it is a jumper or blouse, a piece of jewellery or a DVD, rather than leave it sitting in the bottom of the wardrobe for the next 12

months, please consider donating it to an Age Action shop.

“We can transform an unwanted gift into much-needed funds which will enable us continue our work with some of Ireland’s most vulnerable older people.”

Unwanted gifts are being accepted at Age Action shops, including the one located at 30/31 Lower Camden Street,

Dublin 2, 48 Upper George’s Street, Dun Laoghaire.

Meanwhile, Gorta, Ireland’s longest-established overseas development agency, is also appealing to the public to donate their unwanted gifts to its charity shops.

Items can be delivered to Gorta’s two charity shops located at 136 Capel Street and 32 Liffey Street, Dublin.

Broadcaster George Hook joined Age Action volunteers for a Christmas Lunch

Gazette

12 Gazette 10 January 2013

dublinlife

diary

BHP has choosen a charity partner Adi Roche’s Chernobyl Children International (CCI) has been announced as the charity partner for the annual BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle event at Leopardstown on Sunday, January 27.

In conjunction with t h e r a c e , BH P h a s undertaken to arrange a lunch event each year to be held in the Leopardstown Pavilion with all profits being donated to CCI. Adi Roche, chief executive of Chernobyl

Children International says: “We are absolutely delighted to be chosen

by BHP as their charity partner for 2013. This exciting event will be a great success and what better way to support the work of our charity, than a day out at the races.”

Tables of 10 cost €1,000 which includes entry to the race meeting, race card, wine reception with tips from a panel of experts and a four-course lunch with wine and enter tain-

ment.

For further details, email mduff@chernobyl-ireland.com or visit chernobyl-international.com, and the Chernobyl Children International Facebook page.

Fun times back at the RDS with funderland Fun times are back at the RDS, with Funderland taking centre stage at the city centre venue until January 13.

It’s a tradition for families to brush off the

post-Christmas blues by taking part in some fairground fun.

It opened on St Stephen’s Day and has been generating some great entertainment for revellers ever since, but this weekend is its last before it says goodbye for another year.

This year, Funderland has changed slightly, with wristbands being made available allowing access to all of the rides.

For more information, email info@funderland. com or telephone (01) 283 8188.

devito set for film festival The Jameson Dub-

Pat Keogh, chief executive, Leopardstown Racecourse, Adi Roche, chief executive Chernobyl Children International, jockey Bryan Cooper and Mark Phelan, managing director, BHP Insurances. Picture: Brian McEvoy

lin International Film Festival will welcome acting legend Danny DeVito to Ireland this February.

The actor was confirmed as a special tribute for the event just weeks ago, which will take place in Dublin from February 14 until

February 24.

It was also revealed that he will be presented with the Volta Career Achievement Award.

The award, which was named after Ireland’s first cinema – the Volta Picture Theatre on Dublin’s Mary Street – has previously been won by

actors Al Pacino, Daniel Day-Lewis and Gabriel Byrne.

Special tickets for the festival are currently available from w w w. jdiff.com at an early bird rate of €195, giving ticket goers the opportunity to watch the best in Irish and international cinema, as well as a chance to walk the red carpet and attend some after-show parties, too.

six-day trad festival The eighth Temple Bar TradFest, Dublin’s biggest festival of Irish music and culture, is set to take place this month.

Over 200 free events are organised for this year’s festival, including a children’s club, street performers and a music trail.

Some of the musicians lined up to per form include Denis Cahill and Maura O’Connell, and unusual venues such as Christ Church, St Patrick’s Cathedral and the rotunda of City Hall will be included as performance areas.

Temple Bar TradFest takes place from January 22 until 27 in the Cultural Quarter, Dublin 2.

For more information, see www.templebartrad. com.

10 January 2013 Gazette 13

Gazette

14 Gazette 10 January 2013

dublinlife

Scheme to support the arts

FEATURES Do your bit and recycle your packaging waste

The Rehab Group launched a grant scheme last week to support those with disabilities in the arts.

The Visual and Performing Arts Fund is a major grant scheme which will give out €150,000 over the next five years to those successful applicants who wish to further their artistic study or gain a first foothold in an artistic career.

Those specialising in artistic disciplines such as painting, sculpture, graphic art, film, drama, dance and music can apply for the grant, which is open to anyone over 17 who meets Rehab’s entry criteria. The closing date for applications is the end of February 2013.

Repak is encouraging the people of Dublin to do their bit this New Year by recycling their Christmas packaging waste, and using their new smartphones to assist in the process.

Over the festive period, it is believed that Dublin generated approximately 19,758 tonnes of used packaging waste of which Repak is aiming to recycle over half.

According to the organisation, whose aim it is to facilitate and extend packaging recycling, Dublin households consumed 12 million Christmas gifts, enough beer bottles to cover the route to Lapland and back over five times and

First Fortnight festival: Making some noise for mental health pictured at the launch of the First Fortnight mental health arts

festival in front of street art by artist Friz were Michael Pope from Le Galaxie, Heathers band members Ellie and Louise MacNamara, actor Pat Kinevane and Box of Frogs cast members Mary McEvoy, Dil Wickremasinghe and John Moynes. The First Fortnight festival aims to challenge mental health stigma and will run for 10-days until January 12. Artists taking part include Sopranos actor Joey Pantoliano, Le Galaxie, We Cut Corners and contemporary artist Stuart Semple. See www.firstfortnight.ie.

enough chocolate whose calories converted to kilowatt hours would run 866,255 houses’ electricity for Christmas day.

To start their 2013 campaign, Repak aims to fund the collection and recycling of 37,000 tonnes of the Christmas packaging used over the holiday period. Meeting their target of packaging recycling could save 46,000 tonnes of carbon – the equivalent of taking 29,900 cars off the road for a year.

With the increase in consumption during Christmas, the demands on recycling facilities and bottle banks has massively increased.

Darrell Crowe, head of sales and market-

ing at Repak said: “Last Christmas, we collectively increased our household packaging recycling rate by over 7% from 2010.

With the Christmas festivities, people will have more used packaging to recycle than normal, placing more pressure on recycling collection infrastructure.

“To help people find outlets for this excess used packaging, Repak have developed a Recyclemore smartphone app. This helps users find information on your nearest recycling facility or alternate bottle bank on the Recyclemore app making recycling more convenient than ever particularly when out and about.”

10 January 2013 Gazette 15

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 10 January 2013

DUBLINLIFE

Q&A

BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Teaching kids money Continued from last week

DIGITAL BUSINESS SERVICES, CLONDALKIN

A local success story CLONDALKIN-based Digital Business Services are a great success story in local commerce. Originally started in a small basement with one printer in Dublin 2 in 1998, the company moved to its current location in 2001, and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

The brainchild of directors Brendan and Karen Donaghy, graduates of the IT boom in Ireland in the last 20 years, the company provide both large and small format digital print services, as well as a whole range

of products, from banners to business cards. Understanding that continuous investment in new technology is essential to meet their customers’ demands, they recently invested in a state-of-the-art GP FB500 printer.

Recently, Digital Business Services were chosen as one of 10 SME winners to benefit from the Optimise Fund, a prize fund which enables companies to benefit from consultation, training and e-commerce development, thus strengthening their online presence.

How long have you been in business?

their print requirements.

Digital Business Services Limited (DBSL) has been established since 1998. We are a print and sign company and are 100% Irish-owned.

We operate out of a small premises in Centrepoint Business Park, just off the Nangor Road. Our client base ranges, from small-end users, to print brokers and larger organisations.

What makes your business successful?

I believe our success is due to hard work, dedication and constant innovation. We are constantly looking to the future and trying to improve our services for our customers which we have demonstrated by our investment in new equipment. Our new HP FB500 enables us to print onto virtually any surface. It enables us to print faster, but without any compromise on print quality, thus improving workflow. We have also purchased a new Seiko 64” Digital printer for producing outdoor signage, vehicle signage and decals.

What do you offer your clients that differs from your competitors?

We offer exceptional value for money and very competitive prices.

We have a very fast turnaround, and will work with the client in relation to their requirements. We do not have a minimum charge and we also accept short runs and one offs. We will also work with the customer in relation to design and customising

How has the recession impacted your business?

The recession had a big impact, and like everyone, we were hit with bad debts, and clients taking a long time to pay for outstanding jobs, which impacted on cashflow. The margins have shrunk dramatically.

Our staff are working harder than ever for less money, but are still very committed to making the business work. We have had our ups and downs, but we are still here and are more determined than ever.

How do you use social media (Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin, etc) to help your business ?

We are quite new to social media, and as we are a small, busy company, we did not have the time to commit to it. However, since becoming a winner in relation to the Optimise Fund, we have embarked on a lot of e-commerce/social media training, and the benefits are there to be seen.

You need to invest a lot of time and energy initially, but we are hoping that the work undertaken will pay off as we get more confident in using the various social media which will enable us to get more traffic to our website.

What is the best piece of business advice you ever received?

Never look back in regret. Don’t let a setback be a bad experience, make it a learning curve.

MONEY is a family thing and children should be versed in the basic concepts from as early an age as possible.

Your approach and attitude to money will influence your children. Pocket money is a good way of starting that process.

In Ireland today, our children really do not appreciate some of the hardship parents went through and are currently experiencing. My one-liner to my own children was not believed “we were so poor, the first time I saw a butcher’s shop, I thought there was an accident!”

In some respects this is a pity because parents’ values are generally so much different to their children’s.

Clearly, what you don’t want to do is worry your children about money unduly. Still, I believe there is a lot to be said for showing them where your income comes from, and what you then do with it.

When your children realise how well you manage money, they can’t fail to be proud of you. Naturally, they will grow up not just wanting to be debt free and rich enough to retire when young – but actually understanding how this can and could be achieved. What better legacy could you leave?

Adversely, if you have been caught out in the property crash, your business collapsed or you are unemployed, it is equally important to share your losses with your children and let them know and see how you are coping and managing. As our Taoiseach said “it’s not your fault” if you have been caught out. Your children may even be able to help out – turning off lights, shutting doors, the paper round (a blast from the past) etc...

Don’t let them leave home without good money habits and a genuine understanding of how money works.

 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

WEBSITE: RETAILERS INVITED TO RENT SPACE ONLINE

Click your way to a new virtual shopping centre A NEW virtual shopping centre, launched in December, is renting out “space” to interested retailers who wish to diversify into the online market.

Any business in Ireland or overseas can become part of the online shopping centre – ShoppingCentre.ie – by registering at the site.

Jurgita Glodeny te, owner of ShoppingCentre.ie, said: “We use a flexible approach and will accommodate every business. We are offering the first month free for now, and maybe we’ll keep this offer open indefinitely.”

The site was designed to unite large and small retailers, service providers and other sellers on one website where customers can browse the collection of shops and interact with them directly.

The aim of the site, says Jurgita, is to make it simple for customers to browse and buy online.

Customers are able to shop locally, regionally or globally from many shops around Dublin, Ireland and overseas on the site.

Users can choose multiple items from different stores, put them into one shopping cart and purchase using PayPal. The sellers then send the products directly to the buyer as instructed.

The innovative website is tailor-made to make local shopping easier and plans are afoot to expand the site to incorporate shopping centres in all counties in Ireland.

At present, shopping centres in Blackrock and Swords are involved.

There are 21 stores currently live on the site, with 35 lined up to come

Jurgita Glodenyte, owner of ShoppingCentre.ie

online in the near future.

Jurgita added: “In these tough times, where footfall – crucial to every ‘bricks and mortar’ retailer – is declining consistently, ‘clickfall’ is growing, and fast becoming the new avenue for every business expansion.

“ShoppingCentre. ie expects massive and immediate growth in online sales in 2013.”

For further information and to avail of the free month’s offer, contact Jurgita on 087 783 0230, or email her at shop@shoppingcentre.ie.

10 January 2013 Gazette 17

cinema P20

asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P24

OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week

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Gazette

style P18

Theatre can you give dan a home?

Health expert and nutritionist Nicola Murphy: There is no better time to launch ourselves into a health kick than the early days of January

a new year: shedding those excess pounds left over after the holiday season

Making sensible resolutions  natalie burke

Since the annual Christmas splurge has finally come to an end and the overindulgence in food and drink almost a memory, we are all feeling the effects and hoping to rid ourselves of the festive pounds gained in recent weeks. But along with the New Year comes a list of resolutions that are hugely optimistic but rarely successful.

According to nutritionist and health expert with Wholefoods, Ireland’s largest supplier of health food, Nicola Murphy, there is no better time to launch ourselves into a health kick than the early days of January. The most important thing is to make sensible and attainable New Year’s resolutions.

“How many years have you made a long list only to have forgotten all of

them in a few weeks? The most important thing is to build new habits that will last throughout the year. Ease into your New Year regime. The most important thing to do initially is to stimulate recovery in the body after all the over indulgence,” she said.

The first step Nicola advises people to take is to reduce the burden on your digestive system.

“It has been under tremendous stress coping with copious amounts of food over the festive season. Imagine: it is estimated that the average person eats at least 6000 calories on Christmas Day alone! Is it any wonder that bloating and constipation result? It is time to cut out the processed junk food. Introduce plenty of fruit and vegetables into the diet. Aim to drink 1.5 litres of water per day,” she said.

The next step is to “rescue your liver”, which Nicola says can be achieved by ridding your body of toxins.

“After all that mulled wine and bubbly, your liver will feel a bit battle-worn.

Try drinking the juice of half a lemon in a glass of warm water first thing every morning. This can gently aid the liver detoxing process as well as reducing acidity in the body.

“Many people take to the gym with gusto in January but often enthusiasm burns out after a few weeks,” Nicola continued. “Try taking gentle steps by getting out walking or cycling first.

The cold and darkness of January can result in far from optimal energy levels so it may be a good time to boost your reserves of energy essential nutrients.

“Terra Nova Life drink contains highly absorbable vegetable proteins,

supergreens such as wheatgrass and broccoli sprouts, a huge selection of berries, mushrooms, essential fatty acids, digestive enzymes and probiotics. This perfectly balanced superfood blend provides a fantastic array of beneficial nutrients. This should certainly give you the get up and go to get your body moving.”

According to the nutritionist, the most popular of New Year resolutions is, unsurprisingly, to lose weight.

“New Year provides the ideal time to start afresh! Of course working on incorporating natural fresh foods into the diet and banishing the junk foods almost entirely from the diet is essential.

Allow yourself the odd treat. Balancing blood sugar levels is key to controlling cravings. Try eating some protein with each meal as it slows glucose release from carbohydrates,” she said.

DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust, Ireland’s largest dog welfare charity, to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs.

Our Dog of the Week is Dan, a two-year-old male crossbreed. Dan is both big in size and heart and is willing to shower his friends with loads of love and affection.

This clever boy likes to keep busy so would appreciate an active home with big kids 10+.

He finds being left alone quite worrying so would need company and a patient adopter who has experience with large dogs and a willingness to help with his training and socialisation.

Dashing Dan is a huge favourite in Dogs Trust and would make a really great addition to the right family.

If you think you can give Dan all the love he deserves then give the Dogs Trust reception a call on 01-879 1000 or pop in to their rehoming centre based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50.

Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie.

Gazette

18 Gazette 10 January 2013

OUT&ABOUT

STYLE Dunnes Stores Abstract Dress €50

Penneys Skull Top €11

Penneys Printed Trousers €17

Beauty news

Y Facettes Palette Eyes €57

Awear Blazer €65

Accentuate your 2013 look with colour, colour, colour  Laura Webb

Awear Monopop top €30

Great looks for spring COLOUR, monopop and abstract clothing are just some of the many new items that are being stocked at shop stores now, or will be in the coming weeks.

This week, Gazette Style chose a few

gems that will have you feeling spring ready, whether following the Awear monopop top (above) or any of the other great looks featured here in this welcome trend.

Littlewoods Ireland South Dip Dye €19

PUT a spring in your step next season and take a pop at some fresh, bold colours in your make-up routine.

Taking a look at what’s to come this spring, the one thing we can see, and wouldn’t expect any less, is colour, colour and more colour.

Lancome’s new Love collection is bringing back bright pop pink.

Their shades are drawn from street-art murals mixed with natural surroundings; neon from city signs, and pastel tones from balcony flowers – just some of the inspirations this make-up giant has brought to this col-

lection.

Yves Saint Laurent’s new 2013 spring/summer collection is inspired by precious stones such as pink quartz and amethyst. It celebrates dusty hues in pink and natural blues.

Whether a bold, bright colour on the eyelids, or placed on the lips, think colour this season to brighten up your day.

Lancome’s In Love Sugar Rose

10 January 2013 Gazette 19

Gazette

MUSIC FASTtunes

with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

Three you may have missed: Big KRIT (main picture), monsters of rock Baroness (top) and New York dolls, Hospitality

REVIEW: the next big things you may have missed in 2012

Rear view mirror  Rob Heigh

IT’S SIMPLY impossible to keep track of everything going on in music at all times, try as I might. It turns out that the gift that keeps on giving during the festive season and beyond are the end of year lists that magazines, websites and bloggers post, revealing hidden gem upon hidden gem. To the extent that even these lists are a curse — so many lists, so little time...

As a result, I’ve limited myself to only four lists and decided to pick the pick of the picks...

First out of the gates, in more senses than one, are New York four-piece, Hospitality. They released their self-titled debut at

 ROB heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com

the start of 2012, and that it’s remained off my radar until now is a sin.

They have an indie summer shimmer like classic nineties guitar pop and the occasional reveal of angularity that feels like the Velvet Underground and Liz Phair.

Like my other top indie pick of the year, Allo Darling, there’s something bigger than the sum of its parts here, a melodic thread that makes the discordant break downs

more surprising and welcome.

From one extreme to another, now, and let me introduce Baroness. Hailing from Savannah, Georgia, REM they ain’t.

They rock. They rock hard. Pitched somewhere between Deftones and Smashing Pumpkins, Baroness have been plying their trade on stages across the world for the last few years, and released Yellow And Green, a double album, in early summer last year The revelation of their 2012 power and glory recalls the moment when Metallica dropped ...And Justice For All. It looks, feels and sounds like metal, but there’s something far more going on.

From the first bars of opener Take My Bones Away, Baroness exude all of the traits of every great metal act; in particular, they have songs, and damn good ones at that.

Hopefully, the serious bus crash in England that ended their touring ambitions for the year will not diminish their ambition, and they will come back stronger, and to the size of an audience that they undoubtedly deserve.

Last, and by no means least, we stay in the South and hail hip hop hero, Big KRIT, currently dropping some of the most impressive rhymes and productions on the scene.

Having built an impressive and rich back catalogue of mixtapes, guest

appearances on tracks by some of the biggest names in the business and production credits over the course of the last eight years, KRIT released two full-length sets in 2012: the official album, Live From The Underground, and the arguably superior mixtape, 4evaNaDay. 4eva features some of the freshest production since Kanye’s College Dropout, which KRIT clearly took as an influence here, but there is a unique flow at work, a blend of tough hip hop and smooth soul-influenced instrumentation that would put Outkast to shame.

So many songs, so little time - but these three gems will keep shining.

Happy New Year!

2013 is the Chinese year of the snake, but it’s got to be year of the sound for the Irish.

If your new year’s resolution is to eat healthily or if you’re hungry for a decent live gig, then feed your soul with one (or all!) of the massive concerts coming to our shores this year. If it’s big names you’re into, then you don’t have to go too far to see a superstar.

Eric Clapton is celebrating 50 years as a professional musician with a show at The O2 on May 9, a month before Neil Young and Crazy Horse play the RDS. The 67-year-old is touring with his 35th album, Psychedelic Pill, and will play the Donnybrook venue on June 15 — the same day Bon Jovi are set to rock Slane Castle.

Two weeks later Rod Stewart will take to the stage at the RDS, on June 29, two days after ZZ Top rock The Marquee in Cork (June 27).

Told you there were superstars coming our way this year!

And that’s not to mention Slash, Blondie and Simple Minds all set to play dates at The Olympia in the first half of this year, with the second half of 2013 bringing with it the magnificent fusion of rock and theatre in the form of Roger Waters’ The Wall Live at The Aviva on September 15.

And of course there’s Bruce Springsteen with his hat trick of gigs in Cork, Limerick and Belfast in July which sold out quicker than you can say “Wrecking Ball”.

And these are just the gigs that have been announced! It’s still early days for 2013, with tour dates from The Rolling Stones expected soon and who knows who else?

2013 is most definitely the year of the sound! Sounds sound to me!

Simple Minds and (above) ZZ Top return to Irish stages this summer

Gazette

20 Gazette 10 January 2013

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

Theatre

THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929 Snow White

FOR their 10th annual panto at Pavilion Theatre, Arclight bring you their twist on the classic tale of Snow White. The wicked Queen is jealous of Snow White’s beauty and sends her off to be murdered by the Horrible Hairy Huntsmen. January 22-26, tickets are priced at €16/€12.

Draiocht 01 885 2622 Aladdin

IN the town of Soo Chow lives Widow Twanky, a washerwoman, and her sons Aladdin and Wishee Washee. January 4-6, 10-13 and 17-20, tickets are priced at €20/€16.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Tenderfoot

In September 2012, 42 transition year students from eight schools in South County Dublin signed on for their first day of Tenderfoot, the Civic Theatre’s apprentice theatre programme. Transition year is all about new experiences and new ways of learning.

Tenderfoot is funded by The Civic Theatre, South Dublin County Arts Office and The Arts Council’s Young Ensemble Scheme. Running for two shows on Thursday, January 24 and Friday, January 25, tickets are priced at €10 with €5 concessions.

Lincoln is beautifully shot by long-time Spielberg collaborator Janusz Kasminski

review: An american icon’s take on an american icon’s life

An honest classic AFTER quite a good 2012, 2013 has a bit to live up to. I mean, how could the highs of Battleship be topped?

I kid, Battleship is terrible and everyone involved (bar Liam Neeson and the three lads from Friday Night Lights) should never be allowed make a film again.

However, based on this evidence, 2013 is off to a flier.

With Lincoln, the world’s most iconic director (Steven Spielberg) teams with the world’s best actor (Daniel DayLewis) and drags in an all-star cast, a revered book and the writer of Spielberg’s best film of the last decade, Munich.

Eschewing the early years, the log cabin and the start of the American Civil War, Spielberg’s film instead focuses on the final four months of the life of the 16th President of the United States.

Film of the Week: Lincoln h h h h h (12) 150 mins Director: Steven Spielberg Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Tommy Lee Jones, Joseph Gordon Levitt, James Spader

 Paul Hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

Bogged down in his attempts to get the 13th Amendment to the Constitution passed, the film tells the story of the Lincoln that time has forgotten; the skilled politician, the savvy negotiator.

In the rush to annoint him Honest Abe, the caricature of a wide-eyed idealist, a man of unimpeachable morals and guidance emerged.

What that portrayal has lost and what this film, along with its source material (the frankly excellent Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by historian Doris Kearns Goodwin) regain is a

OUR VERDICT: A SWEEPING, glorious classic. Spielberg is not the only man who could have turned in a telling of the life of Honest Abe, but he is undoubtedly the best. His sentiment, his vision and his ability to capture the feeling of even the biggest situations are all to the fore here. He is aided by brilliant performances all round and, while Day-Lewis and Field will take the plaudits, Straithairn is brilliant.

sense of a man willing to use the machine to achieve his aims.

Here, he is aided by his one-time rival for the Republican presidential candidacy William Seward, played brilliantly

by David Strathairn.

Strathairn is a fine actor and his portrayal of Edward R Murrow counts as an all-time favourite of this writer, but this a career best.

That the man who played Deep Throat, Hal Holbrook, is in Lincoln is fitting because this is more All The President’s Men than it is Schindler’s

List.

The politicking and lobbying is done in private, cigar-smoked rooms at a pace best described as leisurely.

At two and a half hours long, Lincoln is not a quick romp, but it does tackle one of the singular most important figures in Western history in less time than Peter Jackson took to tell a third of a 297-page book, so it’s not that long.

Nor is it boring, as brilliant performance follows brilliant performance with one Englishman standing head and shoul-

ders above the rest.

That Daniel Day-Lewis should dominate a starstudded cast should surprise absolutely nobody.

He did it in 2002 for Gangs of New York and again in 2007 for There Will Be Blood and here, his Lincoln is breathtaking.

A wise leader, an ambitious man and a flawed husband, Day-Lewis hits all the right notes.

Spielberg’s attraction to the project is obvious but his past in biopics is limited, with only Schindler’s List and, maybe Catch Me If You Can falling into the category.

Here, his propensity for myth and legend is tempered by the brilliant script from Tony Kushner, who holds the film to an almost documentary like fidelity to the source material.

Lincoln will be released in Ireland on January 25.

10 January 2013 Gazette 21

Gazette

GAMING media: christmas saw a sustained focus on firm

BYTES&PIECES Evolutionary dead ends reached

Facebook slips up a little with Instagram  shane dillon

BEFORE I get stuck into this year’s new games and the tech news, Christmas delivered a bumper crop of fascinating tech news and developments about one giant tech firm that I really can’t let pass without mentioning.

For anyone with even a passing interest in technology, and tech companies, the past couple of weeks saw a flood of Facebook-related news stories that are worth nodding at.

The tech giant could barely keep out of the papers across the past couple of weeks, with one Christmas cracker of a story after another getting pulled open in the press – and here’re just three ...

Firstly, there was the global interest in Facebook’s new T&C for users of Instagram, the highly popular – and free, and free from advertising – photo-sharing service that it acquired for an eyebrow-raising $1 billion, not too long ago.

Its newT&C sparked an open revolt among users when it was noticed that the service seemed to be giving Facebook the right to sell users’ images to

advertisers without their knowledge, or payment (and that use of Instagram after a cut-off point, this January, amounted to the user’s consent for same).

As I was one of those browsing through the new T&C at the time, that segment caught my eye instantly, and I screengrabbed it (right, and I’ve also colour-highlighted the contentious text).

While Facebook is, understandably, under pressure to monetise Instagram and recoup the eye-watering $1 billion it paid for it, the mass anger immediately voiced by users, whether Joe Schmo like you and me, or slightly more influential figures with millions of followers, like Pink – not to mention international media interest – prompted a sharp turnaround on the T&C, with an apology issued over its “confusing” terminology.

As such, new-new T&C have yet to be revealed ...

Tax returns However, at the same time, Facebook also attracted a great deal of interest over its international tax returns, with its HQ based here in Dublin popping up in business

Netbooks to join dodos, as PlayStation 2 is retired REMEMBER netbooks? You know, the mini-me versions of laptops, once seen as the next step for computers just five or so years ago. Well, the last remaining main netbook makers, Asus and Acer, have decided to send the largely dead-in-the-water platform the way of the dodo, given the evolutionary rise of smartphones and tablets (of the computing kind, that is, rather than headache pills).

However, something that will get many gamers weeping into their hankies is the news that Japan has finally – yes, finally – ceased production of the PlayStation 2. (Yes, I said the PlayStation 2, not the PlayStation 3.)

Sony has now decided to retire its venerable gaming console, which, it has to be said, shifted a staggering amount of consoles across its 13 years, and did an awful lot to establish games consoles in homes. So, sayanara and arigato to one hell of a great Sony gaming platform ...

Facebook angered many Instagram users when new T&C were briefly rolled-out that seemed to suggest the company would sell their images to advertisers – without paying them (right).

After the subsequent widespread and highlyvocal complaints, the company apologised and said that it would not be proceeding with the new T&C, due to its “confusing” language.

stories around the world.

The profits generated by the firm, and its subsequent tax returns on same – in an entirely legal and fully compliant manner with the relevant authorities, it must be stressed – sparked a great deal of interest.

For example, as the influential Huffington Post in America reported, to pick out just one such story: “In 2011, Facebook Ireland paid just $4.7 million in taxes on its entire non-U.S. profits of $1.4 billion.”

Of course, Facebook is just one company availing of Ireland’s flexible corporate tax system, that sees profits pass through a variety of Dublin-based headquarters to a number of entities in other tax-

friendly locations.

Near the end of 2012, Westminster’s Public Accounts Committee in London was seen with its fearsome chair, Margaret Hodge, tearing strips off the likes of Starbucks in Britain, for its tax returns there.

Here, it will be interesting to see if, in 2013, political and public will in Ireland may seek to see our corporate tax systems reformed, thus generating substantially greater tax returns from Facebook, and similar international firms based here.

In the meantime, the Government has no intention of unfriending Facebook, which remains a key player and employer in our notable tech sector, and which, again, is com-

pletely compliant in every way with our available tax laws.

Finally, from outraged users to fascinated moneymen to ... Randi Zuckerberg, older sister of Facebook founder, Mark.

Complained Randi sparked lots of wry headlines when she bitterly complained after a private family photo she’d uploaded ended up being seen by the wrong people (and from there, it “escaped into the wild”, online).

When even the sister of Facebook’s founder muddles up her privacy settings – which seem to change every other week – a certain amount of confusion seems understandable!

22 Gazette 10 January 2013

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT road

MOTORS

NOISE

Toyota rolls out a number of upgrades Toyota Ireland has announced a number of product upgrades across the Aygo, Yaris, Verso-s, Corolla, and Avensis ranges.

This year, the Toyota Aygo will have reduced CO2 emissions of just 99g giving the model a very competitive road tax. This figure has been achieved by adopting low rolling resistance tyres, along with altered gear ratios to optimise CO2 performance.

The Aygo Aura and Strata versions have also been upgraded, with the Aura having 14’’ alloy wheels fitted as standard. Aygo prices start from €10,325.

Toyota is introducing a new grade in their classleading Yaris range for 2013 called Yaris Sport. This new grade will feature 15” alloys, front fog lights as well as colour door handle and exterior mirrors.

Yaris Sport prices start from €15,930.

The Verso-S Luna Grade will enjoy an increased level of specification. Keeping in line with the Verso-S versatility and comfort Toyota is adding a range of features to the Luna grade including Skyview panoramic roof and rear privacy glass, cruise control and grey stitching on the steering wheel as well as the gear lever as standard.

The Verso-S Luna will also have a name change to Luna SkyView, starting at just €21,595.

Toyota is enhancing the Corolla interior styling by introducing a beige colour interior on Luna grade which will add further choice for customers to the already popular model.

For further information, visit www.toyota.ie.

centre earns michelin award Like the Michelin star awards that restaurants value so highly, the granting of Michelin Certified Centre status on Discount Tyres on the Rosemount Business Park has put the outlet on the Michelin map of Europe’s top tyre fitters. Pictured at a seminar where their appointment was announced are Robert Ferguson of Discount Tyres with Michelin’s Tom Dennigan (left). One of 11 outlets in Ireland to be granted Michelin Certified Centre status and have their level of service recognised by the world leading tyre maker, Discount Tyres was established in 2005, and has a staff of 10. Motorists can access their entry by visiting the dealer section on Michelin’s website www.michelin.co.uk/tyres/dealer-locator

Volkswagen registered 10,073 new cars in 2012

simi: first time brand has hit the top spot

Best-selling car of 2012 is Volkswagen n Cormac Curtis

Volkswagen was the best-selling car brand in Ireland in 2012, the first time that the brand has achieved this in its history in Ireland.

The group finished in first place ahead of Toyota in second place and Ford in third place.

According to figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) Volkswagen registered 10,073 new cars in 2012 (12.67% market share) ahead of Toyota’s 9,998 (12.58% market share) and Ford with 8,592 (10.81% market share).

“We are delighted

to be now, officially, the number one car brand in Ireland,” said Volkswagen passenger cars deputy brand director John Donegan.

“This is an outstanding result in what were tough market conditions in 2012.

“Given that this result w a s a c h i e ve d e ve n before the new Golf had arrived, it shows that Irish customers are navigating to the Vo l k s w a g e n r a n g e for its quality, strong residual values and our strong retail offers.”

This was a sentiment echoed by Volkswagen Group Ireland managing director Simon Elliott.

“We are very proud to be the best-selling car brand for 2012 and it is an indication of just how shrewd the Irish buyer is when it comes to choosing cars that they are increasingly putting their trust in Volkswagen.”

Volkswagen has also just released its allnew Golf on to Irish forecourts, starting at €19,995 and there is an array of offers available to Volkswagen customers for 2013.

Customers who order their new Volkswagen before the end of January 2013 will benefit from a whole host of extras on their new car.

There will be three

years of free servicing, so you don’t need to worry about the cost of keeping your Volkswagen in tip-top condition.

There is the security of three years of roadside assistance to keep you moving in the event of a mishap and with 3,000km of free fuel, with the superb fuel economy on offer in the Volkswagen range, it could be months before you put your hand in your pocket for that either.

With the added assurance of a three-year warranty, Volkswagen ownership in 2013 is going to be as pain-free as one could wish for.

Acquiring a new Volkswagen has also been made easier thanks to the competitive finance rates from Vo l k s w a g e n B a n k , which has lent over €120m to Irish customers and is very much open for business.

With a 3.9% APR available on hire purchase as well as PCP (personal contact plan) rates available from just €119 per month, it is easier than ever to get into a new Volkswagen.

Volkswagen Open Week is now on in all Volkswagen retailers.

Customers are invited to see the entire Volkswagen range, including the new Golf.

10 January 2013 LUCAN gazette 23

Gazette

HOMES research: tinkering with home and garden has become european pastime

How good are we at the DIY? We’re always comparing in Ireland, usually with our neighbours, and the latest news on the do-it-yourself front is no different.

According to the latest European home research by Kingfisher, owners of B&Q, Germans are the most capable, the Turkish are the least confident and the French are the champions at spending on DIY. We in Ireland, on the other hand, are the keenest gardeners.

Our continental neighbours are discovering the joys of “do-ityourself” and, at home or in the garden, are going at it hammer and nail, thus feeding changes across the Eurozone in home improvement.

Modern Europeans

are, at last, following in our footsteps, where tinkering with home and garden has become a leisure activity.

But as with ever y market, each country has its strengths and styles when it comes to home improvement.

81% of people in Ireland say they would be happy to take on gardening jobs, while the Polish are confident DIY plumbers (21%).

Apart from painting and decorating (53%) and small ad-hoc repairs (49%), the Spanish are very confident at electrical tasks (23%).

Not being content with building the best cars and producing some of the best footb a l l p l ay e r s i n t h e world, Germany tops the home improvement

confidence table with assured skill levels in every category, including complex jobs such as electrical projects (29%) and structural work (21%).

Improve, don’t move’ seems to be the mantra across Europe though, with 60% of the UK respondents expressing an interest in making improvements simply to refresh the home and 37% of Russian consumers favouring more opulent Heritage styles of decor over the contemporary looks.

According to the further research contained in the report, people in Ireland have made changes to cater for more home-based entertaining (31%) and leisure activities (34%), while 26% of those surveyed say they

Research has proven the DIY-ers in Ireland are the keenest at gardening

have started growing vegetables.

More home improvers in the Ireland plan to tackle internal (56%) and e xte rnal (15% ) painting and decorating than in any other country. In fact, we are the kings and queens of painting and decorating without any expert help

(82%).

DIY-ers here are also the most likely to do their own tiling (38%), and insulation (22%) projects.

Europe is also embracing energy efficiency and eco-friendly homes, with more than half (54%) of consumers in Turkey placing

the highest interest in living in an eco-friendly home.

While Poland 37%, Russia 36% and Germany 28%, find ecofriendliness in the home very important too.

Ebru Sayilan, commercial director at B&Q, says: “Today’s economy has contrib-

uted its par t to the expansion of the do-ityourself movement, as more people turn to it as a way to save money.

However, this research shows that we like our houses to work harder and smarter, and that’s why we spend time and money maintaining and improving their value.”

Harvey Norman show off the work of Irish designers and producers Homeware retailer Harvey Norman are following up their investment in their stores in Ireland with an equivalent commitment to Irish designers and producers.

Having recently opened up their extensive new store in Blanchardstown Retail Park, they have deployed their Irish design team to create room settings which show off their new

products at their best.

Harvey Norman are very supportive of local Irish brands and have recently added Foxford Throws, Fragrance Boutique candles, Hampton And Brown candles, Irish Iron art, The Irish Clock Company, as well as Irish made goose feather and down ultimate luxury duvets to their offering.

There are also many stylish new ranges to choose from, from

handmade silk cushions in the most stunning vibrant shades to exclusive wallpapers from Vanity Fair and now a stunning new collection of Harlequin, Sheridan and The Linen Room’s ultimate luxury bed linen.

Comfortable

Rachel McCann, linen buyer, Harvey Norman says that the linen, as well as other products

stocked in Harvey Norman stores helps to provide what might be the perfect night’s sleep: “A very comfortable mattress (I just love my King Koil ‘Millenium’ bed) dressed in beautiful, crisp, high thread count bed linen and, of course Sheridan, silk pillowcases for wrinkle free skin.”

A d d i n g a n o t h e r l ay e r o f sophistication and star quality to the range is the addition of

Kylie Minogue’s new collection of “show-stopping” bed linen instore.

“Just like Kylie herself, all her pieces are just adorable. From lace to pearls, vintage beads and sumptuous velvets, nothing captures old style grace and glamour quite like it!”

Customers can visit their local store, and can now buy online on www.harveynorman.ie

24 LUCAN gazette 10 January 2013

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT fast TRAVEL NEWS

An over-55s break in an idyllic setting WHILE most Irish breaks are aimed at all ages, sometimes one comes along that treats the young at heart to a particularly special getaway.

The four-star Glenview Hotel and Leisure Club, located in Co Wicklow, have created an over-55s package for those looking for a relaxing escape this new year.

Situated in the breathtaking surroundings of the Glen of the Downs – and just a 30-minute drive from Dublin – it’s the ideal destination to get away from it all.

The hotel boasts an award-winning leisure centre and swimming pool, as well as several championship golf courses nearby and the scenic Killruddery Gardens on its doorstep.

The Young At Heart package offers two nights’ B&B with one evening meal at the Woodland’s restaurant as well as afternoon tea, a map of the Glenview Woodland’s walk, and complimentary upgrade to rooms with spectacular views for €89.99 per person sharing.

For further information on this, and other deals, see www.glenviewhotel.com.

The lovely woodland views are just part of the appeal of a break at the Glenview hotel

ESCAPE THE WINTER CHILL AT LISBON’S COAST WITH the festive season fading quickly into the recent past, The Travel Department are already setting their sights on destinations for 2013.

From just €499, including tax, why not take an extended break away to Estoril and the Lisbon Coast?

Departing on February 20 from Dublin

review: a trip across the country and back in time to a great museum

National treasures, brand new comfort

 rob heigh

The opportunity to pack up the car and take advantage of a few well-earned days off in the West is one that is far too good to pass up, so when the chance to take a trip to Mayo with the family came about, there was only dust where we had stood only moments before...

A r e l a t i ve l y l o n g road trip, broken up by squeals of delight when it was realised that we were passing through the hometown of One

Direction’s Niall Horan, led us to the doors of the four-star McWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris.

The hotel is located just outside the thriving market town of Claremorris in the heart of the West, halfway between Galway and Sligo.

Welcomed by the friendly staff and settling into our well-appointed and comfortable room at our leisure, there was only one activity likely to remove the aches and stresses of the long drive, and so within, oh, about

three minutes of arriving, bathing costumes were donned and towels located and we were off to the hotel’s swimming pool, where we were to find ourselves ensconced for at least an hour every day as my travelling companions took full advantage of the warm and perfectly-sized pool to improve their swimming skills while the temperatures dropped outside.

Claremorris itself is barely half an hour from the Atlantic coastline, and the beautiful surroundings of the local

to Lisbon with Aer Lingus, spend five nights at the threestar Hotel Londres in Estoril on a halfboard basis.

Enjoy a full-day guided excursion of Lisbon, and a full-day excursion to Obidos, Alcobaca and Nazare, with lunch included as well as a half-day excursion to Sintra.

For further information, see www.thetraveldepartment.ie, or call 01 637 1600.

The cosy, relaxed and spacious atmosphere in the McWilliam Park Hotel

The stunning surroundings of Turlough Park House,

area include plains, rivers and lakes, and with the imposing figure of Croagh Patrick staring down, the landscape is one that is both rugged and rustic.

A robust and hearty cooked breakfast in the hotel’s comfortable and relaxed restaurant to ward off the chill was followed by a walk through the town, and we were lucky to have been there while a pre-Christmas craft fair went on in the main street - luckily, this was a tented affair, meaning that the biting wind was kept at bay.

The next order of business for the day was to take in some of the surrounding area and pick one of the many local attractions to visit.

We finally arrived at the National Museum of Ireland’s Museum of Country Life, located in the stunning surroundings of the Turlough Park

House, with its grounds, lake and art installations adding to the experience.

The museum, whose exhibition space extends over four floors in a state-of-the-art modern building sympathetically incorporated into the grounds of Turlough Park, is an impressive and thoughtfully curated collection of artefacts from an age not so long ago, giving visitors an opportunity to see how the people of Ireland lived in the hundred years between the Great Famine and the end of the 1950s.

There are interactive displays and installations that bring you closer to the history on display, with handcrafted harvest knots, wickerwork, spinning wheels and boats, clothing and artefacts from the islands and hand operated machinery our

10 January 2013 LUCAN gazette 25

R1

Gazette

Travel

fast

TRAVEL NEWS

Turkish delights to tempt all visitors WHETHER it is the country’s white sandy beaches or its soaring mountains, Turkey is a destination that proves to be very popular, year after year.

WingsAbroad, the Turkish holiday specialists, are offering massive New Year savings for 2013 with holiday packages to Kusadasi, on the west coast, and Gumbet, a lively beach resort.

Travel from Dublin on April 28 and stay at the three-star Carina Hotel in Kusadasi for seven nights on a B&B basis from only €319 per person, or travel on May 12, and stay at the Melissa Apartments, Kusadasi, for seven nights, with family prices starting from €915 (based on two adults and two children).

Travel to Gumbet on May 19 and stay at the two-star Kaseria Hotel for seven nights, also on a B&B basis, from €329 per person, or stay at the three-star Sami Beach Hotel for seven nights’ B&B from only 379 per person. Prices include return flights, seven nights’ accommodation, as well as airport transfers and taxes, and are based on two adults sharing, unless otherwise stated.

For further information or to make a booking, see www.wingsabroad.ie or call 01 871 9444.

where the National Museum of Ireland’s Museum of Country Life is located

grandparents used giving an insight into the lives of our recent ancestors.

Turlough Park House itself is an impressive pile and the cafe and visitor centre are integrated into the grounds. It proved to be a grand day out, and an educational one at that.

Back at the McWilliam Park Hotel as the sun dropped below the horizon, we settled in for an evening in the restaurant with my hungry and demanding companions.

Starters comprised a delicious chicken liver mousse, an impressive vegetable soup and a melon platter that satisfied the initial pangs.

I enjoyed a fantastically tasty roast sirloin with dauphinoise potatoes and fresh vegetables. Unfortunately, the standard of the fare on offer for the younger members of the clan

mcwilliam park hotel, claremorris  The four-star McWilliam Park Hotel, Mayo,

 There is also a leisure centre with 18m pool,

offers 101 single, twin and family bedrooms as

a separate childrens pool, gym facilities and

well as two suites.

kids’ club.

 The hotel incorporates JG’s Restaurant,

 For more information, contact 094 93 78000,

which has recently launched a new a la carte

e-mail info@mcwilliampark.ie, or go online to

menu.

www.mcwilliampark.ie

was far from as good, and the disappointment of an underwhelming and undercooked (store bought?) pizza for two of the team was only relieved by the deliveredupon promise of warm chocolate brownies with ice cream.

It was a shame, but underlines the fairly poor attitude to kids’ cuisine in many places - they might be younger, but they know shabby fare when they get it. A little more thought and effort, of the same level that clearly goes into the grown-up’s menu, is clearly in order to ensure everyone at the

table gets the same level of culinary satisfaction and the sense that the young ones are being short-changed.

That aside, the stay proved very satisfactory for all the family, even without taking advantage of the hotel’s kids club facilities, which cater for kids from four to 12, offering a range of activities such as painting, arts and crafts, DVDs and games.

A weary band led their way back East, realising that the West is closer than it seems, and a return visit very much in the minds of all.

The facilities on offer include a gym, swimming pool, sauna and kids’ club area

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sport review P28-29

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dublinsport Let the Gazette keep you up to date with all the best local sporting action from around the city as we cover all the stories that matter to you and your community



Gazette

local stars P30

FastSport Rovers begin title defence in style: THREE

Former Davis Cup play Colin O’Brien went the distance against John Morrissey in the Irish indoor open final

tennis: malahide man holds nerve to win decisive tiebreaker in riverview

O’Brien produces stunning run to claim indoor title epic MALAHIDE man Colin O’Brien showed he still has plenty to offer despite quitting the professional circuit in January 2011 as he scooped the Wilson national indoor championships in Riverview last week.

He claimed an epic win over Blackrock man John Morrissey as their men’s singles final went the distance, eventually being decided by a third set tiebreaker.

The initial two sets were shared 6-3, 1-6 before the final set saw the duo go shot for shot, eventually locked at six

games each.

The first four games of that final set went against serve while Morrissey had the best chance to forge the advantage but could not convert a break point at 4-4.

It necessitated the tiebreaker in which the left-handed O’Brien duly raced into the lead and scarcely looked back, claiming the decisive breaker 7-2.

For O’Brien, it was a big win after he fell at the hands of current Irish number one James McGee in his prior appearance in the indoor final.

He had been limited in how much he could play since then, though, as an arm injury saw him step away from the ITF Futures and Challenger circuits during a career that also saw him play numerous times in the Irish Davis Cup team.

Morrissey, meanwhile, was impressive throughout the week as the current Stanford University scholar defeated top seed Ciaran Fitzgerald in the semifinal en route to the decider.

On the women’s side of the draw, former Mount Anville student Jane

Fennelly, still only 18, overcame Holly Monahan from the Carrickmines club on a 6-2 7-6 (7/2) margin.

In the semi-finals, Fennelly avenged her defeat to Romanian-born Karola Bejenaru in the girls’ singles final of the 2012 National Championship.

Irish attention now switches to the Davis Cup and a date with Estonia on February 1-3 in Riverview. McGee and Swords’ doubles specialist James Cluskey are likely to be involved with the latter currently in Germany, trying to hit form at the right time.

Rock Rovers picked up a 6-2 win over Glenanne before landing an 8-0 triumph over Clontarf to ease into the playoffs of the National Indoor Hockey Trophy as they seek their fifth title in six years.

South African duo Jethro Eustice and Jody Hosking were both on the mark twice in the former game while Garry Ringwood ran up a hat trick in the win over Clontarf.

They now face Clontarf again on Saturday morning in Gormanston before meeting last season’s finalists NICS in their second playoff game.

Should the Rathfarnham side negotiate those ties, they will play in a semifinal on Sunday.

c o n ta c t s Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@gazettegroup.com

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@gazettegroup.com Phone: 01 651 6205

Gazette

28 LUCAN Gazette 10 January 2013

2012

Gazette review of the year that was

looking back: the year in sport

Glory abounds for local clubs and their stars shine in 2012 January AVA Hutchinson and David Burrows got Olympic year off to a flying start as they qualified for the Games in the marathon and sailing events, respectively.

St Kevin’s Community School, Clondalkin landed the Leinster FAI Paul Murphy Cup in emphatic style, beating St Kilian’s DSD 5-0.

Castleknock GA A, meanwhile, began what would prove to be an epic year as they claimed their first Dublin U-21 championship. Swords judo club claimed an incredible nine All-Ireland titles, too.

February Dun Laoghaire tennis star Lesley O’Halloran came back with four medals from the ITF Senior World Championships in San Diego, helping Ireland win their first ever team title in the process.

Westmanstown Gaels were celebrating their first ever Dublin representative when Rebecca McDonnell was called up to an underage panel.

On the team front, Three Rock Rovers overcame a string of obstacles to land the National

Indoor Hockey Trophy and then achieved promotion in Europe. Ballyboden St Enda’s claimed their fourth U-21 hurling championship in five years with an epic win over Kilmacud Crokes.

March Karl Burdis returned to the Irish swimming scene in style, qualifying for the European championships with a string of top performances. St Joseph’s Boy’s towering central defender Dan Casey captained the Republic of Ireland’s U-15 soccer side, scoring against Belgium in the process.

Coolmine RFC claimed Leinster seconds league division 1A as well as the Spencer Cup in a memorable couple of weeks while Meteors basketball club were champions at U-14, U-15 and U-16 level and runners up at both U-17 and U-18.

Colaiste Phadraig picked up the Leinster first year soccer cup crown, following up soon after with a league success.

April Garda cycling sensation Caroline Ryan claimed Ireland’s first elite

world track medal since Harry Reynolds back in 1897 when she claimed a bronze in Melbourne.

Sean Mari landed Whitechurch boxing club’s first ever male AllIreland title when he won the 27kg category after a string of impressive performances.

Foxrock Cabinteely’s girls won the Dublin ladies football Feile title in some style in Parnell Park while Collinstown Park.

Colaiste Phadraig CBS had an amazing year, winning Dublin, Leinster and AllIreland soccer titles Castleknock’s Ciaran Kilkenny had a lively year, helping the club to the JFC, Dublin to All-Ireland U-21 glory before departing to play Aussie Rules

DSDAC’s Joseph Sweeney helped

Blackrock College’s Leo Cullen led

Dublin claim the men’s Woodies’ DIY

Leinster to their third Heineken Cup

intercounty cross-county title

success in four years in May

May Blackrock College man Leo Cullen led Leinster to their third Heineken Cup title in four years to cement the province’s place among the pantheon of greats in the competition. Eoin Rheinisch sealed his place at the Olympics with a top class performance at the European kayaking championships while Malahide CS and The Island golfer Gavin Moynihan added to his stunning spring with victory at the Irish amateur open championship at Royal Dublin.

St Brigid’s young stars meanwhile claimed both the Dublin football and hurling Feile titles en route to All-Ireland glory in both codes, the rarest

St Sylvester’s intermediate hurlers celebrated championship success in September

Peamount United club

when they overcame Round Tower, rising to the senior ranks for the first time

sports star when she

of feats.

Ger Owens and Scott Flanigan qualified their 470 boat for the Olympic Games, too, as they starred at the world championships in Barcelona.

one of the highlights of the Olympic Games, fulfilling her destiny by claiming gold to add to her wealth of world and European titles in some style in the Excel Arena.

Rathfarnham’s Annalise Murphy went close to bringing another medal home, finishing fourth in the Weymouth waves in the sailing competition.

Domestically, Foxrock Cabinteely reached the pinnacle of the Dublin ladies football scene, winning their first senior championship title just nine years since the club’s formation.

June Coolmine pro cyclist Phil Lavery enjoyed a bumper month as he won the Stephen Roche GP along with the national U-23 road race crown in Clonmel.

Portmarnock golfer Adrian Morrow annexed the Irish senior amateur golf title, leading from pillar to post in Athenry

while St Brigid’s Eoin Kennedy shook off a nine-month lay-off to finish second at handball’s 60x30 open doubles championship.

Fingallians’ sister act Sarah and Rachel Murray and Bronwyn and Megan Keogh were national junior athletics championships 4x100m winners.

Peamount United provided five players to the MGL Gaynor Cup winning team, sharing 27 goals between them.

July National Yacht Club’s Finn Lynch produced

an immaculate late show to take silver at the world youth sailing championships in the laser radial class, the best ever Irish result at this level.

St Sylvester’s Nicole Owens provided the star turn for the Dublin ladies football B team, scoring a hat trick in their All-Ireland Aisling McGing final win over Kerry.

Gerry and Rob Moran beat over 500 competitors to win the Castle golf club Father and Son All-Ireland event on home turf.

August Katie Taylor provided

10 January 2013 LUCAN GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

‘‘

QUOTABLE

QUOTES ‘Self-sacrifice, commitment, respect, perserverance and hard work.

These are things I have always believed in.’

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni National YC’s Finn Lynch produced

visited a number of local clubs throughout the year

Ireland’s best ever performance at a

including Portmarnock AFC, above, and Swords Celtic

world youth sailing championship as he finished second overall

- New Dublin senior football manager JIM GAVIN outlines to the Gazette the tenets that will guide his tenure

‘A few of my mates were at the game and saw me warm-up and were wondering “what’s going on there?”’

- Leinster scrumCastle golf club’s Gerry and Rob Moran beat their way through a field of over 500 entrants to win the AllIreland Father and Son title

Swords woman Catherine Walsh, left, working in tandem with Fran Meehan member Katie Taylor confirmed her place as Ireland’s premier

landed two Paralympic medals in

won Olympic gold in London in August

London in September

September Swords woman Catherine Walsh claimed a pair of medals at the Paralympic Games, working in tandem with pilot Fran Meehan at the London cycling events, succeeding on both the track and the road in an epic showing.

The Dublin minor footballers claimed the AllIreland championship, a feat which produced a number of memorable story lines. The side was captained by Naomh Olaf’s David Byrne while Naomh Peregrine’s Eric Lowndes finally got a winner’s medal after three

prior All-Ireland finals.

Castle golf club ended a 99-year wait but finally won back amateur golf’s biggest prize, the Irish Senior Cup.

October K i l m a c u d C r o ke s bridged a 27-year wait to claim the Dublin senior hurling championship while near neighbours Cuala, after two painful final defeats, finally won the Dublin intermediate football championship title, beating Fingallians in the final.

Round Tower also made big strides, gaining

promotion from AFL5 and AFL9.

November ALSA A swimmer Barry Murphy ended the season in triumphant form, breaking a string of national records, first of all at the European short course championships in Chartres, France and then at the world championships in Istanbul.

Castleknock’s adult footballers continued their monumental journey through to the Leinster junior title as they thumped St Fintan’s in Parnell Park and they

‘I’m passed it.

There’s no doubt about that, but so is Roy and I’d have no problem coming out of retirement to fight him.’

now have an All-Ireland semi-final to look forward to in the New Year.

Swords Celtic ran up an eighth successive league win move close to the brink of intermediate soccer, heading up the LSL Sunday Major division.

St Brigid’s U-14 footballers and hurlers produced the

December A f ter some tough times, Ballinteer badminton star Scott Evans cut an emotional figure as he finally landed a European level tournament, claiming the Irish Open after a number of final setbacks.

half JOHN COONEY on being a surprise late call-up, coming off the bench to make his Heineken Cup debut in May’s final victory over Ulster

rarest of feats, winning both codes’ All-Ireland Feile competitions during the summer

The Republic of Ireland U-15s were packed with local players from clubs like Lucan United, Corduff and Malahide United as they ran up an impressive 3-0 win over Juventus with

Zachary Elbouzedi and Jean Yves Poame on the mark.

On the rugby front, O l d We s l e y a n d Clondalkin’s J2 sides landed silver ware to end the year in style.

- STEVE COLLINS, the 48-year-old former world boxing champion, responds to suggestions he could finally show down with Roy Jones Junior

Gazette

30 lucan Gazette 10 January 2013

R1

SPORT

DublinGazetteNewspapers

camogie: sars O’Kane and carron honoured

2012 dublin sports awards december winners

STAR of the H MONTH scott evans THE BALLINTEER badminton star finally landed a European level title after a number of final setbacks, winning the Irish Open in Baldoyle. It was an emotional event for Evans on home turf

TEAMof the MONTH

H

Lucan’s Catherine Carron receiving her Dublin camogie award

Lucan pair land camogie awards  sport@gazettegroup.com

malahide rfc EIGHT successive league wins, including a crucial success over previous table-toppers Kilkenny, has seen Malahide move top of the Leinster league division 2A. They are now in prime position to claim promotion

Local

Matters S u pport local b u s i n e ss

LUCAN Sarsfields U-13 and U-14 starlets Aoife O’Kane and Catherine Carron were presented with juvenile awards for their outstanding achievements for their club in their division three campaigns last year.

David Bell, coach of the U-14 setup at the club, commented on how both girls were fully deserving of their awards and can look forward to big futures in the sport.

“Aoife and Catherine are fantastic representatives of Lucan Sarsfields on and off the field,” said Bell.

“They were outstanding as part of

6010240

hasn’t got a hurling bone in her body with her mother coming from Longford and her father from Fermanagh.

“She has won call ups to the U-14 set-up with Dublin and I have no doubt that if she continues in the same vein that she can some day line out for the Dublin senior panel and make a big impact in doing so,” he finished.

They were handed their awards at the Dublin camogie juvenile presentations held in Naomh Peregrine’s clubhouse last Sunday. The event was very wellattended event and was a huge success.

Brabazon ready for Rising  sport@gazettegroup.com

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their teams this year and they have continued the fantastic tradition of camogie here at the 12th Lock.

“Having coached Catherine, I think the one thing that separates her from most of the field is not just her all round skill, but her fantastic work rate.

“Just two years ago she was a ‘B’ player in the set-up and through hard work and determination she has become one of the key players in the first side.

“Catherine can play in a variety of positions, not only is she a fantastic goalkeeper but she is a tremendous defender too which is quite amazing considering she

AFTER a late postponement to December’s Rebel Rising fight card, which was due to take place in Cork’s Neptune Stadium, a new date has finally been confirmed by the promoters with Lucan’s Karl Brabazon due to make an appearance in the squared circle on March 2.

The rescheduled event was set to take place in the last week of February

but the new March date was arranged due to a clash with Katie Taylor’s European championship defence being confirmed for the weekend of February 23, with Ireland’s golden girl sure to attract a big crowd despite Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan being set to defend his title.

Although Brabazon did not have a scheduled opponent for the Decemeber card, his coach Paschal Collins claimed that the relatively new

professional would be a completely different athlete than the one that spectators witnessed on the undercard of the Haye/Chisora card that took place in London.

It has also been confirmed by Collins that it was because of Brabazon’s punch that champion O’Sullivan was deemed unfit to fight on the initial December date, after a punch went rogue in a sparring session.

“I think the fact that he

injured Spike is a testament to his ability at the moment. He’s a fantastic talent and he has been looking very impressive in training. He is tough, resilient and very technically sound.

“His last outing was far from a dream debut, but his opponent was a lot bigger than him.

“When you’re in the boxing business as long as I am you start to understand every fight is a learning experience.”

10 January 2013 lucan Gazette 31

Gazette

Gavin keen on Dubs’ attacking system  sport@gazettegroup.com

JIM Gavin was pleased with certain elements of Dublin’s opening competitive performances while, understandably, there are plenty of elements to work on.

The first half of last Sunday’s win over Carlow saw the Dubs play at a high tempo with

half-back Eric Lowndes and Cian O’Sullivan regularly making key incursions forward.

And it is something the new boss is keen to pursue. Speaking afterwards, he said: “We’re trying various systems of play. For the defence, they set themselves up very solidly. There were some consistent per-

formances and lots of areas for improvement.

“We like to use the foot-pass, we like to push the ball along but it is just one of many game plans we will have during the season, something we tried out today.

“It is great to get the guys on the park. It is week one of the year

and to get a very competitive game like this against a ver y good Carlow side was worthwhile.

“We got the result. It was probably an inconsistent performance on our behalf but a result nonetheless. It gives us lots of areas to work on, which is good for this time of year.”

Club Noticeboard lucan sarsfields HAPPY new year to all our members,

on Saturday, January 26. Nomina-

patrons and sponsors.

tions for club person of the year 2012

The online system for membership

should be emailed to the secretary

for 2013 on Lucan Sarsfields website

at lucansarsfields.dublin@gaa.ie or

(http://www.lucansarsfields.ie) is up

placed in the secretary’s box in the

and running. Please note that the club

bar before Thursday, January 24.

levy which was introduced at the end

Nominees cannot be a current

of 2012 has been added on to the cost

member of the executive commit-

of the yearly membership as agreed

tee or have served on the executive

at AGM.

committee in the past three years.

If an individual/family paid their

football: sars star in humphrey memorial

levy in 2012, it will be refunded to

The winner will be announced at the awards night.

them as a separate transaction. The

The 25-card drive continues every

online system provides various pay-

Friday night in the clubhouse, €5 entry

ment options including an instalment

with a first prize of €50. All welcome.

option. Membership forms can be

Unislim Lucan meets every Monday

downloaded from the website and are

evening at 7-8pm in the function room

available at the club bar.

at Lucan Sarsfields GAA club. Contact

Lucan Sarsfields’ 12th Lock FIght Night will take place on Saturday,

your leaders Susan on 086 8884235 or Fiona on 086 3585192.

March 9, 2013 in the big top tent in

No counting points or calories just a

the club. Standard tickets are €25.

fantastic plan you will love. Everyone

The first 100 online standard ticket

welcome.

sales cost €20 while ringside tickets are €30.

This week’s lotto numbers were 1, 8, 21 and 28. There was no winner. Next

A full bar and hot food are available

week’s jackpot is €10,000. Colette

as well as a DJ, raffle and auction will

Condon’s team will be in charge next

take place on the night.

Sunday night when our sponsor will

The adult awards night will be held

be Matt Reilly Autoparts Ltd.

st pat’s, palmerstown The Lucan Sarsfields U-10 side that competed in the annual John Humphrey Memorial Cup

Lucan just pipped to U-10 semi-final spot  eoin gormley sport@gazettegroup.com

LUCAN Sarsfield’s U-10 footballers put in a gallant performance at the annual John Humphrey Memorial cup in St James’ Gaels tournament, but were unlucky to get knocked out in the group stages.

Lucan’s first opponents were Thomas Davis and the 12th Lock side began the first half at a blistering pace with captain Sean Casey getting on the score sheet with some good scores from midfield.

Thomas Davis looked quite vulnerable, giving away soft frees and Lucan

took advantage. They kicked some easy scores before the Tallaght side came back strongly but not enough as Sarsfields ran up a 3-3 to 1-4 win to cruise to their first win of the tournament.

Next up was a strong Castleknock side who were hotly tipped to make it out of their group.

It started well for Lucan though. Alec Birnie scoring the opening goal for Sarsfields after some good build up play. Their chances were damaged early in the first half, though, after star defender Ben O’Toole picked up an injury and had to be taken off.

Evan Dowling was on

hand to score a vital goal for Lucan and his point and Birnie’s goal helped stretched Lucan’s lead to make it 2-2 to 1-3 at halftime.

The second half was just as exciting as Castleknock launched their comeback. Lucan didn’t show signs of giving up though; Oisin Twamley’s goal giving Lucan a big boost.

The contest went to the wire as Castleknock pushed for a winner which eventually came despite Lucan’s best efforts, they fell 3-6 to 4-2.

Lucan put that defeat behind them and bossed the play throughout.

Sean Balfe looked very

dangerous in the full forward line, his tally for the first half being 2-1.

This form continued into the second half as Paul Tuite, Birnie, Dowling, and Casey and defending from the likes of Fintan Ward and Derek Cahill helped them win 4-8 to 0-2.

Under f loodlights, Lucan’s final tie was an all or nothing date with St Vincent’s with a semifinal place on the line.

The Marino side, though, were dominant at times and while Mark Gormley and Oisin Ryan put in superb showings, they proved too strong and went on to lift the cup the next day.

ALL-Ireland champion Roisin Brady

now compulsory for all juvenile and

will be defending her Leinster title on

minor football training and matches.

Saturday 12th in Erin’s Isle GAA club,

Only mouthguards with a CE kite mark

Finglas. Proceedings start at 3pm.

may be worn.

Support for her would be most welcome.

The lotto first draw numbers were 6, 21, 28 and 30; there was no winner.

The club express sincere sympathy

The second draw numbers were 2, 5,

to Jimmy, Sandra, Ciara, Brian and

10 and 26; there was no winner. Any

Aoife Gilbert on the sad loss of Jimmy’s

three numbers winners were Joey D

Dad, Jimmy Senior, who passed away-

Lips, Tommy Connolly, A and K Fagan.

unexpectedly last Saturday night. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hAnam dílís.

Reminder that mouthguards are

The next draw is on Sunday, January 13. The first draw jackpot is €10,000 and the second draw jackpot is €5,600.

st mary’s saggart THE executive committee would like

7.30pm. Any players who wish to be

to take this opportunity to wish all

regraded for 2013, please see Pat

our members and friends a very

Farrelly in the club on Thursday night

happy and prosperous New Year.

after training.

Our members’ night and player of

Watch next week’s notes for infor-

the year awards will take place on

mation on our juvenile training

Saturday, January 19 in the club-

schedule.

house. We would like to extend the

The club is seeking lotto sellers

invitation to the event to all mem-

for the Forest Hills and Broadfield

bers to come along and enjoy the

Estates in Rathcoole. If there are

evening. There is a happy hour from

any members interested in helping

8pm to 9.30pm.

out, please contact Cathal Kelly on

Player presentations will take

086 258 4335. We are also looking for

place from 9.30pm and this will be

a number of members who can sell in

followed by music until close. Please

the Rathcoole pubs at the weekends.

come along and support.

Again, Cathal is the contact.

Training for the senior and junior panels commenced on Tuesday at

There was no winner of last week’s lotto draw.

GazetteSPORT all of your lucan sports coverage from page 27-31

january 10, 2013

The big review of the year: camogie success: Lucan Sarsfields duo land top All the highlights from an epic prizes at Dublin presentations event last weekend P30 year of sport in Dublin P28-29

Conor McGregor was in stunning form on New Year’s Eve in the Helix where he got the better of Ivan Buchinger with ease

McGregor’s double crown

Lucan man continues his inexorable rise as he adds a world lightweight belt to go with his featherweight strap following New Year’s Eve victory

 Peter carroll

sport@gazettegroup.com

IRELAND’S MMA king Conor McGregor became the first person since the legendary Dan Henderson to hold two world championships at two different weight divisions on New Year’s Eve in the Helix when he captured the Cage Warriors lightweight belt with a stunning first round knockout over Ivan Buchinger.

Already the featherweight champion, the Lucan man looked in phenomenal shape as he completely outshone his well regarded opponent, throwing flying kicks, piston-like straight punches and timing a takedown

to perfection to show the versatility of his skills.

McGregor, who has long been considered the country’s pound for pound best fighter, has won fans all over the world and his admittance to the sport’s flagship promotion, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, seems imminent after the two-weight champion received messages of congratulations from the legendary UFC commentator, Joe Rogan.

McGregor seemed far more insular in the lead up to and after the fight, claiming the mental approach to the game was something that he particularly focused on.

“If you believe it can happen, no matter

what it is, it’s going to come true. I just keep positive, keep believing and keep trying to learn every day and if the call comes [from the UFC] it comes.

“You have to believe in yourself and believe that you’re better than everyone else. I always look at fights and think ‘I can do this’.

“You have to be cocky, confident and train hard and that’s that,” said the champion.

A consummate competitor, McGregor will now look to the European Jiu Jitsu championships in Lisbon as his next outing, where the explosive 24-year-old will compete in the purple belt division in the last week in January.

Meanwhile, MMA Lucan’s middleweight

prospect, Henry Fadipe, made a huge impact on his Cage Warriors debut with a huge first round TKO victory over the heavily touted Charlie Watts, despite being drafted into the event with only two weeks’ notice.

Fadipe dropped his British opponent with a lightning quick right-left combination before following him to the ground where he finished the fight with strikes.

With Fadipe already having held the middleweight championships of various different promotions, he will look to gain regular bookings with Cage Warriors who have undoubtedly become one of Europe’s flagship organisations for the sport over the last year and a half.