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SEE PAGE 14 SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

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LOCAL HEROES: Esker Celtic praised for its Football For All initiative Page 4

Fourth village Festival hailed as a hit I HIROMI MOONEY

LUCAN was shining in the spotlight last weekend when the fourth annual Lucan Festival brought out the best in the village, and was hailed as “a tribute to the spirit and community of Lucan”.

Large crowds gathered for the main day of the festival last Sunday. Festival chairman Joe Byrne said: “It was a good success this year, and everyone seemed to be enjoy-

ing themselves.”

Local Fine Gael TD, and Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald who helped to launch the festival, was equally effusive in her praise of the event and its organisers.

She said: “The festival has always provided a real showcase for local talent, entrepreneurship and the fostering of community spirit, and Sunday’s celebrations, in particular, added a huge focus to this.”

Full Story on Pages 2-3

Lucan good: Shane joins in the fun as he ‘patrols’ around town “SERGEANT” Shane Wynne was an arresting sight as he joined in the fun at the annual Lucan Festival in the village centre last weekend. The local lad didn’t cop out of playing his part to add to the great atmosphere on the

day, as his “beat” took him on patrol through the village, where lots of fun activities had been laid on for everyone to enjoy, seeing Lucan Festival 2012 was hailed as a great success by all.

Full Story on Pages 2-3

2 LUCAN GAZETTE 20 September 2012

COUNCIL: WALKING AND CYCLING PATH PLANNED

COMMUNITY Villagers, businesses, gardai,

Have your say on route

I HIROMI MOONEY

SOUTH Dublin County Council has published a planning application for a walking and cycling route between the Moy Glas and Castle Riada estates, from Griffeen Road to the Ballyowen Road.

The application proposes a new shared walking and cycling route along the line of the Esker, linking Griffeen Road and Ballyowen Road, which will include access for the less mobile.

According to local Fine Gael councillor William Lavelle under the planning laws, council man-

agement have the sole power to initiate a planning proposal.

However, the councillors have the final say to adopt and/or amend the proposals.

Cllr Lavelle said: “I will only cast my vote in line with residents’ wishes, and I am urging Castle Riada and Moy Glas residents to make submissions on the proposal.”

Plans and particulars of the proposed scheme are available for inspection until Thursday, October 18 in the South Dublin County Council Offices in Tallaght, in Lucan Library and in Clondalkin Civic Centre.

Justin Byrne, Sheila Prior and Patrick Kavanagh, of the Liffey Valley Park Alliance, were happy to give information on the River Liffey and its rich cultural, sporting and ecological diversity in west Dublin to Mick, Jack, Carmel and Amy Griffin. Pictures: Ian Fleming

A multicultural celebration of life in the village N

OW established as a firm favourite on Lucan’s social calendar, the 2012 Lucan Festival passed off wonderfully last week, with locals enjoying a wide range of events held across the village throughout the festival, which celebrated businesses, local schools and events and, of course, the dynamic and multicultural people of Lucan village and area.

The Gazette called to see many people enjoying the open day at Lucan Garda Station, with local gardai delighted to meet citizens, give a glimpse of day-to-day life at the station and have some fun, too. The gardai certainly didn’t cop out of the chance to engage with the community, as they joined locals, traders, politicians and the people of Lucan to celebrate all that is great about life in the lovely, historic village.

See more pictures Next Week

Gas craic for Sam O’Donnell and Garda Brian O Faolain

Denis McCarthy, of Animal Magic, and a feathered An arresting sight ... Jack Barry and Jake Clarke with Garda Steve Moloney

friend, enjoyed meeting local bird lovers

20 September 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 3

fire brigade and schools come out to party – again

Fourth Lucan bash garners great praise I HIROMI MOONEY

THE Lucan Festival returned for its fourth year last weekend, and the many supporters witnessed a celebration of everything that is special and unique about the village.

Still brimming with the success of the event when he spoke to The Gazette, festival chairman Joe Byrne said that the event drew a lot more people this year.

He said: “I thought it was quite a good success this year. We had good attendance at the various talks that we did and, on Sunday, we had quite a crowd there.

“Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves with all the various attractions we brought in.”

The festivities on Sunday included a display by the Dublin Fire Brigade Services, stalls which showcased local organisations, and a stage to showcase some local talent and entertainment.

Successful Deputy Derek Keating (FG) said that this year’s festival went very well, and was very successful.

“It was a great opportunity for the people of Lucan to come down to the village, take time out, take part and enjoy themselves,” he said.

Party colleague and local minister Frances Fitzgerald, who launched the festival, congratulated the Lucan Festival Committee, South Dublin County Council and the Gardai on their huge efforts in the lead up to, and during, this year’s hugely successful Lucan Festival.

She said: “The success of the annual Lucan Festival is a tribute to the spirit of the community of Lucan.

“The festival has always provided a real showcase for local talent, entrepreneurship and the fostering of community spirit, and Sunday’s celebrations, in particular, added

CROSSING

Signage to thwart speeding I HIROMI MOONEY

One of the highlights of Lucan Garda Station’s Open Day and, indeed, Lucan Festival 2012 was a performance by the Garda Band, with conductor, Inspector Pat Kenny, expertly leading the band through some great songs

a huge focus to this.

“Festivals such as this are a great way of boosting community spirit and creating a sense of cohesion in towns and villages.”

Lucan Garda Station held an open day in conjunction with the festival.

Sergeant Morgan O’Neill

said that, overall, both the festival and the station’s open day went very well.

“It went very well. This was our sixth year to run [an open day in the station] – we were the first in the country to have one.

“The primary purpose [of the day] is for people to come into the station

and to be able to have a look around and see what’s behind closed doors, and for kids to have a look at the cells, and the Garda cars, and see the different services we have available – to give an overview of the different avenues of Garda work.”

NEW signage is set to be installed at Griffeen Avenue after it became clear that motorists are continuing to ignore the new zebra-crossing there.

The new crossing was recently installed following a campaign by Fine Gael councillor William Lavelle, local residents and school parents in Oldbridge and Rossbery estates.

Cllr Lavelle said that many locals are outraged at motorists who continue to travel at speed and ignore the zebracrossing.

He said: “I have visited the crossing and witnessed the situation at first-hand.

“Council engineers have now agreed with my request to immediately install new signage, and to review the need for additional safety measures,” said Cllr Lavelle.

4 LUCAN GAZETTE 20 September 2012

THE National Digital SwitchoverWeek is taking place this week, and local people are being called upon to help their friends and neighbours ensure they do not miss out on the switch.

Local Fine Gael TD Derek Keating said: “I am calling on grandchildren, neighbours and community professionals to advise, and assist, those who do not understand the fact that television screens which depend on aerials will go blank at 10am on October 24.

“If you rely on an aerial for your TV, you will need to buy a set top box for between €60 and €100,” he said.

This week, 26 local Digital Outreach Champions across the country are organising events in their communities to encourage people to switch from analogue to digital TV, and avoid a last-minute rush ahead of the October 24 deadline.

SPORT Club has 12 accredited FAI disability coaches

Esker Celtic ‘changes lives’ with Football for All initiative I HIROMI MOONEY

LOCAL soccer team, Esker Celtic Football Club, were praised for “going beyond the service of the community” after they recently launched their Football For All programme for children with a disability.

Football For All is an FAI initiative to give such children the opportunity to get regular football training and competition through a local community club in their area, where they will be trained by professional and qualified FAI coaches.

Esker Celtic launched the programme last Saturday, September 8, with seven children present.

Their programme membership has now grown to 16, which is

the maximum number they can accommodate at present. The club has 12 trained and fully accredited FAI disability coaches.

Local Football for All co-ordinator Colm Young discussed the principle behind the programme.

“The ethos behind it is for children who can’t get involved in mainstream football [to do so, here].

Mainstream “That’s not to say that, in years to come, that they might not be able to play in mainstream football, but this whole programme is to get them out there, get them kicking a football and, most importantly, having fun.”

FAI’s national coor-

dinator of Football For All, Oisin Jordan, was at the launch of Esker Celtic’s programme, where he praised the club’s efforts.

He said: “Football For All is the most important programme that I run at the moment. Getting local community clubs involved in the programme, and allowing children with disabilities to actually access football in their community, may not have been the case before.

“It’s absolutely important that every child should have the right to play football, and this programme gives the children who might not have the ability yet to get involved.

“It will allow them to develop as players in a safe environment. So, what Esker are doing goes beyond the service of the community – it’s changing lives, to be honest.”

Members of Esker Celtic Football Club’s Football For All programme

Local Fine Gael TD Derek Keating was also at the launch. He has worked with disability groups and their representatives, and is also a board member of the Lucan Disability Action Group.

Deputy Keating said: “One of the things I find

in the community is that sports organisations are looking for every way of including everybody, to be more inclusive. Esker Celtic Football Club is one of those clubs that has worked to include everybody in sport.

“I was not surprised, therefore, when Esker Celtic sought to introduce the Football For All programme, which is now becoming more and more established.

“It really gives equal opportunity for everybody to participate in sport,” said Deputy Keating.

The National Foot-

ball For All Festival and Family Fun Day will take place in Tallaght Stadium this Sunday, September 23, from 12pm to 4.30pm.

The free event will see all Football For All Clubs from across the country gather to showcase their club and play tournaments against each other.

Esker Celtic Football Club’s Football For All team will be present.

For further information about Esker Celtic’s Football For All programme, contact Colm Young at 087 250 3456, or see the website at www.eskerceltic.ie.

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LOCAL Glory for Lucan as it

COMMUNITY ‘Heroes’ praised for their commitment

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takes Tidy Towns title I HIROMI MOONEY

LUCAN has been named the tidiest town in South Dublin in the SuperValu National Tidy Towns Awards for 2012.

Lucan achieved 283 out of 400 points in the adjudication, while Clondalkin achieved a total of 202 out of 400 points.

“We’re delighted with this achievement,” said Mairead McGowan, member of the Lucan Tidy Towns committee.

“Around three or four new areas have entered [the competition] this year and they’ve done quite well. It’s obviously going to put pressure on us [in future], but it’s good.”

Both Lucan and Clondalkin have been congratulated for their

achievements by local representatives.

Fine Gael TD Derek Keating congratulated the Lucan Tidy Town committee members for their hard work, and on being successful for another year.

He said: “It is always a pleasure, as a resident, a local TD, and a former member of Lucan Tidy Towns, to walk around my village and enjoy the wonderful environs as a result of my friends in our Tidy Towns Committee.

“I see the Lucan Tidy Towns Committee as modern-day community heroes.”

Praising the efforts of the Clondalkin committee, Councillor Trevor Gilligan (FF) said: “A lot of time and energy has gone in over the past few

Thanks to the hard work of local residents, businesses, and members of Lucan Tidy Towns Committee, Lucan greatly impressed the judges in this year’s contest

weeks into Clondalkin Tidy Towns.

“I would like to thank volunteers, the committee, business owners and everyone who got involved.

“I believe that this is only the start for Clondalkin Tidy Towns and the only way we can go is up.

“We have the results and responses from the Tidy Towns, so we know what to do for next year.

Clondalkin is the best place to live. The competition for next year has started,” he said.

Local Labour Party TD Robert Dowds also congratulated the towns for their performance in the competition.

In a statement, he said: “It really is heartwarming to see so many people getting involved in improving their own communities through

hard work.

“On behalf of the community, I want to thank everyone who has been involved in the Tidy Towns effort this year, and wish everyone the best of luck in next year’s competition.”

Lucan Tidy Towns meet every Saturday morning at 10am in the layby below St Mary’s Church on the Lucan Road.

Clondalkin Tidy Towns meet ever y Tuesday evening at 6.30pm and every Saturday morning at 10am in the Tuthills car park in the village.

Both tidy towns committees welcome new members at any time.

Shared ownership payments outlined I HIROMI MOONEY

SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) has outlined a number of options available to tenants in the shared-ownership scheme who are having difficulties with keeping up their payments.

The options were outlined following local Fine Gael councillor William Lavelle’s question to the county manager at the September county council meeting last week.

The council replied that they have a “policy of early intervention for shared

ownership borrowers who fall into arrears”.

The council response continued: “Our staff can discuss the customer’s circumstances with a view to making an arrangement to pay that is both suitable to both the customer and the council.

“It is in the best interest of the borrower to work closely with the council on the matter as, where customers continually do not make payments on their account, or do not co-operate with the council, then legal proceedings will have to commence.”

20 September 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 7

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SCHOOLS Examining Junior Cert results at St Kevin’s CS

The results added up to a great tally for local lads Paul McMahon, William Carpenter and Stephen Kavanagh, Chantelle Ward, Luke Melaugh and Charlene Craig

pictured with maths teacher Fintan Sheridan. Pictures: Ian Fleming

Ready for the next challenge TUDENTS were delighted with their Junior Cert results at St Kevin’s Community College, Clondalkin when the brown envelopes finally arrived at the school recently.

Principal Pat Lowry was joined

S

by several staff members to congratulate students and discuss their results, as the boys and girls from Lucan, Clondalkin, Palmerstown and further afield examined the results of their first major tests in the second-level system.

Ashling Caffrey, religion Principal Pat Lowry

teacher

Daniel Kearney, Peadar Cassidy, Dylan Sullivan and Patrick Moran and Annmarie Ward, Irish teacher

Suzanne Graham

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R1

LAUNCH Domino’s roll out a new range of gourmet food

Lynsey Murtagh and Gill Verrecchia

Siobhan O’Connor and Leanne Moore

Chef Andrew Rudd gets some help from the Wine Friendly crew at the evening’s launch

He’s Rudd-y to serve delicious new pizzas UESTS from across the city tucked into a delicious night out in the city centre recently, as chef Adam Rudd’s new studio in Drury Street hosted a Domino’s Pizza launch.

With Adam overseeing the flavourful fun, a range of pizzas, sides and

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desserts were enjoyed by all, with wine from Wine Friendly proving a perfect complement to the fare.

Television personality Leanne Moore joined “Gossip Girl” Siobhan O’Connor to have a go at pizza making, but their game attempts were surpassed by the new Domino’s range.

The new gourmet range has been designed to provide a “lighter” pizza with distinctive flavour, with tempting ingredients in the range including roast chicken breast, baby spinach, Greek feta cheese, Peruvian roquito peppers and more, providing something for everyone to tuck into.

Allanna Hennessy

Jennifer Maguire

Sinead O’Connor and Rebecca O’Neill

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 11

THEATRE Ballymun stages festival for eighth year

Axis premieres Beckett in Irish bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

THE world premieres of four Samuel Beckett plays which have been translated into Irish by Gabriel Rosenstock will take place in the Axis Theatre in Ballymun this October.

As part of the Borradh Buan Irish Language Festival, which runs from October 15 to 27, the Mouth on Fire Theatre Company will stage Blogh, which is the Irish translation of Beckett’s Rough for Theatre 1 and Rocabai, the Irish version of Rokaby.

The newly translated works will be performed by an ensemble under the title Ag Taibhreamh ar … nGra (Dreaming of … Love). There will

also be a performance of a selection of Beckett’s poems which have been translated.

Mother, father and son acting team Geraldine Plunkett, Peadar Lamb and Marcus Lamb will share the stage with actors Melissa Nolan and Jennifer Laverty. The Beckett poems will be read by Gabriel Rosenstock and Nick Devlin.

Festival

These productions, which have received backing from Dublin City Council and Foras na Gaeilge, are part of Borradh Buan 2012, which is Ireland’s only festival of its kind and is in its eighth year.

Announcing details of the production, Cathal Quinn, artistic director

of Mouth on Fire, said the theatre company was extremely honoured to be staging new interpretations of Beckett’s work and has even received touring requests from Britain, Japan and Canada.

“The Beckett estate is known for the scrupulous care it takes to safeguard the integrity of Beckett’s writing – and rightly so,” said Quinn. “So we were thrilled to be granted the rights to translate some of his short plays into Irish, and to stage these in Irish for the very first time.”

The world premiere of Blogh and Rocabai are on Friday, October 26, in the Axis in Ballymun, tickets cost from €8 to €12, and are available by calling 01 883 2100.

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I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

Top Wedding Tips: Our complete guide for planning your perfect day The world premieres of four Samuel Beckett plays which have been translated into Irish will take place in the Axis Theatre in Ballymun this October

BRIDE&GROOM PAGES 19-27

12 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

GazetteContacts

SNAPSHOT The local stories of the day

Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251

Managing Director: Michael McGovern email:mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Acting News Editor: Rob Heigh email: rheigh@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater email: sport@gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Paul Hosford email: picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Ad Manager: Louise Fitzgerald email: lfitzgerald@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com

Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com Westlife singer Nicky Byrne with fifth class students from St Peter and Paul’s National Boys’ School, Baldoyle, to launch the 2012 Cheerios 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.

Childline Breakfast Together Week3

Byrne helps to raise funds for Childline WESTLIFE singer Nicky Byrne dropped in to see the fifth class students from St Peter and Paul’s National Boys’ School, Baldoyle, to launch the 2012 Cheerios Childline Breakfast Together Week.

Byrne, a former pupil of the school, was there in his capacity as an ambassador for the ISPCC. The children’s charity are asking as many people as possible – schools, creches, companies,

DIARY coffee shops, friends and families – to come together, hold a breakfast event and raise much-needed funds for Childline.

Childline is entirely funded by the Irish public, so their support is vital.

Funds raised will help Childline volunteers to answer more calls from vulnerable children and

young people in Ireland who have nowhere else to turn.

The Cheerios Childline Breakfast Together Week will take place from October 8 to 14. To register, log on to www. childlinebreakfast.ie, or call 1850 50 40 50.

Meeting Packie Bonner STAFF from the Beacon

Hospital in Sandyford, and former Irish goalkeeping legend Packie Bonner are heading to the National Ploughing Championships on September 26 to play an outdoor exhibition match in the Health and Wellness section of the trade show, from 12 noon to 2pm.

People who come to visit the UPMC Beacon stand will get the chance to meet the sporting hero afterwards.

Chartered physiotherapists will be on hand at the stand over the three days of the ploughing championships, advising on injury prevention and management.

Free analysis

They will also offer simple fitness tests for the more than 189,000 expected visitors to the three-day exhibition, and will offer free gait analysis for visitors.

A hotel stay worth €500 will also be won by one lucky visitor to the Beacon stand.

The Ploughing Championships will take place between Tuesday and Thursday, September 25 to 27 in New Ross, Co Wexford.

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 13

COMPETITION €10,000 worth of vouchers to be won

Search for the country’s most musical school THE Waltons Music for Schools Competition is looking for the country’s most musical school.

The competition will award a total of €10,000 worth of vouchers for

musical instruments, accessories, books, music technology or PA equipment from Waltons Music.

Awards will be divided among six winning primary and post-primary

schools, including two first prizes of €3,000 vouchers, and music groups from 12 finalist schools will have the fantastic opportunity to perform in the National Concert Hall.

Entry forms are available to download from www.waltons.ie, www. newschool.ie, www.rte. ie/lyricfm and w w w. nch.ie, and you can email your entry form, along with all addi-

tional information and materials, to musicforschools@waltonsmusic.ie Entries must arrive by 5 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013. Late entries will not be accepted.

EVENT: CHANCE TO MEET POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS

Jobs Expo returns to Croke Park

I HIROMI MOONEY

Road dogs: A charity cruise across the USA RADIO PRESENTER Baz Ashwamy, actor George McMahon, former boxing champion Bernard Dunne, singer Ryan Sheridan, will hit the open road on Harley Davidson motorcycles as part of the Delta Horizon Tour across the US in aid of Irish Dogs for the Disabled in September/October 2013.

Irish Dogs for the Disabled train assistance dogs to assist physically disabled children and adults. These dogs carry out a range of practical tasks in order to allow disabled people greater independence.

Every dog is trained to help with simple everyday tasks such as opening and closing doors, picking up dropped items, emptying the washing machine, sending for help or even helping a child with severe walk-

ing difficulties to walk with greater ease and balance.

Each dog is trained to cater for the needs of the specific client to enable them to live life with greater independence. This all costs money, of course, and in order to raise funds for this very worthy charity, the charity is undertaking the motorcyle trip of a lifetime from Chicago to New Orleans next year.

Irish Guide Dogs for the Disabled is now offering volunteers the chance to literally sample history on a two week, 3,000km guided motorcycle tour that will go from Chicago, Illinois, to the magical streets of New Orleans.

For further info check out www.deltahorizontour.com

JOBS Expo 2012 will return to Croke Park next Friday and Saturday, September 28 and 29, following its successful event held earlier this year.

The employment and recruitment fair promises to offer plenty of information and opportunities both at home and abroad.

The free event will offer advice and career opportunities from various companies. One such company is the British Columbia Construction Association, whose members are looking to fill positions in the Canadian province for carpenters, welders, iron workers, plumbers, pipe layers, mechanics, crane operators and sheet metal workers.

The Jobs Expo event coordinator, Vicky Kelly, said that following the success of the last expo event, which had around 9,000 attendees, they are expecting to exceed that figure this time.

“I think it’s very important [to host an expo like this] because it’s an ideal opportunity for employ-

ers to showcase the positions that they have, and also for the public so that they feel more involved in the recruitment process as well.

“They can actually come along and present themselves in person rather than being a piece of paper with a CV being emailed in to an organisation,” she said.

“It’s a great chance to actually come and speak to employers directly and to apply face-to-face for a role that you may be suitable for.”

The exhibition will be divided into five different areas, which are Irish Job Opportunities, Working Abroad, Education Village, Career Clinic and Starting Your Own Business.

The event is run by Learning Ireland, the publisher of leading websites Nightcourses.com, Gotocollege.ie, Postgrad. ie, Corporatetraining.ie and Learning.ie.

The expo will take place from 11am to 5pm both days in The Hogan Suite in Croke Park.

For more information, visit http://www.jobsexpo.ie/.

14 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

BUSINESS: CUTTING COSTS

EPA’s initiative to help firms go green

THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a one-stop shop for businesses in Dublin to help them save money while preventing waste, conserving water and reducing their energy costs.

The EPA developed the resources for businesses facing increasing energy costs and waste and water charges which are looking to reduce their overheads by adopting greener ways of doing business.

BeGreen provides access to a range of business programmes including Green-

STYLE Advice from Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen

Business and GreenHospitality.

GreenBusiness is a free business advisory service that represents an innovative approach to waste prevention and resource efficiency in Ireland. BeGreen’s expert environmental advisors will visit organisations and generate a tailored environmental efficiency action plan free of charge.

GreenHospitality has been a hugely successful BeGreen programme for the hospitality industry. For more information, visit BeGreen www.begreen.ie

Interior design guru, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, pictured in Dublin launching his exclusive online collection of furniture and furnishings for Littlewoods Ireland

‘Be subversive, be posh – ditch beige’ I LAURA WEBB

FORGET about living in a beige box – instead, be playful with colours and designs throughout the house.

That’s just a little of the advice that interior designer, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, bestknown for his appearances on TV’s Changing Rooms, brought to town on a recent visit to launch his exclusive collection for online department store, Littlewoods Ireland.

The Gazette caught up with the designer at a hotel suite that had been transformed into a shrine to his new collection.

Sitting on a couch he had designed himself, Laurence looked ever the suave gentleman, and was only too delighted to talk about his new collection.

“It’s the first time ever, that I feel I have created an entire, almost couture attitude collection – something that encompasses furniture as well as bed linen, soft furniture, bedding, lighting and things – it has been tremendously liberating,” he said.

“I have been designing for years and years. I launched wallpaper 14 years ago – a really long time – but when you design an element like a roll of wallpaper or china or table-linen, or whatever, you have got to use that one small thing to tell a big story.

“But, when you are creating an entire collection, you can be so much more emphatic, so much more punky and subversive – you don’t need to be so bloody tasteful!

“The look I wanted to

sell, because it is my look, is all about indulgence, voluptuousness and every-day luxury and theatricality, opera – but it also has to be funny.

“There has to be something about it that is witty and grown-up, and so much interior design isn’t.

So much is so appallingly straight, and unbelievably serious! Sod that – we are fabulously diverse.

“I want to make people’s lives sexier, more playful, more indulgent – to me, those are the things that make you feel as if you are worth it,” said Laurence.

Asked about the use of colour on walls, Laurence believes the bolder, the better.

“If we all woke up in a beige box, we would all be very dull people!

We want to make these

places, places that we can escape to.

“It is all about being able to be ourselves and not conform to this rigid, pre-prescribed sense of what is ‘good taste’ and what is ‘bad taste’.”

According to Laurence, his collection offers luxury furnishings at affordable prices.

“People look at it and say, ‘That’s posh’. But ‘posh’ doesn’t mean anything, posh doesn’t mean class, it doesn’t mean money, it doesn’t mean status – it is just posh – and that is what I want it to be.

“Posh for as little money is absolutely perfect, because it is totally subversive,” he said.

The Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen collection is available now on www. littlewoodsireland.ie.

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 15

LIBRARY

ENTERPRISE: CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR ANNUAL ENTREPRENEURIAL CONTEST

Camera club set to exhibit

Start-up business will win €25,000 THE Learning and Innovation Centre (LINC) last week launched its annual entrepreneurial competition, which offers the winner an impressive prize worth €25,000 for a start-up business.

This is the third year of the LINC’s Jump-Start competition at the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB) The competition is open to entrepreneurs who would like to base their business in an innovative and supportive environment.

The value of the award is €25,000, and includes €5,000 in cash for the winning company, plus the cost of the incubation space for 12 months, with varied mentoring support available to the company from industry experts, and a range of useful business start-up packages, including design, media,

technology equipment, print, call-answering and much more.

Last week saw the official launch of the competition, which took place at the Dylan Hotel.

One of Ireland’s bestknown entrepreneurs, and Dragon’s Den star, Bobby Kerr, was on hand to officially launch the competition.

Delighted He said: “I am delighted to be involved with the Jump-Start competition again.

“I see the competition as a great way for entrepreneurs to present to their peers and have the opportunity of winning an amazing prize that any start-up would love to receive, especially in the current climate.”

Shortlisted entrants will get a unique opportunity to present their

ideas to a very experienced panel, including Kerr; Judith Troy, AIB regional manager; Oisin Geoghegan, chief executive of Fingal County Enterprise Board, and George Kiely, regional director of Enterprise Ireland.

The judging panel will be chaired by Assumpta Harvey, manager of the LINC at ITB. Application forms can be downloaded from www.thelinc.ie/jumpstart, with the closing date for applications set for 4pm on Friday, October 19, with the shortlist to be announced on November 2.

All applicants must submit a fully completed application form.

The winner of the award will be announced on the evening of the final judging, on November 15.

I NATALIE BURKE

Gimme Moore: Street’s traders help to celebrate orchestra’s concerts SWAPPING her fruit and veg for cymbals, Moore Street trader Marie Cullen showed Sinead Farrell what a dab hand she is when it comes to making music.

The pair were having some fun on the famous street, as mem-

bers from the RTE National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) were visiting the street to help publicise the upcoming NSO 2012-2013 season, which is now under way at the National Concert Hall.

BALDOYLE Library will play host to the “Expressive Black and White” exhibition later this month – a photography event featuring the best work of Sutton Camera Club.

The photography exhibition will be held from Monday, September 24 until Friday, September 28, with the official launch taking place on Tuesday, September 25 at 6.30pm.

With members of the photography club hailing from Baldoyle, Swords, Howth, Clongriffin, Portmarnock and Donaghmede, the free exhibition features work from a number of different communities.

Sutton Camera Club currently meet every second Tuesday night in the Baldoyle Forum Centre.

For further information, see www.suttoncameraclub.com.

16 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT Boys and ghouls may like this film I SHANE DILLON

IT’S been a while since I was last at the cinema, so I don’t have any particular expectations of what most films for kids should be like, today.

I mean – and this is probably showing my age here – the last time I went to see a kid’s film, I think a young Jodie Foster was running around in it, looking for some place called Witch Mountain

(circa 1873)?

There was definitely an intermission in the middle of the film when the red curtains closed, I remember that much.

3D? It was all barely 2D, back then, mate!

All of this makes me sound less like a grownup, and more like a dinosaur. Could an old fogey like me truly get to grips with something that’s, y’know, for kids?

Well, ParaNorman

(deservedly a Cert PG; 92 mins; starring, oh, John Goodman is just about the biggest name there) is a stop-motion animated film about Norman; an average kid in his sleepy home town.

Average, that is, except for the fact that he sees dead people everywhere, and wearily blathers away with amiable ghosts that only he can see, including Uncle Prenderghast (Goodman).

Personally, I’d be using my invisible buddies to ace every test in school, but, alas, Norman’s a nicer kid than me – err, so to speak – as he doesn’t treat his deadly pals with any disrespect.

Norman’s pretty normal, otherwise, given his slightly annoying family; the fact that he’s getting bullied a bit at school, and the fact that his town keeps celebrating a witch that it, um, dealt with, 300 years earlier.

Now, you don’t suppose that a 300-year-dead witch and a boy who chats away to spirits from

Spot the odd one out ... Yes, that’s right – it’s Norman, who alone can see dead people everywhere. A handy gift, it turns out, given a town curse that’s about to unfold ...

the afterlife could possibly cross paths, thus fulfilling an ancient curse set upon the town, do you?

(Or, in my best ghost-ese: dooooo youuuuu?)

It’s not long before dead ol’ witchipoo is back – back, and deader than ever – ready to make up for 300 years of other people partying and celebrating her unfortunate

end, with a load of creepy minions and zombies.

(From this point onwards, the film ramps up its intensity a bit, as it gallops headlessly over heels towards that PG rating, making it worth pointing out that you better be sure your little boys and ghouls can handle the film’s grave humour.)

It’s down to Norman, his misfit friends, some clueless grown-ups and, of course, his spectral sidekicks – some of whom are dead willing to help – to save the day.

Not that it’s going to be that easy, of course ...

Actually, the film was fairly entertaining enough, with nothing too awful, so long as you’re clear that your little dar-

lings are going to see a PG film with ghosts, zombies and stuff.

(I had to grow up with endless cartoons starring sickly goodie-goodie, Casper The Friendly Ghost, so today’s kids have better luck than me with their entertainment choices.)

While stop-motion is something of a dying art, it’s beautifully done, here, crafting a lovely film to look at that, sure, is very much like a Tim Burton story in some parts, yet also has some heart and brains (or, in my zombieese, braiiiinnnnnssss).

So, for something a little spooky, and ahead of Halloween’s overkill, I’d say it’s worth an “okay” three stars out of five ...

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 17

GazetteTTRAVEL A delightful tribute to Beckett in Enniskillen I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

TRAVELLING to Fermanagh, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the very first Happy Days International Beckett Festival, celebrating the work and legacy of Irish writer and playwright, Samuel Beckett, but I was excited at the prospect of seeing some of my favourite old Beckett plays performed in stimulating new ways – and I was certainly not disappointed.

Enniskillen was the location of the inaugural festival. Upon arriving at the gorgeous Manor House Hotel in Killadeas, I was struck by the period residence’s faultless restoration to its original glory on grounds overlooking Lough Erne, dating back to the 17th century.

Dinner was delicious, and the portions generous, with wild salmon and fresh pasta served by a staff of very attentive waiters. During dinner, our party were introduced to the Happy Days festival, where its founder, Sean Doran, told us how it all began.

The seed for the idea was planted in his head to hold the festival in Enniskillen before he was even aware of the connection between the influential writer and the town.

He said: “I didn’t know he went to Portora [Royal School] here, but I wanted the festival to be here.

When I found out, it was happy days!”

Unlike other purely literary festivals, Sean wanted Happy Days to be more eclectic, and full of the spirit of Beckett’s influence, rather than just a few days of seeing his plays performed.

With that in mind, he decided to mix in elements which resonated with Beckett’s legacy.

Sean introduced sporting events, music and comedy into the programme; debates and talks by contemporary Irish and international writers, as well as Beckett pieces performed by small theatre companies and renowned actors.

Homage The great melting pot of acts and performers at the five-day festival was a collective homage to Beckett’s work and influence in all artistic forms.

The whole town of Enniskillen got into the spirit of the festival, with barber shops offering Beckett haircuts and delicatessens selling ham and clove sandwiches.

However, the undisputed highlight of the whole festival was Robert Wilson’s premiere of, Krapp’s Last Tape.

On entering the lovely Ardhowen Theatre, I knew I was in for something mighty, judging by the calibre of punter around me.

From the moment the curtain came up, American avant-garde theatremaker Robert Wilson,

TravelBriefs The parties will be even bigger than usual this year at the world-famous resort

Writer Samuel Beckett would have approved of the Muckball Cup, commissioned in his honour

Irish poet Paul Muldoon, heavily influenced by Beckett, also appeared at

Enniskillen gets into the spirit of the

the festival

festival, with many home-made signs

Part of the striking front of the truly beautiful Manor House Hotel in Killadeas

white-faced and utterly unique, mesmerised the audience.

His portrayal introduced effective and symbolic elements, bringing the play to life with a strange bolt of electricity.

The first thing Wilson did was to sit, as the sound effect of teeming rain flooded the theatre.

He sat for so long, he pushed the boundaries of audience expectation to the outer limits.

T hen, he ate two bananas in a very stylised and ritualistic way, whilst looking at the audience with a world of conflicting

Edited by Natalie Burke

emotions on his face.

The whole performance was a joy to witness, and I felt blessed to have been there.

Everything Wilson does is his own, and heavy with meaning and symbolism; he is a born artist of the highest rate, and I know I’ll never see anything like him again.

Not only was he a consummate performer on stage, but he used his primitive nature to great effect too.

Now and then, as he listened to the tapes, a great primal noise would emanate from his distended

clown-like mouth as he reacted in horror.

Yet, the sound echoed that of the stop button on the tape recorder. This marriage of the sublime and the ridiculous was astonishingly original.

People left the show wearing blank, dazed expressions, and it was patently clear that Wilson had done the real job of a theatre maker – he had put us all through something amazing.

For further information on the Manor House Hotel, Killadeas, Enniskillen, see www.manorhousecountryhotel.com.

Celebrating 20 years of Disneyland Paris THIS year, for its 20th anniversary, there is more magic in the air than ever at Disneyland Paris, which has been transformed through an amazing explosion of lights and colours.

Abbey Travel is offering family stopover packages for two adults and two children, starting from €479 per family, based on selected dates from November to March.

The package includes accommodation and breakfast in a Disney Hotel, tickets for both Disney Parks for each day, free Fastpass to reduce queuing times at the most popular attractions, and extra Magic Hours – access to Disneyland Park up to two hours before its regular opening time.

For full details of the offer, and related terms and conditions, or to make a booking, telephone Abbey Travel at 01 804 7160, or see www. abbeytravel.ie.

18 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Interview: Robert Prestage, owner, the Bathroom Boutique, Churchtown MY FINANCEE’S DEBTS ...

Q – MY FIANCEE and I are getting married in six months, but she is paying credit card debt and bank loans through MABS [the Money Advice and Budgeting Service].

So, when we get married, can they take my wages into account, and make me liable for her debts, too? Gerry – Clondalkin A - SHE must be a wonderful girl to marry her with all this debt. I suppose the phrase: “For richer, or poorer” comes to mind!

By going to MABS, it means that perhaps some of her debts require professional management and strategy.

This time of your life is certainly a time when all the cards should very definitely be on the table – no secrets, especially financial ones.

You would want to ensure there are no other skeletons in her cupboard.

The first thing I would do is for both of you to set out a monthly income and expenditure budget – you HAVE to know how much is coming in and, importantly, how much is going out.

You will also need to tell each other EXACTLY what liabilities and assets you have.

You may decide to escalate the debt repayment prior to marriage, so it doesn’t act like a millstone around your necks.

As regards your liability for her debts after marriage, the answer is no – her debts remain her debts, even if she cannot afford to repay them.

However, if her credit history is affected (judgments stay on your credit history for life), then that will affect your application for joint loans, such as a mortgage.

Even if she has a sound job with a healthy income, she will be precluded from being approved because of her past record.

Guard your good name, but talk openly NOW about it.

Anti-money laundering rules stipulate: “Know your customer”, but in your case, it is more like: “Know your wife”!

But may I wish you many happy years together.

All the best.

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

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

Bathroom designs to make a splash ROBERT Prestage has more than 25 years’ experience in the plumbing and construction industry, running his own company in South Africa’s Cape Town before moving to Dublin 12 years ago.

Initially coming for a holiday, professional curiosity got the better of him and, before the holiday was finished, he found himself working for a couple in Shankill, Co Dublin and, through referrals, he has never looked back.

Establishing Prestage Plumbers and Renovators soon afterwards, the business has gone from strength to strength; culminating in his latest business venture, the Bathroom Boutique.

The showroom, based in Churchtown, specialises in retail and offers full installation service and maintenance service by its sister company, Prestage Plumbers and Renovators.

The showroom is influenced by styles and concepts from Europe’s leading brands, offering a wide range of products from contemporary to traditional and everything in between.

Customers can find a wide range of baths, wet-room showers, shower enclosures, washbasins, toilets, furniture and a large selection of tiles.

Robert says that Bathroom Boutique’s ethos is based on

delivering superior quality and outstanding service, and products are sourced through Irish companies – mindful of his belief in keeping business local.

He adds that Tony and Tracey, the showroom staff, have more

than 30 years’ experience between them in the bathroom retail industry, with experience working with all the world’s leading brands and designer ranges.

They look forward to meeting and advising customers through

the various stages of designing, choosing and installation of their dream bathroom.

For testimonials of finished projects, see www.thebathroomboutique.ie, and www.prestageplumbers.ie.

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

A: A farmer

thing that you once thought you could not pull off?

A: No

TV or movie pleasure?

A: Farming and fishing pro-

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: Donedeal.ie

Q: What was your first job?

A: Worked in a hardware store

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

A: All day

Q&A

in Cape Town

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: 250 rands per month – about €25

Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: Yes – a part-time mechanic

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Robert Prestage, owner, Bathroom Boutique, Churchtown, with some of the outlet’s wares

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

A: Mail Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Rugby and horseracing

grammes

Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – Michael D or Jedward?

A: Jedward Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: Netflix app

Q: What sport can you play?

A: Golf and archery

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Family

ever since

Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: Smoking

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Steak, chips and mushroom

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Customer satisfaction

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

A: moving house

Q: Have you ever achieved any-

Q: What is your guilty music/

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: 1981; I’ve been a plumber

sauce, and apple pie

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

A: Neither

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

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

A: Barbados Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: It would have to be sitting in the sun in a quiet place drinking a glass of rose

Q: What would be your dream job?

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

A: Maybe I will become a farmer then

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 19

ROYAL TREATMENT P21

TOP WEDDING TIPS P24

&

HONEYMOONS P26

Bride groom W

Dublin’s complete guide to yo u r w e d d i n g

ELCOME to the Gazette’s Bride and Groom supplement, your complete guide to creating the perfect wedding day.

Inside this month’s fantastic supplement, we focus on one of the most important factors in your big day — venue, venue, venue!

With a focus on elegance and quality, we feature some of the best wedding venues in the province and beyond, while we also take the time with the help of a wedding planner to go through a checklist of all the vital things to think about when making the all-important decision about where your wedding will happen.

SEPTEMBER 2012 We also highlight another crucial venue — where you are going to have your honeymoon, and look at what is on offer in Malta at the fabulous Fortina resort.

As well as all of these great features, we are giving readers the chance to pick up a pair of tickets for the upcoming Wedding Journal Show which takes place on September 29 and 30 at the Citywest Complex. So make sure and enter, and if you don’t win, head along regardless — there’s a fabulous €25,000 wedding to be won at the event for everyone who attends.

So read on for some fantastic advice and tips on how to throw the ultimate wedding bash.

20 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete

g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l BE AUT Y IN BALLSBRIDGE l

Elegant charm at the Clyde Court THE bride-to-be isn’t the only one to change their name when it comes to wedding days.

The Clyde Court Hotel in Ballsbridge, one of the most popular and romantic weddings venues in Dublin – and which features several elegant suites to choose from, with a selection of bespoke menus – recently changed its name from the Berkeley Court Hotel.

Its unique marriage of luxury and legend lends itself to big days.

The Grosvenor Suite is a regal ballroom with high ceilings, ornate mirrors, chandeliers and its own private bar, and is the perfect choice for larger weddings.

For more intimate celebrations, the Herbert Suite, or Clyde Room, both offer stylish surroundings and bespoke packages to suit every taste and budget.

Clyde Court Hotel’s wedding packages start at just €55 per person, and they host civil ceremonies and wedding

The beautiful Grovesnor Suite ballroom

blessings, too.

For further information, contact personal wedding coordinator Leanne Regan at 01 238 2700, email weddings@ clydecourthotel.com, or find them online at www.clydecourthotel.com.

Sister hotels with first-class choice: Navan’s Newgrange and Ardboyne excel with weddings SISTER properties in Navan, the Newgrange and Ardboyne Hotels are offering prospective brides and grooms a very different but equally royal wedding experience in the heart of Meath.

Both hotels have equally high standards and reputation, with the lively Newgrange Hotel inspired by the rich, ancient history of the area, while the Ardboyne Hotel providing a relaxed and luxurious setting for weddings.

Both hotels’ long years of experience in

organising and staging weddings of all sizes means they have the ability to assist every happy couple interested in holding their special day at the venues, and using their array of suites to provide an appropriate and tailorable experience for all budgets and sizes.

For further information, contact the Newgrange Hotel at 046 907 4100 or see its website at www. newgrangehotel.ie; contact the Ardboyne Hotel at 046 902 3119, or see its website at www.ardboynehotel.com.

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 21

l HI STORI C SI GH T S FR O M A CO NT E M PO R ARY SE T T ING l

Get royal treatment at Trim Castle Hotel

EVERY woman dreams of a fairytale wedding day, in a luxurious and stylish venue.

There is an element of magic to all weddings, but having an historic castle on your doorstep is a great addition to the wonder of the day.

Trim Castle Hotel, which recently won the 2012 Best Wedding Venue in Leinster Weddings Online award, are set to open the doors to couples from around the province and beyond at their Wedding Fair, which will take place on Sunday, October 7.

The fair will showcase the hotel as a wedding venue and all it has to offer to prospective brides and grooms.

The hotel offers seasonal and mid-week

wedding packages, which include complimentary consultancy and planning with their wedding coordinators, a red carpet and champagne reception for the bridal party on arrival, and a complimentary stay for the bride and groom in one of their deluxe rooms, among other offerings.

Trim Castle Hotel is offering an all-inclusive wedding guest package on dates in 2013 and 2014 for only €55 per person.

The hotel itself overlooks Trim Castle and the adjoining rolling lawns of St Patrick’s Church, and also boasts a rooftop terrace from which guests can admire the impressive castle.

At Trim Castle Hotel, the team aspire to make your wedding day the

Trim Castle Hotel’s rooftop terrace affords beautiful views of Trim Castle and lawns

most memorable and enjoyable day of your life. To achieve this, their wedding team assures personal and professional attention in the planning and preparation of each couple’s special celebration.

A spokesperson for the hotel said: “Modern

couples simply do not go for just any venue.

Trim Castle Hotel is the perfect choice for their reception, as it possesses the old-world charisma of the historical AngloNorman castle, and the contemporary standards of magnificent food and stunning decor.

“Looking onto the castle, lit in romantic colour against the evening sky, is a breathtaking scene. This place has it all, and, if you host your wedding there, know that your guests will be talking about it for a long time to come,” said the spokesperson.

For further informa-

Wedding parties are assured of comfort and attention to detail at wonderfully-presented receptions

tion, you are very welcome to attend the Wedding Fair on October 7.

Alternatively, contact the hotel’s wedding co-

ordinators at 046 948 3000, email info@trimcastlehotel.com, or see www.trimcastlehotel. com.

22 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete

g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l YO U R C H A N C E F O R F R E E E N T RY TO A N U N M I S S A B L E C I T Y W E ST E V E N T l

Win tickets to 2012 Wedding Journal Show DUBLIN Gazette Bride and Groom is delighted to offer our readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the 2012 Wedding Journal Show, which takes place next weekend, September 29 and 30 at the Citywest Complex.

The Wedding Journal Show 2012 will feature more than 350 exhibitors and provide brides and grooms alike with a one-stop-wedding shop, together with all the inspira-

tion they need to plan their big day.

From venues and flowers to dresses and cars, the show has it all, and all under one roof.

Dream gown Celebrating all that’s Irish, there will be an Irish Bridal Designers Area to help you find that dream gown, as well as Wedding Journal’s international catwalk show, with

fully choreographed dance routines, which takes place three times daily.

The exclusive event provides a rare opportunity to see a selection of designer wedding gowns, and many superb styles for bridesmaids, mothers of the bride, and groomswear, some of which have never been seen in Ireland before.

Another huge attraction will be the opportunity for all

attendees to be entered into a prize draw to win a fabulous wedding package, worth €25,000.

The package will include a wedding reception at the Ballymagarvey Village; a dream honeymoon to St Nicolas Bay, Crete (a member of the Great Hotels of the World group); a wedding dress from Patrick Casey; room dressing from Frog Prince; wedding photographs by Laura

Faherty Photography; and wedding rings from McDowell’s Jewellers.

Competition question To win a pair of tickets, answer this simple question: Which Ireland AM star will be the host of the 98FM Style Stage at The Wedding Journal Show?

Send your answers (including your full name, address, and a contact number) by

email, with the subject line: Bride & Groom, to competition@gazettegroup.com by Tuesday, September 27.

The Wedding Journal Show 2012 will run from 12 noon to 6pm on both days, with the international catwalk show times at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm.

Tickets at the door cost €13, or are priced €10 when pre-booked online, with VIP tickets available for €20 from ww.ticketmaster.ie.

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20 September 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 23

24 LUCAN GAZETTE 20 September 2012

BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete

g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l LOTS TO C O NSIDE R FOR YOUR AL L-IMPORTANT PART Y l

Great advice to

Top tips from CAROLINE MILLER, wedding coordinator at the Baskin Suite in Bewley’s Hotel, Dublin Airport FIRSTLY, you have to consider the date.

Before you make any selection on venue, it is very important to know the time of year that you want to get married.

The time of year can dictate cost, so do not restrict yourself to one date, but have a few in mind.

You also have to consider the actual venue, as these come in all shapes and sizes. There are castles, contemporary hotels, rural wedding

venues, marquee venues – the list goes on ...

I look after a contemporary, elegant wedding venue that is adaptable for every season.

Topics to consider When it comes to venues, you always have to ask about topics such as what are the minimum numbers, maximum and minimum capacity, accessibility, does it have civil ceremony or blessing facilities, guest accommodation, late bar,

bridal suite, car parking, where can you get photographs taken (if not at the venue, where is close by?)

Next, the type of venue that you pick will more than likely dictate the decor.

If you want to add special touches, or if the motto “less is more” is for you, your best bet is to go with a venue with neutral decor – the Baskin Suite uses ivory and gold tones.

This allows you to

match your colour theme or keep as is. Fairy light backdrops are also very popular.

For costing, meet with the wedding coordinator, get the full cost, and see if there is room to negotiate.

Package The Baskin Suite has recently launched an allinclusive package that includes everything that you will need on your day – flowers, car, entertainment, cake and all

20 September 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 25

help pick the perfect venue other venue items.

The great thing about the all-inclusive package is that it saves on time and cost.

Also ask if there are any hidden costs!

Your wedding coordinator is very important, as he or she plays a huge role in your wedding experience, as the more experienced, professional and approachable the wedding coordinator is, the better you will feel throughout the whole experience.

When it comes to food, make sure to select something that appeals to the majority of your guests.

Also check that the venue can cater for vegetarians, children and all dietary requirements.

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

‘The Baskin Suite has recently launched an all-inclusive package that includes everything that you will need on your day’

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

Don’t forget that, for beverages, if you decide to have wine during your meal – try and taste it, first!

Have a think about your choice of toast drink; you can let each guest choose their own

drink, or do a set drink, such as champagne or sparkling wine.

For entertainment, when you are selecting a band or DJ, I always recommend going and viewing them.

Make contact with them, and get a list of their upcoming gigs, before the big day.

Don’t forget to check for restrictions at the venue, such as: Is there a late bar? Are children allowed.

Lastly, consider your deposit and contract, noting that most deposits are non-refundable.

For anything that you have agreed – get it in writing!

Other than that, enjoy every minute of your wedding planning!

Caroline Miller: “When it comes to deposits and contracts, for anything that you have agreed – get it in writing!”

26 LUCAN GAZETTE 20 September 2012

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

BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete

g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

With a wealth of options to consider, Malta has a great range of venues and locations to add a dash of classic style and beauty to your big day. The Fortina Spa Resort, located in the heart of Sliema on the island’s northeast coast, is perfectly located to help make the most of your venue.

l WH Y NOT M AR RY IN A JE WEL OF THE MED ITERR ANE AN? l

Marvellous Malta will make your day EVERY wedding day should be glorious but, sadly, the Irish weather isn’t always what you’d hope it will be. Long-haul destinations usually offer guaranteed sunshine, but you have to factor in the jet lag and expense.

However, with Malta just a three-hour flight away from Dublin, you can find a sun-soaked spot rich in history, beauty and culture, that is often called “an openair museum”.

The breadth of choice is astonishing, but what may intrigue you more is the exceptional value for money that getting married in Malta can offer.

The island is generally far more reasonable than many other Mediterranean islands.

The combination of Malta’s climate, and its

selection of inspiring wedding venues, could offer the idyllic location for the best day of your life.

One such venue is the Fortina Spa Resort, located in the heart of Sliema on the north-east coast of Malta.

The resort overlooks Valletta, the island’s capital, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Luxury Whether you want to relax in the spa facilities at the hotel for a few days before the event, or have the ceremony first and holiday later, the Fortina provides the ideal base for a luxurious wedding and honeymoon.

Imagine exchanging vows on a gloriously sunny day, cooled by the scented breeze drift-

ing off the Mediterranean, then whisking your guests off in a yacht to enjoy a reception in the grounds of a castle, followed by dancing under the stars ...

Alternatively, why not think about getting married in a country chapel, art gallery or on the beach?

To make sure everything goes like clockwork, it helps to have local experts to organise and advise you on your wedding.

The staff at the Fortina Spa Resort are experienced wedding organisers, and can source photographers, make-up artists, hairdressers, florists and even send your invitations for you – in short, everything you need to ensure the day goes smoothly.

They can also accommodate you for a beautiful ceremony, to your exact specifications, in the grounds of the resort.

The resort is also acclaimed for its internationally-inspired cuisine, so, if you’re tying the knot on the pool deck against breathtaking views of Valletta harbour, you can take advantage of an extensive repertoire that includes French, Thai, Indian or Italian fare, or local flavours.

You can also take the expertise of the Fortina’s award-winning chefs with you, should you decide to hold your reception elsewhere on the island.

For further information, call 0800 917 3001, or email info@hotelfortina.com.

20 September 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 27

l BRI DG E H OU S E HOT E L , T U L L A M O R E l

A wedding expo for the big day of your dreams THE Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore is getting ready to host its Wedding Expo on Sunday, September 30, which will see the four-star venue showing all that it can offer in creating a truly special day for its customers, and welcome brides- and grooms-tobe.

On the day, the hotel will be set up to demonstrate all the Bridge House can do for wedding parties.

T here will be the opportunity to meet the hotel’s wedding team, and a host of wedding suppliers, including videographers, stationery suppliers, bakers, pho-

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A lovely feature at The Bridge House Hotel is its “secret garden” – an oasis of peace for the happy couple

tographers, bands and musicians, florists, hairdressers, specialist jewellers, expert health and lifestyle consultants and, of course, bridal wear and menswear – all on hand to give all the wedding tips you could need.

The Wedding Expo at the Bridge House Hotel

will also include a bridal gown display, auction and a range of incentives for anyone who books their wedding on the day.

Now, the hotel’s dedicated wedding website – http://tullamore-weddings.bridgehouse.com – lets potential brides and

grooms preview exactly what the Bridge House Hotel has to offer, as well as view special offers and learn more about the hotel’s wedding team.

Located less than 90 minutes from Dublin, Galway and Limerick, the Bridge House Hotel has more than 40 years of experience and a longstanding reputation as one of the Midland’s most popular hotels for wedding receptions and civil ceremonies.

For further information, contact the Bridge House Hotel at 057 932 5600; or see the hotel’s website, www.bridgehouse.com, or its dedicated wedding website.

Head to the Headfort Arms: You won’t want to miss its special fair THE Headfort Arms Hotel in Kells is rolling out the red carpet to couples in October when they host their Autumn Wedding Show on Sunday, October 7.

Hotel owners, the Duff family, are celebrating 40 years in business this year, and have looked after generations of weddings with a personal family touch.

Every need in organising your

nuptials will be covered on the day, with suppliers from every domain available to discuss prospective clients’ every requirement for their perfect wedding, from entertainers to hat designers, jewellers to honeymoon experts.

For further information, call 046 924 0063, or see www.headfortarms.ie online.

GAZETTE

28 LUCAN GAZETTE 20 September 2012

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20 September 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 29

30

LUCAN GAZETTE 20 September 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

O’Driscoll continues to grow cult following BLAINE O’Driscoll, pictured centre, showcased his relentless style once again on his way to victory at Battlezone six last week at the Regency Hotel, coming forward from the bell and despite getting in some trouble, the Lucan MMA man claimed a first round submission victory.

Now with a record of 4-2, last year’s Cage Contender semi-pro fighter of the year didn’t waste anytime in his bout last weekend, pouncing on his opponent from the first bell and gaining the full mount.

Gavin Kelly, his opponent, did well to recover from the position and managed to sweep the young Lucan man ending up in top position, in O’Driscoll’s full guard.

Kelly’s attempts to pass the guard of the Tony Carrick product were shut down before O’Driscoll was lifted and slammed to the ground in an effort of Kelly’s to transition.

Perhaps wasting too much energy, O’Driscoll caught Kelly in an armbar – a bridge too far for Kelly who tapped out, thus signalling the end of the fight.

The victory last weekend was O’Driscoll’s second under the Battlezone banner and the Lucan MMA man probably extended his cult following.

In victory, he has won the respect of many because of his aggressive style and his ability to fight wherever his opponent brings the contest.

The bantamweight has won himself a number of honours in his short career, including becoming the inaugural Clan Wars 135lb champion earlier this year in April.

Only training in mixed martial arts for two years now, O’Driscoll is one of the many young talents that are part of the Lucan MMA team.

With head coach Anthony Carrick’s background in traditional jiu jitsu and striking along with Jorge Santos’s cultured Brazilian jiu jitsu techniques, the relatively new club have come along way in a short time and will look for further victories throughout the year.

SOCCER: DOUBLE DDSL DELIGHT FOR GREENOGUE CLUB

The Peamount U-16 side that claimed a strong 3-1 win over Shelbourne last week as they begin their DDSL season in top form

Peas shell out two wins I sport@gazettegroup.com

TWO Peamount sides were victorious over Shelbourne last week when they met the famous Dublin club in DDSL clashes.

The U-15s Major side have found their feet in the league after two disappointing results from their opening encounters, they saw off Verona last Wednesday in a convincing 5-3 victory that gave them some momentum going into the weekend tie with high flying Shelbourne, who were unbeaten going into the clash.

The Peas set about frustrating Shels from the off, and they found their rhythm early on at the sun-drenched AUL pitch. However, it was the Greenogue club’s opposition that went in at the break with the 1-0 lead.

Manny Lawal capitalised on some poor defending to put the sides level, but Shelbourne took the lead again when they rifled home a beautiful dead ball effort.

United never gave up though, and Sean Carr re-established parity before Lawal popped up

Dragon boat regatta: St Joseph’s students complete Canal race TRANSITIONS year students from St

Joseph’s, Lucan took part in the Dublin dragon boat regatta that took place in Grand Canal Dock last Sunday.

The annual event was organised by the Plurabelle Paddlers and, with funding from the HSE and support from the Irish Dragon Boat Federation, ran a four-week schools project with 10 schools in the Dublin/Wicklow area with their entry into this race as the culmination of the students efforts.

with the winner.

It was a big ask for the reshuff led U-16 Peamount side when they met Shelbourne last Wednesday.

They had seven new players to blend in to the squad and the Shels opposition were an intimidating force having won the 2011 AllIreland title.

The new faces seemed eager to stake a place in the starting 11, as they came out with the bit between their teeth, putting Shelbourne on the back foot.

Four chances came in the first 15 minutes

before they established a lead, with Ethan O’Donoghue getting on the end of a Conor Murphy cross to make it 1-0.

Ta k i n g t h e i r l e a d into the second half, Peamount defended well as Shelbourne started the second half the stronger of the two sides, putting plenty of pressure on their back lines, with Andy Doolan and Scott Osbourne putting in some excellently timed challenges.

However, the equaliser eventually came in 55th minute, but United showed the spirit that

they are well known for and responded immediately.

Conor Owens came close first, just putting the ball wide before O’Donoghue looked a dead cert to put his side ahead before he narrowly missed the target.

Shelbourne couldn’t live with the pace of Peamount while they m ove d b a c k a h e a d when Stefan Lawlor got on the end of a Jason McClelland free-kick.

McClelland added a third in the 75th minute to round off a classy performance with an excellent dead-ball effort.

20 September 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 31

FOOTBALL: GLENAULIN CLUB BREAK NEW GROUND

CLUB NOTICEBOARD LUCAN SARSFIELDS THANK you to everyone who helped

September 27 at approximately

make our fun day such a huge suc-

10.30pm. Winners present on the

cess last Saturday.

night get first choice of tickets so

Special thanks to the Dublin hurlers for playing against our U-8s

As the allocation of children’s tick-

the medals for our schools football

ets to Dublin was so small the county

blitz.

board has decided not to allocate

Our senior hurlers play a cham-

any to the clubs but instead offer

pionship quar ter-final against

them to the county minor hurling

O’Tooles next Saturday at 4.15pm in

team.

O’Toole Park. Thanks to the Moriarty

We are inviting local businesses

Group which are now sponsoring our

and traders to get involved in spon-

senior hurlers as well as our juvenile

soring the lotto, as a very good way

camogie section.

to promote their business while also

every Saturday on our all-weather pitch at our clubhouse grounds at the 12th Lock.

Pat’s stun Mary’s in senior football SFC THIRD ROUND St Pat’s, Palmerstown Tipperary

0-13 0-10

I sport@gazettegroup.com

SAINT Pat’s, Palmerstown pulled off one of the upsets of the county championship last Saturday when they overcame St Mary’s, Saggart by three points, upsetting the league pecking order in some style.

Manager Paul Faughnan spoke of the major task that went into the win, claiming that a few league games may have been sacrificed to put his side amongst the last 16 of the competition.

“We sat down a couple of weeks ago and decided that we definitely wanted to put a big effort into the St Mary’s game.

“I sent people out to watch them and identify their strengths and weaknesses and, from there, I went about putting our strong men against their stand-out players and

looked to capitalise on a few weaknesses that we found.

“The lads all wanted to get into the last 16 of the tournament; they’ve never been there before, and we may have sacrificed a few league games in order to keep ourselves focused on the championship.

“Our game plan was focused around Liam Rushe; we stuck him up at full-forward and we were going to try and hit him throughout the game so he could keep tagging over points,” said Faughnan.

However, Pat’s got a sinking feeling in the first five minutes when the senior county hurler was forced to leave the pitch due to injury, with Mary’s already having opened up the scoring.

The Palmerstown outfit didn’t let their heads drop, and they kicked three points of their own, with Aidan Glennon proving to be clinical from the frees with two early

efforts and Colm Driver, who replaced Rushe, getting the other from play.

Blaine Kelly missed two frees for Mary’s which seemed to rally the Pat’s spirit, with Glennon taking another three points, two from play and one free, to keep his side ahead, 0-6 to 0-2 going into the second half.

Knowing they had to start strong in the second half, Pat’s reacted well to Mary’s tasking the first score, coming back with five of their own to take an eight point lead via two points from Jim Kelly, another two from Robert Carson and a sixth for

Glennon.

Eoin Murray then put three frees over for Mary’s, taking over the duty from Kelly, before full-back Barry O’Hanlon marked a fantastic performance with a point of his own to get the lead back to six.

David O’Hanlon finished up Pat’s scoring with eight minutes to go and despite a late surge from Mary’s, they fell out of the championship, 0-13 to 0-10 losers.

Elsewhere, Lucan Sarsfields bowed out of the championship, 0-10 to 0-13, against St Jude’s two days earlier on the same field in Newcastle.

membership will be verified.

and to Paul Casey for presenting

Our nurseries now take place

St Pat’s, Palmerstown got to the fourth round of the SFC for the first time despite Liam Rushe, below, being injured

it’s important to attend. As always

supporting the club.

Rates range from €60 for one week up to €200 for six weeks.

The sponsor’s name is highlighted

Football and hurling for boys born

on the lotto tickets as well as the

in 2006, 2007 and 2008 is from 1.30pm

weekly result sheets, the weekly club

to 3pm.

notes in the Lucan Newsletter, the

Fo o t b a l l f o r g i r l s b o r n i n

Lucan Gazette, the Liffey Champion,

2005,2006,2007 and 2008 runs from

the Lucan Echo, Tuesday’s Evening

1.30pm to 2.30pm and camogie

Herald Club Notes, Liffey Sound FM

for girls aged six and over is from

and the club’s own website and email

2.30pm to 3.30pm. No need to pre-

circulations to members. Contact

register.

Paul Stapleton if interested.

A l l o u r j u ve n i l e t e a m s h ave

We have a new Twitter account and

resumed training after the summer

you can follow us at twitter.com/

break. For information on any team

GAALucan.

contact lucansarsfieldspro@gmail. com.

This week’s lotto numbers are available on our website. Gerry

The list for the hurling final replay

McAndrew’s team will be in charge

will be up until Thursday, September

next Sunday night when our sponsor

27. Our ticket allocation is 20 for the

will be John Ryan Accountant.

game.

Tickets will be allocated individually by way of a draw on Thursday,

A full list of this week’s fixtures are on our website www.lucansarsfields. ie.

ST PAT’S PALMERSTOWN AN outstanding display by the sen-

at 1.15pm and the senior throwing in

ior footballers beating St Mary’s on

at 3.30pm. Strictly one single ticket

Saturday places them in the last 16

application per fully paid member.

of the senior championship. A noble

Applications accepted only via

performance by the junior football-

t ex t t o o ur ticke t h o tlin e 0 8 6

ers saw them taking on top of the

7255586. To avoid confusion, please

table St John’s who played 15 men

provide the name of member in the

against our juniors who could only

text.

field 14.

Closing date for application is 12

Congratulations to senior hurler

noon on Monday, September 24.

Ciaran O’Toole who tied the knot on

The draw will be made on Wednes-

Friday.

day, September 26 and successful

The club sends its condolences

applicants will be notified by text.

to the family of Sammy Smyth who

Tickets must be paid for on collec-

has recently passed away. Repos-

tion. Prices have been reduced; €50

ing at the Brian McElroy Funeral

stand and €25 hill.

Home, Monastery Road, Clondalkin Village.

Lotto number and results: first draw winning numbers – 1, 7, 10

Applications are now being invited

and 15; there was no winner; sec-

for inclusion in a draw to purchase

ond draw winning numbers – 7, 12,

tickets for the All-Ireland hurling

15 and 23; there was no winner. Any

final replays on Sunday, Septem-

three numbers: Donal O’Dempsey,

ber 30 with the minors throwing in

Sean Carter and Graham Kelly.

Follow GazetteSport on Facebook and Twitter and online at www.gazettegroup.com

ALL OF YOUR LUCAN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 30-31

SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

EASY PEASY: Greenogue club claims backto-back DDSL wins over Shelbourne P30

GAA MATTERS: All the best local Gaelic Games coverage P31

GazetteSPORT

Lucan pair the pride of Dublin PETER CARROLL lucansport@gazettegroup.com

DAMIEN Fox believes that his Lucan senior hurlers have been given a “big boost” ahead of their quarter final clash with O’Toole’s this Saturday, when two sides will meet in O’Toole Park.

Dublin senior stars Johnny McCaffrey and Peter Kelly will be back along with Emmet O’Conghaile who suffered an injury after playing with Dublin minors last year.

“Of course, they are a big boost, absolutely huge,” said Fox. “Johnny is one of the best mid-

fielders in the country, he’s proved that over the years he has spent in the Dublin squad. He makes a huge difference.

“Peter Kelly was a revelation this year for Dublin, he’s a quality hurler.

And then there’s Emmet who will be a big addition coming back from injury.

“The last manager, Sean McCaffrey, had a very hard time with the lads being out with injury. Fortunately for me, the majority of them are back now, we’re just missing Seanie[McClelland] who’s been away with the minors and Peter Callaghan who’s had a bad time with a knee injury.”

Fox admits he has not spent much time researching the play of O’Toole’s, He would rather focus on his own team and how they set about playing. However, he does believe that Coolock men have an advantage due to their presence among the elite teams of Dublin’s top league division, AHL1.

“To be honest I know very little about them. I haven’t had anyone sent out to watch them or assess them or anything like that. I know they’ve got a very good player in Peadar Carton.

“I know that they’ve come through a very tough group on their way

to the quarter finals and they did very well last year in getting to the final where they lost to Ballyboden St Enda’s.

“They play in the top league over here so you’ve got to assume that’s an edge coming into the final. I think the best way to prepare for the championship is playing against the best teams in the league and those sides are definitely in the first division.

“We are certainly not intimidated by the fact that they are playing AHL1, but you would think it would make a difference playing at such a high level,” said Fox.

The return of Johnny McCaffrey to the Lucan Sarsfields panel is a huge boost for their SHC quarter-final