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AUG 2-16, 2012

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SWORDS • BALBRIGGAN • APPLEWOOD • BOROIMHE • AIRSIDE • RIVERVALLEY

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First Fingal Flavours proves to be a tasty triumph SEE PAGE 7 AUG 2-16, 2012

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Month XX, 2012 SWORDS • BALBRIGGAN • APPLEWOOD • BOROIMHE • AIRSIDE • RIVERVALLEY

IINSIDE: NS Information on support su for those with special needs P32

LONDON CALLING: A comprehensive

guide to our Olympic athletes P22-23

Tickled pink: Fundraising for cancer awareness GRAINNE Kelliher of Aramark

Olympics:

Barry bows out of 100m breaststroke Page 38

Sport awards: July’s winning sporting stars announced Page 37

ALSOINSIDE:

GALLERIES ......................8 BEAUTY ........................ 24 BUSINESS ................... 26 MOTORS ....................... 28 TRAVEL......................... 30 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 34

Ireland and Linda Keating of the Marie Keating Foundation certainly weren’t bottling up their enthusiasm for a new partnership between Aramark and Ballygowan to raise funds for the Marie Keating foundation. The company is calling on customers across their food services operations to purchase a bottle of Ballygowan water and to donate the bottle tops in designated bins situated at till points. For every bottle top collected, a donation will be made to the Marie Keating foundation.

Council ramps up its gum litter campaign Fingal mayor at Pavilions to back Bin It Your Way

I NATALIE BURKE

SWORDS residents are being asked to help keep Fingal clean this August, after Fingal County Council has ramped up its campaign against littering.

The council is asking the local community to help pre-

vent littering in their town, as part of the Bin It Your Way campaign.

Co-ordinated by the Gum Litter Taskforce in association with local authorities throughout Ireland, the national gum litter awareness campaign aims to reduce gum litter by discouraging littering general-

ly, the root cause of the issue.

The scheme was promoted recently at the Pavilions Shopping Centre by Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Cian O’Callaghan (Lab), who said: “It’s in all our interests and I’d ask people to please Bin It Your Way. It’s the responsible thing to do.”

Full Story on Page 6

4 SWORDS GAZETTE 2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012

FUNDING: HOUSEHOLD TAX APPEAL

Council cuts lead to €50m savings

FINGAL County Council has made savings of more than €50m since 2008, as a result of changed work practices, reduction in overtime and better procurement by the council, it was announced last week.

According to a report released by the County and City Manager’s Association (CCMA), a total of €830m in savings has already been achieved nationally, and FCC is among the local authorities now leading the reform agenda.

Since 2008, the payroll costs of FCC alone have been reduced by 20%, while according to FCC manager David O’Connor the council has reduced its staffing numbers by more than 250.

EVENT Focusing on Ireland’s built heritage

“We have had to re-organise how we deliver our services to focus on maximising efficiencies while minimising the impact on front line services and supporting local enterprise.

“The majority of citizens in Fingal have also played their part in contributing to the funding of local services through payment of the household charge, but unless compliance rates improve substantially, funding sources will be reduced further.

“We are currently facing a €2m cut in our Local Government Fund allocation for 2012. This cut will affect our frontline services and we are therefore appealing once again to all householders to pay the household charge.”

Hector O’hEochagain is captured in the stocks by Luca O’Shea and Elisha Stanley as he launches National Heritage Week 2012. Picture: Gary O’ Neill

Heritage Week offers fun for all the family I LAURA WEBB

RESIDENTS of Fingal are being urged to take part in this year’s National Heritage Week, with events taking place throughout the county.

From Folktales of Dublin at Blanchardstown Library to Pirates in Portrane, there is something for the whole family to enjoy while they learn about the heritage of their local area.

National Heritage Week 2012 takes place nationwide from August 18 to 26, with the Heritage Council focusing on Ireland’s built heritage this year.

Over 600 built heritage events will take place, with many sites and houses being made accessible to the public for the first time.

National Heritage Week is co-ordinated by the Heritage Council, the agency tasked with identifying, protecting, preserving and enhancing Ireland’s national heritage.

Speaking at the launch, Michael Starrett, CEO of the Heritage Council said: “The diversity of events taking place during National Heritage Week is what makes it unique.

“Each year we are seeing a huge increase in the number of individuals and groups getting involved. Seven years ago, just 500 events took place as part of National Heritage Week; this year, the number of events in the week has hit a record high, with over 1,400 events already registered.

“Based on last year’s

experience, by the time Heritage Week comes around, that figure will have risen to well over 1,500. We expect over 600,000 people to attend events across the country, meaning a huge knockon economic effect for local communities.”

Some of the events available in North Dublin include The Jewel in Fingal’s Crown, which gives free guided tours of St Doulagh’s Church, Ireland’s oldest stone-roofed church still in continuous use, and a centre of Christian worship from circa 6th C. Tours of the church take place on August 18 from 12 noon to 6pm, August 19 and 21 from 2 to 6pm, August 22 from 2 to 10pm and August 26 from 2 to 6pm.

Around The Block from

Kinsealy Court is a 6km family walk from Kinsealy Court to Malahide Castle with a strong historical flavour. This free event takes place on August 19 from 11am to 2pm, starting at Aspen Road/Birchdale Road junction at Kinsealy Court, Swords.

In addition, there is Pirates of Portrane, a fun event with treasure to be found as part of the games and activities along Portrane beach.

The event takes place on August 25 from 1 to 3pm at Portrane Beach, and booking is essential.

For more information, contact the organisers, OWLS, the children’s nature club, at info@owls. ie or on 087 329 9936.

A full events listing is available at www.heritageweek.ie

2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 5

6 SWORDS GAZETTE 2 Aug - Aug 16 2012

BANKS

LITTER: ‘BIN IT YOUR WAY’ IS IN ALL OUR INTERESTS, SAYS O’CALLAGHAN

Rush lose as AIB cut back THE LOCAL Allied I r i s h B a n k s (A I B ) branch in Rush is set to be relocated to Balbriggan before the end of the year, as part of the review of the bailedout bank’s retail operations.

The bank announced a large number of closures across the country in an effort to reduce costs.

While local Rush residents will now have to travel outside their village to avail of the bank’s ser vices, AIB have said their recent review identified that changes in population and customer banking usage have led to a fall in demand for traditional branch services.

AIB will close 45 suboffices across the country and will amalgamate six branches from October 12; while a further 16 branches will close during 2013.

Council hopes gum bid sticks I NATALIE BURKE news@gazettegroup.com

Medical attention: New scheme gives access to two facilities

LEINSTER rugby captain Leo Cullen receives medical attention from Allie Madden at the launch of Laya healthcare’s new, unique scheme, Aspire, developed specifically with Dublinbased consumers in mind. Laya healthcare’s new scheme provides access to two of Dublin’s premium medical facilities, the Beacon Hospital and the Sports Surgery Clinic, as well as all public hospitals in Ireland.

FINGAL County Council is calling on members of the local community to help increase awareness of the Bin It Your Way litter prevention campaign, after Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Cian O’Callaghan (Lab), promoted the scheme at the Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords last week.

Fingal County Council took the opportunity last week to distribute gum wrappers and other campaign material to visitors at the shopping centre, in the presence of Cllr O’Callaghan, Pavilions Centre director Ian Hunter and volunteers from Swords Tidy Towns committee.

Coordinated by the Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT), in association with

local authorities throughout Ireland, the national gum litter awareness campaign aims to reduce gum litter in the easiest way possible: by discouraging littering (the root cause of the issue) and encouraging the public to Bin It Your Way. As an active participant in the high-profile campaign, Cllr O’Callaghan highlighted the need for Fingal to continue increasing awareness of gum litter and its responsible disposal, and said this year’s campaign has been “fun and engaging” so far.

“There’s an incredible level of imagination, momentum and creativity brought to this year’s campaign. I’ve seen young people perform all sorts of cool moves to bin their gum,” he said. “I’m really impressed and will con-

tinue to spread the word to family, friends and colleagues. It’s in all our interests and I’d ask people to please Bin It Your Way. It’s the responsible and the right thing to do.”

Paul Kelly, chairman of the GLT, was on hand at the event to help explain the so-called moves and the overall theme of the 2012 campaign. “We’ve engaged with a team of professional dancers who have come up with a series of moves. The dance crew have travelled to all 23 local authority areas which are taking part in the campaign.

“We’re appealing to people to dispose of their gum in a fun and creative way, just don’t throw it on the ground. We would encourage everyone to come up with a unique move of their own,” he said.

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2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 7

SUCCESS 20,000 attend Newbridge House event

First Fingal Flavours is a tasty triumph

I NATALIE BURKE nburke@gazettegroup.com

THE inaugural Flavours of Fingal show, held recently at Newbridge Demesne in Donabate, proved to be a massive success, with 20,000 people descending on the grounds over the July weekend.

The show was the first of its kind to be coordinated by Fingal County Council (FCC), Fingal Tourism and Fingal Farmers, with visitors having the opportunity to enjoy exhibitions of agriculture, horticulture, food, crafts and cooker y demonstrations, along with an extensive

programme of family fun including livestock competitions, dog trials, vintage machinery, live music and biodiversity demonstrations.

The Flavours of Fingal show offered FCC an opportunity to showcase Fingal as one of the foremost market gardening areas in the country and for those taking part, offered local businesses and entrepreneurs the chance to meet the local community and encourage people to buy Irish.

Eight of Fingal’s Finest, a selection of local craft companies featured at the show, offered a platform for the companies to meet their customers

and present their wares.

“It was brilliant to get an opportunity to go out and see people, as my business is online and sometimes people need to see and feel what we’re doing,” said Pauline Hiney, owner of the Swords-based Giftcentre (www.giftcentre. ie), which designs a full range of clocks featuring Irish county colours and crests.

“Not everyone is comfortable buying online, so it was great to get out and show people what it is I do. It was my first big event but I was delighted with the feedback and sales from the weekend, and that’s why I think it’s

Megan and Ewan Dale from Donabate enjoying the event

so important to get out to events like this.”

According to Noeleen McHugh, event organiser with FCC Economic Development Department, the show would not have been possible without the “tireless work” of Council staff and volunteers and their partners Teagasc, Fingal Farmers and Fingal Tourism,

Rural Dublin Leader, and the support of the main sponsors FBD, Keelings, Bank of Ireland, Dublin Airport Authority, Country Crest and Irish Country Meats.

“We’ve learned so much from the experience of running this show for the first time and the invaluable feedback from those who attended, the

organisers, sponsors and exhibitors will help us to make next years show even better”, Noeleen said. “ We h a v e g r e a t momentum behind us now, so roll on Flavours of Fingal 2013.”

For more information on Fingal’s Finest, log on to www.fingalceleb.ie/ fingal’s-finest

EDUCATION

Second level for Lusk

LUSK is set to see its first secondary school open next year, after it was announced the proposed school would be run by County Dublin VEC. The news is the culmination of the process which began in 2011 when Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn said that 20 new post-primary schools would be established.

Local TD Brendan Ryan (Lab) welcomed the news, saying he was delighted to see Lusk receiving the school it “desperately needs”.

“The primary concern for the people of Lusk is that they have a secondary school which places primacy on the enrolment of children from Lusk. For too long, Lusk children have been scattered [around the local area], attending secondary school in Rush, Skerries, Swords, Balbriggan and beyond.”

8 SWORDS GAZETTE 2 Aug – 16 Aug 2012

FESTIVAL First Flavours of Fingal show proves an irresistible

Fingal’s fare whets appetite for more OR the first time in Dublin the Flavours of Fingal Show combined the sights and sounds of a traditional agricultural show with an unforgettable food and family fun experience.

The inaugural Flavours of Fingal show proved to be a huge success last week, when 20,000 visitors descended on Newbridge Demesne in Donabate.

The Farm section of the show featured livestock competitions, equestrian and dog trials, and vintage farm machinery.

Meanwhile the food village, based in the Walled Garden of Newbridge House, offered an array of favourite local foods, crafts and musical entertainment along with cooking demonstrations and expert classes and tastings.

F

John and Annette Lawlor from Donabate. Picture: Derek O’Mara

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2 Aug – 16 Aug 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 9

temptation for taste buds of local food lovers

Brenda O’Mara from Donabate Megan Brennan and Jenny Fitzgerald

samples Irish grown strawberries

from Dunboyne

with Keelings grower Greg Bialek Equestrian competitors from Scar Foxhounds County Wexford are Paddy Sinnott, Louise Walsh, TJ Foley and Hugh Fielding

Pierce, Ruby and Ella Hill

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10 SWORDS GAZETTE 2 Aug – 16 Aug 2012

EXHIBITION Olympian gives insight into Games preparation

Relatives of Thomas O’Donohue, one of the athletes featured in the exhibition

Harry with Rosemary Barnes and Clodagh O’Brien

1948 Olympian Harry Boland, holding his medal of honour, Fingal archivist Colm McQuinn, sports historian Paul Harris and Fingal Mayor Cian O’Callaghan (Lab). Pictures: GAAPICS.com

Harry’s Olympic history snapshot HE official launch of the Irish Competitors at the Stockholm Olympics 1912 exhibition in Fingal Local Studies and Archive in Swords was held recently. Former Irish Olympian Harry Boland gave guests a fascinating insight into the way athletes got ready for the games in days gone by.

The exhibition details how nine individual sportsmen and one cycling team found a way to take part, representing the

T

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.

Harry Boland talking to sports journalist Stephen Findlater Friends and family of Thomas O’Donohue who is featured in the exhibition

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

Paul Harris, sports historian

2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012 GAZETTE 11

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TELEVISION Celebrity Bainisteoir hopefuls go head-to-head

Brian and Pippa a good match in RTE show I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

CLONDALKIN Celebrity Bainisteoir hopeful Brian Ormond last week found himself in direct competition with his nearest and dearest rival, model wife Pippa O’Connor in Donegal when the couple’s teams faced off in the first match of the new series of the popular GAA reality show.

The match last Sunday between Brian’s club St Mar y’s and Pippa’s Naomh Brid team was the first of the series, but viewers will not know the results until September 4 when the show airs on RTE 1.

The couple have had to make some adjustments to their lives to take part in the show.

“It’s going great so far and, sure, it’s a bit of fun,” said Brian. “But it’s hard to get up to train as we’re not used to it. I think it’s easier for me than Pippa as she has no background in GAA, whereas I was involved with the Round Tower club in Clondalkin with my brothers and I played soccer.”

Brian told The Gazette that there was no official training provided by the show’s organisers in terms of how he would set about training the Westmeath team, which is based in Rochefort-

bridge.

“I just had to get a lot of advice from friends and Bernard Flynn, the ex-Meath player, was down the other day helping out. You have to find it all out yourself, though, how to warm the team up, and all that.

There’s no one there to hold your hand.”

New experience

Brian has been enjoying the new experience of leading a side to victory and has done some fundraising with the team, too.

“The whole experience has been great so far. There’s no club in Celebrity Bainisteoir

that doesn’t want to be there, so that makes it much easier for me. We played a local match last week against Round Tower and beat them by 10 points.”

Asked about his confidence as manager, he said that he had new respect for all sports managers, as it takes up so much time and devotion. As yet, he said he’s totally in the dark as to who his biggest rivals on the show might be.

“Sunday’s game will be the first, so far. There are three games lined up in total. No one has seen the other teams play, so I don’t know who might be the best manager. It

Clondalkin Celebrity Bainisteoir hopeful Brian Ormond

doesn’t matter, really, because you could be the best manager, but if you don’t have a good team, then it’s game over.”

Brian seems ver y

proud of St Mary’s and the commute to Rochefortbridge is a handy one for him as he doesn’t live too far away.

Other contestants donning the bainisteoir’s bib for the show are Mary Byrne, Calum

Best, Paddy Doherty and Rozanna Purcell.

When asked about a possible return to his musical career or something similar he left us wondering with the phrase: “Let’s wait and see, you never know.”

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2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012 GAZETTE 13

14 GAZETTE 2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012

EDITORIAL Dublin Gazette Newspapers will return on August 23

We’re taking a break - but coming back strong I ROB HEIGH

THIS week sees Dublin Gazette Newspapers print our annual double issue as we lead into the August holiday period.

Like the rest of you, we’re taking a well-deserved break, but rest assured, we will be coming back on August 23 to continue to deliver to you the best news, sport and social coverage of any local

newspaper anywhere in the city.

This year has been an historic one for the Gazette, filled with anniversaries — our eighth year of publication, our third year of celebrating the finest in Dublin’s sporting achievements —and when we come back refreshed and raring to go, we’ll hopefully have more cause to celebrate again.

In this bumper edition,

we’re highlighting some of the great events taking place across the city, the country, and the world that will give us cause to raise the flags with pride again.

With the eyes of the world trained on London and the incredible endeavours of athletes from around the world, we are featuring profiles and event information for our own local Olympians, as well as a special mention

in our sport section of one area of the country that has provided more competitors than any other, Dundrum.

The understated, reserved prayers that our hopefuls will come back with medals will, with luck and hard work, be answered and we’ll be cheering them on every step of the way.

As well as our boys and girls in green, we have a blooming good chance of

having a Rose plucked as the best of the bunch in Tralee this year. We have an exclusive interview with Dublin Rose, Arlene O’Neill, and wish her every success in her journey.

As we have said before, Dublin Gazette Newspapers is nothing without our readers and advertisers, and I’d like to take this opportunty to thank all of our supporters throughout the years.

Your input, enthusiasm and support for the newspapers have been instrumental in making us the number one local newspaper in the city, and we are looking forward to returning on August 23 to deliver the best in local coverage available anywhere in Dublin every week, in print and online.

Keep telling us your stories, and we’ll keep telling the whole city.

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2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012 GAZETTE 15

16 GAZETTE 2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012

RTE Seeking weird and wonderful acts

Lucan’s Diana Bunici (left) is a presenter of RTE’s elev8

Talented kids urged to show off or get off I LAURA WEBB

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RTE’s elev8 is calling on talented youngsters between the age of eight and 13 years to audition for this year’s talent competition, Show Off or Get Off. Dublin set the bar high last year, with the eventual winner, Zena Donnelly, coming from the Dublin auditions. So this year kids are being urged to let their talents shine and enter the competition with the act they think will take them to the winning podium.

During the audition stages, five acts from each audition will be selected as finalists to proceed to the next round. Each group of

five finalists will face a public vote with the two acts receiving most votes progressing to the next stage. The eventual winner will go on to perform live on RTE’s elev8 show.

The winner will also get a chance to co-host the hit programme for a day.

Hopefuls are welcome to perform any act they like, from the weird to the wonderful. Last year’s show had a huge array of talent, from singer/songwriters to breakdancers and stand-up comedians.

Each act is given one minute to perform their chosen act so they must make that one minute count. Children should be accompanied by an adult during the audi-

tion.

This year, the team are travelling to 12 locations around the country. In Dublin, open auditions will take place on August 3 between 10am and 2pm, and on September 1 between 9.30am and 1pm at Filmbase in Temple Bar, and in Bray at The Esplanade Hotel between 3 and 6pm on the same day. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Acts heading down to the audition stages are being asked to contact the show’s producers before the audition if they require props, materials or extra time or space to set up. Entrants requiring backing music must provide a CD of their

chosen track and should note that this copy will not be returned.

Mp3 players/mobile phones without adequate speakers will not be accepted. In the interest of fairness, all auditions are held on a first-come first-served basis - arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Information on all other locations and times will be going up on the elev8 website in the coming weeks - www.rte.ie/ elev8.

For further information contact the Show Off or Get Off team on 01-6704012 / 01-6704895 or by emailing showofforgetoff@gmail.com, logging onto their Twitter page: @showofforgetoff.

2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012 GAZETTE 17

BURSARIES Nurturing artistic talent

PEOPLE’S PARK: HOOLEY TO ATTRACT TOP TALENT

Tune in to ukulele fest I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

THE People’s Park in Dun Laoghaire will be the venue to host a grand ukulele festival this August.

The Ukulele Hooley is the third international festival and promises to attract some of the best ukulele talent in the world to Dublin in what organisers are describing as “a mighty celebration of all things relating to the Shetland pony of the guitar world”.

The ukulele is the wo r l d ’s b e s t- s e l l i n g instrument today, and its appeal and popularity are stronger than ever.

Players and aficionados will come together to celebrate their love and passion for the plucky little instrument with the distinctive

sound.

On Saturday, August 18, the festival will feature ukulele master classes, a grand ukulele public busk and an outdoor open-mic concert for players who want to step up and show their skills.

T here is even the chance of winning your own ukulele in a raffle on the day.

T he main feature though, will be a free, daylong ukulele concert to round off the festival on Sunday, August 19.

The concert will showcase the best players and will demonstrate the instrument’s diversity. The show starts at 12.30pm and will run until 8.30pm.

This is a family festival, and it is being described as a perfect summer’s day out for everyone.

Strutting her stuff: Amanda adds glamour to the launch of the Dublin Fashion Festival AMANDA Byram, face of this year’s Dub-

lin Fashion Festival, claiming her own O’Connell Street catwalk as she launches the countdown to the Dublin Fashion Festival which takes place from September 6 to 9.

The festival was created by Dublin

City Business Improvement District to celebrate all that is great about fashion in Dublin city, covering everything from high street chains to boutiques to Irish design, right down to the best places to eat, drink and chill out post-shopping spree.

ARTISTS with disabilities from Dublin are being urged to take advantage of an allIreland awards scheme designed to nurture and develop their talent.

The Arts and Disa b i l i t y Aw a r d s I r e land (ADAI) scheme is administered by the Belfast-based Arts and Disability Forum (ADF) and funded by both arts councils.

The scheme identifies, encourages and nurtures individual talent amongst disabled artists, and individuals can apply for a bursary of up to the euro equivalent of £5,000. ADF chief executive Chris Ledger described it as a competitive scheme.

For more information on how to apply, contact the ADF on 04890239450 or Gillian@adf.ie .

To d o w n l o a d a n application form, go to www.adf.ie.

18 GAZETTE 2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012

FESTIVAL After securing sponsors and all her dresses Dublin

Bookies

Arlene O’Neill tells PAUL HOSFORD why she took the plunge to compete in festival

Dublin Rose Arlene O’Neill with mother Denise Pictures: Ian Fleming

SHE may be the bookies’ favourite heading into the Rose of Tralee competition, but Dublin Rose Arlene O’Neill is focusing more on getting her wardrobe ready for the big night.

T h e 2 5 - y e a r- o l d Lucan native has had t o s e c u r e s p o n s o rship in order to fund the extensive array of dresses needed for the 10 day Rose festival, but a combination of local businesses and people stepped up to help fund the 20 or so dresses needed for a Rose.

“The preparations are going really well. I was

panicked for a while, but things have settled down now, thankfully.

“I have a couple more dresses to pick up and a few hats that I’ll get after the Galway Races.

But there’s only a few of those to get.

“When else am I going to have an excuse to get 20 dresses?”

The passionate scientist was in the presence of another noted Rose alumnus when she decided to take the plunge and go for the competition but, contrary to reports, former winner Aoibhinn Ni Shuileabhain did not

twist Arlene’s arm.

“I do watch the competition and my mam and granny love it, but I had never envisioned myself actually taking part.

“I was being interviewed by Aoibhin Ni Shulleabhain for a science DVD and it came into my head. Some newspapers have said that she had urged me to enter, but that’s not the case – I didn’t even tell her I was thinking about going for it.

“I downloaded the application form and probably left it on the laptop for about a week,

2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012 GAZETTE 19

Rose Arlene is calm and ready to perform her party piece

scent Rose’s success but when I told my mam, she told me to fill it out. That was about six weeks before the Dublin Rose selection.”

Being the Dublin Rose since the end of May has made Arlene something of a local celebrity and, in a competition that is such an institution, everyone has a piece of advice to offer.

“It’s been hectic, but in a great way. People love the competition and are giving me advice from all corners, which is what’s great about it in a way.

“What other competition could your friend’s granny give you advice about?

“To be representing Dublin and Lucan is very humbling and it is great to have so many people getting behind me and it’s been great for my family especially. “ T h e y ’r e a l l ve r y excited.”

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The advice that comes back is universal, however.

“People have just been telling me to enjoy it and be myself.

“The schedule is hectic, I know that. We got the schedules recently and, to the minute, we are very busy, but I’m going to enjoy the experience.”

Every year, the festival faces criticisms about its relevancy to modern Irish life and its role in enforcing gender stereotypes. For Arlene, however, it is a perfect example of Ireland.

“I think there’s no set criteria for the Rose. I still don’t know what they’re looking for and I’m entering an international festival.

“The credentials of the women entering are phenomenal year on year.

“The competition is 54 years old, so obviously, when it started, they

were looking for something different. I’m finishing my PhD this year and that wouldn’t have been commonplace back then.

“But the competition has become more modern and isn’t a pageant by any means.

“It celebrates Irish women and Irish tradition. It shows there’s more important things than being a size six with a sparkly dress. It is very refreshing.”

As for the all-important party piece, Arlene is keen not to give much away and does not yet know whether she will be chosen to perform on August 20 in The Dome.

“Twelve of the 32 competitors get to perform their party piece, and I don’t want to give too much away, but mine will be sciencerelated.

“I want to keep the element of surprise.”

Linda Balf, Paula Richmonds, Arlene O’Neill, Carol Lyons and Deputy Derek Keating (Lab)

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‘12 of the 32 competitors get to perform their party piece, and I don’t want to give too much away, but mine will be sciencerelated. I want to keep the element of surprise’

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20 GAZETTE 2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012

R1

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day from around the capital Gazette A special favour for Contacts

your wedding day ANIMAL lover Caroline Morahan is asking brides and grooms-to-be to consider ISPCA wedding favours for their big day.

As a bride-to-be herself, Dubliner Caroline knows only too well the money that gets spent on the special day and is now asking people to give a little back to a good cause.

The TV personality, who is getting married in September, is asking all brides- and grooms-tobe, to consider ISPCA wedding favours for their guests instead of the traditional chocolates or sugared almonds on their big day.

Caroline said: “I think wedding favours that support the ISPCA are a wonderful idea. It’s a great way to make a difference and bring an added feel good factor to your special day.”

I S P C A We d d i n g Favours come in a range of designs and are not only a thoughtful gift for guests, but they provide life-saving support to animals in need. Please go to www.ispca.ie for more information.

DIARY Dublin stars in Bollywood movie DUBLIN will be playing a starring role in movie theatres this summer when it appears in the highly-anticipated Bollywood blockbuster, EkTha Tiger, due to hit screens on August 15.

Locations around

Dublin including Trinity College, Temple Bar and Grafton Street feature in the movie, along with members of An Garda Siochana and even the Kilkenny hurling team.

The movie is set to be released in 24 countries worldwide and will reach an audience of over 100 million people.

This is the first time that a major Bollywood production has been shot in Ireland. Tourism Ireland worked with the Irish Film Board to secure the film for Ireland and with Dublin City Council and other agencies to help facilitate filming in the city.

Tourism Ireland is confident that it will help to significantly boost awareness of Ireland among India’s growing middle-classes, who may potentially visit the city

Block 3A, Mill Bank B Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251

Managing Director: Michael McGovern email:mmcgovern@ gazettegroup.com The beautiful bride-to-be Caroline Morahan, with her four-legged friends from the ISPCA, Harvey and Khal the dalmation puppy (inset). Pictures: Carmel Murray

in the future. You can see a clip from the movie at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=DB3AI8Wz-Js

Top milliner to design with diamonds IRISH-BORN hat designer Philip Treacy is looking to take the world of high fashion by storm again with the recent announcement that he is to create a

bespoke diamond jewellery collection.

Visionary milliner Treacy will be creating the new collection in what will be a unique collaboration between the designer and Voltaire Diamonds.

The exclusive collection of individual diamond engagement rings, with matching wedding bands, is to be designed by Treacy and created by Voltaire’s craftsmen. The collection will launch in time forValentine’s Day, 2013.

Each set of rings, which can be purchased separately, will have an individual identity reflecting the emotional commitment involved in engagement and marriage, according to Philip Treacy.

“We want the collection pieces to represent beautiful, highly desirable, emotional symbols of love, which are also exclusive, treasured possessions,” said the designer, as the project detail was finalised this week.

Acting News Editor: Rob Heigh email: rheigh@ gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@ gazettegroup.com Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater email: sport@ gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Paul Hosford email: picturedesk@ gazettegroup.com Ad Manager: Louise Fitzgerald email: lfitzgerald@ gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@ gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@ gazettegroup.com

Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@ gazettegroup.com Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012 GAZETTE 21

BUSINESS Salon thrives despite recessionary times

Nothing vain about this business plan

I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

SOMETIMES in business, it pays to take a chance when everyone else is playing it safe, especially in the middle of a recession.

A fine example of that premise is the story of Jennifer O’Brien and Jennifer Butler, who established the Vanity Rooms, a luxury beauty salon in Stepaside four years ago, and the friends and business partners say that rather than struggling, their trade is thriving.

“Vanity Rooms, like most small businesses in Ireland, has felt the impact of the reces-

sion and, at first, we did panic. However, rather than keep doing that and take what was thrown at us, we made a very conscious decision to take it on,” said Jennifer O’Brien.

The two beauticians, from Knocklyon and Celbridge, attribute their success to passion, hard work, delivering excellent standards, value for money and refusing to lie down or adopt a negative attitude. Both women feel it is important that a positive message in relation to a business doing well in the area can help to foster a sense of optimism and possibility for

a change.

“What we have seen in the downturn is that women still want to look after themselves.

“We don’t believe in giving inferior treatments and products, so we are always looking out for cheaper suppliers who can source what we need at a lower price.

Then we can pass this on to clients.”

Butler and O’Brien started working together about eight years ago and had built up a large clientele between them in their own businesses, and they felt it was a wise move when they decided to merge their common resources

Jennifer O’Brien and Jennifer Butler of Vanity Rooms, a luxury beauty salon

and open Vanity Rooms.

The salon now employs three girls, two of whom live in Stepaside.

The salon is very active on Facebook and Twitter and constantly runs special offers. Facebook was also used to generate new business during the leaner times by hold-

ing auctions online.

Vanity Rooms recently appeared on TV3’s Expose, when Glenda Gilson went along to check out the luxurious surroundings and highlighted some of the treatments and products on offer.

The salon carries an

exclusive range of nail varnish and manicure products by renowned New York beautician Deborah Lippman.

“We are now in business four years and, as a result of pushing on and taking action, we are a thriving business,” said O’Brien.

TALL SHIPS

Free live music to support sailing spree THE Tall Ships are back in Dublin for four days and, to celebrate, the organisers are providing a jam-packed programme of events, with four days of free live music and entertainment for the summer event.

From August 23 to 26, the Tall Ships Races 2012 Dublin will feature a lively range of stars at the Bulmers Live Music Stage at George’s Dock, with a stellar line-up that includes Ash, Cathy Davey, The Undertones, Duke Special, Ryan Sheridan, T he Minutes, Delorentos, Jerry Fish, the Dublin Gospel Choir and many more.

For a full list of programme events and times, log on to www. dublintallships.ie.

22 GAZETTE 2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012

GazetteOLYMPICS OLYMPICS

Deirdre Ryan of Dundrum South Dublin Athletics Club will be hoping to claim a medal when she takes part in the high jump event on August 9

London is calling

I PAUL HOSFORD

“WINNING medals wasn’t the point of the Olympics. It’s the participating that counts.”

The words of Baron Pierre De Coubertain, founder of the modern Olympics, ring truer with every four years that pass. The increasingly competitive sporting landscape means that athletes are amateur in all but name, but it also means that simply qualifying for the Games is a huge achievement in itself.

Many of the Irish athletes in London hold dow n full-time jobs while training. Some have moved to foreign lands for access to better training facilities,

putting their lives on hold to chase the Olympic dream, and some have battled back from the kind of injuries that would stop most others in their tracks.

The Olympics burst to life last Friday, with renowned film director Danny Boyle’s colourful opening ceremony getting things under way. Some of the record 66 Irish athletes have already finished up their Games across the 15 sports they are competing in, but there are many still taking part with medals in sight, including Olympic flag bearer Katie Taylor.

Taylor has become Ireland’s most recognisable sportswoman. Soft drinks ads with world-

famous musicians, rap songs written about her and billboards taken out on St Stephen’s Green in her honour, it is no more than the four-time world champion deserves.

But, it would be wrong to think that Taylor works any more or less hard than the rest of the Irish team.

The commitment level of Ireland’s athletes, from top to bottom, is astounding. Trips away from young families for training, the constant battle to find sponsorship and funding, the physical toll that being an Olympic level athlete takes on a body – all of these are pressures that are hard enough to deal with, without “real” life bringing its own set of

problems.

With thousands of athletes vying for the small number of places at the prestigious Games, the reward for the years of hard work and months of preparation is the chance to walk in the hallowed footsteps and the right to forever call yourself an Olympian.

T h o u g h I r e l a n d ’s chances of achieving medal success are seen by many bookmakers to be slight, the pursuit of glory will not be taken lightly, and there can be no doubt that, no matter the result, our athletes deserve to come home to a hero’s welcome, and the work that they put in between Olympiads will continue to be covered

by The Gazette.

EVERY four years, the attentions of the nation are focused on the Olympics. We at The Gazette like to think that we follow the times in between, as well. Indeed, of the 15 athletes in London that represent our catchment areas, most have either won or been nominated for the Sports Star of The Month award, with Deirdre Ryan the current yearly holder. Some of them may not yet be household names, but their dedication, workrate and determination should stand as an inspiration to us all. Everyone at The Gazette sends our very best to our athletes.

BOXING KATIE TAYLOR KATIE is a former Peamount United club member who has represented Ireland at both boxing and football. As a four-time World champion, she is Ireland’s brightest medal hope. She kicked off her Olympics by carrying the flag at the opening ceremony. She boxes on August 6, with semis and finals on August 8 and 9.

2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012 GAZETTE 23

CYCLING

ROWING

SWIMMING

BADMINTON

NICOLAS ROCHE

SANITA PUSPURE

BARRY MURPHY

SCOTT EVANS

NICOLAS, who is the son of Irish cycling great Stephen, grew up in the Meadowbrook estate in Dundrum, before decamping to France. He recently finished 12th in the Tour de France, and took part in Saturday’s cycling road race, finishing 89th, citing a switch of tactics as being costly to the three-man Irish team. He is expected to sign for a new team this week.

LATVIAN-born Kinsealy resident Sanita is Ireland’s first female rower since 1980 and has claimed medals at both the World U-23 Championships and World Student Games. She received her Irish passport in 2011, qualifying for London in Lucerne in March.

She reached the quarter-finals, but finished fourth.

IRELAND’S leading male swimmer comes from the Aer Lingus club in Swords. He smashed the Irish 100 metre breast stroke record en route to qualifying for the Olympics.

He is taking part in his first Olympics, having missed out on Beijing by onetenth of a second.

He raced on Saturday, coming eighth in his 100m breaststroke heat.

BALLINTEER badminton star Scott is entering his second Olympics, having been Ireland’s first male badminton player in the Games in 2008. He attended Wesley College before moving to Denmark at age 17 and has won the national title eight times. He lost his preliminary game on Monday against World number one, Lin Dan.

SAILING

SAILING

HIGH JUMP

4X400M

SCOTT FLANIGAN JUST over a year ago Scott, who sails for Malahide Yacht Club, was preparing to sit his Leaving Cert. This year, he is headed to London as one half of the 470 class duo, along with Ger Owens.

The duo qualified for the Games in May. Owens and Flanigan will race in Weymouth until August 7, with the medal race on August 9.

DAVID BURROWS DAVID, who sails for Malahide YC, is from Portmarnock and will be joined in the Star class boat by Corkman David O’Leary, whose girlfriend is Irish sprint queen Derval O’Rorke.

The pair made the Games at the World Championships in Australia. There, they finished ninth.

They will race on August 2 and 3, with the medal race on August 5.

DEIRDRE RYAN

CLAIRE BERGIN

THE reigning Dublin Gazette Sports Star of the Year, Deirdre represents Dundrum South Dublin AC and went to Ballinteer CS. She is currently based in Leverkusen, Germany and set a personal best of 1.95 metres at the Worlds in Daegu, Korea. She jumps on August 9 at 9am, with the final at 6.45pm on August 11.

THE first Irish woman to compete in Winter and Summer Games, the DSDAC track and field captain is a former bobsledder, who represented Ireland at the 2010 Vancouver Games. She will form part of the 4x400 metre relay team who race on August 9 at 6.30pm, with the final taking place the day after.

CANOEING

SAILING

SAILING

EOIN RHEINISCH

ANNALISE MURPHY

EOIN continues the Salmon Leap Club’s proud tradition of sending an athlete to every Olympics since 1972. He has recovered from three shoulder operations in the last two years.

This will be Eoin’s second Games, having finished fourth in the K-1 slalom in Beijing, where just two-and-a-half seconds separated him from a medal.

ANNALISE, from Rathfarnham, sails out of the National Yacht club in Dun Laoghaire and competes in the Laser Radial class. She comes from a sailing family, her mother Cathy MacAleavey having represented Ireland at the 1988 Olympics in Pusan. She finishes preliminary races on August 3 and 4, with the medal race on August 6.

GER sails for Royal St George YC and will compete in the 470 Class with Scott Flanigan.

He is a double Olympian, having competed in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, where he won two races, but missed out on a medal. He will hope to go better this year. The team of Owens and Flanigan will race until August 7, with the medal race on August 9.

MARATHON

MARATHON

MARATHON

AVA HUTCHINSON

LINDA BYRNE

CAITRIONA JENNINGS

AVA, another of the DSDAC contingent, was based in Blackrock before moving over to England to train at the renowned Loughborough University under Ray Treacy.

Hutchinson secured qualification in style, setting a personal best at the Houston Marathon in January.

ROUNDING out DSDAC’s fourstrong contingent is Linda Byrne.

Linda won the Flora Dublin Women’s MiniMarathon this year and became Ireland’s first marathon A standard qualifier since 1988 when she ran a 2:36:23.

All the marathon runners go off on August 5 at 11am in what is to be a tightly contested race.

GER OWENS

THE Rathfarnham AC runner is a native of Letterkenny, Co Donegal and only turned to the marathon in 2010 and qualified for the Olympics in Rotterdam in April. She faced an anxious wait to see if she was one of Ireland’s three runners, but selectors confirmed her place on the plane to London in June.

24 GAZETTE 2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012

GazetteSTYLE STYLE Sure to keep you dry and confident WOMEN are constantly on the go, so deodorant is a must and one that keeps us dry and fresh is essential. Sure says “it won’t let you down” so we put its latest deodorant – Sure Linen Dry Deodorant – to the test. It says it keeps you feeling dry and confident from dawn til dusk.

Gazette beauty trialled it on a very active lady who works, is a mother and spends time in the gym. The results were that it actually worked and she recommends women give it a try. This product is available in a spray (€2.89) or roll on (€2.37).

Edited by Laura Webb

A very sweet concert season with L’Oreal’s Miss Candy Collection OXEGEN might have taken a break this year, but festivals like Electric Picnic and Castlepalooza are still on track to rock our world and so a fashionista needs to look the part.

This week, Gazette Style is showing festival revellers a make-up look that is easy to manage, but on trend with this summer’s quirky style.

L’Oreal’s Miss Candy Collection wraps up the summertime mood with its fresh and bold colours. What’s great about the products from this collection is that the

packaging is easy to store and won’t take up much space in the minimal make-up bag that ladies carry at a festival.

Apply your usual foundation making sure it blends in with your natural colour. The area to highlight will be the eyes. Try Miss Candy’s Colour Infallible eye collection number 31 Innocent Turquoise – a great outdoor colour for any festival. Apply it on the eyelid without passing the crease and sweep a little towards the eyebrow. Do not cover the whole eyelid, then line

your under eye to bring out the colour in your eyes. With speckles of sparkle mixed in this product eyes are sure to dazzle in the sun, and as its waterproof the colours stay intact, giving great colour that lasts and lasts even in the rain.

Other colours available are Sassy Chamallow 32 and Naughty Strawberry 36 with a recommended RRP of €10.79.

As the eyes are taking centre stage for this look, keep your lips neutral and shiny. For this, use Miss Candy’s Glam Shine range number 101

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L’Oreal’s Miss Candy Collection contains fresh and bold colours

Nude Bon Bon. This gloss features a new swirl technology which blends two contrasting colours for a sweet shine. The unique heartshaped wand makes it easy to apply. Other colours available are Miss Candy 709, Dolce Pralina 712, Pink Treat 710, Bubble Pink 701

and Tart Lollipop 703 – RRP €11.29.

With a great festival face, all one needs now is some great festival nails and this collection has it covered with its Colour Riche nail line.

The candy cane colours go from bold brights to effervescent pastels. For festival mode, we recom-

mend going with bold brights, try even mixing it up and using two contrasting shades like green and pink using Perle De Jade 602 and Opera Ballerina 101.

Make-up complete, all that’s left to do is get the right festival attire, grab a pair of wellies and enjoy the show.

2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012 GAZETTE 25

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC

EXHIBITION: AN INTIMATE AND CELEBRATORY PORTRAIT

A suitable salute to Philo I DEE WOODS

THE Boy Is Back In Town!

T he Philip Ly nott Exhibition has returned to the exhibition space in St Stephen’s Green in Dublin and is a must-see for music lovers.

You don’t need to be a die-hard Thin Lizzy fan to appreciate the intimate nature of the exhibits on display from all through Philo’s life, from hand-written postcards and letters sent by Lynott, to school reports and other insights into his childhood.

Of course, his musical life from The Liffey Beats to Skid Row, Thin Lizzy and beyond is told in great detail: through words, sound, pictures

and video, not to mention the memorabilia.

The iconic Thin Lizzy stage backdrop that spells out the band’s name in lights greets you as you walk in the door, and not too far away is a dilapidated bicycle that a young Philip used to get about town.

You’ll see handwritten lyrics from the front-

man, as well as items of his clothing.

The jacket from the Old Town video made my jaw drop when I realised, standing next to it, what a tower of man he really was.

Of course, there are plenty of guitars on display as well as all the Lizzy artwork which, in itself, deserves its own

art exhibition.

You can also check out the stars that were touched by the towering Lizzy frontman: tributes from the likes of Bono and Brian Downey play on a big screen, and it dawns on you just how much adversity Philo overcame to firmly carve his name in the history of rock.

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Fans from all over the world have flocked to the capital to get a glimpse of the man behind T he Rocker, and haven’t been disappointed.

The expo recently spent eight months at The O2 in London where it did a roaring trade, and now it’s returned to Philo’s beloved Dublin, just ahead of what would have been his 63rd birthday, on August 20.

No Waiting For An Alibi, get yourself to this.

T he Philip Ly nott Exhibition runs from now until the end of September on the top floor of the St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre.

Check out www.philiplynottexhibiton.com

Super Nova extends its reign over rock radio in Dublin Radio Nova were celebrating last week when it was announced that they have increased their audience by 19% in the latest JNLR radio ratings.

The figures, which cover the 12-month period up to the end of June, now give the station 140,000 listeners in Dublin and surrounding counties, cementing its reputation as the most successful radio startup in recent years.

“We’re very excited by this latest set of results”, said CEO Kevin Branigan. “Not only do they show an extremely strong overall result, we have achieved huge growth across all of the key demographics, clearly showing that Nova continues on a strong upward trajectory.”

The results come as the station prepares to celebrate its second birthday next month and demonstrate that the station is now one of the major operators in the city.

“In 2010 our goal was to bring something different to Dublin and the commuter belt counties. We’ve managed to entice listeners away from other stations by providing a unique mix of music, featuring the greatestselling artists of all time, along with credible presenters – and it’s clear that this has proven immensely popular,” said Branigan.

26 GAZETTE 2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS Guideline for buying new kitchen appliances

ONE of Currys / PC World’s points of pride is the

level of help and service their customers receive, and here they provide a few guidelines when it comes to buying new kitchen appliances...

Measure up - Know the dimensions of the space you are fitting your appliance into. There have been cases where people buy American-style fridge freezers and cannot fit them into their house.

Water source close by – Always make sure if you are fitting a plumbed appliance that you have a water source near the appliance.

Know the energy rating - for example an A+ energy rated appliance will deliver better cost savings than a standard energy rating.

Know what the water consumption will be - Some washing machines will use less water than other brands. For example, some brands can use as much as 30% less water than other brands allowing for significant savings when water charges come into play. The average sink can use up to three times more water when washing dishes than a dishwasher.

Energy savings – If it is a fridge freezer, low frost freezers can deliver more savings than a frost-free fridge freezer.

Guarantee - Is it a reputable brand and does the brand come with a guarantee?

Know your gas appliance - If it is a gas appliance, please note that there is a difference between bottle gas appliances and mains gas appliances. Some gas appliances may require a conversion kit for bottle gas. Always get a registered gas fitter to fit your gas appliance.

Kitchen design - When you are designing your kitchen, always look to have an oven at an appropriate height. This means that you do not put unnecessary strain on your back when taking out that turkey on Christmas Day. We know how - Currys deliver nationwide, instal and recycle. We offer a professional nationwide delivery and installation service five days a week.

We can remove the packaging for you and we will remove and recycle your old appliance. We even deliver on Saturdays.

Retail giant’s merger a huge success

RETAIL giants Currys and PC World have merged, and since making that decision, the store has become a one-stop-shop for household appliances and technology goods, with local outlets leading the way in their offerings to their customers.

Declan Ronayne, managing director of Currys/ PC World, explained the rationale behind the decision when he spoke to Gazette Business last week.

“The decision was taken to merge the brands after several years of trials in Britain. After four years of research, we realised that our customers were very keen on the idea and were asking, when they had known that the stores were essentially the same brand anyway, that we had not done this before.

“The future is now to have both brands under one roof, and our customers are hugely supportive of the move,” said Ronayne.

When the stores were re-branded as Currys/PC World, the Blanchardstown store was the first

to unveil the new brand in Ireland, and according to Blanchardstown store manager, Mark Howard, the merger has been a huge success.

“It’s actually been a phenomenal success because the advantage we have been able to get is all products under one roof.

It just means we can offer a much better proposition to the customers, but also a complete package as well.

“We have an extensive range – washing machines, kettles, toasters all at the appliance department, but also a range of laptops and TVs that we are able to offer as well.”

Innovative

The store has introduced some innovative ways to keep customers up to date on what’s on the market. “We try to bring life to technology so that the customer can see first-hand how you can get the most out of products. It shows how technology can work seamlessly and it’s also affordable,” he told

Currys/PC World Blanchardstown store manager, Mark Howard

Gazette Business.

The most important thing for the company is satisfying customers and making their visit an experience, rather than just a shopping trip.

“We try to put the customer at the core of what we do. One of the things we believe in is not to leave the customer to fend for themselves. Our job is to make it simple and easy for customers to shop but also to be able to purchase the most desirable product that better suits them,” said Mark.

The team at Currys/ PC World are all trained with the right product knowledge so they are in a position to offer the right advice to customers. “When you come into buy a product it’s

important that you have the right person to give you the product that you need and not just off-load a product they believe is right.

“Then, there is the aftercare service. This --------------------------

The decision was taken to merge the brands after several years of trials in Britain --------------------------

is just as important as the initial service – from our delivery proposition right the way through to offering help and advice.

Maybe you don’t know how to use something,

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZET TE CALL 60 10 240

your not getting the best out of it – that’s what we are there for and able to do for you as well.”

In an industry where technology changes every day, Mark said it’s important that they keep up to date with what is coming on stream.

“We have a comprehensive library for every product so colleagues have the facility to go and learn about the product, and they also get tested on their knowledge about that product as well.

“A lot of people can be daunted by the prospect of buying technology and our job is to make it a very easy, enjoyable experience so you go out of the door understanding what you got is right for you,” Mark added.

LOCAL

MATTERS

2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012 GAZETTE 27

Supported

by AIB

Interview: Paul Mahon, Kilternan School of Music

Paul’s music school hits perfect pitch

A - Dublin City Council were the first in the country to launch a rent-to-buy scheme of 91 apartments in Rialto, Glasnevin and Finglas in July 2010.

If you meet the criteria, the banks WILL lend. The original schemes started with the council’s Affordable Housing list of over 3,000. So, what are the terms and conditions ?

• If single, you must have an income more than €25,000 but less than €55,000 • Couple – between € 25,000 and € 75,000 • You must agree to a rent at the market rate less 20% • Comes fully furnished too • You pay two months’ deposit on signing the agreement • The purchase price is pre-agreed before you move in • You then have three years to decide if you want to buy the property BUT you can back out if you wish • If you do buy, 80% of the rent you paid over the three years to the local authority is offset against that purchase price • Furnishings are included in that price So it’s not a bad deal. Check with your local authority but one issue is mortgage relief.

If you take out the mortgage after January 1, 2013, you will not be entitled to any tax relief, even if you are a first-time buyer.

Contact John with your money questions at

to be was a bin man.

progress over time.

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

A: Up to now I’ve been terrible

iPod/iPad? A: No movies, but lots of clas-

ing money frivolously?

A: On food. I’m not fat now, I

sical guitar and lots of kiddy songs for my pre-instrumental classes.

just love cooking.

engineer at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin.

at delegating. Some of it is for financial reasons, as it’s hard to justify having an administration person.

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: It was 1985 and I think it

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Sorry - not a great sport

page for the school I’m terrible at keeping it going.

was £80 a week, not much less than I earn today!

man, I like to watch a rugby match, providing there’s a beer involved

Q: What was your last Tweet/status update?

A: I just took a look, no notifi-

Q: What was your first job?

A: It was as a maintenance

Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: Thankfully no. I have

Q: What sport can you play?

A: I used to be an avid sky-

been really lucky in the small number of jobs I have had over the years.

diver and then took to scuba diving but that’s all in the past.

I fish a bit, does that count?

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: I’m terrible with years but

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

A: Priscilla Queen of the

as far as I can remember, I started teaching guitar about eight years ago.

Desert

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: To see kids take on an instrument and see them

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

A: Jedward, of course.

Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Although I have a Facebook

cations, no likes, just nothing, I’m a disaster!

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Pan-seared foie gras with roasted rhubarb, brioche and a glass of sauternes. Belly of pork, cabbage and creamed potatoes and I’ll have some fine cheese instead of dessert.

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: This is getting embarrassing now… two.

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: As a wedding gift from a former boss of mine, myself and my wife went to Senegal.

A wonderful gift however it was a disaster. We missed Christmas Day at home, got robbed etc.

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Italy, just about anywhere in Italy.

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: I would love to run my own

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

A: Dame Edna, please.

restaurant.

Q: Where do you enjoy spend-

ally and grow vegetables.

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

A: Travel the world occasion-

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

gazette

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

.com

Paul Mahon, guitar player, teacher and director of Kilternan School of Music

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

A: As a young kid all I wanted

Q – Can you let me know if there is any movement on rent-to-buy mortgages ? We have come to the conclusion we will never qualify for an ordinary mortgage on joint income of € 57,000.

Any advice ? Mary – Raheny

www.

PAUL Mahon is 45 years old and has been involved in music for over 20 years. He is a guitar player, teacher and director of Kilternan School of Music, based in Kilternan, Dublin 18.

His early career took him to the more technical side of the music industry where he worked in studios such as Windmill Lane, Air Studios and Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios in the UK. He ran his own studio design and consultancy business for 12 years here in Ireland and eventually gave it all up to study his passion, classical guitar. He set up the music school about six years ago and the school is growing steadily.

Currently the instruments on offer include piano, guitar, drums, violin, cello, singing, choirs, a wind band, a string orchestra, music theory, recorder, clarinet, flute, saxophone and all brass instruments. They also offer pre-instrumental music classes for junior infant, first and second class kids.

Their mission is to offer music education at the highest quality possible. They try not to make it just exam based, but try their best to offer as many performance opportunities as is possible in a year. They want their students to enjoy what they do. But in order to make that succeed, they must understand that it takes hard work and dedication to achieve this.

Paul has an LTCL from Trinity Guildhall London in guitar. He has attended training courses at the Kodály society of Ireland and has spent some time at the Zoltan Kodaly Pedagogicial Institute in Keskemet, Hungary.

RENT TO BUY MORTGAGES

28 GAZETTE 2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs Skoda pairs up with Dogs Trust SKODA Ireland has announced its partnership with Dogs Trust, becoming the official vehicle supplier to Dogs Trust Ireland.

As part of the agreement, this year Dogs Trust will be supplied with two Skoda Roomsters to complement its current fleet of Skoda vehicles.

In addition to this, Skoda dealerships will be collecting funds and raising awareness about the Dogs Trust partnership.

The two customised Roomsters will play a key role in the daily operations of the Dogs Trust team, transporting dogs to and from the Rehoming Centre in Finglas.

The Roomster model was selected for the Dogs Trust partnership because of its impressive interior spaciousness and functionality.

Speaking at the launch, Raymond Leddy, head of marketing, Skoda Ireland, said: “Skoda is delighted and proud to launch this partnership with Dogs Trust Ireland. In our role as official vehicle supplier, we hope to drive awareness for Dogs Trust and to help them on their daily journeys assisting abandoned dogs around the country.

“Skoda will also provide support through fundraising initiatives that will be activated through our nationwide network of dealerships throughout the year.”

Mark Beazley, executive director, Dogs Trust added: “We are thrilled that Skoda is partnering with Dogs Trust Ireland. The spaciousness and functionality of our new Roomster vehicles are valuable assets to our daily activities. Skoda’s support is of huge help but sadly thousands of dogs are still abandoned each year by their owners so it is imperative that we continue to raise vital funds and educate the public about canine care.”

Xpose presenter Kirsteen O’Sullivan at the launch of Skoda’s partnership with Dogs Trust Ireland

Prices for the C-Max Titanium start from €25,011 (model tested €26,911)

A fine mix of luxury and practicality CORMAC CURTIS

SOMETIMES all it takes is one or two nicely thought-out features to make a car truly memorable.

A few weeks back, my life was made immeasurably easier by two simple elements of the new Ford C-Max. Firstly, there is the key-less ignition – why don’t all cars get built this way?

I have driven cars that have ticked all kinds of premium-level boxes, but try finding the hole for the key? Good luck!

Start-stop buttons are the way forward, but, for obvious reasons, don’t keep your keys in a back pocket. The way I see it, for a busy parent, the less they have to do in a car the better.

And with the C-Max Titanium, there are a host of features that make family driving that little bit easier. Second on my list of favourite additions is how the boot is controlled. It is truly staggering just how easy it is to

get used to an automatic powered boot.

By pressing a button on the key fob, the large rear boot opens. And I mean opens, it doesn’t just pop up a little at the latch.

This is powered by two hydraulic arms that open it completely.

You might think that this would just come in handy when you’re holding bags of shopping, but after a day with the C-Max I didn’t lower myself to the menial task of opening it manually at all. This, I loved.

Moving to favourite feature number three, is the child observation mirror.

Yes – a small piece of molded plastic with a reflective surface that pops down from the roof really does make my life easier.

Kids don’t care if you’re driving, they want your attention – all the time.

At least with a wideangle mirror you can keep an eye on your passengers without flipping your rear-view mirror or straining your neck and back to

see behind you. But let’s not get bogged down in the practicalities.

The model I was driving was the Ford C-Max Titanium.

This car gives the family the chance to enjoy some contemporary luxury along with all the practical stuff.

And it’s not just skindeep extras. For “infotainment”, the high-end Sony radio/CD with Bluetooth, external AUX jack and USB port gives you all the plug-and-play features you need.

The majority of this is easily controlled from the steering wheel, while navigating iPhone/iPod music collections is done easily through the dashboard.

To make any journey a comfortable one, the dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control makes combating the unpredictable Irish weather a doddle.

Even though the car I tested didn’t have a leather interior, the design of the seats definitely gave it a special feel.

The materials used are of high quality and the contrast stitching was very easy on the eye.

In terms of overall style, you couldn’t exactly accuse Ford of having a unique style signature, but there was certainly a nice mix of brushed steel surfaces with dark panels and a comfortable leather steering wheel.

As I said earlier, less is more, and automatic headlights, wipers and cruise control all make the C-Max Titanium a very attractive option in this segment.

I would certainly recommend the optional integrated sun blinds in the back, along with the privacy glass (that comes as standard), they help keep the kids comfortable on long journeys.

For anyone considering the C-Max option, be aware that it is due to be released with Ford’s new 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine in October of this year.

I recently test-drove the Focus with this engine and was quite blown

away by its performance – it really does bring the whole discussion of driving characteristics back to the table and, as far as I’m concerned, it would be the obvious choice for the C-Max. There will be 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.

T he 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.

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.

2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012 GAZETTE 29

R1

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY

DO-IT-YOURSELF: CLASSES TEACHING SKILLS TO BEGINNERS

Learning basics of home improvement It’s happened to us all at some point or other in our lives. There is an unavoidable job to be done, and it looks like it could only be tackled by someone with years of experience. Do you wish you could spruce up a kitchen or lay a patio like a pro?

But the reality is that do-it-yourself really can be done by yourself, and B&Q in Liffey Valley are setting up a service to help the hardy home handy-man and woman to learn the skills they need to tackle those kinds of job.

The You Can Do It centre is offering 12 workshops over the summer, from painting and

wallpapering to plumbing and flooring. The workshops are hands-on and range from two-to four-hour sessions, all under the guidance of B&Q DIY experts, who will pass on tips of the trade to get the best finish for your job.

Easier

A B&Q spokesman said: “We can make it easier for you to do DIY with confidence in your own home, making dreams a reality and helping you tick those nagging jobs off your list.

“In the workshops, we’ll show customers step-by-step how to tackle jobs, and let you have a go yourself under

the guidance of our DIY experts.”

In addition to the workshops, there are more than 20 classes to choose from.

For younger enthusiasts, B&Q are also hosting Kids Can Do It classes, which let children collaborate and learn DIY skills that will last them a lifetime at the Liffey Valley store, too.

“Kids classes will give you and your young apprentice the satisfaction of making something from scratch and learning new skills along the way.

“We’ll show them stepby-step how to make something from scratch, and let kids have a go

yourself under the guidance of our DIY experts.

“We’ll teach them new skills, such as sawing, drilling, gluing and nailing, and the courses last around an hour, and cost €5.”

Push a button

In addition to their in-store offering, B&Q also have over 100 howto videos available at the push of a button on their YouTube channel, helping customers to complete home improvement projects with ease.

Whether it’s help with fixing a new door or ideas for a decking or even learning how to hang wallpaper, the B&Q YouTube channel has all

Grangeview GOT A STORY? worth a view Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

PROPERT Y Partners O’Brien Swaine are bringing 88 Grangeview Road, Clondalkin, a well-appointed threebedroom semi-detached property, to the market for an asking price of €139,950.

Brought to the market in show-house condition, this property has recently been refurbished and repainted.

It also boasts many extras including PVC double glazed windows and a gas central heating system.

Accommodation comprises an entrance hall with an alarm point and under-stair storage.

The living room boasts a feature fireplace with a gas-fire fitted, a TV point, and double doors to the dining area.

The kitchen and dining area has wall and floormounted units, plumbed for stainless steel sink unit

and a washing machine, and patio doors to rear garden.

Upstairs comprises a landing with access to the partially-floored attic, and a hot press, while two of the three bedrooms have built-in wardrobes.

The family bathroom which contains a WC, a wash-hand basin, shower unit with tiled surround.

The rear garden is an area with a fully-walled lawn and planted areas with mature trees and hedges, and is very private.

Grangeview Road is close to the M50 and the Naas Road and is also close to all local amenities.

Viewing is highly recommended, and can be arranged by contacting Paul O’Brien at Property Partners O’Brien Swaine in the Omac Business Centre in Clondalkin on 01 457 8909.

The team at B&Q Liffey Valley are ready to help budding home improvers tackle every job

the ideas and know-how for people to get started on those home improvement, DIY and gardening jobs step-by-step.

To find out more information about You Can Do It workshops logo onto www.diyclasses.ie For any enquiries

regarding booking a place on the You Can Do It or Kids Can Do It classes, call 1800 812993.

30 GAZETTE 2 Aug – 16 Aug 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel The walled city offers a Legen-derry welcome A giant reason to visit the North as most popular attraction gets brand new visitor centre

NORTHERN Ireland’s most popular attraction and only UNESCO world heritage site, the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim, has just unveiled its new must-see visitor centre worthy of the site’s giant reputation.

In celebration, the FLAGS at the Giant’s Causeway will be running August 20 – November 4.

The unique installation by German artist Han Peter Kuhn will be embedded into the dramatic natural landscape and a series of flags randomly positioned along the banks of the cliff face - a one-off experience for any family.

When visiting the new Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre or the unique FLAGS installation why not turn your trip into a short break and take advantage of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s special accommodation offer at the Bayview Hotel, Portballintrae, County Antrim, which includes two nights’ accommodation with breakfast and one evening meal from £109pps?

For further information contact the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on 1850 230 230.

Escape and experience character and charm aplenty at the four-star Ballygally Castle ESCAPE to the northern coast this summer for a charming castle retreat in the four-star Ballygally Castle and enjoy overnight accommodation and an evening main course in the exquisite Garden Restaurant from only £80 per couple.

With the enchanting 17th century hotel regarded as one of the most luxurious hotels in Antrim, Ballygally Castle is full of character and charm boasting 44 beautiful bedrooms and many of the castle’s original features including the renowned Ghost Room.

The famous Glens of Antrim and the popular Giant’s Causeway destinations are just a stone’s throw away from the hotel, which overlooks the golden sands of Ballygally Bay. Superb scenery can also be enjoyed from the many coastal and glen walks nearby. The offer is available on a room only basis and is valid until August 31, 2012.

To book or for further information go to www.hastingshotels.com/ballygally-castle or call 048 2858 1066.

NATALIE BURKE

ALMOST gone are the days when booking a flight was a prerequisite for a “weekend away”, and it seems that in its place has arrived an appetite to see what our own Emerald Isle has to offer and to explore a land that is, for a lot of us, remarkably unknown.

Perched on the north west of Ireland just three hours from Dublin and nestled snug in its full historic glory on the River Foyle, Derry is a city in the midst of a significant transformation.

Unlike most cities, where times gone by are subtly masked by a more modern age, Derry’s history is pretty much written on the walls. Not to be too literal.

As a first-time visi-

tor to the city of many names (Derry, Londonderry, Stroke City – a combination of the two – and the Walled City), I couldn’t help but get the sense of a city ready to move on, while never wanting to quite forget its past.

While the bustling city streets were full of locals and holidaymakers in town for the homecoming Clipper Festival, there is no doubt the 400-year-old history and more recent troubling times have left their mark - most distinctly, perhaps, in what have now become iconic murals painted on the Bogside of town.

Arriving a few minu t e s b e f o r e d i n n e r, we checked in at the four-star Tower Hotel, the only hotel located within the historic city walls.

As well as 90 contemporary bedrooms, the Tower Hotel also boasts a stylish setting in its restaurant and bar, a hotspot with locals and tourists alike.

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

‘I couldn’t help but get the sense of a city ready to move on, while never wanting to quite forget its past’ --------------------------

Having come prepared for the worst of the Irish weather, our coats took an unexpected rain check when the sun paid a fortunate visit, just in time for the Clipper Homecoming Festival – one of the many celebrations

A view from the top of one of Derry’s walls looking down on the Bogside

planned for action in Derry.

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race made Derry a port of Few places in these islands call on its homecom- the steep hills overlooking ing leg from Nova Scotia, after sailing 40,000 let Nadine Coyle and miles around the world. Snow Patrol’s Johnny The walls of the city McDaid.

After a night’s sleep are Ireland’s only completely intact city walls and a nightcap at the and the ideal location resident’s bar, breakto walk in the foot- fast brought with it a steps of times gone by local Derry man called while appreciating the Martin McCrossan, a historic landscape, the celebrity of the city, it backdrop of the Don- seemed.

With his knowledge egal hills and the River and passion for his city, Foyle.

T h e b r a n d n e w the native took us on Peace Bridge, still shin- an award-winning tour ing since its unveiling of the city walls, once only last year, links enjoyed – I’m told – by the Walled City to the Mr Will Ferrell himself.

His intriguing tales much-celebrated redevelopment at Ebrington led us to visit the Story of Derry at the Tower Square.

Once a British Mili- Museum, before strolltary Parade Ground, ing to the muralled the barracks have been landscape of the Bogreborn as a creative hub side, past the raw messages rising above the for the city.

A city full of culture, cityscape and on to the it’s fitting that Derry museum of Free Derry.

Established by those has been chosen to host the UK City of Culture closest to the victims of what has become celebrations next year.

“T here was music known as Bloody Sunthere in the Derry air,” day, the museum is Phil Coulter once told home to remnants of us and it appears not that historic day; tragic much has changed - in letters and perhaps one of the most symbolic that regard at least.

Emerging from the memories of the day, very streets of Derry has the famous white handcome former Eurovision kerchief waved by a disSong Contest winner, traught priest.

The festival weekend Dana, Girls Aloud star-

2 Aug – 16 Aug 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 31

Edited by Natalie Burke

TravelBriefs Enjoy a relaxing, indulgent weekend of escapism and pampering in the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa IF ever there was an excuse to treat yourself, the magnificent Slieve Donard Resort and Spa in County Down could be just the ticket.

Indulge in three, two or one night luxury breaks from only £80 per person including a full Irish breakfast, dinner in the Oak Restaurant and full use of the spa facilities. The Slieve Donard Resort is one of Ireland’s finest spa hotels and the perfect place for a relaxing, indulgent weekend of escapism and pampering. Lie back in the lounge and enjoy roaring open fires, catch up in the cosy bar or if you’re feeling adventurous take a hike up the close-by Mourne Mountains. Two-night stays start from £145 per person and a three-night stay starts from £200 per person. Offer is per person sharing and is available from Sunday to Thursday and is valid throughout 2012.

For further information log on to www.hastingshotels.com/ slieve-donard-resort-and-spa.

can offer such a compelling and unique experience for the visitor as the Walled City of Derry on its setting on the wide sweep of the River Foyle

was a taster for other celebrations set to hit the city over the next year, and brought with it the continental Walled C i t y M a r ke t w h i c h stretched along the river side, just moments from where the Clipper boats had docked.

A meander through the stalls brought to light international cheeses, French pastries and Spanish paella, as well as handmade jewellery, local crafts and artwork, before we took a sip of champagne aboard the visiting Earl of Pembroke Tall Ship, a vessel with Hollywood on the front page of its resume.

A short stroll across the Peace Bridge took us back once again to Ebrington Square, for open air performances

of the Saw Doctors and the Undertones, before the fireworks on the Foyle lit up the river and the city behind it.

The poignant crackle of the festival fireworks were reminiscent of the troubled sound that at one time had filled the Derry air, but a touching reminder that the future of the city is a bright and optimistic one, and has an extraordinary story to tell.

For more information on the fantastic events taking place in 2012 contact the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) on callsave 1850 230 230, visit the Tourist Information Centre, Suffolk Street, Dublin 2 to avail of its free advice and booking service or click on www.ni2012. com.

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race made Derry a port of call

32 SWORDS GAZETTE 2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012

Special Needs Offering information on disabilities and special needs

PLAY TIME: A UNIQUE ONLINE SERVICE

Special toys for special children FINDING products and toys that can assist children with their specific needs can be difficult, frustrating and time consuming but Thinking Toys, an Irish online business, is striving to eliminate those issues for parents of children with special needs.

Since it was first set up, Thinking Toys has helped raise awareness of a range of products that can bring specific benefits to children with special needs or learning difficulties.

Established by a family who felt the frustration first hand when trying to source suitable products to help their daughter’s special needs, the business has now become a one-stop shop for these toys.

Today, it has the most extensive range of such products available in Ireland, competitive pricing and carry a wide range of stock available for immediate shipping, whenever possible.

Thinking Toys constantly liaise with therapists, parents and children to identify gaps in the market and strive to fill them, and currently have a catalogue with 2,500 products.

The business will also demonstrate and display their products anywhere in Ireland to groups of therapists, teachers and support groups free of charge, and will be featuring a series of special Christmas toy shows across Ireland later in the year.

For more information and to keep up to date with new products, see www.thinkingtoys.ie.

The National Council for Special Education is supporting the inclusion of children with special needs in mainstream education

Supporting schools EVERY child has a right to an education appropriate to their needs and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) underlines the importance of educating a child with special educational needs in a mainstream class or a special class in a mainstream

primary or post-primary school.

The NCSE has a role in helping support schools in educating children in mainstream or special schools and also has a role to support parents in making decisions about their child’s education.

With over 80 special educational needs organisers (SENOs) working in 40 areas across the country, the NCSE works locally with schools and parents

in this way.

With the NCSE providing all schools with the additional educational supports they need to help children with special educational needs receive an appropriate education, schools across Ireland can apply for resource teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs).

Resource teachers provide additional teaching capacity to mainstream

primary and post-primar y schools while SNAs assist in the care of pupils with disabilities, such as those with medical needs, a physical or sensory disability or where their behaviour is a danger to themselves or others.

If your child has more significant special educational needs, they may need to attend a special class in a mainstream school or a special school

where the NCSE allocates the teaching and SNA supports to these settings.

Schools may also request specialist equipment, assistive technology and special school transport arrangements.

One of the NCES’s many functions is to provide information and advice to parents of children with special educational needs and SENOs are available to provide parents with information to help make important decisions about their child’s education.

The NCSE has also produced an information booklet for parents to help you understand more about your child’s special educational needs, how these needs are assessed and the supports available to your child in school.

The information booklet for parents is available on the NCSE website or you can obtain it by calling the head office on 046 948 6400.

Contact details for the council’s SENOs are available at www.ncse. ie.

2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 33

SPECIAL OLYMPICS: CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND LEADERS

A Special effort for inspiring athletes WITH all eyes on London and the endeavours of our local Olympians, it shouldn’t be forgotten that another group of sporting heroes must be hailed for their determination and commitment.

Special Olympics provides a year-round programme of sports training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities, and it enables athletes to achieve and win not only in sport but in life too.

Dublin falls under the remit of Special Olympics Eastern Region. Special Olympics Eastern Region extends from Balbriggan in north County Dublin to south County Dublin, Bray and along the east coast to Arklow.

There are 2,600 athletes participating in 87 clubs in Special Olympics Eastern Region.

In addition to offering

a comprehensive sports training and competition programme for people with an intellectual disability, Special Olympics also offers an Athlete Leadership Programme (ALPs), which offers workshops and training programmes at which athletes learn life skills such as public speaking, cookery, presentation skills, communication skills and computer skills.

Eighty-nine athletes currently participate in the Athlete Leadership Programme in the greater Dublin area, and these new skills enable athletes to become more independent and encourage them to become more involved in their local community.

In addition, the ALPs programme enables athletes to assist Special Olympics to advocate for the programme particu-

Special Olympians Claire Adams and Lynn Conroy

larly in presentations to schools, universities and in the corporate sector.

Athletes are very strong advocates of the programme and can demonstrate, better than anyone else, the changes Special Olympics make to their lives and the lives of their families.

Special Olympics Eastern Region is always looking for mentors to come on board to sup-

port athletes who wish to participate in the Athlete Leadership Programme. Mentors work closely with the athlete to develop their skills and support them as they participate in various ALPs activities including the ALPs award scheme. Key responsibilities include attendance at meetings/ workshops and working directly with the athlete to assist them in improv-

ing their writing, public speaking skills and with any projects they might be involved in.

If you’re interested in getting involved in the athlete leadership programme or any other aspect of the Special Olympics Eastern Region programme, contact Special Olympics Eastern Region directly on 01 891 2000 or email volunteers@specialolympics.ie.

ONLINE SUPPORT: A NEW WEBSITE FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES

Informing and supporting

DISCOVERING your child has a special need or disability for the first time can be daunting but Informing Families is a dedicated website which aims to provide support and advice to parents.

Funded by the Health Service Executive and set up as part of the Informing Families Project, the website not only supports parents but offers guidelines for healthcare workers in supporting families at this time.

For any parent learning their child has been diagnosed with a disability, or for parents who worried that their child might have a disability, the Informing

Katherine O’Leary, Chairperson of the Informing Families Project with her son Diarmuid

Families website offers information on learning your child has a disability, understanding what early intervention services are, finding out about the professionals you may meet, getting advice about search-

ing for health information on the Internet and learning about the entitlements and benefits that you and your family may be entitled to receive.

Katherine O’Leary, a parent and chairperson

of the Informing Families Project, welcomes new visitors and parents to the website, saying: “Everyone deals with the news of their child’s diagnosis differently. The timing of the diagnosis might also be different for everyone. It could come during pregnancy or after the birth of the baby, or, in some cases, it could be months or years later.

“Whenever it happens, remember that there is a lot of information out there. Sometimes this can feel like it is just too much to take in, so take your time with the information.”

Katherine is a mother to four children, two of

whom have disabilities.

“They are both now adults, so take it from me, you will cope and you will be happy again.

It just takes some time to adjust to the new path ahead.

“I often wonder why I cried so much in those first few weeks. I now have many occasions to cry with happiness and pride in their achievements. Take one day at a time and, gradually, you will start to enjoy your baby, while meeting the extra needs that your son or daughter may have,” she said.

For more information, visit www.informingfamilies.ie or call 091792316.

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34 SWORDS GAZETTE 2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012

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2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 35

GazetteSPORT

TRACK STARS:

DSD quartet make club and Irish Olympic history Page 36

COMPETITION: WIN A PLACE AT GIFT 2012 IN DONNYBROOK STADIUM OR PARNELL PARK

US players touch down for football American style sport@gazettegroup.com

SOME of the best young American football players from the United States are heading across the Atlantic to kick off their new season in Dublin - and Gazette readers have a chance to be there thanks to an exclusive tickets competition.

Top high school teams Loyola Academy from Chicago and Jesuit Dallas Prep from Texas will clash at 4pm on Friday, August 31, at Donny-

brook Stadium, followed by college teams John Carroll University and St Norbert College at 7.30pm the same night.

Among the highlights on offer on Dublin’s southside, Loyola won 12 straight games in Chicago’s tough Catholic League last season before losing in the state championship game. They are coached by former NFL Buffalo Bills linebacker John Holecek. Opponents Jesuit won eight games and lost two in

Dallas, arguably the most competitive and talented area when it comes to high school gridiron.

Parnell Park sees the Kent School from Connecticut take on the National School of American Football allstar team from the UK at 4pm before one of America’s nationally-ranked high schools Hamilton from Arizona face Notre Dame High School from California at 7.30pm.

Notre Dame are traditionally one of the strong-

John Carroll University (pictured here in blue) of Ohio will be facing off against St Norbert College of Wisconsin in Donnybrook Stadium on Friday, August 31

est teams in California, while in the past 14 years Hamilton have won 171 games and lost only 15 and have produced several prominent college and NFL players, including current Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs.

The Global Ireland Football Tournament (GIFT) event will also feature a parade from St Stephen’s Green to Trinity College featuring all teams, bands and cheerleaders at 5pm on Thursday, August 31 and a pep rally at 6pm.

We have two pairs of tickets for the GIFT 2012 to give away for either Donnybrook Stadium or Parnell Park. Just answer this simple question to be entered into a draw to win: How many points are awarded for scoring a touchdown?

Email your answers and your contact details to sport@gazettegroup. com with the subject line “GIFT 2012” If you are not lucky enough to win, tickets are available online at www.

Tickets.ie/GIF T2012 priced €15.

36 SWORDS GAZETTE 2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

ATHLETICS: DSD IRELAND’S MOST OLYMPIC CLUB FOR LONDON

Staunton qualifies for Skins fourball final EMMET Staunton enjoyed a homecoming success as he and Rod Park qualified for the Skins PGA Fourball Championship Final.

Staunton, from Castleknock Golf Club, and Sligo-based Park tied at the top of the leaderboard at the Irish region qualifying event held at Headfort Golf Club.

They carded a two under par round of 70 along with Peter Hanna (Lurgan) and Paul Stevenson (Portadown).

And they will join three other qualifiers at the £28,750 final which will be staged at Forest Pines Golf Club in Lincolnshire between October 3-5.

Staunton admitted he was on familiar territory at the Co Meath venue.

He said: “I played there as an amateur so I know the course well. I suppose it’s a bit like coming home - and I actually live very close by.

“But it’s probably been about 10 years since I left. I still have connections there.

“On this occasion though, the course played a lot longer than I remember it and although the conditions were good, it was windy and I think that was reflected in the scores.

“It’s a huge course when you’re playing off the blue tees. So a little local knowledge comes in handy.”

The pair did not take their place in the final last year. But Staunton says both he and Scottish player Park will be appearing at the Lincolnshire course this time.

He said: “We’ve never actually played in the final before, but we’ll be there.

“I’ve played there as a PGA assistant but never in the Fourball Championship. Rod’s a very good player, he was solid at Headfort.”

The final qualifying place had to be decided by a play-off with Mark Cribben (Carr Golf Services) and Greg Massey (Hermitage) winning through to the final.

DSDAC’s Olympic quartet for the 2012 Olympic Games: Linda Byrne, Claire Bergin, Ava Hutchinson and Deirdre Ryan

Historic week for DSD STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

DUNDRUM South Dublin AC will enjoy another memorable week in their storied history as four of the club’s athletes compete at the Olympic Games in London.

It makes the Marlay club the best represented of any sports club in Ireland while also beating their previous highest involvement when Noel Berkeley, Nick Sweeney and Victor Costello lined out in Barcelona.

This time around, the quartet includes marathon queens Linda Byrne and Ava Hutchinson, high jumper Deirdre Ryan – the Gazette Sport Star for 2011 – and Claire Bergin who will be part of the 4x400 metre relay team.

And club PRO and famed trainer Eddie McDonagh says it is a

momentous occasion for the club.

“This puts us onto another level. It’s very exciting,” he told GazetteSport.

“All of them have been in the club for many years, all from our local base which gives us a great deal of satisfaction.”

Ryan looks set to lead the charge following her incredible performance at last year’s world championships in Daegu, Korea when she broke her personal and Irish high jump record with the stand-out Irish performance of the world championship.

The Ballinteer woman makes it into the history books as Ireland’s first ever female Olympic high jumper. Clearing 1.95m in Korea netted her a sixth place finish. Her event starts on August 9.

Byrne and Hutchinson will be the first pair to

taste action in the Games this Sunday as they run in the opening event of the athletics competition, racing around the streets of London.

It is another feather in the cap of DSDAC’s incredible long-distance running regimen.

Both Byrne and Hutchinson were regular runners for the club as they ran up an incredible 15 consecutive national junior women’s cross-country titles before moving into adult competition.

McDonagh says London can be a big stepping stone for the two young athletes.

“They’ll all be looking for personal bests.

The African dominance means we’ll be pushed to show in the final stages.

But Ava and Linda are both young, ‘next-time’ people and are in great shape and will run very

well and, with any bit of luck, will improve for Rio in 2016.”

The former was among the first qualifiers for the Games when she became the Irish national champion in the 2011 Dublin city marathon, beating the Olympic A standard of two hours and 37 minutes.

Hutchinson qualified with the fastest Irish time, beating the A time by 90 seconds at the 2012 Chevron Houston marathon in January.

It almost became a DSDAC one-two-three as Maria McCambridge - a club member for over 15 years but now based in Letterkenny - beat the Olympic time in Rome.

But, in the end, 36-yearold McCambridge was missed out as Caitriona Jennings, from Rathfarnham AC also made the cut-off in Rotterdam.

Athletics Ireland only had three places to dole out and Jennings got the nod.

For Byrne and Hutchinson, their race gets under way at 11am on Sunday.

McCambridge decided against an appeal, accepting the tough decision but, for Claire Bergin, who she runs with in the 4x400m relay was a situation twice contested by Caitriona Cuddihy and Joanna Mills.

For Bergin, her participation is another one for the record books, being the first female to compete for Ireland at both the summer and winter Games. In 2010 she was part of Ireland’s superb women’s bobsleigh team at the Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Her heats take place on Thursday, August 9 with the final taking place the following day.

2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 37

DublinGazetteNewspapers

VOLUNTEERS: UCD AND COUNCIL TO RUN COURSE

2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS JULY WINNERS

STARof theMONTH FINN LYNCH THE NATIONAL Yacht Club sailor produced an amazing performance to grab a silver medal at the WSAF world youth sailing championships, held in Dun Laoghaire in July.

The 16-year-old was a distant third before a remarkable comeback in the final race of the regatta against sailors up to two years older than him.

TEAMof theMONTH GERRY AND ROBERT MORAN CASTLE golf club pairing Gerry and Robert Moran overcame a field of over 500 to claim the annual AllIreland Father and Son competition. After five rounds of competition, they eventually held their nerve on the first playoff hole to get the better of the Whelan combination from Baltinglass in the final.

HOME turf can often provide the edge in performance and so it proved this month for our sporting stars.

For Finn Lynch, knowing the water ways and waves of Dun Laoghaire harbour may well have given him the inside knowledge against an international field as the world junior sailing championships, an edge which meant he kept the faith when silver looked out of the question on the final day of racing

and leapt from third to second.

For Gerry and Robert Moran, their experience of the famous Castle course where they are members proved their edge, winning an AllIreland title ahead of a huge cast of challengers.

Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin. Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes.

These volunteers were honoured for their outstanding contributions to sport in Ireland in the Aviva Stadium

Volunteer training scheme sport@gazettegroup.com

T H E UC D A t h l e t i c Union Council and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership have introduced a sports volunteer development programme in conjunction with the UCD Centre for Sports Studies.

The aim is to equip volunteers with the skills to contribute to the development of their club and will assist participants to become positive roles models within the community

and sports clubs.

Programme participants must be over 18 years of age and currently be, or aspire to become, actively involved in an organisational or administrative capacity in a sports club within Dún LaoghaireRathdown County or UCD club.

Twenty places will be made available in 2012.

Ten of these places will be reserved for those from sports clubs based in the County and ten for members of UCD

sports clubs. The programme fee is €75 and covers all of the courses and workshops.

These include sports first aid, child protection, sports inclusion, volunteer recruitment, club finances, sports g ove r n a n c e , s p o r t s sponsorship, communications and media and event management.

The programme will run from September to December 2012 with all sessions taking place in UCD. Participants will be

Fins’ festival: Lawless park run girls’ day FINGALLIANS will host a Gaelic football festival for juvenile girls’ teams on August 18 from 11am to 4pm.

This celebration for U-10 girls involves teams from across Leinster, with 150 children taking part. This annual event was last held in Fingallians in the 1980s and its revival promises a very enjoyable and successful day of sport.

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

required to attend all t e n wo r k s h o p s a n d seminars over three evenings and two Saturdays totalling 20 hours.

For more infomation and to download an application form, go to www.dlrsportspartnership.ie.

You can also contact Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership at sportspartnership@dlrcoco.ie or 01 271 9502.

Completed forms must be returned September 7.

38 SWORDS GAZETTE 2 Aug - 16 Aug 2012

GazetteSport Sport OLYMPICS: SWORDS SWIMMER MISSES OUT ON SEMI-FINALS

CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS THE PAUL Flynn football

Our club camogie

school of excellence

section is approach-

for boys and girls aged

ing its first year anni-

12 to 16 takes place on

ver s ar y wi th thr e e

August 7 to 10. Coach-

teams active in the

ing will be carried out

Dublin leagues. We are

by Dublin intercounty

a c t i ve l y r e c r u i t i n g

players and the cost

new players and men-

of the camp is €50.

tors.

The club will be

Training is on Tues-

hosting an U-10 foot-

days nights for U-13s

ball festival on August

at 6pm in Balheary,

11 (boys) and August 18

with all teams playing

(girls).

on Thursday nights at

A junior hurling quarter-final between

6.30pm, again in Balheary.

Fing allians and Kil-

For fur ther infor-

macud Crokes will be

mation, contact San-

played in Silver Park

dra O’Brien on 087 582

on Wednesday, August

9 82 1 or s andraobr-

15 at 7pm.

ien67@gmail.com Barry Murphy now focusing on his other event, the 50m freestyle

FINGAL RAVENS THE SENIOR team had

pathies to the Walker

a good win last week

family on the death

in the league against

of Bet t y la s t week .

St Mary’s, but were

We would also like to

beaten by Oliver Plun-

send our sympathies

kett’s on Saturday.

to the family of Liam

All tickets for All-

Andrews and to Car-

Ireland quarter- final

mel Sammon and her

vs Laois in Croke Park

family on their recent

must be collected and

bereavement.

p a i d f o r o n Fr i d a y

Anyone

who

is

night from 9 to 10pm in

interested in apply-

the bar of Kettle’s.

ing for the job of club

We want your old

caretaker and main-

mobile phones to

tenance person, com-

upgrade our defibril-

mencing the first week

lator. There is a box in

in September, please

the clubhouse where

contact John McCa-

you can leave them, or

rthy on 087-6599348,

please bring them to

this is run in conjunc-

Kettles when you are

tion with FAS, all appli-

collecting your tickets

cants must be over 25

on Friday.

and must be signed on

We extend our sym-

for at least one year.

ST FINIANS ANOTHER great week-

to reach the final of

end for our adult foot-

the competition, which

ballers with wins for

will be played over the

both our intermedi-

coming weeks.

ate and junior football

The next Dublin SFC

teams. Our inters beat

match is against Laois

Ballyboughal on Sat-

and it will be played in

urday evening and the

Croke Park on Satur-

juniors beat Wild Geese

day, August 4 at 7pm.

on Sunday morning.

The Lotto jackpot

We had seven repre-

was €6,000. The num-

sentatives on the Fin-

bers drawn were 4, 12,

gal minor hurling team

15, 22. There was no

that played in the All-

winner. The €50 win-

Ireland hurling blitz in

ners Con Murphy and

Monaghan. Fingal man-

Eoin, Cillian, Callum and

aged to win all three

Evan c/o Mary Murphy.

games, beating Tyrone,

Next week’s jackpot will

Monaghan and Louth

be €6,100.

Murphy disappoints in heat I sport@gazettegroup.com

SWORDS swimmer Barry Murphy bowed out of the 100m breaststroke event at the London Aquatics Centre last weekend at 2012 Games, finishing eighth in his heat with a time of 1.01.57.

Despite clocking his third best time ever in the 100m breaststroke, Murphy has found himself out of his preferred event, and will now look forward to the 50m freestyle, which he will participate in on Thursday, August 2.

Speaking after missing out on a place in the quarter-finals, Murphy

said: “Thankfully, it is not my only event, I’ve got the 50m freestyle where I’ve been showing good speed all year.”

“I can forget about breaststroke now and start concentrating on the freestyle, which I haven’t been doing for a week or two.”

Earl McCarthy, one of Ireland’s swimming greats of the 1992 Games, noted how Murphy, irrespective of his perspective and other events, would be disappointed with the outcome in the breaststroke.

“This is really disappointing for Barry. I’m sure he’s going to be very

Michael Toft Cup: Swords to take on Shels at Balheary SWORDS Celtic will play a challenge match against Airtricity League powerhouse Shelbourne for the Michael Toft Memorial Perpetual Cup challenge match between on August 4 at the club’s Balheary home at 3pm as part of their Leinster Senior League preseason preparations.

Pictured at the launch of the game this week were Larry Clare, Swords Celtic senior manager; Michael Toft Senior and Ray Kelly, Swords Celtic chairman.

disappointed with the result.

“All credit to him as an athlete, but this is not what he would have been looking for coming into the Games.

“If he had swum a little bit better than his best, he could’ve got through to the semi-final, and looking at the other results, that would’ve actually worked for him.

“But it didn’t go his way and it’s a very disappointing day for such a talented athlete,” said McCarthy.

Veteran of the 2000 and 2008 Games and close friend to Murphy, Andrew Bree also sound-

ed off on Murphy’s early exit: “The 100m is a very tough event, you have to go all out for that minute and Barry seemed to be in amongst it for the first 15 metres, but you have to keep that pace through the first 25 to 50 metres.

“You have to keep relaxed and the swim needs to be smooth so you can give it your all in the last 50 metres, and we saw he just dropped in the last 15.

“I know exactly what he was going through and his whole body would’ve been [hurting] in the last 15 metres. It’s a very tough swim but I’m sure he’ll be disappointed,”

said Bree.

Melanie Nocher, who also failed to qualify from her heats, went on record earlier this week to defend her own performances and that of her team mates, who many believe to be out of their depth in the swimming events.

“We may get criticised for not swimming our best times in our heats, but at the same time there’s only 20 per cent of people overall who do personal bests at the Olympics and that’s very rarely in the morning, so you have to take that into consideration,” said the Wexford swimmer.