Lucan

Lucan GAZET TE FREE

JULY 26, 2012

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LUCAN • PALMERSTOWN • CELBRIDGE • LEIXLIP • ADAMSTOWN • DODSBORO • LIFFEY VALLEY • BALLYOWEN

INSIDE: Enjoying a sizzling summer barbecue at a local nursing home P2

Cycling: Adamstown and Lucan riders win national medals Page 30

Hurling: Lucan junior side picks up vital league result Page 31

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 BUSINESS .....................18 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ......... 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

LOCAL BOOST: Retailers’ arrival at

Liffey Valley to create 120 jobs Page 3

Council hit with €1.9m funding cutback I PAUL HOSFORD

SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) face cuts of almost €2 million to their budget for the remaining months of this year, due to shortfalls in collection of the household charge.

Council management received notice last Wednesday that local authority budgets will have to be cut.

A letter from County Manager Philomena Poole outlined that €1.9 million would be cut

from SDCC’s allocation, and said: “It has been reduced by €1,900,842, reflecting an adjustment based on the level of [household charge] compliance achieved, to date, which, in our case, is 57% of the total [number of eligible households].”

The move led to criticism from Dublin Mid West Sinn Fein representative, Eoin O’Broin, who described the decision as “bully-boy tactics”.

Full story on Page 4

She’s blooming lovely: Dublin Rose gets a lift at The Lord Lucan pub STRAPPING local lads Mark Twoomey

and David Meslelle were on hand to give local Rose Arlene O’Neill a lift at The Lord Lucan pub recently, where she was enjoying a send-off ahead of taking part in the prestigious Rose of

Tralee festival. Arlene and the lads, and all of the locals, had a great night at The Lord Lucan, with everyone wishing the beautiful Rose the very best of luck at the contest.

See Gallery on Page 8

2 LUCAN GAZETTE 26 July 2012

LIFFEY VALLEY: EXAMINER MOVED HAILED BY SIPTU

40 jobs saved at Atlantic SIPTU has welcomed the decision to keep open the Atlantic Ho m e c a r e s t o r e i n Liffey Valley, after it had been marked for closure when the company went into administration last month.

The decision to keep the retailer’s stores in Galway and the Liffey Valley Centre open was announced in the High Court, by the examiner appointed to oversee the administration of the DIY company.

Extensive

“The decision will save up to 40 jobs,” said SIPTU organiser, Dennis

Hynes. “The move was made possible following extensive talks between the examiner, the Atlantic Homecare stores’ landlords and SIPTU, which represents workers at the company.”

Mr Hy nes added: “SIPTU has also successfully negotiated an enhanced redundancy package for the workers in the three Atlantic Homecare stores which are scheduled to close.

The package includes payment of statutory redundancy of two weeks per year of service, plus an ex-gratia payment of three weeks per year of service.”

Summer sizzler: Food and fun at Lucan Lodge THE RESIDENTS of Lucan Lodge Nursing Home came together this week for a summer BBQ. The weather luckily held firm as the residents and their families enjoyed fun, laughter and great food. Joining in on the fun are Liz O’Shea, Eileen Bognall, Martina Nolan and Philomena Maher.

Lucan Lodge is a modern 72-bed care facility situated

just outside the village of Lucan. The facility is designed to meet the needs of the older person in a pleasant and comfortable surrounding.

The original house was built in the 1600s and was part of the Lucan Demesne, which is now the Italian Embassy. Picture: Ian Fleming See Gallery next week

GOVERNMENT: DOWDS TO JOIN CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

‘Honoured to be elected’ I PAUL HOSFORD

LABOUR TD Robert Dowds has been elected to serve on the Constitutional Convention, which has been set up to reform the Constitution to make it fit for 21st-century Ireland.

Dowds was elected by a ballot of Labour TDs and senators at a parliamentary party meeting last week.

“I am very honoured to have been elected to serve on the Constitutional Convention and I

look forward to working with the other 99 members of the group to help make our Constitution fit for purpose for the 21st century,” he said.

With the issue of same sex marriage high on the agenda, the convention will also be free to consider “other relevant constitutional amendments” afterwards. The alreadypromised referendums on children’s rights and the abolition of the Seanad will not be under consideration.

The body will consist

of “a representative group of 66 citizens”, as well as 33 elected representatives from both parts of the island and an independent chair, but interest groups will be able to make submissions.

T h e G ove r n m e n t envisages using the electoral register to select the 66 citizens. A polling company will be used to make the selection so that it is “as representative as possible”.

The group of politicians will be made up of Oireachtas members

and one parliamentarian from each of the political parties in Northern Ireland which accepted an invitation to be represented.

The Oireachtas membership – 33 minus the number of representatives from Northern Ireland – will be made up on the basis of current parliamentary numbers.

“We will be looking into areas such as the term of the Presidency, same-sex marriage, our electoral system, amending the clause on women

in the home, increasing female participation in politics, and removing the offence of blasphemy from the Constitution.

These are issues which need to be closely looked at by 21st-century Irish society.

“I really am deeply privileged to be sitting on such a body and I want every one of my constituents to know that if they wish to raise an issue with me relating to the Constitution, they can feel free to contact me,” said Dowds.

26 July 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 3

SHOPPING Retailers show ‘restored confidence’

Newcomers to bring 120 jobs to Liffey Valley I PAUL HOSFORD phosford@gazettegroup.com

LIFFEY Valley Shopping Centre has announced the arrival of eight new national and international retailers, which will create 120 jobs within the centre.

The successful West Dublin Centre welcomed the new brands to join its line-up of existing tenants, saying that the new units reflected “increased retailer optimism and restored confidence in the shopping environment”.

The addition of the American brands, Timberland and Skechers, accounts for over 4,000

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sq ft of retail space.

Fashion retailer, Bank, has also confirmed the opening of its first standalone store in the Republic, leasing c4,700 sq ft of space over two floors.

Sports fashion outlet, JD Sports, will triple its size by opening a new flagship c 10,690 sq ft store, while popular fashion label, Diesel, will upsize and relocate into c 4,130 sq ft of space across two floors.

Bolstering Liffey Valley’s restaurant offering, Nando’s, the popular Portuguese chicken restaurant business, will occupy c3,800 sq ft, while global sandwich chain, Subway, and Mexican /

Californian cuisine restaurant, Saburritos, will lease c 1,100 sq ft and c 1,080 sq ft respectively.

Shelagh Larard of Aviva Investors who are responsible for the asset management of the scheme said she was happy with the arrival of the new units at Liffey Valley.

“We are thrilled to welcome these fantastic new retailers on board.

Liffey Valley boasts a wide range of stores, and it’s great we are able to provide space for both the mainstream anchors such as Marks and Spencer and Boots, as well as independents.

“June and July have

The new Timberland outlet at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre

been strong months for new lettings at Liffey Valley and we believe the Centre’s resilience during this period is largely down to the proactive asset management focusing on a strong tenant mix strategy.”

Hannah Scotchmer, Timberland UK and Ireland marketing manager, said that they were excit-

ed to open their doors in Liffey Valley.

“We are very excited about our new store and can’t wait to open the doors to the shoppers of the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre. Our new store will enable more customers to experience our brand first hand, in a beautiful space that is built with the environ-

ment in mind.

“We know that ecoconsciousness is always evolving, which is why we’re constantly looking for new and better ways to build our stores. It’s a process that has no finish line, and the challenge to out-do ourselves with each new store is one we’re happy to take on every time.”

YOUTH

Time to jam at music school LUCAN Youth Service has announced the addition of a new music school to its summer programme of activities.

Lucan Jam School offers a broad range of musical training to young people aged 10 and over.

This week-long social and educational course includes an introduction into guitar, drums, bass, keyboard and sound engineering.

Lucan Jam School runs from Monday, August 6 to Friday, August 10 from 10am to 5pm, and lunch is included, with the total price for participants being €99 for the week.

For more information or to book a place, call 621 7640 or e-mail lucanjamschool@gmail.com.

There are a limited number of places available, so early booking is advised.

4 LUCAN GAZETTE 26 July 2012

FUNDS Manager cites household tax shortfall for move

Council face ¤2m in cuts for rest of year I PAUL HOSFORD phosford@gazettegroup.com

SOUTH Dublin County Council face cuts of almost €2 million to their budget for the remaining months of this year.

Council management received notice last Wednesday that, due to

shortfalls in collection of the household charge, local authority budgets will have to be cut.

In a letter sent out by county manager Philomena Poole to explain the cuts, councillors were told that the Department of Environment and Local Government

took stock of “the overall level of funds available in the Local Government Fund, the level of household charge compliance achieved to date, the position of individual local authorities in terms of scale and financial resilience and the objective of providing general purpose grants to authorities that enable them to provide a reasonable level of service to their communities.”

The letter goes on to outline that €1.9m will be cut from SDCC’s allocation.

“In relation to this council’s allocation it has been reduced by €1,900,842, reflecting an adjustment based on the level of [household charge] compliance achieved to date which, in our case, is 57% of the total [number of eligible households].”

A council spokesman told The Gazette that the payment of the household charge was closely

linked to the council budget and the cuts would be made “almost immediately”, but that it would likely be discretionary spending that would be worst hit.

“There is no lowhanging fruit and cuts will have to encompass the full range of expenditure.

“You can only not spend where you’re not obliged to spend.”

The move has led to criticism from Dublin Mid West Sinn Fein representative Eoin O Broin, who described the decision as “outrageous bully-boy tactics”.

Serious

South Dublin County Council face cuts of almost €2 million to their budget

He said that “imposing more cuts on local government will have a serious impact on the provision of services for hundreds of thousands of families.

“The introduction of the household charge was a bad idea. It was illconceived, badly implemented and has no pub-

lic support. The whole issue has been mishandled from the start.

“Last December, the Department of the Environment told councils across the state, including South Dublin County Council, what their 2012 allocation from the local government fund would

be. Councils agreed their annual estimates on this basis. At no stage were councils told that this funding was dependent on the collection of the household charge.

“This will have a serious impact on the provision of essential services for hundreds of thou-

sands of families.

“This is an utter disgrace. The fact that this is happening after the Dail has gone into recess makes it even worse. Phil Hogan has enginered this move in order to avoid Dail scrutiny of his decision,” said O’Broin.

26 July 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 5

ICE: HOMEOWNERS MAY HAVE TO CLEAR PATHS

COUNCIL

Work to start on exercise trails

Council seeks changes to snow bye-laws SOUTH Dublin County Council has confirmed that it is consulting with its law agent regarding changing the county byelaws to make home owners responsible for keeping areas outside their home free of snow.

Cllr John Lahart (FF) asked the council to give detailed consideration to the passing of bye-laws requiring residents to maintain the areas outside of their homes free of snow and ice during adverse weather conditions, to which the council said that considerations were ongoing.

A report presented at the most recent council meeting in response stated: “As discussed at the council meeting of April 2011, the manager undertook to examine the possibility of introducing

bye-laws pertaining to residents being responsible for the clearing of snow and ice from their driveways and footpaths in front of their houses.

“It was agreed that this was a complex issue and that there were many aspects to the introduction and enforcement of such bye-laws. A consultation process with the Council’s Law Agent has been initiated and a further report will issue,” said the council report.

“In October 2011, at the beginning of winter conditions, the council issued on the SDCC website, guidance notes for the public in relation to coping with various aspects of the severe cold weather and a hard copy was delivered to all residents and business within the county.”

Work of art: Confey College student receives special award at Transition Year graduation CONFEY College Transition Year student Eire Dempsey was presented with a special award for Georgian Art by Irish author and conservationist Desmond Guinness at the college’s recent TY graduation ceremony.

The ceremony saw students receive awards for their academic achievements throughout the year, and 15 students

were awarded the Gaisce President’s Award. Their leader, Grainne O’Connor, thanked them for their dedicated community work, and were presented with their bronze medals by Professor Chris Morash of NUI Maynooth.

Sixteen students received Foroige Leadership Awards from Aidan McQuillan, the area manager for Forogie.

ELEVEN locations across South Dublin will have outdoor exercise equipment installed by mid-September under plans by South Dublin County Council.

The long-mooted exercise trails initiative has identified the sites and, at the July 9 council meeting, management said that the bases for the equipment had been installed two weeks previously.

“The company have advised that they are expecting delivery of the first consignment of equipment in the third week of July, and installation of equipment will commence on a countywide basis upon delivery.

The second consignment was shipped on June 26, and will arrive in four to six weeks’ time, following which the remaining equipment will be installed,” said the council report.

6 LUCAN GAZETTE 26 July 2012

ROADS Fitzgerald welcomes additional resources to be used for grass cutting

Local national roads to benefit from NRA funding NATIONAL roads across Dublin Mid West are set to benefit from funding from the National Roads Authority.

Local Fine Gael TD Frances Fitzgerald welcomed the award of NRA funding after a campaign for additional resources to be made available

for grass cutting along the main traffic arteries throughout the constituency saw the necessary funds being made available.

Fitzgerald said that she was delighted with the news that South Dublin County Council is due to get a funding increase for

this purpose.

“Grass-cutting along national roads, in particular the N4, has been a contentious issue for far too long. In the middle of Tidy Towns season and, given the huge improvements being made by local groups throughout Lucan, Clondalkin and

Rathcoole, unsightly road margins and medians have a major impact on the aesthetics of an area and, left untended, have the potential to become a safety hazard.

“I have been a strong campaigner on this and I’m delighted that this Government has been

able to make additional funding available to the council to help with the costs involved in grasscutting along the Naas dual carriage way (N7) and the N4,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

Grass cutting will start immediately with works due to commence this

week on both the N4 from Kew Park to the Leixlip and the N7 from the LUAS park and ride at the Red Cow, through Newlands Cross and Rathcoole and right down to the Straffan exit.

“I was pleased that after a long campaign, the

N4 median on the Palmerstown end was tended to earlier this month, and I will continue to work on this issue to ensure that enough funding is made available to keep these roads and their margins in as good a condition as possible,” concluded Fitzgerald.

Software firm launches App Haus BUSINESS management software company SAP AG this week launched their “App Haus” office at the Citywest Business Campus in Dublin, a centre for research and development for innovative software applications.

The company hopes that the opening of the office will result in “the creation of an innovative, tailor-made space to better support the needs of its software development team in Dublin”.

Officially opening the App Haus office, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte TD, said: “SAP is a leading player in Ireland’s ICT sector and continuously develops its Irish operations

by highly innovative means.”

The opening of App Haus and the launch of the SAP Start-Up Focus program, which will provide select Irish companies with development and support for business software applications that are developed on SAP’s HANA computing platform, follows on from SAP’s announcement in May that it will invest €110 million in the creation of 250 jobs at its Dublin and Galway facilities, as the company gears up for its next wave of technology innovation to meet business needs, in the areas of cloud computing, mobile apps and high-performance database technology.

Mary Comiskey from Scoil Mhuire, Lucan and Professor Hannah McGee. Picture: Oliver O’Flanagan

EDUCATION: COURSE SUPPORT FOR TEACHING SCIENCE

Teachers happy to ‘come to their senses’ I PAUL HOSFORD

TWO PRIMARY school teachers from Lucan were among those who participated in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Come to Your Senses summer course, which helps support the teaching of the primary science curriculum.

Robert O’Brien from Esker Educate Together National School, Lucan, and Mary Comiskey from Scoil Mhuire, Lucan, were among those taking part in the course, which is part of the Dublin City of Science 2012 programme.

Come to Your Senses is part of RCSI’s Primary Science Initiative, which aims to support

the teaching of science in the classroom. The initiative is a component of the REACH RCSI programme which promotes recreation, education and community health. It is approved by the Department of Education and is fully funded by the RCSI. The course used the theme of the human senses to enable primary school teachers to develop their interest and enthusiasm for teaching science with direct relevance to the primary science curriculum for Social Environmental and Science Education (SESE).

The RCSI science initiative team of Dr Jacqueline Daly, Dr Marc DeVocelle, Ms Maria Kelly, Dr Maria Morgan and Dr Kenny

Winser took 25 primary school teachers through the summer initiative.

Some 20% of the places on the course are reserved for schools that are part of the DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) programme.

The workshops introduced primary school teachers to alternative, hands-on and fun ways of teaching science to children, without the need for expensive materials or equipment.

Professor Hannah McGee, dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at RCSI, said: “At RCSI, we are committed to the advancement of science education and enthusiasm for this needs to begin at primary school

level. The Come to Your Senses course is a novel way for teachers to develop their science teaching skills, giving them the confidence and enthusiasm to conduct hands-on activities and experiments in the classroom which will inspire children to develop an interest in science.”

Dr Jacqueline Daly, director of the initiative said: “As well as providing an important opportunity for teachers to network and share experiences with their peers, the Come to Your Senses course empowers teachers to bring new techniques back to their own school and pass these valuable skills on to their colleagues.”

26 July 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 7

8 LUCAN GAZETTE 26 July 2012

PEOPLE Great send-off for local beauty before top contest

Arlene’s brother, Stephen Byrne

Linda Balf and Paula Richmonds, Aspen Counselling; Lucan Rose Arlene O’Neill; Carol Lyons, manager, Eurospar and Fine Gael Deputy Derek Keating. Pictures: Ian Fleming

Arlene hopes to pluck Rose success HERE was a blooming good night out at The Lord Lucan pub for locals when they came along to help support local Rose, Arlene O’Neill, as she prepares for her part in the prestigious Rose of Tralee festival.

Deputy Derek Keating (FG) and local counselling group, Aspen, stepped up to provide

T

Arlene with a great send-off for the local girl and Dublin Rose, with lots of locals supporting her. The thorny issue of the dreary summer was avoided for the night, with everyone keen to discuss the sunnier subject of Arlene’s participation in the event, with all agreed that the lovely local Rose would do Lucan, and Dublin, proud.

Tommy Branagan and Carol Kerry

Arlene and her mother, Denise

Arlene with local Labour Maria Cassidy, Alison Ryan and Celine Broughan

TD, Robert Dowds

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26 July 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 9

10 LUCAN GAZETTE 26 July 2012

FOOD Delicious new Domino’s Mexicano range is launched

Kady O’Connell

Ella Goodwin Sean Montague and Brendan Scully

Cathy O’Connor and Corina Gaffey

Manners Oshafi and Emma Waldron

A new pizza treat

UCK’S Townhouse was a suitably hot venue for the launch of Domino’s Mexicano range of pizzas, with a sizzling fiesta party creating a deliciously tasty start for the new line.

Fashionistas and foodies rubbed shoulders at the party, keen to sample

B

the Mexicano fare, with the venue transformed into a Mexican-themed hacienda, complete with pinata, sombreros and a Mariachi Azteca band.

Margaritas and beers completed the mood, while the guests tucked into the tasty samples. The chicken and beef Mexicano options are com-

bined with chorizo, red and green chillis, tomatoes, onions, 100% mozzarella and a sour cream drizzle on Domino’s classic crust, while the veggie includes a sweetcorn and spinach variation, along with the delicious toppings – all combining to create a real Mexican treat.

Conor Pope and Sonia Harris

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26 July 2012 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 26 July 2012 Commercial Feature

Personal pregnancy care at the Rotunda Private Clinics

THEATRE Hard work and

Well, the I PAUL HOSFORD phosford@gazettegroup.com

Dr Ronan Gleeson, Consultant

The modern, comfortable scan room used by Consultants

EVERYONE needs advice during their pregnancy, and nobody is more qualified to offer guidance than your Consultant, who will be with you from your first scan to the eventual birth of your son or daughter.

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that it is moving well is surrounded by a good

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Clinics. “One day we might be holding clinics;

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another day we might be in the labour ward or operating in theatre. It really can be that varied.”

Of course, if the scan does highlight anything that needs to be addressed, the mother and baby

A percentage of Dr Gleeson’s work involves

are in exactly the right place, and any issue can

scheduled appointments and private clinics for

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contact that a soon-to-be mother will have with a

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care unit really is the best in the country,” said Dr

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For further information or to book an appointment, phone: 01 874 2115

REJECTION is a part of life most people try their best to avoid. Defence mechanisms and rationalisations for avoiding situations in which it may arise are carefully constructed.

But, for a brave few, rejection becomes a way of life. For actors and actresses, there is a repetitive cycle of rejection from auditions, call backs and reviews.

Rather than be a hostage to this cycle, Malahide-born actress Suzanna Geraghty wrote a onewoman play based on her experiences on the New York audition circuit.

The result is Auditions, Zoe’s Auditions, an hilarious look at the desperation and delusion of Zoe, an aspiring actress who dreams of landing an acting job.

Zoe, who is overly enthusiastic and eager to please, is prone to a series of mishaps and misadventures that lead casting directors to shout, “Next!”

He r ov e r - t he - h i l l agent sends her on an assortment of auditions ranging from Hamlet to Riverdance, to being shot out of a cannon for

Suzanna Geraghty

a touring circus.

Just as she is ready to give up, she falls asleep at her job working backstage on a production of A Christmas Carol and is visited by three audacious ghosts – of her past, present and future – who have startling wisdom to pass on to her.

The play comes to the Mill Theatre this week, starting on Thursday, July 26, and runs until Saturday, July 28.

The play has already proven to be a huge hit in New York, where it won the audience award at the United Solo Theatre Festival, which celebrates one-person shows from all over the world.

Suzanna is excited to get to perform the piece on home soil, and says that the play’s success comes purely from having a likeable character.

“Audiences seem to like Zoe and take to her very easily.

“They love her resilience. It’s not that she’s willing to put herself up for things time and again, it’s that she gets knocked down time and time again and manages to get back up every single time.

“She’s so full of hope and she genuinely can’t see why people who

have so much, so much that she would love to have, don’t appreciate it more.”

Having spent a number of years on the New York theatre circuit herself, Suzanna says that the character is not fully autobiographical, but that it came from a natural place.

“The character resonates with me. I spent 16 years as an impoverished actress in New York.

“The actors’ union, Actors’ Equity, have ensured that shows must audition actors for shows, regardless of whether or not the roles are filled.

“So, you get to the 46th Street office at 5.30am and line up in queue that goes around the block to be among the 230 people who get two minutes’ audition time.

“It was there that the character of Zoe came about. I would do auditions of scenes from Zoe and make up a writer of the play.

“My friends loved the character and urged me to write a play for her, but I always felt that was something I couldn’t do.”

Suzanna’s hesitance to write the play came not from a fear of failure or rejection, but from

26 July 2012 GAZETTE 13

perseverance pay off for this actress turned writer

show must go on...

Suzanna’s own struggles with dyslexia, a condition she was diagnosed with one year before sitting her Leaving Cert.

“I always thought that I just wasn’t that bright, but that I’d work harder than everyone to get by.

“Then, when I was diagnosed, it was like some teachers had just given up on me. I was told not to apply for college, as I wouldn’t be accepted.”

Undeterred, Suzanna applied and was accepted to Bard College in New York. There, she received Deans List honours, never telling anyone of her learning difficulties and using her acting and sporting talents to overcome her dyslexia.

“Bei ng a n act ress helped. The words I used were muscular and characters say and do things.

That stops words being

just characters on a page.

It took the scariness away from it all.”

For now, Suzanna is based in New York, where she will return to be part of the encore showings of the play at the United Solo Theatre Festival, a section reserved for the biggest hits of the festival, but she does say she would like to come home.

“I’m trying to base myself here, but nobody knows who I am!

“I’m very entrepreneurial and want to do my own work.

“I never expected any of this, but Zoe is getting a great reaction.

“I have a fantastic team that I have worked with who are unbelievably brilliant. I’m extremely grateful to have gotten this far.

“I just could’ve done without the poverty!”

Geraghty performing as Zoe whom she came up with while working as an actress in New York

CHARITY

Zombies wanted for a walk I LAURA WEBB lwebb@gazettegroup.com

BEWARE – zombies are set to take over the streets of Dublin at this year’s Zombie Walk, which takes place on Saturday, August 4, at St Stephen’s Green’s Leeson Street entrance.

Gathering times will be announced closer to the date, and zombies of all ages are allowed to take part. All “zombies” or people – are asked to do is have fun and dress up while walking, shuffling and moaning through the streets while raising money for charities.

Last year’s Zombie Walk attracted hundreds of wannabe undead, with some people simply painting their faces white, while many others used prosthetics to create a frightful and very realistic look.

For further information, see www.dublinzombiewalk.com.

14 GAZETTE 26 July 2012

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Aine Lawlor, RTE Morning Ireland presenter and breast cancer survivor meets two young Florence Nightingales – aka four-year-olds Annika Morris and Lucy O’Neill – at the launch of Boots’ partnership with the Irish Cancer Society as the company’s chosen Charity of the Year

Dublin’s Boots steps up to support cancer RTE Morning Ireland presenter, and breast cancer survivor, Aine Lawlor, was on hand to support the launch of Boots’ partnership with the Irish Cancer Society as the company’s chosen Charity of the Year for 2012/13.

The partnership will support people living with cancer in Ireland, and aims to help increase awareness, promote prevention, and raise vital funds to support the Irish Cancer Society’s nursing services.

To mark the launch of the partnership, Boots’ employees and customers from their 24 Dublin stores are participating in a series of Boots Night Walks for Night Nurses, which are taking place across the country on Wednesday, August 29.

All money raised will be invested in the Night Nurse service that is provided free of charge by the Irish Cancer Society to patients in their home.

For further information about the Irish Cancer Society, Boots Ireland’s Charity of the Year partnership, and the upcoming Boots Night Walks for Night Nurses event, visit your local Boots store or see www. irishcancer.ie.

DIARY

It is closed on Mondays.

For further information, call 01 478 9090.

Motor on over to a Your chance to see taxi’s booking app Jimi Hendrix shots WILD things should be flocking in a purple haze to the Ebow Gallery on Castle Street, Christchurch in the coming weeks, after it secured an exclusive exhibition of Jimi Hendrix photographs by legendary snapper, Gered Mankowitz.

In the exhibition, which is entitled Experience Hendrix, Mankowitz captures the powerful image of the legendary ’60s guitarist in many different but always striking ways.

Not only enthusiasts can go along and witness the genius of Mankowitz’s art, but they can also buy a number of limited edition pieces which are available for collectors to snap up. Experience Hendrix opened last week and continues until Sunday, August 12.

The Ebow Gallery is open from 12pm to 5pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and from 12pm until 8pm on Thursday.

DUBLIN taxi company Global Taxis have launched the first and only taxi booking app for smartphones.

The free Click A Taxi app uses your GPS location and a user-friendly interface to enable people in Dublin to book a taxi on the go.

Working through partnerships with local taxi providers, the app is a way for local people to book a taxi, as well as providing holidaymakers and business people an easy way to arrange their travel around Dublin.

Once the Click A Taxi app is downloaded, users can book a taxi in any area of the country, throughout Britain and, by the end of the year, in most of Western Europe and the United States.

The app is available to download via www.clickataxi.com, and at the Android and iPhone app stores.

26 July 2012 GAZETTE 15

OLYMPICS An interesting talk on days gone by

Irish Olympian discusses basketball way back when I STEPHEN FINDLATER sfindlater@gazettegroup.com

RECALLING the legendar y feats of some of his peers, for mer Irish Olympian Harry Boland gave a fascinating insight into the way athletes prepared for the Games in days gone by when he spoke at the official launch of the Irish Competitors at the Stockholm Olympics 1912 exhibition in Swords last week.

A century ago, with Ireland not yet an independent state, it could not send its own Olympic team, but this did not prevent a number of Irish-born athletes competing.

The exhibition, curated by Colm McQuinn, details how nine individual sportsmen and one cycling team found a way to take part, representing the US, Great Britain and South Africa, and going on to win three gold and one silver medal.

1912 was the first time the Games took place in London, before it returned to the English capital in 1948.

A basketball international, Boland is among 11 surviving members of the Irish contingent from those later London Games, and his talk gave a fascinating snapshot into how the Games have changed.

Recalling the story of Pat O’Callaghan, a twotime hammer gold medallist, he said:“He used to do his day’s work, cycle to a meet; throw the hammer, win [the event], of course, dance all night and then cycle home the next morning.

“That was his training for the Olympics. When you consider the way training is done nowadays, it’s a totally different story.”

For Boland, he modestly suggests he and the Irish basketball team he represented went to the games more by accident

Fingal Mayor Cian O’Callaghan (Lab), 1948 Olympian Harry Boland, and archivist Colm McQuinn

than design.

An impressive hurler, winning a Dublin senior club championship with UCD, he was coaxed to play basketball by Father Horan at Belfield and duly got noticed enough

to answer a call to take part in the Games.

Beset by the aftermath of World War II, London was not the glamorous proposition that greets the athletes this week.

“I became one of the only civilians on the Irish team which went straight to the 1948 Olympics in London.

“If there had been any qualifying competition before you entered like

there is now, I don’t think we’d have got there.

“We were selected at the last moment. When I consider all the preparations now and all the competition that goes into selecting a team, ours was an extraordinary situation.

Boland ended up being one of just two non-military men to be selected, a connection that ensured that Ireland managed to get a full set of equipment for the trip.

“That was the kind of scene that prevailed.

We had no outfits so the army loaned us shorts which we had to give back again.”

He freely admits his

side were “completely outclassed” but is quick to add “we had a great time of it; saw a lot of the other events.

“It was a wonderful time. I can’t consider myself an Olympic hero but the fact remains, I was there!”

The Irish Competitors at the Stockholm Olympics 1912 exhibition is available to view in the Fingal Local Studies and Archive in Clonmel House, Forster Way, Swords over the next few weeks.

It is also on display in the County Council of fices on the Grove Road in Coolmine and in Swords.

MUSIC

Calling all gospel choirs ORGANISERS are calling on Dublin gospel choirs to get involved in the first-ever Kilkenny International Gospel Choir Festival, which will take place from August 30 to September 2.

Festival founder and Kilkenny Gospel Choir director Fr Willie Purcell, wants gospel choirs to sign up and sing with hundreds of others during the weekend of music.

The choirs will partake in three days of musical activities, with concerts and performances planned for various venues. The festival’s grand finale at Kilkenny Castle is set to see more than 1,000 voices come together.

For further information, see www.kilkennygospelchoirfestival.com.

16 GAZETTE 26 July 2012

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods THE 2012 Olympic Games kick off in London this Friday (July 27) and all the competitiveness in the air is making me think about the rockers who run rings around manufactured artists and reality TV bands.

In fact, if rock had an Olympic Games, there are many deserving candidates: just don’t test for any illegal substances! The Rolling Stones should be given gold for going the distance, and overcoming a few hurdles along the way, as they celebrate an historic 50 years in music this month.

Another medal needs to go to musical heavyweight Bruce Springsteen who shook the capital last week with two nights of tireless rocking out at the RDS. The Boss didn’t disappoint with both sets at well over three hours and, unlike his London gig the previous weekend, no one pulled the plug.

In fact, Springsteen had his own “power switch” on stage to make sure that didn’t happen, not to mention the “British bobby” who mockingly tried to shut the gig down.

Actually, give Bruce bonus points for having the craic.

Also at these fantasy games, a posthumous medal must be awarded to Jon Lord for his contribution to music. The keyboardist passed away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer last week at the age of 71. He was a founding member of Deep Purple and co-wrote many of their songs. He also played with Whitesnake as well as cropping up to play with other well-known bands such as The Kinks on their massive hit, You Really Got Me. And if the sporting aspect of the Olympic Games doesn’t float your boat, the good organisers of the games are putting on starstudded concerts as part of the opening and closing ceremonies, with another medal-worthy candidate: Paul McCartney last on stage at this week’s opener.

Now as we know in all Olympic Games there are winners...and there are losers. The Spice Girls are set to reunite for a performance at the Games’ closing ceremony. Anyone who sits through that deserves a medal.

Deep Purple’s Jon Lord, who passed away last week

EXCLUSIVE: SAVIOURS OF ROCK N ROLL, GASLIGHT ANTHEM

Keeping the Gaslight shining strong and true I PAUL HOSFORD

“YOU KNOW it’s funny, I actually don’t own a single record by any one of those bands.”

Bruce Springsteen, The Replacements, Tom Petty – Alex Rosamilia, the guitarist from The Gaslight Anthem, has heard the comparisons innumerable times before, but they are hard to avoid.

The New Brunswick, New Jersey band have just released their fourth album, Handwritten, and the comparisons with another New Jersey rock hero has become an all too familiar fallback for the music media.

But, Rosamilia is a neophyte when it comes to The Boss, and doesn’t even own a Replacements CD, preferring “stargaze-y Britpop” in the vein of The Cure and The Smiths. The muchvaunted Jersey sound, Rosamilia says, is a media creation.

“There is no ‘Jersey rock’ sound. That’s not a thing that we set out to achieve, and it’s something that the media has come up with, I think.

“We don’t tr y too hard to sound like any one thing. We play and what comes out is what we sound like.”

The Gaslight Anthem, with guitarist Alex Rosamilia pictured far right

The album, a follow up to 2010’s American Slang, sees the band return to the more raw feel of their 2008 breakthrough, The ’59 Sound, and Alex says that getting the album out feels good.

“It’s great to get it out, but the fact that people listen to our band is a huge perk.

“When we started, we were playing to three people and, last night, we played to around 5,000. That in itself is huge for us.”

The genesis of the album saw the band head

to Nashville and work at the legendary Blackbird studios, with even more legendar y producer, Brendan O’Brien. Off the road for more than half a year, Alex says he didn’t miss playing live any more than he would

from Handwritten is the closer, National Anthem.

A personal, raw showstopper.

“Brian wrote National Anthem in Nashville, in the house we were staying in, and came downstairs, we were all in the

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

“There is no Jersey Rock sound. We don’t try too hard to sound like any one thing. We play what we sound like” --------------------------------------------------------------

the studio, but that being on the road for so long does take its toll.

“I like them both, I’m a straight down the middle man. It’s like which do you prefer, apples or oranges? They’re both awesome for completely different reasons.

“I’m getting older, so things are starting to hurt a little bit more!

But we’re not real partiers and I think that’s where a lot of the pain comes from; not treating your body right during the day.

“We go through way more water and seltzer than beer.”

The early standout

living room area. He played it for us and asked did we want to work on it and we were like ‘no, that song is done.’

“He thought that we would work on it, but it was done the way it was.”

Bringing O’Brien on board was an easy decision for the band, with the legendary producer having worked with such stars as Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and Pearl Jam. “He has been subconsciously producing us for 20 years. He has worked with so many of the bands and records that we grew up with.

“If you look at a band like Mastodon, who I love, they had the same producer until they got on a major label. And when they did, they went for Brendan.

“If it’s cool for Mastodon, it’s cool for us!”

As for personal adoration, it’s not something the modest guitarist actively courts.

“It’s weird. I don’t understand why people like me that much.

I don’t like me that much!

“I don’t understand the idol worship of musicians. I do understand the respect as musicians, but I don’t see why you should become a demigod. It’s a mental state that I’ve never been a part of. I’m flattered by it, but I’ve never been part of that mindset.”

As for how the band are doing in terms of the band’s stated goal of reclaiming rock and roll, Rosamilia is content.

“I’m sitting on a bus in America, talking to you in Ireland about my band. I think we’re doing pretty well.”

26 July 2012 GAZETTE 17

R1

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Edited by Laura Webb

Victoria spices up autumn with her latest collection SHE first appeared in the public eye as one-fifth of a girl band who would go on to break chart records, but now Victoria Beckham is showing her own girl power in the fashion world as she launches her seventh season at Brown Thomas.

Her 12-month-old daughter, Harper, may have stolen the spotlight around the world, when she was pictured making her first steps in public at the BT event, but the designer mum certainly held her own looking chic and relaxed in black with a tousled upstyle.

Last week was the first time the style icon visited Brown Thomas in Grafton Street to promote her two womenswear collections

– Victoria Beckham and Victoria, Victoria Beckham.

Arriving at her showroom at the flagship store, Victoria was met by a

of her clothing line have continued to impress the designer.

“It’s doing really well.

Brown Thomas has been one of my retail partners

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

Being a mother of four, it wasn’t surprising to see her going down to a child’s level, kneeling to chat to one of her little fashionista fans

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

crowd of fans who she was happy to chat and pose with. Being a mother of four, it wasn’t surprising to see her going down to a child’s level, kneeling to chat to one of her little fashionista fans.

Brown Thomas was one of the first stores to stock her collection and sales

right since the beginning, so to be here and support them, and just meet people – I’m quite overwhelmed.

The turn-out is absolutely incredible,” she told reporters at the event.

The designer said she feels blessed with her life, having a great family while also being able to work at

something she loves – fashion design.

The fashionista went on to praise Irish women for their sense of style saying “women here really do understand fashion” and are “fashion forward”.

Commenting on her stunning collection, Victoria told reporters that she moved away from the strong military influence her collection had last year but continues to remain respectful to her image and brand by giving a “very strong fashion message” each season.

Her new line is just as svelte and chic as the designer herself and has some amazing figure hugging dresses. See the collection at Brown Thomas now.

asdf sdaf sdaf asdf asd

Want to look like Dita Von Teese?

Victoria Beckham launches her seventh season at Brown Thomas

EVER wanted to mirror Dita Von Teese’s signature look? Then head down to Debenhams in Blanchardstown on Friday, July 27 where celebrity makeup artist, Derrick Carberry, will be recreating that classic look. Dita Von Teese has joined forces with make-up brand ARTDECO for her new collection Art Couture Dita Von Teese Classics. Having a big influence on the collection, the products include her signature red lipstick, black gel liner and fluttering lashes. Derrick Carberry will in Debenhams Blanchardstown on Friday 27 from 3pm until 5pm.

18 GAZETTE 26 July 2012

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Interview: Paul Jacob, Smart Storage on making space out of nothing at all LENDERS BECOME REALISTS Q – I HAVE a tracker mortgage but cannot pay the capital element. The likelihood is that I will not be able to ever pay this capital back. Is my lender going to allow me pay an interest-only amount indefinitely, or am I just kicking the can down the road? Michael – Mount Merrion A - LENDERS are slowly becoming realists. “You can’t get blood from a stone”, and it is more debt reality than debt forgiveness.

With the launch last month of the Personal Insolvency Bill, together with the already implemented Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process with all lenders, mechanisms are now in place to give closure to those who, as you state, may never be able to pay the amount they borrowed.

Time is the key. You have a tracker and, with the ECB rate at an historical low of 0.75%, your monthly interest payments are probably affordable. Your partner may have lost their job, you may have lost your job, or your business may have collapsed.

The lender has to give you time (and dignity) to see whether your income can turn around, or eventually you stop kicking that can – whatever that takes.

Either way, you will be required to complete a Standard Financial Statement, a 12-page form outlining your financial circumstances and expectations.

If you need help with the evaluation process, completing this form or even require representation to your lender or the courts, call 01 278 5555, or email consultation@moneydoctor.ie for details of our advisory services.

ARE SAVINGS BONDS SAFE? Q – WILL my three-year An Post savings bond be safe if the euro fails and we go back to the punt? Will I get my money back? Sorcha – Templeogue A - An Post’s Saving Bond is part of the State Savings managed by the National Treasury Management Agency– they also manage the National Pension Reserve, NAMA and are a Governmentappointed body), and are a direct, unconditional obligation of the Government and are considered sovereign debt, and are ranked equally with all other sovereign debt. There is no expiry to this protection, and the only limitations are the ones imposed by the investment [worth]: - Savings bonds and savings certificates – €120,000 per person; - National solidarity bonds (four-year and 10year) – €250,000 per person; - Prize bonds – no limits.

Remember also that you may withdraw on all investments (bar prize bonds – a little longer) with only seven days’ notice without penalty.

You will, however, miss on the interest that you would have earned.

The punt was exchanged at a rate of 0.787564 to the euro back in 2001. Personally, I do not think the euro will fail but, if by a long stretch of the imagination it did, you can be sure of an equitable exchange rate being employed. As Bobby McFerrin once sang: “Don’t worry, be happy”!

Contact John with your money questions at

jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

Solving press-ing problems at home IT ALWAYS seems that space is at a premium in every home, no matter how much or how little of a hoarder you might be.

Prompted by the growing shoe crisis in their own home, the idea of creating a storage solution that banished bursting drawers and crammed cupboards was developed by husband and wife team, Paul and Clodagh Jacob.

The couple, who are both engineers, initially developed an understairs storage unit when their two young daughters began to follow in their mother’s footsteps and develop an interest in footwear.

Paul needed to devise an easy way to store the growing “shoe mountain”.

Smartstorage.ie’s units provide storage for shoes, school bags, ironing boards and other household appliances.

Smart Storage units can be installed in just a couple of hours so minimum fuss for a busy family.

Paul recently appeared on RTE Dragons’ Den and had the dragons fighting to invest in Smart Storage, and eventually accepted publisher Norah Casey’s offer to invest in the business.

For more information on how Smart Storage might help with your own press-ing problems, log onto their website, www.smartstorage.ie.

Paul Jacob, Smart Storage, shows off an example of his products

Q&A the electric guitar – due to respect for my neighbours, I play with headphones on

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: Back to that electric guitar

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

A: This questionnaire

Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward?

A: Got to be Jedward

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Four pairs – one black, one

Q: Is there anything about yourself that you would like to set the record straight on?

A: I’m taller than I appear on

Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: Bruce Springsteen, all the

TV and my teeth are all my own

way

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

A: Archaeologist

that you once thought you could not pull off?

A: Turning Smart Storage into

Q: What was your first job?

A: Packing potatoes into bags

a vibrant, standalone business

in the back of my aunt’s shop in Waterford

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: £5 for a week’s work of packing potatoes!

Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: Never Q: When did you start your present job?

A: I started Smart Storage in 2010

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: That we are bringing a solution to a problem everyone has – lack of storage space

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

A: I delegate the stocktaking to my wife, Clodagh

Q: Have you achieved anything

Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: I sometimes have a short fuse

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: I’m a big Munster Rugby fan Q: What sport can you play?

A: Unfortunately, I am too old to play contact rugby, but I love playing tag rugby in Greystones Rugby Club

Q: What is your guilty music/ TV or movie pleasure?

A: My guilty pleasure is playing

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: TheJournal.ie, and other business sites

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

A: My holiday with my family – it’s been a really busy year

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: BBQ with family and friends

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

A: Enda Kenny

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

brown, a pair of flip flops and a pair of runners; my wife and daughters have enough to fill two Smart Storage units

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: A week in Menorca with two sick children in 2004

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: The Whitsunday Islands off the coast the Australia

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: Skipper on a boat off the Whitsunday Islands

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

A: Like my dad, I don’t think I will ever fully retire, as I’m always on the go

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

LOCAL

MATTERS

26 July 2012 GAZETTE 19

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY Four-bedroom finesse at Glenlyon Park PROPERT Y Partners O’Brien Swaine are bringing to the market 9 Glenlyon Park, Knocklyon, a large style fourbedroom, three bathroom detached family home which comes to the market in fine condition throughout, for the asking price of €389,000.

This attractive home has undergone extensive refurbishment in recent years and boasts marble flooring, a large integrated kitchen, two reception rooms, a utility room, four bedrooms, the master of which is en

suite, and a family bathroom. There is also a guest WC, and a private landscaped rear garden.

The accommodation comprises an entrance hallway with laminate wooden flooring, a TV room, a living room with laminate wooden flooring, marble feature fireplace with a timber surround, bay window, TV point, and double doors leading to the kitchen and dining room.

The space contains a modern fully-fitted kitchen with a good range of wall and floor units and marble floor-

ing, as well as an integrated fridge freezer, dishwasher, stainless steel oven, hob and microwave. The room also contains sliding doors to the rear of the property.

The utility room also features marble flooring, and has a worktop, storage presses, and is plumbed for a washing machine and tumble dryer.

The main bedroom features built-in wardrobes, and has an en suite which contains a WC with wash-hand basin and a step-in

9 Glenlyon Park in Knocklyon is brought to the market for €389,000

shower.

The other bedrooms also feature built-in wardrobes.

The main bathroom features a bath with a Mira shower, partlytiled walls and floor, a wash-hand basin and WC. To the front of the

property is off-street parking for two cars, a lawn, and side entrances to the rear of the house, which features a private landscaped rear garden which is not overlooked, a large patio area, raised flower beds and a Barna shed.

Ideally located just a

stone’s throw away from a host of local amenities such as shops, schools and public transport.

Also just a short trip away are SuperQuinn Knocklyon, Rathfarnham, Templeogue and Dundrum. There are also transpor t links such as the 15, 49 and

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75 bus routes and easy access to the M50 road network.

Viewing of 9 Glenlyon Park is highly recommended and can be arranged by contacting Nichola O’ Connor at Property Partners O’Brien Swaine on 01 457 8909.

20 GAZETTE 26 July 2012

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS Zafira Tourer RoadSigns Road Signs offers some serious space and comfort C-MAX to get EcoBoost engine

FORD are set to offer its C-MAX and Grand C-MAX with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine starting in October this year.

The combination of the award-winning engine and the popular multi-activity vehicle is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

Ford customers will have the option of purchasing a C-MAX and Grand C-MAX with either the 100 PS or the 125 PS versions of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost, which was recently named the 2012 “International Engine of the Year”.

The Ford C-MAX 1.0-litre EcoBoost is expected to deliver 5.1 l/100 km (55.4 mpg) and 117 g/km CO2 across both power outputs, while the Grand C-MAX should achieve 5.2 l/100 km (54.3 mpg) and 119 g/km CO2.

Ford has sold more than 200,000 C-MAX and Grand C-MAX cars in Europe since the latest versions were introduced in 2010; with the two models this year claiming Ford’s largest share of the compact multi-activity vehicle segment since the original C-MAX went on sale in 2003.

The three-cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine uses turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust to deliver the power of a larger engine with the fuel efficiency of a smaller unit. It is built in Ford’s engine plants in Cologne, Germany, and Craiova, Romania.

More than 4,700 customers across Europe have ordered a Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost in its first full month on sale, accounting for about one quarter of the model’s sales in Ford’s 19 traditional European markets.

Ford predicts that by 2015 more than half of vehicles it produces in Europe for the continent will be powered by EcoBoost engines – also available in 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre displacement.

Updated C-MAX and Grand C-MAX will offer in-car connectivity system SYNC with emergency assistance; and advanced driver assistance technologies active city stop, lane keeping aid, lane departure warning, auto high beam, driver alert and traffic sign recognition.

Customers will also be able to specify Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and Power Tailgate options and the stylish new Burnished Glow colour.

CORMAC CURTIS

IF I had any strength left I would fight the urge to write about the weather, but I just don’t have that strength.

It has finally got the better of me, and I am admitting defeat in the face of a wet and dull foe, the likes of which, with luck, we will never have to face again.

This rain is just relentless.

Earlier in the year, as the cold snap eased and the gas bills began to drop a little, I had visions of sitting in the garden with my laptop, typing away under a parasol as the kids mucked about in the sun.

But no, our summer has forsaken us, the only hope of blue skies and sandy beaches lie across

the channel on mainland Europe.

There is good news for those fortunate enough to get there, as Opel’s new Zafira Tourer offers some serious comfort for cruising down to San Tropez or Nice with a pack of kids and a load of luggage.

I have sung Opel’s praises on a number of occasions this year, as they have made some very sound decisions in their fleet development and pricing.

What Opel are proving with the Zafira Tourer is that they are carefully gearing their model range to very specific segments.

The pricing of the Zafira Tourer alone (starting at €28,495) is an indication that it is not intended as a family

SPECS: ZAFIRA TOURER

Top speed: 193km/hour CO2 emissions: 119 g/ km Road Tax Band: A – Road Tax €160 Entry Price: €30,495 excl options

van all-rounder.

This car packs a lot more punch than that – and besides, as I said a few weeks back, the new Meriva already offers ever y thing a family could want, so why cover old ground.

No, the Zafira Tourer, as its name suggests, has farther horizons in mind for its driver and passengers.

Let’s start with space.

In terms of pure volume there is a total of

Ford’s popular C-MAX Opel’s FlexRail offers storage spaces exactly where needed

1,860 litres of storage space available with the rear seats collapsed, this is 40 litres more than the previous model.

This car really starts to shine when you examine the thought and engineering that has gone in to how all this space is used.

With the Zafira, Opel were determined to achieve maximum flexibility without seat removal, they claim it is the car’s underlying principle – and it’s easy to believe them.

They have extensively re-designed their Flex7 seating system, giving second-row passengers the chance to enjoy firstclass feeling While the third row seats can still be folded down f lush with the floor of the luggage compartment, the second row has been completely re-designed.

There are now three individual seats that can be folded flat creating an even load floor.

More importantly, the passengers in the second row can enjoy the optional lounge seating system.

This is a simple and smart move by Opel that provides generous seating space and comfort like in an upper-class saloon.

Using a clever folding mechanism, the back of

Opel’s new Zafira Tourer

the middle seat in the second row folds down and rotates to offer comfortable armrests for the passengers in the outer seats.

The outer seats also slide 50mm towards the centre of the cabin and thus create more shoulder room, I’m not aware of any other car in this segment offering such flexibility.

What all this translates into is a vehicle that offers not just room, but very generous comfort levels for people who expect better-than-usual levels of luxury – for long and short journeys.

This car will take adults and kids on a long-distance journey across Europe, but, it will also operate just as easily as a corporate limousinestyle transport.

I’ve mentioned it in previous articles, but I must talk about Opel’s nifty FlexRail.

26 July 2012 GAZETTE 21

Edited by Cormac Curtis

RoadSigns Road Signs The upgraded Mazda MX-5

Mazda MX-5 goes on sale in autumn

offers 1,860 litres of storage space

Front seat passengers enjoy a storage system that provides highly versatile, modular multilevel storage occupying the deep space between the two front seats.

In plain English – there is a clever set of storage drawers that can each be easily moved forwards and backwards on a clever rail system

depending on what kind of storage you require.

The SE model that I tested featured attractive polished aluminium rails, reaching from the front centre console back to the rear footwell, plus a practical sliding tray/cup holder.

As you would expect from a premium model, the car comes with plen-

ty of features as standard, including, CD/MP3 player with stereo radio featuring an Aux-in socket and very easy-to-use USB connectivity. The steering wheel features audio controls.

Cruise control features, as does very useful front and rear parking distance sensors.

The model I drove also

featured a mobile phone system with Bluetooth, which is a €357 option.

The engine range on offer for the Zafira Tourer consists of efficient diesel and petrol engines with output from 81 kW/110 hp to 121 kW/165 hp.

A n e s p e c i a l l y l owconsumption ecoFLEX model with a 2.0 CDTI common-rail turbo die-

sel and standard Start/ Stop technology is also on offer.

The Zafira Tourer 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX, boasts one of the values in the compact monocab class with just 119 g/km CO2.

And this comes with spirited performance of 96 kW/130 hp and maximum torque of 300 Newton metres.

APART from a glorious week back in March when I reviewed the wonderful VW Golf Cabriolet, we haven’t exactly been blessed with open-top driving weather.

So, it makes sense to start planning for next year, and fans of the legendary Mazda MX-5 will be buzzing with the news that there is an all-new model on the way for 2013.

The newly-upgraded version of the world’s most popular open-top sports car is now rolling off the assembly line in Hiroshima and will go on sale in Europe this autumn.

It has enhanced safety and driving attributes, along with exterior and interior upgrades to make its two models – the retractable hardtop coupe and the classic soft-top – even more attractive.

The upgraded MX-5 has a new front bumper design that makes the roadster more aggressive looking and contributes to optimal aerodynamic performance. Irish drivers will also have a beautiful new grey exterior colour available, as the former Metropolitan Grey is replaced with Dolphin Grey. And on the inside, panel decor and matching steering wheel spokes have been upgraded for a touch of refinement.

The MX-5 has always provided one of the world’s most intimate and enjoyable drives, and the upgraded version is now even more responsive to driver input. Throttle movement, and the degree to which the gas pedal is pushed, are now controlled separately. This increases the feeling of linear acceleration, and gives the driver even more control when accelerating from a reduced speed, which is key for driving on windy Irish country roads.

This is combined with revised vacuum brakebooster characteristics that optimise brake return control, which is especially beneficial when the driver brakes upon entering a curve.

New acceleration control then kicks in when the driver lets off the brake and steps on the gas pedal again.

Taken together, these two new upgrades make braking more controllable, acceleration after braking smoother and makes it easier for the driver to reach the desired vehicle speed after braking.

The upgraded Mazda MX-5 will go on sale across Europe in autumn 2012.

22 GAZETTE 26 July 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel

Thomas Cook Sport is offering deals on match breaks to top cities like Manchester

Thomas Cook is offering exclusive match breaks to Barclays Premier League’s biggest games WITH football season approaching and fixtures for the Barclays Premier League now announced, Thomas Cook Sport is offering some exclusive match breaks to the biggest games of the 2012-13 campaign, as the only official ticket supplier in Ireland for the biggest teams across the water.

Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Everton and Liverpool FC filled the top eight places in last year’s league, and Thomas Cook Sport is providing packages to see all these teams, as well as being Official Travel Partner to Celtic in Scotland.

Manchester City start their campaign to retain the title on August 18, playing host to newly promoted Southampton. A one-night package, including guaranteed match ticket, is from just €126 per person (flight extra).

Manchester United kick off at Old Trafford against Fulham on August 25, and the Thomas Cook package for €228 includes match ticket, four-star city centre accommodation, match programme, stadium tour, and discount vouchers for both the hotel’s bar and lounge and the United Megastore. The key fixture against Spurs on September 29, also at Old Trafford, is available for €240.

“Euro 2012 will have whetted fans’ appetite for what should be a very competitive Barclays League campaign starting next month,” says John Grehan of Thomas Cook Sport Ireland. “Our packages ensure Irish fans will have the very best opportunity to follow their favourites across the water.”

With over 150 Premier League match breaks on offer, Thomas Cook Sport Ireland enjoys greater access to tickets than other operators in Ireland. Many of its Premier League breaks include free stadium tours, club museum tours, match programmes and discount vouchers for club stores.

All packages include match ticket and accommodation based on two people sharing. Flights are not included. For more information, contact Thomas Cook Sport Ireland on 01 514 0405.

Northern Ireland – a golfer’s paradise STEPHEN FINDLATER

THE story goes that Strandhill in Sligo was once pencilled in to host the world surfing championships.

It seems the turnaround came with the realisation that exposure to the wider world, and the deluge of visitors that would ensue, would leave the village creaking under the increased strain with scant waves to go around.

For Northern Ireland – and the Causeway Coast in particular – the inverse expectations had long been lying latent; a breathtaking golfing region all dressed up but waiting for a party to attend.

Revealing itself to the world, the European Tour’s arrival to Royal Portrush’s Dunluce course proved their moment as the Irish Open came to town with much fanfare.

Fans arrived in their droves, the highest aggregate attendance for the tour flanking the fairways, braving the North Sea’s most rogue and changeable elements.

Indeed, the appetite was such that over 15,000 took in the Pro-Am, a previously unheard of

number, while sold out signs appeared at the gates for the first time in tour history.

But with the tented village now dismantled and the chain of flags lining each street from Bushmills to the course ravelled up, the Northern Irish Tourist Board (NITB) are hoping that the memorable week will create a lasting legacy for visitors.

With good reason: a chip and a putt from the Giant’s Causeway, the oldest Irish distillery and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the top of Antrim offers an idyllic base for an extended golfing trip.

Indeed, the rooms on the sea side of the Causeway Hotel perched atop one of the cliffs overlook the “stones” themselves and the walkway which leads to the UNESCO world heritage site.

A new £18.5m visitor centre at the venue opened this month and is expected to accommodate over 600,000 visitors a year.

What that volume creates is a high quality of hotel and restaurant.

Most to avail of those traditionally seem to be day-trippers.

But there is majesty to entertain those with a

longer term view, traversing the route between Cushendall and Castlerock golf clubs.

Those two way-points provide hidden gems.

The former, nestled at the foot of Glenballyeamon, offers a perfect easing into a four-day stint as the Red Bay waves lead into the River Dall, which meanders its way through the course.

Under 5,000 yards, the attraction lies in the trickery held within, especially on the closing pair of holes, both with the Mull of Kintyre lurking in the eyeline.

Breathtaking

Rolling around the corner of the A2, Ballycastle, with Rathlin Island the feature vista, could provide the next stop but a further 20-minute spin along the breathtaking coast road opens up more bounty.

A chain of four courses dotted around the ruin of Dunluce Castle conclude this ride.

Portstewart’s strand course provides the championship standard challenge, while the old and riverside provide more leisurely fare. All are set in classic links country, the contrast of pinky yellow dunes pro-

viding towering banks to counteract the deep brown brush.

Castlerock is but a few minutes down the Derry road and has a fifth hole described by David Jones as “the most scenic” in Irish golf.

T he jewel in the region’s crown, though, is undoubtedly Royal Portrush. The course, redesigned in 1951, has the elevation to provide clear views of Scotland and, to the west, the Donegal mountains with cliff, sea and island relaxing the eye.

The dunes once again play their part, lending themselves to some of the most devastating bunkers. Green-side, they fall like crevasses while Keegan Bradley – the 2011 PGA rookies of the year – described the fairway-side sand-trap on 17 as being bigger than the house he grew up in.

Since he grew up in leafy, well-to-do Vermont, it is an up close perspective that needs to be seen to be truly appreciated.

Calamity corner – the circuit around holes 13, 14 and 15 – sits on the precipice between cliff and sea. The 14th is a true test of nerve with any drift to the right liable to leave you 50 feet below in

The beautiful Giant’s

a deep ravine.

The New York Times’ writer Charles McGrath described it as the “hardest par three I’ve ever seen” before the closing holes eased him back to reality, away from a chastening sea breeze.

That combination of difficulty and scenic delight has seen Portrush regularly named among the top 20 golf courses in the world by numerous magazines.

And now, introduced to the wider world by last month’s Irish Open, it is very much at large in any self-respecting itinerary of Northern Ireland.

• Green fees for Royal Portrush are £125-140 in summer and £60 in winter.

For more information

on the Causeway Hotel, go to http://www.giantscauseway-hotel.com/.

26 July 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 23

Edited by Natalie Burke

TravelBriefs

The annual Grand Prix of India is a highlight in the Formula 1 calendar this October

Causeway is a great reason to extend your stay when in Northen Ireland for a golfing trip

THE annual Grand Prix of India ranks as one of the highlights in the annual Formula 1 calendar, providing a race-going experience like no other. The 2012 F1 Airtel Indian Grand Prix takes place from October 26 – 28 at the Buddh International Circuit, Greater Noida, and Gohop.ie has an exclusive offer for racing fans this season.

Racing packages from Gohop.ie start from €749 per person, with views of turns 14 and 15 at the Classic Stand West Zone, €819 per person with views from the Star Stand East Zone (the critical point sharp turn) or €949 per person for views of the largest circular bend of the circuit.

Travelling on October 26, packages include three nights in the five-star Metropolitan Hotel, Delhi on a B&B basis, a Grand Prix Season pass for all three race days, including practice and qualifying sessions as well as transfers from and to Delhi Airport and transfers to the Buddh circuit.

Popular

Royal Portrush Golf Club. Picture: Mark Alexander

The Royal Portrush Golf Club which hosted last month’s Irish Open. Picture: Mark

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge near Ballintoy.

Alexander

Picture: Stephen Findlater

Racing packages also offer you the chance to take in a Golden Triangle Escorted Tour from only €470 per person, taking in a threenight excursion to some of India’s most popular destinations. Witness a guided tour to see the surreal views of the magnificent Taj Mahal sparkling in the rays of the Indian sun in Agra, visit the pink capital city of Rajasthan and the beautiful blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture of Fatehpur Sikri.

Explore the many facets of Jaipur and its crafts before visiting City Palace, the architectural masterpiece and must-see destination in Jaipur.

The price of the Golden Triangle Tour includes a chauffeur-driven air-conditioned vehicle for the journey, a local English speaking guide for the sightseeing tour in Agra, Fatehpur Sikri and Jaipur, as well as an Elephant ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur.

For more information or to book, visit www.gohop.ie.

24 LUCAN GAZETTE 26 July 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Pavilion Theatre Music Weekender

FOR one weekend, the Pavilion Theatre will play host to three of the hottest acts on the Irish music scene.

On Thursday, Sam Amidon will bring his electrifying live show to theatre; on Friday, David Kitt will be performing his debut album Small Moments in its entirety and, on Saturday, following the successful release of their third album Little Sparks, Delorentos are set to perform a seldom seen intimate acoustic set Taking place over the weekend of July 26-28 at 8pm, tickets are priced at €17/16.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Auditions, Zoe’s Auditions AN HILARIOUSLY touching tale of lovable Zoe, an aspiring actress who dreams of landing an acting job. Her over-thehill agent sends her on an assortment of auditions ranging from Hamlet to being shot out of a cannon for a touring circus. Wildly enthusiastic and eager to please, Zoe is prone to a series of mishaps and misadventures that lead casting directors to shout “NEXT!!” Just as she is ready to give up, Zoe falls asleep at her job working backstage on a production of A Christmas Carol. She is visited by three audacious ghosts with startling wisdom for her. July 26-28 at 8pm. Admission: €18/15.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477

Neither man was happy with the outcome of this round of spin the bottle

Much Ado About Nothing AFTER the success of last year’s production of Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, AC Productions return with another one of Shakespeare’s classic comedies, transposed to 1960s Italy where wit is as sharp as the fashion. Cupid has his work cut out for him as reluctant lovers, Beatrice and Benedict, exchange words. In the Bard’s tale of barbed words and sparkling wit, the path of true love certainly doesn’t run smoothly. The show runs for two nights, on August 10 and 11 at 8.15pm. Admission €10.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 The Connect Club 2012 THIS July, Draíocht is delighted to be back working with the Daughters of Charity’s Summer Camp, the Connect Club in Laurel Lodge. The summer camp is filled with social and recreational activities catering for young people with varying degrees of intellectual disability, with the aim of providing an outlet that is fun and focused on the individual’s likes and interests. For more, see www.draiocht.ie

group

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All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away

A dark moon rises As massive in scale as the seemingly insurmountable hype that was built up for it in the lead up to its release I NIALL BERMINGHAM

MAGIC Mike is a film about male strippers. As the characters strip away their clothes, the director (Steven Soderbergh) does our his best to strip away a prejudices and replace for them with empathy emp these men.

Channing Tatum Tatu does this his best to portray port so-called Magic Mike…

I’m sorry. I just can’t go on with this. This is a film taking their about men taki clothes I’m going to l th off; ff I’ go see Batman instead.

At least Batman always leaves his clothes on.

So this is it, the big one: The Dark Knight Rises.

Seven years after Nolan’s first foray into Gotham City here we are at the end point. The third film in Christopher Nolan’s trilogy and it has been quite the adventure.

Starting with Batman Begins in 2005, the success of which was a tremendous shock to

FILM OF THE WEEK: The Dark Knight Rises ##### (12A) 165 mins Director: Christopher Nolan Starring: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard

OUR VERDICT:

A suitable end to perhaps the best super hero series ever.

Excellent performances from all involved and a brilliant job by Christopher Nolan as both director and writer. This is a film for fans of the series but also for the newcomers out there who never saw the first two. I assure you, they do exist.

the system of many film goers, The Dark Knight followed after in 2008, a film many remember for the astounding performance of Heath Ledger as the Joker, we now find ourselves at the conclusion with Rises.

The hype and expectations leading up to this film were on par with any other film in recent history and, while it is a subject for debate, in my mind Rises was well worth the wait.

Set eight years after the end of The Dark Knight we find Gotham a city changed. Gone are the criminal underworld and

the corrupt politicians and all down to the Dent Act. Harvey Dent aka Two Face has been written as the hero after his death and Batman, the villain.

Because of this Batman (Christian Bale) has retired and Bruce Wayne has gone into hiding, never leaving his estate.

The opening half an hour or so is spent introducing all the old and new characters and setting up all the twists and turns.

We meet Bane (Tom Hardy) in a magnificent opening scene and Anne Hathaway as Catwoman/ Selina Kyle steals her

opening scene while also stealing some pearls from a very frail Bruce Wayne.

John Blake, an idealistic young member of the GPD, is played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt with Marion Cotillard playing a Wayne Enterprises board member.

All the old faces (Caine, Oldman and Freeman) show up here as well and give spectacular performances.

Then of course there’s Bale as Batman/ Bruce Wayne. It’s been said that Batman is the least interesting character of the series and is supported by all the others. I’m not so sure that’s the case this time around.

In Batman Begins we saw a person trying to get a grip on his new role as city protector and in The Dark Knight someone who had found his place and was trying his best to survive the anarchy his city was plunging into.

However he was a charac-

ter who was always sure of himself and knew where he was headed.

This time around we get a character out of place.

His city doesn’t need or want him anymore. Portrayed as the murderer of the city’s “real” hero Batman has, as I said earlier, retired and Wayne locks himself away not daring to face the world.

This take on Batman is nothing new, the comics have been doing it for decades, but it’s certainly not the Batman you would expect in a film. Bale is brilliant as this wounded (both emotionally and physically) version of the beloved character.

The soundtrack is brought to you by Hans Zimmer and is superb. It never lets up and takes your emotions on an unforgettable journey.

All in all this is a fantastic film despite some very minor plot holes. Unfortunately it is, for now, the last one in the series.

26 July 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces New CEO takes over at Yahoo!

Showing a rare moment of peaceful player cooperation (and DayZ’s slightly clumsy animation), this player is greeted by a group of heavilyarmed zombie apocalypse survivors in the depths of fictional post-Soviet state, Chernarus. Whether or not they then played the game in the way that many gamers are following – and gunned him down a moment later to scavenge his meagre supplies – is anybody’s guess ...

Horribly entertaining I SHANE DILLON

THE thing about zombies – in terms of how often they pop up in modern culture – is that they have a habit of coming back to life, again and again.

We see this time and again, with waves of zombies periodically shambling, staggering, shuffling and otherwise making their way onto the big (and small) screen.

For example, despite the TV industry’s initial reluctance to bring it to life, The Walking Dead

has turned into a worldwide TV hit.

Meanwhile, editing (and reshoots) are quietly continuing on the bigscreen version of World War Z, starring Brad Pitt, which has now been delayed to next June.

Bearing in mind this kind of enduring zombie popularity, it’s clear that they have a certain role in pop culture – something which is even more relevant in computer games, as zombies have long been a stalwart of gaming.

The reason I’ve dug

up zombies again (sorry) is that I, and a number of industry bigwigs, note the infectious popularity of PC title DayZ, which has leapt up almost out of nowhere, grabbing 140,000 extra players in just five days (at the time of writing)to take the title past the 640,000 mark.

That’s an impressive number when you consider that DayZ is not actually a standalone, professionally-created and released game, but just a mod. A what?

A “mod”, or modifica-

Curious to tap 60,000,000 times to reveal a secret?

TAP. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Sound like fun yet? Well, imagine repeating that for about, ooh, another 59,999,993 times.

After all, it will “only” take 60 million taps until the mystery of Curiosity is revealed – the forthcoming (August) app from the inimitable Peter Molyneaux, developer of lots of very creative games, and serial

promiser of incredible gaming experiences that, err, never quite match his spiel, when delivered.

However, Curiosity is making many people, well, curious, as details become clearer ahead of its forthcoming launch.

Curiosity features a giant black cube floating in a clinically clean, simple space, with the cube composed of 60,000,000 different shapes.

Players will tap away at the cube, piece by piece, to get to the cube’s centre, where the player who lands the final tap/ blow will learn what the cube holds and, claims Peter, “a life-changing experience”.

So, if you’ve ever wanted to tap away at a giant virtual cube to win, say, a butter-dispensing torch, Curiosity could be for you ...

tion, generally sees dedicated gamers tinkering around with a game’s source code to create a new version of the game, sometimes using their own graphics and models, or otherwise completely restructuring the original title.

In this way, mods can breathe new life into an existing title or, as in the case of DayZ, bringing a pretty-dead title back to (undead) life – making it a hit with gamers in the process.

You see, DayZ is actually a mod for a 2009 PC title, ARMA II, which, as news of DayZ spreads, is suddenly flying off the shelves again – not for gamers interested in ARMA II, but for those looking to use it to play the DayZ mod, instead – a remarkable feat, considering that the mod isn’t even finished yet, and has much left to be ironed out.

In DayZ, players roam around a fictional postSoviet state, which has been overrun by zombies

(and is now attracting a large number of zombiesurvivalist gamers).

The player is forced to constantly scavenge for supplies, while tending to their own needs, all the time remaining wary of zombies – and wary of other human players, who could prove to be much more dangerous.

After all, the three humans spotted over the crest of the next hill could be helpful survivors, or they could gun down your character and loot the corpse, stripping it of hard-won items.

In DayZ’s harsh world, death has consequences.

It’s an interesting concept, mixing conventional gaming tropes with unpredictable (and, consequently, pretty “real”) human behaviour, adding levels of suspicion and consequence to the title in ways that a conventionally produced game can’t quite match.

Whatever about conventional zombies, DayZ’s undead pedigree grows healthier by the day ...

FINALLY, some good news for Yahoo! – it’s got a new CEO, and an extremely capable one at that.

Jumping ship from Google, highly-experienced Marissa Mayer has taken over at Yahoo!, following the media feeding frenzy earlier this year regarding the then CEO Scott Thompson’s misleading college degree, while Ross Levinson stepped in as interim CEO following Thompson’s resignation.

Mayer has quite a task on her hand – Yahoo!’s earnings dropped by 4% in the three months to June, earning $227 million in the quarter. Not exactly a small chunk of change, but, in the same period, more than $130 million was set aside for layoffs, as the company cut 1,500 people from the payroll.

Of course, such figures and percentages can be viewed one way or another, depending on the angle you look at them, but one thing remains clear – the company is now trailing behind arch online rivals which have markedly different platforms for users to engage with, but have a global reach in a way that Yahoo! currently does not.

On a positive note, Mayer has some terrific credentials, having accomplished a lot since becoming Google’s 20th employee (yes, 20th) in 1999.

As pure speculation goes, no doubt the company’s investors had reason to shout “Yahoo!” when they learned of her appointment ...

GAZETTE

26 LUCAN GAZETTE 26 July 2012

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PLANNING NOTICE SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL I, Christy Cosgrave wish to apply to the above named Authority for (i) Retention Permission for as constructed single storey garage, sunroom and porch extensions to dwelling and (ii) Permission for the erection of a single storey bay window extension to western elevation of dwelling together with associated site works at 35 Lindisfarne Grove, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the Offices of the Planning Authority, South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am - 4pm, Monday - Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the South Dublin County Council on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt

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28 LUCAN GAZETTE 26 July 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

ATHLETICS: JENNINGS SHOWS TRUE GRIT AHEAD OF LONDON GAMES

Thompson breaks new ground in Japan DONABATE man Gary Thompson took positive steps forward in his current campaign in the Japanese Formula Three Championship at Fuji Speedway last week.

He secured a podium in race one of the weekend, whilst also making history in the championship by becoming the first ever driver to qualify a national class car in overall pole position for the second race of the weekend.

Starting from third position in race one, the young Irishman overcame semi-wet conditions to take the chequered flag where he had started, and in doing so, earning SGC by KCMG’s first podium of the season at the renowned circuit.

Lining up in pole position in race two of the weekend, 20-year-old Thompson got off the line well to lead the overall race in its early stages, until Takamoto Katsuta hit Thompson whilst tussling for the lead, ending the ambitous driver’s chances of securing victory in a championship renowned for propelling the careers of Pedro De La Rosa and Adrien Sutil.

Overcome by his team’s performance this weekend, Thompson remains confident that SGC by KCMG can provide a competitive package to enable him to challenge for outright victory as the season progresses.

“We had a difficult start to the weekend, struggling a small bit for pace in Friday testing,” explained Thompson. “Even though it was raining during both qualifying sessions, we managed to take third position for race one and an overall pole for race two.

“This was a great result and a big thank you to the whole team. I’m very happy to have been able to secure our first podium for this season.

Also, to start from pole position in race two was quite major for me. I am looking forward to the next race in Motegi and hopefully we’ll be on top of the podium celebrating victory.”

Rathfarnaham AC’s Caitriona Jennings endured a dramatic battle to earn her place in the Irish Olympic women’s marathon team

Caitriona on a mission STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

AS THE second fastest woman to achieve the qualifying time for the Olympic marathon, Rathfarnham AC’s Caitriona Jennings admitted it was an uncomfortable wait to see if she had made the thee-person team to take the line on August 5 in London.

Her run in Rotterdam created a dilemma for Athletics Ireland, joining DSDAC runners Linda Byrne and Ava Hutchinson and former Dundrum runner Maria McCambridge to beat the two hour and 37 minute target.

With time not included in the criteria, it meant that none of the runners could feel comfortable that they had assured a ticket to the Games.

“Even when I finished,

I knew I was the fourth qualifier and it wasn’t nailed on I would get the selection but I had done all I could do,” she told GazetteSport last week.

“I had no indications whether I was going to be selected and, to be honest, even though I had the second fastest time, it didn’t give me an awful lot of comfort.

“Linda was the national champion and would recognise she had to be selected. If you looked at the qualifying criteria, time wasn’t one of those listed so it was really a matter of the waiting game.”

In the end, she got the green light with Maria McCambridge, a runner with whom she regularly trains and has virtually swapped places. McCambridge, a former Rathfarnham resident, now resides in Donegal, Jennings’

home county.

It brought an extra layer of compassion to the big decision: “I did feel for Maria as I could only imagine how horrendous it was for her. Doing everything you can do to be selected and then miss out. It’s so unusual in Irish athletics. At the end of the day, someone was going to miss out and it was going to be devastating.”

Nonetheless, Jennings says she is “counting down the days” as the excitement builds to the biggest sports show on earth.

London will represent just her third marathon having originally build her appetite for endurance events in triathlons before linking up with the Marathon Mission group in late 2009 following a national half-marathon victory.

They provided a sup-

port structure which has seen Irish marathon standards bounce back in style, filling an Olympic team from just a ‘B’ standard qualifier four years ago.

The Dublin marathon was her first target. Somewhat perversely, a nightmare preparation served to show her that qualification was very much within reach “I got injured in the ten weeks before Dublin and couldn’t run at all. I was only allowed to start running again for 30 minutes every second day just two weeks before the marathon so I had very little miles in my legs.

“But I really wanted to do it and experience what it was like to run a marathon so the next time it came around, I would have gained the experience. I knew I wasn’t going to be anywhere

near the qualifying time but I wanted to run about 2.43 and I did it.

“It was success for me in that, when I got to the line; I knew that I had a really good shout at the qualifying time having run that time with essentially no running training.

It left her in great shape in Rotterdam in April this year to get the time required.

“Initially, the pace was slower than I thought it would be so, at the 5k mark, I had to make a decision. I felt I needed to push on. Because I started slower than I needed, I was never in a group, always playing catchup with runners going at a slower pace. It was good psychologically to be passing people all the way.”

And it proved enough to earn a once in a lifetime ticket to London.

26 July 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 29

DublinGazetteNewspapers 2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - JULY NOMINEES

FastSport

# STARof the MONTH

DAVID FLYNN

NICOLE OWENS

FINN LYNCH

COOLMINE athlete David Flynn claimed the national senior steeplechase title, the first time a Clonliffe man has won the event in over 40 years

THE St Sylvester’s forward struck a hat-trick of goals for Dublin in their All-Ireland Aisling McGing final win over Kerry

THE National Yacht Club member took silver at the world youth sailing championships in the laser radial, Ireland’s best-ever result

Youth gets its head for Ireland’s Serbia date

# TEAMof the MONTH

FINGAL RAVENS

GERRY AND ROB MORAN

LUCAN CAMOGIE

AFTER a winless first four months to the season, the Rolestown club bounced back with four successive AFL1 wins in July

THE duo beat over 500 competitors to win Castle GC’s annual Father and Son All-Ireland event on home turf this month

LUCAN’S U-14 community games claimed Leinster laurels for a third successive year with a brilliant win over Thomastown

Croker’s new funzone: Davin Stand initiative unveiled last weekend CLONDALKIN youngsters, Ryan Gillane, age five,

left, and Dean Murray, age seven, were among the first to enjoy the GAA Croke Park Family Funzone at Croke Park last Sunday before witnessing Dublin’s 2-13 to 1-13 Leinster final win over Meath.

The funzone took over the entire Davin Stand car park from 12-3.30pm on the same day that the Dublin and Meath heroes of 1991 were guests of honour at Croke Park.

The funzone, which is to become a permanent installation at Croke Park for the remainder of the football and hurling championship campaigns, will include the Leinster Council’s inflatable playing pitch and other interactive games and activities for young players.

GIOVANNI Trapattoni named six local footballers in his 23-man squad to face Serbia in an international friendly on August 15 in Red Star Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia.

St Joseph’s Boy’s graduate Andy Keogh, now with Millwall, was among a number of players recalled as the deck was shuffled to allow some of the more senior members of the Irish panel rest in the wake of the European championships.

Former Clonkeen College man Darren O’Dea, though, will hope to use the tie against Serbia as an opportunity to impress as he seeks a new club for the 2012-13 season.

Portmarnock’s Stephen Ward retains his place in the panel as does Paul McShane – another from the Joey’s alumni – and Clondalkin man Glenn Whelan while Darren Randolph returns to the panel to take one of the goalkeeping slots as Shay Given takes a break.

Making the announcement at the FAI’s agm Festival of Football in Ballybofey, Co Donegal, manager Trappatoni said: “This friendly offers us a great opportunity to try out younger players ahead of our World Cup qualifying campaign.

“As a result, I have decided to leave some of our senior players out of the squad for this fixture. Serbia are a very good team with a great football heritage, and will provide us with a great test before our game against Kazakhstan in September.

“I am looking forward to working with each of these players next month. As we prepare for a new journey for this team, it is important that we remember our last campaign as we build for a brighter future.”

Former Leicester Celtic man Damien Duff is one a string of experienced players left out of the panel with Given, Robbie Keane, and Richard Dunne, with 420 caps between them, not required for the Serbia tie.

30 LUCAN GAZETTE 26 July 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Liz McDonnell Run set for September 30 THE 2012 Liz McDonnell Run was officially launched this week at the ARC support centre and will take place on Sunday, September 30 at 2.30pm in Castletown House, Celbridge.

This is the eighth year of this very popular sporting and social event with local special olympic hero and multi-medal winner Noel Shortt starting the event.

In 2011, over 800 participants raised €10,000 for ARC Cancer Care. Since the event’s inception in 2005 over €35,000 euro has been raised for cancer care The Liz McDonnell Run is a memorial race for Celbridge student Elizabeth McDonnell who died at the age of 18 from malignant melanoma.

Liz was a member of Celbridge AC, she was a multi-talented athlete whose outstanding talent lay in middle distance and cross country running.

She won many accolades and awards at club, county, provincial and national level, including a Leinster All Star award in 2004.

She was a student at St Wolstan’s Community School and a distinguished member of its camogie and hockey teams. She was a prominent member of Celbridge GAA Camogie club and won many honours.

At the race, there will be prizes for first, second and third in male and female categories of juvenile (under 16), senior (under 35) and veteran.

Each male and female overall winner will receive a beautiful bronze perpetual trophy sculpted and donated by renowned artist, Jarlath Daly.

All online entries carry a charge of €15 for adults and €8 for juveniles (under 16 on September 30) Registration for fun runners and joggers starts from 1pm on the day in Castletown.

The race starts at 2.30pm sharp so leave yourself plenty of time to receive your chip and number and for those who wish to register on the day.

All proceeds are in aid of ARC Cancer Care.

For further information please contact Peter O’Toole at 087 2427279 or Katie McDonnell at 085 8004281. Alternatively, email lizmcdonnellrun@gmail or visit the website: lizmcdonnellrun. com.

CYCLING: WHELAN AND GIBBONS EARN NATIONAL MEDALS

Adamstown cyclist Ryan Whelan receives his gold medal, flanked by Lucan’s Cian May (left) and Bray’s Will Ryan who took bronze

Whelan wheels to triple gold I sport@gazettegroup.com

FOLLOWING Adamstow n rider Ryan Whelan’s gold medal winning performance at the Youth National Track Championships at Sundrive Velodrome last Saturday, he was rewarded with a Leinster call-up for the interprovincial championships which take place next Sunday in Belfast.

He won gold in all three U-12 events having initially entered with the main intention of defending his national sprint title but ended the day on the top step

of the podium for all categrories.

Whelan comes from a multi-national medal winning family and, at only 12, this was his fourth national championships with his experience showing early on.

He set the fastest qualifying time for the sprint, ensuring an easier route to the final.

Whelan then lined up for the 100m standing start time trial, needing to better his personal best due to Lucan’s Cian May putting in an excellent time to set the pace.

He did so by a second and a half to claim his

Skill school: Locals take on Kellogg’s golfing challenge HERMITAGE golf club’s Ann Carr was among those to test her skills at the recent GUI’s Kellogg’s Skills Challenge in Carton House.

The challenge tests seven skills: driving, 135 metre shot, pitching, up and down, bunker play, difficult lies and putting and is open to any player over 18 with an official handicap.

The next round takes place in Hollystown golf club on Friday, August 10 with a final set to take place in Carton House in September.

first gold of the day with a new best of 10.46 seconds.

In the sprint final, he would again meet May who battled through on the other side of the draw and got his wheel in front.

Finally, Whelan was marked closely in the Scratch Race, and it came down to a bunch sprint, with the Adamstown rider again nudging May into second, leading the group home after controlling the race on the last lap.

Lucan resident and former youth national c h a m p i o n K ay l e i g h Gibbons stepped up to

ride in her first junior national competition after battling through a couple of months of illness and injury.

But she confounded initial targets to be the only junior rider to get on the podium in all four events, winning four national bronze medals.

The day started badly for her, as she made a miscaculation in the sprint rounds, and was forced into the bronze medal ride off.

But she recovered from this setback to win bronze over two rounds, including a dramatic comeback in round two

where she overhauled Bray Wheeler’s Caoimhe Ivory on the line.

The 500m time trial saw another bronze netted while the championships finished with two endurance events, where Gibbons again finished in the medals, setting steady lap times and finishing within her limits in the pursuit.

In the scratch race, she marked the early moves and eventually went clear with Castlebar’s Lauren Gourley and Michelle Mullen (Sundrive) again taking a bronze medal from a very successful National Championships.

26 July 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 31

HURLING: AHL4 STATUS SECURED FOR SARSFIELDS

CLUB NOTICEBOARD LUCAN SARSFIELDS WELL done to all who participated in

Thanks to Philip Lanigan for tak-

our second summer camp of the year

ing time out of his busy schedule to

last week. Thanks to Seanie McClelland

present last year’s AHL division five

and Eoghan O’Conghaile for bringing

medals and league cup now named

the Leinster minor hurling cup to the

after his father Martin.

camp.

and their children every good health

remaining summer camps on our

and best wishes as they move down

website. The cost is €55. Any que-

to the sunny south east shortly.

ries can be directed to Lisa Tuite

Colm has given dedicated serv-

086 3774887 or Catherine Hayes 087

ice to hurling in Lucan Sarsfields at

6409701. Summer returned just in

intermediate, senior and junior level

time for our golf classic with 38

as a player and selector over the

teams taking part. In spite of the

last 14 years.

bad weather during the previous

Our annual family funday has been

few days, the course was in wonder-

set for Saturday, September 15. We

ful condition. All enjoyed the day.

are now looking for donations of bot-

Our junior A hurlers had a good win over Trinity Gaels 0-14 to 0-9 in the league on Tuesday.

Lucan Sarsfields’ junior hurlers produced an excellent second half showing to see off Trinity Gaels

Five star second half sees Lucan home free Lucan Sarsfields Trinity Gaels

0-14 0-9

I sport@gazettegroup.com

LUCAN Sarsfields’ junior A hurlers have confirmed their place in the AHL 4 for next season, after a hard fought win over Trinity Gaels last week which was played out in the 12th Lock.

David Needham took no time in finding his range, grabbing two quick points at the start of the game which were followed by two well taken free kicks by Dermot Donnellan and Tadhg Clandillon.

Gaels reacted very strongly to the initial surge from the home team and did well to get themselves back on top of things with Andrew Duff, Aiden Glover and another point from Tadhg Clandillon putting Lucan within a point of the pace at half time, with the scores at 0-7 to 0-8 in favour of the travelling

Gaels.

The skies opened up for the second half of the game and just like the rain, Sarsfields poured on pressure and dominated the half, scoring at ease while defending very capably against the efforts of Gaels.

Dermot Donnellan added a point to his first half tally while Aiden Glover added two frees to his own, David Needham constantly had the Trinity back lines nervous grabbing three points in the second half while Aidan Duff put another over to finish off their scores.

While Sarsfields matched their first half tally of seven points in the second period, Gaels just couldn’t get going and only managed a further point to their frustration after countless attacking passages were kept quiet by the Lucan defence, with the full time score finishing at 0-14 to 0-9.

This was down to a fantastic performance

between the sticks by Strong, who was helped by a very competitive back and half back line with Twomey, Cuggy, McSweeney and Clarke particularly doing exceptional jobs to keep the advancing Gaels out of the scores.

The forward partnership of Aidan Duff and Paddy Ward worked relentlessly throughout the game, getting on the ball and keeping it moving very well, making it a nightmare for the Trinity Gael’s back lines who found it hard to keep up with them, especially in the second half.

It will have boosted

Lucan moral to see David Needham returning to form of old, claiming five points in the game but an injury to defender McSweeney will leave some selection problems for the junior A’s.

Lucan now only have two games remaining in their league season which they will want to take maximum points from.

They meet lowly Balinteer St John’s, who have taken just two points from their six outings thus far, and Fingallians in mid-August with the opportunity to make it into the top half of the table.

tles, bags, DVDs etc for the stalls.

Summer opening times for our club shop are Tuesdays, 7.30 to 8.30pm

The full team gave it their all to

and Saturday mornings (except

secure the vital two points to help us

bank holiday weekends) 10.30 to

stay in Division 4. David Needham’s

11.30am. There will be no Thursday

five points showed that he is coming

night openings for the months of

back to his old self again.

June, July and August.

Thanks to all who helped on the

This week’s lotto numbers were

night and to our small band of loyal

1, 6, 13 and 21. There was no winner.

supporters.

Next week’s jackpot will be €11,000.

ST PAT’S PALMERSTOWN Lotto numbers and results: The

was no winner.

winning numbers in the first draw

Winners matching any three num-

were 5, 12, 15 and 29; there was no

bers: Phyllis Menton and Deirdre

winner.

Mc Loughlin. Next Sunday, the first

The winning numbers in the sec-

AHL DIVISION FOUR

We wish Colm and Sue Sunderland

You can still register for our

ond draw were 3, 8, 12 and 25; there

draw jackpot is €10,000 and the second draw jackpot is €3,800.

ROUND TOWER THE intermediate hurlers beat St Syl-

to Ken Graham, Martha McCabe and

vester’s in the league. The junior hurl-

Gerry Gallagher who were the three

ers were beaten by St Mark’s. A junior

€100 winners of match three plus the

football selection were beaten by a St

bonus ball. Next week’s jackpot is

Mary’s of Rochfortbridge side who

€8,200.

are taking part in this year’s Celebrity

The lotto committee are looking for

Bainsteoir. All this week’s fixtures can

your assistance to sell Tower’s lotto

be found on the website.

tickets on a Friday evening or Sat-

The juvenile section race night takes

urday morning for one hour once a

place on Friday, August 17 in the club-

month. If you are able to help, please

rooms - all support welcome.

contact Matt McCormack on 087

There is a now a dedicated Tower’s

6836737 or email info@roundtower.ie.

match tracker service on Twitter.

The clubrooms are available for

The account is @RTowersTracker; we

rental for parties, anniversaries, etc.

would like to include all results for all

Please contact Jimmy behind the bar

teams and encourage all mentors,

or on 01-4592960.

players and supporters to send in the

The club shop is open every Monday

result of your game using one of the

night from 7.30 to 8.30pm. You can call

following methods: text to 087 6290870,

Betty Ward or Catherine Moran direct

email to tracker@roundtower.ie or

if you have any particular enquiries

send a tweet to @RTowerstracker.

on 087 6752238 or 086 8303207 respec-

This week’s lotto numbers were 14,

tively.

22, 25 and 27 and the bonus ball was

Bingo takes place this Tuesday. Line

23. There was no winner of this week’s

is €10, full house is €20. First call at

jackpot of €8,100. Congratulations

8.30pm.

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

ALL OF YOUR LUCAN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

LUCAN GOOD: Sarsfields’ junior hurlers pick up vital league victory P31

JULY 26, 2012

MARATHON MISSION: Jennings looking forward to London Olympic Games P29

sport@gazettegroup.com

AC C E P TA N C E h a s finally been achieved for Ballon basketball club as their long-held desire to join the men’s Super League ranks was realised this week.

Formed 11 years ago by a group of immigrants in Carlow, the level of development the club has undergone since then meant their case was too strong to turn down.

The club moved to Palmerstown five years ago in search of a higher level of competition and duly took the National League by storm, winning the competition twice while also obtaining the cup in quick succession.

At grassroot level, meanwhile, they have forged strong links with

Palmerstown Community School with over half their U-20 and second team sides now made up of Irish nationals mixing with the offspring of foreign-nationals who have been in Ireland for over a decade.

For club PRO Toomas Ilves, it is a realisation of the club’s hard work, telling GazetteSport this week: “It has been on the cards for the last five years.

When we first entered the National League, we actually wanted to go straight into the Super League but because of the rules, we were not able to do it straightaway.

“After four years of winning two leagues and one cup, Basketball Ireland and the Super League board looked over those rules and made the chang-

es to allow us to keep our same format of the team.

“We are mainly nonIrish nationals who have been a long time in Ireland and that is what had stopped us so far.

“But the club has been working for this for 11 years, relocating to Palmerstown five years ago to play a higher level of basketball.”

With expected crowds next season of between 500 and 600, the move up in division means that home games will now have to be played at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght but the club’s home remains local.

“We want to improve basketball, not just do our own thing. We have a very good link with Palmerstown CS and this has been because people from

the club are involved.”

Being competitive on the top stage, though, is the big task in their maiden year but Ilves says that Ballon will be ready following a series of friendlies against top sides in the past.

Among them is Andrius Stakus, a former Lithuanian junior international who previously played professionally in his native country and in Russia, performing up to European Cup level.

“We know what to expect. It will be physically much more demanding than National League level. We are ready for this but the minimum target we have set for ourselves is a place in the top four and hopefully getting into one of the finals. If we get there, who knows!”

Ballon club members Toomas Ilves and Inarts Vitols are looking forward to life in the Super League

GazetteSPORT

Ballon granted Super status