Lucan GAZET TE FREE
February 7, 2013
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Month XX, 2012 LUCAN • PALMERSTOWN • CELBRIDGE • LEIXLIP • ADAMSTOWN • DODSBORO • LIFFEY VALLEY • BALLYOWEN
INSIDE: Your essential guide to make this Valentine’s Day extra special P17
JOBS FEARS: 50 posts could be at stake as B&Q Liffey Valley appoints examiner P5
Boxing clever: Preparing to help local charities Camogie:
Senior success for St Joseph’s College, Lucan Page 31
RORY “The Warrior” Thompson
joined Lucan Sarsfields Club Person of the Year Alan McCarthy and Dublin player Paul Casey to help promote the club’s upcoming 12th Lock Fight Night, which will see white collar pugilists square off against each other in aid of a number of local groups and charities: Pieta House, Nagarhope, Lucan Hedgehogs and Lucan Lions.
See Gallery on Page 6
Darts:
Win the chance to play against Phil Taylor Page 27
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES......................6 DUBLIN LIFE...................11 OUT&ABOUT .................20 CLASSIFIEDS ................26 SPORT ...........................27
Lucan not a flooding blackspot – Keating Deputy angry with status that has an impact on locals’ insurance policies
PAUL HOSFORD
LUCAN should no longer be considered a flooding blackspot, a local TD has claimed. Fine Gael’s Derek Keating met this week with Minister
for the OPW Brian Hayes to discuss the ongoing difficulties that many Lucan residents have experienced in obtaining or paying for home and flood insurance. Some residents have told The Gazette that they had
been denied quotes, been refused cover and even failed to be granted renewals by insurance companies, who cite the November 2000 flash-floods as a reason. After that flooding, more than €5 million was invested
in flood prevention measures, including the heightening of walls at the river in the village. However, that has not satisfied many insurance companies, which has angered Deputy Keating. Full Story on Page 9
2 LUCAN GAZETTE 7 February 2013
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Local man Fachtna “Doc” Clandillon (inset) paid tribute to the community for its continuing support of the Nagarhope charity in Nepal, with
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fundraising from last weekend’s celebrity GAA game helping to make a life-changing difference for children and families
Hundreds turn out for celebrity match PAUL HOSFORD
phosford@gazettegroup.com
MORE than 300 people turned out to see a host of celebrities take on a team from Lucan Sarsfields last weekend to raise vital funds for a charity run by a Lucan man. Fachtna “Doc” Clandillon runs Nagarhope, a charity dedicated to helping some of the
world’s poorest people in the Nagarkot region of Nepal. The celebrity GAA game, which saw the likes of Brian Kerr, Paul Curran and Deputy Derek Keating (FG) take on a team of locals, acts as a fundraiser for the humanitarian work that Doc undertakes. Despite seeing the Sarsfields side (captained
by his brother, Fintan) defeated by two goals, Doc says the day was highly enjoyable. As for the money raised, with Doc set to head back to Nepal this week, he hasn’t counted the collection buckets as yet, but knows that the fundraiser is one of huge importance. “Basically, it’s our biggest fundraiser of the
year. If we could run four or five of them a year, it would run the [Nagarhope] operation for a year. “We do smaller fundraisers more often, but it is nice to get a big one every now and then. It was a great family day out, as opposed to something that was done at night that only adults could do,” he says.
Despite living thousands of miles away, Doc says that knowing he can always count on Lucan for support is of huge benefit for the charity. “A lot of our fundraising is Lucan-based, with schools and Lucan Sarsfields in particular [providing support].” With the charity currently planning a community centre and children’s home, there is an intense period of work ahead for Doc and the charity. “The plan is to start the construction of the children’s home and community centre soon. Construction should be started by August and September. “Once the centre is built, it can be used for any community activity; such as health and hygiene classes, women’s groups and vocational training. “Once it’s built it will be a daily thing. It’s kind of like: ‘If you build it, they will come’, except once they come, you have to put something on for them!”
7 February 2013 LUCAN Gazette 3
‘honoured’
PROPOSALS: vital services put at risk by changes – sector worker
Award glory for SDCC
Local government reform warnings paul hosford
CHANGES to local government will put vital local services at risk, a local development worker has warned. Anna Lee, chief executive of DodderValley Partnership, which has joined with the Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Lucan and Newcastle Partnership (CPLN) to form the South Dublin County Partnership, was speaking at the Irish Local Development Network’s (ILDN) annual conference, where politicians gathered to hear from workers in the sector. The aim of the ILDN event was to highlight concerns amongst local development boards
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about proposed local government reforms. According to the ILDN, the reforms proposed in the Putting People First report –published recently by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government – place up to 2,000 jobs at risk in local development companies and sideline the community and voluntary sector. Under proposals in the report, local authorities would disburse funding currently handled by development bodies. Speaking after the event, Lee said: “The government’s proposals for local government reform put vital services to communities at risk and seriously threaten the future
of local development companies. “These proposals could potentially wipe out 20 years of experience in the planning and delivery of local development programmes. “Our sector currently employs over 2,000 people and delivers a range of labour market, enterprise and anti-poverty programmes in a way that is cost-effective and delivers value for money. “If the local government reforms go ahead, there will be job losses within local development companies,” she said. The Department of Environment had not responded to a request for comment at the time of going to press.
After tying the knot: Glowing Lucan couple suit each other to a tea ... DAPPER Micheal and beautiful Bernadette Murphy (nee Fennell) cut quite a dash at the Shelbourne Hotel recently, where they had retired with friends and family members for their wedding reception, following their recent civil ceremony in late January. Michael and Bernadette, who run the Tea Rooms in Lucan village, certainly had a stylish start to their new life together, and The Gazette is delighted to wish them the very best.
SOUTH Dublin County Council has been named Council of the Year 2013 at the annual Local Authority Members’ Association awards, which were held last week. South Dublin Mayor Councillor Cathal King (SF) said that collecting the award was an honour, before paying tribute to council staff. He said: “I am delighted to accept the Council of the Year Award for South Dublin County Council for the second time in three years, and I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the county manager, Philomena Poole, and the staff of the council.” In addition to the award, 17 projects nominated by SDCC were shortlisted.
4 LUCAN GAZETTE 7 February 2013
SUPPORT LUCAN BUSINESS
RETAIL Celbridge mall attracts SuperValu as anchor
SHOP LOCALLY Work begins on €10m shopping centre following an agreement with Nally’s, which will purchase the store on completion. The development is positioned just off Celbridge’s main street on the Lucan Road, and is one of the largest commercial developments currently under construction in Kildare. In total, the centre will
accommodate nine retail units, a coffee shop and four office units, ranging in size from 102 to 141 sq m, with more than 250 surface car parking spaces. Cloudcroft is owned by the Boylan family, who have a long history in Celbridge and originally owned the land. Steven Nally, who expects to employ 70 people in the new
store, also owns and operates SuperValu in Trim and is a partner with Eddie Casey in SuperValu in Maynooth. A statement from Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland said that Musgrave is continuously looking for new sites throughout Greater Dublin and across Co Kildare for both SuperValu and Centra.
WORK has begun on a new €10 million shopping centre in Celbridge. The centre, which will be named St Wolstan’s Shopping Centre, will feature Nally’s SuperValu as the anchor store, with the shop upgrading to a new 1,858 sq m footprint. Cloudcroft Ltd has begun construction on the centre
YOUTH: SEARCH FOR TALENT
Call for Noise Flicks entries
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PAUL HOSFORD phosford@gazettegroup.com
South Dublin County Council is set to move to tackle the use of dirt bikes (inset) in council park
Council to curb use of scrambler bikes PAUL HOSFORD phosford@gazettegroup.com
SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) are set to move to curtail the use of dirt bikes in council parks this month, with a new crackdown being promised. A council spokesperson told The Gazette that the problem was an ongoing one, but that tackling it was a main concern of the council. “It is an ongoing issue that we are working hard to tackle,” said Maire Ni Domhnaill, of SDCC’s Parks Department. “We have ongoing remedial works at many sites, but it can be diffi-
cult to stop these bikes entering parks.” Local Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald, welcomed confirmation from SDCC that putting a stop to the use of bikes in parks would be prioritised. She said: “I have been contacted on a regular basis about the dangerous driving of scramblers across green areas. Not only is there dangerous driving taking place, but green areas are being destroyed by the illegal use of scramblers in open spaces. “I have highlighted this issue with the council and, on foot of these
representations, I am pleased to confirm that a tough crackdown on scramblers is being initiated between the council and local gardai,” said Minister Fitzgerald.
Flouted In accordance with the parks and open space bye-laws, the use of scramblers and quads on public open space is not permitted, but these laws are frequently flouted. As well as local garda monitoring of the affected areas, park rangers are also set to step up their surveillance in order to identify the individuals responsible.
Minister Fitzgerald added: “Local gardai are aware of the addresses where a number of scramblers are being kept, and will seize them, wherever possible, in order to curb the scourge of the irresponsible use of scramblers. “I am also pleased that the council are aware of the damage to local parks and open areas and will focus on repairing damage once the problem has been resolved. “I’d encourage residents to keep in touch with me about scramblers in the area, and I will pass this information on to the council,” said Minister Fitzgerald.
THE Noise Flicks Film Festival is set to return to the local area this year, marking the fifth year of the event, and organisers are calling on budding south Dublin Spielbergs to submit their work for consideration. The competition aims to showcase and celebrate the creative talent of local young people in South Dublin County. The festival also aims to provide an opportunity for young people to meet and hear from professionals in the filmmaking industry. Entrants must be aged 14 to 18 years the creative groups involved must contain at least one group member from South Dublin. To enter your film, complete the forms on the www.noisesouthdublin. com website and send them in along with your film (in DVD format only) no later than 5pm on March 11 to Eva O’Brien, Arts Office, Community Department, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24. For further information, you can call 01 414 9270 or email evaobrien@ sdublincoco.ie.
7 February 2013 LUCAN Gazette 5
retail Firm filed for appointment of examiner
Fears for 50 jobs at B&Q in Liffey Valley paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com
F E A R S h ave b e e n expressed for the 50 jobs at the B&Q store in Liffey Valley after the company was placed into examinership. The home improvement retailer last week successfully filed a petition with the High Court seeking the appointment of an examiner. The court granted protection for the company and has appointed Declan McDonald of Price
Waterhouse Coopers as interim examiner. During the examinership process, it is anticipated that B&Q Ireland Ltd will continue to trade at all of its nine national stores; all employees will be paid, and all prepaid goods and services, including kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms and their installation, together with gift vouchers and credit notes, will be honoured. Suppliers will be paid for goods and services supplied during the proc-
ess, the store’s spokesperson said last week. The company believes that in order to have a reasonable prospect of survival, consideration will need to be given to exiting property leases and closing uneconomic stores, such as its Athlone and Waterford outlets. Brian Mooney, chairman, B&Q Ireland Ltd, said that the stores remained committed to the staff, but that little would be known until the examiner made his recommendation.
weddings Meet the experts at Lucan Spa hiromi mooney
B&Q’s chairman in Ireland Brian Mooney said: “The management team is hopeful that a sustainable business can emerge from the examinership process”
He said: “The management team is hopeful that a sustainable business can emerge from the examinership process, based on a restructuring of the company. Our priority remains our employees and our customers. “Our colleagues have been briefed on this development, and understand that the company’s objective in seeking the
appointment of an examiner is to try to protect jobs and retain competition and consumer choice in the market. “However, we cannot anticipate the outcome of this process, which is subject to the examiner’s recommendations.” The move came as “no surprise”, said chief executive of Retail Excellence Ireland David Fit-
zsimons. He said that while Celtic Tiger rents were being enforced, retail would suffer, with more closures. “For landlords to rigorously enforce Celtic Tiger rents when consumer demand has collapsed is simply untenable – it proves that many landlords are out of touch and contributing significantly to job losses.”
THE Lucan Spa Hotel is hosting a wedding fair on Sunday, February 17. The wedding fair aims to provide all of the information that recently engaged couples need to know to get them organised for their big day. Couples can also view the Boyne Suite, which will be fully prepared for a wedding setting. Exhibitors on the day will include Jimmy Maguire Wedding and Corporate Cars, All Season Flowers, Trend Photography and Dublin Formal Wear, while the hotel’s team of wedding coordinators will also be available to offer advice. For further information on the fair, see www. lucanspahotel.ie.
6 LUCAN Gazette 7 February 2013
gazetteGALLERIES
Aisling Chambers
Rory “The Warrior” Thompson with Club Person of the Year Alan McCarthy, and Dublin player Paul Casey
boxing clever: club members promote an upcoming event
David Treacy
L
OTS of members of Lucan Sarsfields came together recently to help launch the club’s upcoming 12th Lock Fight Night, which will see white collar pugilists square off against each other in aid of a number of local groups and charities. The good-natured launch night at the club was a great way to help highlight the event, which aims to support the work of Pieta House, Nagarhope, Lucan Hedgehogs and Lucan Lions. The boxing extravaganza, which will take place in a circus-style Big Top, will feature 36 club members.
Rhyla Santiago and Jamie Carpenter
Shauna Brophy
environment: CONFEY’S HARD WORK YIELDS RESULTS
Pat O’Keeffe
Students show it’s easy being green
Fergus Gordon and Fintan Clandillon
John McEvoy
The group shares the craic of the evening’s event. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston
C
ONFEY Community College was presented with its first Green Flag at a special ceremony at the school recently. The school was presented with the Green Flag by biologist and former president of An Taisce Eanna Ni Lamhna.
The students and teachers alike were delighted that the hard work of the Green School Committee and teacher Bridget Gahan paid off, and they vowed to continue with their efforts to help protect the local environment.
Bridget Gahan, Angela Toher, Virginia O’Hehir, Maureen D’Arcy, Alison Rice, Rory Guerin, Philip Devereux, Martin Smith and Tony Kelly and Susan Howard
7 February 2013 LUCAN Gazette 7
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Orla Hyland
The Confey College Green Flag Schools committee. Pictures: Rob Love
Noor Sohail and Aditi Chaturvedi
8 LUCAN Gazette 7 February 2013
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community Locals invited to drop in to parish facility
Enjoy bungalow bliss with a range of classes THE Saint Mary’s Parish Bungalow is inviting local people to drop in for a chat on one of four mornings in the week. The bungalow, situated beside the church at St Mary’s, holds a different
themed meeting each day on Mondays,Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with French conversations on Mondays allowing local French speakers to parle en Francais. Irish conversations
take place on Wednesday, encouraging people to use their cupla focail. On Thursday, people looking to trace family trees can get advice at genealogy meetings, while Friday is for photography.
At the photography morning, tips on lighting and framing are offered in a friendly environment. All of the meetings take place from 10.30am to 11.30am. For more information,
contact the parish office on 01 621 7041, or email parishoffice@stmarysparishlucan.ie. The parish centre is open to the public on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 2pm.
Congrats: Award for RAMS COUNCILLOR Emer Higgins (FG) was on hand to offer her congratulations to Matt Dowling and Michael Maher at the recent Local Authority Members’ Association Awards. Representing the Retired Active Men’s Social Group (RAMS) community group, the gentlemen collected a certificate of achievement at the black-tie awards, with the Newcastle RAMS highly praised by Cllr Higgins for their local work.
schools: principal pleased with approval of funding
€215,000 to upgrade two Scoil Aine Naofa prefabs paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com
A LOCAL school principal has said that securing funding for two new classrooms was a long battle, but he was pleased to announce that work to fully upgrade the school had just begun. Padraic Carney, who took over as principal of Scoil Aine Naofa in Esker in 2010, said that the ongoing maintenance of prefabs and temporary classrooms was “completely untenable”. The school was founded in 1980 and, as the Esker area grew, was given temporary accommodation by the Depart-
ment of Education and Skills to cope with the added numbers. Today, there are currently 19 third, fourth, fifth and sixth mainstream classes, two international language support classes, four resource classes, three learning support classes and two English as an additional language classes. Because of the nature of prefab accommodation, some of the rooms have been deteriorating, and Carney has been battling to secure funding for the permanent structure. Last week, the Department of Education told Carney that €215,000 would be provided to
upgrade two of the prefabs. With the planning process to be navigated, including the appointment of a design team, the project is expected to take a few months, but the news comes as a boon to the school, with the principal saying that the process was, at times, arduous.
Intensified “It didn’t start straight away when I came to the school, but we’ve been pushing for this for nearly two years and, in the last six months, it has really intensified. “Despite all of the money that was being
spent maintaining the prefabs every summer, it was a situation that was becoming increasingly untenable. “It is a significant boost for Scoil Aine Naofa in these economically strident times,” he said. A f ter many hours spent on phones, sending emails and working all-out of the methods required to secure the funding, one might expect that the appetite may be diminished for funding attempts, but Carney insists that his challenge is now to secure funding for the remaining temporary accommodation. “No stone will be left unturned in order to
achieve [replacing all of the prefab classrooms]. It will be difficult, but we will do our best to get the right result for our school.” He went on to say that the permanent accommodation was a small ask and something that all students should be entitled to. “It is a basic, fundamental right that all of our pupils have classrooms that are modern, comfortable and sustainable, so that they can avail of all the wonderful learning opportunities in our school with conditions that are appropriate to 2013, and not to bygone times,” he said.
7 February 2013 LUCAN Gazette 9
property Bid to engage with insurance companies
Call for Lucan to be seen as ‘flood-free’ paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com
LUCAN should no longer be considered a flooding blackspot, a local TD has claimed. Fine Gael’s Derek Keating met this week with Minister for the OPW Brian Hayes to discuss the ongoing difficulties that many Lucan residents have experienced in obtaining or paying for home and flood insurance. Some residents have told The Gazette that they
had been denied quotes, been refused coverage and even failed to be granted renewals by insurance companies, who cite the November 2000 flash floods as a reason. Those floods caused millions of euro worth of damage, when water up to a metre deep suddenly hit the town, flooding many homes and businesses. After that flooding, more than €5 million was invested in flood prevention measures, including the heightening of walls at the river in the village.
However, that has not satisfied many companies – something that has angered Deputy Keating. “Despite the investment and over 12 years after the major flooding events, and when other Irish cities and towns are affected by flash flooding, Lucan remains flood-free. “ H o w e v e r, m a n y Lucan residents are paying excessive household insurance rates, including not being able to secure flood cover. “This is wrong, and the insurance industry should
Minister Brian Hayes and Deputy Derek Keating (FG), who came to examine flood defences in the centre of the village
recognise this and change its policy in relation to Lucan, given the investment in, and proven success of, these flood works,” said Deputy Keating. He invited Minister Hayes to Lucan this week to inspect the works and to press the minister to call on the insurance industry to change their policy.
DublinGazetteNewspapers Advertising Sales Professionals Dublin Gazette Newspapers is Dublin’s fastest growing community weekly regional publisher, with 8 titles covering the M50 from Swords to Dun Laoghaire. We are currently looking to recruit: We are now seeking experienced media sales executives to work in our advertising dept in our Lucan head office on a number of Dublin Gazette titles. Experience in newspaper advertising sales is preferable. Full clean driving licence and own car required; fluent written and oral English essential. Excellent package on offer to suitable candidates. If you can work on your own initiative within a team environment, are motivated, enthusiastic with an excellent work ethic, please send your cv to: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com
He added: “The insurance industry should recognise the success of the significant investment in the flood alleviation works in Lucan and the surrounding areas and change its policy to allow local residents have flooding cover.” His concerns were echoed by Minister Hayes,
who said that Lucan would be part of an overall strategy. “We will be taking these concerns into a meeting with the Irish Insurance Federation and hoping that they will change their policy on a national level. “We hope Lucan will be part of a national plan,” said Minister Hayes.
appeal Drop in to the blood service THE Irish Blood Transfusion Service is asking for your support when its comes to Lucan this week. The service’s clinic will be in Scoile Mhuire in Airlie Heights on Monday, February 11 from 5pm to 8.30pm. Each week, hospitals throughout the country require 3,000 units of blood to ensure that accident and emergency depar tments, cancer patients, neo-natal units and many other patients have adequate blood supplies. For further information, see www.giveblood. ie if you can before you attend the clinic, and complete the eligibility test. You can also email mary.deery@ibts.ie, or freephone 1850 731 137.
10 LUCAN Gazette 7 February 2013
gazetteGALLERY
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Cathy O’Connor
Sean Munsanje
Eva McCarthy and Ciara O’Brien Kris Tykier, Rafe Spall and Dan Mazer at the premiere of ‘I Give It a Year’
Marriage is a funny business M
ANY people turned out for the Irish premiere of ‘I Give It a Year’ at Cineworld on Parnell Street. The film was created by Borat writer Dan Mazer and features stars including Anna Faris, Simon Baker and Stephen Merchant. It is a comedic portrayal of
a newly-wed couple’s experience of their first year of marriage, and the many trials that come with it. The film looks at their first nine months of marriage, and how the couple have doubts about whether they really are destined to be together or not.
Robert Rhattigan and Sarah Murphy
7 February 2013 Gazette 11
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RDS: sencity a multi-sensory music event
Come fill up your senses at dance extravaganza A unique music and dance experience is being held this weekend at the RDS. Sencity is a multi-sensory music event with a difference as the whole show is created by talented young people with hearing difficulties. The Dublin Sencity show will feature a team of 16 deaf and hard-ofhearing young people from the capital who were trained for the show
by the Sencity organisers from Holland. This music and dance extravaganza first originated in the Netherlands and is unusual in that the audience has all its senses explored and stimulated in time with the music. Not only do you hear the music or feel the rhythm but you see, smell and taste the whole experience too. Sencity attempts to capture the music’s pas-
sion and spirit through many different sensory channels. On stage there will be expressive sign dancers translating lyrics and emotions into Irish Sign Language, video projections, light effects, taste sensations, hairdressers and an incredible vibrating sense dance floor which responds to the music’s bass frequency. Live artists on the night include Signmark, Kormac’s Big Band, The
Wonder Villains, Torann Drums and Gavxmas. As well as this multisensory action, there will also be laser and light shows turning the music into colours, shapes and pictures. Sencity will take place on Saturday, February 9 in the RDS Concert Hall from 9am until 3pm. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster for €17.50, or can be purchased at the door for €24.
Sencity is a multi-sensory music event with a difference as the whole show is created by talented young people with hearing difficulties
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12 Gazette 7 February 2013
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Show the nation what you’ve got
For any talented musical acts looking for a chance to show the nation what they’ve got, following in the footsteps of the likes of Imelda May and Boyzone could be just the boost they need to make it big. The Late Late Show is launching a brand new initiative giving emerging Irish acts a chance to appear on the biggest show on Irish television. In recent years artists such as The Coronas, Maverick Sabre and The Strypes have used the show as a launch pad for their careers. Now this opportunity has been made even more accessible for
emerging talent. To apply, email a YouTube link of one song to thelatelateshowcase@rte.ie with a brief description and contact details.
Bram Stoker Experience A brand new museum dedicated to all things Dracula opened its doors to the public last week in Clontarf, the home of Irish author Bram Stoker. The museum takes you on a visual journey through the life and times of the Victorian Gothic writer. There is live narration by historian Dennis McIntyre and a display of first editions of the
classic novel and notes in Stoker’s own hand. Every Thursday night at 9pm is film night at the museum, with tickets costing €5 and booking is essential. T h e B r a m S t o ke r Museum is located at 225 Clontar f Road, Dublin 3 and is open from 10am until 4.30pm. To book tickets, contact Dennis McIntyre on 086 236 4829.
anti-cyber bullying talks This month, An Garda Siochana will deliver a series of anti-cyber bullying talks in Dublin schools to promote Safer Internet Day, a global internet safety initiative. The Talks In Schools
programme will be delivered during the month of February to secondary school pupils throughout the country. It will promote positive interventions by witnesses of online bullying situations and appropriate coping strategies for victims. The programme also aims to help students to understand the impact that cyber bullying can have on different people, and to recognise that cyber bullying is not acceptable. Lists of local schools that will be taking part in the programme are available from your local Garda Division. For more information, see www. watchyourspace.ie
The Late Late Show is giving talented musicians a chance to appear on television where Imelda May (above) and Boyzone hit it big
7 February 2013 Gazette 13
FEATURE Skillnets training fund
eu directive: changeover begins
Driving licence credit-card style cruises into view Wave goodbye to the pink paper and say hello to the new credit card style driving licence, which was officially launched last week. Two new drivers were the first people to be presented with the new driving licence card by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varakdar last week. Almost 6,000 new plastic card licences have been issued to drivers this week following the changeover from paper licences to plastic card licences on
January 19. The new plastic card licence is one aspect of an EU Directive to upgrade and standardise all licences across the EU. Previously, as many as 100 different types of licence were in operation throughout Europe. According to Minister Varadkar, the new licence is more secure and more convenient than the existing paper version. “It will help to eliminate licence fraud, ensure that motorists are properly trained and licensed,
and keep unlicensed drivers off our roads. It’s more modern and more convenient. It’s also recognised throughout the EU, so Irish road users will enjoy the benefits and protections which drivers already have in other EU countries. “The RSA and the Motor Tax Offices have done sterling work in making the new application process as easy as possible for motorists. I want to thank the RSA for their hard work, and for meeting the EU dead-
The new-look licence is more secure and more convenient than the old version
line on schedule, without requiring additional Exchequer funding,” he added. Noel Brett, chief executive of the Road Safety Authority, said: “Since the new licence card was introduced, we have received some really positive feedback from people
who have been among the first to receive one. “Among the ben efits they see in the new licence is that it’s more durable, modern and easier to carry around, as well as being recognised throughout the EU. Because it cannot be easily replicated, it will also
act as a key road safety tool to keep those who are illegally driving a vehicle off our roads.” For details on the new licence, to download an application form or for more information the changes to some driver licensing rules, log on to www.ndls.ie
Private sector companies in Dublin are being encouraged to apply to a new training fund, announced this week by Skillnets. The €500,000 fund is open for applications until April 30. Groups of companies must join together to form a network to apply for funding, with groups permitted to be formed on a geographical or sectoral basis, once member companies have identified common training needs amongst their employees. A seminar for Dublin businesses interested in applying for funding to Skillnets will take place on March 12 at 8am in the Clarion Hotel, Liffey Valley. Visit www.skillnets.ie.
14 Gazette 7 February 2013
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dublinlife schools schoolLife My week at the Gazette work experience: a step into the real world
Get involved with our new Gazette schools pages
As part of the relaunch of the Dublin Gazette Newspapers, we are reaching out to all the schools in our catchment areas to become a closer part of our community than ever before. Schools are the beating hearts of communities, one of the last places around which a community can gather. We are calling on budding writers and photographers from all of our schools to help fill the pages and, 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 more details, contact rheigh@gazettegroup.com, or on 01 601 0240.
Jen Maguire Donohoe
Colaiste Brid, Clondalkin
As part of the Fifth Year LCVP module, every student must leave the safe cocoon of school for a week and experience life in “the real world”. The thoughts of a full week off school sounded ideal, but first I had to find somewhere to go. In school, I was told that I should go somewhere that interests me and I should think long and hard about my future career choices before applying anywhere. Having never worked before, this all seemed like a daunt-
ing task but surprisingly it wasn’t. I sent an email of enquiry to the Gazette and they promptly emailed me with good news – I had my first work experience placement. My first day of work experience arrived and I was both an xious and delighted, anxious because the thoughts of being in a professional work environment was slightly terrifying. I, of course, had nothing to be fearful of. I quickly got used to the constant tapping of keyboards and the terrifyingly loud phone calls that admittedly made me jump out
Jennifer Maguire Donohoe : Fifth year student at Colaiste Brid in Clondalkin
of my skin the first few times I heard the shrilling ringing tone. I learned how to “be a journalist”. This involved
grasping how to convert a press release into an article that, I as a reader, would be interested in and mastering the art
of gaining information from time-restrained sources. I also visited a local school ceremony and learned how to recognise what the key points of a news story should be. I always thought of journalism as a solitary career, but after being in the Gazette, I realised that it takes more than one person to make a story come alive. Not only did the Gazette show me what I could be doing in a few years if I did pursue journalism, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the office. Overall, I think for my first venture into the real world, the Gazette was the perfect place to go.
SCHOOl
Matters p romote yo u r e v e n ts
CONTACT US WITH YOUR NEWS
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7 February 2013 Gazette 15
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16 Gazette 7 February 2013
dublinlife
initiative: developing healthcare solutions
Q&A
€15,000 opportunity for digital entrepreneurs
Garret o’neill, general manager
Exceeding expectations at the Crowne Plaza Garret O’Neill, originally from Galway City worked in the hotel industry from the age of 15 where he started out as a waiter in the Jameson Hotel in Salthill. From there, he decided that a career in the hotel industry was for him. He graduated with a degree in hotel management from GMIT. Having spent some time in Frankfurt and the Black Forest in Germany, he returned to Galway where he held
the position of senior manager in the Corrib Great Southern Hotel. In 2008, he joined the pre-opening team as the deputy general manager at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown. Shortly after opening he was promoted to general manager of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dundalk. In 2011, he returned to the Crowne Plaza in Blanchardstown as the general manager.
How long have you been in business?
want and deliver it. We put them at the very heart of everything we do. We have a great team here who possess a genuine interest in our guests. They constantly deliver a warm welcome and exceptional service.
evolving to suit our guests’ needs. We aim to exceed expectations by taking guests by surprise – going beyond what they expect, so that they stay with us again and recommend us to others.
What makes your business successful?
What do you offer your clients that differs from your competitors?
How has the recession impacted your business?
The Crowne Plaza Hotel, DublinBlanchardstown opened its doors on the October 1, 2008, so we will be celebrating our fifth birthday later this year!
“The customer is always right!” We listen to what our clients
business
We are constantly
As with all businesses in Ireland, the recession has certainly made things more challenging. People became a lot more value conscious and demanded quality for their money. We ensured that we provided this, delivering an exceptional product for great value.
What law or regulation would you change overnight to help your business?
I would like to see the lowered rate of VAT extended to 2014 and beyond. It was an initiative welcomed by the whole hospitality sector and our consumers alike.
Digital entrepreneurs have been offered the chance to secure €15,000 in funding, as well as free office space and enterprise development support thanks to a new digital health project. Connected Health – a joint initiative between the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) and St James’s Hospital – is aimed at supporting digital technology companies to develop solutions to common healthcare challenges. According to Dr Stephen Brennan, chief strategy officer with the DHDA, Connected Health is the culmination of over a year of planning and collaboration between staff at St James’s Hospital and The Digital Hub. “We’re calling on digital entrepreneurs and innovators to submit proposals, outlining how they could resolve the challenges identified by St James’s staff. “Successful companies will not only receive seed funding and free office space at The Digital Hub. “They will also be able
Dr Gerard Boyle, principle physicist at St James’s Hospital; Dorothy Ellen White, project manager, Connected Health; Dr Stephen Brennan, chief strategy officer with the Digital Hub Development Agency and Dr David Robinson, consultant physician in geriatric medicine
to work directly with clinicians at St James’s, drawing on their expertise and on the data being captured by the hospital in developing new digital solutions. “In addition, The Digital Hub will provide free enterprise development supports for successful applicants,” said Dr Brennan who added that the problems that were being worked on had been identified by staff in the hospitals. “The beauty of this approach is that entre-
preneurs will be developing solutions for real-life problems that have been identified by healthcare professionals. “This means that the market for potential solutions is already defined, a big help to companies looking to invest in product and service development.” The first call for proposals from Connected Health will focus on local asset mapping. Digital enterprises have until February 15 to submit applications out-
lining how they would develop a website and mobile app using local data to document all health-related services in the vicinity of St James’s Hospital. One successful applicant will be selected to receive the €15,000 seed funding and package of support mechanisms. For further information, and to apply online, go to: http://www.thedigitalhub.com/move-to-thehub/connected-health/ apply-to-participate-inlamp-here/1206.
There is no shame in ‘signing on’ Unemployment is a great leveller. We’ve all heard the stories about solicitors in the dole queue and architects working in McDonald’s. Many professional people are resistant to signing on. This is particularly true of men. I’m encountering an increasing number of men in the 40-60plus age bracket who are finding themselves in financial straits because they’re basically too proud to ask for State help. Their savings are running out; creditors are stepping up the pressure; they’re borrowing from friends and family – often without the knowledge of their spouses. Something has to give. In the minds of many men, signing on carries a stigma. Whereas previously, saying that you’d “never asked the State for anything” was worn as a badge of honour; these days – depending on your circumstances – it can be downright foolhardy.
Going to the social welfare office for the first time can be daunting, but it’s just like any other bureaucratic process. You have to provide them with the correct information in a timely and responsible manner. If you are overly anxious about going, bring a family member or friend with you. Times have changed. If you are doing your best to obtain work, being in receipt of a temporary weekly payment does not make you a scrounger or a waster. Give yourself some breathing space, there’s no shame in it anymore. Contact Rachael at hello@thecareerhub.ie or visit www. thecareerhub.ie. Rachael Kilgallon is a FETAC qualified career coach and founder of The Career Hub.
Valentine’s Day
Gazette
7 February 2013 Gazette 17
The essential guide to finding that extra special something for that special someone
l val enti n e’ s day i d e as l
30 steps to love
WANT to make your love life more romantic? Even the most ardent lover can use romantic inspiration from time to time, especially when the pressure’s on with St Valentine’s day just around the corner. Whether you’re about to go on a romantic getaway, or you are going to be spending time alone together at home, adding some romantic touches will help to put both of you in a cheerful mood and bring you closer together. Try some of these 30 romantic ideas and ignite romance with your loved one. And these ideas aren’t confined to February 14! 1. Get away from it all 2. Celebrate an anniversary — any anniversary — with an anniversary trip 3. Expect the best — but get it for less, especially in these tough times 4. If you’re going away together for a romantic weekend, request the honeymoon suite 5. Schedule a romantic dinner — and make it a surprise 6. Tell her how beautiful she is or how handsome he looks 7. Turn off the TV in your room; better yet, don’t turn it on at all. Better still, throw it out of the room altogether! 8. Make a big deal — a really big deal — out of a birthday 9. Go window shopping, then circle back and buy something your better
half admired
sion to celebrate
candles
where and indulge
10. If you’re on a romantic
15. Inspired by a hotel
19. Pack a picnic, and
25. Watch a romantic film
break, ask the concierge
room? Redecorate your
don’t forget the wine
or DVD
to plan the day for you
bed at home with new
20. Enjoy a barefoot din-
26. Take better travel
11.Use the Do Not Disturb
sheets and pillows to
ner on the beach
pictures — and frame
sign — and bring it home
match the decor you
21. Go out just for dessert
your favourites
with you
enjoyed there
22. Find out what long-
27. Sleep out all night on
12.Share a secret no one
16. Steal a kiss in a public
married couples do to
the beach
else knows
place
keep it real
28. Take an overnight
13. Write a love letter and
17. Count the stars
23. Pack a book of classic
train and ride in a com-
seal it with a love stamp
together
love poems
partment just for two
14. Give roses when
18. Save energy: Shut
24. Bring chocolate, any
29. Propose
there’s no special occa-
off the lights and light
time, in any form, any-
30. Elope
Take the time to make your love life even more romantic
Valentine’s Day
GAZETTE
18 GAZETTE 7 February 2013
Miss Selfridge NOW €39
Miss Selfridge €85
Awear €25
Miss Selfridge €65
Valentine’s
Dress to impress this LAURA WEBB
CUPID is getting ready for his busiest day of the year, and so are women across Dublin. This week, Gazette Style is on the look-out for the perfect dress that will impress lovers old or new. Don’t be shy when it comes to picking a dress for date night this Valentine’s Day. Be bold and beautiful with red. Whether you want to go all out with a statement red dress, or be a little more demure with a hint of red mixed in, now is the time to get adventurous and play with red on Valentine’s Day.
NEXT €52
Miss Selfridge €85
Dunnes Stores €22
7 February 2013 Gazette 19
Say ‘I will’ at Carton House
l tem pt i n g fo o d s l
Romantic menu at Royal Marine
HEAD chef Darrin Parrish, at the Royal Marine Hotel, has developed a special Valentine’s Day menu, using some unique and special foods appropriate to the spirit of the day. Here are some fascinating facts about some of the components of the dishes on offer, which make up the sensuous seductive offering at the Dun Laoghaire hotel. Oysters: This seafood speciality was documented by the Romans in the second century to have
aphrodisiac qualities.
tion — if you dare.
Nutmeg: This spice is highly prized by Chinese women as an aphrodisiac, and it is said that large quantities can produce a hallucinogenic effect.
Broccoli: Everyone’s favourite vegetable is said to increase virility.
Truff les: The musky scent of this delicacy is said to stimulate and sensitise the skin to touch.
Liquorice: This sweet is said to enhance love, more so in women.
Avocado: The Aztecs called the avocado tree “ahuacuati”. Chef Parrish suggests that you ask your waiter for transla-
Fennel: This was used as a libido enhancement by the Egyptians.
If all this is whetting your appetite, than call the Royal Marine Hotel on 01 230 0030 for a reservation, or see www. royalmarine.ie for more information.
Gazette
The essential guide to finding that extra special something for that special someone
Animal attraction: Love is in the air love is in the air at Dublin Zoo as it gets ready to open its doors
early for an exclusive Valentine Date for couples everywhere. From 8am on Saturday and Sunday, February 16 and 17, the zoo is offering couples a unique alternative date at one of the most interesting destinations in Dublin, with special keeper talks on the courtship, breeding and the exotic mating rituals of some of the animals. There are a limited number of 100 tickets, which cost €60, available to ensure that the experience is truly romantic. For more information, log on to www.dublinzoo.ie.
Carton House is inviting couples to say “I will” this Valentine’s Day on their romantic grounds. T he venue, which was shortlisted for 2012 Leinster Wedding Venue of the Year, has created the Carton House Perfect Proposal package which can include overnight accommodation, use of the Shell Cottage which overlooks the River Rye, or a romantic boat ride, champagne and flowers. For more information on the Perfect Proposal package, visit www.cartonhouse.com or call 01 505 2000.
Gazette
20 Gazette 7 February 2013
OUT&ABOUT
HOMES
HOME: ideal standard’s style predictions
Key to a great home is a great bathroom A crucial element to a great home is a great bathroom, and Brussels-based bathroom solution company, Ideal Standard, are intent on helping people create their ideal salle de bain. One of Europe’s leading bathroom brands, Ideal Standard’s goal is stated to be “to create a life space that reflects personalised well-being”. The brand follows three main philosophies: design, functionality and innovation, and Ideal Standard international designer Robin Levien is certain that those values will still apply throughout 2013 when he recently gave his bathroom predictions for this year. “Whilst these straitened times won’t be changing soon, it’s not all bad. We are learning to value what’s really important in life - family, friends, good food and a comfortable home. “I see the bathroom as a key element of our homes over the coming years. “Over one-in-four people use their bathroom as a place to relax and this trend will continue to become more and more popular throughout 2013. Luxury bathing
options provide the ultimate way to unwind after a busy day and get some peace and quiet.” Robin went on to detail the kinds of themes that he expects to see prevalent in bathroom design and fittings this year. “We will continue to look back to more optimistic times and mid 20th century vintage is where it’s at. This will manifest in shapely accessories in the bathroom, a collection of 60s glass vases for example to provide an optimistic note. “Blocks of colour will brighten up
the bathroom, it’s very easy to fit a sheet of painted plywood for a bath panel then play off the colour with complementary soft elements like towels and bath mats – they don’t all have to be the same colour. “Besides vintage stylings, we are wanting to get back to nature. This is a great trend for the bathroom as ceramics already have a natural quality that provides a perfect foil for softer natural materials like wood. “We are celebrating the handmade again too so things don’t have to be perfect, the pristine quality of the pieces of ceramic in the bathroom can be complemented by hand thrown porcelain accessories.” Robin also suggests that you take the natural theme to its logical extreme in your bathroom redesign. “What better place to grow some plants than the bathroom, plenty of moisture to keep them happy. There are some very clever plant pots that hang upside down from the ceiling. This is a great solution for using the unused space above the bath and you can lie in the bath under an Amazonian rainforest canopy.”
Over one-in-four people use their bathroom as a place to relax
7 February 2013 Gazette 21
Gazette
MUSIC interVIEW: a great voice returns to Ireland
It’s got to be perfect for singer Eddi Reader Eddi Reader once sang that “It’s got to be perfect...”, and she is bringing her perfect voice and folk stylings back to Ireland later this month. Gazette Music caught up with Eddi as she prepared to take the stage at the BBC Radio 2 British Folk Awards, held in Glasgow last week, and she was thrilled and looking forward to sharing the stage with one of her inspirations. “I’ll be on stage singing Caledonia with my
ROB heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com
heroine, Barbara Dickson. She’s a remarkable inspiration to lassies like me growing up, she was one of the few women standing on a stage with a microphone and a guitar. She was the queen of the folk scene, so it will
be great to hear her singing tonight.” Bringing the show back to Ireland, Eddi will be honing some of the songs that may form the foundations of her upcoming album, which she will be going into the studio to record in the coming months, a process she is looking forward to. “I’ve been working on the new album, spending the last two years collecting ideas, and it’s time to go into the studio now. I’ve booked the time and
it’ll all work out. There’s a point when you need to invest yourself and get involved in the record. The songs will dictate the sound – you don’t know sometimes where they’ll be going, until they start talking to you.” Eddi says that one of the things she enjoys the most about performing is connecting with an audience on a personal level. “What I do has to be in the moment, and I enjoy it so much. I’m delighted when someone comes up
Eddi Reader is bringing her perfect voice and folk stylings back to Ireland
to me after a show saying that they were blown away when they only knew me from Perfect and Fairground Attraction.” Asked about what she likes the most about coming to perform in Ireland, Eddi was unequivo-
cal about the reasons. “The fact that the audience listening are as musical as me. They know what they like, and they share the moments with me. Irish audiences are very open people in a way that I recognise from where I come from, that
people are musical and sing songs at the drop of a hat.” Eddi brings her Irish tour to the Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire on February 15, Draiocht in Blanchardstown on February 15, and Whelan’s on February 20.
Gazette
22 gazette 7 February 2013
OUT&ABOUT
CINEMA
Theatre
THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929 Beckett X 3
GODOT Theatre Company London are back with three more short Beckett plays on Friday and Saturday, February 8 and 9 at 8.15pm in the Pavilion. Tickets are priced at €17/€15.
Draiocht 01 885 2622 Singlehood
ARE you single? Have you never been single? Do you wish you were single? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this is the show for you. Singlehood is a funny and uplifting theatre documentary exploring the art of being single. Renowned for her documentary theatre practice, Una McKevitt in collaboration with writer David Coffey (Dan & Becs, Fade St) interviewed over 50 singletons to bring their raw and revealing stories to the stage. February 14, tickets €16/€12.
Mill THEATRE 01 296 9340 David O’Doherty
Life is a marathon, not a sprint. But it is a sort of marathon that you really have to sprint. And there are hurdles and weights to lift. And swimming. And shooting. Life is basically The Olympics. But at the end you don’t get a medal, you die. Catch David on Saturday, February 16, tickets are priced at €18/€14.
Even in the rain, Denzel is the coolest man on the planet
review: with washington at the controls, this movie soars
Denzel takes off I have something of a confession, dear readers. In the year or so that I have been writing movie reviews for The Gazette, I have never particularly taken to one aspect of the place; the five-star movie rating system. It eliminates grey areas and leaves reviews to define something as either awful, mediocre, average, great or excellent. This system panders to a modern need to have everything fit into a neatly labelled box and removes nuance. And, as is so often the case in my life, it has taken Denzel Washington to show me the way. It is Flight that has me pondering this existential gap in the human ability to judge relative merits. For, it is not an average film nor is it a great film. In the aforementioned
Film of the Week: Flight h h h h (15) 138 mins Director: Robert Zemeckis Starring: Denzel Washington, Kelly Reilly, Bruce Greenwood, Don Cheadle, John Goodman
Paul Hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com
five-star system, three is too little, four is too generous. Which is why I am implementing the half star, the seven out of 10 in this case. Because, this is definitely a film worth seeing. Is it a life-changer? Not really. Will it feature in many best of the year lists? Unlikely. Will it entertain you for just north of two hours? Almost certainly. The bulk of the entertainment is carried in the first 40 minutes, as we get acquainted with Washington’s pilot Whip Whitaker. By get acquainted I
OUR VERDICT: WHILE it is good to see Zemeckis back doing live action, after many years trying to make motion-capture relevant, he falls just short of a great comeback. The actual crash sequences are excellent, but after that the story struggles to find a consistent tone and relies on a lazily written, albeit wildly fun, sidekick in John Goodman and a relationship that feels just too convenient for the tone of the first hour.
mean see him do drugs and have sex in a cheap motel room a couple of hours before taking control of a plane carrying 112 people. So first impressions aren’t great, but when the mess hits the fan, only one person keeps their cool. As a storm, a nervous co-pilot and his own drunkeness conspire against him, Whitaker manages to guide the plan out of a perilous situation into a field. First anninted a hero, Whitaker must face pub-
lic and political scrutiny into his condition on the day of the crash. It is here that the film feels strained. At 138 minutes long, it is probably bloated by about 20 minutes and the weight given to the various relationships in the film is out of kilter. Why spend so long on a marriage of convenience with fellow addict Kelly Reilly (who is excellent, notwithstanding), and leave us so bereft of screen time with Whip’s son and ex wife? W hen confronting
these relationships, Jason Gatins script, which has been nominated for an Oscar, falls a little short. But, what it does exceptionally well is pose an important question; why do we always need a hero? Here is a man who took charge of a plane drunk, yet the audience wants him to prevail because of how well he landed the plane and, let’s be honest, just how goddamn cool he is. It is an interesting moral conundrum that will have many in disagreement afterwards. Of course, this is Denzel’s movie. He is on screen for almost every scene and absolutely dominates every last one, playing Whitaker with arrogance, coolness and vulnerability. His Oscar nomination is richly deserved and his performance more than reason enough to give Flight a whirl.
7 February 2013 LUCAN gazette 23
Gazette
GAMING a spellbinding playstation 3 game: Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
BYTES&PIECES kicking 4K into the public eye
It’s magical ONCE again, the PlayStation 3 lays claim to a beautiful title as a platform-exclusive game, in the fascinating new title, Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch. An innovative tie-in with famed Japanese anime company, Studio Ghibli, and acclaimed role-playing game (RPG) masters Level-5, Wrath tells the story of Oliver, a young boy whose mother has just passed away. The upset boy’s tears bring a toy doll to life, as Drippy, the King of the Fairies (apparently a
Welsh spirit) takes pity on Oliver, resolving to help him with his determination to bring his dead mother back. It isn’t long before the two new friends are wandering through a parallel universe, with Oliver developing magic spells and special abilities along the way, as well as mastering the use of Familiars in battle. So, in essence, Wrath is presented as a vast RPG with standard magic/ Pokemon-ish undertones, making it a challenging yet fun tale with some
Japan to broadcast 2014 World Cup in super-fidelity ALTHOUGH it’s yet to register in the public consciousness in the same way that HD, or even Blu-Ray, has, 4K – image fidelity that is several times clearer than even HD – could well be the future of all our viewing. (Yes, yes, we all know that some people said that about 3D televisions, too.) Now, Japan is set to broadcast several 2014 World Cup matches in 4K – an on-the-ball move by the tech-savvy nation, or something of an own goal? We’ll find out, in 2014 ...
a portable new office
Microsoft updates suite to suite modern tastes OFFICE, Microsoft’s stalwart software collection familiar to bazillions of people everywhere, has been updated, with its rejigged suite having a particular relevancy for touch-screen devices. As to be expected, you shouldn’t expect to see Office appearing on rival devices, but it seems like a logical facility for Microsoft’s Surface tablet, as well as being a welcome, if not overdue, update of the classic suite.
shane dillon sdillon@gazettegroup.com
unusual themes of loss, acceptance, courage and so on. However, what makes it of particular note – apart from its great score – is how beautiful it looks, with the Studio Ghibli connection making Wrath one of the best-looking games out there, and easily one to recommend.
an appealing move? Apple unveils 128GB iPad
Despite being a child, Oliver has enough courage and heart to put many an adult to shame, as he searches for a way to bring his deceased mother back to life, and makes new friends along the way
FOR those of you with a need to cram an awful lot of content onto your tablets, Apple have unveiled a 128GB iPad, which is enough to hold – oh, lots and lots of stuff, given that it’s double the storage space of what was previously available. However, the natural price hike you’ll face for such extra space may not be the most tempting of things for cash-strapped consumers to sink their teeth into.
24 LUCAN gazette 7 February 2013
Gazette
& OUT ABOUT road
Citroen C-Zero: comfortable, quick, quiet and cheap to run
NOISE
Ford Fiesta sold every two minutes in Europe in 2012 Consumers bought a new Ford Fiesta every two minutes on average last year, making it the bestselling small car in Europe, according to automotive data intelligence provider JATO Dynamics. Last year, Ford sold 953,174 cars in the 30 European markets monitored by JATO, including 306,405 Fiestas. The Fiesta also was the best-selling B-car (sub-compact) globally for the first nine months of 2012, with more than 560,000 Fiestas sold worldwide, according to the latest Polk new vehicle registration data. Ford has sold more than 15 million Fiestas worldwide since the vehicle first went into production in 1976.
MOTORS
The Fiesta now has been the top-selling small car in Europe for three out of the past four years. The new Fiesta also offers MyKey, a Fordexclusive technology that allows parents to encourage safer driving and limit their teenager’s exposure to risk at the wheel. Ford also has equipped new Fiesta with Ford SYNC, a voice-activated in-car connectivity system, and SYNC emergency assistance, which directly connects vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident. The new 2013 Fiesta is now available from Ford dealers across Dublin. For more details, see: www.dub linford.ie.
It’s an electric time for the motor industry n Cormac Curtis
One of the loudest voices in electric vehicles this week claimed that there is revolution under way in the motoring world. In an interview with Liz Claman at Fox Business in America, Renault-Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn said the moment of the electric car is now. “It is a revolution,” he said. Despite the fact that the Renault Leaf fell way short of its ambitious 2012 sales target, Ghosn says the future of the auto industry is all about fuelefficient cars. The C-Zero is comfortable, quick, quiet and cheap to run. It has an accurate display of how long a distance it will cover, and that adjusts itself if you have the air conditioning on or off or any other features that might drain the battery.
It produces zero emissions, is almost completely silent in operation and now benefits from up to almost €10,000 of grants including a VRT rebate and SEAI electric vehicle grant – very attractive facts all round. Using advanced new technology, the car has high energ y density lithium-ion batteries to provide greater range. It can be charged at any time, whatever the initial charge state of the battery, via an ordinary domestic 13amp electricity socket. It is nimble and lively, boasting a tiny turning circle of just 9m. It does offer decent enough room, accommodation up to for four people plus some luggage space. At the C-Zero’s heart is a compact, ultra-efficient permanent magnet synchronous 49kW electric motor, which has a peak
The C-Zero has lively acceleration in urban operation, it can hold its own on main roads or motorways, with a maximum speed of 128km
torque rating of 180Nm. Thanks to the electric motor’s intrinsic ability to provide peak torque from standstill, the C-Zero has lively acceleration in urban operation – and out on the open road, it can hold its own on main roads or motorways, with a maximum speed of 128km. With its advanced battery technology and the regenerative capability of its electric motor during
braking, the C-Zero provides an extended range of up to 93 miles Research has shown that the average daily urban journey is only 23 miles, so it can fit into the everyday lives of many busy families. Using standard 13 amp domestic electricity supply, the C-Zero can be fully charged in around eight hours, so this operation can be carried out overnight or while parked
at work. There is also an alternative quick charge system, which enables up to 80% of the C-Zero’s battery charge to be replenished in just 30 minutes. The C-Zero has stateof-the-art safety and security features as well as comfort and convenience features including leather steering wheel and leather gear knob. The sticker price is €25,975.
7 February 2013 LUCAN GAZETTE 25
CANARY ISLANDS: A LITTLE EXOTIC OPULENCE ON THE ISLAND OF LANZAROTE
Embracing all things volcanic in Playa Blanca With Thomas Cook Ireland flying direct to Lanzarote from Dublin all year round, the popular Canary Island is one destination we’re hoping to set our sights on this summer. Recently, our reporter DAVE PHILLIPS opted for a little exotic opulence on the island of Lanzarote and will be certainly returning this year… FOR those of a migratory mind, Lanzarote is an ideal refuge from the chill during the winter, as well as the summer months, but the weather isn’t the only draw here. Distinct from the other Canary Islands, Lanzarote has always cultivated and maintained a gentler approach to tourism and development. Much of this is directly linked to César Manrique, an artist and architect who had great influence in the development of the island for tourism. The complete lack of billboards, the absence of any high-rise structures and the uniform simplicity of colours used to paint walls and windows of homes across the island all contribute towards the sense of calmness that Lanzarote seems to exude. On a recent trip, I spent a day with Marcelo from Canary Trekking, a tour company that specialises in taking small
groups trekking across the island’s volcanic landscape. The coarse lapilli – pea-sized fragments of volcanic rock ejected during eruptions – which crunches underfoot, has transformed the landscape into otherworldly shades of black, grey, and orange. A trip through Timanfaya National Park showcases some of the most impressive volcanic peaks and craters. The ground here is fragmented, jutting at odd angles, and in several places still very hot. Layers of magma at a shallow depth release intense heat through small crevices, or “chimneys” around the park. Some of these are so hot you could cook food on them. That’s exactly what you’ll find on offer at the El Diablo restaurant perched high in the centre of the park. The stunning restaurant, designed by Manrique, offers an unparalleled view of the
park, and probably one of the only chances you’ll have to try geo-thermally cooked chicken. If you’re looking to completely embrace the volcanic theme, you can stay at Hotel Volcan, at Playa Blanca. Volcan is a beautiful five-star hotel with generous rooms and an impressive façade incorporating a large replica volcano. The hotel overlooks a harbour and the Playa Blanca marina, which can be accessed through the hotel gardens. Taking the gentle ethos of the island to heart, the hotel serves as a sanctuary. With spa treatments available and a choice of six pools to lounge in, there’s always plenty to do. During my stay there
Hotel Volcan in Playa Blanca is a five-star hotel with generous rooms and an impressive facade incorporating a large replica volcano
The volcanic landscape of Playa Blanca
was a healthy mix of families and couples. A separate club area at the hotel provides room and relaxation areas exclusively for adults, especially useful perhaps if you’re looking to leave the kids at home. There are plenty of great places to eat at Playa Blanca, but for something special make the trip to La Era, which serves delicious authentic Canarian food. Given the soil conditions on Lanzarote, it is not surpris-
ing that the local dishes are relatively simple, but we’ve seen from Manrique’s vision, that keeping things simple is by no means a bad thing. Much of Manrique’s work as an artist involved complementing what nature has already provided and the wholehearted extension of that philosophy to tourism and development throughout the island has created a space naturally warm in every sense of the word.
GETTING THERE: LANZAROTE The five-star Hotel Volcan in
Prices include flights, transfers
Playa Blanca is available in May
and accommodation.
from €829 pps on a half board basis, or from €2,553 for a family of four
Call Thomas Cook on (01) 514 0328,
for seven nights.
or go to www.thomascook.ie
GAZETTE
TRAVEL
26 LUCAN GAZETTE 7 February 2013
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7 February 2013 LUCAN Gazette 27
gaelic games P31
P27 sportsasdfsdaf awards P28
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
athletics P28
FastSport Glenville refix Beggs’ cup tie:
Sixteen-time world champion Phl “The Power” Taylor will play a special exhibition against Denis Priestly in the Red Cow Moran Hotel on February 17
darts: win the chance to throw a leg against the legendary phil taylor
The Power set to light up the Red Cow at exhibition event HOT on the heels of his record breaking 16th world championships, Phil “The Power” Taylor, the greatest darts player of all time, is set to face off against two time world champion Denis “The Menace” Priestly on Sunday February 17 at the Red Cow Moran Hotel. The eagerly anticipated event is sure to prove as popular as ever knowing the support of Stoke’s favourite son and the Red Cow are looking forward to hosting the talented tungsten warriors according to their hotel’s Sara Farrell. “We are extremely excited to see
Phil and Denis in action,” said Farrell. “There are a lot of people looking forward to the night and with Phil coming off another world championship win, it’s even bigger. “The Red Cow Moran is well used to putting on top sporting events but, I think the darts is something a little more special – it’s a real people’s sport. “Every time we have a darts event the crowds turn out in their droves and they really participate in the show and it only helps that Phil and Denis have
such a special relationship with all of the fans.” The event is to be run in partnership with Pieta House, a suicide awareness group who have close ties with the Moran Hotel Group, with Glen Moran, Limerick’s Man of the Year, walking from Treaty City to Dublin to raise €200,000 for the charity. “It’s great that we can put on such a good show for the benefit of such a worthy cause and the top fundraisers on the night will be able to play a leg of darts against Phil or Denis.”
GazetteSport is offering a lucky reader the unique opportunity of going toe-totoe with Taylor. All you have to do is answer in 20 words or less, why should you be the lucky person to face world champion Phil Taylor? To enter, send your answer to competitions@gazettegroup.com. The best answers receive entry to the event and a once in a lifetime opportunity to play against either Taylor; the second best answer will play a leg against Priestly while there are also four pairs of tickets to the event up for grabs.
GLENVILLE’S FAI intermediate cup fourth round tie with Beggsboro has been refixed for Sunday, February 10 in Palmerstown school at 11am following the postponement last week due to the inclement weather. They are hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow local sides Phoenix and Bluebell United, both of whom advanced last week. The former gained revenge on Everton for their defeat last year with John Brophy and Keith Gleeson netting twice while Derek Swan was also on the mark in a 5-0 win. Bluebell saw off Bandon as Trevor Molloy got the first before Glen Madden grabbed the other to make it 2-0.
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 7 February 2013
SPORT
DublinGazetteNewspapers
soccer: dublin man to detail his life in football
2013 dublin sports awards january winners
H STARof the MONTH
Dublin Bus are set to feature heavily in Paul O’Brien’s new book Fairplay
james cluskey THE SWORDS tennis club member had a month to remember, claiming a doubles title in Germany before reaching two other ITF Futures event finals. His month was capped off with a Davis Cup call-up which saw Ireland defeat Estonia.
O’Brien hails local soccer’s stories sport@gazettegroup.com
TEAMof the MONTH H st joseph’s college, lucan THE LUCAN College broke their A championship duck in incredible fashion as they won the junior title just days before landing the biggest honour in the county at senior level, both first time victories as they saw off St MacDara’s and Maryfield, respectively.
AFTER a life in local soccer, Dubliner Paul O’Brien is currently collating some of his favourite memoirs for his upcoming book, Fairplay. It comes after a long association with the sport in west Dublin, starting off in Ballyfermot as a 17-year-old coach of small-sided games before going on to link up with Palmerstown Rangers, St Pat’s Athletic and Shamrock Rovers over the next 30 years.
Speaking about the book, O’Brien said: “It has been my intention for a long time to have a book published that would highlight and acknowledge the efforts, achievements and talent of local people that I have been fortunate to work with and befriend over the years. “The book will incorporate my involvement in local five-a-sides, seven-a-sides and league teams and will feature well-known players, personalities, photos along
with testimonials and interviews.” To this end, he has no shortage of material with the likes of Celtic man Paul Byrne – whose formative years were with Bluebell – League of Ireland stalwart John Cleary who played in Europe with Dundalk before managing Galway United and St Pat’s. His brother, Mick, meanwhile, provides tales of exciting times at Athlone Town in the mid1970s when he was the goalkeeper for the club in
the UEFA Cup, keeping a clean sheet against Italian giants AC Milan in the first leg of their tie in St Mel’s Park and lining out in the San Siro stadium. Dublin Bus hero Paul Doyle also lends his local knowledge to the mix for what looks set to be a fine publication. The author is seeking sponsorship and donations from people in the area to help finalise the project. If you would like to get in contact and support O’Brien, call 085 285 6402.
DSDAC teenager continues rise on national stage sport@gazettegroup.com
UCD’s Ciara Everard takes a tumble as Siofra Cleirigh-Buttner (18) closes the gap in the 800m
DSDAC’S Siofra Cleirigh Buttner finished third at the women’s 800m race at the Woodie’s DIY AAI Games in the new Athlone IT indoor arena last week in a fantastic time of 2.05.26. It was a big personal best for her, bettering Ciara Mageean’s Irish junior record of 2.07.79. It came in a dramatic race as long time leader Ciara Everard hit the deck just metres from the line, and a fraction of a second later Laura Crowe also came tumbling down to leave Germany’s
Jana Hartman the winner in 2.04.14 from Siobhan Eviston in 2.04.35. It came on a weekend that produced a long list of new personal bests and one new record. David Sharpe’s 1986 GB junior 1,500m indoor record went by the new Athlone boards when Matthew McLaughlin ran the race of his life to win in a time of 3.42.87, and in the process smashed his own best by taking almost five seconds off his outdoor best. Kelly Proper showed she is getting back into the swing of
things when she won the 60m in a time of 7.55 from clubmate Niamh Whelan in 7.57. She made it a double when she won the long jump with 6.04m to make her doubly happy in this amazing arena. Whelan later won the 20m in 24.43 from Fingallians’ Louise Kiernan in 24.76. Brian Gregan was never threatened in the 400m, cruising through 200m in 21.9 and then holding his form brilliantly to cross the line in 46.07 to smash his previous best of 46.66 and record one of the fastest 400m
times in the world this year. His time is also well inside the standard for the European Indoor championships, and is the fastest time ever run for an indoors 400m in Ireland. The previous best was held by Grenada’s Alleyne Fancique who clocked 46.19 in Belfast in 2006. Olympian Robert Heffernan put in another amazing performance when he won the 3,000m walk in a time of 11.13.92, his second fastest time ever for the distance behind his 11.10.02 Irish record achieved in Cardiff 11 years ago.
7 February 2013 LUCAN Gazette 29
Gazette
30 LUCAN gazette 7 February 2013
SPORT
FastSport
boxing: local club looking to expand facilities
Local Lucan knowledge handy for Harriers THE final race of the Meet and Train Cross Country Series took place last Sunday in Griffeen Park, Lucan. Nine women from Lucan Harriers took part in this race and knowledge of the course and home advantage showed in the results, Lucan had three women in the top 10. Freda Comiskey was home in 13.41 and a fantastic second position, having worked her way up to first position all the way up to the last 100m when a Sportsworld runner caught her on the hill. Hilary Magee came home in 14.02, and seventh position. Lisa Coveney, pictured was next Lucan woman home, in 14.35 minutes. She was in 11th position as she ran the first and second lap, but once out of the hill for the second time, she went up to 10th position and stayed there until the end. After her great race in Raheny a week earlier, Bernie Stapleton was back racing and she was 19th woman home.
Members of Lucan boxing club are looking forward to their fundraiser in the Clarion Hotel on February 17
Lucan’s Rude awakening peter carroll sport@gazettegroup.com
LUCAN Boxing Club are gearing up for what could be one of the most memorable nights the club will ever have outside of the ring when they play host to The Original Rude Boys in Clarion Hotel on February 17 to raise funds for an extension and some needed renovations at the club. “It all came together through one of the coaches Paschal Joyce and we honestly can’t believe we have one of the best bands in the
country coming to help us out,” said local hero and coach Karl Brabazon. “The concert will be for all age groups and I’m sure we will have an absolutely massive turnout so people should get in touch with members or just drop into the club to get the tickets sorted out,” said the light middleweight. With the club looking to put in a big extension, Brabazon believes the funds will help make the club one of the best in the country and also allow them to provide showers and changing
dublin call-ups Shiels and Brophy get representative nod ABBY Shiels and Aoife Brophy, both from
Lucan United’s U-14 girls team, have both been selected to play for Dublin. They progressed through a series of trials to be selected to train and represent Dublin in the Oscar Traynor complex. Shiels is 10 years old while Brophy is 12. They are both part of a team managed by Mark Brophy and Amanda Lawless that has reached the top of their division.
facilities for the growing female contingent that are looking to compete under the Lucan banner. “The money raised will allow us to keep providing an outlet to the scores of kids that need boxing in the Lucan area. There is some much needed maintenance to be done to the premises at the moment with the roof and flooring in poor conditions. “We’re also looking to put an extension on to the gym. “It’s already a great space and we have two rings and 24 heavy bags but, with the extension,
we would get in three more 10ft rings and new changing facilities for boys and girls at the club. “Since the New Year we’ve had a big turnout for the women and we have about eight regulars down that will be looking to compete so we want to make sure they get as much comfort as possible at the club,” said Brabazon. The club’s most recent success came when heavily touted prospect John Joyce reached the final of the All-Ireland novice championships, but with some unfriendly scoring
in the final round, Joyce was judged to be runner up on the day but will look forward to a big start as an intermediate. Brabazon himself is looking to a date in March where the postponed Rebel Rising card is due to take place, but as ever, the Lucan man claimed the unpredictable nature of the sport could lead to another cancellation or postponement. “My two last fights were called off just days before the bouts so all I can do is stay fit and motivated, and I have no problem with that.”
7 February 2013 LUCAN gazette 31
Gazette
Lucan crew aid Dublin win over Galway sport@gazettegroup.com
LUCAN Sarsfields were heavily invested in Dublin’s Bord Na Mona Walsh Cup semi-final, as county captain Johnny McCaffrey, Chris Crummey and Peter Kelly all played roles in the narrow victory over Galway, 2-19 to 1-21, on Saturday afternoon in Parnell
Park. McCaffrey was played in an advanced role as a forward, while Chris Crummey played in the half back line. Peter Kelly was brought into the backs in the 27th minute mark to replace Niall Corcoran. Despite being one man down from the 18th minute, after Andy Smith
was given his marching orders, Galway managed to go in with a two-point advantage at the break, leading 1-11 to 1-9. However Dublin came out of the interval the better and points from Eamon Dillon, Paul Ryan and Danny Sutcliffe were followed by a fine Sutcliffe goal which gave Anthony Daly’s 2-14 to
1-14 clear. Galway then fought back and were in the lead with the end in sight at 1-21 to 2-17, but Shane Durkin brought the Dubs level before Paul Ryan knocked over a free to secure the win and a date for his side with Wexford in Bellefield where the Cup will be decided this Sunday.
camogie: senior stars follow in junior footsteps
Club Noticeboard lucan sarsfields A GREAT day was had by all at the
(Kellogs camp) Monday, July 8 to
annual Nagarhope celebrity chal-
Friday, July 12; hurling (club camp)
lenge. Thanks to our U-9 footballers
Monday, July 15 to Friday, July 19;
for providing the half time enter-
football (club camp) Monday, August
tainment.
12 to Friday August 16; hurling (club
Membership is now due and can be paid online through our website
camp) Monday, August 19 to Friday, August 23.
www.lucansarsfields.ie or at the
Valentine’s disco for fifth and sixth
clubhouse bar. There will be a strict
class takes place on Friday, Febru-
no pay no play policy in place this
ary 8 in the clubhouse function room.
year.
Tickets are €5 available on the door.
As of this week, the clubhouse bar
Training and fundraising for the 12th
opening times will change as follows:
Lock Fight Night is now in full swing.
Monday 7.30–10.30pm, Tuesday 7.30–
This is a White Collar boxing event,
10.30pm, Wednesday 7.30–10.30pm.
where 36 club members (including
Thursday 6pm–closing time, Friday
All-Ireland winning former Dublin
8pm–closing Time, Saturday 2pm–
footballer Paul Casey and former TD
closing Time, Sunday 2pm–closing
Paul Gogarty) will take part in a box-
time.
ing extravaganza.
These reduced opening hours are
The event is taking place in a cir-
part of an effort to bring operating
cus-style Big Top Tent on Saturday,
costs of the club bar down, which
March 9 in Lucan Sarsfields. Stand-
is an unfortunate necessity. These
ard seating tickets cost €25. There
hours will be reviewed over the next
are also a limited number of ringside
few months by the bar committee.
seats available for €30. Tickets are
The dates for our summer camps have been set as follows: football
available on line through the Lucan Sarsfields website.
st pat’s, palmerstown CONGRATS to Evan Walshe who
Tickets cost only €35 per head.
received a future star award at the
By purchasing a ticket you will be
league game in Croke Park on Sat-
guaranteed a great night as well as
urday. Also to Neil Dunne and Jack
helping the club to obtain necessary
Double delight for St Joseph’s College
Clarke who refereed the mini sevens
funding.
Mafc semi-final
westmanstown/garda
St Joseph’s College, Lucan’s senior team claimed the school’s second A championship in two weeks
St Joseph’s College, Lucan 3-5 Maryfield College 1-7 sport@gazettegroup.com
LESS than a week since St Joseph’s College won its first ever A championship at junior level, the school’s senior team added the biggest prize in Dublin College’s Camogie, capturing the A championship title after an enthralling encounter with long-time rivals Maryfield College, 3-5 to 1-7. There was little to separate the teams throughout the game, though it was perhaps the greater
hunger that drove the Lucan girls to victory. They got off to a dream start as Tara Keenan split the posts from 30 yards before full-forward Laura Morrissey’s shot found the back of the net. Maryfield then began to take control of midfield and, midway through the first half, they reduced the deficit to one from placed balls. They may well have taken the lead but for some heroic goalkeeping from Jenny Ryan who showed nerves of steel under the high ball while Amy Gorman and Orla Moloney cleared the
lines. At the far end, the on-fire Morrissey struck her second goal from close range. Maryfield were stubbornly defiant and would not let St Joseph’s slip out of their reach. Fullforward Aisling Maher hand-passed to the net and a further point for both sides left St Joseph’s 2-2 to 1-4 at half-time. Maryfield stormed into the second half with two quick-fire points, to give them the lead for the first time. But St Joseph’s showed their resolve as Morrissey restored parity as she and Charlotte Rooney con-
tinued to torment Maryfield’s full-back line. An excellent individual point from Alison Twomey put Joey’s back in front before the crucial break came 12 minutes from time. Ciara Sheehan chased down a long-ball over the Maryfield defense and batted the bouncing ball to the net. And five minutes from time, Joey’s were awarded a free from 40 yards in front of goal after hard work from Ailise Dowling and Ailish O’Grady, and it was fittingly pointed by captain Twomey to give her team that crucial four-point advantage.
at half time.
The club expresses our deepest
Last chance this week to get tick-
sympathies to Leaha Garigan and
ets for dinner dance. There will be no
her family on the death of her grand-
admission at the door without a tick-
mother Nuala. Ar dheis de go raibh a
et. They are on sale from 7-8pm in the
anam.
clubhouse each evening or text 086
Outstanding club membership
7255586. The club dinner dance is set
needs to be paid ASAP if teams are to
to go ahead on this Friday, February 8
remain in their leagues.
in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel at 7.30pm.
There was no winner of the lotto.
THE new season gets under way next
Crunch Fitness, Westmanstown for
Sunday, February 10 when the inter-
the duration of the winter. Ask for
mediates have their first match in the
Geraldine Cullotty.
Joy Cup at home in Westmanstown at 11am against Ballymun Kickhams.
For the latest information, visit www.westmanstowngaels.ie.
The junior season gets under way
Training continues for all juvenile
the following Sunday, February 17
teams. Boys and girls from Clonsilla,
with a first match at home to St Mar-
Lucan, Clonee and Blanchardstown
garet’s in the Parsons Cup at 11am.
from eight to 16 years are welcome to
Training continues at Westmanstown on Tuesdays and Thursdays at
join. Contact club GPO Declan Jennings for more information at 085 8006101.
7pm. Ladies training is on Mondays at
The juvenile club registration days
7.30pm at Westmanstown, Wednes-
are Saturday, February 9 and 23 from
days at 7pm in Tyrrelstown gym and
10am-12.30pm.
Saturday morning at 9am in Westmanstown. New members welcome.
Membership charges are €70 for the first child and €40 for each child
The Gaels Nursery (five to seven
thereafter. Adults, team coaches,
years) runs every Saturday from
mentors and committee members
10am. Sessions are held indoors in
€40.
GazetteSPORT all of your lucan sports coverage from page 27-31
february 7, 2013
double delight: St Joseph’s senior camogie side follow in junior team’s footsteps to land A title P31
Fight the power: Win a chance to play a leg against Phil Taylor P27
Sars’ Crummy stars on Dublin debut peter carroll
sport@gazettegroup.com
LUCAN Sarsfields senior hurling manager Damien Fox has claimed that his club’s representation in the senior county ranks is a “huge honour” for the 12th Lock club as their sky-blue contingent continues to swell. With Johnny McCaffrey tagging over three points and his distribution being one of the keys to the Dublin 2-19 to 1-21 win over Galway, Fox is also expecting big things from Dublin regular Peter Kelly and Chris Crummy, who made his
competitive debut for the side last Saturday afternoon. “Chris is a big, tall player who can go as far as he wants in the sport,” said Fox. “Personally, I’d like to see him played a bit further up the pitch [he started in the half backs] because he can really use his physicality a lot more as a forward. “He did put in a really good performance though because he had his hands full with Damien Hayes who is a very tricky man to mark.” Fox also pointed out how all of his players were used in positions they usually wouldn’t play for their club, but he claimed their versatility
allows Anthony Daly to use them in a number of positions. “Well we did play Johnny up front against Palmerstown last year and he scored 10 points, but he’d be known more as a midfielder. Peter Kelly and Chris usually play up front but they were pushed into the backs. “They are all very versatile lads and maybe Anthony Daly is playing them in their correct positions because getting a result against Galway is no walk in the park,” said the Lucan coach. Currently injured Seanie McClelland is another man that Daly will
be looking to utilise after his heroics for the minors last year, and Fox believes the Dubs can push on this year after learning some big lessons last time around. “I was talking to Seanie and he thinks he’ll be back in two weeks. All of the intercounty players were in the gym yesterday and it’s clear that they are completely refocused. “They are in the top four or five teams in the country so I really don’t think they’ll struggle against the top teams this year. They are desperate to make up for last year’s early exit.”
Johnny McCaffrey has been joined in the Dublin panel by a number of club mates