Meath Echo - June 2011 by Tele.ie

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Issue 136 - June 2011

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Help Is On The Way For

Unpaid Small Contractors Legislation is on the way to protect small contractors and companies who can’t get paid for their work, according to Meath TD Dominic Hannigan, Gordan Adamson Writes. Deputy Hannigan raised the issue of contractors who have been left out of pocket by larger developers, with the Tánaiste in the Dáil recently. He asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Trade when the Construction Contracts bill will be brought before the Dáil. “The economic crash has been particularly hard on smaller contractors and I am aware of several small companies in Meath who have been left high and dry when the larger organisation they were working for hit financial trouble. The Construction Contracts Bill will provide some protection and redress for them,” said Hannigan afterwards. In Leinster House Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore told Deputy Hannigan the Construction Contracts Bill will be brought to the Dáil before the summer recess.

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JOE Doyle

Editor Meath Echo Last week, I was driving through Ratoath and I saw a lady standing at the bus stop wearing a head scarf. It’s been a long time since I have seen someone wearing a head scarf, indeed, my own mother always wore one. When I saw her, memories flooded back to me of a time when everything seemed so much simpler. We had long hot summers, colder winters with more snow and a new jumper was something you got when your brother outgrew his. Looking at where we are now, we need to get back to those times. We need to prioritise between what we need and what we want. When I was growing up, the tenants association would often run buses from the community centre to Portmarnock for the day. Lots of men and women would volunteer their time to run the summer project and for a few pence, you would have a great time watching a movie in the local community centre. Now it’s summer camps that cost a small fortune. Let’s get back to basics. If you are unemployed or have a few hours to spare, why not volunteer your time, your skills and your expertise and do something you in your community this summer. Ok, volunteering won’t pay the bills but will give you the sense of doing making a difference to peoples live.

To advertise in the Meath Echo, call 01 8254434 or email meathecho@gmail.com The Meath Echo, the best read column-based newspaper in the County.

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4th July 2011

Summer Works

Additions Welcomed

Deputy Regina Doherty has welcomed the announcement of additions to the School Summer Works Programme 2011. Earlier this year, it was announced that the Summer Works programme funding would be confined to the categories of Gas, Electrical and Mechanical works; However, with yesterday’s Jobs Initiative announcement came more positive news regarding the Programme. It was announced that a further €30 million is being made available to schools in Ireland to improve facilities for our children. There are four additional categories that are to be included in the Works Programme 2011, these include projects to facilitate inclusion and access for special needs pupils, toilet facilities, roof works and window projects. Doherty said, ‘This is great news for the schools in Ireland and, moreover, for the 15 schools in Meath that are to benefit from this funding.’ ‘There is no question that the pupils that attend the schools will benefit from this funding, whether they know it or not; but the fact that the school authorities have the discretion to put the project out to tender for local businesses to bid and benefit from is a really positive move.”

Tara Dawn Run 2011 in Early Launch

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Lost In Translation On Flight 64 John Henderson

When the call from the Meath Echo Corporate headquarters came through earlier today looking for my column I was delighted to be able to tell them I was holidaying in the South of France. Despite the lack of emotion detectable from the faceless bureaucrat on the other end of the line I knew he was impressed. ‘Whatever’, he muttered ‘just send me 750 words of the verbal diarrhoea you call humour’. But as he said this I could sense a certain amount of envy in his voice. And when he hung up the phone I could tell he did so in an admiring fashion. And when I hung up my phone I realised I hadn’t really hung up a telephone for years and neither had anybody else but I convinced myself that whatever point I was trying to make was still relevant. For a long time the South of France has had a sort of exotic quality. When people talked of holidaying in the South of France we pictured them driving along the Cote D’Azur in

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their Ferrari to where their yacht was moored in Monaco. When I, and many people talk about holidaying in the South of France now, we’re referring to getting cheap flights to the many airports now serviced by Michael O’Leary in the southern half of France. It must be a source of immense frustration to someone with a villa on the French Riviera when they say, ‘well, yes we have a little place in the South of France’, only to hear ‘aw deadly man, we were just there. We got flights into Carcassonne for 20 Euros and found a campsite for a tenner a night.’ It is probably similar to the disgust felt by the horsey set who put downs roots in the equestrian environs of Ratoath only for the floodgates to open 10 years ago when we all arrived en mass from Finglas and beyond. ‘Aw yeah man I’ve got a horse too you know. We named it Anto after me and me mate Anto. Isn’t that right Anto’. ‘That’s bang on inananyways, Anto’. Flying on Ryanair or indeed most other short haul flights causes certain dilemmas for the nuclear family. Most of you will know that two adults and two children don’t fit into the three seats on a plane. So what usually happens is one parent sits with

the children and the other sits across the way alone. But which is better? Because I say the other sits across the way alone but this is of course untrue. So is it better to mind the kids or sit across the way and wait, playing the overweight, smelly, nutter lottery game. I know it’s statistically impossible but we’re all convinced we get the nutter sitting beside us most of the time aren’t we. And if you don’t think you get the nutter most of the time, hey guess what ...... So we sit there and attempt to put off nutters from sitting beside us. The best way to do this as you know is to try and look like a nutter yourself. Whenever I’m getting on to a plane late and I’m looking for a suitable place to sit I always try and sit beside the person who’s obviously trying to look a bit mad in a bid to keep the seat to themselves. Although I have to say this policy has often backfired spectacularly. On the flight over this time as I sat alone, my wife having surrounded herself with our offspring, I spotted my nutter as soon as he stepped onto the plane. I was just going through that false secure phase when we actually think that ‘hey this might be ok, everyone seems to be walking straight by me I

might get all these seats to myself ’. As soon as I saw his overweight sweaty frame enter the plane all those feelings passed and I knew he was my nutter. I could see the pointyness of his elbows. They looked like he’d sharpened them especially for the journey and even before he sat down I was able to feel them poking into my ribs. He paused halfway down, looked around in a confused fashion and said something to one of the Ryanair hostesses. When I heard her say, ‘no, no you can sit in any seat’ I thought, ‘oh yes he’s mine.’ I was almost beckoning him at this stage ‘come to me’ it was like he was my penance. Penance for leaving my wife to look after the children, penance for being rude to the person selling Ryanair credit cards at the airport. ‘Is that seat taken?’ he said, ‘no’ I said, ‘it’s just for you me and the Holy Ghost, come let’s cleanse our souls’. This almost sent him scuttling by but I’d already stood up from my aisle seat to let him in. So he squeezed in. I sat down and put on my seat belt again. A bit too tightly this time, like Silas the albino strapping that thing to his leg in the DaVinci Code. Another nutter I’m sure I’ve sat beside a couple of times. Now the thing is I use the term

nutter a bit generally here. These people aren’t really nutters, if they were genuine nutters they might even be slightly entertaining. I’m talking about the kind of people who have the audacity to breathe audibly for the entire journey or attempt to fold the Irish Times. Now this guy was the worst kind. He was one of these guys that as soon as he sat down beside me he was extremely busy. This guy was up to his eyes, loads to do, most of it involving his pointy elbows. He had to get his bag down and decided that this was the perfect time to rearrange everything in his bag. I was expecting him to start washing his socks or do a bit of light ironing. He had things he needed to get from about his person all of which he kept in the back pocket of his trousers. Items, the retrieval of which caused him to throw his elbows about without so much as an ‘on guard’ or a ‘touche’. I did manage to have my revenge when he mentioned he had a place in the South of France and myself and the rest of the people on the Ryanair flight were able to bring him down a peg or two. This issues article may lose some of its humour in the translation from my native French.

To advertise phone: 01 8254434 or 086 33 555 60. The Meath Echo is the best read FREE Newspaper in County Meath. Editor, Joe Doyle. Proofing, Lynsey Dreaper. URL www.meathecho.ie email: MeathEcho@gmail.com

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The Venue Theatre has just launched the 2011 Meath’s Got Talent Competition. €1000 euro first prize & 2nd & 3rd prize of 500 euro plus musical instruments, electric piano’s, drum kits for best female & male performances. The contest starts on Thursday 23rd June in the Venue Theatre with the final to take place on Friday 9th September. This Talent Contest is aimed at young & old, male & female, who have stars in their eyes & have a talent to sing, dance, play an instrument or whatever they feel is entertainment. A very experienced judging panel will be there to offer advice to all contestants with a Grand Final on 9th September 2011 where 10 successful finalists will take part. This event would have been impossible to present, only for the assistance of our very generous sponsors - DBASS Chartered Accountants & W P O’Reilly & Associates Financial Consultants from Ashbourne & The Ratoath School of Music. The hosts for the contest will be Tommy Mangan & Niamh O Reilly, herself a singer of renown. At the launch Dermot Brennan a partner with DBASS Chartered Accountants stated “We are delighted to be associated with The Venue & Meath’s Got Talent.” Pat O ‘Reilly of WP O’Reilly is also very supportive of musical talent not just from County Meath. In this difficult time for the economy those gifted with musical talent must be encouraged to perform, as the successful out-

come of music can lead to a career path of music for part time employment at a time of scarce employment opportunities. Victor Hugo once said “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words”. There is no fee to en http://www.meathsgottalent.com/

assets/meaths-got-talent.jpg ter this competition so I would encourage as many to enter Meath’s Got Talent as possible. DBASS Chartered Accountants and W.P. O’Reilly & Associates Financial Consultants wish the contestants and our friends at the Venue Thea-

tre every success. The Venue Manager Nick Killian invites entries, closing date 10th June, Application forms are downloadable from www.meathsgottalent.com or direct from The Venue Box Office @ 01 6895600.

Rogue bankers and developers won’t evade the law By Gordon Adamson The bankers who helped bring about our economic crash cannot be allowed to evade the law, Meath TD Dominic Hannigan has stated. Speaking in Dáil Eireann recently, Deputy Hannigan said the public is “fed up” with a justice system they see “as not fit for purpose when it comes to jailing criminal bankers and developers.” In his contribution to the debate on the Criminal Justice Bill 2010 Deputy

have fallen on hard times are losing their homes. Against this backdrop they see developers with huge debts fleeing our shores. They see lengthy delays in bringing these people before the courts. They see billions in taxpayers’ money being sunk into the banks who lent recklessly during the boom and created these hard times. But they see no justice when it comes to tackling rogue bankers and developers,” he said. Speaking afterwards the Meath Depu-

ty said the Criminal Justice Bill 2010 includes changes to speed up investigations into white collar crime including enabling Gardaí make people hand over encrypted computer files and the passwords to access them. “It is right that we strengthen our laws. People need to believe in their justice system. They need to know that it does not matter who you know, how much you earn or where you live - if you break the law you will be pursued,” Hannigan concluded.

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Hannigan said there will be no impunity for white collar criminals and this message must be conveyed to the public. “People are asking themselves why they should bear the brunt of austerity measures when rogue individuals face no consequences. Last year 500 people were jailed for not paying TV and dog licences or parking fines. People who are only able to pay partial instalments on money they owe are being brought to court. Others who

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Pictured Here : At the launch of Meath’s Got Talent, Guitar Playing Sonia Mangan, also included (from left to right), Tommy Mangan, Musical Director Ratoath School of Music, Dermot Brennan, Partner, DBass Chartered Accountants and sponsor, Niamh Reilly, Host of Meath’s Got Talent, Noel Taafe, Marketing Manager DBass, Nick Killian Manager Venue Theatre Ratoath, Paul Doran Partner, DBass, Pat O’Reilly, Managing Director WP O’Reilly Financial Consultants Ashbourne, sponsor. MGT is also sponsored by the Meath Echo and Tele.ie

m D.I. St ew Y at ar Ha ion es ir er Ca y

Over 500 runners from all across the North East are expected to take part in the annual Tara Dawn Run on the Hill of Tara this June to raise funds for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. Beginning at 4:00am on Saturday 18th of June, the four kilometre “fun-run” is anticipated to attract its largest number of participants yet as people travel from all across the North East and beyond to take part in this novel event. Now in its fifth year, The Tara Dawn Run has established itself as an event with the X-factor that attracts people to run on the seat of the High Kings of Ireland around the summer solstice each June. The event has raised over €25,000 to date for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin and is again raising money for the same cause in 2011. Local organisers James Gibbons of Skyrne, County Meath and Shay Sheridan of Dunleer, County Louth were speaking at Sunday’s launch. “Last year we didn’t get any sleep during the night before the event at all. From mowing the course to setting up the post-race barbeque, there is something to do all the time in those final few hours. This will be the biggest event yet and a challenge for everyone involved but when you see the result, it makes it all worthwhile. People can even come along this year dressed in their pyjamas if they want. We will take donations from anyone regardless how they are dressed!” the guys continued. Johann Fox, Corporate Fundraising Manager with the Children’s Medical & Research Foundation at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin was quick to praise for the organizers but also sent out a plea to those considering taking part: “If you think about it, you are asking people to come to one of Ireland’s most historical of sites in the pitch black on a Saturday morning and run for 4km. Credit is due to everyone who will take part and all we can say is that the hospital really needs the support of everyone in the North-East on June 18th. ” This year’s funds will go towards providing evening services for teenagers attending the hospital as well as contributing to the expansion of the new Cardiac unit due to be built in the second half of 2011. To register, log onto www.taradawnrun.ie.

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Fighting constipation naturally By Dr Gott DEAR DR. GOTT: I was so happy to see your colon-cocktail ingredients in print, as I have a real problem with constipation. Do you have other ways to stop this annoyance? DEAR READER: The gastrointestinal tract slows as we age, with dietary and lifestyle changes often being to blame. For example, it is often far easier to eat a frozen dinner or a prepared meal that may be nutritious but that may lack the necessary fiber to keep you regular. Or your previous, faster pace of daily living might be slowed, so you don’t exercise as much as you once did. Both scenarios can lead to constipation. Perhaps a diet that includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains and unprocessed bran, an increase in the amount of fluids you consume daily and moderate exercise will get you back on track quickly. Try to consume between 20 and 35 grams of fiber each day, but

begin slowly. You may find a piece of fruit each day is sufficient to keep you regular. To overdo it too quickly is to turn constipation into diarrhea, and you don’t want that to happen. Be sure to avoid foods high in sugar and fat, such as ice cream and cheese, that can aggravate constipation. Be sure to take sufficient time when you feel the urge to defecate. Being rushed and thinking you may be forced to strain will definitely have a negative impact on the result. The longer you delay, the more water will be absorbed from your stool, and the harder it becomes. If your problem persists, visit your physician or a gastroenterologist to ensure nothing else, such as a blockage, is going on. Have you had any testing along those lines? For example, noninvasive procedures are available to determine how well food passes through the digestive system. You might choose to speak with your physician about them.

While you don’t mention any medical issues in your brief letter, you could have undiagnosed irritable bowel syndrome, might be overusing laxatives, have diverticulosis, be on specific medications such as those to combat hypertension and depression, or you may have hypothyroidism or hemorrhoids. The possibilities are almost limitless. For the record, my colon cocktail may take up to two weeks to become fully effective, so you might wish to do it on a permanent basis. Beyond that, consider drinking 4 ounces of warm prune or apple juice daily. You also might do well with a simple stool softener, fiber supplement or an osmotic to help fluids move through your colon. There are several overthe-counter products such as magnesium citrate that might do the trick. I’m sure that your local pharmacy will have a large supply from which to choose. You might even ask your pharmacist his or her opinion regarding which product might meet your needs

best. Avoid using laxatives on a regular basis. Habitual use of them can cause the colon to become dependent. As with any drug, even over-the-counter ones, their use can involve increasing the dosage time after time until the colon relies completely on an outside source to allow it to function. Laxatives should be taken only under a physician’s supervision.

That Burning Sensation DEAR DR. GOTT: I have recently been diagnosed with burning-mouth syndrome. What can you tell me about the cause and treatment? I’ve found Breneton on the Internet. Is this a good treatment to try? DEAR READER: Unfortunately, the cause of this condition can’t always be easily determined. It is thought to be

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related to problems with taste and sensory nerves of the peripheral or central nervous system; or it might be caused by a nutritional deficiency such as vitamin B, folate, iron or zinc. Direct links for the disorder can include an oral yeast infection, anxiety, depression, some medications, an underactive thyroid, reflux, hormonal imbalance or irritation to the mouth. Whatever the cause, the pain can affect your lips, tongue, gums, inside of your cheeks, roof of your mouth or all of the above. Symptoms include numbness or tingling of the affected portion of your mouth, pain that worsens as the day progresses, a loss of taste and dry mouth. You may notice an unpleasant metallic taste. Whatever symptom or symptoms you have can occur every day or may come and go. This condition can last for years or may disappear without treatment. Your doctor may choose to order blood tests, cultures to rule out viral/bacterial/yeast infection, allergy testing or

even an MRI or CT to rule out other possible but unidentified health issues. If you suffer from dry mouth, a salivary test can confirm or rule out a reduction in salivary flow. Treatment will depend on your specific symptoms. Mouthwashes, specific antidepressants, B vitamins, capsaicin as a pain reliever or behavioral therapy might be considered. On the home front, experiment with different toothpastes, drink additional fluids, refrain from using tobacco, and avoid foods with cinnamon or mint, as well as those high in acid, such as tomatoes and orange juice. Above all, make an effort to reduce the stress in your life, if appropriate. This might be accomplished with yoga or tai chi. Breneton is a combination of rheum rhabarbarum, Indian olibanum tree, torchwood tree, ginger, operculina turpethum and scammony. My guess is as good as yours whether this will work or not. My guess? No.

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Arkle All The Way By Brendan Boylan In every era every sport has competitors who raise the bar and set the standards which those who come in the generations that follow aspire to emulate. For instance, in Golf, Seve Ballesteros was a hero who inspired future generations. Followers of Soccer – depending on their seniority – might nominate Bobby Charlton or George Best where the younger generation will more than likely plump for Lionel Messi. In terms of National Hunt Racing, Arkle stands out like a lighthouse. It is a mark of the class of the animal, the esteem he was held in and the impact he had on the sport that over a half a century after his career ended, his name still reverberates therein. Arkle was quite simply the greatest. That fact is acknowledged across the Racing spectrum. No horse has ever held a higher Timeform rating (212) following a glittering career which amassed three Cheltenham Gold Cups, a King George, an Irish Grand National, two Hennessey Gold Cups and a Whitbread Gold Cup among a

plethora of other honours, and his head-on battles with the English contender Mill House were one of most highly anticipated Ireland v England sporting events. Meath is a county with a very rich heritage in Racing and the mighty Arkle is at the very epicentre of all that. Trained by the late, great Tom Dreaper, in Greenogue near Ashbourne, the horse had other extensive local connections with local men like my great friend Nick Connor, as well as others like Joe Finglas, Paddy Woods, Charlie Reilly and Liam McLoughlin, the father of current trainer Dermot McLoughlin very much associated with the legendary horse. Arkle’s memory is preserved with races in both Leopardstown and Cheltenham named in his honour, but plans are currently afoot to add a very special local flavour to the honouring of the equine great as a life sized bronze statue of the equine great is to be commissioned and erected on the main street of Ashbourne. While a statue of Arkle stands at Cheltenham racecourse, there is no fixed memorial to this

racing hero in Ireland. Ashbourne lies in the heart of the area where Arkle was bred, born, reared and trained. This area has produced the best, the very best racehorse of all time and has every right to celebrate and be proud of this fact. Now, obviously such an undertaking will not come to fruition cheaply and it is for that reason, the committee behind the plans, chaired by trainer Jim Dreaper, son of the late Tom, are seeking the support of Racing enthusiasts, anyone who would like to contribute to celebrating a home-bred champion, and those who remember his glorious achievements and would like to see them preserved as part of Ashbourne’s history. Anyone wishing to donate to this novel and most worthy cause can do so at the AIB bank in Ashbourne, to the Arkle Memorial Statue Fund, Account Number 36332183, Sort Code 92-23-96 (and don’t forget to include your name) or contact the committee secretary Lynsey Dreaper on 087-1504022 or visit www. arklememorial.com for further information.

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Attraction Marketing For Small Businesses Business Focus

Saturation: There aren’t many competitive sports or adrenalinepumped sports people that Red Bull doesn’t sponsor. You would also be hard-pressed to find an exciting event that Red Bull doesn’t sponsor or at least participate in. From Formula 1 racing to Air Racing and Snow Boarding to Beach Volleyball, Red Bull are there. They even sponsor individuals like Basejumper Felix Baumgartner and the Jetman! This saturation means that adrenaline junkies and high-energy individuals (Red Bull’s target market) literally can’t move without seeing Red Bull’s brand.

Franco DeBonis A while ago I wrote an article on the difference between attraction marketing and pursuit marketing (read it at: http:// alinkto.me/jxc). A really good example of a company that does attraction marketing to perfection is “Red Bull”. When you watch a Red Bull ad on TV, they don’t push the product down your throat (pardon the pun), but rather tell a witty story that always ends with the person flying away to their tagline “Red Bull Gives You Wiiings”. But that kind of advertising, implemented in a vacuum, would be disastrous. So why

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Limescale, A Problem Which Can Be Solved We’ve all seen the expensive ad campaigns promoting the benefits of one limescale removal product over another. Irish home owners spend hours of their all too precious time (and money) scrubbing limescale scum from their shower units, toilets, even their sinks on a weekly basis. “The worst thing about cleaning limescale scum is that you know in a weeks’ time it’ll be back and you’ll have to go through that same laborious cleaning routine all over again. It’s a lifelong sentence of back breaking, unappreciated work for some home owners” writes Oliver Ginty, director of EW Technologies. Over time Limescale build-up will causes appliances like hot water cylinders, showers, kettles, washing machines and dishwashers to break down costing the poor home owner a fortune to repair or replace. “Some of our customer were replacing shower units and washing machines every 2 years” writes Oliver. The limescale was even irritating adults and children that had dry skin disorders “Not only was this costing them €400+ per year, they were also spending another €300+ per year on products such as skin cream limescale removers, toilet cleaners, detergents, and toxic chemical cleaning products which are extremely expensive and harmful to the environment. That’s over €700+ per year the average family are

spending because of the limescale problems in their homes. But there is an easier way of removing limescale in your home FOREVER. For almost a decade now EW Technologies customers have experienced the fantastic benefits of 100% limescale free water. And how do they do this? It’s simple really – they’ve installed a EWT Water Softener in their home. According to the MARCH 2011 Water Quality Research Foundation study Water Softeners: • Can Increase Efficiency of water heaters such as hot water cylinders, washing machines and shower units by up to 24% - that’s a €300 - €600 SAVINGS per year for the average Irish household. • Can SAVE 70% on washing detergent, shampoos and cleaning products. • Are 100 times more effective at stain removal than increasing temperature or increasing detergent dose. • Are 6 times more effective at reducing spotting and reduces filming on delph and glasses by half. EWT water softeners Remove 100% limescale scum around shower doors and taps making cleaning easy. The even stops Shower heads washing machines and Kettles from clogging up. “What most people also don’t realise is that the EWT water softener breaks down limescale build up in existing appli-

ances from the moment they’re installed”, states Oliver Ginty. “Your hot water cylinder, shower unit, even your washing machine will be completely lime free within a few weeks and almost as good as new. All the disgusting limescale scum you’ve seen on your shower doors and taps will be a thing of the past”. Don’t just take our word for it, logon to our website www.ewtechnologies. ie and see for yourself what our customers in YOUR AREA say about our systems. So if you want to continue your life time sentence of cleaning limescale scum from your home and paying a fortune in the process then please do so. It’s a Free world. HOWEVER if, you like our 10,000 customers across Ireland, you want to remove 100% of limescale scum in your home, and save hundreds per year on detergents, cleaning products and appliance costs call EWT now on 1850 39 28 37 and ask about our fantastic half price water softener offer. But hurry this extra bonus offer ends 5pm JUNE 28th so CALL NOW. For more information on EWT Water Softeners and water treatment systems see our full page advert on page 5 of this newspaper, local on 1850 39 28 37 or visit www.ewtechnologies.ie

“marketing years” that’s like one hundred years! OK, I am joking, but the reality is that consistency in marketing delivers the very best results because every time you change, whether it’s a product name, messaging or even a colour or font, you fragment the effectiveness of everything that has gone before and possibly even have to start from scratch building up your brand recognition. Just look at how much was invested in making us think of “Olay” rather than “Ulay” or “Cushelle” instead of “Charmin”.

How Does This Apply To Small Businesses? So you’re probably thinking “that’s all fine, but I run a small accountancy business/ estate agents/hair salon in a small town. How does this

apply to me?” Red Bull’s budgets may be bigger, but they also have to think globally. In other words you CAN achieve the same things if you just think about your specific catchment area. An example of this is a local accountancy business (they are our accountants as it happens). Almost everywhere I go locally and whatever events are happening, I see their brand. They have trailers with witty slogans and eye-catching colours, they sponsor local groups and events and they get involved in local initiatives and business groups. They even run breakfast meetings after every budget. This all builds up to a high level of brand recognition and builds trust and loyalty before a potential customer ever contacts them. The results? They are a vibrant and growing company even during the harshest of economic times. There is very little to stop any

SME business owner enjoying the same success. Just get involved in your local community! By the way, if you want to know who the accountants are, just give me a call and I’ll give you their details.

Franco De Bonis has more than two decades of experience in sales and marketing promotion and was previously the global marketing manager for a major international technology company before setting up The DG Group in January 2007. The DG Group is based in Dunshaughlin and is dedicated to delivering all the marketing solutions any company may require, from websites to leaflets and brochures. Contact: Franco De Bonis Tel: 01 824 1100 email: franco@thedggroup. eu website: www.thedggroup.eu

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A Question Of Pride Just north of Ashbourne you will find the Ashbourne Business Park and there you will find one of Meath’s finest kitchen and fitted bedroom furniture manufacturers, Oakleaf kitchens. Established in 2002, Oakleaf Kitchens have prided themselves on only providing the highest quality of kitchens to their customers. “When we opened out company in 2002, we promised that we would source only Irish wood and materials for the manufacturing of our kitchens”, Brian Murphy, Co-Owner of Oakleaf Kitchen’s said. “And nine years on, we have kept our promise. By us only using Irish sourced material, we help keep other people in Ireland in employment”. Stephen McDonald, co-owner explained, “We know by using Irish products that we can hold our hands up and say that our kitchens are 100% Irish made”. Oakleaf moved to Ashbourne two years ago from their previous premises on the old N2. “Our old prem-

ises were fine for the time that we were there”, said Brian, “but we needed to modernise our equipment and the old premises were just too small. In the business park now, we have ample room and have purchased some of the latest equipment on the market today to manufacture our kitchens. This ensures that our customers are getting kitchens made only to the highest quality & standards”. Stephen went on to explain about customer satisfaction. “Customer satisfaction is paramount with any business to survive. However, we have found that some companies would often ignore their customers once the kitchen was supplied and fitted. We would often get calls from people requesting us to fix poor and shoddy workmanship done by other so-called tradesman. This is not acceptable. We take pride in our work and in the unlikely event that any of our fitted kitchens need additional attention, our aftersales service is second to none”.

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It is scientific fact that you must our weight-loss success create adepends deficit ofon3500 yourcalories readinessof to real takeweight. on the chalto lose 1lb Now These questions can help iflenge. you stop and think about that you judge now is the figure it canwhether transform your unbest time to start your weightderstanding of and achievement loss program. in• weight for a number of Are youloss motivated to make reasons. long-term lifestyle changes To that lose require 2lbs a week reeatingwould healthy foods and exercising more? quire a deficit of 7,000 calories you need andBe3honest. lbs a Knowing week a deficit of to make changes in your life 10,500 calories. Now consider and feeling up to the challenge thatarethe person will two average different things. burn about 500 calories a1 • Do you currently haveindishour brisk aerobic tractions in yourworkout. life thatIf prevent com-(a youmay were to do you thisfrom 4 times mitting to your weight-loss realistic amount for most peoYou may set yourple),program? that would be 2,000 caloself up for failure if you’re disriestracted per week. by other major events Now thissuch the savings you in add yourtolife, as marital canproblems, make from most job food. stress, For illness or financial worries. Give your people the recommended and life a chance to calm berealistic amount is to down cut back fore you start. by 500 calories a day giving you • Do you truly believe that slower is better? Losing weight at a relatively slow pace has proved safe, healthy and effective over the long term. You should aim for a weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds a week. • Are you realistic about your weight-loss goal? RememPhysical Thearpist ber, losing as little as 10 to 20 pounds can improve your health if you’re overweight or obese. Ask your doctor how much weight you can safely lose. • Do you have family and friends to support your weight-loss efforts? It certainly helps to have someone in your corner. If you don’t have someone you Aidan Forde can rely on, consider joining a weight-loss support group. • Do you believe that you can Each year, your millions of people change eating habits? limp into doctors’ offices and Sounds easy to do in theory, emergency rooms it’s with knee but in practice, often difficult. It’s hard to cast pain. Often, the pain is aside the established behaviors. result of an injury such as a

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calories a week. To cut sarythat you cannot lose •3500 Are you willing to become for permanent weight loss.weight back more than this is difficult without exercise. If more physically active? InIf you answered no toyou one were tocreasing maintain imple- or more to take of exyourand levelrigidly of physical of the thesecontribution questions, you activity essential not away be ready. ment andis can lead totolosing hunger mayercise thenAnd you that’s would be weight and keeping it off. Explore what’s you and and cravings. Now put the exer- OK.totally reliant onholding your food •cise Do you to keep re-you back face for those obstacles. andhave foodtime together and theand margin error gets smallcords of your food intake and In some cases it may be a simple have 5500 calories per week or er and smaller. Enter the critical physical activity? Keeping matter of timing. For instance, , just over 1.5 lbs ofyour weight loss. youmissing keytotoresolve weightother loss, the records increases chance may need From all this I be hope you can problems most important keyInofother all – your of success. You’ll pleasantly in your life. surprised how1.5lbs helpfulaitweek is cases, you may need on that , see that tobylose metabolism! Thistoiswork the key to track yourweek progress. issues - suchchanges as your feelconsistently in week out related dramatically weight •isAre you willing to look at past ingsloss. toward your actually a great achievement Thisweight is the loss key or that greatly successes and failures in willingness to commit to permaand quiet a difficult thing to do. stacks the odds in your favour. weight loss and other areas nent changes. You havelife? to beLearn goodfrom withthe your You This may is the key tothat makes of your be able make food and motivates you have to these weight loss easier better. past every aboutday what changes alone,and or far you you. to Keep to resolve youstunning need additional stick theworking 4 aerobic sessions mayIt feel makes results like barriers Educating about It every weekthat – allmight easierprevent said than help. 3 or 3.5lbs ayourself week possible. success. the process of successful weight done. It also does not allow for helps you lose weight from the • Do you view a healthy-weight loss and maintenance is a start. the odd slip up and break out right places and not the wrong program as a positive expe- For example, learn more about orrience? social events like parties makes necessary sure you get Lose weight becauseand the places. dietaryItchanges weddings and certainly does stronger and healthier as you you want to and not because for losing weight. See a dietitian youallow thinkfor it’s alcohol expectedconsumpby oth- or lose enrollweight. in a behavioral-based not But that’s for the ers. which at 200 calories a pint program - a program that can tion next Issue! •and Have150 youcalories resolvedlarge any eating help you change the behaviors glass of disorders or other emotional that can interfere with weight wine will quickly eat into these If you would like more informaissues that make it difficult loss, such as eating when you’re reserves. These figures will tell stressed tion or would like to book a free for you to achieve a healthy or bored. you that the margins are tight consultation Adrian weight? If you have a tenIf you’re ready call for weight loss@086 and a few small purge, breakouts here but259 visit www.leanerydency to binge, starve fear8867 you’llorbecome discouror overexert you‘eat’ exerquickly, towardisthe and there canwhen really into aged ou.ie offerthink this month €30 off cise, or if you’re depressed moreplans. deficit and so your results!!or future. 6 & As 10 you weekbecome monitored need profes- physically active and make diItanxious, should you alsomay be clear from this And one week free . sional help. etary changes, you’ll feel better • Do you believe that a healthy and have more energy. And rathweight is a lifelong commit- er than thinking of weight loss as ment? Achieving and main- a short-term drudgery, view it as taining a healthy weight is a an enjoyable lifestyle change that lifelong process. There’s no persists indefinitely. going back to your old behaviors. Are you ready to make a If you would like more informapermanent change? tion on a weight loss programme, cedure uses a yes fewtosmall happens the Adrian carti- program. Allowing the inflamIf youthat answered all of What please see advert to or call incisions rather you’re than aready single with chondromalacia? these questions, to lage on 086 2598867 or visit www. mation of chondromalacia to large Because there’snecesless Chondromalacia is due to settle is the first step of treatmakeone. the lifestyle changes leaneryou.ie

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with chondromalacia. Treatment with surgery is declining in popularity for two reasons: good outcomes without surgery, and the small number of patients who actually benefit from surgical treatment. Aidan forde Bsc ph.th miapt More information on Forde-

clinic go to web:www.fordeclinic.com For and appointment call Littlepace, Medical Centre, Clonee on 8225630 Or Jackie Skelly Fitness Ashbourne on 8352992 or mobile: 087 6032911 Official Therapist to Ratoath Harps, Ashbourne United, Clonee United, Kilbride GAA.

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for in the a large ment offices son develop vacant funded number Ashbou ments by the in Ashbou The of unautho rne operatin Doherty rne Centredevelopment rised Meath County Irish taxpaye siad, “some g all along of the Adult r, Council there for offices continu while ternal will involve alteratio Learnin from the seven years of which the N2,” e to g preciate have been van. layout of private or more. that there the offices ns to the insector in rent tions to Whilst lowed Speakin the NaI apthere are is a legal process g to the floor level. Ashbourne with connecwe have some develop to be fol- Wallace Library Meath not even Echo, Deputy siad, at first Two very ments on yet, manage where no sense to “This makes Live Mus positive even d held absolute meeting me than 3 years. though they to serve a notice present s have ly over between MCC ic From financia what-so-ever, are there been on and FAS the l circums “This sends in for more continue 7.30pm officials Valentin tances that the the last last three to out complet sage to four tion from to fund renting meeting e’s Day all ely accomm we architec was facilitatweeks and the private for plannin the law-abiding the wrong mes- have high class sector while oda- architec t. A prelimin ed people g by in the correct which who apply County accomm we week t is expecte ary report from an find it funded odation manner, d at the the extreme plannin ly difficult some of idle in Ashbou by the taxpaye in the and which will identify end of g even on their associat rne”. Doherty r lying to secure Meath modific this own ed costs. County outs are ations Once no planninstated that even land.” sponded Council agreed , last it will then revised layto g permiss to carry though Meath out the there is with confirmDeputy Wallace week reion County alteratio be necessary places , concern ation that Council for some of ing Comme well s operatioan interagency ns and to put plans rcial Rates are actually these, opingadvanced in in develop n and maintenagreement the process are now collectfrom ments. the tre. “I am putting some of of Questio ance of for the brary as Ashbourne Civic of develthe cenan Adult “I am delighte down a these partners Offices/ Meeting n to the Manage Notice to seek hip arrangeLearning Centre Li- high quality d with the clarifica r for Junes Council the Library would beggar via a plans ment with governm bourne Service belief that tion on this matter. FAS and ent officesfor these ing rates The County and the s. we It would be tre when Adult Learnin in AshManage thus givingfrom unautho collect- firmed to rised develop r has Venue g Cenimprove fully developed Deputy then through Echothem validity complai Wallace also con- facilitie d interage ments, tional facilitie will nt with whilst late theAd ncy public provide will s for commu that addicourts.” will be s 05-10: pursuin be resolved Meath County Doherty identifie service Venue g Wallace to Ashbourne nity groups d once conclud Council requirem this commit . with citizens the ed.Events Lft ents of ”, said “These position ment in the honouring the Libraryspace and IT 11-07 year.” develop to tolerate of of Septem ments are we are 26/05/ Service the neglect ber of such a determi Wallace 2010and importa this and waste ned in Ashbou said that ahead conclud fine facility in 12:23 nt, as with positive she was ed. our town,” Page rne to Meath very 1 ly and It is County she my substanlook ing these Council annoyed will envisaged that offices tial the the propose be operatio to “virtual for allowpublic” d centre nal subject ly close and “I to conclud in September was to are Happy simply not fully commit ing agreeme 2010 in Days nts. FAS ted to the Friday 11th Echo a Ad 05-10: project. 8.30pm June Venue Events Studio in The Venue Lft 11-07 Theatre Ratoath 06/05/ 2010 Ratoat Hosted by h comed JOHN HENDER ian SON

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ment. Avoiding painful activities that irritate the knee for several weeks, followed by a gradual return to activity is important. In this time, cross-training activities, such as swimming, can allow an athlete to maintain their fitness while resting the knee. The next step in treatment is a physical therapy program that should emphasize strengthening and flexibility of the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups. Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication is also helpful to minimize the pain associated

GERRY OWENS

changes of the deepest layers of cartilage, causing blistering of the surface cartilage. The Member of ICHP pattern of cartilage damage MIHCA & MAA MT Hypnotherapy seen withDip. chondromalacia Hyp Adv. Dip is Psycotherapy Lets examine some of the distinct from the degeneration Hypno - Analysis .T.in arthritis, and the dammost common conditions E.F seen that affect theEnergy knee ? age from chondromalacia is Chakra Healing What is chondromalacia? thought to be capable of repair, Holistic Counselling - Relaxation unlike that seen with arthritis. Deep Tissue Massage Chondromalacia patella is a& Who gets chondromalacia? Energy Medicine Theta Healing Ashbourne own Centre common cause of kneecap Town is interesting TChondromalacia Tel: 01 087 2516687 pain or anterior knee4544181 pain. Of- in/ that it often strikes young, Confidentially Assured ) ten called (“Runner’s Knee,” otherwise healthy, athletic inthis condition often affects dividuals. Women are more young, otherwise healthy ath- commonly affected with letes. chondromalacia. Exactly why Chondromalacia is due to an this is the case is unknown, irritation of the undersurface but it is thought to have to do of the kneecap. with anatomical differences The undersurface of the knee- between men and women, in cap, or patella, is covered with which women experience ina layer of smooth cartilage. creased lateral forces on the This cartilage normally glides patella. effortlessly across the knee Chondromalacia is irritation during bending of the joint. under the kneecap (patella) However, in some individu- What is the treatment for als, the kneecap tends to rub chondromalacia? against one side of the knee The treatment of chondromajoint, and the cartilage surface lacia remains controversial, become irritated, and knee but most individuals can unpain is the result. dergo effective treatment by resting the knee and adhering to a proper physical therapy

ruptured ligament or torn cartilage. But certain medical conditions can also bring you to your knees, including arthritis, gout and infections. Depending on the type and severity of damage, knee pain can be a minor annoyance, causing an occasional twinge when you kneel down or exercise strenuously. Or it can lead to severe discomfort and disability. Many minor knee problems respond well to self-care measures. More serious injuries, such as a ruptured ligament or tendon, may require surgical repair. But knee surgery can often be performed with a pro-

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Councillor McGowan said “I am delighted to see the latest proposal which will ensure that the facility is open once again for public use and particularly because it will allow community groups access to facilities which could not be accommodated before.”

Local Labour party Councillor Niamh McGowan has welcomed Meath County Council’s latest plans to develop the library and vacant council offices in Ashbourne. The offices have been closed for over a year when cutbacks in staff and funding made it impossible to provide a full range of

services from the offices. The new proposals will enhance the facilities available to community groups through the provision of additional meeting rooms and performance spaces while providing gallery and cultural experiences on a year round basis.

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Councillor McGowan had previously resisted the removal of counter services from Ashbourne but accepted its inevitability when it became impossible to maintain staffing levels. “Ashbourne residents deserve to have their needs met and if we cannot provide counter services then the opportunity to have a lively dynamic space which meets their cultural and community needs will go a long way to filling that gap. I look forward to the early commencement of the works and the re-opening of the newly enhanced facility” announced Councillor McGowan. Page 1

Changes to back to school allowance scheme The addition of an extra €4.6 million to this year’s back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme has been welcomed by local TD Dominic Hannigan. The Meath TD wants to inform parents and guardians in the county about changes to the scheme which will be introduced this year. “The start of the new school year can be particularly difficult time on household budgets. The Government is committed to helping families who are under pressure financially. This is why we have increased the funding for the back to school allowance from €77.4 million last year to €82 million in 2011,” said Hannigan. The rates for this year’s back to school allowance scheme are

Ratoath Tidy Towns Committee, pictured above, were presented last week with their SuperValu Tidy Towns Committee Starter Pack by SuperValu Ratoath’s Manager Derek Gavin. The packs included digging fork, spades, gardening gloves, refuse sacks, litter pickers and seeds. SuperValu has sponsored the National Tidy Towns Competition since 1992. The Ratoath Tidy Towns committee meet on the second Tuesday of every month at the SuperValu carpark at 7.30pm and the third Saturday of the month at 10am. Anyone interested in finding out more or leanding a hand are very welcome to attend.

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- Excess fat especially on stomach, hips and thighs - Increased Body Fat - Increased Fatigue

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- Irritable bowel syndrome - Candida - Psoriasis/Eczema - Bloating/ Trapped Wind

€200 for children up to age 11 and €350 for children aged 12 and over. Deputy Hannigan said changes in the operation of the scheme this year mean that application forms are no longer required. “Allowance entitlements will be fully automated. Customers will simply receive a letter from the Department of Social Protection in mid-June telling them when and how their payment will be made. Families who have not received an automated payment will be required to complete an application form and these will be available from 30th June”, he said.

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Ashbourne Credit Union Car Draw Winner.

Congratulations to Liz Doherty from Tudor Grove, the latest winner in the Ashbourne Credit Union car draw. Liz is seen here receiving the keys for her brand new Toyota Yaris (supplied by Tadg Riordan Motors) from Mary Prior, Marketing Committee. Also in the picture is Ann Mulligan, Credit Union Manager. Many years of happy motoring.

Le Crunch Nature Hero winner Toby Clarke Carr, from Rathoath Junior N S with Maurice Coffey Asst Manager, Claire Coleman Le Crunch, Philip Osman Fruit and Veg Manager and Leila Clarke Carr at Dunnes Stores, Ashbourne Mullingar. Photo Molloy Photography.

ty Games Ratoath/Rathbeggan Communi

Application Form

Meath’s Got Talent The Venue Theatre Main Street Ratoath - Co. Meath Tel: 01-6895600

t n e l a T M t o G s Meath €2,000

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E E F y r t N No E

ey in prizemon to be won

Full Name ...............................................................................

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DOB ..........................

Name of Act (if applicable) ............................................................................................................... Address .......................................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................................................................... Daytime Tel ............................... Mobile ................................

Evening Tel ..................................

Email .....................................................................................

Nationality ...................................

What is Your Talent?

Please tick the relevant star

Solo Singer

Vocal Group/Band

Comedian

Magician

Dancer

Instrumentalist

Animal Act

Juggler

Ventriloquist

Impressionist

Acrobat

Other

If other please explain ..................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................................................................... Please tell us in detail about your act ................................................................................................ ....................................................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................................................................... Why should we pick you? (Include why you think your act is special or unique) ................................... ....................................................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................................................................... Signature ....................................................................................................................................... Signature of Parent or Group leader (if the applicant or any member of the applicant act is under 18 years of age) .......................................................................................................................................................

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Music sponsored by Ratoath School of Music

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The Secret To A Successful Life WHAT WILL BEE

BY BEE FLANAGAN How would you like to wake up every morning feeling happy, fulfilled and ready for the day ahead? Would you like to feel positive and enthusiastic on a daily basis? This is something that you can realistically achieve over a quick period by looking at bringing about some changes in your life. It is possible to make many changes in several areas of your life however changing your thought process first, will set you up for success. The power of your thought is enormous and having positive thoughts as often as you can enhances this power, tenfold. When you think positively on a regular basis you will begin to feel happier in your day to day life. The thoughts you have determine the reality you live. The thoughts you had yesterday brought about the reality you are experiencing today and your thoughts from today will determine your reality tomorrow. When you become aware of how your thoughts become things, you will learn to think huge powerful thoughts which will then become your reality. It can be great fun when you see the manifestation of your thoughts! Think big amazing and wonderful thoughts and that is exactly what you will bring about. It may be overwhelming to face change in some areas of your life as life can bring with it many challenges and lessons. Remember you can change your thoughts or your actions and not someone else’s thoughts or actions. Be the change you want to see in the world, in your reality, one thought at a time. Life is filled with lessons on a constant basis however it is not what happens that matters but how you react to what happens which actually brings about the result. Think before you speak, think before you react. By choosing the correct thought process you

will learn to react in a more positively inquisitive way so as to become aware of the lesson behind the situation. This system is simple. When you have a negative or challenging thought change it to a positive thought. Making the decision to do this as often as you can you will see the benefits very quickly almost instantly. What you think about, you will bring about. Just because this process is simple that doesn’t necessarily mean it is easy- but it is simple. Become aware of your thoughts and how they determine the outcome of your situations on a daily basis and throughout life. Hear yourself think, what are your thoughts and what why are you thinking. Look at how your thoughts are associated with different situations in several areas of your life. Do other people determine your thoughts? Do you change your thought process depending on the company you are in? If you are with someone upbeat and happy what are your thoughts? How do you feel? If you are with someone challenging, someone who is draining your energy what are your thoughts? How do these thoughts make you feel? Can you tell the difference? This, I believe should determine how you spend your time and with whom you spend it. Becoming aware of your thoughts in different situations and with different people you encounter both professionally and personally, will enable you to understand the connection between your thoughts and your reality. What you think about you will bring about so why not bring about a wonderful fabulous reality! If you would like to discuss anything written in this article please either call me on 086-8094924 or email me on info@eircom.net If you are interested in Life or Business Coaching please give me call. I also can give you guidance and structure in your life through a Personal Life Direction Reading through Numerology. Check out my website www. whatwillbewithbee.ie Why not bring the workshop to your home or your office. I will bring the workshop to you. This is a great alternative

to a night in with your friends or a quirky coffee morning. These workshops cost €20 per person and the minimum at-

tendance is 8 people and there is now limit on how many can attend. Would you like your teenag-

ers to attend one of my workshops over the summer? My new workshop “The Secret To Teen Power” is an introduc-

tion into The Law Of Attraction and how important it is to have this thought process from a young age.

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Hurry up … send moves! By Rick Goetzee Unfortunately when chess is in the media it’s often for the wrong reasons. But at the same time, the stories are generally amusing and bad publicity is better than no publicity. The French chess federation announced recently that it had suspended three of its prominent members. They were accused of ‘organized cheating, serious breach of sport ethics and undermining the image of the national Olympic team’. The players were grandmaster Feller, grandmaster Hauchard and master Marzolo. Feller was one of the members of the French team and won a gold medal at the 2010 Olympiad. Dur-

ing the tournament suspicions were raised about Feller’s games as they were flawless. Most of the moves he played were the first choice of the strongest chess engines. This was not enough to take action as grandmasters obviously do have the ability to find strong moves. Also Feller was always sitting at his board, didn’t have a mobile phone with him and didn’t wear a cap which could hide electronic devices. Later it became clear how Feller found all these strong moves. At the start of one of the rounds Marzolo accidently left his mobile phone in the room of Joanna Pomian, the vice-president of the French chess federation. She read one of the text messages that came in from Hauchard who was the captain of the French team. The message read: ‘Hurry up … send moves!’ Pomian then discovered that Marzolo had sent hundreds of text messages to Hauchard, most of them during Feller’s games. All these messages contained a code of 10 digits, like a telephone number. The key to the code was found.

The important digits were three to eight. Three and four indicated the move number in the game. Five and six the coordinates of the square of the piece that had to be played and seven and eight the destination square. Every match at the Olympiad was contested by eight players and the letters a to h and numbers 1 to 8 were given to each player, like the coordinates on the chessboard. So the player on the first board for France was a and 1 and his opponent h and 8. The system was simple. Marzolo, sitting behind a computer, sent coded text messages to Hauchard who was present in the playing hall. Then Hauchard indicated the move to Feller by pausing behind the back of certain players, representing a letter and a number. Thus Feller knew which move to make. The text messages were not permissible as evidence. Still the French federa- Scribble tion decided to punish the three collaborators. Marzolo was suspended for five years, Hauchard won’t be al-

Puzzles

lowed to be team captain for the rest of his life and Feller is suspended for three years, followed by two years of volunteer work for the federation. Cheating accusations and incidents are nothing new. In 2006, two people were accused of cheating at the World Open, the biggest yearly tournament in the United States. A year later, a Dutch player was banned for three years for using PocketFritz, a hand-held version of a popular computer program. In December 2006, an Indian player was caught with a receiver in his cap and was banned from playing in India for 10 years. The picture shows Sébastien Feller.

Box

Ratoath (Diagram # 1)

White wins with a Queen sacrifice, breaking down the defence around the black King. 1.Qd3xh7+ Kg8xh7 2.Nh4f5+ Now the Rook on h1 gives check to the King; we call this a discovered check. 2…Kh7-g8 3.Rg1xg7 mate. Or 2…Bg7-h6 3.Rh1xh6 mate.

(Diagram # 2)

The second diagram is the new puzzle. White plays and wins. Please mail your suggestions to chesspuzzle@ hotmail.com

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TAEKWONDO Beginners Class AGE

CLASS TIME

4years & 65 Years

3.15 - 4.00

Children MUST be School Going

ac 5 Pl

AGE

& 11Years 76years to

DAY

Tuesday’s

ble

ila a v es A

s s a l C New

CLASS TIME

4.00-5.15

blece a l i va e In Plalled. A s e Fi lB

WHERE

Ratoath

Community Centre.

DAY

WHERE

Tuesday’s

Ratoath

Community Centre.

ac Wil Are 5 Paliting Leisset Places AGE

W er Th Aft

CLASS TIME

12years to & 17Years 5.15 - 6.45 6.30

blece a l i a la s Av e In P lled.

DAY

Tuesday’s

aceList WilcleBs Are Fi l P 6 ing Pla

WHERE

Ratoath

Community Centre.

it se Wa er The t f A

AGE

Adults Only

CLASS TIME

7.30-9pm

DAY

Tuesday’s

le b a l i ce

Aval Be In PFlialled. s e ac Wil Are

WHERE

Ratoath

Community Centre.

8 Paliting Leisset Places W er Th Aft

For More Details Go To www.CDKIreland.com Our classes are conducted by 5th Dan Master Joe Doyle. The classes are very ver structured with clear goals goal set to achieve. We teach self defence, promote self confidence and during training, you will learn everything from how to punch correctly to kicking and defence skills. W.T.F. style Taekwondo is a Korean Martial Art and is studied by over 24 million people world wide.

You are invited to come to a class and have a go for free.

Our Taekwondo is part of ChungDoKwan Taekwondo with clubs in Stradone, Coothill, Finglas, Dalkey, Loughlinstown, Wicklow, Diswellstown, Coolmine and Popintree. For further details about our clubs or about classes in Ratoath or to book your place, text your name, class you are interested and age ( or adult for adults class ) to 086 33 555 60.

This Taekwondo School Is Affiliated With ChungDoKwan Ireland, One Of The Largest Taekwondo Organisations In Ireland

Call 01 8254434 meathecho@gmail.com

On The Road By David Walshe

Ford C-Max v VW

I know cars companies watch each other like hawks, with their trendy Xenon eyes, and as soon as one discovers a niche the other copies it thus removing the niche. Ford and VW constantly duel with each other in the model for model battle and this latest duel follows on from last months EchoMotors duel between the Mondeo and Passat. Last months battle was narrowly won by the Passat. Who will win this time? Before this duel begins let me establish some rules. Whilst the cars compete with each other the test models I had were not of equal spec in terms, doors, engines, etc. I’ll leave the detailed comparisons to those who have either on their shopping list who must do the homework. Contender Number One is the Ford C-Max.

This comes in two body versions - 5 and 7 seater. The seven seater has a sliding rear door whereas the 5 door is conventional. I had the 7 seater in diesel with an automatic gearbox. Best combo for this pilot for sure. Quietness. This car is in the premier league for quietness. It is so silent. I loved it. New to me was the interior LED/Xenon courtesy lights. Very bright and give off a cool, white light. For sure these will be standard on all cars very soon. Both this car and the Touran benefit form wide opening tailgates to easily load the annual shop, let alone the weekly one. Parking was a surprise as the turning circle is wide. I know this because it is the first time I noticed it in a car in a while. I’ve no other explanation for it and I had to plan my maneuvers more carefully. The inte-

grated stereo/trip computer/ media centre is so comprehensive I couldn’t find one of the simpler features like next channel or song on the MP3 player. My natural intuitive sense deserted me in the CMax. When the sound was playing it was very good and compliments to Ford. The roadhandling in this car was tremendous defying it’s MPV credentials. It handles better than some other normal saloon/hatchback cars. Contender Number Two is the Volkswagen Touran. Straight up it looks classier but looks more van like. At times it feels a bit like it too. You sit on a Touran but in a C-Max. It feels much bigger and I had the 7 seat version. It’s the same size as the 5 seater with the last two seats a purchasable option. If you want 7 in the CMax it’s a different body shape

entirely. A surprising gripe is the quality of the interior finish. It was not as good as you’d expect from a VW, especially the seats. They felt spongy and suggest the need for an upholsterer in a few years time. While the diesel engine in mine was responsive and adequate, it lacks somewhat is speed. It is an easy car to drive and, major contradiction alert now, it benefits from the sameness of corporate looks I usually dislike. Storage was better in the Touran too. This bus was designed to transport people and their belongings over distance and the touran was very much at home on the new M3. Wind is not it’s friend though, especially cross ones. So there you have it. The figures don’t lie. The Ford wins this battle and by the narrowest of points victory which is

my own thoughts entirely only this time backed up by the numbers. I would opt for the C-Max, and with the 7 seat requirement for me now unnecessary, the 5 seater CMax would be the version I’d choose. It’s better looking. If the 5 seater had rear sliding doors then I don’t know what

could beat it.

Full details at www.ford.ie and www.volkswagen.ie

Feedback echomotors@gmail. com Twitter @echomotors

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Kia Sportage 1.7 4x2 Diesel EX Issue 103 01 - 13 September 2009 How do I put this? If ever a car went from being an ugly duckling to a swan the Sportage is it. The last model was rugged looking and olde worlde styling. The new model is so up to date it is in the future. It is stunningly beautiful and when I first saw it on the road I thought Ferrari started making SUV’s or whatever flavour Kia calls them – “an SUV for urban adventure”. Ahem, right.

The Meath Echo

echofeatures

Peugeot 308 Ecomatique 1.6HDI 110bhp

I’ll allow them call it whatever they like because this is a wonderful motor vehicle. I’ll get my major gripe out of the way now. It is not a 4wd. It so looks like it has and if it had it would be top of my shopping list for the money they’d probably want. More on price below. Peter Schreyer, the designer, designed some pretty classy Audis in the past most notably the TT. This man knows about design and Kia have appointed him Design By David Walshe Director so expect more leading edge design cars in the carstoI usually future fromhen Kia.I test Back the anticipating present the start Sportage is so, sothe next one to be tested special. It tops all other urbancar halfway during the current SUV’s. I can’t think of an SUV that can hold a candle to it. I award Peter 10/10 for reaching his target.

I have reprinted below how Kia describes the design in full below. “Let’s create an object of desire,” said Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, to his team of international designers. His plan was to ‘wow’ the public, first and foremost, with a stunning design. Once ‘smitten’, the car’s inner qualities and exceptional warranty would make his art of seduction complete. So what‘s Schreyer’s solution? An SUV that’s more stylish and sporty than ever – with a face that’s unmistakably Kia. The signature grille with its large headlamps sets the scene for the powerfu ‘clamshell’ bonnet shape. Key to the vibrant silhouette is the sharp, dynamic angle of the windscreen sweeping seamlessly into the roofline with its high shoulders. Combined with the narrow ‘glasshouse’, the Sportage creates a sports-car-like ratio between sheet metal and glass. And, as the final showstopper, the reverse-angled

being tested. Sometimes the anticipation is exciting and sometimes it’s covered in trepidation (OK, strong word). Some cars don’t float my boat and I wish I could be left with the current car a bit longer. That’s exactly what happened me when I was test driving the 200bhp VW Scirocco. The next car for testing was the Peugeot 308 Ecomatique. It only packed 110 bhp and was fitted with a semi automatic gearbox,

C-pillar adds to the athletic profile. Fair dues to the brochure writer because it describes a car they are justifiably proud of and I’d let them away with the liberal use of superlatives. I drove this car twice to Cooley. I was looking forward to the second trip as much as the first. It is so comfortable and composed. It has a 1.7l diesel engine that I’d swear Kia was lying about as it feels so much more powerful. Were talking comparable feel to a 2.0l or 2.5l turbo diesel. It wasn’t noisy and felt willing to rev to deliver the power. The quietness factor is very hight too and combined with excellent roadholding the Sportage is a desirable motor to tackel any journey in. The interior is a new league for Kia. If you put false badges on this car and asked drivers what they think they’d be all pointing to a German manufacturer. The dash and

electronic controlled manual gearbox or whatever description describes what’s purported to be an automatic gearbox to you and me, which I was not too fond of when I tested one before. As you can imagine I wasn’t exactly filled with glee. This was so unfair in prejudging a car before I’ve even driven it. After all, if I know what a car is going to be like before I drive it, what’s the point in driving it?

controls are super-easy and super-simple. It just all works so well. I loved the high view from the cabin and could live with the narrow rear window which, because of the parking sensors, makes it so much easier anyway. Speaking of kit the spec. is truly impressive. Check out the www.kiamotors.ie for the spec and then amaze yourself at the price. I had the EX spec and Kia are asking €27,800, before the soon to end scrappage discount is even applied. If you spend €2,195 more you get the top of the range GSE model with leather and Xenon lights plus lots more. Put in perspective, a basic diesel Tiguan starts at €27,250. As soon as you start to spec match with the Sportage the difference is in the thousands. There is so much going for this car already that with the 7 year warranty Kia offers there simply isn’t a better car on sale in this category.

The point in driving it is to accurately record the experience from an unbiased perspective, which is what I’ll do now. Looks, however, cannot be changed by a drive and to my eye the 308 is not a looker. The rear looks like it could shed a few pounds and looks unfinished, rushed and - I won’t use the word ugly - unattractive. The front, whilst similar to the 207, is not as successful here. Its predecessor the 307, I’d have to say, is better looking but neither of them are beauty contest entrants, let alone winners. Looking over my notes I noted that a) on the interior, Peugeot didn’t bother to fit the suit hook on the right side of the car, an attention to detail that scores four faults! b) the gearbox in automatAs for other categories if you ic mode is a joke and at no stage didthem I likeIdriving itdinstill thatcome mode try bet you’ usingtothe wheel paddles back thesteering Sportage. or the floor shift to change gear and c) there was a very adjustable steering wheel to ensure the

best possible position. Not a lot to note in a new car you’d agree. But what I did write was that this was the best, I repeat the best, ride of the year so far. The French seem to have mastered comfort better than the rest and this was easily my most comfortable test this year. I undertook two long journeys in Iitknow I would. and the 1.6l diesel engine had moredetails than enough power for the Full at trip making cruising and overtakwww.kiamotors.ie ing effortless. But man, the comfort. Bumps eliminated, no wind or road noise and adhesion to the

www.ashmerc.com

road that made me feel very safe and secure. I’d love if all cars felt this way and made me feel this way. I didn’t record the fuel consumption but this Ecomatique version was parsimonious in its consumption of diesel. The Ecomatique label denotes frugality, achieved predominantly by the gearbox. It works, and more importantly, not at the expense of anything. By that I mean it felt like any other diesel I’ve driven eliminating the feeling that something was omitted. The gearbox in auto mode is supposed to adjust to your driving style. Mine must be terrible because given ample time to adjust it didn’t and I used the manual shift all the time. The Ecomatique claims to be 12% more fuel efficient than the equivalent manual version which has got to be some kind of first for a car with an “automatic” gearbox. Only recently a similar car broke the world record for fuel economy averaging 2.2l/100km (that’s 126mpg in old money) no less when they circumnavigated the UK (5,954kms) and used two full tanks of diesel. I’m sure the driving technique didn’t make for a pleasurable trip but the achievement is incredible. It cements Peugeot’s position as the leading low CO2 Company in Europe for the third year running. In Germany the 308 was the winner of the Gold Steering Award for Quality. That’s some achievement considering the home brands it was up against. After driving it I can see why. An old expression has been re-learned by me, “Never Judge aFeedback Book by its Cover” or slightly revised for cars, “Never Judge a echomotors@gmail.com Car before Driving it”. Full details available at www. peugeot.ie

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Agony outweighs ecstasy On The Ball

Brendan Boylan ‘Tendon’ is one word nobody involved in sport wants to hear in the diagnosis of any injury. From a human perspective, the Achilles Tendon is one area nobody wants to hurt as, apart from being one of the most painful injuries going, it is also among the most awkward to treat and come back from. In equine terms, tendon injuries are an even bigger nightmare. They are the worst possible news any horse owner or trainer can get. If the injury is at the bad end of the scale it can be career ending and if it desperate enough it can even be fatal for the horse. Unfortunately, since yours truly has become more heavily involved in the Racing scene, first hand experience has been had of the dreaded ‘T’ word. Dreams very seldom manifest themselves in reality, so when they do – even partially – it is all the more heartbreaking when those dreams are destroyed – even temporarily – by the scourge of the equine world. Now, it is known only too well that the one quality one needs more than any other when involved with horses is patience. And with a tendon injury that is the only remedy. Well, that and pin firing. Thankfully, things have advanced to such a degree that the latter is nowhere near as severe on the animal as it once was and horses stand a very good chance of recovering and returning to action. No trainer or owner wants their charges to be struck by tendon injuries, yet, it is a sad reality of the sport that one may only be around the corner. It is that realisation that franks the fact the agony often outweighs ecstasy in Racing but for those of us who love it the lure never fades. Of course, horses can be lost to other injuries besides tendon trouble as well. Nobody likes to see it happen and when a yard does lose a horse through injury it leaves a mark and a dark feeling for a long time. For owners who invest so much to derive what is an indescribable thrill to see a horse running in your own silks the hurt and heartbreak is immeasurably worse. To lose one horse out of a yard owing to injury is bad enough, but, towards the conclusion of the last National Hunt season and in the early part of the current one, Noel Meade endured the sort of horrendous run that nobody would want or would wish on anybody for that matter either, losing four of his inmates. Losing any horse is horrible. Perhaps, however, losing a young one like the very promising 5-year-old Joe Smooth – fatally injured in a fall at Punchestown is even worse. He was the first horse to emerge

from Tu Va in Michael O’Leary’s famous Gigginstown House Stud colours and what made the situation even more unpalatable was that the particular setback was to kick off a rotten streak of luck for the yard as they also lost stable stalwarts Sigma Lifestyle and Chip Tea while the very unfortunate Aran Concerto’s latest attempt at a comeback from injury also ended tragically. The mark of true class though is being able to overcome these setbacks and come back stronger. There is no secret that Noel does not have the firepower he once had at his disposal but the evidence is forever there that he remains one of the best in the business. And if things turn out the way it is hoped they will, someday certain animals will hopefully end up in his care. For all the bad luck that has afflicted Tu Va in recent times, prior to the conclusion of the 2010/’11 NH season and in the early part of the current one the string from the famous Castletown yard have been in fine form indeed. The most notable success recorded was undoubtedly the victory of Texas Jack in the Goffs Landrover Bumper at the Punchestown Festival. Johannisberger finished fourth in the same race and both look to be ones for the future. Since then, wins over timber have followed courtesy of Tom Horn and Jakros and Original Option and Eirland. There was something a bit special about those particular horses winning as well. You might wonder why given that it is actually the quietest time of the year from a jumps perspective. Well, the significance is thus: all the horses mentioned have been trying for some time to get their heads in front over obstacles. For one thing, it proves that Meade – and indeed all top trainers for that matter – can eke out wins with horses regardless of their levels of ability. And for

another thing, while patience is an extremely vital ingredient when involved with horses, it can indeed be rewarded. More of all that anon... There is a very select group of trainers, however, who can achieve success in the National Hunt sphere and on the Flat. Meade has proven himself to be a dab hand at it over the years and already this term on the level he has engineered success with youngsters Bat Masterson and Still Point and further success seems sure to follow with many versatile performers among the stock. For the main part of this Racing offering however, I must give mention to another Meath man known quite well to me who is also one of Ireland’s top trainers – the one and only Tony Martin! Many times in the past it has been stated on these pages that when the Moynalvey based handler engages the services of Ruby Walsh, more often than not, it is as good as a licence to run to your bookmaker! And all of Dunboyne was delighted that such again proved to be the case recently at Cork. The locally based 8 member Plenty Of Spock Syndicate – comprising Paul Fagan, Neil Hackett, Michael Dunne, Michael Reilly, Chris Moran, Darren Dunne, Stephen McCrossan and Gary Farrell – made their maiden trip into the winner’s enclosure after their 7-year-old Ashkalani gelding Uncle Taffy was delivered late with typical Walsh coolness to see off Menwaal and Barry Geraghty. As far as the Racing ‘career’ of the occupant of this seat is concerned, the nearest that was experienced to the thrill the lads enjoyed was finishing second in a Fairyhouse Bumper. That is why it was with a medium degree of envy I looked on from afar at the joyous scenes that ensued in Mallow and again in Ballinrobe three days later when Taffy followed up again under Walsh. This might surprise a few people, but, having seen Meath win All Irelands and Dunboyne claim county championships, I can categorically say that nothing has ever come close to the thrill that was felt that day in Fairyhouse. Tragically, circumstance has decreed that it could be quite some time before such a happening occurs again, if it ever does, after things went horribly wrong compared to what should have and would have been expected to happen in certain places. Still, where there’s life there’s hope and as the members of the Plenty Of Spock Syndicate will vouch for, the glorious feeling one gets on the day everything does click into place is extremely well worth the wait! To move codes, most people will easily recall the point at which their interest in a given hobby was fuelled. In many cases, it will be a natural progression handed down by tradition. So it was with this writer’s fondness for all things GAA and agricultural. On other fronts, it often takes an especial happening or occasion to kick things off. In terms of Racing, regular readers of these offerings will

know what the catalyst was, but, what is a very deep and passionate interest in the political scene was ignited when a friend ran in the local elections some years back and asked for a hand with his efforts. Not too long ago, mention was afforded to the fact that it was very probable that Tiger Woods had inspired many youngsters to take up Golf. No matter what anyone thinks of the man away from the greens and fairways, the fact remains that when he is on his game he is still the best in the world, and that’s all that should count. Even Woods himself had to be inspired by something or someone. Now, there’s no doubting the influence which his late father Earl exerted on Woods. Have no doubt however, there were most likely other players he looked up to before he hit the big time himself in the mid to late 90’s. Every sports fan will identify iconic figures no matter what the code. For once, the usual list of this hack’s favourites will not be rolled out. One of the great things about sports writing is that an interest – however minimal – can be retained in so many different topics. The thing about matters at what we’ll call the lower end of the passion scale more often than not need something special to happen to plant a flicker of interest in the first place. A generation of new pugilists probably came on stream owing to the achievements of Michael Carruth and Wayne McCullough in Barcelona in 1992. Not to mention those of Steve Collins. Aside from Dennis Taylor’s unforgettable glorious moment, the World Championship successes of Stephen Hendry and our own Ken Doherty and Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins probably prompted plenty to pick up a Snooker cue. To go back to Golf though, apart from Woods, other greats of the game like Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie and even the newer breed like Luke Donald and Lee Westwood will have idolised somebody before they themselves began to occupy that roll for the4 next generation coming down the line. Most of those mentioned above recently openly went on record as saying that the man in question was one Seve Ballesteros. Now, not much is recalled of the sensational Spaniard’s playing exploits because at the time he was at his zenith your columnist either hadn’t arrived in the world or was too young to comprehend what was going on therein. Thus, the acquisition of a video recorder – remember them? – was an absolute blessing. Not only from a golfing perspective but with other sports too. For now though, the focus will remain of matters with the clubs. Having watched the tapes though, Seve’s genius was extremely obvious. Whether it was the mesmeric rescue shots he often produced to extricate himself from what looked impossible positions or the impeccability of his short game, he never failed to leave crowds awestruck. To many however, his greatest leg-

acy will forever remain his indelible influence on European Golf. Both in terms of his achievements as a player and – perhaps more pointedly – what he did to all but bring about the European Tour and indeed the Ryder Cup itself. Remember, there was a time when those matches were only between teams from Great Britain and Ireland and the Americans. Ballesteros was the man who was the driving force behind the rest of the continent being brought on board. Even if, ironically, Irish players – Christy O’Connor, Philip Walton, Paul McGinley and Graeme McDowell – have sunk the winning putts in the past. Still, having the others on board has made an already enthralling event even more special. What would it have been last year – or any year for that matter – without the likes of Miguel Angel Jimenez or the Mollinari brothers? Perhaps the most especial Ryder Cup moment of all was when Seve captained the blue and gold stars to victory at Valderrama in his homeland in 1997. There was hardly ever a more fitting golfing success and it was no surprise to see it mentioned so often following the legend’s recent and untimely passing. Now, I have always had an interest in Golf. It would be hard not to given the family connection to the late Tom Craddock – former Walker Cup player and co designer of the famous Druids Glen – and the fact that my uncle Austin Geoghegan is a former Captain and President of Co Meath GC in Trim. Tom once gave me a gift of his ‘Golden Goose’ putter – which he used in the Walker Cup. Though it might seem impossible to some, for a while there was a golf hole on one of our lawns at home and, wheelchair or not, many an hour was often spent out on the ‘putting green’! Speaking of gifts, forgive me while I digress a little. Your columnist recently entered his third decade. It takes a fair bit to render yours truly speechless, but that is the only way one could describe one’s own reaction when presented with a new friend as a birthday gift – Buddy the Labrador! Buddy’s arrival wasn’t the only shock though. There was also a plasma television and access to a plethora of new channels unveiled in my office as well. Which, as a writer, allows an awful lot more to be seen and thus a broader range of topics can be covered here. It could hardly have been better timed either. What has resulted is getting hooked on Golf all over again! And it all seems poignantly fitting, coming as it did, in the days leading up to Seve’s death. The action in the intervening period has been outstanding too. There has been something of a changing of the guard in the sport of late. That is not to write off the likes of Woods et al, far from it, but, since the improvement in television circumstances, it has become apparent that there is a new breed of star on the up. Some rather flamboyant ones too! John Daly will probably always be

the ultimate enigma as far as Golf is concerned. That unforgettable character seems to have faded a bit from the limelight in recent years, well, if there’s an heir to his throne on the current circuit it is surely none other than Bubba Watson. No, not in terms of Daly’s chequered life off the course, but most certainly when it comes to the colourful way in which he does things on it. And that’s without mentioning the colourful orange outfits he sports every weekend he makes a cut, in tribute to Oklahoma University. Phil Mickelson was the first left handed player that can be recalled hitting the big time. The four time Major winner is still one of the best in the world and never fails to entertain. In fact, his short game and ability to rescue himself from unlikely situations is not that dissimilar to that of Ballesteros. However, his position as the best southpaw golfer in the world may not be as clear cut as it has been for so long, for much longer. Watson’s quirky side was very much in evidence during what turned out to be a very memorable weekend for him in Quail Hollow. Owing to him being left handed, the player stated that when he lined up a shot all he could see was water on every side of him, that he didn’t like the course and that the only reason he entered the tournament was because his mother – who lives close to the venue – wanted to attend. He quickly learned that sometimes it’s no harm to listen to mammy as – after an enthralling weekend’s action – he emerged triumphant following a dramatic conclusion involving himself and Webb Simpson. Golf could often be justifiably termed a volatile game. After one brilliant week, Watson quickly got a dose of the of the other side of the sport the following one when he endured a torrid few days during the Player’s Championship at TPC Sawgrass. No shame in that though, the course is notoriously tough and the 17th hole in Sawgrass must surely be the most difficult hole anywhere in the world. Unfortunately, Bubba wasn’t the only one to experience a bit of a golfing collapse of late. Reference was made before to the manner in which Rory McIlroy imploded during the US Masters at Augusta, well, it couldn’t be said he collapsed when trying to defend his title at Quail Hollow as he never actually got himself into contention, but sadly the tale of Graeme McDowell at Sawgrass was a different story. The outgoing US Open Champion hadn’t been in the best of form of late, missing three out of five cuts. Around Quail Hollow though the light switch appeared to be flicked on again, and the return to form seemed to be completed when, midway through his final round he still held a two shot lead at -13. Sadly, the theory about lightening never striking twice was emphatically disproven as G-Mac endured as horrendous a final round as Rory

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y but the lure never fades went through at Augusta to slip all the way back to -5 as David Toms made a valiant attempt to score a win for the veterans only to eventually fall short against KJ Choi. Mind you, the old dictum regarding form being temporary and class being permanent was soon proven to be right once again when Toms put that heartache behind him two weeks later to score a victory during which he went around in 62 shots twice before recovering from a hellish third round to cap his winning final one with a magnificent Eagle 2. Ironically, earlier on the same day as McDowell endured the disaster, Darren Clarke enjoyed a magnificent resurgence in form as he claimed the Ibadrola Open in Spain. Having been up with the pace of the tournament for its entirety it was a totally merited success and it was especially great to see the big popular Dungannon man back in the winning groove. All in all, it would have to be said that from an Irish perspective, Golf is in pretty good shape. McDowell and McIlroy were again to the fore at the World Matchplay Championships with the older actually beating the younger at the quarter final stages of a Championship that was eventually won by Ian Poulter after an epic playoff. With McIlroy and McDowell, Clarke and Padraig Harrington in fine form – not to mention other players who continue to increase their prominence on the European Tour – and some of the season’s biggest tournaments still to come it appears all but certain that there will be further Irish success before long. Having said that, while commenting on Golf, I cannot let the opportunity pass without giving further mention to Harrington. Being a three time Major winner, his ability or class is surely beyond question. However, it must also be said that he must be one of the most unlucky players ever to set foot on a course. Now, apart from the errors he has made on the course himself – and every player makes them – one could also be easily left with the impression that somebody or something has placed a curse on the Ballyboden man. Last year, he was disqualified from a tournament he was leading because some busybody of a viewer with little else to do phoned in and reported him for ‘moving’ his ball illegally when in reality the ball just rolled off its marker of its own accord. For something like that to happen once could be considered bad luck, but, when the same thing recently happened during the same week as McIlroy struggled and Quail Hollow, the curse theory gained a few more pounds in weight. And more still when the man Tiger Woods calls Paddy was forced to miss the recent PGA Championships at Wentworth. Every road has to have a turn at some point though and the hope and expectation would be that the son of the former Cork hurler will be hitting the headlines for the right reasons very soon again. There are times when within the

GAA it appears that, from a journalistic point of view at least, there is more going on off the playing fields than actually on them. Sadly, another dose of that type of codswallop has erupted following Seamus McEnaney’s recent decision to recall Graham Geraghty to his panel. What has been most bile-inducing has been the fact that most of the furore has come from within the county. Perhaps the most sickening aspect of all of this needless nonsense is that gut feeling suggests that if it were any other player other than Graham that had been at the centre of this there wouldn’t be an idle word about it. And the fact that it wouldn’t take Einstein to figure out the reasoning behind at least some of the objections to his return make the said rumblings all the more unpalatable. Look, any other county with love to have had Geraghty at their disposal when he was in his prime and yet the overwhelming feeling one gets is that at times very close to home the tendency has been to pick holes wherever possible. Some who should know better have even had the audacity and the ignorance to imply that he never really fitted in with Meath’s style and wasn’t that popular with fans. Apart from this being a fundamentally flawed assessment of the situation, people in glasshouses would be well advised to desist from throwing stones. Yes, the player is now 38, but if he is still playing well enough at club level for it to be considered that he could still make a contribution to the Meath setup, his age shouldn’t come into it. Rather than being seen as a threat to or insult to any of the current players, Graham’s presence around the squad should be seen as an infusion of what could be very vital and helpful experience to the surroundings. It will of course be trotted out that Graham himself called time on his county sojourn at the end of the 2008 campaign. True, but comebacks aren’t unheard of, not even in Meath. Do people forget Bernard Flynn returning in 1994 or PJ Gillic coming back in 1997 or John McDermott in 2001? Over the years, many Meath players have excelled in the longevity of their careers and yet, because the picture is now being assessed from a different angle, Geraghty’s latest coming has been reacted to with a surprising and frankly disappointing amount of negativity. Rather, the feeling that games have been lost since he departed the scene which may have been won were his services availed of, is inescapable. Mind you, the former Seneschalstown player wasn’t the only one overlooked at a time when, if they were included, Meath may well have ended up with even more silverware to their name than they presently have. Worse still, one cannot help feeling that the Geraghty return is being used as a smokescreen, the reason for all evils. This, it most certainly is not. To engage a Racing analogy, sometimes it pays to read the form book. When something happens once, an explanation will be ac-

cepted and presumed genuine. Over time though, trends develop and form lines begin to emerge. The excuses don’t wash anymore and the old adages about a leopard not being able to change his spots and the inability to teach an old dog new tricks are proving to be right. Seamus McEnaney has made mistakes during his tenure in charge, there’s no doubt about that, player selection would be among the least of them however. Calls for him to go and comments from within the homestead that he stands almost zero chance of being in charge in 2012 are ridiculous, malicious and unhelpful. What do people want, Meath to be the Chelsea of the GAA? The Stamford Bridge club have changed manager six times in eight seasons and if ‘Banty’ is dispensed with, in 2012 Meath will have a fifth new supremo in what will be seven years since Sean Boylan vacated the Royal throne in 2005. That in itself is damning statistic. All the managers can’t have been bad though. Eamonn Barry and Eamon O’Brien were certainly harshly treated. The problems lie elsewhere though, and have done for a long time. Constant musical chairs regarding team bosses is not the answer. Change further up the food chain is what’s needed and the overriding fear would be that things will rumble from one disaster to another until it happens. Regardless of how Championship 2011 turns out, I feel it is imperative that ‘Banty’ is left in situ for at least one more season. Apart the fact that the Monaghan man was mandated for a three year term – albeit with a review after two, for Meath to have another managerial switch would only add to what is rapidly becoming an off field circus at a time when what is actually needed is a degree of continuity. Solid foundations – if they are in place – will not survive if they are constantly being attacked with a jack hammer. And in Meath’s case, the foundations are definitely there in terms of having top quality players at their disposal. In fact, ironic as it might seem, Meath could do worse than observe the strides made by the Dublin hurlers so far this year. Throughout the early part of the year the progress they have made has been lauded on these pages. Though the point was also made that it could be seen as something of a defining year for the tenure of Anthony Daly. Well, if that was the case, it most certainly must now be deemed a success after the metropolitan stickmen annexed their first National League title in well over half a century with a swashbuckling display against Kilkenny. And don’t think for a moment that Cody’s Cats had their foot off the gas. What was disappointing and actually very surprising was the manner in which Kilkenny reacted to being usurped in their second Final in a few months. Winning the League is all well and good – indeed a great and deserved boost for Dublin hurling. However, it was only the sight of the silage

being cut and action returning to Semple Stadium that proved that summer, and the serious segment of the season was upon us. And when it did, very quickly, the difference between the secondary competition and the race for Liam McCarthy became very obvious. Firstly as Dublin were given the fright of their collective lives against ever resilient Offaly and the later that day in the home of Hurling when Cork made a mockery of the formbook against Tipperary. Granted, they eventually lost by eight points, but the manner in which they performed that day suggested they will still be quite a force to be reckoned with in 2011. And Hurling needs as many counties as possible to be competitive to ensure its mere survival. Former Meath hurler Anton O’Neill was recently doing a job in the homestead. To those not au fait with the small ball code in the Royal County, his name may not ring too many bells. There’s a degree of tragedy in that. There has been much coverage in many places recently about how the ancient game is struggling to survive in some places and is, in fact, to some extent, extinct in others. Cavan’s defection from inter county competition, be it short term or otherwise, must be seen as a new low for hurling and a very graphic illustration of the way things might be going in certain quarters. There’s nearly no point in asking will there be more cases akin to that of the Breffni County for sadly that seems a foregone conclusion. Thankfully, things are nowhere near that juncture for Meath. For a county outside of those in the top rank, smaller things take on a greater deal of importance. To put it a slightly different way, to win a competition which some sectors of sporting society might scoff at or pour scorn upon would mean a hell of a lot to those who are striving to get to where others constantly perch. Thus, winning the All Ireland SHC B in 1993 was a massive thing for the stickmen of Meath. One suspects it was on the back of that boost what were then – and would still be – considered shock National League victories against (then All Ireland Champions) Offaly and Wexford – both in Athboy – were fashioned. Now, this may seem a tad strange, but, apart from those two great wins, some of the other most influential things in terms of taking Meath hurling forward in the interim have actually arisen from defeats. Cue Anton’s return to our story. One of the most memorable occasions this writer can recall from a Meath hurling perspective was when the then John Davis trained outfit got within six points of an Offaly team which eight months earlier contested an All Ireland Final against Clare. Two aspects of the day stand out. Firstly, Nicky Horan – who was also still playing Minor football with Meath at the time – scoring nine points from midfield. Even more noteworthy was Anton’s im-

perious display in curtailing no less than Joe Dooley earning him the Man Of The Match award. Young lads or ladies get hooked on a given sport by those they follow doing well at it. Players become heroes. We recall the ‘I am Tiger Woods’ adverts that probably started a lot of budding golfers off. Cora Staunton can be most likely be credited with doing a similar job in Ladies Footbal when Mayo were at their zenith. Even though Meath have endured some torrid luck in underage hurling finals, the fact that the likes of Horan and O’Neill inspired more youngsters to take up the game and thus keeping the conveyor belt of players coming through. Mind you, having the players is one thing, putting structures in place to allow them to compete at a realistic level for them to compete at and indeed prosper in. To give credit where it’s due, to this end, the GAA must be acclaimed for the inception of things such as the All Ireland ‘B’ and even ‘C’ Championships at Minor and U-21 levels. Not to mention competitions like the Ring, Rackard and Meagher Cups. But what about those for whom that is not enough? Without rehashing the actual figures, no team should have to suffer some of the beatings that were inflicted upon Cavan this spring. Have no doubt it was those very results the led to them declaring a hiatus. Who could blame them either. Simply letting them disappear of the hurling landscape is not the solution though. Apart from the fact that it is an insult to those in Cavan who are interested in hurling, it could be fatal for the game on a broader scale. And what’s being done about it? Recently, the individual who is supposed to driving the Association forward engaged in a tirade of utter rubbish regarding team managers getting paid. Anyone that takes the amateur status still holds firm unilaterally is probably still waiting for the tooth fairy as well. More luck to anyone that gets a few bob out of what they do. If they didn’t provide their input, things wouldn’t be as good as they are. Even though

they need drastic improvement in many places. It is that fact that highlights the utter hypocrisy of the furore about manager payments. The suited brigade up in Croke Park are on ridiculous amounts of money for doing jobs which the likes of the Cavan situation would suggest they are at best just making a shambles of doing at the minute or at worse are incapable of doing at all. Rather than cribbing over managers being remunerated, those who are in a possession to do so should do the decent thing and take a slash in their own monies and put the cut slice into funding for things like the future development and in the shorter term mere survival of hurling in places like Cavan. For it is crucial to emphasise that this situation is not confined to the Breffni County. Have no doubt others are teetering on the same brink. Things can hardly get any worse for Cavan than where they are currently at. Others cannot be allowed to fall into a similar abyss. To do that, structures will need to be put in place. Doing so would require a massive effort in manpower and that’s without even mentioning the coaching that would need to ensue at all levels once the said structures are in place. Such work needs to be encouraged and those who carry it out need to be encouraged, thanked and handsomely rewarded. Not vilified owing to what is nothing other than utter and disgraceful hypocrisy. Let the Cavan case be a positive watershed for hurling. Not the beginning of an obituary.

FOGRA: Sympathy is extended to the Keegan family (Clonee and Coolmine) and the Fahey family (Dunboyne and Claremorris)

FOGRA II: Congratulations to Mary Sheridan, Grainne Nulty, Shauna Bennett and Katie O’Brien who were selected on the Bord Gais Ladies National League Team of the Season.

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