Lucan Gazet te FREE
Samantha Barks’ role as Nancy in Oliver! will leave you wanting more
see page 17 November 29, 2012 Find us on
Month XX, 2012 Lucan • Palmerstown • Celbridge • Leixlip • Adamstown • Dodsboro • Liffey Valley • ballyowen
INSIDE: Several local teens set to make a dame good impression in Beauty and the Beast panto P2
review body: Derek Keating TD (FG) to sit on Constitutional Convention P3
School inspection: Confey showcase its fine facilities DANIELLA Bell and Eoin Crowley
Soccer:
Five-star Lucan reach last eight of O’Leary Cup Page 30
joined teachers, Ms Selkirk and Ms O’Hehir, in the science lab at Confey College recently, where the school was holding an open night. It was a great opportunity to show some of the school’s facilities, with great emphasis on the academic and social sides to studying at the school. Activities on the night included Irish dancing, drama workshops and woodwork and metalwork displays.
See Gallery Next Week
Camogie:
Superb year for Sarsfields completed Page 31 and 32
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES.......................6 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................27
Council wants plans outline for Hawkridge ‘Millionaire’s row’ developers asked to supply framework for completion
paul hosford
SOUTH Dublin County Council has asked the developers of the Hawkridge estate to urgently outline their plans to finish the luxury development.
Hawkridge, which is situated on the Old Celbridge Road, was set to be County Dublin’s new “millionaire’s row”, with homes with starting prices of €1.7 million going on the market in 2006.
However, since then, the houses have yet to sell, and are now listed at €700,000. Fine Gael councillor William Lavelle said he had been contacted by residents in the Weston estate, who were concerned about
anti-social behaviour in Hawkridge. From back gardens in Weston, Cllr Lavelle says he could see “numerous signs of theft and vandalism” at Hawkridge. Full Story on Page 4
2 LUCAN Gazette 29 November 2012
dublin GAZETTe newspapers i n f o r m at i o n
Panto Locals set to star in The Helix
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
Ready to appear in the panto are, from left Lauren Doyle, Lauren Dooley, Ciara Brennan, Sinead Brangan, Cliona NicShuibhne, pictured alongside Kyle Kennedy (Beast), John Lovett (Dame) and Lauren Nevin (Belle)
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.
Beautiful result for girls as they take to the stage
A GROUP of local teens are getting ready to make their theatrical debuts when they take to the stage in Beauty and the Beast at the Helix from November 30. Lauren Doyle, Lauren Dooley, Sinead Brangan, Cliona Nic Shuibhne and Ciara Brennan from Leixlip have all succeeded in obtaining roles in the show. Two hundred young hopefuls were put through their paces at Ireland’s only panto boot camp in Dublin this summer, which was
Paul Hosford news@gazettegroup.com
organised by Leixlip native Claire Tighe. L e s s o n s i n cl u d e d singing, dancing and the art of pantomime, with only a small number making the cut. “It’s been amazing and really good fun,” said Lauren Dooley
(13), who is a student at Colaiste Cois Life. “We’ve learned loads of new dances and songs.” Lauren Doyle (15) who attends Colaiste Chiarain, said: “T he adult actors are all so funny and it’s been such a laugh. “We just can’t wait to start performing in front of an audience.” T he Leixlip-based youngsters are among a talented bunch of 32 children aged seven to 12, and 12 teenagers, who made the grade
and graduated from the panto boot camp. They will take to the stage for a six-week run in Beauty and the Beast at the Helix starting on November 30 and finishing on January 13. “There is a limit to the amount of time children can perform on stage. “So our child star crew of 44 is divided into teams of four and eight. All of them will appear in a selection of shows over the six-week period,” explained the panto’s writer and producer, Claire Tighe.
Suited and booted Claire organised the panto boot camp at the Helix aimed at sourcing undiscovered child stars. This is Claire’s fifth panto in Dublin theatre, following on from her hugely-successful productions of Aladdin, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Jack and the Beanstalk which have
entertained over 25,000 people over the years. Meanwhile, the panto boot camp kids can’t wait to get on stage and show off what they’ve learned. “It’s been the best experience ever. Yes, we’ve put in a lot of hard work, but it’s been so much fun. “We know the audience is just going to love it,” said Sinead Brangan (16) who is a student at St Wolstan’s in Celbridge. The show stars Voice of Ireland finalist Kyle Kennedy as The Beast, and Lauren Nevin from The Tudors and Fair City as Belle. Beauty and the Beast runs from November 30 to January 13 at the Helix Theatre. Tickets cost €16.50 each and there are family tickets available, priced at €69. For more information, see www.helix.ie or call 01 700 7000.
29 November 2012 LUCAN Gazette 3
horses €190,000 loss on impounds
make-up: td one of 33 legislators to participate in convention
Keating to sit on Constitution panel FINE Gael Dublin Mid West Deputy Derek Keating has been appointed to the Constitutional Convention, which meets for the first time on Saturday, December 1. T he convention, chaired by Tom Arnold, chair of The Irish Times Trust, and chief executive of charity Concern, has been established to discuss Ireland’s Constitution. It has been asked to consider a range of matters, covering both institutional and social issues. Initially, it will examine reducing the presidential term of office to five years, and aligning it with the local and European elections, as well as reducing the voting age to 17.
--------------------------
‘66 members of the public will be invited to participate’
--------------------------
The convention is expected to meet at weekends and on at least eight occasions during the next 12 months. In addition to the convention’s 33 legislators, including members from the Northern Ireland Assembly, 66 members of the public, chosen at random, have been invited to participate. Fine Gael will have eight delegates taking part. Deputy Keating said he was looking forward to “playing my part in
proceedings, and representing the party at this level”. He added: “Some months ago, I wrote to the Taoiseach and the Government Chief Whip, expressing my desire to participate in the Convention, as I believe it will have a fundamental influence on the policy formation over the coming years. “Dublin Mid West is one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing constituencies in the country. It comprises people from all sectors of society; from those who hold senior positions in the business community to the unemployed living in designated disadvantaged areas.”
Jack the lad: Confey College students prepare for a Christmas pantomime The stars of Confey College’s Christmas panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, can hardly hide their excitement at taking the stage. The show runs from November 29 to December 1, at 7.30pm. The music is entirely provided by the students, who have been hard at work preparing sets, costumes and back drops. Director Yvonne Ramsey has been busy over the past few weeks putting the students through their paces and this show promises to be one of their best productions. Pictured are Mark Slattery, Clara Hughes, Anna Rose McLaughlin, Gabrielle Somers, Aidan Kavanagh, Laura Murphy and Fiona Slaughter.
SOUTH Dublin County Council has made a loss of more than €190,000 on impounding unregistered horses this year. The figures, revealed at this week’s Clondalkin Area Committee Meeting, show that fines imposed under the Control of Horses Act, 1996, were €14,457.80. T hat compares to €205,868.67 spent by the council to impound 248 horses in the period until the end of the third quarter of this year. That figure is on target to surpass last year’s 305 confiscations, though the actual cost to the council is lower. In 2009, for example, the council impounded 142 horses, at a cost of nearly €350,000.
4 LUCAN Gazette 29 November 2012
FastNews
housing Developers of unsold estate asked about plans
Use your household waste for seasonal decorations WITH Christmas fast approaching, and as people prepare to get festive and celebrate, South Dublin County Council are asking everyone in the county to think about the environment. To encourage everyone to join in, the council is running a Christmas decoration competition with a twist – decorations must be made from household packaging and waste. The competition is open to all, and the prizes for the best entries are energy-saving LED Christmas lights. The closing date is December 12; for an entry form, see environment.southdublin.ie.
La Banca to host Christmas party for older Lucanians LA BANCA restaurant will host a free Christmas party for older people in Lucan on Monday, December 3 from 1pm. This is the second year that the restaurant has organised this party, and the restaurant will cater for up to 55 people. There will be an evening meal with wine, followed by bingo, karaoke and music in the bar. There will be spot prizes on the night, which have been donated by local residents and businesses, and the restaurant welcomes any donations for the event. For enquiries, contact La Banca on 01 628 2400.
Councillor William Lavelle (FG) voiced local residents’ concerns about the estate, and said: “I would say that the unfinished and unsold Hawkridge development exemplifies some of the worst aspects of Celtic Tiger speculator-led development”
Council seeks clarity on Hawkridge development SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) has asked the developers of the Hawkridge estate to urgently outline their plans to finish the luxury development. Hawkridge, which is
situated on the Old Celbridge Road, was set to be County Dublin’s new “millionaire’s row”, with homes with starting prices of €1.7 million going on the market in 2006. However, since then,
the houses have yet to sell, and are now listed at €700,000. Developers Welcan Builders are not engaged in NAMA, although their last company accounts, filed in 2011 but covering 2008, show that the loan was in the process of being transferred to the national agency. The accounts have also raised concerns from the company auditors – Mahon & Company – about the company’s viability. The auditors’ statement says that the accounts “do not give a true and fair view”, and that the directors “are not in a position to provide further funding”, and goes on to show debts of more than €13 million. A telephone number for the company is out of service, but South Dublin County Council told Fine Gael councillor William Lavelle this week that the company is still functioning, and has been served with a Site Resolution Notice. Cllr Lavelle had been
contacted by residents in the Weston Estate, who were concerned about anti-social behaviour in Hawkridge. Those concerns have been passed on to the developer, and security is now on site, but the council says that if the Site Resolution Plan is not received urgently, they will make further enquiries to “establish [Welcan’s] precise status”. Cllr Lavelle was happy that security had been placed on-site, but said the homes were remnants of the Celtic Tiger era. He said: “I would say that the unfinished and unsold Hawkridge development exemplifies some of the worst aspects of Celtic Tiger speculatorled development, as here we see eight overly-sized ‘dream’ houses now being left to deteriorate and rot away. “I do not see any sustainable future for these houses, and it may come to pass that demolition may have to be considered,” said Cllr Lavelle.
29 November 2012 LUCAN Gazette 5
6 lucan Gazette 29 November 2012
gazetteGALLERY
Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only €6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com
Matthew Kennedy
Matthew O’Brien
Adam Kane
Lucy McDermott with her parents Emma and Michael. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston
Everyone’s making faces
S
UPERQUINN in Lucan recently hosted a family fun day in aid of local charity Pieta House, the centre for the prevention of self-Harm or suicide. Kaylie Clarke was on hand for some colourful children’s facepainting –
and even some of the adult faces, and transform them into whatever character they wanted to look like. Kaylie joined in the fun by dressing up in a purple bat costume. Face painting was just one of the many fun activities which took place
at Superquinn on the day. Shoppers at the busy supermarket were happy to make donations or show their support towards the charity in any way. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. What better way to raise money and awareness for charity than having fun!
Phyllis Fitzgerald and Aoife Carberry
Kaylie Clarke was the face painter on the day
Harry Kennedy
www.gazette group.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away
29 November 2012 lucan gazette 7
8 LUCAN Gazette 29 November 2012
THE Lucan Red Cross are holding their 62nd annual Christmas party for senior citizens in the area on Sunday, December 2. The event takes place at 2pm in Finnstown House Hotel, on the Newcastle Road, and is certain to be a great event for local seniors. T hose wi shing to attend the party must be 66 years of age or over, and living in Lucan.
Contact Those who are not on the group’s mailing list and who wish to attend should contact the Red Cross PRO, Bernadette Cummins, at 628 2661. Invitations will be sent out to those already on the Red Cross mailing list.
enterprise National policy to yield a local gain
€143k funding boost set to create 18 jobs paul hosford
phosford@gazettegroup.com
THE announcement of €3.78 million funding for County Enterprise Boards nationally has been warmly welcomed, and will lead to a local jobs boost. The funding has been released to fund job creation for the remainder of the year, and South Dublin County Enterprise Board (SDCEB) will receive €143,000, which will create 18 jobs. The chief executive of
SDCEB, Loman O’Byrne, said that this year is shaping up to be one of the best in the history of the board. He said: “The money brings us to more than €600,000 [in funding] for the year, and it’s shaping up to be one of our best years ever. “Our clients have replaced the jobs lost in the crash, and employment among our client companies is approaching record levels. I think that shows the importance of the small busi-
ness sector.” O’Byrne went on to highlight the importance of small and medium enterprises in Ireland’s economic recovery. “They’re vitally important. When times are tough, this is where people turn to and, whereas any company is susceptible to losing jobs, the sector overall is more secure than some of the more mobile foreign direct investment [firms]. “Our clients have shown to be extremely adaptable and resource-
Deputy Joanna Tuffy (Lab): “The funding will be used to provide direct capital assistance to local enterprise, along with other supports”
ful,” he said. Labour TD for Dublin Mid-West Joanna Tuffy also welcomed the funding announcement. She said: “The funding will be used to provide direct capital assistance to local enterprise, along with other supports, such as mentoring and train-
ing. This will encourage these companies to start-up or develop their services and, in doing so, create and sustain jobs in their communities. “On the national scale, the allocation of the extra €3.78 million in funding supplements the €15 million capital funding
already provided to CEBs this year, and has been sanctioned in response to specific requests from CEBs to meet demand from micro-enterprises. “This shows that the Government are listening closely to CEBs on the ground,” said Deputy Tuffy.
SELL Sale Your
seniors Red Cross host 62nd fun fest
advertise your sale with the Gazette... ...the best low cost advertising for your business
Call us now on 60 10 240
29 November 2012 LUCAN Gazette 9
10 LUCAN Gazette 29 November 2012
LocalMatters S u p p o r t l o c a l b u s i n e ss
children Criticised facility secure for now st mary’s: charities to benefit
Advertise with the Gazette call 60 10 240
Hang a card to help others hiromi mooney
Deputy Derek Keating (FG) asked a Parliamentary Question seeking clarity on plans for Ballydowd Special Care Unit, given that a report earlier this year criticised some practices at the centre
Ballydowd Care Unit to stay open – HSE paul hosford
phosford@gazettegroup.com
THE Ballydowd Special Care Unit will remain open, the HSE has confirmed, despite a report which criticised practices at the centre. In March, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) published a report that criticised a number of working practices at the centre, including finding that the needs of two of the nine children in the complex were not being tended to. The report was generally complimentary, but some criteria, such as aspects of daily living
and accommodation, were only “partly met”, the report found. These included incidents in which one child was denied access to most activity equipment, including books, and was occupied solely with a television and video games. The housing was being upgraded, the report found, but renovations had caused three children to live in one room, with limited living space. Education was also listed as being partly met, with one child being limited to half-hour classes – a denial of his right to education, the report found.
Special care units are designed to house at-risk children for their own welfare and protection. The units are not detention centres, and the children are not guilty of any crime. In a Parliamentary Question on the centre, Fine Gael deputy Derek Keating asked his constituency colleague, Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald, what the plan for the facility was. In response, the Minister said that the unit, which is one of three in the country with facilities to care for 10 children at a time, would be staying open for the time being, pointing to a recent
HIQA report that was more complimentary of the centre. The response from the Department of Children said: “The HSE plan that Ballydowd will continue to function as a special care unit for the foreseeable future. HIQA inspects special care units annually.” Deputy Keating said he hoped the incidents would never occur again. He said: “Based on this reply, I am asking the Minister to ensure that events of earlier this year will never re-occur, and to examine what therapeutic options are needed to enhance the work of the professionals.”
THE Justice and Peace Group will be launching their annual Giving Tree Appeal at the Christmas Fair at St Mary’s Parish on Sunday, December 2, at 10.30am. The fundraiser, which takes place throughout the Christmas period, will go towards two charities – one at home in Ireland, and one abroad. Proceeds will go towards The Capuchin Day Care Centre in Dublin, which provides meals and food parcels for people who need it most, and The Youth Community Training Centre in Zambia, which offers teenagers in difficult situations vocational training in various trades. There will be cards in the church which each bear a figure of an amount of money. People can choose a card, hang it on the Christmas tree in the church, and place that amount of money into the donation box. At the fair, Santa will be collecting children’s letters on the day, and The Cascade Ladies’ Choir will be performing in the parish centre from 4pm.
Council faces public liability claim for fall SOUTH Dublin County Council is facing a public liability claim following a tripping accident in Lucan village, after it was revealed that there have been a number of falls there recently. At this week’s Lucan Area Committee Meeting, Labour councillor Eamon Tuffy asked the council to “carry out a further assessment on the safety of the footpaths at a selection
of locations on Main Street, Lucan village, from the AIB premises to the junction with the Liffey Bridge”, after welcoming the work carried out outside Muintir na Tire in the village. Cllr Tuffy asked the council to pay particular attention to the areas outside Collins Meat Shop and Carey’s Newsagents, while asking for a report on the
number of trips and falls in the village. The council responded by saying that there had been seven falls, one of which was the subject of a claim.
Repair works “Further to the footpath repair works which were carried out in 2012, it is proposed to carry out additional foot-
path repair works in 2013 along Lucan Main Street. The area will be surveyed and repairs listed for inclusion in the works programme, subject to available resources. “In 2012, there were a total of seven reported complaints, which related to four trip hazards. There is one public liability claim pending,” said the council.
29 November 2012 LUCAN Gazette 11
12 LUCAN Gazette 29 November 2012
29 November 2012 Gazette 13
Pantomimes aplenty for Christmas Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to make it even jollier than a trip to the theatre to see this year’s Christmas pantomimes. Dublin is getting ready to shout “He’s behind you”, and watch familiar faces dress up in elaborate costumes as they star in the shows. This week, the Gazette takes a little look at some of the pantos that are gracing city stages in the run-up to Christmas. This year, the Gaiety Theatre is taking a look at the classic tale of Cinderella, but giving it a panto makeover. There are two nasty, bullying ugly sisters, a quirky fairy godmother, a handsome prince and single glass slipper, all
the ingredients needed to complete the story of Cinders finding happiness and seeing her dreams come true. This panto is sponsored by Tay to and runs for six weeks from December 2 to January 13. Standard tickets are priced from €25 and are on sale now from usual outlets nationwide. For more information, see www.gaietytheatre.ie. At the Tivoli Theatre, the Cheerio’s Panto is Snow White and the Adventures of Sammy Sausages which opens to the public on December 18. This show stars TV3 presenter Alan Hughes as Sammy Sausages, singer Niamh Kavanagh
as the Evil Queen and Brian Dowling as the Mirror. Nadia Forde will star as the Good Queen, while ITV Superstars finalist Niall Sheehy plays Prince Charming. The show also introduces Molly Lynch as Snow White. The Cheerios Panto Snow White and the Adventures of Sammy Sausages opens Dec 18 with previews from Dec ember12 and runs until January 13, 2013. Tickets cost from €15 and are now on sale from The Tivoli Theatre at 01 454 4472 or on www. tivoli.ie Meanwhile, Ireland’s most energetic twins, Jedward, star in the Dublin Bus Christmas panto, Jedward And The Magic
Jedward will star in the Dublin Bus Christmas panto, Jedward And The Magic Lamp, at the Olympia Theatre
Lamp, at the Olympia Theatre from Wednesday, December 19 to January 6. The show features an all-singing, all-dancing cast of over 100. The script is written by
scriptwriter, broadcaster and journalist Fiona Looney. Tickets for this show cost from €25 and are available now through Ticketmaster at www. ticketmaster.ie
Gazette
feature travel
Ethnic bazaar set out stalls for Christmas Fusion Sundays World Christmas markets are set to start this year in New Market Square in Dublin. Fusion Sundays is Dublin’s only ethnic bazaar and has a wide array of international stalls, ethnic food, live music and entertainment for the children. The market will celebrate many different Christmas traditions, with over 30 stalls selling fare from around the world. There will also be a Laughteryoga session, African dancing and several other workshops running throughout the day. The market will be held from 11am until 5pm on Sunday, December 9 at the Dublin Food Co-op, 12 New Market Square, Dublin 8, and subsequently every second Sunday of each month.
dublinlife A brush with great art Gazette
14 Gazette 29 November 2012
exhibition: awards follow showcase of students’ work
erica o’sullivan Fingal Community College
ON MONDAY, October 12, Fingal Community College held an art exhibition, curated by transition year students, displaying the Junior Certificate art, craft and design projects of 2012. The exhibition was followed by an awards ceremony. Projects from ar t, home economics, woodwork and metalwork were displayed in the school hall, and there was a competition for the best project in each subject. Transition year stu-
dents Jodie Morris and Saoirse Traynor introduced the exhibition, which was officially opened by Julie Clarke, arts education officer, Fingal County Council. Refreshments were served by the transition year catering team.
Trophies The winners in each category were awarded trophies, and they were named as Donna Fogerty, art; Megan McKeown, home economics; Damien McGlynn, metalwork and Kyle Maguire, woodwork. The parents of students who submitted
a Junior Cert project were invited to see their son or daughter’s work, and to hear the winners being announced. Fif th class pupils from the Old Borough National School, Swords Educate Together, Holy Family National School and St Colmcille’s Boys School were invited to join the fun, and were highly enthralled by the quality of the artwork. The students would like express their sincere gratitude to all who helped make the event such a success. The exhibition would not have taken place without the generos-
Megan McKeon and principal Sharon McGrath
ity of sponsors, Philip O’Neill Photography, Pat O’Farrell School Un i f o r m S u p p l i e r s , Woodgrey Ltd, Elliot Engineering and Zara McDonnell Boardman. The principal, Mrs Sharon McGrath, concluded the exhibition with the announcement of plans for an annual art exhibition at the college
Donna Fogarty
schoolLife
Get involved with the Gazette As part of the recent 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.
PROMOTEyourSCHOOL te l l u s a b o u t y o u r s c h o o l’ s e v e n t s c o n t a c t t h e G a z ette c a l l 6 0 1 0 2 4 0
29 November 2012 Gazette 15
Gazette
schools
The experiments set up were all popular, but the giant bubble (right) was a particular hit with students, thanks to its fun, hand-on way of showing a scientific principle at work
Bubbling with enthusiasm for tests Aisling O’Fiachain
and Julia Ryan Sixth Year, Notre Dame
O N W E DN E S DAY, November 13, our school hall was transformed into a wacky, wondrous, world of science. Throughout the room, our tansition year and sixth year students had set up amazing experiments to let the invited
primary schools in the area get a close-up, hands-on approach to science. We didn’t think it was possible that this year’s Science Fair could surpass the success of last year’s, but it ended up being even better! Here is what people thought of our Science Fair ... Alison and Katie, from
Holy Cross National school, said: “We really liked the Yop experiment.” Ali, from the Muslim National School, thought it was “amazing and the best school trip of the year”. Jamie Murphy, from the Divine Word National School, found the giant bubble experiment to be “a bit nerve-racking, but
very good”. A teacher from the Muslim National School had nothing but positive things to say about the fair. “It was excellent – I feel bad for the students who didn’t get to go.”
Experiment Diane, from Holy Cross National School, said the giant bubble experiment was “really fun – I didn’t
realise I was in a bubble until it popped”. Sarah, a student of Notre Dame Junior School, loved the slime experiment, and found it “cool, disgusting and scientific”. Lisa Walsh, Prep 6 teacher, Notre Dame Junior School said it was: “A wonderful, interactive hands-on experience for all the children.
“They absolutely loved it, and said it was the highlight of science week.” Ryan, Rathfarnham Parish National School, said that “seeing how things work is fun and exciting”. Ms Byrne, another teacher from Notre Dame, thanked the students of Notre Dame, as “the fair wouldn’t have
been such a success without the help of the transition year and sixth year students”. As you can see, everyone had a wonderful time. Now, we just can’t wait for next year’s fair! The students of Notre Dame would like to thank the science teachers for all of their hard work, as it truly was a day to remember.
GAZETTE
16 GAZETTE 29 November 2012
DUBLINLIFE
FASTBUSINESS
Pictured are (from left to right): Joe Foran, Castleknock Hotel & Country Club (award sponsor); Siobhan Moore, president, Fingal Dublin Chamber; Louise Phelan, PayPal vice president and TV presenter Marty Whelan at the Fingal Business Excellence awards where PayPal won Employer of the Year 2012
Blanch-based PayPal wins Employer of the Year award THE European headquarters of PayPal based in Blanchardstown has won Employer of the Year at this year’s Fingal Business Excellence awards. The global online payment company employs 1,500 people at its facility in Blanchardstown. The awards, hosted by TV personality Marty Whelan, took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry on Friday, November 16, and recognised how highly PayPal values and treats its employees. Judges said PayPal more than met the criteria for this award: “They really value their people and do everything in their power to ensure that each and every employee is treated with respect, dignity and fairness in a creative and innovative atmosphere.” Louise Phelan, PayPal’s Ireland-
based vice president of global operations for Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “At PayPal, we understand that our success as a company is based on how we value and treat our employees. We are very proud the be part of the business community in Fingal and hope that our philosophy can inspire others to keep employees front of mind, keeping them positively engaged, motivated and inspired. “While times are tough for business, it is within everyone’s grasp to create a workplace that really brings the best out in people and ultimately contributes to a better bottom line.” Meanwhile, the company also won two awards and were highly commended in a third category at the Contact Centre Management Association (CCMA) industry awards.
Keelings Sports-Candy launched KEELINGS, the fresh produce company, are celebrating the launch of their LazyTown Sports-Candy range by welcoming the star of the popular children’s show, Sportacus, to stores around Dublin this weekend. LazyTown is a children’s entertainment brand dedicated to promoting health and well-being in a fun way, and Keelings’ Sports-Candy range includes kid size apples, ready to eat mini pears, pre-sliced carrots, washed off-the-vine grapes and easy peelers, all contained in easy to carry punnets.
Keelings is a 100% Irish owned and family run business with an annual turnover of €300 million and employs over 1,400 people in Ireland and a total of approximately 2,000 people across the group. Sportacus will be in Dunnes Stores, Cornelscourt on Friday, November 30 at 4pm, Tesco Extra in Naas on Saturday, December 1 at 10am, in Tesco Dundrum at 4pm, and at Tesco Clarehall on Sunday, December 2 at 10am. Children are encouraged to wear their LazyTown outfits and join Sportacus in his dance moves.
BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Pensions made simple CONTINUING my analysis of pension parameters from last week, I can tell you that if you are thinking of setting up a pension plan, there are four main components that should be considered: 1. The strength of the insurance company where the pension fund is based; 2. The performance of both that company and the specific fund where the pension funds are maintained – though you would have to discount the last year or two, owing to the credit crunch impact; 3. The annual management charges associated with the pension fund by the insurance company, and 4. The commissions, or fees, payable to the intermediary/broker who sets up the pension plan. Outside of the complex self-employed, company owner, director and senior employee pension options, there are two basic employee schemes – defined benefit (DB) and defined contribution (DC) schemes. The former are where employees receive 66% (50% if in the public sector) of their final year’s income, irrespective of the performance of the fund to which the employee or their employer or both has been contributing, and providing the full 40 years’ service has been completed. The latter schemes see the employee and/or the employer contribute into a fund, out of which will fund the monthly pension when the employee retires. That is, if the fund is still there at that time. This is why rigorous annual reviews should be
undertaken on all DC pensions. Even those in both schemes can supplement their pensions through an additional tax saving scheme called additional voluntary contributions (AVCs). Therefore, take steps now – have a look at the age threshold; have you room to start AVCs and, importantly, can you afford it? It is very tax efficient BUT you may have more pressing priorities. Whatever you do, don’t procrastinate, and seek expert advice before it is too late. Remember, the younger you start, the better, as the following shows (with pension maturity values at national retirement age, NRA, 65) – starting at age 25, the estimated maturity value at NRA would be €679,059, providing a yearly pension of €37,114. Starting at 35, the NRA value would be €332,135, providing a pension of €18,567. Starting at 45, the NRA value would be €145,161, providing €8,299. If in doubt, talk to an independent and professional adviser, or email me. More next week. 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
AWARD: PRESTIGIOUS LEADERSHIP WIN FOR COMPANY
Lucan forestry firm leafs the competition behind FOREST Enterprises Ltd (FEL), a national forestry company with its headquar ters in Lucan, has scooped the Leadership Award at the ActionCOACH Business Excellence Awards 2012, along with a merit award in the Best Team category. FEL has been in business for more than 20 years and has become a recognised leader in forestry management in Ireland. The Leadership Award was presented to Daragh Little, managing director, FEL and, according to Richard Cullen, of ActionCOACH: “Daragh was selected for the Leadership Award based not only on his vision for FEL, but also the forestry
sector in Ireland. “He has grown from a forest manager to a true business leader, building the business, developing his team, influencing the industry and Government policy both at local and European level. “As a result, he secured ongoing funding for forestry and established forestr y higher and higher on the investment agenda. “He instilled this vision and energy in his team, which also led him to being awarded in the Best Team category.“ In 2010, forestry contributed to 1.3% of Irish GDP, and the sector is projected to significantly grow in the next 10 years due to a high demand in timber.
Marina Bleahen, managing director, ActionCOACH Ireland; Daragh Little, managing director, Forest Enterprises Ltd; Richard Cullen, business coach, ActionCOACH Ireland and Vivian Peelo, business banking, AIB
FEL has already more than doubled its size in a four-year period, bringing its current employee number to11. Earlier this year, FEL opened two regional offices in Sligo and Cork, announced four new jobs, and launched an information website on commercial forestry. In the past two years
alone, FEL have invested more than €250,000 in their IT and management systems. Speaking on winning the award, Little said: “I am delighted to win the leadership award. I have worked in forestry for more than 20 years and proactively established myself as a solution provider to policy makers.”
29 November 2012 Gazette 17
asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P24
MOTORS P22
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
cinema P20
Pets don’t buy a pet this chrismas – adopt from a centre, instead
Starring as Nancy in the upcoming production of Oliver! at the Bord Gais Theatre, Samantha Barks is a young actress with an already impressive resume. While set to delight audiences with her role in Oliver!, Samantha will soon also be seen on cinema screens alongside Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman in Les Miserables.
theatre: exclusive interview with actress at the heart of oliver!
You’ll be left wanting more! hiromi mooney
YOU can achieve your biggest dreams, even if you hail from a small place. A little girl from the Isle of Man once dreamed of becoming a big star some day, and, after many years of hard work, that dream has come true. Now aged 22, Samantha Barks can call herself a West End theatre star and an international film star. Samantha trained at the Arts Education School in Chiswick, and first graced television screens in 2008 on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s competition on BBC One’s, I’d Do Anything. This was a nationwide search for an actress to play the role of Nancy in Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Oliver! To show their support for Samantha,
-----------------------------------------
‘Nancy is very mistreated by her boyfriend, but she’s facing a dilemma – does she fight for the man that she loves, or for the greater good?’ -----------------------------------------
Samantha Barks
-----------------------------------------
the Isle of Man even renamed itself for one day as the Isle of Sam. Although she finished in third place in the competition, she is now playing Nancy in a touring production of Oliver!, which is coming to the Bord Gais Theatre next month. Although she is
busy with rehearsals, she took time out to speak exclusively to The Gazette. She said: “When I first got the role, it was amazing because it had been part of my life for about four years ... It was my first insight into the showbiz world, with an audition for that part. “I’d worked so hard when I was 17 in the TV show, so to be actually playing it just felt more special, I think, because I’ve had that long-standing sort of a relationship with the role.” Samantha said that she loves being a part of Oliver! because it is “such a laugh”. “You can be on stage with such a talented bunch of people, but also just have so much fun. “Nancy is such an interesting character to play because, on the one hand, she
is the life and soul of every party – everyone loves her, she’s so much fun. “But then, on the other hand, she’s this dark, dark character that comes from a very abused background. She is very mistreated by her boyfriend, but she’s facing a moral dilemma – does she fight for the man that she loves, or does she fight for the greater good? “She meets this boy, Oliver, who has an effect on her like nothing before – it’s greater than her love for Bill, in the end, and that’s her sort of emotional struggle.” In her varied career, to date, Samantha has starred in the lead role of Zoe in the Disney TV series, Groove High, and she made her stage debut as Sally Bowles in Cabaret. Continues on Page 23
THE DSPCA are urging the public to Adopt, Don’t Buy a pet this Christmas as part of a campaign to prevent trafficking and to provide a second chance to many of the pets in its rescue centre. According to the DSPCA, Christmas sees thousands of pets given as presents, many of which are bought online from unscrupulous breeders. The DSPCA is asking people to give pets in rescue centres, such as the DSPCA’s, a second chance by adopting them as gifts rather than purchasing. According to Gillian Bird, head of education, the DSPCA, the society dealt with 3,319 cases of reported animal cruelty, and took in more than 4,400 animals last year alone. She said: “We hear upsetting stories reported to us in the DSPCA every week, and the public can help in many ways.” For further information, see www.dspca.ie.
Pets aren’t just for Christmas, so think carefully before you bring one home
Gazette
18 Gazette 29 November 2012
OUT&ABOUT
STYLE Debenhams €47
Awear €60 Penneys €13
Christmas Guide - for her! Awear €65
Debenhams €153
Laura Webb
The time has come to think about others and give them gifts that are, truthfully speaking, on our own wishlist. This week, Gazette Style has put together a wishlist for females in the family. From perfume, to make-up, coats to hair styling tools, we’ve got it covered. All you Gazette Style readers have to do is chose one that will make your mother, sister, best friend or nieces Christmas, and don’t worry we won’t tell anyone where you got your ideas from. Don’t miss Gazette Style next week, when we will showcase the men’s wishlist. Happy shopping!
Stylist Easy Curl €39.99
YSL See stockists for details
Heatons €40 Penneys €20
Debenhams €40
Dunnes €15
Lancome See stockists for details
Harvey Norman €129.99
Littlewoods.ie €200
29 November 2012 Gazette 19
Gazette
MUSIC FASTtunes with Dee Woods
Beatles for sale... George Harrison once sang All Things Must Pass, but as we remember him on his 11th anniversary this week (November 29), it’s clear not all things belonging to Harrison have. The so-called “quiet Beatle” features on what’s just been declared Britain’s rarest record. A recording by the band that preceded The Beatles: The Quarry Men from 1958 is the most valuable vinyl in the UK. Beatles Paul McCartney and John Lennon feature alongside Harrison on the single of That’ll Be The Day/In Spite of Danger which is valued at nearly €250,000. And if you are indeed a Beatles’ fan with a few quid, then you might like to know Harrison’s infamous leather jacket is going up for auction soon. It’s expected to go for around €150,000 at Bonham’s in London on December 12. Now I wouldn’t mind that in my Christmas stocking... but that’ll be the day. Dee Woods @ Radio Nova
John Paul Jones, RobertPlant and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, were joined on stage at the O2 in London by Jason Bonham
review: a testament to the enduring power of led zeppelin
Rock of ages past As a youth of some summers past, I was handed a well-worn copy of a strange looking record, adorned with a photo of a painting of a man with a bundle of sticks on the wall of a partially demolished building. No track titles, no words at all, just four symbols. “What is this?” “Just the best rock record ever recorded...” “Okay,” I replied, popping it into a Woolworths bag and heading home to play it. My f r i e n d w a s n ’t wrong. Led Zeppelin IV was an incredible record. Though I was aware of Stairway To Heaven, the album opened up a portal to a style of rock that
did not exist before nor has been created again epic, sometimes pastoral, widescreen and elemental like a hurricane. Though a few years disbanded when I first listened to them, Zeppelin became the go-to act when nothing less than rock would do. I spent years tracking down bootlegs, savouring the BBC Sessions and the Remasters box set... Then, in 2007, 27 years after the band broke up in the wake of the death of drummer John Bonham, the impossible happened. I joined in with the estimated 20 million people worldwide who applied for tickets for their one-off show at
the O2 Arena in London after the band were reunited after the passing of their long-time friend and mentor, Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun, who had taken a punt on the English blues band in 1968. A legendary night was had by all (though not me) but, five years later, Atlantic have released a recording and DVD of that night in London in the form of Celebration Day. With the surviving members back on stage with Bonham’s son, Jason, on drums, Zeppelin put on a remarkable show and this is a remarkable testament to their enduring legacy and
contribution to the last 40 years of music. Featuring all of the 16 tracks played that night, sy mpathetically and dynamically mixed by another legend, producer Alan Moulder, the album captures all of the anticipation, the power and the glory of one night in December when the planets aligned and Zeppelin were once more united on stage, where they were always at their most vital. This was no in-it-forthe-paycheck reunion, it was as though Zeppelin had never stopped playing together and that shows through in every single track on Celebration Day.
From Bonham’s countin and Jimmy Page’s piledriver of a a riff on Good Times, Bad Times that opened proceedings, to the final curtain call after a triumphant Rock And Roll, there was a palpable love and respect for each other and the material among the band, a determination to do not only themselves and their back catalogue justice, but to provide a fitting tribute to the man who helped make them the band who still hold so much affection and regard among music lovers, critics and fans worldwide. A simply essential purchase, and one that will make nations happy on any Celebration Day.
dfdfgfgdfg
Gazette
20 gazette 29 November 2012
OUT&ABOUT
CINEMA
more
theatre THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929
RTE Vanburgh Quartet with Nobuko Imai THIS concert brings together the internationally-acclaimed RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet with the sensational Nobuko Imai, regarded as one of the most outstanding violists of her generation. Noted for her flawless technique and warm, expressive tone, Imai has performed as a solo artist with many of the world’s finest orchestras. December 1, tickets are priced at €17/€15.
Mill Theatre 01 296 9340
Miracle on 34th St ENJOY such popular songs such as Pinecones and Hollyberries, It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas and My State, My Kansas, in this joyous, heart-warming musical of pure family entertainment. Miracle On 34th Street tells the story of a mother and daughter that are much too practical to believe in Santa Claus. Macy’s hires a kind, white-bearded, older gentlemen to play Santa at the store, but when the man proclaims to be Kris Kringle and Santa himself, his sanity is called into question. Presented by Glencullen Musical and Dramatic Society and directed by Tom Ronayne. December 5-15 at 8pm, tickets are priced at €20/18.
CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 ABBA Forever
IT’S Christmas! It’s party time! It’s ABBA! From Waterloo to Dancing Queen, expect a dazzling, fantastic performance including the most iconic hits, Mamma Mia, SOS, Money, Money Money, The Winner Takes It All and many more. December 10 and 11, tickets are priced at €20.
Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena take aim at the bad guys
Cops and robbers: Jake Gyllenhaal and michael Pena join the force
An exciting watch I AM having a crisis, dear readers. This time of year inevitably brings too many good films, meaning my inner curmudgeon doesn’t get the chance to stretch its legs. With last week’s surprisingly excellent The Sapphires and the highs of Argo comes End of Watch. Unlike last week’s review, there is nothing surprising about the brilliance on show here. Written, directed and produced by David Ayer, this is unsurprisingly a cop movie. When I say unsurprisingly, it is important to note that Ayer is the man behind the script f o r 2 0 01 ’s Tr a i n i n g Day, was the director of 2006’s outrageously good and criminally
paul hosford
phosford@gazettegroup.com
underseen Harsh Times and 2008’s decent but disappointing Street Kings. Take into account that he also wrote SWAT and Dark Blue and you come to the conclusion that, yeah, this guy likes his men in uniform. Which is not to say that his canon is onedimensional. Ayer ’s experiences on the streets of South Central LA in his 20s have given him a keen eye for the realities of the street and a finely attuned
sense of realism is always attached to his films. Except for SWAT and The Fast and The Furious. Oh, and he did write U-571, the most historically inaccurate film of all time. But he’s apologised for that, so we can just enjoy his LA films. Mu c h l i ke 2 0 0 6 ’s Harsh Times, End of Watch takes a look at a pair of cops on one of LA’s tougher beats. And again like Harsh Times, there is a white guy and a Hispanic guy. But that is largely where the similarities end. Where Harsh Times looked at the subjects with a strangely compelling detached air, End of Watch buzzes with a familiarity
Film of the Week: End of Watch h h h h h (15) 109mins Director: David Ayer Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Pena, Anna Kendrick, Natalie Martinez, David Harbour, Frank Grillo, America Ferrera
OUR VERDICT: THERE are small stumbles, small little frustrating stumbles, but all in all, this is a great piece of cinema. Brave, unflinching and superbly acted, End of Watch is as good a cop film as there is, but is abundantly more. A great dissection of character, a fantastic look at male relationships and a thoroughly brilliant piece of film-making. See it. See it now.
and an almost childlike energy. Jake Gyllenhaal plays Officer Brian Taylor, a jovial, sarcastic showoff who, along with his partner Mike Zavala (Michael Pena) stumbles across a case that is a few stations above their pay-grade. Like all good movie cops, the two dive head first into it, eschewing the rules, guidelines and protocol of the LAPD.
With many scenes being show n almost entirely through handheld camera, there is a sense of proximity and almost voyeurism in what we’re seeing. Ayer throws off that idea whenever a scene needs more scope or scale and, far from being a jarring juxtaposition, it actually works quite nicely. The grubby corners of LA that Ayer is obvi
ously so familiar with are easily explored with the handhelds, while the action of the film’s second and third acts can be properly portrayed with the less intrusive camera angles. Yes, the bad guys are fairly shallowly drawn, but in this case it doesn’t matter. Their menace is real and Gyllenhaal and Pena infuse their cops with so much likeability, their mere survival is enough to make you root for them. Gyllenhaal is an actor who has quietly gone about establishing himself as one of Hollywood’s most capable, and odd, leading men. Though he will likely miss out on Oscar recognition for this, his performance should be seen.
29 November 2012 GAZETTE 21
GAZETTE
GAMING NINTENDO: NEW CONSOLE IS ALMOST HERE
Wii U is here for, umm, you SHANE DILLON
THE Wii is dead – long live the Wii U. Confused? I don’t blame you, as the news that Nintendo has a new console may be, well, news for many parents and casual gamers. Nintendo has announced that, as of now, it no longer has any new first-party Wii games in development – this means that it will continue to support the Wii, but not to make any new games for it, while it focuses on its all-new Wii U console instead, which launches this Friday, November 30. But, as Nintendo prepares to put its perfectly
SHANE DILLON sdillon@gazettegroup.com
decent (and particularly family-friendly) console into sleepy retirement, the company has finally unveiled its next console – the Wii U – with which it looks set to finally pose a challenge to Microsoft and Sony. Although arriving late to the games party, at least Nintendo have finally rucked up with some hardware of note, and with, seemingly, a
STEP UP TO A CHALLENGING ISLAND
Madness, mayhem – and lovely views – in Far Cry 3 The sleek lines of Nintendo’s Wii U is very much in keeping with modern design trends – and, thankfully, it’s got plenty of power, too, along with a potentially very interesting controller (left)
more astute sense of how to position itself, and to make its console a real contender as a platform for gamers to embrace. But first, what is the Wii U? Put simply, it’s very much a modern games console that, in many ways, is comparable to the power of the XBox 360 or the PlayStation 3 – a notable step up in pure oomph from the Wii’s modest capabilities. Nintendo being Nintendo, they’ve sought to do something that differentiates it from the competition; in this new console, that’s very much the case with its special controller – and how. The GamePad is a large,
COMPETITIONgiveaway giveaway WIN A GREAT KINECT GAME
Your chance to get sporty with XBox THE Gazette has teamed up with Microsoft again for another great XBox 360 giveaway – and, once again, there’s a fun Kinect title up for grabs (which, as you’d expect, requires a Kinect body-tracking sensor to play). With Christmas almost upon us, family party games are always a real hit at this time of year, as well as games that you can return to time and again for lots of fun – so, what better game to pick up than Kinect Sports Ultimate? For those who aren’t as superfit as me (cough), you’ll have lots of fun getting breathless (or showboating your skills) in a wide range of sports, including soccer, football, golf, skiing, tennis, boxing, darts, baseball, bowling, track & field, table tennis, beach volleyball and basketball – if that’s not enough to suit any sporting interest (or to get granny showing off her previously little-seen volleyball skills), well ... Not only that, but we’ll (okay, Microsoft) even bung in some extra prizes for each
BYTES&PIECES
of five lucky winners: a Gold threemonth XBox Live subscriptions, as well as 2,100 Microsoft Points. So, to win your copy of Kinect Sports Ultimate, and the other goodies, just answer the following question ... In which sport would you use a racket? A. Tennis B. Golf C. Darts Email competitions@gazettegroup.com with your answer before noon on Friday, December 7. Please include your full name and address; one entry per applicant; five correct winners will be selected at random, with prizes posted out the following week.
chunky controller with a centralised touchscreen, which offers all kinds of interesting options for games, once designers get to grips with it (no pun intended). For example, that screen could show all kinds of information that directly relate to the onscreen action – such as to be an always-on map of where the player is in that game’s world, with lots of other obvious uses such as showing rankings, inventories, and so on.
Attractiveness Add to that the tactile attractiveness of swiping through and selecting content on this secondary screen, which has an instant relevancy to the on-screen action, and it’s clear that this feature alone has the potential to make the Wii U a very creatively interesting console, and gives it a unique selling point over its rivals. W hat’s under the hood? Suffice to say that it holds its own against the 360 and PS3, with graphics that are a significant step up from the Wii, if programmed right. A few points of note – it can support high definition graphics, with this HD capability a first for Nintendo, as well as using Flash storage for on-board saves. The GamePad can be used to play some games without the TV, with other peripherals also usable, and on the way.
Because nobody in the world really cares about how many tiny elves it whips on treadmills to make the machine process sub-pixel shading – yawn – let’s jump straight on to what will be a huge selling point for many. The fact that it’s backward-compatible with Wii games, meaning that Wii fans, families, those trading up – and even a certain Mr S Claus – can breathe a sigh of relief, as the new console supports all those Wii games people already have. Lastly, in what’s likely to be of most note to hardcore gamers, it’s also worth pointing out that several “heavyweight” games and franchises are also being ported to the Wii U, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops II, Aliens: Colonial Marines, Assassin’s Creed 3, and many more. While Nintendo remains the most familyfriendly console out there – to its detriment, some would say, as it hasn’t presented much choice or use for more mature gamers – it’s great to see that the Wii U will offer a “better” range of games. As expected for a launch console, it ain’t cheap, folks – kiss goodbye to at least €400, for the console and a few good games – but for a great, interesting new console, with some already noteworthy launch titles – this could be what Wii, or U, have been waiting for ...
THIS weekend, lots of gamers will be heading to a beaufitul island paradise to get Lost (see what I did there?) with Far Cry 3 – the latest and very pretty, yet pretty violent addition to the popular open-world franchise. Available on PlayStation 3, XBox 360 and PC, the game sees you searching for your girlfriend, and friends, on a beautiful island chain – beautiful, that is, except for some of the inhabitants – very bad men with guns – who aren’t best pleased to have some tourist interlopers ... I rambled – or rampaged – though an extensive hands-on advance preview of the game recently, and can confirm that it’s a great shooter, with an interesting (if slightly unhinged) plot and set of characters, as well as a frequently stunning open-world setting. So, for gamers looking for a lovely-looking (and often frenetic) shooter, you don’t have very Far to look ...
OH, DELL ...
Latest results underline crisis in the PC sector THERE are all kinds of fascinating, bizarre – and occasionally worrying – stories happening across the tech sector at the moment, with former hardware and software giants suddenly facing into unexpected battles. One such battle lies ahead for PC maker Dell, with a number of tech sites and reports picking up on its latest quarterly results, which show pretty hefty drops in both revenues and operating profits – these, in the same year in which its share price has also taken a drastic dive. Former tech giants, such as HP and Blackberry-maker, RIM, have seen a drastic reversal of fortunes in this time. With traditional PC/laptop sales plateauing, at best, or simply slumping around the world, as users migrate to tablets instead – not to mention the inexorable rise of smartphones – Dell, as with rivals and allies alike, faces a challenge to turn things around, before it drifts a little too close to beleaguered MySpace territory ...
IF SPOTTED ...
Tech figurehead continues to evade police in Belize AT THE time of writing, a story that’s been fascinating tech reporters and, well, just reporters around the world has been the bizarre tale of multimillionaire internet entrepreneur John McAfee – yes, that McAfee, whose antivirus software many readers have on their PCs – who remains on the run in Belize, after being named as “a person of interest” in the shooting dead of his neighbour, Gregory Faull, with police looking to interview him for their enquiries. Unfortunately for San Pedro police, and to help with the enquiry into the late Mr Faull’s murder, McAfee has, to use an old-fashioned phrase, gone “on the lam” around the tiny country – a curious decision to make, yet one made even stranger (and attracting intense media attention) by his decision to start a blog, and to contact international media, both protesting his innocence and detailing the ways in which he has avoided Belize police, how he has disguised himself, and so on. Perhaps the best, last word on this continuing situation (at the time of writing) should be left to Belize’s prime minister, Dean Barrow, who has said of McAfee’s evasion: “It strikes me that he is extremely paranoid ... I would go as far as saying he is completely bonkers.”
22 Gazette 29 November 2012
Gazette
&ABOUT OUT road
MOTORS
NOISE
Young artists invited to dream up car Creative kids will be delighted to hear that Toyota Ireland have announced the launch of the annual Dream CarArt Contest. The national competition invites budding Irish artists under the age of 16 to dream up their car of the future. Nine Irish finalists will be awarded prizes which range from a Nintendo DS, Digital Camera, iPod shuffle and art supply vouchers, as well as the chance to win an unforgettable trip to Japan if they are successful at a global level. A panel of three judges, RTE presenter Diana Bunici, lecturer in Fine Art at NCAD OliverWhelan and a representative from Toyota Ireland have the tough job of selecting three finalists in each age category (under 10 years, 10-12 years and 13-15 years) as the national winners. These winners will be announced in March 2013. Young artists are being asked to draw or paint their vision of a Dream Car using standard art materials (digital submissions will not be accepted). All entries must be in colour and include a car and a background or setting on A3 size paper. All submissions can be entered by dropping art work into an authorised Toyota dealership or sending it to Toyota Ireland, Killeen Rd, Dublin 12 and clearly mark it Toyota Dream CarArt Contest. The submission must be accompanied by an entry form which can be downloaded from www.toyota. ie . The contest will be open until February 28, 2013. The nine Irish winners’ works will go on to compete against international winners for gold, silver and bronze in a global competition with a grand prize of a once-in-a lifetime trip to Japan.
At the launch of the annual Toyota Dream Car Art Contest was TV presenter and competition judge Diana Bunici. Diana was on hand at the Radisson Blu St Helen’s to help Kayla O’Toole (5) and Matthew Lawless (6) kick-start their competition entries
The Ibiza comes with a serious shopping list of features as standard
seat: spacious, economical motor with up-to-date styling
Ibiza is great value with VW reliability
n Cormac Curtis
Sit ting into the SEAT Ibiza last month was a reassuring experience for a number of reasons. Firstly, the car simply had a ver y well-puttogether feeling to it, but what really put me at ease was that SEAT were supplying me with pretty much the most standard spec of the Ibiza range that anyone on these shores is likely to come across. No leather upholstery, no heated seats and steering wheel, no 22” bling alloys, no premium sound system named after an electric guitar and it certainly didn’t make coffee… this was possibly the most honest car that I have been trusted to review in some time,
specs: Ibiza 1.2 Style 0 – 100km/hr: 13.9 secs Top speed: 163km/h CO2 Emissions : 125g/km Tax Band: B Current Tax Rate: €225 Price: €15750 (Metallic: €345, as driven: €16,095)
and SEAT are clearly more than confident that the car speaks for itself. And it does. As I said, the Ibiza is a solid motor from the off, and you can feel it. I actually watched a recent British motoring TV programme where two of the presenters were blindfolded and given the task of assessing the interior build quality of two saloons – a silly bit of TV, but it did make me
think of the cars I have driven recently and how I would rate them in terms of value for money. A fter I considered points of contact, such as the steering wheel, gear knob, window buttons and audio/climate controls, as well as upholstery, dashboard materials and how the doors felt opening and closing, the Ibiza was very hard to beat. Considering this car would be a good €10,000 less than most of the other cars I have tested in recent months, it was very difficult to look past it as top of the value heap.
Praise The highest praise from a passenger in the car came from my highly-critical other
half – she doesn’t suffer poor quality and has a bit of an obsession with the VW Golf, but that didn’t stop her taking the words out my mouth and comparing the Ibiza to the classic Volkswagen hatchback. It has to be said that the Ibiza 1.2 Style has a great deal more going for it than the Golf ever did back in the day. Not only is the quality bullet proof, but it comes with a serious shopping list of features as standard, some of the more eyebrow-raising additions are the very pretty 16” Stratos alloy wheels that match the body very nicely indeed, a tinted rear window, up-to-date new foglights with cornering, the rear view mirrors and door handles are heated and come in body colour.
As far as the illumination goes, there are sparking chromed headlights and rear LED lights. Going back to comfort and points of contact, the gearstick and steering wheel are both leather, and the car comes with air conditioning and a stereo that has Bluetooth, USB and Aux connections to its six speakers. So a spacious, fivedoor, economical motor with bang up-to-date styling and a host of extras for well under €16,000, what else are the 18- to 25-year-olds looking for these days? This car represents some of the best value on the market and as part of the VW group, it should be every bit as reliable as its stable mates.
29 November 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 23
GAZETTE
FEATURES
A feature of Samantha Bark’s role in the upcoming big-budget production of Les Miserables (above) will be live, on-set singing, adding extra vibrancy to her performance
THEATRE: ACTRESS CHANNELS ‘POSITIVE ENERGY’
Focused on her art Continued from Page 17
However, Samantha’s career took another turn when she made her West End debut as Eponine in the classic musical, Les Miserables. After a year in the part, she played this role again in the Les Miserables 25th anniversary concert at the O2 Arena in London in 2010. Stunning news came when Cameron Mackintosh announced that The King’s Speech director Tom Hooper had cast her as Eponine in the upcoming Les Miserables Hollywood movie. Mackintosh made the announcement on stage during a curtain call of Oliver! in Manchester last February, and Samantha’s stunned reaction can be seen on YouTube. “I was literally just as shocked and surprised as I looked,” said Samantha. “I still can’t even remember [the moment]! It was just the most incredible moment of my life, where everything just changed in such a quick moment, and to have that on record
– that I can actually watch and go ‘Actually, that did happen; that wasn’t a dream’ – it’s really cool.” Samantha later learned that she was chosen to play the part over other famous stars, such as Taylor Swift and Lea Michele. “Whenever you go for a role, you always know that you’re up against all of these wonderful actresses – it’s just that you don’t necessarily know who they are. “So, I just keep this as my motto: ‘I’m not going to gain anything by knowing who I’m up against, or who’s been seen’. It’s not very productive and it’s not a positive energy to go in with into an audition room. “I just try to block that kind of gossip out of my mind, and be the best that I can be,” she said. “You’ve got to be completely 100%-focused on your audition and what you need to do – not what other people are doing.” The Les Miserables film, which opens early next year, is set to be memorable for its music as all of
the singing was recorded live on set, instead of having the actors mime to the pre-recorded audio. This allowed the actors to make their acting decisions spontaneously while in the heat of the moment. Samantha appears in the film alongside Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman and Amanda Seyfried, and Barks is being touted for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination. “It was fantastic. It was an amazing experience. The whole cast was a nice bunch of people.
Overwhelming “It was overwhelming in one way to be working with people like that, but also they were a nice bunch of people, so they made me feel as relaxed as I possibly could be,” she said. “We were all supportive to each other, and it was amazing – just the whole fact that everybody had such support for each other. It was very exciting.” So, from being a little
girl on the Isle of Man to becoming a Hollywood star on the rise, what advice does Samantha have to be successful? “Literally, you have to work your socks off. You can’t just sort of let things happen, and sit back and go: ‘Oh yeah, that’ll happen’, or ‘Why isn’t that happening for me?’ “I tend to just set my sights on something and then work as hard as I possibly can. “Some things happen, some things just don’t. You need to not dwell on something when something doesn’t work out for you. Use that negative energy and put it into the next thing that you want to happen. “Celebrate your success, and don’t dwell on any failures that you might come across,” she advised. Samantha has dreamed a dream, and it has come true. You can see her in action on stage in Oliver! at The Bord Gais Energy Theatre from December 12 to January 12, or on the big screen in Les Miserables from January 11.
24 LUCAN gazette 29 November 2012
Gazette
&ABOUT OUT fast TRAVEL
Take a oui break and celebrate the festive season in Europe ESCAPE the winter chill and embrace the festive season in one of Europe’s favourite cities with a perfect pre-Christmas getaway. Stay three nights in romantic Prague from just €167 per person with GoHop.ie. The package includes return flights from Dublin, three night’s accommodation in a three-star hotel, and all taxes and charges, travelling on December 9. Alternatively, see the sights of Copenhagen with a four-night stay in a four-star hotel, from just €300 per person, travelling on December 7. Why not ring in the New Year beneath the Eiffel Tower with a five-night stay in a four-star hotel in Paris? Travelling on December 29, the package is available from just €348 per person. All prices include return flights from Dublin, accommodation, taxes and charges. For more winter break offers, see www.gohop. ie/specials.php.
Step back in time at Strokestown Park FOR any family looking for a Christmas Day out with a difference this festive season, then perhaps taking a trip back to Victorian times could lead you straight to Strokestown Park in Co Roscommon. Visitors will be greeted at The Woodland Walk Cafe and travel through the secret tunnel into the underground rooms of Strokestown House – for the very first time – where guests will meet Santa’s Elves and enjoy a delicious hot chocolate. While children will have a chance to meet Mr and Mrs Claus, adults will enjoy the oldworld Christmas gift shop with Irish crafts, magical books and a chance to create a personal Christmas hamper. A family ticket (two adults and three children) is priced at €50; single adult tickets are €7, while tickets for children availing of the whole magical experience are priced at €15. All bookings, including group bookings for larger groups and schools, can be made at www.strokestownpark.ie.
kerry: the long drive to kenmare is worth it – thanks to this hotel
You’ll fall for lodge’s comfort and luxury laura webb
BAGS packed and ready to go – road-trip. I had heard of the stunning views of Sheen Falls Lodge at Kenmare in Kerry, so I was really looking forward to seeing it for myself. Checking the journey ahead, I was warned by my Sat-Nav that it would take more than four hours to get there from Dublin – so, it was time to get moving. I picked up my friend,
Anne, and we were well on our way as we travelled down the M7. Merging onto the M8 towards Cork, we decided to take a quick pit-stop. Once we were fed and watered, it was back on the road, excited about the destination ahead. On reaching Cork, we stayed on the N25 – or so we thought. It was our first wrong turn of the journey, and we were now heading towards Waterford – not the des-
tination we were looking for. So, it was time to turn back and head back the way we came, but, unfortunately, it wasn’t the right way either. After much circling around, we finally realised we should have continued straight on the N25, rather than turning off to the left. By the time we left Cork, it was dark and we were longing to be at Sheen Falls, but our nightmare journey didn’t
The hotel bedrooms are as inviting and comfortable as you could wish for
Although tucked away in Co Kerry, the journey to Sheen
stop there – diversion signs, oh dear! We finally arrived and I have never been so happy to see accommodation. On arrival, the staff were more than helpful, and we were given a mini-tour of the lodge. Our room was situated in the sailing quarter, and had spectacular views of the lake and forest, which were wonderfully lit to enhance their beauty at night. Dinner at La Cascade was booked, a place where dressing up for the occasion is a must. As we waited for our order, we were given a selection of artisan bread, which Anne was delighted to taste because she is currently studying professional baking. The selection was Italian herbs and seeded rye
--------------------------
‘The whole feel of the lodge is pure relaxation, where you feel like you are a far cry from civilisation’ --------------------------
bread, as well as some potato rolls. They were each freshly baked and cooked to perfection. I had salmon for my starter, and venison for my main – both delicately cooked, and complemented by flavour. The lodge is situated just off the main road at Kenmare and is hidden away from the hustle and bustle of life. It is an ideal place for a couple’s retreat, for those
29 November 2012 LUCAN gazette 25
Gazette
Travel fast
TRAVEL
Support Leinster Rugby in Clermont
Falls Lodge is undoubtedly worth it, with its welcoming luxury and comfort – not to mention its wonderful location in The Kingdom
who just want to enjoy each others’ company, to relax and maybe try out some of the many attractions the lodge has to offer, such as fishing, falconry, clay pigeon shooting, tennis and horse-riding, to name but a few. After some gentle exercise, a spa treatment is a must and that is what we decided to do the morning after we arrived. However, before our treatments, it was time for some breakfast, which was served at the restaurant we ate at the night before. Seeing the view during the day was even more magnificent. The whole feel of the lodge is pure relaxation, where you feel like you are a far cry from civilisation. Again, the food was well presented and tasted
as good as it looked. We were offered a European-style buffet with pastries, fruit, cereal and yogurts among other things, or you could order Sheen Falls breakfast specials such as pancakes, omelettes, French toast or a good aul’ Irish brekkie. Full to the brim, it was time to relax and attend our treatments at the health club. The Sheen Falls Health Club offers an array of treatments, from massages to manicures – it caters for a full body experience. I was treating myself to a Yonka Aromastone 60-minute massage. This was a hot stone massage that would relax even the tightest of muscles. There are two types: a full body or a back, shoulder and neck
massage. I received the latter massage, which is considered the better option for an hour’s treatment. Again, the staff could not have been nicer, and worked wonders on making Anne and me feel more relaxed, and we both ended up feeling like we were on cloud nine. The return journey took a little over four hours, which showed that the day before had just been one of those disaster trips – but we weren’t at all put off by the journey, and would go back in a heartbeat. While I would admit that this lodge isn’t easy on the pocket, you do have to pay that little extra for life’s luxuries and, for me, Sheen Falls is luxury at its best.
WHILE Round Three of the Heineken Cup will no doubt prove to be Leinster’s most difficult assignment when they travel to Clermont and face the former French Top 14 Champions this December, the sporting clash will be a must-see. Joe Walsh Tours have a selection of flights and overnight packages available for the game, as well as official match tickets from €359, plus tax. Departing on December 8 for one night, the package includes direct return flights from Dublin to Clermont, including hotel transfer, one checked-in bag and one night at the threestar Kyriad Prestige, or the four-star Holiday Inn Garden Court, in Clermont city centre, on a B&B basis. The package also includes transfer to Stadium Marcel Michelin, and back to the airport on December 9. For further details, or to book your package, see www.joewalshtours.ie/leinster, telephone 01 241 0800, or email info@joewalshtours.ie.
Escape to Malta’s sun for Christmas
Splash out on – or in – any of the hotel’s many features, all designed to leave you relaxed and refreshed
WITH some choosing to revel in the winter weather when it comes to Christmas time, sometimes a break away is exactly the winter warmer that you really need. Whatever your Christmas budget, Concorde Travel is offering a range of packages to whisk you away to the island of Malta. Packages are available for three or seven nights, in a wide range of accommodation. Depart on December 21 for seven nights and stay at the three-star St George’s Park & La Vallette, from €594PP; stay at the four-star Hotel Maritim Antonine, from €634PP, or stay at the four-star Hotel Cavalieri, €704PP. Travel on Christmas Eve and spend seven nights at the fourstar Cavalieri, from €670PP, or treat yourself at the five-star Radisson Blu Bay Point, from €764PP. The Christmas packages include return flights, taxes, transfers and accommodation. To book your Christmas break, see www.concordetravel. ie, or phone 01 775 9300.
26 Lucan gazette 29 November 2012
LucanCLASSIFIEDS
Bathrooms
Plumbing
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
DVD TRANSFERS
Car Services
Dental
Want to Talk to your local market?
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
planning Notice south Dublin County Council I, Carmel Butler, wish to apply for planning permission for the construction of a single storey extension (15 sq.m) to the rear and side to include a disabled access bathroom / shower room, new main entrance and steps (front and rear). at 59 Monastery Rise, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. This application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am - 4pm, Mon-Fri, and a submission or observation may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5weeks beginning on the date of receipt by South Dublin County Council of the application. 16985
House services
JT PLUMBING
BEST PRICES IN DUBLIN!!
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
TOP CLASS PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior & Exterior, Damaged Ceilings, Walls Repaired
BRICK,BLOCK AND STONEWORK
now on
01 6516239 iarmstrong@ gazettegroup.com
TO LET
OUTSIDE TAP SUPPLIED & FITTED €70
FREE ESTIMATES Fully Insured
Imelda Armstrong
17030
All areas covered. 15 years experience. Free estimates.
Talk to us first!
Call your local sales person,
planning Notice South Dublin County Council We, Mrs. Weronika Butrym & Mrs. Ewelina Matusiak, intend to apply for planning permission at 13Foxborough Glade, Lucan, Co. Dublin. Development consists of partial change of use the dwelling into a full day care of children aged 3-5 years, from Monday to Friday. A 111,5sq.m storey floor house. The building will contain 3 pre-school activity rooms, kitchen, 2 bathrooms, resting room, 3 parking spaces. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€ 20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the of the Planning Authority.
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
FOR ALL YOUR FENCING REQUIREMENTS SUPPLIED AND FITTED IN TIMBER AND PVC CON CONTACT DALY FENCING ON [087] 7651272 C2 REG.
Call Colm 01 457 0829 087 970 0259
HANDYMAN SERVICES 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
We have 135,000* readers each week *based on standard industry measurements
Pet services
PET MINDERS Safe, Cosy, Cos Pet Boarding. 5 Mins from Castleknock, Blanchardstown & Lucan.Call now for early booking. Call 086 8126387/ 01 8223690 Reasonable Rates
advertise your business to our readers call 60 10 240
29 November 2012 LUCAN Gazette 27
wakeboarding P29
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
sports awards P28
FastSport third time unlucky for Loughran:
Former Irish women’s hockey manager Sally Ann Fanagan, centre, celebrates her national volunteer award with, left to right, Alex Speers, Lisa Jacob and Emma Gray
volunteers: fanagan named adult manager of the year at the aviva stadium
Local heroes honoured for selfless services to sport LORETO hockey club member Sally Ann Fanagan was honoured this week with the Adult Manager of the Year Award at the Irish Sport Council’s National Awards to Volunteers in Sport in the Aviva Stadium. Fanagan was awarded the gong following an amazing service to Irish hockey, taking over as the Irish senior women’s team manager in 2006. During her tenure, she amassed 155 caps before she retired in June, taking in three European championships, two Olympic qualifiers, two Champions
Challenge campaigns and one World Cup qualifier. The awards are a collaboration between the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Irish Sports Council and the Federation of Irish Sport which represents over 70 sports in Ireland. In attendance at the event was Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring who acknowledged the exceptional work of the honoured volunteers in sport “For me all our winners epitomise
true sportsmen and women who not alone get a great deal out of sport but perhaps just as importantly put a huge amount into sport,” he said. Also on the list of award winners was Cormorant swimming club coach Marian Fenton, martial arts administrator Brendan Dowling and Gymnastics Ireland’s Mary Murray. Blackrock Flyers founders Colm and Shelagh Leech also received one of the awards on the back of the fantastic work they have done in disability sports and in particular, the Special
Olympics. The Leeches have been volunteers with Special Olympics for over 15 years during which time they have taken on a variety of different roles working at national, regional and local club levels. Their daughter, Tara, is a participant in the Special Olympics in gymnastics, basketball, athletics and golf. In 1989 the couple were among a group of parents to establish a Special Olympics Club in Bray before they went on to found a further club in Blackrock.
FORMER Mount Anville student Sinead Loughran was left on the runnersup side for a third consecutive year in the NCAA hockey championship final as University of North Carolina fell to Princeton 3-2. For each of the past three years, UNC have fallen at the final hurdle by the same scoreline after epic runs to the final of the competition. Loughran’s university had won their regional conference before beating Syracuse 6-1 – who featured fellow Dubliners Emma Russell, Liz McInerney and Gillian Pinder – with Loughran on the score sheet in the national semi-final.
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 29 November 2012
SPORT
DublinGazetteNewspapers 2012 dublin sports awards november nominees
WITH winter closing in, local stars are continuing to warm the sports landscape with a string of blistering performances. Dundrum South Dublin AC’s runners claimed the most of the first major cross-country crowns of the winter with Ava Hutchinson’s performance chief among them. A string of local soccer stars are forging their way into Republic of Ireland squads while Barry Murphy’s recordbreaking feats were part of an immaculate Irish swimming team overall performance. From a team perspective, November has seen numerous clubs shine on the Leinster GAA scene but none more so than Castleknock’s footballers. From a collective perspective, Lucan Sarsfields’ immaculate work at underage level has borne fruit in abundance as they annexed their 20th camogie title in six seasons. Swords Celtic have similarly blazed a trail on the soccer front.
H STARof the MONTH
sean byrne
barry murphy
ava hutchinson
ST JOSEPH’S striker Sean Byrne produced a fine showing for the Republic of Ireland as he got on the mark for the U-16s as they played out a highly competitive pair of matches against Estonia.
THE ALSAA swimmer broke a string of national records to show his form at the European short course championships in Chartres, France. He topped his best mark in the 50m butterfly and the 50m breaststroke.
LONDON Olympian Ava Hutchinson picked off the national intercounty cross country title, showing her form leading into the European championships with victory in the senior women’s race.
castleknock junior football
swords celtic
lucan sarsfields camogie
LEINSTER junior championship glory was annexed last Sunday to go with Dublin honours as they had too much in the tank for St Fintan’s last weekend at Parnell Park. A truly breathtaking season continues.
AFTER an eighth successive win at the start of the month, Swords Celtic have rocketed to the top of the LSL junior leagues and look in great shape for promotion up to the intermediate ranks as the midway mark nears.
A MEMORABLE month for the 12th Lock club, their minors won a third successive A championship - the fifth top tier underage in quick succession while three of their senior team have been added to the Dublin panel.
TEAMof the MONTH H
Fingal host cricket coaching development event sport@gazettegroup.com
Recent participants in one of the ICC introduction to coaching courses
FINGAL Cricket Development Officer Reinhardt Strydom, with the help of Simi Singh, recently presented an ICC introduction to coaching course in the Fingal area. The course was delivered at Corduff Sport Centre, Blanchardstown last week and was attended by 13 participants who were represented by clubs from different areas of Fingal and Leinster. The course ran for four hours explaining the basic laws of cricket, how the game works
and to show different small sided games that can be played in the schoolyard. The session started with a demonstration of how the game of cricket works along with the basic rules with a layout of a cricket field. Following that, batting was demonstrated with the grip and stance shown along with the execution of the forward drive. The bowling element concentrated initially on the basic action before progressing to run-ups and follow-throughs. To finish, the teachers were
shown hand-eye co-ordination skills and games and also four different cricket games to play with their students. These games included Pairs cricket and Continuous cricket. Participants arriving with little or no knowledge of cricket learned a lot over the four hours. “They left understanding the game better, had fun, learned to bat and bowl and were all looking forward to trying out these games with their relevant classes. This will hugely help the growth of cricket in Fingal and special thanks have to go to all
the schools and teachers who attended. “A very successful course with many positive outcomes resulted from the day’s activities. “The council are committed to developing sport in Fingal and cricket is a major part of that plan. “This programme gives teachers the basic skills of the game and enables them to pass on what they have learned to their students through fun and active games,” said Niall Mc Guirk, senior sports development office for Fingal County Council.
29 November 2012 LUCAN gazette 29
Gazette
O’Caoimh flying high in the wakeboarding world Killiney teenager has entered the wakeboarding world’s top 20 with stellar performances in Asia, South Africa and Australia all while continuing his studies in Ireland TALENTED Killiney native David O’Caoimh ended his year with a tenth place finish at the final wakeboarding world cup event in Palembang, Indonesia last Sunday. Despite negotiating 33 degree heats, the teenager did well to storm his way through the qualifying heats but he came unstuck at the semi-final stage whilst performing one of his most technical tricks. Nonetheless, the result continued his rise into the top 20 in the world in a growing sport that is looking toward potential inclusion in the 2020 Olympic Games. It is quite the achievement for the 18-year-old who, despite the elements in Ireland working against the sport in many respects
stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com
– the climate one of the major factors – he has been making waves on the international scene. O’Caoimh has been on the water for the guts of three quarters of his life, first following in his parents footsteps. They were keen windsurfers and introduced him to that sport initially during summer holidays in Cavan but he soon graduated to the wakeboard, a hybrid of water-skiing, snowboarding and surfing with added gymnastics. Pulled along by a speed-
boat at 20 to 25 miles per hour, competitors use the wake of the boat to perform flips and spins to spectacular effect. And, since the turn of the year, O’Caoimh has been one of the foremost protagonists, training on the ice cold waters of Ireland year-round. In 2012, his winning season kicked off when he won the gold medal in the junior men’s division at the European wakeboarding championships in South Africa in February. It led to an invite to the prestigious wakeboard world cup in Australia to which only the top 20 male riders in the world are selected. There, he was up against full-time professional wakeboarders from
all over the world, managing to take fifth place. A few weeks later he went on to compete at the US Wake Games and took bronze in the junior pro men’s category. He then defended his national pro title in Ireland and, a fortnight
petition where, for the second year in a row, he won the gold. Speaking about the incredible run of results, O’Caoimh said: “I am so happy to have had such a fantastic season and I’m really delighted with my titles.”
--------------------------------------------------------
‘I am so happy to have had such a fantastic season and I’m really delighted with my titles’ - David O’Caoimh
--------------------------------------------------------
afterwards, he took the top spot at the Irish open wakeboard championships. From there, it was off to Germany to compete at the prestigious Chill and Ride international com-
Killiney man David O’Caoimh has produced an incredible year on the world wakeboarding scene
While many of his opponents can afford to compete full-time, O’Caoimh is currently combining competing with his studies. Despite travelling to Asia, Australia, South Africa, the USA and Europe to train and compete, he managed to find time to sit the Leaving Certificate and is currently in first year at UCD. But he is hoping that by the time he finishes college, he could be looking at an Olympic campaign. Wakeboarding has been shortlisted for the 2020 Olympic Games and the world championships are now held under the auspices of the IOC. In addition, the first Wakeboard Cable Park has recently been given planning approval and is expected to open in the Dublin Docklands next spring.
FastSport
St Luke’s create school history in Parnell Park ST Luke’s National School in Tyrrelstown created history for their school by winning the first ever GAA trophy this week when they won the final of the Dublin 15 local schools league, played in Parnell Park against Tyrrelstown Educate Together. Both teams brought large numbers of supporters who created a fantastic atmosphere in the ground. St Luke’s shaded a close match and were inspired by their midfield duo of Michael Afuye and Chris Sombete. The match showcased a huge level of school pride and team spirit and proved a fantastic day for the young people of Tyrrelstown. Speaking about the game, St Luke’s teacher Kris O’Connor said: “The whole school is extremely proud of their boys, who remained undefeated for the duration of the league and represented the school with great dignity. “The victory has done huge things for GAA in the school and has provided encouragement for younger children to get involved. Hopefully, this is the first of many trophies to be won by the children of St Luke’s National School.” O’Connor was part of the team’s coaching team along with Conor Lynch who gave their own time to train, coach and mentor the boys along the road to their success, fostering a strong commitment in the team.
Polar Plunge set for 40 Foot THE fourth annual Polar Plunge will take place on Saturday, December 1 from 11.30am at the Forty Foot in Sandycove with all funds raised going to Special Olympics Ireland. Participants are requested to raise €25 to plunge into the Irish Sea.
Refreshments will be available afterwards while the Newtownpark gospel choir and the Howth coastguard will provide entertainment. For more information, go to www. specialolympics.ie/ easternregion while you can request sponsorship cards from Brenda or Paul on 01 891 2000 or eastern. region@specialolympics.ie.
Gazette
30 LUCAN gazette 29 November 2012
SPORT
FastSport
soccer: Brennan nets an incredible third straight hat trick
Gibbons takes in top class Dutch cycling workshop ACT level one coach Stephen Gibbons, pictured above right, attended a track sprint coaching workshop in Sundrive Velodrome under the guidance of much respected Dutch track coach, Carolien van Herrikhuyzen last weekend. This workshop was designed solely for active track coaches to up their skill and knowledge base so that they can pass on those skills to their charges in the 2013 season. The course comprised two modules each day. Gibbons hopes the course will enable him to help ACT riders to continue their success in Irish track cycling. He has helped more riders win national medals than any other active coach in recent years, working with riders from youth to elite level.
Lucan school promotes Spikeball blitz COLAISTE Cois Life, an all-Irish Secondary School in Lucan, was selected to take part in the Volleyball Association of Ireland’s Transition Year Girls SpikeBall Leaders Award Programme 2012. This is funded by the Irish Sports Council Women in Sport project encouraging girls to actively participate in sport. The school was visited by Mary Lalor and Graham Torrance, development officers from the Volleyball Association of Ireland, for a full day course. Lalor and Torrance introduced
the school to SpikeBall, an adapted form of Volleyball. The students learned the SpikeBall rules, how to play the game and how to introduce it to primary school students while also learning about coaching, refereeing, sports reporting and organising a SpikeBall blitz. Fifteen girls were divided into five groups and were subsequently sent out to local primary schools in Lucan, including Scoil Eiscir Riada, Gaelscoil Naomh Pádraig and Griffeen Valley Educate Together. There, they coached fifth and sixth class students SpikeBall skills and prepared them for an upcoming blitz on Friday, November 30.
Lucan United’s U-13s got the better of Belmont to reach the quarter-finals of the O’Leary Cup last weekend
Bayley’s boys blast Belmont O’Leary cup last 16 Lucan United Belmont FC sport@gazettegroup.com
5 2
LUCAN United’s U-13s s h owe d a f a n t a s t i c eye for goal last weekend when they put on a scoring showcase against Belmont to see themselves through to the quarter finals of the O’Leary Cup. It included a third hat trick in as many games from Jordan Brennan along with a third brace in a row from Eoin Griffin doing the damage. It only took 30 seconds for Brennan to
get on the sheet after a defence splitting pass from Alex Bayley put him through before he threw the opposition stopper a feint before finishing. The striker took only four more minutes to double his tally, after Morgan Reilly put him through again the Belmont keeper came out of the exchange in second place as Brennan finished well into the bottom corner. Belmont weren’t giving up and their physicality shone through when they smashed home from 25 yards
fundraising race Liz McDonnell Run raises €10k for Eccles Street representatives of the Liz McDonnell Run recently dropped into the ARC Cancer Support Centre in Eccles Street to present a cheque for €10,000 last week. This money was raised at the run and benefit night which took place in September. The run has been in existence for eight years and takes place in the grounds of Castletown House, Celbridge. To date over €45,000 has been raised for the charity.
to give them a fighting chance. Jack Hegar ty was stopping well between the Lucan sticks and he did well to parry when another shot came in from distance, but unfortunately for United, the ball found its way across the line, bringing the game back to honours even at 2-2. L u c a n , h o w e v e r, played with purpose from the restart and it wasn’t long before a magnificent solo effort saw Eoin Duggan round two players down the left wing. He then fired home
to put his side in front again. Playing with a real s w a g g e r, s u b s t i t u t e Jason Dragomir rounded the left full back and swung an inviting cross into the box for Jordan Brennan who had no hesitation in finishing off his hat trick. Brennan and Griffin showcased their fantastic partnership for the last goal when the former sprayed a crossfield ball to Griffin who rolled past the keeper to cap off a fantastic performance. “There’s been a huge change to this team this
season, and all of the lads we’ve brought in are of a really high calibre and they’ve gelled fantastically well,” said United boss Jonathan Bayley. “ We ’ v e b e e n o n a great run and I’m delighted that we’re sitting second in the table at the moment. “Howth are top of the league and unbeaten at the moment, but I believe we have every opportunity of beating them when we play them. “If we do, we can certainly go on to win the league,” said Bayley.
29 November 2012 LUCAN gazette 31
Gazette
Sars land 20th camogie title in six years sport@gazettegroup.com
ON a truly memorable week for camogie in Lucan, the club claimed their third minor A championship in a row after a great contest against old rivals St Vincent’s in midweek. This was a milestone night for the girls in green as it secured Lucan Sars-
fields’ 20th A camogie championship, an incredible achievement that could never have been foreseen back in 2003 in Willsbrook when they started off with a few U-9 girls. Tuesday night was just another in a long and glorious list in the golden age of Lucan camogie, a rip-roaring contest of the
highest quality. The match was decided deep into injury time when a long ball into the Vinnies’ goalmouth was contested bravely by Amy Conroy and, in the ensuing confusion, the ball dropped invitingly at the feet of the 15-year-old who gleefully booted the sliotar into the open net. There was still time,
however, for a prolonged assault by the home side but the Lucan defence held out heroically in the last fraught minutes to clinch yet another title for the Lucan girls. It was the club’s fourth A level championship win of 2012, making it 13 titles in the past three years at the top level for the 12th Lock club.
hurling: sarsfields win title in maiden year
Club Noticeboard lucan sarsfields TICKETS for our Christmas draw have
Well done to our U-21 Footballers
now been distributed to all mentors
who couldn’t be separated from Kil-
and are available from the bar. Tick-
macud after extra time in the quar-
ets cost €5. Top prize is €2,000.
ter final of the A championship last
The club Christmas party will be
Saturday.
on Saturday, December 8. All adult
Details of the replay will be on
members/players, juvenile parents
our website as soon as they are
and friends are invited.
announced.
Congratulations to Matt McCaffrey
The Dublin semi-final of Scor na nOg
on his Dublin Bus hurling Dub Star
was held in Lucan Sarsfields on Tues-
award at wing back.
day, November 20. Four clubs were
Well done to our minor camogie team
represented: St Pat’s of Palmerstown,
who won their third minor A camogie
St Finian’s of Newcastle, Ballinteer St
championship in a row after a great
John’s and Lucan Sarsfields.
contest against old rivals St Vincent’s last Tuesday.
In what was a fantastic achievement, Evan Carroll, our Grupa Ceoil
Well done also to our senior seven
and our quiz team successfully nego-
camogie team on winning their league
tiated their way to the Dublin Scor na
final on Sunday morning against
nOg final.
Castleknock. All of this team are still minors. Congratulations to Lucan senior camogie players Marie Moynihan, Ali
The Dhani Jones hurling cup will be contested on Friday, November 30 between the parishes of Esker and St Mary’s at 8pm in the 12th Lock.
Twomey, Claire Rigney, Kate Whyte
This will be followed by Mick O’Hara’s
and Orla Beagan who have been
annual 60 hurling questions quiz in the
invited to join the Dublin senior cam-
bar.
ogie squad for 2013. This will be Claire,
The next Last Man Standing com-
Kate and Orla’s first involvement with
petition for €1,000 will begin with the
the county senior squad. Best wishes
Premier League fixtures of December
to them all.
1, 2 and 3. As before, enter at the bar
All of this success was however
before 11pm, Friday, November 30.
topped by our U-7 Camogie team who
25 card drive continues every Fri-
played their first match on Sunday
day night in the clubhouse; €5 entry,
morning beating Erin’s Isle.
first prize €50. All welcome.
The Lucan Sarsfields’ division seven camogie side who enjoyed a year to remember
Young Lucan side in seventh heaven Division 7 camogie
Lucan Sarsfields Castleknock peter carroll
1-5 1-4
sport@gazettegroup.com
THE Feile winning side of 2009 continued their rich tradition by banking the division seven title last weekend, on the back of highly competitive debut season in the adult ranks which saw them lift the shield before guaranteeing themselves a spot in the division six table next year. An Isabelle Fagan brace, a goal in each half, and another goal from Ellen DeSay did
the damage for the 12th Lock team on the day as their mentors – Bill Ryan, Damien DeSay and Mary Reynolds – looked on with pride as the team they took from U-10s took a victory for the first time ever over Castleknock, who knocked them out of the championship chase in the semifinal this year. While the goal for the side this year was to consolidate themselves in adult competition, the league win, the shield triumph and midfielder Holly Watson’s capture of the Player’s Player of the Year for division seven
showed Ryan that the girls are ready for much more. “We couldn’t be prouder,” said Ryan. “They’ve been together for so long, they have a great rapport and it really stood to them throughout the season. They played for each other, they were hunting in packs and it was great to get the first win ever over Castleknock. “We really didn’t know what to expect this year, but after the first couple of matches we knew we were able to compete. The team effort has been unreal, there’s an even balance of skill through-
out the panel and it was very hard to put one player forward for the award. “Holly got the nod in the end because of her fantastic drive and determination. Again, I don’t like picking individuals but that girl would have gone through a wall for us this year if we asked. “The girls have played a few challenge matches against division five teams and I think we’ll challenge again for division six next year. “We had a team of 16and 17-year olds this year, next season they’ll be 17 and 18 and that will make a huge difference.”
st pat’s palmerstown THE senior hurling team are currently
3101034 to book a place.
looking for a new manager. Could all
Christmas raffle tickets are now on
interested parties please contact
sale through any committee member
Ronan on 086 2834399.
and players and are also available in
Congratulations to Grainne Quinn
the Palmerstown House with some
who received both Dublin senior coun-
great prizes to be won; cost is €2 each
ty and senior B club player of the year
or three for €5.
at the Dublin camogie presentation.
Lotto: first draw numbers were 2, 16,
Our minor footballers progress to
18 and 23, there was no winner. Second
the championship semi-final after a
draw numbers were 10, 23, 29 and 1;
fantastic victory on Saturday.
there was no winner. Any three num-
Dates for the foundation course are
bers winner: Ronan Mullins.
set for December 3 and 5 from 7.30-
Next draw is on Sunday, December
9pm. The course is for over 16s only,
2; the first draw jackpot is €10,000; the
contact David Keedham by text to 086
second draw jackpot is €4,400.
westmanstown/garda THE club is still buzzing after the
It is not too late for local businesses
excitement of Jim Gavin’s visit to
to get involved. On the event night, you
launch our fundraising event to be held
can network with close to 100 local
on Saturday, December 8 at 7.30pm in
businesses. Visit www.westmans-
Westmanstown.
towngaels.ie for more information.
We especially acknowledge the
Well done to Hannah and Heather
support of 24HourDoc, FBD Hotels,
who took take part in U-13 Dublin
McGowans of Phibsboro, Spicers,
development trials in Carlow recently.
Dermot Coyne Solicitors, DID Electri-
The Gaels boys attending St Mochta’s
cal and Copper Face Jacks and our
fought valiantly last Tuesday in Parnell
advertisers.
Park but lost in a close encounter.
GazetteSPORT all of your lucan sports coverage from page 27-31
United in success: Brennan nets third straight hat trick as Lucan reach O’Leary quarter-finals P30
november 29, 2012
November’s sports stars: This month’s nominees for the GazetteSport awards P28
Lucan camogie continues ascent stephen findlater
sport@gazettegroup.com
FOLLOWING a record-breaking 2011 for camogie, few in Lucan Sarsfields believed that it could be matched, let alone bettered but the 12th Lock was this week basking in the glory of another amazing year. Last time around, the club claimed every juvenile A championship title on offer from U-13 through to U-16 level as well as the county minor title. But they manage to top those feats in 2012 with glut of trophies in the past couple of weeks as the club’s Gary Beagan explains “It’s hard to improve on that but
we did this year, winning four titles again and we also won an U-16C championship and the U-14B team won a shield title. We’ve stayed at the top of the tree.” It’s a success that has been built off the back of sterling work at the grassroots level. “Of our really young juveniles, the whole school system has really kicked in this year. We put a person in each of the primary schools as a link to Lucan Sarsfields and run blitzes during the year. “From that, we have 54 U-8s playing camogie and 44 in our nursery, moving up to U-7 now. There’s huge numbers in Lucan and the important thing is we keep
doing the right things to keep having the success on the fields when the championships and leagues come along at the end of the year and silverware keeps the girls very interested.” From those beginnings, the success has translated into senior success with the club’s fledgling status in adult camogie is quickly making them county contenders. Ali Twomey and Mairi Moynihan, meanwhile, will be joined in the Dublin senior panel by Kate Whyte, Claire Rigney and Orla Beagan, bringing Lucan’s representation to an all-time high. “For the senior team, they got to the league final in their first year in
senior one and won the shield too. The senior division seven team also got promoted. It’s going from strength to strength,” said Beagan. “The Dublin call-ups are a massive privilege and an honour to be called up. Kate Whyte and Claire Rigney were with our first major team in the juvenile section, winning the All-Ireland Feile in 2008 at U-14s and Orla Beagan also won an All-Ireland in 2010 and is only 16.” “It’s recognition of the hard work they put in and I’m sure some of the other players will also get Dublin calls, be it with the senior team or the juniors, the side announced in January.”
Lucan’s Claire Rigney was named the Dublin minor player of the year last Friday