Lucan

Lucan Gazet te FREE

Get ready for Halloween with creepy costumes and make-up tips

see style page 20 October 25, 2012 Find us on

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

INSIDE: Locals wing it to the launch of a rotisserie chicken catering business at Avoca Rathcoole P6-7

finding wonderland: WestSide Stage School prepares for another hit Page 2

Horribly good fun: Halloween treats at Liffey Valley SC Soccer:

Liffey Valley bow out of LFA U-17 Youths Cup Page 30

Boxing:

Lucan BC stars shine at HSK Cup in Denmark Page 27

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

FARRAH and Seth Park were happy to help promote a horribly good time at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre when they took a sneak preview look at the busy centre’s spooktacular Hansel and Gretel cottage.

Popping up just in time for Halloween, the cottage, and its tricks and treats, is there to help ensure children know witch way to go for spooky fun, with the centre hosting lots of Halloween events from this Saturday until next Wednesday, October 31.

OPW seeks a suitable site for welfare office

Minister’s letter confirms Lucan’s inclusion in move to identify premises

 paul hosford

A LETTER to South Dublin County Council has revealed that the Office of Public Works (OPW) is looking to identify a suitable location for a social welfare office in

Lucan. A letter from Public Expenditure Minister, Brendan Howlin, sent to the Lucan Area Committee meeting this week, confirmed that his department and the Department of Social Protection are in talks.

Minister Howlin’s letter said:“I can confirm that my officials are working closely with the Department of Social Protection to progress a number of priority new and expanded Social Welfare offices at locations through-

out the country, including one for the Lucan area.

“The process of identifying a suitable premises to meet the needs of the Department of Social Protection in the Lucan area is ongoing.”

Full Story on Page 4

2 LUCAN GAZETTE 25 October 2012

DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS I N F O R M AT I O N

ARTS Local stage school readies new hit

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 Advertising Production: Anita Ward ads@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 - 6010240

sales@gazettegroup.com

FIND US ON

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.

Some of the memorable characters to be met in WestSide Stage School’s Finding Wonderland at the Helix

Reinventing a classic in a WestSide Wonderland  PAUL HOSFORD phosford@gazettegroup.com

A LUCAN institution takes to the Helix stage this weekend when WestSide Stage School holds their annual show.

The October Bank Holiday Weekend will see the stage school, which has more than 1,000 members, bring their ambitious production of Finding Wonderland to the stage.

The show is a threenight showcase for the students of the Lucan-based school to parade their talents and delight a crowd of friends and family.

Director of the school,

 PAUL HOSFORD news@gazettegroup.com

Elizabeth Ennis, said that all systems are go for this weekend.

“It’s been a year in the making getting the show on stage, so you can imagine the last week is fairly hectic,” she said.

Finding Wonderland incorporates classic and contemporary dance, disco, soul, hip-hop and pop music, as well as acting into an ambitious

two-and-a-half hour set, with Finding Wonderland especially tailored for the talents being taught at WestSide.

“We’ve adapted the script to the cast that we have available so it keeps it all very original and very fresh,” said Ennis.

Split into two acts, the show’s first half is an allsinging, all-dancing affair, featuring performances from each of the school’s age groups. Included in the first act are Beauty and the Beast, Sister Act, Matilda and Westside’s resident hip-hop dance crew, Swagga.

Students will exhibit their acting chops in act

two, performing a new twist on the story of Alice in Wonderland.

A take on the classic story, the play tells the story of a modern-day woman who goes on a life-changing adventure below the streets of New York City, where a colourful cast of strange but familiar characters helps her rediscover what’s really important.

For the students, marking a year’s hard work on such an illustrious stage is a huge reward, said Ennis.

“We have some students whose first show it is and, for them, it is a lovely way of seeing how a show

like this is really done.

“It’s always well worth the work to see the kids going out there and performing their hearts out and really giving it their all.

“As well as that, we have amazing teachers who work to make sure everything goes smoothly. With this many kids, it’s like a military operation,” she said.

The school will be in the Helix from Friday, October 26 until Monday, October 29, with shows daily at 2pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets, priced at €20, are available from www.thehelix.ie, or by calling 01 700 7000.

Lucan projects to benefit from €27,000 fund MORE than €27,000 has been approved for South Dublin projects under the 2012 Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund (EPF) grant scheme, with Lucan projects set to benefit.

The fund promotes sustain-

able development by helping small environmental projects at a local level, with projects recommended for funding by local authorities, following an open call for applications. A total of 26 South Dublin projects have been funded this year.

Adamstown Castle Educate Together will receive €250 to expand the school garden, while Archbishop Ryan NS will receive the same amount to plant a fruit garden. Griffeen Valley will receive €300 to complete its circle and triangle gardens.

The Mayor of South Dublin, Councillor Cathal King (SF) said: “Groups in South Dublin County have always been very active when it comes to the environment. This grant will help groups across the county make their area more sustainable.”

25 October 2012 LUCAN Gazette 3

retail: chicken restaurant chain employs 380 people in six outlets

schools: crossing concerns

Nando’s creates 50 jobs in Liffey Valley AROUND 50 jobs will come on stream in the coming weeks when chicken restaurant Nando’s opens in Liffey Valley.

Overall, the South African company will create 110 jobs within a week, with the opening of its new store in Liffey Valley, and one in Blanchardstown, on November 21 and 14, respectively.

The new jobs will bring Nando’s workforce in Ireland to 380 people – four years after its first foray into the Irish market – with the stores bringing to six the number in the capital.

Nando’s has been operating in Ireland

since 2008, when the first restaurant was opened in Belfast’s Victoria Square.

Since then, the restaurant has grown the number of Irish restaurants to nine, with the opening of Blanchardstown and Liffey Valley this November. They also have units in Dundrum and Swords, as well as two in the city centre.

Alan Snyman, managing director of Nando’s Ireland, said that the jobs had attracted extremely highly-skilled workers, which, he believes, will increase the quality of the restaurants.

He said: “We’re really excited about expanding

in Ireland with the opening of two new restaurants in great locations.

Finding the right site is never easy, but after exploring a number of different locations, we decided on Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown – both vibrant, busy locations with excellent footfall.

“Regarding the new roles, we’ve been really impressed by the standard of the applicants in Ireland. Having a strong, enthusiastic team in Ireland ensures that customers will have the best Nando’s experience possible, which has been central to our success here.”

Drivers ignore rules of the road – Cllr  paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

A Tesco top-up: €250 presented to Lucan Sarsfields Ladies Gaelic team FOLLOWING its Every Little Helps slogan, Tesco Lucan recently presented a cheque for €250 to Lucan Sarsfields Ladies Gaelic Football in honour of their recent appearance in the Tesco Homegrown Dublin Junior Championship Final.

Finbar Murphy (right), Tesco Lucan store manager, presented the funds to Lucan Sarsfields Ladies GAA players Orlaith McKelvey, Leanne Behan and Patricia Gordon, and coach Kevin McBride.

Finbar says that Tesco are delighted to again sponsor the Dublin Club Championships this year, alongside their existing sponsorships within ladies’ Gaelic football.

A LOCAL councillor has this week joined local residents and parents in expressing concerns over motorists “blatantly ignoring” the new zebra-crossing at Griffeen Avenue.

Councillor William Lavelle (FG) said that he has been told by South Dublin County Council that council engineers will immediately install new signs and review the need for additional safety measures at the location.

The new crossing was installed following a campaign by local residents and representatives in Oldbridge and Rossberry estates, following a number of incidents, including a young boy being knocked down earlier this year.

Cllr Lavelle said that the crossing was welcome, but local motorists were not obeying it, creating worry for local parents and pedestrians, given that it is located between two schools.

He said: “I have been inundated with comments from local residents welcoming the new crossing, including those from parents of children attending both Griffeen Valley and Lucan East Educate Together schools.

“However, I have also been contacted by many residents and parents of school-aged children outraged at the very dangerous behaviour of speeding drivers who are ignoring the crossing and breaking the rules of the road.

“I have personally visited the crossing, and witnessed the situation firsthand,” said Cllr Lavelle.

4 LUCAN Gazette 25 October 2012

FastNews

Premises Howlin replies to council letter shopping:

recycling and saving

South Dublin County Council Social Inclusion Awareness week launch SOUTH Dublin County Council Social Inclusion Awareness week will be launched

by Mayor Cathal King (SF) in the County Hall in Tallaght on Monday, November 5.

The week aims to help reduce social exclusion and poverty and promote inclusion and diversity through a range of events in community centres and libraries in South Dublin County.

The week will include events from exercise classes to computer literacy, as well art, coffee mornings and bingo all across the county.

For more information contact Maria Finn, social inclusion officer or Sandra Hickey, staff officer on 01 414 9270.

Gluais calling on applicants for new leaders for course Gluais, the voluntary organisation working with Transition Year Students in schools in Lucan, Clondalkin and Celbridge, is calling on applicants for new leaders.

Gluais teaches the students leadership and organisational skills in a five-day intensive course, which they can then use in their schools. The deadline for applications is Friday, November 30.

Baby Bay market offering bargains  hiromi mooney

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin

Location being sought for new welfare office

 paul hosford

phosford@gazettegroup. com

A let ter to South Dublin County Council has revealed that the

Office of Public Works is looking at a location for a social welfare office in Lucan.

The letter was sent from the office of Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin, in response to two letters sent on foot of motions at the May and June Lucan Area Committee Meetings by Labour c o u n c i l l o r, E a m o n Tuffy.

Tuffy again put the issue on the agenda this week at the Lucan meeting for October, where he asked “that this Committee requests the Manager to write to the Minister for Social Protection and the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office for Public Works, seeking updated information on measures being taken by

the Department and the Office to identify a suitable premises for a Social Welfare Office to serve the Lucan area”.

In their response, the council revealed that a letter had been received on October 9: “Arising from Motion 25 tabled at the May Lucan ACM and Motion 17 at the June Lucan ACM, a letter was forwarded to the Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, requesting a progress report on the actions taken by the Office of Public Works to identify and lease/purchase a premises suitable to serve as Social Welfare Office fort the Lucan area,” said the council response.

In the letter, the Minister confirmed that his depar tment and

the Department of Social Protection are in talks over a location in Lucan.

Confirm

“I can confirm that my officials are working closely with the Department of Social Protection to progress a number of priority new and expanded Social Welfare Offices at locations throughout the country, including one for the Lucan area.

“The process of identifying a suitable premises to meet the needs of the Department of Social Protection in the Lucan area is ongoing,” said the minister.

Cllr Tuffy said that he was “pleased that the OPW is active on the matter. Nevertheless, I am disappointed that it is taking so long”.

THE Baby Bay Market will host their next two markets at the Clarion Hotel in Liffey Valley on Sunday, November 4, and Sunday, December 9, from 11am to 2pm.

The market and BabyBay.ie is the brainchild of mumtrepreneur Mandy O’Rorke. They sell quality second-hand baby and children’s clothes and equipment at bargain prices, and they also allow parents to sell their unwanted baby related items.

There will also be a variety of local businesses selling baby products and services at the market.

“We want Baby Bay to be the one-stop shop for parents to recycle and pass on their baby stuff, whether it’s online at BabyBay.ie, or locally at one of our Baby Bay markets,” said Mandy.

Admission to the market is free for children and costs €3 for adults, of which €1 will go directly to the Barnardos children’s charity.

There will be colouring and face painting on the day to entertain the little ones.

Stalls cost €20 and they can be booked online.

Clothes rails can also be hired for €5.

For more information visit www.babybaymarket.ie

25 October 2012 LUCAN Gazette 5

music Gaelscoil Naomh Padraig on stage

ronanstown

Students to sing at Irish premiere of Rain Falling Up

€20k of cannabis found

FOURTH class children from Gaelscoil Naomh Padraig in Lucan will join the RTE National Symphony Orchestra to sing in the Irish premiere of Rain Falling Up, a modern oratorio for children and adults.

The showwill take place in the Convention Centre, with Gaelscoil Naomh Padraig and 1,000 other children taking to the stage on November 10.

Actress and writer Pauline McLynn will narrate the two performances, which take place at 12 noon and 5pm, involving a big-screen animation and the RTE National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Fergus Sheil.

The Gaelscoil Naomh Padraig choir is being led by teacher Emer Ni

A man was arrested last week after gardai found €20,000 worth of cannabis and seized six cars following searches of two halting sites in Ronanstown.

Gardai said that as part of a multi-agency operation involving gardai from Ronanstown, divisional search teams and national units, Revenue, Social Welfare and South Dublin County officials, a search was carried out at two halting sites in the Ronanstown area on October 17.

During the course of the search, cannabis resin and cannabis herb were discovered with an estimated street value of €20,000. Six vehicles and number of items of property were also seized.

The RTE National Symphony Orchestra

Mhaolmhuaidh, who said that the students are excited at the prospect of taking to the stage.

“We had kids sing at the Ruaille Buaille festival in Lucan and we were asked by Michael Fleming to become involved in this project through that. It is an amazing opportunity for all of the children.

“The kids are really enjoying the work so far.

We practise once a week and, although the songs

are tricky, they’re really looking forward to the show,” said Emer.

A total of 1,000 children and adults drawn from counties Carlow, Meath, Offaly, South Dublin, Westmeath and Wicklow will be involved across the two performances, each featuring a chorus of 500.

Eighteen schools are taking part in this event and rehearsals are now well under way in all the

schools individually, with Naomh Padraig already having welcomed some prestigious guests.

Each school has three workshops with key musicians from the project, including composer Brian Irvine and conductor Fergus Sheil, with these visits having already increased the excitement levels in Lucan.

The rehearsals will culminate with one final rehearsal in the Convention Centre before the performance on Saturday, November 10, when all the participants will come together for the very first time.

Tickets are €10 (children & OAPs) and €15, and can be booked through the National Concert Hall www.nch.ie or 01 417 0000.

Girl power! Learning to understand electricity over 300 students attended EirGrid’s

schools science programme, which took place at Intel in Leixlip. Junior cycle science students from Colaiste Phadraig CBS, Lucan; St Joseph’s College, Lucan; and Colaiste Bride, Clondalkin participated in the programme entitled From Power Station to PlayStation – Understanding Electricity. Getting into the spirit of the event is third year student from St Joseph’s College, Niamh Cullen.

6 LUCAN Gazette 25 October 2012

gazetteGALLERIES

Nicky O’Donnell Author Gerry Flanagan with Holly, Emma, Lorcan, Michael, Alison, Ronan, Lorna, Lily and Kay

PEOPLE: Great interest in former principal’s book on St Joseph’s BNS

Ciara Grogan and Bernadette Mac Aogain

A

BOOK about the history of St Joseph’s Boys National School by the school’s former deputy principal, Gerry Flanagan, was recently launched in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel.

Many locals and past pupils showed their support at the launch of his book, entitled From the Monastery to the Boot – A Bicentennial History of the Monastery School (St Joseph’s Boy’s National School (1813 - 2013) .

All proceeds from the book will go towards learning support in St Joseph’s, which caters for children with specific learning difficulties, such as ADHD, autism and dyslexia.

Andy Burdock

Lou Ellen O’Donnell, Lynne

Mary Jackson. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

Mirriam Errity and Gerry

Sinead Corless and Breda Farrell

Deputy Derek Keating (FG) tucks in

Dean McCarthy and Nicola Day

LAUNCH: FREE-RANGE ROTISSERIE CHICKEN CATERER

Winging it to a delicious opening T Gerry Reid holds a photograph of his class that is featured in the book

HE always unflappable Deputy Derek Keating (FG) was happy to wing it to the official launch of a new Irish free-range rotisserie chicken catering business at Avoca Rathcoole recently, where he cut the ribbon with eggs-act timing to declare the outlet officially opening. Yolking aside, he wished the husband and wife team behind Poulet Bonne Femme the very best of luck with the new business, and joined locals and guests at the opening to compliment the delicious, freshly-cooked fare. Apart from chicken, the business also specialises in pork, duck and other meats, with co-owner Sara Mitchell happy to point out that in addition to providing jobs to locals, the contemporary outlet also drew on the expertise of local designers.

25 October 2012 LUCAN Gazette 7

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

Deputy Keating with husband-and-wife caterers, Sarah Mitchell and Gavin McCarthy

Wood and Michelle Curtis. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

John Nolan prepares to make choice cuts from another delicious chicken

8 LUCAN Gazette 25 October 2012

FastNews

Liffey Sounds 96.4FM to broadcast Halloween special Community radio station Liffey Sounds 96.4FM will be having an outside broadcast on Friday, October 26 at Superquinn from 4 to 8pm. The broadcast will be a Halloween special, and there will also be station volunteers with bucket collections to raise funds for the station.

Halloween fun for toddlers

Click! your way to a photo prize

THE Toddler Halloween Camp will take place at the Lucan Leisure Centre from Tuesday, October 30 to Friday November 2.

The camp runs daily from 9.30am to 12pm, and is suitable for children aged three to four. There will be a range of sports and other fun every day. For further information, see www.lucanleisure. com/lucan/.

SOUTH Dublin Libraries are calling on entrants for their annual digital photography competition, entitled Click!.

Entrants can submit up to three images, which best represent the county and what a great place it is to live, work or play.

The first prize is an Apple iPad3, and the closing date is October 31.

council Residents’ fears over vermin

Steps to be checked for rat ‘infestation’  paul hosford

phosford@gazettegroup.com

SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) has said that it will investigate claims that a set of steps in Lucan is infested with rats.

A number of local residents have been in contact with The Gazette to say that the steps from the Lucan Road into Sarsfield Park are home to an increasingly large number of the vermin.

One mother, whose children attend school in the area, said that she was confronted with a rat while dropping the children to school.

Students raises €467 for Childline THE Egypt Class in Lucan East Educate Together National School has recently raised €467.01 for Cheerios Childline. Teachers, parents and children raised the money by hosting the Cheerios Childline Breakfast Morning, having a fun morning eating Cheerios, fruit salad, Rice Krispie buns and other tasty goodies.

The steps from the Lucan Road into Sarsfield Park are home to an increasingly large number of rats

Disappeared “The rat ran across [in front of] us and I thought it had disappeared, but it was on top of the steps.

“It’s worrying, because there are a lot of schools around the area and the steps would be used by hundreds of kids every day.

“I put a call in to the council and they said they would get back to me,” she said.

Maire Ni Dhomhnail, of SDCC’s Environmen-

tal Services Department, said that there had been contact made by residents, but that a thorough investigation was yet to take place.

She said: “We have received complaints in the last few days and these complaints are being investigated.

Investigation “A cleaning crew was in the area [on Monday], but a more thorough investigation will take place during the week.

“There was no substantial litter or dumping visible in the area, but I know myself that around this time of year, there are more rats visible,” she said.

Ni Domhnaill went on to say that, despite the lack of dumping in the area, the issue of rat infestation showed how important proper waste disposal is.

She said: “Dumping is a dangerous activity and affects all of us, so people should be more aware of their own actions. From a health and safety standpoint, it is very serious.

“Litter is one thing, but dumping is another.”

Look out for info on referendum LOCAL residents in Lucan and Palmerstown have been urged to keep an eye out for their Children’s Referendum Information Booklet.

The booklet, formally launched by Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald, was produced by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs as part of its information initiative on the upcoming referendum.

This information initiative also includes a dedicated information website, at www.childrensreferendum.ie.

Minister Fitzgerald said: “I was out canvassing over the weekend and was delighted to hear that so many homes across Lucan, Clondalkin and Newcastle have already received their Referendum Commission Booklet.”

25 October 2012 LUCAN Gazette 9

10 LUCAN Gazette 25 October 2012

gazetteGALLERY

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

Danielle Green-Byrd, Illinois, studies the green

Ramon Padilla, DC/Maryland switches clubs

Ramon Padilla, from DC/Maryland; Diane Trevino, from Virginia; Brian Donarski, from Arizona, and James Stuck, from Oklahoma. Pictures: Caroline Quinn

Putting them first T

HE pleasure of golfing in Ireland was to the fore recently when a group of US servicemen and women took part in a 12-day visit to the island of Ireland, with international media coverage following their trip.

Comprising seriously wounded veterans, the guests received the legendary Irish welcome for which we are world famous, as the guests were

met with generosity and warmth throughout the Golf Digest Irish Tours US Wounded Warriors Tour. A highlight of the trip occured when they played at Portmarnock Golf Club. Despite the range of golf handicaps within the group, a great round was played, with the magnificient backdrop of the sea and coastal areas captured for Stateside audiences.

BJ Jackson, from Iowa, with Brian Donarski strikes out of the rough

Ireland’s Eye behind

25 October 2012 Gazette 11

schools 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

business P16



Gazette

diary P12

scary words: funtime at the ark, temple bar

Tall tales and spellbinding stories for kids of all ages THE children’s cultural centre, The Ark, in Temple Bar, is holding interactive book experiences every weekend in November called Telling Tall and Tiny Tales.

There will be stories, activities and fun, as well as original artwork from well-known children’s books on display.

Children can learn how to make up their own stories by choosing any one

of a selection of workshops on offer, and there will also be Halloweenthemed storytelling at the Ark every day throughout the mid-term break, with ghost stories to read.

The workshops and special events start on Wednesday, October 31, with a Halloween special storytelling event with Niall de Burca.

Children are encouraged to come dressed up

in their spookiest Halloween costumes.

On the same day, at the National Gallery of Ireland, a Skulduggery Pleasant Extravanza takes place, where author of the acclaimed series, Derek Landy, its illustrator, Tom Percival, and editor Nick Lake will talk about the Skulduggery Pleasant books.

Children are asked to come along as one of the

Skulduggery characters.

In November, there are gigantic illustration workshops with Niamh Sharkey on November 3 at the Ark and, on November 9 and 16, there will be workshops for toddlers with Kate Wilson.

On November 10 and 17, Jole Bortoli will host Plant a Book workshops, and on November 24 PJ Lynch is giving workshops for budding illustrators.

Niall de Burca will host the spookiest Halloween storytelling event

Gazette

12 Gazette 25 October 2012

dublinlife

diary

Travel fun day raises €35,000

THE inaugural Travel Trade Fun Day surpassed its fundraising target recently, when it successfully raised a massive €35,000 for Pieta House and the Irish Cancer Society.

The fun day, which took place last month in the ALSAA Sports Club in Dublin Airport, was the first of its kind in Ireland and saw over 400 people attend.

The Travel Trade Fun Day committee includes

Blue Insurances, Etihad Airways, Travelport, Royal Caribbean, Sunway and United Airlines, who presented the charities with a cheque on Thursday, October 11. Each charity received €17,500.

Commenting on the event, the Travel Trade Fun Day committee said: “We would like to thank everyone in the travel trade who supported us in hosting this inaugural event. We are very grateful for all of the donations

Advertise with the G a z e tt e c a l l 6 0 1 0 2 4 0

received, big and small, and we hope the funds raised go a long way in helping both of these worthwhile charities.”

Sports classes kick off for little champs AWARD-winning ClapHandies, which runs play and developmental classes for babies and toddlers, has joined forces with exercise experts Fit For Life to provide an exciting sport and fitness experi-

Local

Matters

ence for children aged three to eight in venues across the city.

PlayFit classes are designed to develop the crucial basic movement skills, building the key elements of physical fitness endurance, strength and flexibility.

The earlier these skills are learned, the more likely children are to develop an active lifestyle and love of sport.

Mark Sweeny of Fit for Life says: “If a child does not learn how to run, jump and kick a ball adequately

The two cheques of €17,500 each were presented to Pieta House and the Irish Cancer Society after a fund-raising day organised by the travel trade

at an early age, their skill levels soon fail to match those of their peers, and they increasingly participate in sports and physical activity less.”

Play-Fit classes will start in October in a number of locations across Dublin before being rolled out to 10 new venues in January

2013. For further information, see www.playfit.ie.

Dublin taxi drivers voted fifth friendliest in the world HAILING a taxi this week could put more of a smile on your face than usual after the Diary found out that Dublin taxis have been ranked fifth in the world for their friendliness.

The question of our Irish taxi drivers, “Are you bus y tonight?” clearly enhances the Irish charm, with Dublin drivers receiving 5% of the overall vote, in a survey compiled by Hotels. com.

London topped the poll for the fifth consecutive year as the best cabs in the world, with Dublin sitting in 13th place, while New York were named as being the most available.

Hugh Cregan, director of Transport Investment and Taxi Regulation, commented: “It’s great to see that Dublin’s taxi drivers continue to make such a good impression on visitors to our country and I congratulate them on that.

“The taxi industr y nationwide is a vital part of our public-transport network, and good customer service benefits everyone.”

25 October 2012 Gazette 13

Gazette

14 Gazette 25 October 2012

dublinlife

schoolLife

Get involved with the Gazette As part of the relaunch of the Dublin Gazette Newspapers, we are reaching out to all the schools in our catchment areas to become a closer part of our community than ever before.

Schools are the beating hearts of communities – one of the last places around which a community can gather. We are calling on budding writers and photographers from all of our schools to help fill the pages.

In order to encourage the next generation of journalists and snappers to get involved, we are partnering with Harvey Norman to present the Dublin Gazette Newspapers Cub Reporter and Cub Photographer of the Year awards.

For further details, contact me, Rob Heigh, news editor at rheigh@gazettegroup.com, or telephone me at 01 601 0240.

opinion: new junior cycle approach is to be welcomed

A refreshing change of direction  mary slator

Colaiste Bride, Presentation School, Clondalkin

AS A student who has just recently completed my Junior Cycle of postprimary school, and who was also one of the thousands of students to be the last to take the Junior Cert exams, I, myself, was deeply interested in the fate of the next Junior Cycle nationwide.

R ua iri Quinn, the Minister for Education, believes that if the whole

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

‘This new programme offers teachers and students alike a flexible approach to learning and teaching’

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

programme was changed, there would be a lessened likelihood of pressurised students dropping out of school at such a young age, because of the stress that comes with the exams.

Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn examining a project at the annual BT Young Scientist competition. There are hopes that the revised Junior Cycle at schools will see an improvement in academic results nationwide

The majority of settings that provided the JCSP are secondary schools, but it is also available in numerous other facilities,

such as special schools, children detention schools, Traveller training centres, and also Youth Encounter Projects.

I believe that Ruairi Quinn is worried, due to the fact that, countrywide, literacy levels have declined dramatically.

This new programme offers teachers and students alike a flexible approach to learning and teaching, instead of a traditional, subject-based curriculum to follow.

I’ve been told that the majority of the work to be done for the new programme is quite a lot of hands-on and group work. This, personally, sounds like a refreshing development in Irish education.

The two major purposes of this programme statement are: to outline the nature and content of the JCSP, and to present examples of good practice changing for the JCSP. This new programme is completely different from the previous Junior Cert programme, as a certain percentage of your overall grade can be achieved through regular class tests, unlike just having exams at the end of three years in your junior cycle.

As the quality of education and levels of basic literacy has faltered, there is only hope that the Minister for Education’s new techniques will turn the whole thing around and bring a brighter, more intelligent Ireland.

25 October 2012 Gazette 15

Gazette

schools talks: local issues

schoolLife

Students praise DLR Comhairle  charlotte kennedy St Raphaela’s Secondary School, Stillorgan

S T R A P H A E L A’ S Secondary School in Stillorgan, along with other local schools, has taken part in Comhairle na nOg in [the] Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown [region].

The Comhairle, which can have up to two representatives per school or youth club, is a place

where discussions and solutions to problems are made for young people, by young people.

This year, the focus of the Comhairle is on the Lost Years – the years between childhood and being an adult (basically, us moody teenagers).

Many things are being discussed in this topic, for instance, voting at 16, and the fact that there are no student fares on public transport.

Fingal fifth years get a lot out of great Siemens talk

 erica o’sullivan Fifth Year, Fingal Community College

Examining the Comhairle na nOg report

A simpler way to explain the Comhairle is by its slogan: Young Voices, Local Issues.

Charlotte Kennedy, a furth year student at St Raphaela’s, said: “I had

never heard of the Comhairle before, but it was something I was immediately drawn to, as I love to argue and wanted to make my voice heard.

“T he DLR Com-

hairle is a great place to make a change for young people. I have loved my experience so far, and can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings.”

SIEMENS Diagnostics came to Fingal Community College last week and students in Fifth Year LCVP were treated to a talk by Michael Farrell, of Siemens, as part of [the] Enterprise Education [initiative].

He engaged the fifth years in a very interesting talk on the production of highquality and accurate products for the medical industry.

The students were especially impressed by a short film that brought the manufacturing process to life.

All members of LCVP gained an insight into enterprise in the Swords area, learning that Siemens employs 300 people in the town.

Opportunity The fifth years were delighted with the opportunity to learn more about this local industry, and look forward to working with Siemens later in the year.

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 25 October 2012

DUBLINLIFE

Q&A

BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Financial Planning – Part 3 Continued from last week

THE following is a checklist to help decide what you want from your financial planning. What should your financial objectives be? Here are some options:

TOM NAUGHTON, PW THERMAL BUILDING SOLUTIONS

Insulating against the impact of recession TOM Naughton is the general manager at Pw Thermal Building Solutions Ltd, which provide thermal solutions for the energy retrofit market, specialising in powerwall external insulation systems for homes and businesses nationwide.

He studied construction management at GMIT in Galway, and spent the first seven years of his career working in both the residential and commercial construction sector in

both Britain and Ireland Tom joined Pw Thermal Building Solutions Ltd in 2009, having made the internal move from its parent company, The Sherling Group, based in Inchicore, and became general manager in January 2011.

For further information, find them on Facebook at Powerwall External Insulation, email info@pwthermalsolutions.com, or see pwthermalsolutions.com.

How long have you been in business?

We formed our company in early 2009

taken hold when we started our company, we never got too big for our boots and are constantly trying new angles and avenues in search of new business.

What makes your business successful?

I believe the success of our company can be directly attributed to the people working within our company.

They’re hard-working, innovative and hands-on dedicated staff with one common goal: a successful company with satisfied customers!

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

Some of our competitors are part of large multinational companies, supplying products and services all over Europe. We are a much smaller homegrown company, dealing with people on the ground locally and in a manner that is much easier for them to understand.

Our customers find us much more approachable because of this.

How has the recession impacted your business?

We, like everyone else have taken a serious blow as a result of the economic downturn. Sales are down, confidence is down but we are still here, fighting.

What have you changed about your business to combat the effects of the recession?

We are constantly changing and evolving as a result of the recession, but because the recession had already

What law or regulation would you change overnight to help your business?

There is a lot of talk at the moment about the residential property tax, which is going to be introduced at some stage in the near future.

Our products and systems are aimed at making homes and businesses more energy-efficient, so I would like to see homes and businesses that are more energy-efficient paying less tax. This would provide an incentive to carry out this type of work, and would create more business and employment, benefiting all involved.

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

We have a Facebook-like page which we use to keep people up to date with our special offers, as well as changes within the industry.

We also upload project photos and details to show people what can be achieved with our products.

What is your ambition for the business?

To survive the current economic turmoil first and foremost, but to also see our company grow into a successful, proud business with satisfied clients.

• Having an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses.

• Paying off any personal loans, credit-card debt, overdrafts, store cards, hire purchase, leases or other debts.

• Building up short-term savings.

• Protecting your most valuable asset – your income – in case you are unable to earn money for any reason.

• Protecting yourself (and, if relevant, your partner) with life cover.

• Starting a pension plan.

• Buying a home.

• Saving for major purchases.

• Planning for education fees.

• Building up your personal investments.

To this, I suppose we could add planning for longterm care. Bear in mind the following principles when deciding what your financial priorities should be: 1. For most people, their greatest asset is their income.

Under the circumstances, you don’t want to risk it, and you don’t want to waste it. There are all sorts of inexpensive insurance policies designed to protect your income.

2. Personal debt, by which I mean everything from store cards to mortgages, will be the biggest drain on your income. If you’ve borrowed money, then you should make it a priority to repay your loans as quickly as possible.

3. It’s vital to have a safety net or emergency fund to deal with those trials and extra expenses that life often throws our way. Also, you want to make as big a return as possible from your investments.

4. If you’ve got a good, secure income, it doesn’t actually matter what other assets you possess. Emotionally, it’s nice to have the security of owning your own home.

But an investment that is just as good and maybe better is a really decent pension plan.

5. Know thyself. There’s no point in setting financial objectives that you’re going to find impossible to attain.

Your financial objectives may involve modest changes to your behaviour, but they shouldn’t require a complete change in your personality.  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

SEARCH: BEST MANAGED COMPANIES COMPETITION

Dublin businesses go on to top Deloitte contest

 NATALIE BURKE

EIGHTEEN Dublinbased companies have been shortlisted to be among Ireland’s Best Managed Companies, according to a recent announcement by Deloitte, the business advisory firm.

Now in its fifth year, the Best Managed Companies Awards recognise Irish companies across the country that are operating at the highest levels of business performance.

Local companies through to the second phase of the competition include Dublin 15 companies, Blue Insurances Limited, NPP Group Limited, and Java Republic Roasting Company, the Now Factory in Sandy-

ford, and Noonan, located in Swords.

For the next stage of the competition, the shortlisted companies will demonstrate to a judging panel how their organisations are meeting their strategic objectives and adding value to their business.

The companies will work closely with coaches from Deloitte and Irish Life Corporate Business and will receive customised feedback, benefiting from the business advice and expertise.

Kevin Sheehan, a partner at Deloitte, said it is “extremely positive” that the competition has such strong contenders this year.

He said: “Feedback we have received from previous winners is that they

Judging panel members David Harney, chief executive, Irish Life Corporate Business; Siobhan McAleer, head of strategic partnerships, Irish Management Institute and Kevin Sheehan, partner, Deloitte

have found this process to be extremely beneficial and practical in relation to their company’s future strategy and it is a considerable benefit of participating in the programme.”

The awards are open to companies from all 32 counties of the island of Ireland.

It is the only awards programme that consid-

ers a business performance from every perspective, not just financial.

The companies that have been awarded the Deloitte Best Managed Company accolade, to date, have total revenues of more than €10 billion, and employ more than 24,000 people.

The winners of this year’s awards will be announced next March.

25 October 2012 Gazette 17

MOTORS P22

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



Gazette

MUSIC P19

Pets dog’s trust dog of the week

Witching hour can be a lot of fun for all ages

halloween: enjoy ghoulish action with spooky tours, parades and crafts

City fun will be a scream  LAURA WEBB

GETTING spooky this Halloween?

Are you attending one of the attractions around the city this All Hollow’s Eve? Out & About has trawled through the pumpkins and cobwebs to find out what’s on this Halloween mid-term.

From ghostly tours to spooky arts and craft classes, from a horror farm to parades of ghouls, Dublin and its surroundings have every scare covered.

Samhain 2012 is taking place at Marlay Park on Sunday, October 28. Each year, families flock to the park where, for one night only, it comes alive with freaky fog, ghastly spiders, skeletons, creepy pumpkins, chilling witches and demons. Residents are invited to walk in the Haunted Forest in their scariest cos-

tumes. This is a free event for those with wristbands which will be distributed on Saturday, October 27, at CoCo Market in Marlay Park from 10am to 4pm and on Sunday, October 28, from 10am until 3pm behind Marlay House. The Samhain 2012 sessions will take place that Sunday, October 28, at 3.30pm, 4.30pm, 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm. Check out www.dlrevents.ie.

Hidden Dublin Walks presents the Halloween Northside Ghost Walk every Friday and Saturday until November 1 from 8pm to 10pm. According to the organisers, Dublin is one of the most haunted cities in the world and these walks take visitors through one of the oldest parts of Dublin once know as Oxmanstown.

Participants will have the chance to see

sites such as Saint Mary’s Abbey, one of the most powerful monastic settlements in Ireland in medieval times, now just a small ruin down an alleyway, and hear the story of Lord Norbury, the infamous and sadistic hanging judge who presided over the trial of Robert Emmet. Hated in life, in death he returns to continue his reign of terror, so the story goes.

You will also hear tell of the mummies of Saint Michan’s Church, surely the most macabre tourist attraction in Ireland, and a major inspiration to the young Bram Stoker, native of Clontarf and author of Dracula. Tickets cost €13.

Check out www.hiddenwalks.com.

Threshold, the national housing charity, is hosting a Wacky Witches and Wizards Walk on Sunday, October 28, in Tibradden, South County Dublin. Start-

ing at 5pm, this three-hour walk is suitable for adults and children.

Everyone is being asked to dress up and there will be prizes for the most whimsical wizard and wackiest witch among others. Registration is €50 for one adult and up to three children.

Check out www.threshold.ie South Dublin County Council is celebrating Halloween on Wednesday, October 31 with a fun-filled spectacle for families in a safe environment.

Over 200 young people from Tallaght and Clondalkin will create artistic pieces in arts and performance workshops to display on Halloween night from 5pm to 7pm. There will be a parade in Tallaght and a pageant in north Clondalkin with music, dance and games at both events.

Continued on Page 23

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

This week’s dog is Herbie, a 12-year-old crossbreed. This distinguished older gentleman adores his creature comforts and at this ripe age would love a home with a nice big soft bed to put his paws up and relax in.

This independent little man is quite happy to potter around doing his own thing or in the company of other doggies and big kids.

If you think you can give Herbie a loving home for his twilight years then contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000.

More information about their work can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie All dogs that are adopted from Dogs Trust are vet-checked, vaccinated, neutered and micro-chipped before being rehomed.

Gazette

18 Gazette 25 October 2012

OUT&ABOUT

MUSIC

FASTtunes

New night in Tallaght proves hotbed of fresh local talent Two new acts, Lora & Amy and Cash Is King, will be appearing at Brady’s Pub in Terenure next Friday, October 26 as the first showcase of new acts managed by Keith McLoughlin.

Lora & Amy are a songwriting duo from Balbriggan and veterans of the Ballyfermot Rocks festival, while Cash Is King are a four-piece with members from Dublin, Wicklow and Kilkenny.

McLoughlin is involved with community radio and promoting unsigned artists, and this event is an official launch night at the home of The Brady’s Sessions, which is a monthly singer/ songwriter night.

Allo Darlin’ - guitarist Paul Rains, drummer Michael Collins, bassist Bill Botting and singer Elizabeth Morris

MUSIC REVIEW: pop perfection from london-based four-piece

Allo, allo, allo...

AN INVESTIGATION of the current state of the musical firmament would tend to point t ow a r d a c o m p l e t e dearth of new ideas and fresh talent. Some would say we’ve heard it all before. Anyone who has listened to the Jake Bugg album would certainly agree.

T i m e s l i ke t h e s e require ear bleach and a sense of perspective... and then, you hear a band who take all the elements that you love from all the bands you adore, and you really don’t mind a bit of nostalgia-tinged tunesmithery.

Allo Darlin’, a fourpiece based in London, released their second

 ROB HEIGH rheigh@gazettegroup.com

album proper, Europe, earlier this year and, damn, if I’m not annoyed I didn’t know about it before, because it would have been the soundtrack to the summer.

Led by former Tender Trap member, Elizabeth Morris, the band have released a number of top-notch EPs - including the brilliantly titled Henry Rollins Don’t Dance - and their eponomously titled debut

album in 2010, which was singled out as a record of the year by several cognoscenti of the scene.

Written around Morris’ ukelele and guitar, the record holds your attention utterly from start to finish, the combination of the classic tropes of jangle pop with lashings of ginger-beer flavoured slide guitar lines and string sections on the side create something that simultaneously transports you back to a more innocent and shinier time while being completely contemporary and excellent.

Taking the shimmering girl guitar pop of the likes of BMX Bandits, the album contains 10

perfectly crafted songs that are infused with a lyrical wit and mastery of harmony and melody.

Imagine if you will the best moments of the likes of The Magnetic Fields, Sufjan Stephens, The Vaselines, The Pipettes and Teenage Fanclub and you are someway close to what Allo Darlin’ are capable of, but even those comparisons are faint praise.

The songs, from bubbly and wry opener Neil Armstrong to bittersweet closer My Sweet Friend, are uniformly straightfor ward and emotionally genuine, while underpinned by the band’s clearly innate understanding of how to craft a pop classic.

You’re held enraptured listening to where Morris is going to take you next with her words, which are never anything less than beguiling. Going all Louis Walsh for a moment, she reminds me of a young Billy Bragg, when he wrote songs like New England, full of charm and hope and love and disappointment and everything else that great pop music needs to understand as essential.

There’s nothing revolutionary here, except four individuals creating a record that everyone with a pulse and a love of good music ought to hear. Which, in this pop day and age, is pretty revolutionary.

25 October 2012 Gazette 19

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 25 October 2012

R1

OUT&ABOUT

STYLE

Marks & Spencer from €15

Accessorize €5.50

BEAUTY news

Spooky Halloween Makeup Tutorial

! s e m u t s o C C r e e py

e for n is a fun tim ee w lo al H s, d to little ki from Tesco From big kids witch’s outf it y k o o sp is th like €10 dressing up star ting from

 LAURA WEBB

Marks & Spencer from €13

Seeing that it’s the season of dressing up, Gazette Style is dedicating this week’s section to all things spooky. Make-up Forever is sharing one of their best looks - The Ventriloquist Doll, which is easy to re-create and is suitable for adults and children.

Marks & Spencer from €15

HERE IS A STEP BY STEP GUIDE: Step One: Complexion Use pale foundation in Mat Velvet No.15 to whiten the face creating the base for the Zombie look. Seal your foundation with a white powder in Velvet Finish No.21.

Accessorize €6 Tesco from €10 Accessorize €5.50

Step Two: Eyes Use eyeliner in Aqua Black Liner to create shape and widen the eyes for a doll-like effect. Build up your eyeshadow colour into solid blocks to create the false doll look using colours in White Matte in No.00, Pink Matte in No.75, Purple Matte in No.92 and Black Matte in No.40. Recreate the lower lash line using your eyeliner about 1-2 cm lower than your natural bottom lash line and then fill in with white eyeshadow in No.00. Finally add faux lashes to the upper and lower lashes along the false eyeliner line, the more exaggerated the lashes the better the doll effect. Faux Top Lashes: No.110 Bottom Faux Lashes: No.150.

Step 3: Eyebrows Draw in the eyebrows with the same product and extend out the end of the eyebrow using Aqua Black for a very false look.

Accessorize €15 Accessorize €12.50

Marks & Spencer from €13 Accessorize €5.50

Accessorize €6

Step 4: Cheeks Use a pink or red blush in circular motions to apply the colour in Pink Matte in No.75. Add Strass Diamonds to create a speckled diamante finish in Pink Diamonds No.18, Red Diamonds No.19, Black Diamonds No.23 using Due Glue.

Step 5: Chin Using your eyeliner, lightly mark the corner of your mouth down to your chin then once it is straight, take the eyeliner and draw a line down. This creates the effect of the doll’s mouth enabling it to move up and down. Add depth to the false chin look using Sculpting Kit in No.3.

Step 6: Lips Apply lipstick as normal using N31 Bright Pink Lipstick, use a darker lipliner to outline the lips in 12C Aqua Lip liner and finish with Diamond Powder No.09 on top for added effect and sparkle.

Marks & Spencer €3.25

All make up is available at Make-Up Forever, 38 Clarendon St, Dublin, 01 6799043.

25 October 2012 Gazette 21

Gazette

GAMING BYTES&PIECES

A dashing design

XBox 360 interface gets a subtle revamp

In the rapidly deteriorating battle for earth, this team of pumped-up super-soldiers are potentially just a few moves away from mission failure – and being turned into a pile of ashes – in the challenging multi-platform title, XCOM: Enemy Unknown

XCOM Enemy Unknown: strategy classic’s excellent update

Challenging, but a blast  shane dillon

GAMERS and techheads have a busy couple of months ahead, as the predictable deluge of end-of-year goodies has begun.

Indeed, there are some terrific gaming titles due out in the very near future, as the crucial Christmas wars start between all manner of steely-eyed games developers, with a Darwinian battle of survival ahead between several triple-A titles.

It’s hard to think of a harsher battle for survival than the one found in the wonderful multi-platform title, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, which was released very recently.

 shane dillon sdillon@gazettegroup.com

It’s a reboot of a fondlyremembered (and deeply challenging) old strategy game from 1994. Here, aliens have started invading, with Earth belatedly waking up to the everincreasing threat of distinctly hostile foes.

So, it’s time for a secret organisation to organise a crack team of elite soldiers with state-of-the-art secret weapons at a revolutionary base ...

Only to watch them

BYTES&PIECES a starkly stylish work of beauty flies onto psn

die swiftly, and messily, at a variety of locations around the world, as this is a strategy title that demands brains a lot more than brawn.

One wrong move; one step too far; one foolish oversight of a seemingly harmless alien out on the battlefield – which ranges from train stations to garage forecourts – can instantly turn the tide of battle, seeing not just one soldier, but your entire squad swiftly wiped out.

Horribly.

Assuming they survive the mission to hand, your soldiers can level up, gaining new abilities and increasing importance – all of which will make you curse your bad luck, and

miss their specialist skills, if they come a cropper a few missions later ...

Wonderfully detailed presentation, and lots of gameplay flourishes (ranging from base expansion to research), add to the wide-ranging depth and fun of the title.

The main gameplay is also pretty interesting, as you and the aliens take turns to position and attack with troops.

Repeat such moves, until someone – or something – has won the mission, with great rewards to be claimed by the humans, or bitter regret if things don’t go so well. And if you mess up, entire countries begin to

SONY have a very creative title available now via PSN, in the stylish form of The Unfinished Swan. Developed

by Giant Sparrow, this visually striking title is something of a melancholy treat. Starting with a blank canvas, the world is revealed by liberally splashing black paint around, with the paint’s splatters and tracks giving form and depth. More colours, and gameplay mechanics, eventually come into play through its brief life. As its name suggests, although it’s stark and not very long, this is a beautiful title indeed.

go dark ...

As someone who’s routinely saved the world before breakfast, I have to say that XCOM isn’t remotely an easy prospect, which is great, as this is a strategy game, after all – immersive, engaging and explosive in equal amounts, but still something where planning, and thinking five steps ahead, is key.

While there are certainly bigger titles coming out in the next couple of weeks, and months, XCOM deserves to be a hit. It’s definitely challenging and unforgiving, but that only adds to its appeal, making the outof-this-world title a true star on the retail shelves.

MANY people may have already noticed that their 360’s dashboard looks a little different – that’s because an update is rolling out to millions of consoles around the world as I type, with all consoles expected to be upgraded to the new format within a two-week period or so.

The new dash has a number of interesting features, such as its Internet Explorer functionality, the new XBox Music service (with a monthly fee), a merging and reorganisation of tabs, and so on – all within the nowfamiliar Metro tiled format. Perhaps most interestingly, you can now pin favourite content to the dash, to allow quicker access to favourite games, sites, and so on.

There are plenty of changes that you can all Google to your heart’s content – or simply wait for your console to update itself, if it hasn’t already – with the move a welcome one for the console and entertainment hub.

digging the new stuff

Game-changing update finally hits Minecraft STICKING with the 360, and presenting about my 1,278th nod at Minecraft, if you’re one of the literally millions of people who’ve been burning up the internet with impatient questions about when the long-awaited Update 1.8.2 (AKA the Adventure update, mate) would arrive – relax.

It’s here, and deserves the hype. Apart from offering lots of new content, its most keenly-awaited feature is the new Creative mode, placing flight – and infinite blocks – at your blocky fingertips. There’s never been a better time to start building a giant gold statue of yourself, methinks ...

22 GAZETTE 25 October 2012

GAZETTE

& OUT ABOUT road

MOTORS

NOISE

Rob Kearney with the Audi A6 Avant S Line

Try out the 2013 Audi collection AUDI brand ambassador and rugby star Rob Kearney launched the Audi Future Now Sales event recently. Rob was on hand to launch the event as he received the keys to his stylish new Audi A6 Avant S Line.

The Audi Future Now Sales event is effective until December 31st, and offers both existing and prospective customers the opportunity to enjoy the very latest award-winning 2013 Audi collection with significant savings of up to €8,344.

Customers can now choose from a range of unique offers available on selected models across the range.

From the Audi A1 right up to the exclusive A8, features such as xenon lights, automatic transmission and quattro four-wheel drive will now be available at unbeatable prices to those who place their order before the end of December.

The Audi North Dublin event took place on October 20 and 21 where existing and potential Audi customers got the opportunity to experience the Future Now Audi range while families, adults and kids alike, were treated to a few hours of fun.

A cooking demonstration was provided by Bon Appétit Dublin, where guests sampled the very best from Oliver Dunne’s award-winning Michelin Star Kitchen. Other events are being hosted around the country in Kilkenny, Galway and Offaly.

Anyone that takes part in the Future Now test drive at these events will be in with a chance to win an Audi Sportscar Experience where customers will have the opportunity to experience the thrills of one of the world’s most exciting cars, the Audi R8 V10 Coupe, World Performance Car of the Year 2010.

Customers wishing to experience Future Now and test drive the 2013 Audi collection can do so at their local Audi dealer. For information on a Future Now event in your area, visit www. audi.ie/futurenow

The Volkswagen Cross Polo in a shade of Magma Orange which makes it hard to ignore

VOLKSWAGEN: NEW BEEFED-UP CROSS POLO IS A REVELATION

Turning a ‘nice’ car into a mean machine

 CORMAC CURTIS

I DON’T know who came up with the idea of bringing out a beefed-up version of the Volkswagen Cross Polo - but whoever it was, they should be given a corner office and made vice-president in charge of coolness.

Seriously.

W h o wo u l d h ave guessed that VW could take a car as downright ordinary as the Polo and make it so cool?

To be fair, I’m pretty sure that the target audience probably don’t even use the word cool , and if they do they most likely spell it k-e-w-l or some such nonsense.

B u t t h a t d o e s n ’t change the fact that the car has been given a huge new lease of life with

its latest incarnation. I spent a week with the Cross Polo recently and really had a blast.

To be honest, an eyegrabbing motor like this always gives me a kick, but sometimes the highprofile can work against you a bit.

L a t e o n e S u n d ay evening, I needed to get home quickly from the office, which involved some pretty erratic driving from yours truly.

There may have been a few red lights broken, there is a chance I lost my patience with some other drivers, and it is quite possible that I may have even disregarded a speed limit or two.

Despite my questionable driving that particular evening, I remain convinced that the gardai

who pulled me over only noticed me because I was driving the most orange car of all time.

Yes, orange.

VW refers to it as Magma Orange, and it’s so bright it doesn’t even need the metallic treatment.

Did Xzibit bring this car to his paint shop for a little pimpin’? It wouldn’t surprise me if he did.

Styling Colour is one thing, but the styling of this car is absolutely spot one.

Take a Polo, stretch it, pull it, and pump it up until it starts to bulge.

Next, grab some very nifty alloys and give the body a few hunks of matt-finished dark grey plastic panels for a proper urban look and,

finally, give the interior some nice touches so the outside look is also carried inside.

Not forgetting the silver anodised roof rails – there’s nothing I like more than when form and function are brought together with such a stylish approach.

It all sounds so simple, but it’s amazing how many car manufacturers make a right pig’s ear of a model upgrade.

The Cross Polo is also very well powered by a nicely tuned 70hp 1.2l diesel engine that’s matched to a solid 5-speed transmission.

For the size of the car, 70hp might sound a little on the light side, but I found it to be a nice little mover, albeit not laden down with any extra

weight like the family or luggage. Like any car that stands out from the crowd, you do pay extra for the privilege.

In this case, it’s a little over €17,000 but for the money, you do get plenty of kit, including: 17” Budapest alloys, climatic manual air conditioning, electric windows front and rear, ABS with brake assistant, ASR, EDL and EDTC, front fog lights sports front seats, silver anodised roof rails, bumpers in unique ‘cross’ design, silverpainted external mirrors, the ground clearance is increased by 15mm and it has hill-hold control.

Volkswagen should be proud of this latest entry to the Polo family, and I hope we see plenty of them on the road.

25 October 2012 LUCAN gazette 23

Gazette

activities halloween: devilish plans are afoot for spine-tingling entertainment for all

Share the scares with lots of ghoulish and ghostly fun THERE is no excuse for anyone to be at home this Halloween thanks to the many events that are on offer.

If your kids enjoy art, why not make some spooky arts and crafts with Imelda at Clondalkin Library on Tuesday, October 30, at 3pm? This is suitable for children aged eight to 12 and booking is essential. Contact Clondalkin Library at 01 459 3315.

Most libraries have events happening throughout the Halloween mid-term to keep the kids happy, or to show them that making a costume themselves can be 10 times more fun than buying a readymade one in stores. So why not go into your nearest library to find out what’s on this Halloween?

Elsewhere, the GAA Museum is being transformed into a spooky den,

with witches, ghouls and wizards there to welcome visitors. Activities include the Trick or Treat Trail, Terrifying Treats, Halloween Crafts, a Halloween Costume Competition and more. Visit www. crokepark.ie for further information.

Even the animals at Dublin Zoo are getting involved this Halloween, but let’s hope all the visitors’ costumes don’t scare them too much.

As part of the celebrations, the team at the zoo have organised the annual Boo at the Zoo which takes place this year on Sunday, October 28, and Wednesday, October 31, from 12 noon to 3pm on both days.

Visitors will enjoy festive face painting, scary arts and crafts as well as spooky Halloween keeper talks. A monster disco will also take place on the lawn for young visitors to

Don’t look now: Drive In Movies at Halloween Horror Nights at Tattersalls Country House, in

Youngsters having fun at last year’s

Co Meath, may leave you feeling a wee bit uneasy in your car

Samhain event in Marlay Park, Dublin

enjoy.

Meanwhile, the Haunted Spooktacular Horror Farm located deep in the Meath countryside is said to be Ireland’s biggest scare attraction and definitely worth the trek.

This is the seventh year of an event that leaves people screaming with fright. With a devilish

plan to create 10 acres of fear, the scream team plan to push the boundaries this year even more with scenarios to produce new frights and claustrophobia. State-of-the-art special effects will also help to create an extreme scream experience. It combines live actors, special effects sounds

that help to create a fourdimensional attack on the senses. This will take place from Friday, October 26, to Wednesday, October 31, starting at 6.30pm and finishing at 10pm. Prebooking is essential and it’s priced at €25. Check out www.hiddendublinwalks.com.

Finally, park your fear

at the door as Tattersalls Ireland presents Drive In Movies at Halloween Horror Nights featuring a haunted village with live actors, Halloween props, graveyards, spooky characters, and a spine-chilling selection of classic horror movies at Tattersalls Country House, Ratoath, Co Meath.

Enjoy a selection of Hollywood’s iconic horror movies while sitting in the comfort of your own car. Park in the best seats of the house for €20 per car, with two screenings per night to choose from.

Tickets are available from the Tattersalls House on 01 886 4300, or visit www. tattersalls.ie/house.

Gazette

24 LUCAN gazette 25 October 2012

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL

A bold and interesting menu at the Courtyard  paul hosford

GETTING away from the hustle of Dublin can seem a lengthy enterprise. Planning, driving and organising for a night away isn’t exactly the most appealing to those with busy lifestyles.

Luckily for me, the surrounds of Co Kildare are just on my doorstep and, 10 minutes drive from Clonsilla is the Courtyard Hotel in Leixlip.

Conveniently located in the heart of Leixlip, the Courtyard is a beautifully laid-out hotel which features, unsurprisingly, a large courtyard which is used as an outdoor bar and, as was the case when we visited, is absolutely perfect for a warm day with friends.

Sitting on the River Liffey, the area around the hotel is a great place to take a short walk.

Hotel restaurants can often seem to go one of two ways. Either they play it safe, accept their lot as a convenient eatery for the weary traveller, or they try to be bolder and do something new and genuinely attempt to do excellent food.

Luckily for me, the RiverBank restaurant in the Courtyard falls firmly into the latter category. My rabbit and ham hock terrine starter set the tone for a beautiful meal, while my girlfriend’s duck spring rolls left me wishing I could have had more than one starter.

For mains, I opted for a herb-crusted cod with bacon and tomato salsa which was fresh and full of flavour, while the girlfriend went for a chickpea masala that was a revelation for a carnivore such as myself.

Dessert consisted of a pavlova for the lady and sticky toffee pudding for myself, both of which perfectly rounded off an excellent meal and an ever better short break.

kinnitty castle: offaly hotel and restaurant is taste of excellence

Step back in time to luxurious grandeur  Hiromi mooney news@gazettegroup.com

IF you’re thinking about organising a weekend staycation, why not travel to the midlands and enjoy some of the countryside the Emerald Isle has to offer?

One such place to stay is Kinnitty Castle in the quaint town of Kinnitty, just outside Birr in Co Offaly. The castle has a deep history which dates back to 1209, so not only do you have a chance to relax here, but it is a chance to

get away from the busy real world and feel as if you’re travelling back in time.

Plus, it’s nestled at the foothills of the picturesque Slieve Bloom Mountains, so you can enjoy some breathtaking scenery along the way.

Kinnitty Castle is a completely different experience from the modern hotels that we are more used to these days. From the moment my partner and I drove up the long driveway through the forest to

A beautiful seated area in Kinnitty Castle

the hotel entrance, we felt like we had travelled through to a different era.

This feeling continued as we stepped inside the front door and were welcomed by stone steps which were lined with candles and two knights in shining armour. The walls were decorated with stuffed deer heads, large paintings and mirrors.

The hotel houses 37 distinctively styled bedrooms, so your stay will be a unique experience each time. My partner

One of the distinctive bedrooms at Kinnitty Castle

and I stayed in the lavish Hutchinson Suite, which was an extremely large room that overlooked the entire front lawn.

We were told that Kinnitty Castle is a popular wedding destination, and it is rightly so. There was a wedding planned for the next night, so we had a quick peek at the banquet hall which was set up beautifully.

It was quite a romantic setting for the bride and groom’s special day.

It also seemed like a perfect venue to celebrate any other impor tant occasion like a birthday or communion.

We enjoyed a nice m e a l i n t h e d r awing room, and as the evening progressed and it grew darker outside, the candles glowed more brightly and gave the room a completely different atmosphere.

We later went to the bar in the old dungeons where there was some traditional Irish music playing.

Countryside

After a good night’s rest, we were up bright and early to avail of two of the activities available on site. We first went pony trekking around the grounds, which gave us a chance to explore the area and enjoy the fresh countryside air.

We later tried clay pigeon shooting, which I discovered is not for the faint-hearted like myself. But my other half literally had a blast, shooting most of the clay pigeons that were fired out.

If you’re the adventurous type, you should definitely take a shot, quite literally, and experience it for yourself.

But if you are prone to

25 October 2012 lucan gazette 25

Gazette

Travel fast

TRAVEL

Five-star city style at a friendly price

THE Dylan hotel, one of Dublin’s leading five-star boutique hotels, is offering guests the perfect opportunity to spoil themselves as the winter temperatures begin to set in.

The sophisticated urban retreat just 15 minutes’ walk from the heart of Dublin’s shopping street, Grafton St, is located on Eastmoreland Place off Upper Baggot Street and is set in an original Victorian building housing 44 bedrooms. A new package from the stylish hotel includes overnight accommodation, complimentary full Irish breakfast, complimentary valet parking and free wi-fi, with rooms available from €179 per night.

With two Experience Suites, three Experience rooms and one Signature suite, guests are offered a unique experience, with each room individually designed in warm, autumnal colours. Bedroom accessories include Belleek pottery, REN products and a Bose sound dock with an iPod. For more information or to book an overnight city break, visit www.dylan.ie.

be easily startled like me, you are better off just watching from a safe distance – it’s just as enjoyable!

There is plenty to do nearby as well, like walking or cycling through the nearby mountains.

But if you’re looking to learn about some of the local heritage, Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre should be your next stop to visit.

It’s only a 20 minute drive from the hotel and it’s easy enough to find. The centre was recently refurbished, and the displays were very impressive. Our tour began with a video in the auditorium which explained the history of Tullamore Dew whiskey and the story of Daniel E Williams.

From here, we were given a guided walk through the process of making whiskey – from

harvesting the crops to the distilling process to when it’s finally made and bottled.

In short, a weekend break in the midlands is a chance to unwind and enjoy the fresh air and countryside activities.

For more information about Kinnitty Castle and nearby activities, v i s i t w w w. k i n n i t t y castlehotel.com.

T he Cosy Castle Comforts package at Kinnitty Castle Hotel offers two nights’ accommodation with a full Irish breakfast each morning, dinner at Sli Dala Restaurant on the evening of your choice, followed by a complimentary night cap at the traditional library bar as well as a Cosy Comforts Hamper on arrival.

The special offer is available from just €149 per person sharing.

The majestic Kinnitty Castle at dusk

A magnificent bedroom with a four-poster bed

26 Lucan gazette 25 October 2012

LucanCLASSIFIEDS Dental

Bathrooms

Computers

COMPUTER REPAIRS & SALES Virus removal, broadband + wireless setup. PC running slow, annoying pop-ups.

Call Damien 0861714713 for a quote NO CALLOUT CHARGE DVD services

JT PLUMBING

BEST PRICES IN DUBLIN!!

All areas covered. 15 years experience. Free estimates.

OUTSIDE TAP SUPPLIED & FITTED €70 Water Tanks, Drippings Taps, Radiators, Burst pipes, Cylinders, Pumps, Outside Taps, Showers, Immersions, Bathroom Suites.

For your free estimate call now on 085 7555412 or email: mjrules44@gmail.com

DVD TRANSFERS Cinefilms,Photos and Slides transferred to DVD with Music and Titles added. Camcorder and Videotapes edited and transferred to DVD. Phone 01-2807838 Mobile 087-9132265 Email: alleventsvideo@eircom.net

House services Car Services

MECHANIC ON DUTY

VAN TYRES from €40 fitted

FREE 24 point safety check | 1000’s of tyres in stock

01 4297814 | 085 7125864 | 086 2389840

Interior & Exterior, Damaged Ceilings, Walls Repaired

FREE ESTIMATES Fully Insured

Call Colm 01 457 0829 087 970 0259

*based on standard industry measurements

advertise your business to our readers call 60 10 240

Want to Talk to your local market?

LONG MILE ROAD (Beside Des Kelly) BELGARD RD, TALLAGHT (Beside Kitchens Direct)

CAR TYRES from €25 fitted

TOP CLASS PROFESSIONAL PAINTING

We have 135,000* readers each week

Plumbing

www.driveshaft.ie

BRICK,BLOCK AND STONEWORK 20 years experience, living locally.

Garden walls, sheds, brick piers, patio & paving. Decorative internal brick work, Plastering, Concrete Drives and paths.

New Builds.

Insurance quotes.

Call Dave anytime 0872917647

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Doors

Windows

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 10 OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK Weir Retail Centre, 40 Hills Mill Industrial Estate , Lucan Village, Co. Dublin LUCAN SHOWROOM 01 6217639

LORRAINE 086 8385014

Gutters cleaned inside and out €30. Power washing services available for Driveways, Roofs, Walls and Houses. Small Gutter and roof repairs carried out. Painting and decorating also.

Call Jim 085 8202238

Talk to us first!

Call your local sales person,

Imelda Armstrong now on

01 6516239 iarmstrong@ gazettegroup.com

25 October 2012 lucan Gazette 27

monthly awards P28

asdfsdaf gaelic games P27 P31

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

MOTORSPORT P29

FastSport taylor named boxer of year:

Members of the Lucan Boxing Club that met the Irish ambassador to Denmark following their exploits at the HSK Cup last week

boxing: local club claims six medals from international tournament

Brabazon hails epic showing from Lucan boxing’s octet EIGHT Lucan boxing club members last week took on one of the biggest competitions in Europe, competing against 330 boxers from 11 nations at the HSK Box Cup in Denmark.

In the process, they claimed three gold and three silver medals, making for an historic couple of days for the west Dublin club with club coach Karl Brabazon proclaiming: “Sometimes the higher the standards are set, the higher we reach to achieve them.”

Team captain Mick Clarke led the way pulling off a sensational knock-out in the first round of his heavyweight

final, a right hook that left his opponent face first on the canvas. It will provide a memorable part of his highlight reel as he intends to hang up the gloves this year.

Luke Byrne produced the fight of the competition by hammering his opponents with his tight skills, regularly using guts, bravery and will to slip big heavy right crosses, brilliantly slipping six inches either way before landing power shots Conor Burke brought controlled work rate to his wins and a gold medal to boot. Brian Haskins and Petru Ursu

brought home silver in close fights that could have gone their way.

Robbie Coyle and John Joyce showed heart, courage and toughness and came into touching distance of that silver medal.

Then Adam Cross stepped up to finish off the tournament with the very last fight with a hometown favourite in opposition. As the shouts came in for the home lad from his supporters, the 10-strong Lucan team around the ring responded “ole, ole, ole, ole” to a thunderous noise that echoed and deafened any other sound in the sports hall. Cross

lost by split decision and one point.

The Lucan team were subsequently hosted by the Irish ambassador to Denmark at the Irish embassy before returning home.

Speaking about his club’s involvement in the competition, Brabazon added: “A quick rundown of these fights doesn’t do these lads justice, the skill, effort and determination put in warmed the hearts of each of us trainers.

“Each of the lads put in all that hard work and dedication; this was a big moment for Lucan sport that they pulled off.”

THE AIBA confirmed that Katie Taylor will receive the 2012 AIBA World Elite Female Boxer of the Year Award for a historic third time.

The 2012 AIBA Award Ceremony will take place in Armenia on December 7. Taylor scooped the prestigious award in 2008 and 2010.

This year, the 26-year-old claimed the Olympic, world, European and European Union lightweight titles, picking up the best boxer award in China and London.

“Katie has won the award three times now and that has never been done before. It’s a great honour and we’re absolutely delighted,” said Taylor’s coach and dad, Peter Taylor.

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 25 October 2012

SPORT

DublinGazetteNewspapers 2012 dublin sports awards october nominees

A WET and wild October proved a happy hunting ground for local GAA clubs as near neighbours Kilmacud Crokes and Cuala claimed two of the biggest prizes in the county game, finally ending their respective hoodoos in the senior hurling and inter football championships, respectively, and have Leinster campaigns to look forward to. On the individual front, the local stars have very much been looking to Europe as jiu jitsu star Darragh O’Conaill claimed a European title while Kenneth Egan showed class is permanent with a fourth gold medal from four trips to Finland. John Brophy, meanwhile, is hoping that he can play his way into the Republic of Ireland amateur squad on a more regular basis as they build toward a European championship in San Marino. November has the promise of plenty of other Leinster campaigns with Castlkenock also flying the GazetteSport flag.

H STARof the MONTH

darragh o’conaill

john brophy

kenneth egan

IRELAND’S youngest Brazillian jiu jitsu brown belt continued his fantastic form by claiming two gold medals in the middleweight division – one at the London Open and the other at the Nogi European Championships, which was also held in the English capital

THE Phoenix striker’s recent form with his club and with the Leinster senior league panel was good enough to earn him a first-ever Republic of Ireland amateur call-up, a just reward for his excellent start to the season with the Scribblestown club

BEIJING silver medallist Kenneth Egan showed there is plenty of life left in his career as he swept to a gold medal at the Tammer tournament in Finland.

In a superb Irish showing, Egan was one of four gold medallists at the multi-nation event

kilmacud crokes

cuala

Round tower

THE Glenalbyn club bridged a 27-year gap to claim the Dublin senior hurling championship in excellent style. It could be the first half of a rare double as the club’s senior footballers are a step away from their third Dublin title in five years

AFTER two painful final defeats, the Dalkey club finally claimed the Dublin intermediate football championship title with a fine victory over Fingallians in Chanel College, winning out by four points off the back of a great first half showing

THE Clondalkin club made incredible strides this year at junior football level with both their AFL5 and AFL9 teams earning promotion this month.

The latter did so despite being in danger of folding the team at the turn of the 2012 season

TEAMof the MONTH H

5k event draws huge crowds to Kilbogget Park  sport@gazettegroup.com

Over 800 people took to the startline of the annual DLR Community 5k last week

THIS year’s DLR Community 5K in Kilbogget Park saw over 800 participants of all ages and fitness levels taking part. The event, once again kicked off Social Inclusion Week in the county.

A great family atmosphere was brewing before the start with a mass warm-up run by an instructor from the DLR Leisure Services that had everyone set to go when An Cathaoirleach, CllrTom Joyce (Fine Gael) sounded the starter hooter.

A constant stream of people,

from seasoned athletes to babies in prams, from 80-year-olds to teenagers, past the start line to do the 5km route at their own pace.

Everyone who made it around the picturesque Kilbogget Park to the finish line was a winner with some groups using the event to fundraise for their chosen charity.

With an entry fee of just €5 for adults (children were free) all participants received a t-shirt, medal and goodie bag as well as refreshments to keep energy levels up.

Shane McArdle, co-ordinator with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

sports partnership, commented: “Our key aim was to have an event that was open to everyone, from wheelchair users to joggers, to complete the course and have fun.

“We are delighted to have had such a huge turnout and most importantly wide range of abilities take part and enjoy the family atmosphere.”

The DLR Community 5K is organised by Dún LaoghaireRathdown sports partnership in conjunction with a number of partner agencies to provide a fun, inclusive event for everyone.

McArdle also added “a huge thank you has to go to Cabinteely FC for the use of their facilities, the Parks Department in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for their assistance, the Community Gardai and Dublin Civil Defence for their help on the day and of course the large number of volunteers who ensured that everyone was safe and had fun.

“With their help, and for the fourth year in a row the appearance of the sun, the DLR Community 5k continues to become bigger every year.”

25 October 2012 LUCAN gazette 29

Gazette

Cruel twist of fate for D15’s Kennedy Jack Kennedy endured a traumatic end to his second season in the British Supersport championship when his bike gave way and he was denied the title seven laps from the finish CLONSILLA man Jack Kennedy is learning not to beat himself up after round 12 of the British Supersport championships, where a technical glitch forced him to retire, when he only needed a finish to claim the series title.

As soon as championship leader Glen Richards went off the track on that fateful day, a seventh place finish was all Kennedy needed to seal the championship but, on lap eight the Blanchardstow n resident’s bike gave way and the despair of the pilot was seen as he was forced to roll the Martrain Yamaha into the pits.

 peter carroll sport@gazettegroup.com

“I remember seeing my clipboard and knowing that Glen had gone off around the third lap,” said Kennedy.

“I wasn’t trying to go hell for leather, I took it easy and I was thinking about challenging for a podium, but I definitely didn’t want to get involved in any scraps at the top of the field.

“Then I just noticed the bike getting slower, the back brake seemed

to be interfering with the speed and I just knew it was finished then.

“It’s been a tough time since it happened, but I’ve to learn not to beat myself up.

“I had the championship won and it was the first mechanical failure of the year for the team. It was just very unlucky,” said the Supersport ace.

Martrain had invested faith in the young Irishman after seeing him recover from a big injury the year before, with the rider’s comeback being a win at Brand’s Hatch.

Kennedy admits that in signing him,

Jack Kennedy produced an excellent campaign only to fall short at the final hurdle

Martrain knew he was capable of some wins, but the Northern Irish team probably didn’t think that he would be in contention for the title.

“They knew I had won races, they were probably expecting a

even though it didn’t work out in my favour.

“We were the only team that challenged for a large part of the season on a bike that wasn’t running on a Triumph engine and that shows the skill and determination that was

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

‘I’m hungrier, more determined and faster than ever. I’ll be up there looking for podiums. I certainly won’t be making up the numbers’ - Jack Kennedy

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

fifth place finish in the championship, so it was great to be involved in a championship run,

present throughout the whole team.

“To perform the way they did is a big deal for a small team for Northern Ireland, and the fact that the first mechanical fault came in the last race of the year shows how good the team are,” said Kennedy.

Without the finances to re-enter the Supersport stakes for next year, Kennedy is now eyeing a ride in the main event, the British Superbikes championship, as Martrain are in talks to represent Yamaha on their R1.

“I’m hungrier, more determined and faster than ever. If it’s superbikes I’ll be up there looking for podiums, I certainly won’t be there to make up the numbers,” said the confident 24-year-old.

FastSport

French side in driving seat in Leinster group FORMER Ireland and Lions manager Donal Lenihan believes Clermont Auvergne are looking an ominous force ahead of their double showdown with Leinster.

The blues got over the challenge of Scarlets in Wales last Saturday but have still yet to hit top form in the Heineken Cup despite winning twice in succession.

Churchtown resident Isa Nacewa got the blues’ only try of the game while Johnny Sexton kicked the rest of the points in the 20-13 result.

Also included in the side were former Blackrock College men Ian Madigan, Brian O’Driscoll and Leo Cullen, Rathfarnham native Shane Jennings while Castleknock College alumni Devin Toner came off the bench.

But Lenihan says Clermont will be a level above the offering of Scarlets and Exeter Chiefs in the past fortnight: “Clermont look in a league of their own at the moment. Their performance is on a different level. Clermont versus Leinster is the place to be for round three.

“It’s not going to be easy for Leinster to click into gear as they will be handicapped by the autumn internationals. They will probably only have one more match together before Clermont.

It’s a big ask. After two rounds you would have to say they [Clermont] are the team in the driving seat.”

He was speaking about Leinster’s hopes in connection with the Heineken Star Predictor, a competition in which members of the public compete against high profile pundits to see who can predict the outcomes from this season’s Heineken Cup matches.

Among the prizes are Heineken Cup match tickets while the ultimate prize of an exclusive VIP package to the Heineken Cup final at Aviva Stadium. Among those playing the game are Irish cricket star Niall O’Brien, Newstalk’s Ger Gilroy, rugby pundit Brent Pope, former Dublinstar Jason Sherlock and broadcaster Tom Dunne.

To be in with a chance of winning Heineken Cup match tickets, and an opportunity of beating George Hook, play Heineken Star Predictor; log on to www.heineken.ie/heinekencup and register for round three by 5pm on Friday, December 7.

Gazette

30 LUCAN gazette 25 October 2012

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: liffey valley bow out of lfa u-17 youths cup

Esker Celtic to link up with Pieta House for three years ESKER Celtic FC linked up with Pieta House this week for what they expect will be a mutually beneficial arrangement over the coming season.

Esker approached the charity with a view to placing their logos on six new kits bought by the club. The founder of Pieta House, Joan Freeman accepted the invitation with open arms and was very enthusiastic about the project, unveiled last Tuesday evening with the official handover of the first jersey to Pieta House presented by chairman, Paul Cleary.

Speaking about the initiative, Cleary said: “As chairperson of Esker Celtic Football Club for many years it gives me great pleasure to give something back to the community instead of asking for support all the time.”

Freeman was blown away by the gesture and the club also donated €500 to Pieta House. She added that this amount of money would keep a professional on call to assist in a specific area over a three-week period.

The full kit of jerseys was worn by the club’s Under-17 team. Their managers Paul Murray and Andy Kavanagh were proud to be selected with their team to be part of this special event.

The deal, in partnership with O’Neill’s sportswear, will see the Pieta House logo feature on a number of sets of jerseys for the next three years covering all ages within the club.

With nearly 650 players, Esker Celtic is the biggest soccer club in Lucan and the surrounding areas with a total of 41 teams, an academy with over 100 players and a Football For All team with 20 squad members.

These are exciting times for the club with vice-chairman Dermot Wells saying: “Over the next 12 months, we hope to roll out a new style of coaching for all teams which is more inclusive and allows players more time working on their ball control and skills.

“This will project Esker Celtic to a new level, allowing teams to compete at the highest level in the country and will enable good quality players to continue playing for their local club here at Esker.”

You can find out more information about the club in their clubhouse in Hermitage Park any weekend that matches are on, or on their website, eskerceltic.ie.

The Liffey Valley Rangers U-17 side that hosted Shelbourne last Sunday at Ballyowen Park in the LFA U-17s Youths Cup

Shels see off Rangers lfa u-17 Youths cup Liffey Valley Rangers Shelbourne  Carl Duffy

2 4

sport@gazettegroup.com

LIFFEY Valley Rangers’ run in the LFA Youths Cup came to an end as they fell 4-2 to Shelbourne in Ballyowen Park last Sunday morning.

Shelbourne’s Reece Weldon was a constant threat throughout the game and put in a man of the match performance, scoring one and creating three goals for his team to swing the tie in the northside club’s favour.

The first chance of the game fell to the home team on the 10-minute mark with Ireland Under16 international Dylan McKeever taking the ball from midfield and playing through the ball to his strike partner Jack McDonnell whose shot, forced the first save of the game from the Shelbourne keeper.

In response, Shels created their first real chance with Weldon out on the wing, pulling back a pass to the edge of the box after seeing the run of his teammate Jack Lyons, whose thunderous shot flew past the out-

sponsorship Local club receive big boost for SDFL push adamstown United’s U-12s recently

received a huge boost as they received sponsorship from Gala stores in Rossecourt, Lucan.

Pictured is Gala manager Alan Whitty with players from the side in their newly sponsored team jackets in front of the store. The side have begun the season well with three wins from four games in the SDFL division two league

stretched arms of Liffey Valley keeper Stephen Kavanagh and rattled the upright of the goal.

The opening goal went Shelbourne’s way with Weldon playing a terrific through ball for Lyons on the edge of the box, who duly dispatched a low powerful drive into the bottom corner of the net.

The home team equalised a few minutes before half time when they took advantage of a defensive lapse from Shelbourne, who misread a long pass into their box and allowed McKeever to score a well taken goal.

The turning point of

the game came in the second half when Weldon’s audacious shot from the edge of the box caught Liffey Valley off guard and sailed into the top corner of the net.

Shelbourne strengthened their lead on the 60th minute when Weldon dribbled the ball down the right wing, cut a pass across the box onto the path of Stephen Lynch, who curled an unstoppable shot into the back of the net.

Weldon and Lyons linked up brilliantly for their team’s fourth goal, as they played a one-two pass with one another and

produced a low pass into the six yards box which substitute Aidan Rowe dispatched for a classic goal poachers finish.

McDonnell and McKeever teamed up again for the final goal of the game on the 70th minute, with McDonnell doing well to hold up the ball on the 35 yard-line and passing the ball to McKeever who skipped past two defenders and slotted the ball home.

It was too late to affect the result but McKeever and McDonnell showed they will be a handful for any opposition they may face this year.

25 October 2012 LUCAN gazette 31

 sport@gazettegroup.com

LUCAN Sarsfields U-11 camogie panel completed their league campaign on a high last week as their two teams remained undefeated all year.

They beat all 10 squads they met with an impressive score tally of 347 scores (196 for the red team and 151 for the

blues) and conceding only 62 scores (28 for the reds and 34 for the blues).

It proved an exceptional year for the panel who have shown great commitment all year in training as well as in matches. Their skill levels have advanced enormously over the course of the year. Throughout the

campaign they encountered some tough opposition; they were able to adapt their style of play to deal ably with whatever came their way.

The girls now look forward to the year-end gala blitz where they will have another opportunity to display their skills.

Their final tie was against St Brigid’s using

15 girls from the 40-plus panel that made their way to the northside venue on a wet Sunday morning After an initially tight game, in which the Russell Park side tried to congest the midfield, Lucan responded, allowing their natural skillful game to prevail and run up a 9-3 to no score victory.

football: clondalkin club celebrate

Gazette

ASDFASDSAF Lucan U-11 camogie stars unbeaten Club Noticeboard lucan sarsfields TEAM of the week goes to our U-7

We are currently looking for volun-

footballers and hurlers who gave an

teers to either join an existing lotto

excellent display against Na Fianna

team or start their own lotto team.

last Saturday morning.

You would only be committing to giv-

Well done to our U-15 hurlers on win-

ing up one Sunday night every 10 weeks

ning the division two league title on

or so to check lotto tickets for the

Sunday, beating Ballyboden by 3-15 to

winning numbers. Training will be pro-

2-16.

vided. If you are interested or would

Well done also to our senior A camogie team who came from eight

like more information, please contact Mary Flannery 087 7469143.

points to two down to win by 1.-7 to

The club shop will be open on Tues-

0-9 against St Vincent’s in the league

day, October 23 only. No opening on

semi-final. The final on this Thursday

bank holiday weekends, therefore

in St Margaret’s at 8.15pm.

the shop will not be open on Saturday,

Our U-14 ladies footballers won

October 27.

their championship final by 4-9 to 3-7

Tuesday (7.30-8.30pm) and Saturday

against Cuala. Thanks to Cavan Devel-

morning (10.30-11.30am) opening only

opments for the use of their teleporter

until Christmas.

last weekend.

There will be no boys’ hurling and

The club mass for deceased mem-

football nursery this Saturday. The

bers will take place in the function

girls’ football nursery for girls born in

room on Wednesday, November 7 at

2005 and 2004 will take place as usual

8pm.

at 1.30pm.

The club is organising a clothing col-

This week’s lotto numbers are avail-

lection to raise funds. Please leave

able on our website. Esther Keenan’s

items of clothing, towels, curtains,

team will be in charge next Monday

shoes, handbags, belts and soft toys

night when our sponsor will be Matt

inside the front door of the clubhouse

Reilly Auto Parts Ltd.

weekdays from 6pm and weekends

A full list of this week’s fixtures are

from 12 noon up until this Friday, Octo-

on our website www.lucansarsfields.

ber 26.

ie.

st pat’s palmerstown Darren Core saved an early penalty as Round Tower produced a superb performance to win AFL9

Rampant Tower’s sweep to AFL9 title Afl division nine

Round Tower 2-14 St Oliver Plunkett’s/ER 0-9  sport@gazettegroup.com

AN emphatic first-half display of teamwork and score-taking provided the platform to allow the Round Tower junior B footballers claim AFL9 in the community centre last Sunday.

They ran out comprehensive winners over St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh by 11 points to claim the league title in emphatic style.

In ideal conditions for football, the Clondalking club made the most

of them. Six minutes in, midfielder Shane Byrne pointed from long range to start the run.

The visitors did respond and could have moved ahead but for an excellent penalty save low to the ground by Tower’s keeper Darren Core.

But that was as good as it got for Plunkett’s in the first half as Tower’s forwards constantly caused problems and their willingness to shoot from distance allowed them rally to a comfortable and ultimately unassailable lead.

Ciaran Dunne led the charge when he kicked a terrific point from the

right touchline while halfforward Keith Weldon’s running caused considerable problems. Ray Davis was kicking frees from distance with great accuracy and he registered his first 35m out while another effort extended the lead to 0-5 to 0-1.

Martin Corrigan was looking similarly dangerous and he and Davis combined for the first goal, the former on the mark.

Mick Kelly, playing at centre-half-back, then carried the ball 40m before feeding Shane Byrne and his pass to Dunne on the outside was finished with

a point.

Tower’s were putting on a superb show and it was crowned with a superb Byrne goal four minutes before half time.

Corrigan found himself with his back to goal on the 45 and turned to play a precise ball back to Byrne and he made no mistake.

Plunkett’s bravely fought back in the second half but were never going to catch the home side, with kicks from Weldon and Davis allowing the Tower’s out this crucial AFL9 clash with a comfortable victory that secured the league title.

CONGRATULATIONS to the U-12 foot-

place on Friday, November 9 at 8.30pm

ballers on finishing second in their

in the clubhouse. All welcome.

league following a playoff at the weekend.

Lotto number and results: first draw numbers – 11, 18, 28 and 3; there

The club was very proud to see two

was no winner. Second draw numbers

Pat’s men lined out for Dublin foot-

– 6, 8, 21 and 2; there was no winner.

ball on Sunday as they beat Louth in

Any three numbers winners: Paul

a challenge game. Great work from

Byrne, David Jordan, Ciaran and Liam

Barry O’Hanlon and Jonathan McDer-

McCarthy, John Dolan, Gary Sliney.

mott.

The annual mass for deceased members, relatives and friends takes

The next draw is on Sunday, October 28. First draw jackpot of €10,000, second draw jackpot of €3,400.

westmanstown/garda THE end of year fund-raising event

while the U-16 girls beat Cuala to

takes place on Saturday, December

complete the double in a weekend

8 from 7.30pm.

of glittering successes.

All senior club members are

In other footballing news, the

required to get at least one minor

U-8s beat St Anne’s while the U-9s

sponsor for the night. The deadline

lost to Naomh Olaf.

is November 10.

Me a nw hil e , th e U-10 s h o s t e d

G l o b a l s t o c k e xc h a n g e s a r e

Ballyboden, Lucan Sarsfields and

reporting a huge surge in metal

Round Tower in their annual blitz

prices this weekend.

and came out on top.

Dav y analyst s put this solely

Finally, the U-12s drew in the divi-

down to the huge hoard of silver-

sional play-off and must meet their

ware collected by the Westmans-

opponents Cuala again.

town Gaels girls’ teams this weekend.

The U-15 girls won their division final against Clontarf on Saturday

Thank you to team mentors, children, parents, Gaels supporters that made this weekend a weekend to remember.

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

boxing clever: Lucan claim four gold medals at international tournament in Denmark last week P27

october 25, 2012

kennedy’s devastation: Clonsilla man within seven laps of glory P29

Darragh Zaidan, in his Lucan cycling road club days, has made a meteoric rise through the ranks to be signed by one of France’s top youth teams this week

Zaidan signs new deal Palmerstown cyclist continues his ascent through the ranks as he takes on elite rider role with the UC Aubenas team in France in 2013

 nathan kelly

sport@gazettegroup.com

PALMERSTOWN native Darragh Zaidan penned terms with UC Aubenas on Tuesday night for the 2013 season as he looks to continue his meteoric rise through the cycling ranks.

Plenty of Belgian and French teams were in the market for the Adamstown club man after a stunning debut year with the VCC Morteau team.

“I’m very excited about joining UC Aubenas; it’s a step up from last year and I will be racing as an elite rider,” he told GazetteSport this week.

It is a far cry from his beginnings in the sport.

Just over four years ago, Zaidan was a promising

young goalkeeper playing for Crumlin United U-16s.

He had played at the highest level of schoolboy football for a number of years, and had been on trial at Liverpool a few months earlier.

Having got into cycling relatively late, the 19-year-old from Palmerstown explains why he decided to swap the pitch for the bike four years ago.

“Basically, my dad gave up smoking and bought a racer to get fit; I fell in love with it and asked for one for Christmas, funnily enough to get fitter for football. When I lost my place at Crumlin, I decided to focus solely on racing.”

He linked up first with Lucan Cycling Road Club and then rode for Stevens Cycleogical as

he quickly emerged on the national scene.

After missing a month of winter training due to a burst appendix, he still managed to become a double national junior track champion and was victorious on a stage at the Junior Tour of Ireland. The team also won the An Post Gorey three-day international event.

It was after these successes that Darragh started to look towards a move to France as a first year senior, signing for the VCC MorteauMontbenoit team.

And he feels moving to France has been nothing but good for his development. “It’s helped me come on in leaps and bounds,” he explains.

“Training 20 hours a week in those conditions was a massive help. I’m more focused, driven

and I know what is required of me next year now.”

Darragh briefly returned to Ireland in June for his first Irish senior nationals and finished a respectable seventh place in the U-23s category.

He’s hoping this result plus consistent results will help him claim a ride in the European and World U-23 Championships.

Since the end of the season, he has returned to Ireland where he has linked up with former Lucan mentor Brendan Whelan with whom he helped set up Adamstown cycling team. They formally opened their doors in August, and cater for riders from beginners to elite level and Zaidan believes the club can become one of the most successful in the country.