Castleknock

Castleknock GAZET TE FREE

Hoist the mainsail for arrival of the Tall Ships SEE PAGE 13 AUGUST 23, 2012 Find us on

CASTLEKNOCK • CARPENTERSTOWN • LAUREL LODGE • ROSELAWN

INSIDE: Prepare for college life with our EEducation d Options P17

CONSERVATION: Visitors flock to see cattle at St Catherine’s Park P3

Sports Force: Ulster Bank to help GAA clubs Handball: Kennedy aims for ninth title in ten years Page 30

Hurling: Castleknock U-11 hurlers the Camaint kings Page 31

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ..................... 6 DIARY ............................12 ENTERTAINMENT ..........15 BUSINESS .....................16 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 28 SPORT .......................... 29

PICTURED at the launch of Ulster Bank GAA Force is Oliver Moore, age 5, from St Brigid’s GAA club in Blanchardstown and Castleknock with Donegal’s Karl Lacey, Kerry’s Darran O’Sullivan and Cork’s Sean Og O hAilpin.

GAA Force is an initiative which supports local GAA clubs across the country by offering them the chance to win support packages to refurbish and upgrade their facilities. Ulster Bank, official sponsor of the GAA Football All-Ireland Championship, is calling on clubs to register for this year’s competition on www.ulsterbank.com/gaa.

Work underway on new college building State-of-the-art project to be finished by 2013

I LAURA WEBB

LUTTRELLSTOWN Community College will move to permanent accommodation in September 2013 as construction work on a new stateof-the-art building gets underway.

Diggers have moved in and are now on site at Porterstown

Link Road. The first phase of the work is expected to take one year, providing accommodation for 650 pupils, a general purpose hall and ancillary facilities.

Once complete, the second phase of construction for a community facility, along with additional accommodation for 350 pupils, will be provided.

Speaking to the Gazette this week, Luttrellstown Community College principal Fionnuala Ni Chaisil said the school is looking forward to moving into the new education campus, “which will only help us to achieve even more with the great students we have”.

Full Story on Page 5

2 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23 August 2012

CSO: 628 OFFENCES RECORDED IN 2011

EVENT Funday raising funds for vital treatment

Blanch is second worst for burglaries I LAURA WEBB lwebb@gazettegroup.com

BLANCHARDSTOWN reports more burglaries than almost anywhere else in the country, a statistic local representatives say is a serious concern.

Comprehensive statistics by the Central Statistic’s Office (CSO) revealed Blanchardstown is the second-worse affected area for reported burglaries with 628 burglary offences recorded in 2011, coming in behind Tallaght.

Tallaght has the largest recordings of this crime, with 922 such offences investigated by gardai last year. The CSO publishes crime trends figures every quarter.

Dublin West TD Patrick Nulty (Lab) said any burglary is a “serious” concern and that over-stretched Garda resources have not helped the issue.

“628 break-ins in a year is a very significant number, and it is worthy of serious concern and attention.

“Resources are stretched. We cannot run a police service, a fire service, an ambulance and a hospital ser vice without the appropriate level of staffing to do it. In my view, our frontline services are very stretched. The recruitment embargo should be lifted to allow us to recruit frontline staff, which is not only

economically the correct approach, but also essential to making sure we have decent, quality public services for citizens.

“I do think there is severe pressure on Garda resources in the Blanchardstown area, particularly in terms of being able to respond to calls. Constituents have reported to me that the response times can be quite long at times, and I think that is due to a resource issue.

“The community gardai in Blanchardstown area do tremendous work, and I know they try to work with the community as best as possible. In particular, I think we need to be vigilant, particularly for older residents to make sure they are being integrated in the community and people remain in contact with them,” Deputy Nulty added.

Philip Jennings, coordinator of the Safer Blanchardstown Forum offered advice to residents to help combat against burglaries.

“An increase in neighbourliness is a start. Look out for cars and vans on the street. Don’t leave any valuables on view, handbags, purse, laptops, anything that can be seen from the outside is an opportunity.

“The Garda website and the Safer Blanchardstown website have some very useful information and tips.”

Kasey’s great grandfather Christie Whelan, Granny Sandra Kelly and Auntie Lisa Whelan. Pictures: Ania Sherlock

Keen to show support for Kasey A SPECIAL Marathon Bootcamp Family Funday was held in the Pheonix Park recently to raise money for Kasey Kelly from Tallaght who is in Boston as she is critically ill and urgently needs treatment for a tumour. Kasey’s family needs help to

Paddy Kelly, AJ Morgan and Darragh Lopez

Ava and Lauren Darcy

Showing their support for Kasey

Kids enjoy dance classes

Daryl Boylan

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Nathan Byrne enjoying the Derek and Holly Bourke

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raise €500,000 to give her the treatment she needs to save her life. The fundraising event featured a minifootball tournament, face-painting, a dancing competition and lots more with every cent going towards Kasey’s life-saving treatment.

Cindy, Sophie, Kasey, Aoife and Lauren with magician Katie Bonar

wheelbarrow race

23 August 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 3

PROJECT Scottish Highland cows keep park green

Herds of visitors flock to see cattle I LAURA WEBB lwebb@gazettegroup.com

RESIDENTS in Dublin 15 are flocking to St Catherine’s Park to see a herd of Scottish Highland cattle that are keeping the grass short for visitors as part of a national conservation project.

The park, which is under ownership of Fingal County Council, is located in Lucan and has been given a herd of the distinctive breed of cattle on loan from a local farmer.

According to a spokesperson for FCC, their Parks Service has identified St Catherine’s Park as a demonstration

project for floodplain management along the Liffey for nature conservation.

“Rather than allow floodplains to turn to rank grassland, this is a way of viewing these fields in a new light and to help create a mosaic of typical floodplain habitats along the River Liffey,” the spokesperson said.

So far, the project has seen restoration of a stream to a meandering course and new pools created along the stream, which is hoped to attract new wetland plants, frogs, dragonflies and wetland birds such as herons.

The Scottish Highland cattle have been introduced to keep the grass short in the adjacent field, and are also an attractive feature for visitors to the parks.

“It is hoped that the diversity of wetlands, hay meadow, grazed meadows and wet woodland will attract more plants and wildlife to the park,” the spokesperson added.

Meanwhile, across the county at Portmarnock, FCC and a local community association has been working with local landowners to eliminate giant hogweed from the Sluice River catchment at Kinsealy and Portmarnock.

“Although it is a beauti-

Moooove over: Scottish Highland cattle keep the grass short while bringing visitors to St Catherine’s Park

ful and decorative plant, giant hogweed is dangerous, causing serious burns and scarring when its sap comes into contact with skin and is subsequently exposed to sunlight,” the spokesperson explained, adding that the Sluice River catchment is the worst infected area within Fingal where this plant

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occurs, and is the priority for a control programme.

The plants are sprayed with herbicide and seed heads are removed to prevent the further spread of the plant.

If Dublin 15 residents are thinking about heading to Howth Head, then be ready for some new faces.

A herd of goats can be seen working hard to keep down the overgrowth and brambles along the area, which is a part of the pilot scheme, an innovative way of using animals suitable for the terrain to help the council manage the landscape in an ecologically sound manner.

PLATFORM School set for new season PLATFORM Stage School is getting ready for another year of singing, dancing, drama and fun, which leads up to their stage production of Mary Poppins.

Last year, the school, which is located at various locations including Diswellstown, rolled out a very successful season, with a huge number of medal winners at the D15 Performing Arts Festival in Draiocht Theatre.

But the highlight of their year was their version of the classic musical Oliver! which played for four packed-out performances.

The audience sang along to all the familiar tunes and the children were very excited and thrilled to be performing for their parents and friends.

For further information about the school, log onto www.platformstageschool.ie

4 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23 August 2012

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FIRE Bar area escapes damage and reopens

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60 10 240 The fire brigade bring things under control at Myo’s after a fire in the kitchen area caused extensive damage. Picture: Ronan Quinlan

Blaze breaks out at landmark pub Myo’s I LAURA WEBB

lwebb@gazettegroup.com

CASTLEKNOCK Village’s landmark public house Myo’s is back open for business, but without catering facilities, after a fire broke out destroying the kitchen area.

A fire in the kitchen broke out on Monday, August 13, damaging the catering area which is located on the second floor of the Main Street pub. The roof above the kitchen was also damaged in the blaze which happened around midday.

The staff were going about their daily busi-

Money Doctor is the trading name of Providence Finance Services Limited and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

ness at the time when the alarm was raised. A number of fire engines attended and the firefighters quickly got the blaze under control.

As the damage was confined to the second floor, the bar area of the popular public house was back open and has remained open since last Tuesday, the day after the fire broke out.

Speaking to the Gazette this week, Myo’s manager Noel Murray said thankfully no one was injured and the bar area is open again for business.

“We were all here; catering staff and some

of the bar staff were here at the time. Nobody was injured. The fire brigade were alerted and they came and brought the situation under control.

“There is damage to the kitchen and the roof.

Some work has started on repairing the damage.

We were closed for one day. We reopened on the Tuesday evening after the incident because the damage is mainly confined to the upstairs area – the kitchen and the roof,” he said.

“The main bar area [located on the ground floor] had very little damage to it, a bit of smoke and water dam-

age, but other than that, it was fine. Once the water went away, we were okay to reopen.

“So we are open for business as a bar for the time being, but as far as catering facilities are concerned it is unknown how long that will be out of action because they are still assessing the damage and trying to establish what needs to be done,” he added.

According to Noel, the estimated cost of the damage has not been fully established yet and, once repair work in the kitchen has been carried out, customers will have to wait until they can

provide catering to the public again. “We have no timescale as of yet for that, we just have to wait,” Noel added.

Meanwhile, it’s business as usual for Castleknock Toastmasters who meet on the first and third Thursday of every month upstairs in Myo’s.

According to their public relations officer, Yvonne O’Sullivan, they will be back holding meetings at the usual location this September following their summer break.

“We’ve been informed that that room is okay and we can continue to use it,” she told the Gazette.

FCC up for two Excellence awards I LAURA WEBB

FINGAL County Council has received three nominations at this year’s Excellence in Local Government Awards.

This is the ninth year of the awards Chamber Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards, held in association with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.

Fingal has been shortlisted in two categories – Innovation in Technology and Local Authority Economic Efficiencies.

In the Innovation in Tech-

nology category, FCC has two nominations, including the Fingal Open Data programme and #Apps4Fingal initiative, while the council is also shortlisted for the Local Authority Economic Efficiencies category for their Process of Organisational Change 2009-2011.

Delighted with the nominations, Fingal County manager, David O’Connor, said: “Here in Fingal County Council we have made huge strides to streamline our services where they are needed most.

“Certainly, in an ongoing climate of less resources, both

financial and staffing resources, we have to consider different ways to deliver customer services. This process of organisational change has resulted in a very different model for service delivery, one that is unique to Fingal and one which places emphasis on the locality and community, and not on the traditional service departments.

“To be nominated for an award for this change process is very satisfactory, and recognises the strategic work which has been taking place in the background over recent years.”

He continued: “The nomina-

tions in the Innovation and Technology category are very welcome as we strongly support openness and transparency in what we do and how our data and information is used by many other agencies and organisations.”

The Chamber Ireland Awards are scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 8, in the Burlington Hotel. There will be a total of 17 awards presented across a variety of categories which include Supporting Active Communities, Festival of the Year, Sports Development and Local Authority Economic Efficiencies.

23 August 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 5

LUTTRELLSTOWN CC: STATE-OF-THEART BUILDING GETS UNDER WAY

RETAIL

Ten new tenants for centre

Work starts on new school site CONSTRUCTION on the long-awaited state-ofthe-art building for Luttrellstown Community College has commenced, much to the delight of the pupils and staff.

Diggers have been seen on the new school site, which is beside the newly built Porterstown Link Road.

In a statement to the Gazette, a spokesperson for the Department of Education confirmed that construction has commenced on phase one of Luttrellstown Community College, which will provide accommodation for 650 pupils, a general purpose hall and ancillary facilities. An extension for Scoil Choilm is also being provided as part of this project.

The construction period for phase one is approximately one year.

Once complete, the second phase of construction for a community facility, along with additional accommodation for 350 pupils, will be commenced.

Speaking to the Gazette this week, Luttrellstown Community College principal Fionnuala Ni Chaisil said she is pleased to confirm that site works have begun at the school’s site, which will see them move into phase one of the new school in September 2013.

“It has been a long journey to get to this stage.

However, we can now look forward to HKTT and Western Build getting LCC’s design and build programme under way.

“We are entering our fourth year in our temporary site on Mill Road in Blanchardstown Village, and it has been a fantas-

tic few years, building a college of excellence, reaching for and attaining the highest academic and personal standards.

However, we look forward to our new education campus which will help us to achieve even more with the great students we have,” the principal said.

“Not only will it house Luttrellstown Community College and Scoil Choilm, but phase two will see the development of a special needs unit, a sports hall with enhanced facilities and a GAA all-weather pitch.

“We want to thank all parties involved in bringing this project to this point: The Department of Educational and Skills, FCC and of course County Dublin VEC. This collective effort reflects the motto of our college: Ni neart go cur le cheile.”

Getting along swimmingly: Local ladies enjoy 92nd Liffey Swim PICTURED at the 92nd Liffey Swim sponsored by Dublin City

Council and Dublin Port were Noelle McDonald, Leanne Masters, Michelle McEvoy and Jackie O’Connor, NAC Masters Swimming Club from Blanchardstown. The 92nd Dublin City Liffey Swim, sponsored by Dublin City Council, took place on August 18. Dublin’s Lord Mayor Naoise O’Muiri officially fired the starting gun for the men’s race at 11.15am, and the women’s race an hour later at 12.15pm. 274 swimmers took part in this year’s race - 174 men and 100 women. The Men’s Race was won by Tom Loftus from the Eastern Bay Swimming Club and the Women’s Race was won by Clodagh Nolan from Carraig Masters Swimming Club.

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THE Blanchardstown Centre has secured ten new tenants to fill units throughout the shopping complex.

Four of the new occupiers are from the US, including Sketchers, Foot Solutions, Cell Again and KFC. Casual dining restaurant Nando’s is set to open this autumn overlooking the Blue Mall entrance in a new unit that will incorporate outdoor seating.

The two largest lettings, of over 2,000 sq m each, go to retailers Boots and DFS. Boots will relocate to a new flagship store in September, while furniture retailer DFS, opened their very first outlet in Ireland in the centre’s retail park near Liberty Insurance earlier this year.

Other new occupiers include Herbal Inn, Yankee Candles, Sugar Dolls and Compu B.

6 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23 August 2012

OLYMPICS Members of America’s synchronised swimming

David Conway, of the National Aquatic Centre, with a member of the USA synchronised swimming team

Training

Perfect timing makes a splash HE American synchronised swimming tour bought a dash of glamour to the National Aquatic Centre (NAC) recently when they returned to continue training there ahead of their competition in the Olympics.

The extremely coordinated team made quite a splash with their routines and skills, with the Abbotstown centre proving a perfect venue ahead of competing in London.

The NAC was selected as the squad’s pre-Olympic training base, with more than 20 swimmers and team officials visiting the centre on a number of occasions this year. Young members of the NAC Synchro Academy were delighted to meet the Olympians, who shared words of encouragement and advice with the Irish girls.

T

Robbie Whelan, of the National Aquatic Centre, with members of the USA synchronised swimming team

Water performance ... The swimmers performed with precision and superb timing during their rehearsals

23 August 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 7

team practice for London at the National Aquatic Centre

Continuing with their impressive synchronised swimming rehearsals

Members of NAC Synchro Academy with their coach, Kinga Stefaniak

Ella Delaney and Lara Piesche meet the American swimmers, who praised the hospitality they found in Ireland

8 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23 August 2012

FCC: OVER €100M PAID

‘Thanks for paying charge’ FINGAL County Manager, David O’Connor, has thanked the majority of people in the county for paying the controversial household charge that has collected over €100 million nationally, and appealed to those who have yet to pay to register as soon as possible.

It has been revealed that over €100 million has been received to date from 990,459 households nationally in respect of payment of the household charge.

Mr O’Connor thanked “the majority of people in Fingal who have paid”, and said he is “encouraged by the number of citizens who continue to pay the charge”.

“Fingal County Council will use the proceeds of the Household Charge

to maintain essential local services.

“This money is critical to fund essential local services such as public parks, libraries, open spaces and leisure amenities, planning and development, fire and emergency ser vices, maintenance and cleaning of streets and street lighting – all facilities that benefit everyone in the community.”

Mr O’Connor went on to appeal to owners of residential properties who have not yet paid, to register and pay as soon as possible.

Payment of the charge and all penalties due can be made online at www. householdcharge.ie, by posting an application form to PO Box 12168, Dublin 1 or at local authority offices.

EVENT Ball for LauraLynn Foundation in Blanch hotel

Friends to host ball in support of local hospice FORMER schoolmates of a local girl who passed away after developing leukaemia have come together to host a ball to raise funds for a charity established in memory of their friend, Lynn McKenna.

The charity, the LauraLynn Children’s Hospice Foundation, was set up by Jane and Brendan McKenna in 2001 after both their young daughters, Laura and Lynn, passed away within a space of just two years.

Since their passing,

Jane worked tiredlessly to set up Ireland’s firstever children’s hospice, which became a reality last year when the LauraLynn House at the Children’s Sunshine Home was officially opened.

Applauding the amazing work Jane has done are three girls who went to school with Lynn at St Dominic’s College in Cabra, who was 15 when she died.

Linda Kenny, K im Lawlor and Holly Ryan have always said they wanted to help raise funds for the charity and this year they decided to make it happen. As a result, they are hosting the first-ever Sunshine

Ball at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown. If it is successful, they hope to make it an annual event.

“Lynn was just a lovely girl. Her mam said this [LauraLynn Foundation] was the only thing that is keeping her going.

She has been doing this for so long, trying to get the children’s hospice built,” Linda told the Gazette.

“We have been saying it for years, but with work commitments and things like that, we kept putting it off. But, after Christmas, we were chatting with Lynn’s mam after we saw her on a TV programme, so we knew

Former president, Mary McAleese, at the official opening of the LauraLynn House at the Children’s Sunshine Home last year

it was time to do it.

“Lynn was in our class from first to third year.

She developed leukaemia when she was with us in school. The day Lynn was diagnosed with leukaemia her younger sister, Laura, went in for a heart operation and she died that day [in 1999 aged just four].

Lynn died a year and a

half later.

“Her mam has worked so hard to get the children’s hospice set up. We knew we wanted to support her. We have had a great response, with nearly 200 tickets sold already,” she added.

A ticket for the ball costs €50 and covers a drinks reception, fourcourse meal and entertainment. The entertainment is being provided

by Ciara Dignam, the daughter of Aslan vocalist Christy Dignam, and a DJ until late.

“Some of the cast from Fair City are also coming down to MC the evening.

It’s turning out to be a great night,” Linda said.

Jane McKenna is fully supportive of the night as the LauraLynn House at the Children’s Sunshine Home needs all the support it can get.

Linda explains: “They still need funds to run the children’s hospice. It costs over a million euro to run each year, and none of it is funded by the Government.

“It’s the only children’s hospice in Ireland, while there are 43 in the UK. They really rely on fundraising to keep it going.

There are still tickets left, so we are trying to get as many people as we can to fill the room.”

This event takes place on Saturday, September 29, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown. Anyone interested in supporting the night can contact the organisers by emailing thesunshineball2012@gmail. com

23 August 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 9

10 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23 August 2012

BAG-PACK

Call for help from charity CHARITY Anam Cara is calling on volunteers to help make their next fundraising event a big success.

The charity’s national bag-pack day is taking place on Saturday, November 3 at Dunnes Stores throughout Ireland. As this is their big fundraising event for 2013, they still need volunteers.

T h i s e ve n t r a i s e s awareness of the organisation and the necessary funds for them to deliver their online and face-toface services to bereaved parents throughout Ireland.

The team are looking for people to volunteer in different areas, such as supervising the bag packers for a couple of hours.

If you can assist, contact Anam Cara on 01 404 5378, or email c.curley@anamcara.ie or visit www.anamcara.ie for more information.

THEATRE Hollyoaks’ star thrilled to be in Dublin

Bastian buzzes as Chicago comes to town I PAUL HOSFORD

CHICAGO, one of the world’s most successful musicals, returns to Dublin this month, with an all-star cast set to light up the stage of the Bord Gais Energy Theatre.

Alongside Bernie Nolan, Duncan James and former Coronation Street star Tupele Dorgu, the cast is ably led by Ali Bastian.

The former Hollyoaks’ and The Bill star told the Gazette that she is eagerly anticipating the Dublin dates, having grown fond of our fair city in recent years.

“I’m really looking

forward to it. I absolutely love Dublin and have friends in Sligo, and I love it there. Every time I go to visit them, we spend a couple of days in Dublin,” says Ali, who plays Roxie Hart in the 1920’s musical.

Based on real-life events back in the roaring 1920s, nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and along with cell-block rival, doublemurderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep from Death Row with the help of smooth-talking lawyer, Billy Flynn.

This production of the show opened in England in February and has filled theatres across

Europe since then.

“We opened in February and have played to full houses everywhere, and it has been a lot of fun. It’s tough because we do eight shows a week and I’m on stage a lot, but the crew and the cast are just great to work with.

“Because I’m on stage so much, it’s very easy to build a lot of momentum.”

Having competed on Strictly Come Dancing, Ali is taking to the stage in her first-ever musical, but has found a character in Roxy that she finds is a joy to play.

“Roxy is great. She’s so feisty and headstrong

Ali Bastian as Roxie Hart in the hit musical Chicago

that being able to play her is great.

“I think I’m a little like her, but I’m not capable of murder!

“A lot of people have played her, so I had to try put my own spin on it and avoid trying too hard to copy what had already been done.

“Rox y has a child inside her in a way, she’s very vulnerable.”

As for sharing the stage with an Irish legend in Bernie Nolan, Ali says that getting to watch her perform nightly is “extraordinary”.

Chicago will play at

the Bord Gais Energy Theatre for two weeks only from August 21 to September 2. Tickets, priced from €20 are on sale now from Ticketmaster.

For more information, see http://www. bordgaisenergytheatre. ie.

R1

23 August 2012 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 23 August 2012

GazetteContacts Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com

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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.

SNAPSHOT: THE STORIES OF THE DAY FROM AROUND THE CAPITAL

Fantastic fringe fest set for September GET READY for absolute fun when Absolut Fringe gets under way this September for a spectacular 16-day festival packed with a variety of entertainment.

Limerick radicals The Rubberbandits were on hand recently to launch the programme, showcasing what people can expect from the festival.

Accompanying the Horse Outsiders at the launch were just a few of the festival’s 90 contributors including aerial acrobatic act, PaperDolls, Ireland’s leading young theatre companies THEATREClub and the hipsters of the Irish theatre world, The Company.

This year is the 18th anniversary of the festival, which hosts performances from up to 90 artists with companies presenting 624 events spanning theatre, dance, music, live and visual arts in over 30 venues across Dublin.

With its extensive programme of events, we couldn’t possibly name them all, so log on to www.fringefest.com for further information and booking details.

Nestle targets big fund for Jack & Jill The staff at Nestle Ireland have committed themselves to raising over €120,000 for the Jack and Jill Foundation by the end of this year.

With less than 20% of the charity’s €2.7 million annual budget coming from the State, every fundraising effort is essential to the running of the foundation, including corporate fundraisers like Nestle Ireland.

It is hoped that the €120,000 raised will provide 7,500 hours of vital nursing home care for children who need 24 hours a day support. The “Gift of Time” is how parents describe Jack & Jill’s support.

The nationwide service includes nurs-

DIARY ing home visits and care, advice and bereavement support, with the Foundation providing funding for up to 64 hours of home nursing care per month at a cost of up to €1,024 per family.

To see how you can help contribute to the Foundation, or to find out more about their work, log on to http:// www.jackandjill.ie/

AWARE to benefit from virtual cycle Last week saw Tesco staff members across Dublin get on their bikes for charity to support the depression support charity, AWARE. Tesco employees cycled the equivalent distance from Dublin to Cork to raise funds for the charity on August 16.

Yet the riders didn’t go anywhere during the ride, as they used stationary bikes in stores. All day long, staff members took it in turns to cycle the 160-mile virtual journey.

Aware is the national organisation providing information, support and education about depression, a condition which affects more than 450,000 people in Ireland at any given time.

The focus in this year’s partnership between Tesco Ireland and AWARE is on teenage depression.

Depression affects many teenagers in Ireland and funds raised through the partnership will enable Aware to deliver Beat the Blues, Aware’s free secondary schools’ programme, to approximately 16,000 additional teenagers this year.

For more information, see www. aware.ie

23 August 2012 GAZETTE 13

FESTIVAL International race ends in Dublin

The Polish barquentine, Pogoria, moors for the night in Dun Laoghaire, with the vessel’s early arrival last weekend marking the first Tall Ship to reach Dublin ahead of this weekend’s festival celebrations. Picture: Geraldine Woods

Hoist the mainsail for arrival of the Tall Ships I LAURA WEBB

D U BL I N r e s i d e n t s should get ready to set sail when the spectacular Tall Ships Race Festival arrives in Dublin’s Docklands this month.

Families can end the summer with a bang with this action-packed, free festival, that marks the last leg of the international Tall Ships Race 2012.

People are invited to join the crew for what organisers are describing as the biggest party

of the summer when the north and south quays of the Docklands come alive over four days with music, children’s activities in a special Family Zone, a food theatre, markets, watersports, street performances and Dublin’s first-ever floating cinema.

Literar y trails and art exhibitions that celebrate personal stories and memories of the city’s seafaring community and life on the docks are also part of the programme.

The capital is the last port for this visually stunning sailing race, with 60 magnificent ships taking part.

The fleet set sail at the Northern French port of St Malo in early July, and will have raced across the Bay of Biscay to Lisbon in Portugal and Cadizin Spain before its arrival in Dublin.

One highlight of the festival will be the Crew Parade on Saturday, August 25, which will see 1,500 sailors parade through the city to a

prize-giving ceremony.

The weekend will end in spectacular fashion with the Parade of Sail on Sunday, August 26, when all the ships will leave port together with their sails hoisted.

So, whether you’re a seafarer or a landlubber, there is no chance the family won’t enjoy this festival, which takes place from Thursday, August 23 until Sunday, August 26.

For further details, see www.discoverireland. ie.

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14 GAZETTE 23 August 2012 Commercial Feature

The benefits of going private at the Rotunda Private Clinics

Darina Martin, Patient Services

FITNESS: HEALTHY NEW PROGRAMME FOR MUMS AND MUMS-TO-BE

Comfortable waiting room used by patients

Manager

AT Rotunda Private Clinics the patient always comes first, and the professionals at the Clinic are committed to ensuring that every pregnancy is as comfortable and incident-free as possible Information and continuity are crucial for a comfortable pregnancy. This is why Rotunda Private

“Most of our patients will do a pregnancy test at home,” said Darina Martin, head of Patient Services at Rotunda Private Clinics. “But many of them come for a scan at six, seven or eight weeks, just to see that everything is ok.”

Additionally, many women who visit the Private Clinics could be classified as “high risk” – they may have undergone a miscarriage in the past, or may have conceived through IVF – and in these cases it is hugely reassuring for them to be able to see at the earliest stage possible exactly how the pregnancy is progressing.

These early scans are generally available only to Private patients. But what truly sets the Private experience apart is the fact that the parents will be dealing with the same consultant throughout the pregnancy, allowing them to develop a relationship with the third most important person in the pregnancy

Clinics offer not only the reassurance of dealing with the same consultant throughout the pregnancy, but also early scans to reassure mothers and fathers that everything is progressing as it should be.

process.

“People want to get to know the person who will be delivering the baby,” said Martin.

“A good relationship with the consultant will ensure that they are comfortable with talking about how they will deliver the baby – section, induction or natural - and what expectations they will have post-delivery.”

Of course, there is also the important issue of accommodation (especially if the mother is in for a longer stay). Private patients are “99%” guaranteed a private room following delivery, and the Lillie Suite (Rotunda’s private postnatal unit) offers something close to a hotel experience, with excellent menu options and comfortable, clean rooms.

The only difference is that you will generally leave this “hotel” with more people than you came in with!

Stephanie Sinnott, founder and personal trainer at Baby Body Fit

Stay in shape during and after your pregnancy I NATALIE BURKE

THE LATEST innovation in pre-natal and post-natal fitness to hit Ireland, Baby Body Fit, has already proved to be hugely popular, with mums-to-be and new mothers rushing to attend classes across Dublin.

Baby Body Fit is a new fitness regime which promises to help both pregnant women and new mums to get in shape, and stay in shape, both during and after pregnancy.

Baby Body Fit is the brainchild of young mum, Stephanie Sinnott, from Dublin, who, having had her own daughter in 2008, struggled to feel fit and healthy afterwards.

Following some research, and realising her fitness programme should have started earlier in her pregnancy, Stephanie went back to college and retrained as a fitness instructor.

Recognising a demand for her speciality, Baby

Body Fit was launched just over a year ago, with the aim of helping women to get through the maternity cycle while maintaining a good level of fitness and staying healthy.

The unique fitness programme is the only course in Ireland to provide a light, safe, and effective cardio workout during pregnancy, combined with yoga and pilates exercises, and then follow-up with simple but effective sessions on how to lose weight and build energy after having the baby.

According to Stephanie, Baby Body Fit is completely unique in that it takes women from early pregnancy days, right through to toddler years, providing them with a safe and effective exercise routine for during and after the pregnancy.

“I know from personal experience how hard it can be to do this, so we set out Baby Body Fit to

show women how to get fit and lose weight, while actually enjoying the exercise and making new friends at the same time,” she explained.

Structured into three exercise modules, Prepare, Regain and Maintain, Baby Body Fit caters for all levels of fitness. Course participants are encouraged to “bring their bumps to the pre-natal class, and their babies to the post-natal class”, with infants often slumbering in the buggy while mum works out nearby.

Classes are managed in Dublin by Stephanie, while a number of qualified fitness instructors are now employed to cater for demand with locations in Dublin City Centre, Swords, Lucan, Cabinteely, Clontarf, Sandymount, Stepaside, the Phoenix Park, and Firhouse.

Fur ther details of courses and venues are available at www.babybodyfit.ie.

23 August 2012 GAZETTE 15

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

John’s girlfriend (Mila Kunis) tries to get him to let go of his childhood friend, Ted, but it’s not that easy...

The bear don’t care Teddy bears are supposed to be cute but this one is something else entirely, and that’s all part of the fun I NIALL BERMINGHAM

HAVING grown up with a mother who never really had any appreciation for crass or immature comedy films, shock is the only word I have to describe how I felt upon hearing that she found Ted to be one of the funniest things she had ever seen. Honestly, I was in a state of disbelief.

I decided I had to see this film and find out how it had made the woman who hates Jim Carrey and wouldn’t be caught dead watching Family Guy nearly die from laughter.

Conceived by and starring Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane, Ted is indeed a crass, immature comedy but with some heart and soul thrown in.

The story follows John Bennett (played very well by Mark Wahlberg) and his magical little

FILM OF THE WEEK: Ted #### (16) 106 mins Director: Seth MacFarlane Starring: Seth MacFarlane, Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel McHale, Patrick Warburton, Matt Walsh, Bill Smitrovich, Patrick Stewart

OUR VERDICT:

Crude, immature and vulgar but undeniably lovable Ted is a film for fans of Seth MacFarlane and maybe for some people who don’t hold him in high regard. This is that special thing in cinema that doesn’t happen too often: a pleasant surprise. Just don’t bring your young children to it.

teddy bear, Ted (voiced

by MacFarlane). We see how the two best friends first got together when John was just a young unpopular child growing up friendless in Boston.

A fter receiving the bear as a Christmas gift, little John makes a wish that his new plush toy could really talk to him.

During the night, a little Christmas magic is worked and John has a brand new sentient furry friend.

T he t a l k ing bea r qu ick ly becomes a household name, making appearances on late

night television shows and posing for magazine covers. Cut forward 27 years and we find John and Ted have, unsurprisingly, grown up. Physically at least.

John’s successful girlfriend (Mila Kunis) is a little sick of John’s reluctance to move on and achieve something with his life and asks that Ted moves out so that John and herself can live together alone.

It ’s not a hu gel y original storyline but it doesn’t really need to be as the comedy is fantastic and the relationships

b e t we e n cha r a c t er s prove enough to keep you interested. It’s quite clear that MacFarlane hasn’t been spreading himself too thin with three television shows and this film to work on.

Right from the outset we see that the two main characters have brilliant chemistry together which is a testament not only to how Marky Mark has improved as an actor but also to the special effects team who have done a brilliant job bringing Ted to life.

Technology has come an aw fully long way since Whiskers the cartoon cat shows up in Last Action Hero.

Wahlberg isn’t the only actor showing their talent in this film as Kunis also gives a brilliant performance as worried girlfriend Lori.

Giovanni Ribisi is genuinely creepy as lifelong

Ted fan and stalker, and Joel McHale shines as Lori’s over-interested boss.

Along the way we are treated to some fantastic cameos, starting with Patrick Stewart as the narrator and some brilliant surprises that I’d rather not ruin for you.

MacFarlane brings a lot of the people he worked with on his television outings to the film too. Some of the voiceactors have bit parts here and it was co-written by his Family Guy staff.

All in all this is a solid film. It’s up there with the best comedies released over the last few years, however a weak ending and a handful of jokes that didn’t quite hit the mark stop this from being a classic.

Definitely a three-star film. All the Flash Gordon references however, compel me to bump it up to a four-star rating.

16 GAZETTE 23 August 2012

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Interview: Educating the next generation of local actors, Jill Anderson

OPTION FOR A COLLEGE PAYMENT Q – MY PARENTS are not well off; even the registration fee for my college (of €2,250) is beyond them.

What options do I have, and what security will be asked for by any lender? Peter, Rathfarnham A - FIRST of all, well done on reaching third-level.

One recent survey estimated the total cost of third level education, without fees, can run to €42,000!

So, for those new parents out there, if you invest the current monthly Child Benefit of €140 into an account from birth to your child’s 18th birthday, and at a net interest rate of 3.5% each year, you will have accumulated €42,000 – and that’s just for one child !

With the current recessionary times, it is not surprising parents cannot find the money for such necessary expense. They may, however, still be required to guarantee a loan facility with certain lenders.

Depending on your degree course, lenders may not require a parental guarantor. One recent development has been the launch of a loan facility for DCU students from Bank of Ireland.

Parents must apply first and, while the usual parameters for these loans are required, it is expected all students will be approved. What is unusual with this loan is: - Interest rate is 5.1% (best unsecured loan rate on the market); - If, after graduation, the loan has not been repaid, the debt transfers over to the student and they become responsible for it – the rate also changes to 9.7%, compared to their normal rate of 14.02%; - The loan is up to €9,000 – covering up to four years’ registration fees (payable annually and directly to the college at the start of each college year); - These loans will probably become available throughout all third level colleges (15 have already signed up, and 10 more are in discussion); and - If the parents want to pay off on a yearly basis, the repayment on €2,250 over 12 months would be €192.72 per month.

Meanwhile, the Higher Education Authority is presently putting together proposals on funding for the Department of Education, and hope to have a report published before the end of the summer covering student loans, graduate tax and a return to fees of at least €5,000 per annum.

Happy studying!

Contact John with your money questions at

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

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Staging a great local enterprise IT SEEMS that the acting bug has been busy biting in South County Dublin recently, with national and international success for local actors, most notably with Andrew Scott winning the BAFTA for best supporting actor in the acclaimed BBC production of Sherlock.

Helping young thespians in the area is Jill Anderson, who runs the School of Speech and Drama, which operates from the school hall of Our Lady’s National School in Ballinteer on Monday, after school, and on Saturday mornings.

Anderson trained at the Leinster School of Music and Drama and is LLSMD-qualified. All aspects of speech and drama are covered at the school, including Mime & Movement, Speech Training & Projection, Characterisation, Improvisation and Public Speaking.

Students from the age of four upwards attend the upbeat speech and drama classes and, according to Anderson: “Dublin’s got talent. So many of our students have never acted before coming to classes, but it’s obvious that there’s a lot of raw talent out there, just waiting to be trained.

“The enthusiasm of the children is amazing, and really makes my job very easy. They love to act and participate in the many different activities which are specially designed to encourage confidence and creativity.

“Furthermore, it enables them to interact with other children in a fun environment, developing their communicative and social skills,” says Anderson.

Further information on all classes and activities is available by contacting Anderson at 087 219 6516, or by emailing jillspeechanddrama@gmail.com.

Founder of the School of Speech and Drama, Jill Anderson

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

A: I wanted to be a farmer, but I grew out of that notion when I realised that high heels were not farmyard-friendly

Q: What was your first job?

A: A receptionist in an estate agent’s

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: Enough to save up for a trip to London to see the musical, Hairspray – magical, and worth the hours spent photocopying

Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: See above Q: When did you start your present job?

A: I founded my school three years ago, but as an actress you’ve got to allow me to point out that this is a vocation – my parents tell me that I’ve been acting out since I was very little

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Getting to do something I

love and meeting interesting, quirky and talented people who also inhabit this world

Q: What sport can you play?

A: Hockey, netball and, eh – is yoga a sport?

a diverse mix of people, from Lady GaGa to Julian Lloyd Webber

Q: Have you achieved anything that you once thought you could not pull off?

A: I always dreamt about

Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: Being a perfectionist

Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update?

A: Anyone out there who can

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

A: I love 80s music and musi-

make a Grease Lightning car?

having my own drama school – dreams do come true, but with a lot of hard work and effort

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

A: None – I’m all hands on deck

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

A: An empty Galaxy wrapper – enough said

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

A: Yes – not all of my salary goes on shoes (boyfriend, please take note!)

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Anything that Ireland is involved with – especially rugby and soccer

cals; I can generally be caught humming songs from either

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

A: Depends on who you’re asking; for under-20s, definitely Jedward

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Beans on toast, and champagne, of course!

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

A: Dame Edna all the way Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: There are tons of great

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: In music, I’m listening to

stores in Dublin city centre and Dundrum Town Centre – that’s where you’ll find me

Grease, Duran Duran (yes, I know!); for pictures, I have lots of shots of my new puppy, Harvey

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Four wardrobes full, on the

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Anyone who interests me –

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: A monkey on my head,

last count

and swimming with snakes in

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AUGUST 2012

OPTIONS

EXPLORING LEARNING

A golden opportunity: ITB’s diverse activities can enrich every student’s spirit

Choosing the right path: Guidance for students of all ages, and at all levels of learning

A fashionable fundraiser: Sallynoggin College helps disadvantaged women

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18 GAZETTE 23 August 2012

EDUCATION LOCALMATTERS

OPTIONS

Sound advice

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View your time in college as a building block towards the life that you want to lead when you graduate

SO, you have accepted the course offer that you have been working towards over the last few years in secondary school. Well done and congratulations, you are well on your way to planning your entry into the adult world of work.

In selecting your course, you will have been advised on ensuring that the course choice was in a field that you have a genuine interest in, as this is necessary to ensure that you are completely engaged over the duration of the course.

It would be inadvisable to select a course in a topic that you think you might like, without researching what the course content involved. In a lot of cases, you might be more interested in some mod-

ules than others and that is normal. Your overall interest in the core subject should encourage you to engage in the modules --------------------------

The main difference that you will notice between secondary and third level is that there will be no one organising your day --------------------------

that are less appealing and keep an eye on the bigger picture.

The main difference that you will notice between secondary and third level is that there

will be no one organising your day to ensure that you attend lectures and complete assignments on time, what you would have called homework up to now.

As young adults, you will be expected to manage your time effectively, attend lectures at the appointed time and place and submit assignments in the correct format, usually electronically, using a system like Moodle.

You can also expect to be given group assignments, where you will be expected to work with other students in preparing a piece of research or writing a report. This is excellent preparation for the world of work where group or team work is the norm. You will learn how to interact with diverse

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23 August 2012 GAZETTE 19

EXPLORING LEARNING

for college first years ANDREW MULLIGAN, career coach and graduate of DIT,

presents some advice and words of encouragement for all students entering their first year of life in college personalities in these situations and how to divide up the task between the group members. You will also quickly learn to spot the freeloaders, those who let the other group members do the work but share the credit. Your lecturers should explain how to deal with these situations.

When you are assigned to a group, consider volunteering to be the leader, as the experience of leading people is highly sought after in the workplace.

Keep a log or diary of your achievements in col-

lege as this information is valuable when constructing a CV. Record the details of the task that you were assigned, what action you took in completing the task and what was the end result. Employers will be interested in your individual contribution and it is much more valuable and impressive to be able to say, truthfully and with confidence, that you took this action and achieved the result.

View your time in college as a building block towards the life that you want to lead when you

graduate. You should be in college because you want to be, as college life would be very difficult otherwise. Take part in college activities and join groups to widen your network of colleagues, some of whom will become lifelong friends. The bonds built through sharing an experience like college can be very strong and rewarding. A strong circle of friends can be a great source of support when the inevitable difficult times come along.

Don’t despair in the tough times – if you are

coping with a personal difficulty or struggling with the course content.

There is always help at hand and people genuinely willing to help you along. You won’t be the first or last student to need help and support and remember that, in the words of a famous song, “All Things Must Pass”.

If you do find that you are not happy with your course choice, don’t give up. Talk to the college and see what alternatives are available. There are always other options and you will have demon-

strated maturity in recognising that you need to change. You will be supported and guided along the way. Everyone wants you to succeed.

Finally, enjoy the journey.

Andrew Mulligan is the founder of Irish Career Resolutions Ltd. He is a fully qualified career coach holding a Diploma in Career Coaching, awarded by Dublin Institute of Technology. He is also a fully qualified trainer, holding a Certificate in Train The Trainer.

Going through financial difficulty, try the student assistance fund A LITTLE-KNOWN form of financial help for struggling students is the Student Assistance Fund. This fund was set up to lend financial assistance to full-time higher education students going through financial difficulties while in college.

If you find yourself in such a situation, you can apply for student assistance to help with either temporary or more long-term financial difficulties. The fund is used mainly in emergency situations and in addition to the student grant.

Each year, the State allocates a certain amount of student assistance funding to all publicly funded higher education colleges based on the size of the college’s full-time student population.

To avail of this help, students can make an application in their college for assistance under the fund.

The fund is, however, only open to university students and is not available in further education or PLC colleges.

To find out whether you may be eligible for the fund you need to be aware of the main conditions of the programme, which are outlined on their website at www.studentfinance.ie, which also contains a wide range of information on the various types of funding and financial assistance available to students throughout their time in further and higher education.

20 GAZETTE 23 August 2012

EDUCATION

OPTIONS

Dr Trevor Duffy and Conor McNamee, at the opening of the renovated Court Yard Garden at the Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, created by First Year BSc Horticultural

Joshua Richardson

Students from ITB

and Ailish O’Brien at the

“Coder Dojo” at ITB, learning about coding, developing

ITB lecturer Rachel Freeman

websites, apps, programs, games and much more

medal in the Education category for its colourful stand at the

with horticulture

students Philip Hughes and Christopher Mills, celebrating Bloom Festival in the Phoenix Park

| 12 MONTHS WITH MANY DIVERSE EVENTS AT ITB |

So much more than just college courses ITH students accepting CAO offers and deciding what college to head to this week, it seems a fitting time to give an insight to what life at a college such as the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB) offers – aside from education, of course.

This past year has seen ITB connect with the local community by hosting events for children in the area, such as robotics courses and “Coder Dojos”.

The college’s Digital Media students held an exhibition of the top-quality work that they are turning out year on year, showcasing their film, animation and photography skills.

In the garden, ITB has had a great year, competing with distinction once again at the prestigious Bloom Festival, as well as opening a memorial garden at Connolly Hospital.

The institute also welcomed delegates from the Hubei University of Economics, Wuhan, China when they came to visit the campus to further develop relations between the two colleges for academic collaboration.

W

Minister Joan Burton, at the opening of the Garden at Connolly Hospital

Mathieu Chardon, Digital

in Blanchardstown,

Media student at ITB’s

created by First Year

first-ever end of year

BSc Horticultural

exhibition in Creative

Students from ITB

Digital Media

23 August 2012 GAZETTE 21

EXPLORING LEARNING

Derek Browne, Lucy Hiseman and David Oleman

of St Philip’s

School, Mountview, at the ITB Robotics Summer School

Mary Meaney, president, ITB and Hu Maocheng, president, Hubei University for Nationalities, following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Blanchardstown and Anshi universities

ITB being awarded a gold

Niamh Reid Burke, Sports Management

Traditional singer Jerry O’Reilly at the

and Coaching student at ITB, and Irish

opening of the renovated Court Yard

International Women’s Soccer player,

Garden at the Connolly Hospital in

and an Olympic Torch Relay bearer

Blanchardstown

22 GAZETTE 23 August 2012

EDUCATION | FINANCING COLLEGE |

OPTIONS

Making

A range of exclusive offers available to students from Stuff4students.ie

I DIARMUID HAUGHIAN

BEING a student can be hard on the pockets, so banks try to offer some great deals on banking and finance college years – AIB has a specialised website just for that.

Stuff4students.ie is a student website that is all about the stuff students need. Anyone who is an AIB Student Plus account customer can avail of the offers available on the site.

There are exclusive vouchers, weekly giveaways, discounts and treats, as well as some great spot prizes.

It also gives the inside track on managing your finances by helping out with any money worries or queries.

There is also a dedicated section on helping students find the right accommodation while in education. The career’s corner gives advice on making a CV, interviewing techniques and general advice on how you can plan your life after college.

If you’re not already an AIB Student Plus Account holder, you can avail of what www. stuff4students.ie has to offer.

For information about the AIB Student Plus account, log on to www.aib.ie

CAREER guidance practitioner Diarmuid Haughian (MA Career Guidance), the founder of careerguidance.ie, provides some useful insight into college life and ref lective career choices for both prospective students and lifelong-learning students.

What advice do you have to students going into sixth year who might be worried about making the right college choice?

Career guidance practitioner, Diarmuid Haughian

First of all, there is no need to worry. Some students take the scenic route in life, which can be even more rewarding than the professional

who ticks all the boxes.

The word career originates from the words race and journey; as such, we are all on different journeys.

It is difficult to be fully “self-aware” at 17 years of age, and making the right decision can feel like a mammoth undertaking at such a relatively young age Keep an open mind early in sixth year and remember you can always change your CAO form in May, so there is no need to panic; always consult a qualified career guidance practitioner.

Do you advise students to choose a college course that is more likely to provide a job or would you advise

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23 August 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23

EXPLORING LEARNING

the right choice for college them to do something they love?

Students should be aware of the employment prospects and challenges that certain sectors are facing; research must be carried out on labour market information and future forecast upon graduation.

Regardless of what course of study you undertake, the experience and personal aptitude displayed within your period of study will be an invaluable asset which can be applied to a transferable career direction upon graduation.

Research publications like FORFAS or The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and make a decision with the aid of

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a guidance practitioner factoring your interests, vales, aptitudes and employment prospects.

‘Students should be aware of the employment prospects and challenges that sectors are facing’

Is it a bad idea to take up a college course just for the sake of going to college and do you advise students to have an interest in the course before accepting?

Yes, however, before any decision is made, do your research. Contact the head of the department, go to an open day, have questions prepared — what exactly is the course content, how is the course examined (coursework/exams), is there a work placement — speak to some current students of the course; what career paths did

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Diarmuid Haughian

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ing. Communicate with your lecturers and don’t be afraid to raise any issues or concerns you may have; modern day learning can be fun and enjoyable.

Research and understanding the sector is key in making college choices

the past students undertake, what are the job prospects? The key is to research and know that you are making a sound decision.

What advice do you

have for mature students, as going back to college at an older age can be daunting?

Maintain a strong relationship with your lecturers, they understand that

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you have been away from education and that the educational landscape has changed drastically over the past number of decades.

They are there to help and facilitate your learn-

What is careerguidance.ie and what does it offer students? careerguidance.ie allows you to make the most informed educational and career decision and if you are unsure of what career direction you should take

you can make a face-toface appointment nationwide to see a qualified and impartial career guidance practitioner.

The website can manage your career, search courses at all levels, research jobs, reinvent your CV and make an appointment nationwide to see a career guidance practitioner.

Diarmuid Haughian MA Career Guidance, MSc., BSc., QCG. is the founder and MD of careerguidance.ie.

24 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23 August 2012

EDUCATION | ALL HALLOWS COLLEGE |

OPTIONS

| DUNDRUM |

A more personal and intimate experience STARTING your college career can be daunting, but a little faith and belief goes a very long way, as Niamh Kavanagh discovered when she started her higher education at All Hallows College, part of Dublin City University.

“I decided to study Theology and Philosophy because I was always interested in questions to do with faith, religion and the meaning of life.

“I found that throughout my four years studying at All Hallows College my questioning and thinking around these and many other concepts was always encouraged,

and I found that the lecturers’ presence in the college inside and outside the classroom was always friendly and welcoming.”

All Hallows specialises at undergraduate level in the teaching of theology, philosophy, psychology, and English literature, as well as programmes in personal and professional development.

The college is a relatively small, intimate and friendly one, with smaller class sizes in relation to other universities and colleges allowing for a great deal of interaction among both students and

staff, which the college encourages.

“W hat was exceptional was the welcome I received when I became a part of the student body at All Hallows College.

“From the moment that I stepped onto the campus I knew I had made the right decision, and, I received encouragement support and a sense of community from students and staff alike,” said Naimh.

All degrees from All Hallows College are validated and accredited by DCU. For further information, visit: www.allhallows.ie

New social networking initiative is launched

Growing skills: Launch of programme PICTURED at the launch of Digital Skills Academy’s new WebElevate programme was Jamie McCormick, online game development company Gala Networks Europe and Paul Dunne, CEO, Digital Skills Academy (centre) with WebElevate participants Ronan Hurley and Elaine Kinahan. The new Government-funded programme, encourages jobseekers to upskill to take advantage of booming digital technology sector – over 4,500 jobs have been announced in the sector since the start of the year. Visit www.webelevate.ie.

THE College of Further Education in Dundrum has recently launched a new social networking initiative on their website, www.cfedundrum. com.

The online service allows visitors and students to interact with all support services within the college.

In addition, students can now access the college’s cloud applications, with the support of Google, which includes email, eLearning, and a calendar application.

Visitors can access the news updates section, which provides all the latest college news.

A spokesman for the college said: “We continue to renew our online services to students and the community at large, and are delighted with the result.”

College of Further Education in Dundrum is a provider of post-Leaving Certificate and adult retraining courses in the areas covering Dundrum, Ballinteer, Rathfarnham, Churchtown, Sandyford and further afield.

The college has an open and supportive approach to education and training, and students can avail from a wide variety of courses leading to FETAC certification in the areas of business, computing/ multimedia, health and community care, and creative studies.

The college has established many links with Higher Education establishments over the years.

In addition to its innovative service, students and visitors can also keep up to date on the wider social networking sites, including Facebook (www.facebook. com/furthereducationdundrum) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/cfedundrum).

23 August 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 25

26 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23 August 2012

EDUCATION | BUSINESS TIME |

OPTIONS

| GOING BACK |

Dorset offering two degree scholarships DORSET College is this year recognising its 30th year in education, and to celebrate that, is offering a full-time and a part-time scholarship on its recently launched Bachelor of Business (HETAC) Level 7 Degree.

The Bachelor of Business (HETAC) Degree programme is a new programme which aims to assist students in enhancing their ability to work within today’s complex global business environment, with the goal of giving them a competitive advantage. This programme is designed to extend knowledge and broaden students’ skill bases, with a clear focus

on practical application.

In addition to the new Bachelor of Business degree, the college is offering a range of full-time programmes which also includes the ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business, which provides a comprehensive range of subject areas, providing excellent preparation for a variety of careers in a wide range of business organisations.

Speaking about the offering at Dorset College, a spokesman said: “Our lecturers have a unique blend of academic expertise and real world business acumen, resulting in a truly dynamic classroom atmosphere. The pro-

grammes are designed to meet the needs of industry and provide excellent career and academic opportunities.

“At Dorset College, we provide high quality, career focused and globally recognised leadingedge educational programmes to domestic and international students, delivered in a dynamic environment by a highly qualified and industry experienced team of professionals.

“We focus on smaller class numbers and quality of education.”

For further details contact the college at 01 830 9677, or log on to www. dorset-college.ie

Return to education assistance is available

In tune: Launching Innovation at DIT MINISTER for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock TD, is

pictured with Martin Gallagher (left) and Dan Barry of Riffstation, the ultimate guitar software, at the launch of Innovation at DIT, a major DIT and Innovation Showcase, taking place on campus in Aungier Street, Dublin 2. The showcase highlighted the diversity and positive social and economic impact of DIT research activity.

MORE and more people are opting to go back to college as mature students and it has never been a more appropriate time to upgrade or retrain to give yourself an edge in a sparse jobs market.

According to the Department of Social Protection, if you missed out on educational opportunities when you were younger, or if you need to update your skills, there is plenty on offer, including a wide range of secondchance education programmes for unemployed people.

One of these is the Back to Education programme, which covers full-time second- or thirdlevel courses, and which ensures that you continue to get your social welfare payment while involved in education.

The third-level option comprises a course approved by the Department of Education and Skills at any university or third level college for grant purposes, and is recognised by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC).

If you are starting a course, you can apply for the Back To Education Allowance (BTEA), which applies to undergraduate courses and any postgraduate course of study that leads to a Higher Diploma (HDip) qualification in any discipline, or a Graduate Diploma in Education (primary and secondary teaching).

To qualify, you must have been accepted onto a qualifying course, be over 21 for undergraduate courses and over 24 for postgraduate and have been receiving a qualifying social welfare payment.

For more, see www. welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/ BackToEducation/Pages/ btea.aspx

23 August 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 27

EXPLORING LEARNING | SALLYNOGGIN COLLEGE |

Raising your creative colours at Sallynoggin I STAFF REPORTER

SALLYNOGGIN College recently held its Fashion Industry Practice fashion show in aid of Dress for Success, the international not-forprofit women’s organisation, at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire.

The show proved a huge success and a lot of fun for those who took part on the catwalk and behind the scenes in putting the show together, and raised funds for

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the organisation which promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

The Fashion Industry Practice course is only one of the courses available at Sallynoggin College, with this being the first year that the course has run.

The course caters for those who wish to work

at the cutting edge of the fashion industry, whether as a stylist, fashion buyer, in fashion event management or as a fashion journalist.

The college has also recently launched its inaugural theatre studies course, which is aimed at those who wish to develop a career in the theatre and the performing arts.

Other courses available at the college, which is located near Dun Laoghaire, range from Creative Studies

Sallynoggin College students backstage at the recent fashion show, styled by Jessica Campbell

in Art, Design, Fashion, Dance, Theatre Studies and Photography to Childcare, Tourism, Social Studies, Leisure Management and Sports Therapy, among others.

All courses are certified by national and/or

international examining bodies, and have strong links with industry and the professions.

Sallynoggin College is well known as a centre of excellence and innovation in its field, with a lively atmosphere, and

an emphasis on developing individual strengths.

Entr y is by direct application to the College of choice, and usually involves an interview. Further Education courses are grant-funded (www.studentfinance.ie),

and applications are welcomed from all, including adults who wish to return to education.

For more information, log on to www.scs.dife. ie or contact the college at (01) 2852997 or email reception@scfe.ie

GAZETTE

28 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23 August 2012

CASTLEKNOCKclassifieds

BATHROOMS

BUILDING

SHOWERS

CARPENTRY

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PLANNING NOTICE

PLANNING NOTICE

FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL

FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL

FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL

Permission sought for a single storey granny flat extension to the rear and widening of the existing vehicular entrance driveway to 3.6m at 5 Park Villas, Pecks Lane, Castleknock, Dublin 15. For Sean & Ann Murray.

This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

I, Rosemary Carder Of 104 Edgewood Lawn, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. Seek permission for continuation of use of part of the ground floor of the above premises for use as a Montessori School, Ref No: FW09A/0188.

Also planning permission is sought to hold a class in the afternoon. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during it’s public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (20 euro) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application.

16296

16279

Permission is sought for the retention of a single storey garden room (Area=20m2) in garden to the rear of existing dwelling and for the retention of use of a sessional Montessori school in house & garden room at 2 Mount Garret Grove, Tyrrelstown Dublin 15 by Mark & Christine O’Connor.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during the public opening hours of 9.30 - 16.30 Monday - Friday at Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Fingal, Dublin 15. A submission or observation in relation to the Application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of a fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by Fingal County Council of the Application.

16261

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23 August 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 29

GazetteSPORT

GLORIOUS GAA:

All the best GAA stories from around the city: Page 31

SUPPORT YOUR COLOURS BALL: O’SHEA AND LONG LAUNCH ANNUAL EVENT IN PORTMARNOCK

Annual ball set to raise €40,000 for Temple Street sport@gazettegroup.com

TEMPLE Street Hospital were joined by John O’Shea, and Shane Long at Portmarnock golf club this week to announce the details of Support Your Colours Ball, supported by Mercury, in aid of Temple Street Children’s University Hospital.

Support Your Colours Ball, supported by Mercury, will be held this year on Friday, September 21, in the Hogan

Suite, Croke Park.

The evening will kick of with a drinks reception, followed by a threecourse meal, a sports quiz and entertainment throughout the night with some fantastic prizes up for grabs.

Michael Lyster will MC the evening and Paul Collins will act as quizmaster. Guests are encouraged to grab an outfit in the colour of the team they support and join us for an evening of fun and entertainment.

Tickets for the ball are €100 each.

In keeping with the theme of sport which is everywhere you look this year, O’Shea and Long joined up with Temple Street Hospital and some local children to hit a few balls and have a bit of fun to announce the launch of Support Your Colours Ball in aid of Temple Street Children’s University Hospital.

This is the second year that Mercury has come

Cian Smith and Ava Darcy, from Malahide, with Republic of Ireland players John O’Shea and Shane Long at Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links launching the Temple Street Colours Ball

on board to sponsor Support Your Colours Ball and speaking about the event, Aidan Bird, Business Development, Mercury Engineering said: “Mercury Engineering is delighted to be sponsoring the Support your Colours Ball 2012. We

have attended the event in previous years and know it is a great night of sporting fun and more importantly a great way of raising much needed funds forTemple Street.”

Marianne Rowan from Temple Street’s fundraising office said:

“This is the sixth year we have been running the ball and we are thrilled by the response we have received so far.

“We hope to raise €40,000 from the ball to continue to provide the best possible service and care to the children who

come through our doors.

If anyone is thinking of joining us on the evening you can be sure to have a fantastic night out.”

For more information or to purchase tickets for the ball call 01 878 4344 or email info@templestreet.ie.

30

CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23 August 2012

GazetteSport Sport Players HANDBALL: ST BRIGID’S MAN TO MEET NEMESIS IN ALL-IRELAND FINAL AGAIN welcome at ’Knock CASTLEKNOCK Celtic are back in full flow for the new season, fielding teams in the NDSL, the DDSL as well as girls, ladies and senior men’s teams, fielding over 40 teams.

They are welcoming players of all abilities from the ages of 8 to adult. For younger players, the club’s FUNdamental Football Academy returns in September to cater for children aged 4-8.

At the club, all coaches are required to complete designated coaching courses to ensure that players receive the appropriate instruction in what is a well-structured and fun-filled environment.

For more information, visit the club’s website at www.castleknockceltic. com.

Kennedy lines up McCarthy

I sport@gazettegroup.com

THE 2012 M Donnelly GAA Handball All Ireland 60x30 Sof tball Singles Championship final will again see Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy and St Brigid’s Eoin Kennedy cross swords for the fourth year in succession.

Both players have been in highly impressive form in the series to date to claim their place in this year’s final and on the evidence of their semifinal showings in Abbeylara on Saturday, handball fans the country over are destined for an abso-

lute thriller in Abbeylara on September 1.

Kennedy was denied an incredible eight successive championship victories in 2011 when he lost the final to McCarthy but has certainly exhibited his intention to regain his mantle at the top of the 60x30 code.

The St Brigid’s clubman looked fresh and fit in his latest test and, in the opening game, served up a fantastic display to defeat Tipperary’s Ger Coonan 21-0.

Coonan did settle better in the second but at 3-3, Kennedy broke away again and secured an

emphatic victory by 21-6 to set up that eagerly anticipated title showdown with McCarthy in two weeks’ time.

“Ger is a good player but he possibly never got going today. I feel like I’m playing well and am looking forward to the final again in a couple of weeks. I have still a bit of work to do though as Robbie looks even stronger than last year and I know I’ll need to up my game if I’m to win back the title. It will be tough but I’m sure it should make for an interesting final,” said the eight times champion.

St Brigid’s man Eoin Kennedy is aiming for a ninth national title in ten years

McCarthy was first on court last Saturday as he faced up to Mayo’s powerhitter, Dessie Keegan.

T he Ballaghadereen clubman had delivered some fine results in this year’s championship also and is already into the final of the doubles.

However, on this occa-

sion, McCarthy was very much at his best and his precision pass and kill-shots saw him coast to his fourth final on a 21-11, 21-6 scoreline.

“Dessie is always a tough opponent in the big alley but I’ve been training hard for this. It has been a long season

so far with the 40x20 and then the One Wall but I want to retain this title more than anything.

I played well today but Eoin looks at his best at the minute and I will have to raise my game again for the final,” commented the reigning champion.

23 August 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 31

HURLING: CASTLEKNOCK CLAIM U-11 CAMAINT

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CASTLEKNOCK OUR Somerton family fun day on Sep-

club. The first was on in Conradh

tember 8 is fast approaching.

Na Gaeilge on Harcourt Street at

Huge congratulations to our U-11

8.30pm on Monday evening while

hurlers who had a great day yester-

the second two take place in Kavan-

day in the Camaint finals in Parnell

agh’s bar.

Park.

The youth session takes place

The first team won the Division 1

in the upstairs bar on Thursday,

Final against Skerries Harps while

August 23 from 6-7pm, and the

the second team were runners-up

adult session takes place in the

in Division 3.

downstairs bar on Sunday, August

Hard luck to our first team hurlers who lost during the week in a close game in Somerton.

26 from 9pm. Lyric sheets for the night can be found on the website.

Signs surrounding the main pitch

Our intermediate footballers are

in Somerton are now on sale, for

out twice this week, playing Man O

more information on how to get

War away on Wednesday evening

your sign seen contact Charlie

and Ballymun down in Somerton

0851101008.

next Saturday evening. All support very welcome.

There are also three music events happening this week for the

New website is coming soon. If you are interested in sponsoring the update of our website please contact Paul at pro@castleknock.net.

ST BRIGID’S DEEPEST sympathies to the Cahill

remains at €10,600.

Castleknock’s U-11 hurlers celebrate their Division One Camaint success in Parnell Park

family on the sudden passing of

The club nursery has restarted

Boys of Somerton storm to U-11 title

Margaret on Sunday. We extend

after the summer break, for four

our deepest condolences to Tony,

to seven year olds and runs every

Marty, Declan and Dermot. Funeral

Saturday morning from 9.30-11am.

details to be confirmed.

New members and families wel-

I PETER CARROLL sport@gazettegroup.com

CASTLEKNOCK’S U-11 hurlers continued the club’s academy’s rich vein of recent form last weekend when the Division 1 side won the Camaint Cup in Parnell Park, with the Division 2 side ending runnersup in their respective final.

First up for the U-11’s first team were Ballyboden St Enda’s, one of Dublin’s hurling powerhouses that pose a threat to the most talented of squads.

Scoring two quick goals, the Castleknock side put Boden on the back burner very quickly using their fantastic ground hurling skills, and took a fine lead going into the second half, 4-1 to 1-2.

Ballyboden wouldn’t concede the result lightly, however, and they came out in the second half and fought with a

lot of heart and determination, but in the end, the Castleknock team were too much for them, taking the game 5-4 to 3-3.

Skerries Har ps awaited the talented bunch in the final, and Castleknock took the early advantage again, setting a trend over the weekend by scoring two early goals for the second match in a row, putting the north county side on the back foot.

Harps showed they were up for the task and replied with two of their own goals before the half time whistle, leaving the score at 2-4 to 2-1.

Despite a massive effort by Skerries in the second half, Castleknock were in a class of their own and scored at will while keeping a completely clean sheet during the second stanza, finishing out the game 5-7 to 2-1.

Mentor Philip Bohan was quick to praise the efforts of both sides over the weekend. “ We a r e a l l ve r y proud of the U-11 sides, they performed excellently and their hard work paid off with a great Cup win.

“It’s a good sign that we have two very talented groups of players with an eye toward minor hurling.

“The last Castleknock side that won the Camaint Cup went on to win the Feile.

“But we don’t want to get too caught up in that, it’s great that

the lads have done so well last weekend and I think it reflects very well on the club.

“A lot of the mentors are encouraged to the Award One course and there’s a group of six or seven who have, and it obviously has made a big difference as far as the coaching aspect is concerned.

“We hope all the lads will enjoy being Cup champions and we’ll try and get the trophy around to them all, which should be a bit of fun considering there are about 45 people on the panel,” said Bohan.

O ur sp e cia l nur s er y summer

come.

camp for children aged between

Our second club AED is now locat-

four and seven runs from August 21

ed beside the main entrance to the

to 24. Discounts available for fami-

club hall.

lies. Contact Paul on 0879154748 for more info.

St Brigid’s Spleodar Irish club for teenagers resumes on September 6

Great wins this week for our sen-

from 7 to 9pm in the club hall. Cost

ior and inter hurlers, our ladies

is €3 per week and everyone is wel-

junior footballers and senior cam-

come.

ogie teams. Two full rounds of adult

Well done to Eoin Kennedy who

league football this week for all

won his Ail-Ireland 60X30 semi-final

teams, see website for details.

on Saturday.

The club lotto is on a break for

Club clothing collection continues

August. The next draw is in Russell

this week, please leave your clothes

Park on September 6.The jackpot

bags into the club bar.

ST PEREGRINE’S HARD luck to our inter hurlers last

tember 1.

week but they put in great perform-

The club lotto was not won. Num-

ances which bode well for the cham-

bers drawn were 10, 13, 20 and 25;

pionship next year.

next week’s jackpot is €3,400.

A big week of football action this

Our club shop vouchers are now

week; please see the club website for

available. Details and contacts on

details of games.

the club website CNP.ie.

We will be hosting a family fun day

Follow us on Twitter @peregrines-

on September 15, details to follow.

gaa. Entertainment in the club this

Memberships must be paid by Sep-

week is from DJ Vinny.

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ALL OF YOUR CASTLEKNOCK SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 29-31

AUGUST 23, 2012

LOVELY HURLING: The best GAA coverage efforts of McCarthy in national final P31 from around Dublin P31

HANDS OFF: Kennedy hopes to repel

PETER CARROLL

sport@gazettegroup.com

PHOENIX Football Club is gearing up for a big season, carrying on from the success which saw them finish fourth in the Leinster Senior League Sunday Senior Division on top of some fantastic cup runs in the national competitions.

A victory against Firhouse set up a crosscounty tie in the FAI Intermediate Cup for the Navan Road side, where they travelled to Cork to play Everton AFC. They grabbed a result against the odds,

taking a 2-2 draw, a close run thing, only denied the win by a last minute goal from the home side.

Having done the hard work away from home, Phoenix believed they had a great chance of getting through but, on the day, the Cork men took a 2-0 advantage before the half-time break which Harr y Kenny’s men only managed to pin back with one of their own before the game finished.

Never theless, the team proved themselves as a strong, resilient and driven bunch through-

out the season, but it was no more evident than against Lucan United, who took a three nil lead in the first half of their FAI Cup first round match.

Not helping their c h a n c e s , t h e l owe r league Lucan seemed to crack under the pressure in the second half of the fixture and Phoenix sensed their weakness and piled on the pressure, scoring four second-half goals to see themselves into the prestigious Cup. The Scribblestown outfit gave a great account of themselves

Phoenix are hoping to turn impressive cup runs into tangible success this season

when they met Airtricity Premier Division side UCD in the second round of the country’s premier cup competition, going in at honours even at half time 1-; however, two late goals put the favourites through but gave Kenny a lot to think about with regard to the quality of the side.

Three new players have joined up this season including a natural left back to play the position that had been taken up admirably by a right-sided player,

and a striker to help grab more goals for the defensively praised side.

One game into the season, it seems to have worked, with Phoenix taking a 2-0 win away from home to the well renowned Tolka Rovers.

“Seeing what the lads did last season in some of the competitions made us refocus on what we need to do,” said former Shamrock Rovers full-back Kenny.

“We have a fantas-

GazetteSPORT

Kenny targets silver success

tic group of players at the club, and it’s a very hard job to pick just 11 of the lads to play every week – they all deserve a place in the team.

“T he team all sat down together at the start of the year and we really want to take some silverware home this season.

“I’m not in the business of putting pressure on myself or the team, but we have a quality side and I think we’re well able to do it if we keep playing the way we can.”