Blanch

Blanch GAZET TE FREE

September 19, 2013 Find us on

Month XX, 2012 BLANCHARDSTOWN • BLAKESTOWN • HARTSTOWN • COOLMINE • TYRRELSTOWN • DUNBOYNE • CORDUFF • MULHUDDART • ONGAR

INSIDE: Let our Bride & Groom guide help to make your big day even more special P17

Camogie:

St Brigid’s seniors reach semi-final Page 39

Soccer:

SARI event a huge success for integration Page 38

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES...................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE...................11 OUT&ABOUT .................25 CLASSIFIEDS ................33 SPORT ...........................35

HIGH GRADE: Something for everyone in this year’s Junior Cert results See Page 5

Access to school site a concern  LAURA WEBB

A SUITABLE access road for traffic to a new school construction site is to be established following safety concerns over a residential road being used as a site entrance.

In a statement to the Gazette, Fingal County Council said an agreement has been made with the developer/ Department of Education to build a suitably sited construction haul road to facilitate site access to the Hans-

field Educate Together school site.

The statement comes following local concerns that Barnwell estate’s residential access road has been used as a site entrance for building trucks accessing the site.

Cllr Mary McCamley (Lab) said while the building of a new school is welcome, it “defies logic that planning [was] allowed for a building site access, which incorporates an entrance to a housing estate.”

Full Story on Page 4

Hop to it: Entrepreneurs get help to ‘jumpstart’ their businesses PICTURED ‘jumpstarting’ the AIB JumpStart 2013 Competition are the competition’s judge Bobby Kerr of Dragon’s Den with gymnast Daniel Moggan. The competition is run by the LINC (Learning and Innovation Centre) at the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown, and is now in its fourth year. It gives Irish entrepreneurs a chance to win €25,000 to ‘jumpstart’ their business. For more information visit www. thelinc.ie/AIBjumpstart. Picture: Andres Poveda

2 BLANCH Gazette 19 September 2013

dublin GAZETTe newspapers i n f o r m at i o n Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publish eight weekly quality free titles, covering the greater Dublin area from Swords to Dun Laoghaire

council Sports clubs set to pay more

Plan to generate €18k through pitch fees hike  laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

c o n ta c t s Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Editor: Mimi Murray mmurray@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Hiromi Mooney picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Suzanne Sheehy ssheehy@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 - 6010240 sales@gazettegroup.com

Find us on

www.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.

FINGAL County Council is expected to generate an extra €18,000 through increased fees paid by local sports clubs using council pitches.

A total of 52 out of 68 clubs/schools using sports pitches owned by Fingal County Council have paid in full, however, the remaining 16 have agreed a payment plan to assist in paying the fees.

E a r l i e r t h i s y e a r, the Council increased its pitch fees for the 2 013 / 2 014 s e a s o n , which included charg-

A total of 52 schools and clubs using Fingal County Council’s pitches have paid in full

ing an extra €30 per juvenile team (U18) to a maximum of €600 for 20 or more juvenile teams on top of €600 per club with an additional €100

per adult team. Schools must now pay €30 per team to a maximum of €150 for five or more teams.

According to the local authority, it provides 168 high quality pitches throughout the County, and approximately 140 of these pitches have been allocated to juvenile teams.

At a recent council meeting, Socialist Party councillor Matt Waine asked council management how much it estimates the revenue increase will be as a result of the increase in pitch fees.

In response the council said the new charges are expected to generate an additional annual income of €18,000, with all the revenue being ring-fenced for the ongoing maintenance of the council’s playing pitches.

Commenting on the payment options available for hard pressed clubs, the Council said: “Any club making a case pleading hardship has been given individual consideration and a

flexible payment option has been put in place to assist any such clubs.

“To date we have agreed a payment plan with 16 clubs in total.

Six of these clubs have j u ve n i l e t e a m s , t h e remaining 10 clubs field only adult teams, and so were not affected by the increase in fees. We have received full payment for the 2013/14 Season from all other clubs/schools.”

Speaking at a recent council meeting, Cllr Waine said: “People don’t have the same money they had to fund their local clubs.

“Clubs in marginalised and disadvantaged areas are struggling to put kits on the kids, and we have had problems in the past where property has been damaged at clubs through antisocial behaviour and those clubs have to go again and again to their community, their families, to finanicially support them.

He said he wanted to point out the hardship that clubs are suffering and to hit them with an

extra bill at this stage is “grossly unfair” because clubs can’t afford it.

Cllr Mary McCamley (LAB)asked for increases to be reversed and said she was disappointed to hear the increases especially when the Council is “trying to encourage young people and school children to play sport” and the fact councillors did not get to vote on it.

Cllr Mags Murray (FF) said the fact the increase was so unexpected meant clubs were not in a position to budget the increase. She went on to ask if the Council could cap the adult teams like the juvenile teams, which is capped at €600, instead of an extra €100 per adult team for clubs “to make it more affordable”.

A council spokesperson commented at the meeting saying the Council understand councillors’ reactions when the increase was first announced but they have worked tirelessly over the summer to consult clubs on the issue.

19 September 2013 BLANCH Gazette 3

Council

timetable: local commuters to be better informed with the displays

Request for free Wi-Fi

Two real-time bus signs confirmed

REAL-TIME information on bus services in Castleknock is set to be rolled out in the near future.

According to Fine G a e l ’s C l l r E i t h n e Loftus, two real-time information notices are set to be installed in Castleknock Village; one outside Beechpark Avenue and one on the main street.

“I am absolutely delighted because you can imagine the bus stop in the village and the bus stop at Beechpark Avenue – they’re both very heavily used, so it would be a great help to local residents to be able to use this local service,” Cllr Loftus explained to the

We have 142,000* readers IN DUBLIN each week *based on TGI-ROI 2012

advertise your business to our readers call 60 10 240

Gazette. “ P e o p l e c a n n ow download an app… and have the bus timetable on their smartphone…

It’s very convenient.

“I have been looking for those two real-time bus signs for some time, but I got confirmation now that they will be installed in the ver y near future,” she added.

Displays A spokesperson for the National Transport Authority said there were currently 18 realtime information displays across Dublin 15.

Meanwhile, there is work in progress on five other locations including two in Blanchardstown Centre, one on

Snugborough Road, Ongar Road. There is also one scheduled for Shelerin Road, however, issues with footpath depth on this road may render that location unfeasible.

“The two for Castleknock Village are set to be installed in the future.

“All efforts are made to expedite the installation process, but experience to date indicates that this can take six to nine months. This arises because there is need for individual road opening licences for each sign and there is a lengthy electricity connection process involving the ESB,” the spokesperson said.

Hair, hair! Hendrin aims to tackle head lice with two new products pictured aRE TV3 presenter and ambassador for ClonMedica Sybil

Mulcahy with Allegra Lupu and Isabelle Evans from Clonsilla and Jamie Wilson from Knocklyon, as they launch two new products for the Hendrin range, which tackles head lice. In addition to the already existing Hendrin Once solution, the range now includes Hendrin Treat and Go, and Hendrin Protect and Go. Almost one in 10 primary school children could have head lice at any one time.

Although anyone can get head lice, the problem is most common among children aged four to 11.

A CALL has been made for management at Blanchardstown Centre to roll out wifi within the popular shopping destination.

During a recent area committee meeting in Castleknock, Fianna Fail councillor for Mulhuddart David McGuinness asked Fingal County Council to make representation to management in the Blanchardstown Centre to consider the roll out of internet access via wifi to “enhance the promotional capacity of Dublin 15”.

In response, a council spokesperson said they would refer his request to the management of Blanchardstown Centre - and notify council members of the outcome once hey have received a reply.

4 BLANCH Gazette 19 September 2013

drama: draiocht

Audition for D15 Youth Theatre IT’S showtime for the D15 Youth Theatre group as they announce a date for auditions for the Draiocht based group.

Auditions for the group are set to take place on Sunday, September 22 from 11am to 1pm in Draiocht and are open to teens aged 14 to 18 years.

Anyone interested should log onto www. draiocht.ie for an application form. Places are limited and admittance is by audition only.

T hose auditioning are asked to arrive at 10.45am on the day to sign in. There is no need to prepare anything.

Auditions will begin with a chat about what’s expected and what will be involved in participat-

ing in D15 Youth Theatre. Participants will then take part in a group workshop which involves some group activities and some script work Those auditioning for a place in the theatre group will be notified by letter if they have been selected by Thursday, September 26.

Anyone who is offered a place will start the first term with the group on Tuesday, October 1 each week until Tuesday, December 10.

There is a €10 membership fee for the term and a €2 weekly contribution.

For further information join D15 Youth Theatre on Facebook or contact Sarah at 01 809 0829 or sarah@draiocht.ie.

planning Move follows locals concerns

Of the plan to establish a suitable access road to a construction site in Hansfield, Cllr Mary McCamley (Lab) said: “The volume of trucks and equipment entering and exiting this access road will be vast and we could end up with health and safety issues

Construction site to get access road at Hansfield  laura webb

A SUITABLE access road to a construction site for a school in Hansfield is to be established following safety concerns over a residential estate’s access road being used as a site entrance.

According to a Fingal

County Council spokesperson, the council’s planning department has recently been in consultation with the developer/ Department of Education regarding the Hansfield Educate Together site in Dublin 15.

The spokesperson said an agreement has been

reached that a “suitably sited construction haul road will be provided in order to facilitate site access, allowing the residential road in the area to remain free of construction traffic”.

The statement comes following local concerns that the Barnwell estate’s

access road, used by residents there, has been used as a site entrance for building trucks and equipment working on the new Hansfield Educate Together school site, which is situated to the right of the estate’s access road.

Cllr Mary McCamley (Lab) said that while the building of a new school is welcome, “it defies logic that planning [was] allowed for a building site access, which incorporates an entrance to a housing estate and impacts on the day-today comings and goings of the residents.

“The volume of trucks and equipment entering and exiting this access road will be vast and we could end up with health and safety issues,” she said.

Cllr McCamley went on to say that the residents of Barnwell have put up with a lot over the

years, including not having access to a state-ofthe-art train station.

She said: “They were under the impression that an access road to their estate would be included in the building and development of Hansfield Train Station onto the new link road.

“Because of the recession, the expected new houses did not materialise, and neither did the expected access [road], and so they are left with a walk of 20 minutes to a station which is adjacent to their estate and which should be easily accessible.”

According to Cllr McCamley, members of the Barnwell Hansfield Residents’ Association are also asking the council to grant funding for a pedestrian walkway from the estate to the new link road, to ensure a safe walkway to and from their estate.

19 September 2013 BLANCH Gazette 5

schools Exam results see celebrations, congratulations

Success is a cert for Junior students  laura webb

STUDENTS across Dublin West were celebrating recently after finding out the results of their first State exams.

The Junior Certificate results were released recently, with 59,823 young people and those returning to education receiving their results across Ireland.

This represents a 1.7% increase on the number of students sitting the exams in 2012.

The top seven subjects were English, maths, CSPE, geography, history, science and Irish – the same as last year.

E i l e e n O ’ C o n n o r,

Blakestown Community School principal, said the school is extremely proud of the 113 students who sat the Junior Cert this year and are very happy with the results.

She said: “There were great results. A lot more students sat higher-level papers in subjects such as science. The fact that more people got a higherlevel grade on a higherlevel paper is really good.

“We also had more [students] sit higher-level and ordinary-level in Project Maths, so there were fewer sitting Foundation Level, which is great.”

The school is now meeting parents to discuss what is expected of

students as they get ready for the senior cycle of their secondary school education.

O’Connor said: “We are preparing the parents now for what we expect, so they can have a more active role.

Understand “What we are saying is when students choose the four option subjects at Leaving Cert level, we want to make sure they are subjects that they have done well in their Junior Cert, first of all, and to understand the points system.

“The most important thing for us is to let them know that there is no

comparison between the level of work required at Leaving Cert level and Junior Cert level. A lot of work must come from [the students] – study, and we will have Easter revision and afternoon studies.”

This year the school is delighted to have Transition Year back, she said.

“It was gone for a good few years, so we are very excited about it. It is going really well so far.

“It’s good, because some of our students can be very young doing their Leaving Cert, so they will be more mature [now], so it will really help,” said O’Connor.

Oliver Murphy, Castle-

Dublin West schools expressed their satisfaction with this year’s Junior Cert results, congratulating students on a wide range of excellent results. Pictured are Castleknock College students who received six or more As.

knock College headmaster, congratulated his students and said this year marked the bestever results since records began at the college.

“Students, parents and teachers were delighted with the outstanding

results, with 17 students of the 86 in the year getting six or more As at higher level, while 25 students got A at higher level Project Maths, and another 25 got a B. “[These are] particularly satisfying results for

a pilot school in the new Project Maths syllabus,” he said.

There were no failures in maths, English or Irish, which Murphy said boded well for getting into university in three years’ time.

6 BLANCH Gazette 19 September 2013

vandalism Scorched public amenity ‘a hazard’ - O’Gorman

Call to repair footbridge at Tolka Valley Park  laura webb

A CALL has been made for Fingal County Council to undertake immediate repair work on a footbridge over the river Tolka which was scorched by a fire.

Green party representative for Dublin West Roderic O’Gorman is asking the local authority to undertake the repairs on the footbridge that forms part of a walkway through the Tolka Valley Park, in a section between Corduff and the M3.

In a statement to the Gazette, he said he was recently contacted by a

Dublin 15 resident who regularly used the Tolka Valley Park.

“The small footbridge over the Tolka in the section between Corduff and the M3 has been badly scorched by a fire that was lit on the bridge,” he said.

“A number of the planks of wood now have holes in them, or are badly warped. This makes the bridge a hazard to walkers, runners, or young children crossing it.

“I took some photos of the damage that has been done and I’ve contacted the parks department of Fingal County Coun-

cil. The council have said that they will look into the issue. I think it is really important that repairs are undertaken here. The Tolka Valley Park is a great resource in Dublin 15, and the current dangerous state of this footbridge cannot be left as it currently is,” concluded O’Gorman.

In response to O’Gorman’s comments, a spokesperson for Fingal County Council confirmed that vandalism causing damage to the footbridge at Tolka Valley Park was reported to the council’s operations department by the park ranger for that area.

This bridge is used daily by walkers, runners and young children

According to the spokesperson, upon assessment of the damage caused, temporary works have been carried

out to make the area in question safe.

“A permanent reinstatement plan is now under way”.

The Tolka Valley Linear Park is situated on the western suburbs of Blanchardstown, Mulhuddart and Corduff. It follows

the course of the Tolka River to the Dublin City boundaries at Finglas and is made up of 300 acres of grassland, wetland and some mature woodland. The park is home to a rich variety of animal and plant species such as otters, kingfishers, dippers, bats, cowslips and willows.

The park, which is a popular amenity with local residents, offers a diverse, natural and tranquil landscape that provides great space for those walking and jogging, while the river supports an abundance of brown trout, providing some good fishing.

Local Opera gala

event: helping genesis counselling service

Matters fundraiser S u p p ort lo c a l b us i n ess

Advertise with the Gazette call

60 10 240

TELL US YOUR STORY Call our news team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2 or email news@gazettegroup.com

We would love WHAT HAS IT to hear it!

HAVE YOU WHO DISCOVERED? CHANGED WHAT YOUR DID YOU LIFE? INSPIRED FIND? YOU?

 laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

GOOD Works Opera is back with its opera gala, a musical evening playing well-known operas and musicals, in aid of a local counselling service.

The opera group is made up of professional musicians who dedicate part of their busy schedules to fundraising through opera, galas and other performances. The opera gala will by performed by Good Works Opera and special guests.

All proceeds raised through this opera gala, which takes place at St Mochta’s Church on September 27 at 8pm, will go to Genesis, a counselling service based at Blackcourt Road, Corduff, beside Corduff Resource Centre. The registered charity was established in 1993 and it serves the Dublin 15 community.

The aim of the service is to be accessible, professional and affordable. All of the

counsellors are qualified psychotherapists who are specifically trained to work with a broad range of difficulties.

Genesis works with individuals, families and couples, and they provide skills training to help deal with anxiety, depression, parenting and couple counselling. They also work with people who have problems with drugs, alcohol abuse and addictions. They also provide services to Mountview Family Resource Centre and at two local community drug projects. They can be contacted at 01 820 2764 or dwdub@hotmail.com.

For more information visit www.genesis.ie A special early bird menu is available that evening in Castleknock Hotel for event goers. To book call 01 640 6322 and make sure to mention you will be attending the gala afterwards.

Tickets for the opera gala are priced €15.

15 September 2013 BLANCH Gazette 7

R1

welcome

Over 100 overseas students THE Institute of Technology Blanchardstown is bucking the trend on welcoming foreign students to its campus with over 100 international students taking up courses there.

Third level colleges in Ireland are being questioned by the Higher Education Authority about whether they are doing enough to welcome foreign students as new figures show a fall in numbers coming to study in Ireland.

This week, ITB are saying they have bucked this trend as just over 100 international students have travelled to the Dublin 15 college to take up courses, a 100% increase on last year’s intake.

President of ITB Dr Mar y Meaney said: “Attracting international students is a priority for the institute. We are delighted to welcome these new students to ITB and look forward to their presence on campus where no doubt they will contribute both to academic and social pursuits on campus.

Some of the international students have travelled from China, India, Nepal and Brazil, while it remains popular with European and Erasmus students who spend a semester or a year in Blanchardstown.

Student union president Jason Aughney is looking forward to welcoming the student as part of a special induction programme for international students on campus this week.

resignation ‘Health issues’ cited for decision FastNews

Peggy Hamill ready to step down  laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

CASTLEKNOCK councillor Peggy Hamill of the Labour Party has confirmed she will step down as a local representative later this year.

Speaking to the G a z e t t e t h i s we e k , she said she had been “gradually coming around” to making a decision on her future with the council, but health issues hastened that decision.

“I had a difficult time with health this year.

I am progressing very well and recuperating… but I need to give consideration to my health now,” she said.

“I have had cancer and major surgery and I am now undergoing chemotherapy. I have had a lot to contend with but I am getting there and I am a very

resilient individual. I believe I have a very g o o d g e t- u p - a n d - g o attitude to life in general and I believe getting out for walks has helped it.”

Commenting on her 10 years as a councillor, she said she has enjoyed it immensely despite there being some difficult times.

“Some of the difficult times were par ticu larly with development plans, and coming into the boom years it was particularly difficult.

“Every patch of green open space came under threat of being developed. It was quite a difficult time to protect the green belt and other green open spaces for fear of development. It was quite difficult from that point of view and ensuring that there were green open spaces for young children to play

Fundraising quiz

PHOENIX FM is holding a table quiz fundraiser to help replace studio equipment.

The quiz takes place on Thursday, September 19 at Kavanagh’s Pub in Laurel Lodge at 8.30pm. Prizes include a custom-made bike and vouchers.

Money raised will go towards replacing the main studio PC which keeps the station on air.

Entrance fee is €40 per team with a maximum of four members.

Aldi is coming ALDI Stores Ireland will open its doors to the Dublin 15 community when it launches its latest supermarket in Mulhuddart.

The 990 sq m store opens on September 19 with special offers on hand to mark the occasion. The new store will be Aldi’s 16th in Dublin.

ITB’s learning exchange Cllr Peggy Hamill (Lab) has served Fingal County Council for 10 years

on and enjoy.

“It was also difficult to get the message across what were sustainable areas for people to live in, we now know that a lot of the apartments built were not suitable for young families.”

On her constituents, she said they always supported her because they knew she always had their “best interest at heart”.

“I was not in it for any thing other than what was good for com-

munities and how we wanted the way we used to live to continue. That a three-bedroom house with a back garden is still the only way to rear a family,” she added.

She went on to say that she would officially step down at the end of December and her successor, who is likely to be John Walsh, will be officially named during a Labour Party selection convention in the coming weeks.

Hamill was co-opted

to Fingal County Council in 2003 when the dual mandate, under which TDs and senators could be members of local authorities, was abolished.

Peggy took over from Joan Bur ton. A year later she took the second seat on Fingal during the local elections with 1,554 first preference votes.

Five years later, in the 2009 local elections, she came third with 2,201 first preference votes.

THE Irish Social Enterprise Network will take part in a learning exchange initiative taking place at the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown on September 26 from 10am to 1pm.

They will join other businesses and community groups to exchange ideas and support opportunities to grow the social economy and social enterprise in Dublin 15.

For more details contact breffni.orourke@ fingalcoco.ie.

8 BLANCH Gazette 19 September 2013

gazetteGALLERY

Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only €6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com

sari: 17TH ANNUAL SOCCERFEST AT THE PHOENIX PARK

Scoring goals to combat racism T

HE 17th annual Tesco Mobile Sports Against Racism Ireland (SARI) Soccerfest was recently held at the Phoenix Park.

This is Europe’s biggest intercultural soccer tournament and family event, which is

held every year to promote cultural integration and social development in Irish life through sport.

This year’s tournament was the biggest ever, with 56 men’s, women’s and under-13 teams taking part.

Action was fast and furious in the Phoenix

Park

Executive chair of SARI Perry Ogden, referee John Devine and Louise Brown of SARI

Ciaran Fagan and Kieth Boyd

Goodness Sibanda and Tina Mokemane

Eric Donovan

19 September 2013 BLANCH Gazette 9

10 BLANCH GAZETTE 19 September 2013

GAZETTEGALLERY

Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only €6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com

Roz models a delicate black Erdem Shier dress while Sarah models a cream Dolce and Gabbana lace dress

Models Roz Purcell and Sarah Morrissey recently showcased top designs from the Brown Thomas Autumn Winter 2013 International Designer Collections Fashion Show at the annual ISPCC luncheon at the Four Seasons Hotel in Dublin. Roz wears a Christian Dior Jacket dress and Sarah wears a purple Tom Ford dress. Pictures: Leon Farrell / Photocall

ISPCC LUNCHEON: BROWN THOMAS’S NEW COLLECTION

Fashion forward

Roz in an Erdem Berry top while Sarah wears an Erdem black floral dress

19 September 2013 Gazette 11

health P13

asdfsdaf businessP27 P16

dublinlife Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week



Gazette

diary P12

what’son Oktoberfest set to return:

Brian Cavanagh (inset) who lost his daughter, Elizabeth, to meningitis and is sharing this first-hand experience of the disease

Awareness Week: New vaccine offers ‘positive news’ on serious illness

Parents urged to gen up on meningitis symptoms  laura webb

A bereaved parent is warning the public to be aware of symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia during National Meningitis Awareness Week.

Dubliner Brian Cavanagh lost his daughter Elizabeth to meningitis and is sharing this first-hand experience of the disease.

National Meningitis Awareness Week started on September 16 and continues until 22. Brian is urging people to be more aware of the signs and symptoms of the diseases, that can strike without

warning.

According to the Meningitis Research Foundation one in 10 will die and a quarter of survivors will be left with life altering after-effects ranging from deafness and brain damage to loss of limbs.

Those most at risk are children under five and students, but the disease can strike at any age.

Vaccines have almost eliminated many types of meningitis but the disease still presents a real threat.

Brian said: “As a parent of a child who died from this devastating disease, I am reassured by the positive news that

there’s now a vaccine that will help to eradicate meningitis B. “Although too late for Elizabeth, it is wonderful news that we now have a resource to stop this fast-moving disease in its tracks.

“At the time Elizabeth died, there was no vaccine that could have prevented her death. But there is hope now and I therefore urge the Government to consider introducing this new vaccine as soon as possible.”

Diane McConnell, Ireland manager of Meningitis Research Foundation, adds: “Our recent survey confirmed that

meningitis is the most feared childhood infectious disease by parents and health professionals.

“Meningitis Research Foundation is actively campaigning for the swift introduction of the meningitis B vaccine as we know it can prevent death and disability.

“But people should still be aware they are not fully protected against all forms of the disease, so knowing the symptoms and acting fast is essential to saving lives.”

For more information visit www.meningitis.org.

The original Oktoberfest is set to return to Dublin again this year giving Irish people the chance to experience the authentic Oktoberfest festival. A marquee - representative of that in the Oktoberfest in Munich - and German markets, as well as 24 authentic Oktoberfest barmaids will descend on the city providing some German fun, food and entertainment and authentic Bavarian beer. The traditional German market will take place on George’s Dock at the IFSC in Dublin City Centre from September 19 until October 6 and will feature over 30 German speciality food producers and German traders, who are all travelling to Dublin for the Oktoberfest.

Visitors will be introduced to the best of Bavarian food and specialities from sausages, meat, pastries, Kasespatzle (cheese noodles) to mountain cheese and ginger bread hearts. Traditional Bavarian musicians Die Alpenshow will also be playing throughout the 18-day event. See www.oktoberfest-dublin.de.

Gazette

12 Gazette 19 September 2013

dublinlife

Help champion COMMUNITIES across Dublin are asked to make their voices heard by supporting local champions in the 2013 Calor Community Champion initiative.

Calor is calling out to people to help find local champions across the county who work each and every day to improve the lives of the people around them.

The rural energy solutions provider believes it is time that these people were recognised and celebrated, and has set aside a prize fund of more than €10,000 for the initiative.

T V and radio personality Sile Seoige; legendary GAA broadcaster Micheal O Muircheartaigh and Northern

Ireland chef and broadcaster Paula McIntyre, were at the launch to support the cause.

To enter and nominate your local Dublin hero, like Calor’s Facebook page; once you become a fan there, you can enter the community champion app.

Then give the name of your nominee and contacts details, and in 250 words explain why you think they deserve to win.

go russian to the circus THE Moscow State Circus is coming to Ireland later this month with its latest and most spectacular show to date.

Taking place in the

RDS, the Park Gorkogo-themed circus will feature some of the best circus performers and sees a mammoth cast of Russia’s most talented in this field.

Circus goers will see award-winning flying trapeze artists and roller skating as well as vertical pole jugglers.

A hand balancer will also be thrown into the mix, along with a revolving Russian swing catapulting its 10-strong troupe high into the apex of the tent, while clowns Valik and Valerik will keep the crowd laughing.

The circus promises its audiences at the RDS an awe-inspiring show that has been created especially for its first ever

SUPPORT

Local BUSINESS



SHOP LOCALLY

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

Call the Gazette on

60 10 240

19 September 2013 Gazette 13

Gazette

diary

an unsung hero in your community European tour.

The circus will be at the RDS September 26-29.

Tickets are priced from €8, and concession prices are available, and children under the age of two go free.

For further information, see www.ticketmaster.ie.

wheelie great bicycle news THE National Transport Authority (NTA) has published a fivefold increase in cycle routes for the greater Dublin area.

The Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network intends to increase the provision of on-and-off cycle paths from 500km to 2,840km in four of the Dublin local authorities,

including areas in Wicklow, Kildare and Meath.

The network has been worked out following a study of the location and condition of existing facilities, while the pattern of current travel routes has also been taken into consideration.

The plan can be viewed on the NTA’s website at nationaltransport.ie.

remembering chernobyl AN IRISH charity remembered the children of Chernobyl in recent days when September 11 marked 10,000 days since the world’s worst environmental disaster.

The nuclear disaster occurred in 1986 and its aftereffects are still dev-

astating a new generation today.

Chernobyl Children International is an Irish charity that was set up to give support and hope to children living in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster.

Adi Roche, the charity’s founder and chief executive, said: “10,000 days later, we can once again remember the forgotten children of Chernobyl, who in 1986 saw their world changed in the blink of an eye, leaving a legacy of medical and health problems that continue to impact hugely on future generations.”

For further information, see www.chernobylinternational.com.

GAA broadcaster Micheal O Muircheartaigh joining TV personality Sile Seoige to launch the 2013 Calor Community Champion initiative, which will highlight unsung heroes in the community

Gazette

14 Gazette 19 September 2013

dublinlife

irish heart foundation: annual 5km walk

Reduce cholesterol to keep your heart happy CAST members from the RTE soap opera Fair City will be taking part in this year’s Happy Heart Walk in Raheny this month.

The fundraising walk is an annual event in suppor t of the Irish Heart Foundation, and is the biggest such event in the country.

Dubliners from every corner of the county are being called on to take part in the walk this year as a gesture of support for Irish Heart

Month.

The Irish Heart Foundation is a national charity which fights against the onset of heart disease and stroke.

According to organisers, being physically active at a moderate intensity for 30 minutes, five days a week can keep our hearts healthy.

This and other lifestyle advice has been issued by the Irish Heart Foundation to

launch the September Heart Month Fats of Life campaign, which aims to help us all to lower cholesterol, a serious risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Irish Hear t Foundation’s Happy Heart Wa l k s c o - o r d i n a t o r Mary Reynolds said: “ Mo r e t h a n 10 , 0 0 0 people of all ages are expected to take part in our annual 5km Happy Heart Walks on World Heart Day, which is a great active day out

for all the family. Our Dublin walk will be a great day out for the whole family with face painting and goodie bags. Join our 4km Dublin walk or organise one with family or friends and you can do your bit to help us turn 50,000km into €50,000 – just raise €1 for every kilometre you walk!

“Money raised will help fund our charity’s lifesaving research, resuscitation and patient support pro-

The Happy Heart Walk will be held this month as part of the Irish Heart Month

grammes nationwide.”

T he Raheny walk, starts at the Sybill Hill Road Entrance in St Anne’s Park at 2pm on Sunday September 29, or you can organise your own local 5km

Happy Heart Walk.

Those opting to set up their own community walk should register it to receive an organiser pack including: t-shirts, heart balloons, information sheets and more.

Throughout September details of local walks happening across the county will be listed on the Irish Heart Foundation’s website at www.irishheart.ie/happyheartwalks.

19 September 2013 Gazette 15

features County Meath: Dunderry Park gets set to host the best in Irish folk music

Folky festival treat to lift the spirits

The line-up for the festival of all festivals, Spirit of Folk, has been announced with the best in Irish folk music taking part.

The festival season is not over until folk music gets its day.

Ta k i n g p l a c e i n Dunderry Park, County Meath, Spirit of Folk, plays host to the finals of the “feastival’s” first awards competition.

T he finalists were chosen after a music battle in Whelan’s Live last month. Nine bands played to a packed house on the night and after much deliberation, the judges named the three acts that will bat-

tle it out on the stage in Dunderry on Saturday, September 21.

According to the festival organisers, vibrant young band Moxie from Sligo/Limerick were chosen for their fresh sounds, blending folk, rock and new age bluegrass.

The second finalist is Galway singer/songwriter Miriam Donohue who is making a name for herself with her engaging blend of acoustic folk pop.

And the line-up is completed by Wicklow band, The Cujo Family, well known on the music scene for their explosive live perform-

ances.

Other acts confirmed to play on the day include alternative Irish folk group Bunoscionn and Dublin duo Lynched.

In a bid to celebrate all things traditional, the Spirit of Folk Festival will also include an eclectic array of folky activities.

Visitors can try out some archery and listen to storytelling in a candle lit cairn - headlined by the famous seanachi Eddie Lenihan.

There will also be mind, body, spirit workshops, bushcraft, bat walks and experimental archaeology. There will

be plenty for children too - with clow ning workshops, imagination gym and puppet making.

The festival will run late into the night with a three-course Folky Feast and a very special programme, run by performance venue The Hall of Heroes with murder mystery games, magician shows and late night DJs. Dunderry Park is situated on 25 acres of lake and woodlands around the original Georgian house and is where “feastival” goers will be able to listen to the folk finalists play their finest sounds.

The Spirit of Folk festival will take place in Dunderry Park, County Meath

Once it is dark, the makeshift community will gather by the cairn for a ceremonial burning of their mighty phoenix sculpture with

the fires glowing right through the night.

For more details on the feastival and a full line-up list visit www. spiritoffolk.com or

email hello@spiritoffolk.com. Day tickets are €50 including a three-course folky feast or €40 without the feast.

Gazette

16 Gazette 19 September 2013

dublinlife

business

nominations: three airside businesses in with chance to win national q mark awards

High flyers with high standards THREE businesses based at Dublin Airport have been nominated for a top prize at this year’s National Q Mark Awards, it was announced earlier this week.

The Airside businesses bidding to land the top prize include the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), HMSHost and The Harvest Market.

The nominees were announced by Irene Collins, managing direc-

tor of Excellence Ireland Quality Association, who said the three businesses have exceeded the normal standards and have set the standard that all other organisations should be aiming for.

Excellence

“These nominations recognise that DAA is operating at the highest standard of quality and excellence and that HMSHost and Harvest

Market are operating at the highest standards of Hygiene and Food Safety,” she said.

EIQA – the guardians of the Q Mark – audit all types of businesses and only award the coveted Q Mark to those operating at standards above the current legislative requirements and that have the consumer’s best interests in mind.

The DA A provides services in airport man-

agement, operation and development, domestic and international airport retail management and airport investment.

It has delivered a €2 billion investment programme at Dublin Airport which has seen the completion of Terminal 2 and significant additional improvements.

Piere Lavazza, Irish Meadows, Java Republic and Puro Gusto are part of HMSHost’s food and beverage offering at

Dublin Airport Authority’s Mary Coveney, Emma Murtagh, Adam Heffernan, Martin Roper of Q Mark, Caoilfhionn Nic Connara, Deirdre Delaney and Liz Kavanagh

Dublin Airport.

T hey are industr y leaders at creating innovative dining experiences for the travelling public, and the business employs 200 people in Ireland.

T he Har vest Mar-

ket, part of HMSHost, offers customers a wide range of meals including Irish breakfasts and hot lunches. Located in Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport, they provide an attractive and unique dining experience for

travelling customers.

The teams from Dublin Airport will go headto-head with the best Irish businesses of 2013 at the Q Mark awards ceremony at Dublin’s Burlington Hotel on September 27.

Bride &Groom From fashion to honeymoons and gifts to cakes, let The Gazette help you plan that special day with our guide to all things wedding

l w elc om e! l

Getting married?

It’s a piece of cake  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

Most people still want their wedding day to be the best day of their life and here at The Gazette, we want to help you make your dream wedding come true.

The following pages of this special wedding supplement will deal with all the practical matters associated with your big day. But for now to take the stress away from all of those preparations, let’s look at some strange wedding facts and customs from around the world.

An abundance of superstitions surround wedding clothes, jewellery and flowers. Carrying a bridal bouquet comes from an early Roman tradition involving herbs like rosemary which were said to ward off evil spirits.

The tradition of flower girls throwing flower petals in the bride’s path is a symbolic act meant to lead her to a sweet and plentiful future. In ancient times, the bride’s veil symbolised her youth and virginity while also hiding her face from jealous spirits or the Evil Eye. The reason wedding rings are placed on the third finger of the left hand is because ancient Egyptians believed the vein in that hand (called the vein of love by the Romans) ran directly to the heart.

Food plays a ver y important part in the whole wedding experience today as it did in

times gone by, but for slightly different reasons.

A wedding cake was held to be a symbol of good luck and fertility and has been a part of wedding celebrations since Roman times. Back then, a small bun representing fertility was broken over the bride’s head at the end of the marriage ceremony and during the middle ages, the custom was for the bride and groom to kiss over small cakes.

Nearly all cultures today and in the past sprinkle the wedding couple with symbolic food: the French throw wheat, Sicilians throw bread and salt, and the English throw pieces of cake. Throwing rice at weddings was to encourage fertility, prosperity, and bounty, but nowadays the rice has been replaced by confetti as many modern churches and wedding locations discourage rice throwing because rice can be fatal for birds who eat it.

Many of the customs associated with weddings that persist have lost their original meanings. A bride is carried over the threshold either to symbolise her reluctance to leave her father’s home or because evil spirits hovered over the threshold of a house and lifting her over them protected her.

In old Ireland, a hen about to lay an egg was tied to the wedding bed to guarantee fertility.

The existing superstition that the bridegroom must not see his

bride before the wedding comes from a time when marriages were arranged and the groom only saw the bride for the first time at the wedding ceremony.

If he saw her in advance there was a chance he might bolt.

Nuptial phrases such as “tying the knot” also survive to this day. The phrase came from an ancient Babylonian custom in which threads from the clothes of both the bride and groom were tied together in a knot to

symbolise their union.

F i n a l l y, t h e m o s t famous wedding phrase of all: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe” sy mbolises continuity, optimism for the future, borrowed happiness, fidelity and wealth respectively.

So, as you set off on your own magical wedding day, remember what a wealth of symbolism you are inheriting.



Gazette

19 September 2013 Gazette 17

18 Gazette 19 September 2013

Bride &Groom

Blooming terrific!

Choosing your wedding flowers is a very personal thing but it can be very daunting for the average couple.

There are so many flowers to choose from, so how do you decide what to go for: Lilies, traditional roses or something a bit more risqué? To take all the hassle out of choosing, consult with a real expert and Dun Laoghaire based, award winning florist, Mary O’Gara has years of experience.

To find out more about TheWeddingFlorist.ie, located at 212 Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre, Dun Laoghaire, contact Mary O’Gara on 01 280 0122.

l h ow s uite it is l

Ensuring the

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

Dunboyne Castle Hotel in Meath

Choosing a venue for the happiest day of your life is one of the most important decisions you will make. There are so many different hotel venues to suit all tastes nowadays, offering great deals in some of the most sumptuous hotels and resorts in Dublin and its surroundings.

One such place is Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa based in Meath. This hotel presents the happy couple with an ideal getaway that is near enough to Dublin, while still in the lush heartland of the countryside.

Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa has acres

of stunning landscaped grounds and a sweeping tree-lined avenue leading up to the historic architecture of the hotel, all of which seem tailor made to adorn a gorgeous wedding album.

Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa is hosting a wedding fair on Sunday, October 20 from 1pm to 5pm with a Mr and Mrs quiz included and a €1,000 discount offer off the cost of your wedding when you book on the day. For more information, you can contact the hotel on 01 8013500 or events@ dunboynecastlehotel. com.

Another venue in Meath is the Trim Castle Hotel which is set over-

looking Trim Castle and the rolling lawns of St Patrick’s Church. The hotel is holding a wedding fair on Sunday, September15 from 2pm to5pm.

The hotel possesses both the Old World charisma of the Anglo-Norman castle, and the contemporary standards of great food and stunning modern decor. It also has a beautiful rooftop garden from which guests can admire the impressive castle.

Trim Castle Hotel is now offering an all inclusive package on key dates from 2014 to 2016 for €55 per person.

If you would like to learn more about Trim Castle as a wedding venue,

19 September 2013 Gazette 19

venue is a perfect match for you you can contact their wedding co-ordinators on 046 9483000 or email info@ trimcastlehotel.com.

For those wishing to be beside the sea on their big day, The Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire is the ideal venue. The hotel has a long history of hosting weddings and civil ceremonies and is set on four acres of garden with direct access to Dun Laoghaire promenade and pier.

There are 15 suites to choose from at The Royal Marine Hotel, as well as a large banqueting hall and a sweeping, romantic Victorian staircase.

The Royal Marine Hotel hold their wedding fayre on Sunday, September 29 from 2pm until

5pm in the hotel’s Carlisle banqueting suite.

Sample dishes and house wine will be on display with the hotel’s chefs and food and beverage managers on hand to answer any of the bride and groom’s questions.

If you have any inquiries, you can contact wedding planner Gina on 01 271 2512 or email events@ royalmarine.ie.

Another stylish harbour venue for your wedding is Wrights Findlater in Howth. This is a unique boutique wedding destination ideally located in the picturesque village of Howth. It offers a blend of simplicity and elegance with breathtaking coastal views for your special

day.

Wrights Findlater has three floors and guests can be greeted in the ground floor bar which has a decor of cool blues and rich wood paneling.

The first floor holds the dining area with capacity for 80 guests which lends an intimate atmosphere throughout the wedding meal. After-dinner entertainment is on the third floor Sky Bar and Roof Terrace.

Wrights Findlater in Howth are hosting their first wedding fair on Sunday, October 13 and you can find out more by emailing wedding coordinator Suzanne at info@ findlater.ie.

Next month, Bewley’s

The Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire

Wrights Findlater in Howth

Hotel Dublin Airport are hosting their wedding fair in the elegant Baskin Suite in the hotel.

Visitors to the fair will get a chance to view the Baskin Suite as it would appear on their wedding day.

The fair promises to be a one-stop for all bridesand grooms-to-be. On

The Baskin Suite caters for up to 250 guests and is a bright and elegant ballroom to complement any wedding reception.

Wedding packages range from €30 per guest and go up to the all-inclusive wedding packages which start at €69 per guest.

Bewley’s Hotel Dublin

hand will be a wide variety of local photographers, car hire, wedding cakes, florists and stationery and much more.

Bewley’s dedicated wedding co-ordinator will be available to answer any questions you may have about hosting your special day in the hotel’s Baskin Suite.

Airport wedding fair is on May 12, from 1pm to 5pm. Admission is free and there will be glasses of bubbly, tea, coffee and treats for everyone attending.

For more information, you can contact 01 8711000 or email cb.dublinairport@bewleyshotels.com.

20 Gazette 19 September 2013

Bride &Groom

l t h e se arc h is o n l

Finding the perfect gift for the happy couple  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

If you are looking for gift ideas for an upcoming wedding, the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre gift card can be spent in over 180 stores in the popular shopping complex.

The gift card is a great idea for any bride and groom, as it allows them to pick out their own gifts rather than smile politely while accepting yet another toaster.

Blanchardstown Shopping Centre’s clothes stores include some of the most stylish such as BT2, and French Connection, Top Shop, Zara and River Island.

Debenhams in the centre is the number one choice for wedding gifts, as it has a great range of beautiful designer pieces sure to appeal to any

taste. Contemporary designers for Debenhams’ gifts are John Rocha, Betty Jackson and Jasper Conran.

For technology-loving couples out there the shopping centre’s retail parks have computer outlets such as Curry’s and PC World.

The more practical home-making couple can stock up on all their DIY necessities in Woodie’s and DFS with their gift card.

While shopping, the newlyweds can take a break and enjoy a spot of lunch in Nando’s, Milano or any of the over 25 restaurants in the complex which is open seven days a week.

You can purchase a Blanchardstown gift card by going online at blanchardstowncentre.ie





Aynsley 16pce dinner set from Tierney’s Gift Shop

Picture frame from Tierney’s Gift Shop





Gift shop, Tierney’s is also in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, as well as other locations like the Stephen’s Green Centre, the Ilac Centre and on George’s Street in Dun Laoghaire.

Ideal wedding gifts at the store range from €25 to €250 and include cutlery sets, mirrors, crystal and glassware and lots more.

Tierney’s Gift Shops also have a wedding list facility for couples to sign onto.

The first step in registering your wedding list is to make an appointment with a personal consultant at Tierney’s by phoning (01) 2801417.

Once you are happy with your selection, s taff will make the list

John Rocha Ori Carafe, Debenhams €210

John Rocha Rian Wine Pair, Debenhams €115

of items available for your guests to view. They will then be able to make purchases online, by phone or in person.

Quality brands include Newbridge Silver, Vera Wang, Waterford Crystal, Galway Crystal, Killarney Crystal, Willow Tree, Genesis and Belleek China.

Many of their gifts can be personalised too with special messages to remember their special day.

They also offer a free gift wrapping service and a nationwide and international delivery service.

For more information on Tierney’s gift ideas, you can go to www.tierneysgifts.com.

19 September 2013 Gazette 21

22 GAZETTE 19 September 2013

Bride &Groom

l T H E IDE AL SPOT l

Celebrate a new beginning with a dream honeymoon hotels, you could avail of a number of offers such as free room upgrades, free spa treatments, free dinner on the beach and their special Honeymoon package, which involves all manner of delights like breakfast in bed, fruit, wine and more.

Keeping with Mexico, you and your loved one could spend 10 nights in the five-star Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun.

This honeymoon, which is all-inclusive, features a stay in a Club Deluxe Tropical View Room and starts at €2,124 per person. You will leave Dublin on February 10 next year and are entitled to the hotel’s Eternity Honeymoon package which includes resort coupons to the value of $400 (€300).

For those who would like to try something really unusual, why not think about Dominican Republic? A nine-night stay in the five-star Now

Larimar Punta Cana starts at €1,499 per perTHE choice of honeyson in November and moon these days has includes a free romantic never been more varied dinner on the beach. or exotic with trips to All of these offers must very unusual destinabe booked by September tions such as Cambodia 21, 2013 or from Sepand cruises to several tember 28 until October countries on a fabulous 12 for travel before Sepliner on offer. tember 6, 2014.

Travelmood is curIf you would like more rently offering a selecinformation on hontion of dream honeyeymoons in Mexico or moons with prices to Dominican Republic, suit all budgets. visit www.travelmood.

For those looking for ie. a truly tropical honeyIf you would like to moon, Mexico is fast begin your married life becoming a popular with a leisurely cruise, choice. You can spend there are several on seven nights in the offer from Thomas Cook Tulum Resort and Spa, for 2015. a five-star, all-inclusive This year sees the affair in a deluxe garden launch of a brand new view room from €1,239 range of world cruise per person. The price packages available to includes return flights Irish customers with a from Dublin on Decemselection of 100 and 110 ber 2, a guaranteed night voyages starting at room upgrade and 50% €12,159 per person. discount on spa treatThe Queen Victoria ments. will set sail through the If you book with Travwaters of the Pacific elmood this September on a 103-night voyage at selected exploring the exotic east, stopping at Thailand, Samoa and Australia with prices starting at €13,729 per person.

A 105-night voyage on the Aurora will take you on a South American and Pacific Adventure cruise taking in 30 destinations in 15 countries from €12,159 per person.

Thomas Cook cruise prices are based on the cruise Have some fun on the colourful tropical island of Barbados only, with two per BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

sons sharing an interior stateroom. Flights and transfers can be arranged separately.

For more information on cruises, you can go to www.thomascookcruise.ie.

For those preferring to stay on terra firma, Thomas Cook’s spring deals in the Caribbean could be the icing on the cake for any newlywed couple.

Leaving on January 13, 2014, newlyweds visiting Barbados can sample the rum at a local distillery and swim with the turtles during their honeymoon in the tranquil three-star Sunbay Hotel in Christchurch from €1,197 per person for 10 nights on a bed and breakfast basis.

If Jamaica is more your thing, a 10-night stay at the four-star Jamaica Grande Resort and Spa in Ochos Rios starts at €1,492 (all inclusive) is also available as part of Thomas Cook’s spring deals.

Available until March 31 next year, Gohop. ie has a Golden California self-drive tour for couples looking for an adventurous honeymoon from €1,269. You would start off in San Francisco, then visit Las Vegas, Malibu and San Diego en route to Los Angeles.

The price of the Golden California tour includes return flights from Dublin to San Francisco, accommodation and a compact, two-

19 September 2013 GAZETTE 23

Let your guests eat cake - with a twist!

Visit the four-star Jamaica Grande Resort in Ochos Rios or set sail with Thomas Cruise (right) on a leisurely cruise to exotic locations such as the South Pacific

door car for 12 days.

This is the perfect honeymoon for couples on the go, as it involves a cycle along San Francisco’s world famous Golden Gate Bridge, a drive through California’s central coast on Highway 1, a stroll d ow n H o l l y wo o d ’s

Walk of Fame at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and a 24-hour stay in Las Vegas.

Gohop.ie is also offering Cambodia as a 13-night honeymoon destination for €1,020 per person. This honeymoon is for those with an exploratory nature as

it involves a journey to the heart of Cambodia where you will discover the culture, people, landscape and cuisine that make this South East Asian country so richly distinctive.

You can go to www. gohop.ie for more information.

UNUSUAL alternatives to the traditional fruit, marzipan and icing wedding cake of old have been popular at weddings for quite a while now.

Now an exciting, new company called Swe e t i d e a s . i e h a s taken a step further by making a range of sweet trees made of your favourite childhood treats. It’s a fun and nostalgic way of reliving your childhood on your wedding day.

T h e c o m p a ny i s offering chocolate trees, lollipop, Ferrero Rocher, Haribo, jelly and Chupa Chup trees and many more spe-

cially made up of your favourite sweet treats.

T h e c o m p a ny i s offering our readers a 10% discount on your sweet order if you mention The Gazette and will be running a competition on Facebook to win a sweet wedding package, at www.facebook.com/ sweetideas.ie.

A Ferrero Rocher tree

24 swords gazette 19 September 2013

Bride &Groom

l pretty gorgeous l

McElhinney’s Mori Lee wedding

Monsoon Anastasia dress €265

McElhinney’s Maggie Sottero

Wedding dress

Cosette wedding dress

Knight and Day crystal and pearl earrings, Carraig Donn, €29.95

style

Deluxe shoe, Dune, €115 Korky’s €39.99

 Laura Webb

Oxfam: Forever Young brocade gown €300, oval earrings €2, and bracelet €30, by Aine Killeen

Finding the perfect wedding dress can sometimes be a daunting and stressful experience for brides, but when you finally find “the one” that experience is quickly washed away with tears of happiness.

Once the appointments have been booked, it’s on to trying on some dresses.

The one piece of advice you will hear from all the bridal dress stockists is that trying on a variety of dresses is key to finding the perfect dress.

Sometimes the dress a bride has in mind can change when they try on other styles; so try as many styles as you can to know exactly what suits your shape.

Look at stores you might not usually think to look in, such as Oxfam Ireland which has a great selection of bridal-wear.

To help brides get a sense of what’s out there The Gazette has found some amazing Dress, Monsoon wedding dresses €230 for brides to consider this season.

19 September 2013 GAZETTE 25

MOTORS P31

ASDFSDAF P27 TRAVEL P32

OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week



GAZETTE

MUSIC P30

Pets CAN YOU GIVE LOVELY RUBY A NEW HOME?

Ray Yeates (inset), Dublin City Council arts officer and director of Culture Night 2013, says this year’s night will showcase some great entertainment for everyone and facilitate a “conversation” between citizens and the city, courtesy of its many cultural gems

FESTIVAL: FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY, TAKE A FREE LOOK AT DUBLIN’S CULTURAL GEMS

Admire hidden treasures  BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

THE seventh annual Culture Night takes place on September 20 and is set to be the biggest and best yet, according to Ray Yeates, the event’s director and Dublin City Council arts officer.

What started off as a “very Dublin” affair – with the capital’s institutions, galleries and museums opening their doors to the public free of charge for one night only – has turned into a national phenomenon, with 11,000 events lined up this year.

Yeates spoke to The Gazette about how the festival began and what we can look forward to this year.

He said: “It started off as an idea born in Temple Bar by the Temple Bar Cultural Trust, and it was a localised thing to that

area. Similar nights had been staged in France and Belgium, and it was decided to try it in Dublin, too.

“Nowadays, it’s a national event, and each town and area devises its own programme of events around the country.

“Culture Night is really growing and there is much more momentum to it these days.

“But really I think what is special about it is not the individual events, but the overall experience,” he said.

“Suddenly, the whole of Dublin is opened up at night and places that are not normally accessible to the public – like the Masonic Hall – are freely available to step inside.

“Other venues which may only be open during the day also open at night – such as City Hall – and this allows the

visitor to experience a different side of Dublin and gets them to stop and appreciate the city more.

“One of the biggest highlights is taking place in Temple Bar. RTE has really become strongly involved in this year’s Culture Night, and is broadcasting its Arena arts programme live from Meeting House Square, with broadcaster Sean Rocks.

“Another highlight is that we commissioned an anthem for Culture Night from contemporary composer, Stephen Gardner, which the RTE concert orchestra will play.

“As well as that, there will be all kinds of mad stuff going on! Dublin Bus has a programme whereby musicians and storytellers will be on the buses entertaining commuters,” said Yeates.

“As far as other cultural events go, the galleries in Temple Bar will be running seven tours through 30 different institutions around the city. AIB will open its own art collection to the public in Ballsbridge, which should be interesting.

“The main thing about the night is that all the events are free – that’s very important to people, nowadays. Culture Night creates a kind of conversation between the city and its people, from the Abbey Theatre over to Dublin Castle,” he said.

Culture Night is given €300,000 by the Government for nationwide events and Dublin City Council, the Temple Bar Cultural Trust and the individual venues participating also contribute enough to match that figure again, said Yeates.

THE Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs.

Our Dog of the Week is Ruby, a three-and-a-halfyear-old Pitbull cross.

Ruby came to Dogs Trust with her puppies and they have all since been re-homed, so we would really love to find Ruby her own home now.

She just adores people and being cuddled, kissed and rubbed are among her favourite things.

Ruby also loves the company of other dogs and indulging in a bit of “rough and tumble”!

If you think you could give Ruby a perfect home, please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50 and directions can be found on www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustireland or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

Gazette

26 Gazette 19 September 2013

OUT&ABOUT

Fall in love wit h

R1

Style Generation, a two-day fashion extravaganza featuring the latest looks for men, women and kids is set to take

 laura webb

style@gazettegroup.com

Autumn winter collections have arrived at Blanchardstown Centre and they are ready to celebrate the new season in style.

The popular shopping destination is hosting, Style Generation, a two-day fashion extravaganza featuring all the latest looks for men, women and kids – all conveniently available under the one roof at Blanchardstown Centre.

The event, which runs September 28 to 29, is loaded with fun fashion shows for the whole family and is being hosted by the centre’s very own style expert Shirley Lane.

Shows run at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm e a c h d ay f e a t u ring looks for all ages, shapes and sizes from

favourite brands such exciting. We’re seeing Inglot and Peter Mark, as BT2, Debenhams, lots of colour which is BT2 Occasion wear, M&S, Penney’s, H&M, great, plenty of different Sweet Jeans with Jules A-wear, Dunnes Stores, textures, from leather to Fallon - how to find the Name It, River Island, tweed, patterns, plaid, perfect pair of jeans - and Warehouse and more. animal print – we will our host Shirley Lane will C o m m e n t i n g o n have it all. be showing you how to what the audience can “Following each show dress for your shape. look forward to, mar“We will have keting executive at plenty of Blanchardstown spot Centre Ciara Daly said: Our audiTo celebrate Style Generation at Blanchardstown ence can Centre, we are giving one lucky lady the chance expect to win a complete makeover from top to toe with Shirley Lane including a shopping spree worth €500, f o u r a complete new hair makeover from Peter Mark amazing and a beauty makeover from Inglot. To enter, email s h ow s cdaly@blanchardstowncentre with a recent pic and e a c h d ay a short note on why you would love to win. Closing featuring date for entries is Sunday 22nd September. looks from Terms & conditions apply.

B l a n c h a r d s t ow n prizes Centre for women, men and Peter and kids, hosted by our we will Mark will be offering ver y personal stylist have style and beauty 25% off all colour with Shirley Lane. masterclasses where our their Colour Carnival “We want to show- audience can take away event too,” Ciara said. case how all generations real tips that they can The style and beauty can wear this season’s incorporate into their masterclasses will allow trends, and wear them own styles. audience members to really well. Autumn/ “Masterclasses will meet the experts from winter 2013 is ver y include beauty from Inglot and Peter Mark

Would you love a style makeover?



19 September 2013 Gazette 27

R1

in association with Blanchardstown Centre

STYLE

autumn fashion place at Blanchardstown Centre

who will show how to get the look fresh from the catwalks.

BT2 wants to show how to dress for every occasion and personal stylist Shirley Lane wants to teach people all of the best tips to get you looking your best for autumn/winter.

Get the VIP treatment with a complimentary beauty treatment, with over 20 beauty stations out on the mall ready to give free advice. If that’s not enough there

will be loads of fantastic spot prizes so dress to impress.

Style Generation @ Blanchardstown is the must visit event this year to get the inside track on how to look fabulous for autumn/ winter 2013.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest event updates and competitions #style #blanchcentre or visit our brand new website www.blanchardstowncentre.com.



“We will have plenty of spot prizes and Peter Mark will be offering 25% off all colour with their Colour Carnival event too” Ciara Daly, marketing executive at Blanchardstown Centre

Style expert Shirley Lane who will host the event at Blanchardstown Centre

Gazette

28 Gazette 19 September 2013

OUT&ABOUT

arts

people: father and son hold court at book festival

From Beckett to cake, McCanns hold court  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

THE Pavilion Theatre played host to Colum McCann’s informal discussion with his father, Sean, on September 7 as part of the DLR Mountains to Sea festival.

The elder McCann took to the stage with consummate ease, wear-

ing a rose he had grown himself.

In a wheelchair and accompanied by his son and interviewer Sinead Gleeson, Sean launched into a litany of reminiscence about The Irish Press, where he was features and literary editor, and his own writing on footballer George Good.

Colum egged his father on as a kind of aide memoire, and one such memory involved his grandmother who cleaned house for the Becketts in Foxrock.

“What did your mother call [Samuel] Beckett?” asked Colum, to which the old man smiled wryly and said: “A little snot!”

Colum laughed and told the audience this was not tr ue about Beckett, to which Sean quipped: “Well, we don’t know ...”

The dynamic between father and son was charming to witness and the ease of exchange between them was like any other affectionate filial relationship.

It offered the audience a rare glimpse into Colum’s private world and how his early life had shaped him.

Colum had many sto-

Writers Colum McCann in conversation with his father, Sean, at the Pavilion Theatre

ries of his childhood and how his father had influenced his decision to become a writer. His childhood, he told a packed auditorium, was disappointingly happy, which gives a writer nothing to write about!

Instead, filled with Beatnik dreams of Kerouac’s tale, On the Road, Colum headed off to America as a very young man and travelled around on his bicycle – even making it all the way to Canada.

His early romance with America continues to this day, and he has made his home in New York.

In the week of the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Colum recounted that fateful day in New York.

Walking by a restaurant, Colum saw a woman through the window with a piece of chocolate cake in front of her.

In the midst of all the chaos around her, Colum watched her deliberate for ages, before finally putting her fork into the cake and eating it.

He told the audience he was very happy she had decided to eat it, because it represented life going on.

Colum McCann’s latest novel, Transatlantic, is on sale now in all good book shops.

Local

Matters Support local bus i n e ss

Advertise with the Gazette call 60 10 240

19 September 2013 Gazette 29

tech: handset gets an expensive makeover with some fancy features

Apple ring in phone changes ANOTHER week, and another redesigned iPhone to get to grips with – at least, that’s how it feels with each new iteration of the popular phone.

Correction – two new iterations, as Apple have just rolled out the iPhone 5C and the iPhone 5S. While consumers have become used to Apple announcing updated products every year or so, the stakes have been upped dramatically in the past 18 months as arch rivals Samsung have grabbed a greater than expected share of the mobile market.

As such, analysts were

 shane dillon sdillon@gazettegroup.com

keenly awaiting the next iPhone to be unveiled, with expectations all round that a cheap iPhone would emerge to target the lucrative Chinese market.

Wrong. Instead, Apple revealed two upgraded iPhone models – the 5C and the 5S, both of which boast a premium price, to boot.

Ditching the high-fa-

lutin’ tech specs, suffice it to say that both 5s boast significantly souped-up power, a boost to the camera’s pixels, longer battery life, and a number of other bells and whistles.

As for the 5C, a supertough coloured plastic casing differentiates it particularly well from the 5S, which – and of most note – has added a fingerprint sensor to access data, store passwords, and so on.

Such innovations don’t come cheap, folks – at the time of writing, the cheapest model is expected to cost at least €600 when it goes on sale in Ireland later this season ...

Gazette

GAMING

AWEEBYTE ioS7 update is out New-look update

STICKING with Apple, its latest operating system update – IOS7 – is available right now, for those who haven’t checked on upgrades in a while.

Apple’s design guru Jonathan Ive was a key figure for many of the features for the new OS for the iPhone and iPad, with core apps getting a subtle redesign in line with new colours, fonts, and floating elements to modernise the OS. Off you go to upgrade and check for yourself ...

a grand review

GTAV in the next issue

The iPhone 5C – a colourful reboot that, unfortunately, isn’t likely to be cheap

PIPPED to the (printing) post by this issue’s copy deadlines, gamers aged 18+ may rest assured that the biggest game of the year – Grand Theft Auto V – will be reviewed in the next issue of The Gazette ...

Gazette

30 Gazette 19 September 2013

OUT&ABOUT

MUSIC

The current line-up of Nine Inch Nails: Josh Eustis, Ilan Rubin, Trent Reznor, Alessandro Cortini and Robin Finck

REVIEW: TRENT REZNOR BRINGS HIS BEST

No hesitation as NIN return to hit the mark  ROB HEIGH

ENDURANCE is something that you hope for from your musical idols.

W here some burn bright and burn out, some blast with their initial intensity before delivering a set of everdiminishing returns — testing your patience and your fandom until you just have to step away.

Occasionally, one will return from the wilderness and blow everything away, as if they had never left.

And so it is with the return to the live and recorded arena by Nine Inch Nails, music’s most ambitious one-man technological assault on rock.

The seismic arrival on the industrial scene of Nine Inch Nails back in 1988 had results that rippled throughout the Nineties and Noughties, as well as deliver-

ing some of the most intense, and intensely rewarding, live shows of those decades.

Each iteration of the band and its sound over the years was matched by a hugely imaginative and innovative live show, ending (for the time being) with the astonishing Lights In The Sky tour in 2008.

Reznor retired the band in 2009, saying he wanted it to disappear for a while, but that was not to say that he stopped working.

An Oscar, acclaimed movie soundtracks and a remarkable side project, How To Destroy Angels, have kept Reznor in the spotlight, and now the time has come to return NIN to centre stage.

The better part of the opening half of new album Hesitation Marks has been road-tested and will be familiar to fans who have seen any

of the band’s frankly astonishing live festival performances in recent months.

Taking inspiration from Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense tour, the drama and power of the 2013 vintage NIN is written large on the stage’s screens and in the impressive staging of a fan’s dream setlist.

Apparent Apparent from the new songs is that Reznor has lost none of his way around a great tune in the three years “off”.

If anything, there is almost a more conventional edge to several of the songs here, most notably on Everything, a three-minute wonder that sits perfectly within their catalogue, in spite of its pop feel.

Or maybe it is that the rest of music and cuttingedge electronica have finally started catching

up with Reznor’s imagination.

Everything that NIN were and are so treasured for, however — their anger and their energy, their angst and darkness — are never far from the surface.

Copy Of A displays all of the pristine electronic edges and shadows present on Downward Spiral, while Came Back Haunted’s massive synths and distortiondriven guitars rumble with a thrilling velocity.

Immersed in the sleek electronic beats and menacing tonescapes is the essential humanity and expression that have, and always will, m a ke N I N b e l ove d and essential, the emotion behind the chrome the connection to the worlds that Reznor creates.

It is hard art for a digital age, with no hesitation or limitation.

19 September 2013 BLANCH GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

MOTORS road

NOISE Peugeot’s new 308 hatchback

Plough into the new 308’s features This Octavia is longer, wider and lighter and contains a whole series of firsts for Skoda models

SKODA: AS COMPLETE A CAR AS YOU ARE LIKELY TO EVER NEED

New Octavia builds on its previous success

 CORMAC CURTIS

THE redesigned and much-improved Skoda Octavia impressed customers and critics alike when it was released earlier this year.

Already a firm favourite with motorists who knew a thing or two about great value for money with bullet-proof build quality, a new and improved model was a much-anticipated prospect.

And even though the 1.6 tdi version lived up to my expectations a few months back – it is the 2-litre tdi with the automatic DSG gearbox that just left me grinning earto-ear.

The Octavia deserves a model in this spec, it just feels as though it is as complete a car as you

are likely to ever need.

It’s the most expensive model in the Octavia range, this 150bhp beauty will cost you a shade over €30,000, but for that you get every possible feature in the catalogue.

Before we get bogged down in details, just think about the drive.

And not just in terms of bhp and torque – it’s how this energy is controlled is what really impresses.

The DSG gearbox uses a double clutch mechanism for smoother and more efficient power delivery, and it doesn’t disappoint, giving genuinely unexpected acceleration and seriously muscular grunt as it moves through the six gears.

As with most automatic gearboxes, this one

includes the triptronic option for those with control issues.

This Octavia is longer, wider and lighter and contains a whole series of firsts for Skoda models.

The Octavia impresses with unrivalled cabin and luggage capacity, innovative 5* NCAP safety, modern new comfort features, low fuel consumption and a new range of touch screen audio and navigation systems.

The new Octavia has grown significantly in length and width, the new model is 90mm longer and 45mm wider than the outgoing Octavia. The wheelbase has grown by 108mm enabling the Octavia break the mould for spaciousness in its model seg-

ment with interior length (1,782mm), more knee room (73mm) and more headroom at the back (980mm) as well as best in class boot volume of 590 litres.

The new Octavia is powered by the latest low emission TSI petrol engines as well as common rail diesel engines with stop start technology for excellent fuel economy.

Despite the physical increase in size and room, the new Octavia has in fact shed up to 100kg in weight compared to its predecessor. Less weight equates to better fuel economy and the new Octavia in its 2.0-TDI version consumes only 4.1 litres for every 100km travelled.

That is a seriously

good number, and only .3 of a litre more than the 1.6 tdi variant.

There’s a lot to list out, but some of the equipment that comes as standard in the Octavia includes a three-year warranty, door mirrors that are electrically adjustable and heated, tinted windows, ESC (electronic stability control), front fog lights, remote central locking, front and rear electric windows, height adjustable front seats as well as lumbar supports for the front seats.

Skoda really know how to make good cars, and the Octavia is going to give owners of the flagship model, the Superb, a real headache when it comes time to trade in, it’s that good.

THE award-winning Peugeot passenger car and LCV range will be showcased at the 2013 National Ploughing Championships from September 24-26 in Co Laois.

The event will include the newly-launched Peugeot 2008 compact crossover and a guest appearance from the all-new Peugeot 308 hatchback, with a special arrival from France for one week only ahead of its launch.

With appearances confirmed from Peugeot brand ambassadors George Hook, Amanda Brunker and rally-ace Craig Breen, 14 vehicles will be displayed, including Peugeot’s Irish Car of the Year winners.

Peugeot’s Partner, Expert and Boxer light commercials will also be on show.

The newly-launched Peugeot 2008 compact crossover will take pride of place on the Peugeot stand beside the ultra-modern new Peugeot 308 hatchback.

With a strong focus on design, driving experience, efficiency and quality, the refined new Peugeot 308 is a class-leader in terms of performance, says Peugeot, and boasts the largest boot in the segment.

Visitors to the stand will experience the new Peugeot 308 iCockpit interior for themselves, which houses a touchscreen control pad and heads-up instrument display panel.

The Peugeot 308 is being launched across Europe from mid-September and will reach showrooms in Ireland this December, ahead of going on sale next January.

The line-up will also include the Peugeot 208 R2 rally car, currently being trialled in this year’s Irish National Tarmac Championships by Tipperary man Andrew Slattery, following his recent third-in-class win in Galway.

Limited to just 50 customers, Golden Tickets worth €1,000 will be made available to customers who visit the Peugeot stand and register a new Peugeot 508 at any Peugeot Dealer across the country during October 1-31.

Full details can be requested from a member of the sales team on the ploughing stand.

Gowan Distributors Ltd and the new Peugeot range can be found at stand number 518, row A1, Block 3 at this year’s National Ploughing Championships.

32 BLANCH GAZETTE 19 September 2013

GAZETTE

&ABOUT OUT fast TRAVEL

TRAVEL

IRELAND: THE WORLD MAY NOT BE YOUR OYSTER, BUT GALWAY CAN BE

Enjoy the best of Hong Kong fare in Ashbourne  NATALIE BURKE

THIS October, Eatzen in Ashbourne – a popular hotspot for foodie fans and many Irish celebrities – will be hosting an award-winning Gourmet Master Chef for just two weeks.

Wing Kuen Chan, an authentic Thai chef who last year won the Hong Kong Gourmet Master Chef competition, and who has appeared on many TV shows and cookery magazines in Hong Kong, will be in town to prepare a unique menu of awardwinning Asian cuisine.

Eatzen, a restaurant previously described as being “the best Asian restaurant in Ireland”, will host the event from Sunday, October 13 to Wednesday, October 16.

The special three-course menu, which includes a glass of wine suited to the menu, will cost just €28.

To reserve a table at Eatzen for Kuen’s limited edition menu, contact 01 835 2110, or book online at www.eatzen.ie.

Deirdre Feeney and Michael Kelly, of Kelly’s Oysters, don’t need much mussels to bring ashore oysters ahead of this year’s Galway Oyster Festival. Locals are unlikely to clam up about the popular annual festival, which is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors

Tuck into a foodie fest  NATALIE BURKE

HAVING attracted more than 22,000 visitors last year, the Galway Oyster Festival is one of Ireland’s most internationally recognised food festivals and is set to take place once again in the heart of Galway City later this month.

As the world’s longestrunning oyster festival – originally created by Galway city hotelier Brian Collins – the Galway Oyster Festival has become a must-see event and features on “bucket lists” across the globe.

The festival takes place on the last weekend in September, from Thursday, September 26 to Sunday, September 29, and over the past 59 years, has already welcomed more than half a million visitors, who have savoured more than three million oysters.

The three-day festival features a host of entertainment, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway for fam-

ilies, couples and foodies.

Whether it’s a seafood trail, a foodie talk or a tasting event, there’s something that’s bound to suit all tastes.

A carnival of masked revellers, led by a lively band, will wind through Galway’s medieval streets on Saturday, September 28 during the highly anticipated gala Mardi Gras-style Masquerade event.

Taking in three venues, guests will indulge in a different course of delicious Galway seafood in each venue while being entertained by live performances til the wee hours.

This year’s edition is also serving up a Tribal Oyster Feast-Off – an oyster eating contest especially held for The Gathering.

On Sunday, September 29, visitors sharing a name or link with the 14 families who led Galway, the City of the Tribes, in medieval days are invited to battle it out.

Invitations are extended to anyone linked in

name or to a descendant of Athy, Blake, Bodkin, Browne, D’Arcy, Deane, Ffont, Ffrench, Joyce, Kirwan, Lynch, Martin, Morris or Skerritt.

If you think you have what it takes and are eligible to enter this special new competition, email info@galwayoysterfest. com.

In addition to the family-orientated activities, live music, cooking demonstrations and a food village, the real highlight of the weekend is the renowned World Oyster Opening Championships, or Oyster Olympics, where Galway welcomes oyster eating champions from 25 different countries who will compete for the ultimate crown of the 2013 competition.

Stopping over in the city is easy during the festival weekend, with a selection of city-based hotels offering special festival packages. The five-star Philip Treacy-designed g Hotel is offering guests a twonight stay, on Saturday

September 28 and Sunday, September 29, with breakfast each morning and tickets to the World Oyster Championship from €215pps.

Alternatively, festivalgoers can stay at the four-star Ardilaun Hotel and avail of two nights’ accommodation with a dinner for two and tickets to World Oyster Championship from €240pps.

Meanwhile, the fourstar Oranmore Lodge Hotel offers a two-night bed and breakfast stay and includes dinner on one evening, as well as a ticket to the World Oyster Opening Championship on Saturday, September 28, from just €159.

Visitors to the city can also stay at the three-star Hotel Clybaun, where you can stay for two nights and attend the World Oyster Championship, all for just €192 per person sharing.

For further information on this year’s festival, see www.galwayoysterfest. com.

19 September 2013 BLANCH GAZETTE 33

BLANCHCLASSIFIEDS SERVICES

WE HAVE 142,000 READERS IN DUBLIN ALONE Blanch

PL ANNING AND LEGAL

Irish Olympian discusses basketball way back when

*based on TGI-ROI 2012

TO PLACE AN AD IN THE BLANCHARDSTOWN GAZETTE CALL F I D E L M A O N 6 51 6 23 9 OR EMAIL FCLARKE @ G A Z E T T E G R O U P. C O M

TO PLACE A PLANNING OR LEGAL NOTICE CA L L F I D E L M A O N 6 51 6 23 9 OR EMAIL F C L A R K E @ G A Z E T T E G R O U P. C O M

SERVICES

FREE

GAZET TE

SEE PAGE 15

JULY 26, 2012

Find us on

BLANCHARDSTOWN • BLAKESTOWN • HARTSTOWN • COOLMINE • TYRRELSTOWN • DUNBOYNE • CORDUFF • MULHUDDART • ONGAR

INSIDE: St Brigid’s GAA sets up camp and HIGH NOTE: Frank McNamara plays has summer fun P2 to raise funds for Temple Street Page 3

Hurling:

Brigid’s pick up crucial Cuala league win Page 31

Football:

St Peregrine’s star wins fourth Leinster title Page 32

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

Second level school breaks mould � LAURA WEBB

EDUCATE Together opened a new chapter this week when its long-awaited second-level school model became a reality for Blanchardstown West parents.

Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn announced 14 new post-primary schools for 2013 and 2014, with Educate Together having patronage of a new school in Blanchardstown West and a joint patronage with Co Louth VEC in

Drogheda.

Over the past decade, ET has been progressing to open its first second-level education school.

Michael McLoughlin, chair of the Dublin 15 ET Secondlevel Campaign Group, said: “We are delighted. After all the hard work parents in the area have put in, the dream that our children will be able to attend an ET second-level school is to become a reality.”

Full Story Next Week

Too Cul: Action-packed week at GAA Camps for children RYAN AND SAM ENRIGHT of Naomh Peregrine enjoy a day out at Kellogg’s Cul Camp, which included a visit from Dublin stars Eamon Fennell and Bernard Brogan. Kellogg’s GAA Cul Camps provide boys and girls – between the ages of six and 13 – with

an action-packed and fun-filled week of activity during the summer holidays. This revolves around maximising enjoyment and sustaining participant involvement in Gaelic games.

Picture: Ian Fleming

Full Gallery on Pages 8-9

LOCAL

MATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

SERVING 8 THRIVING COMMUNITIES OF SUBURBAN DUBLIN. F O R U P TO DAT E N E W S F O L LOW U S : @DUBLINGAZETTE

WINDOWS

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 38

SUPPORT

LOCAL BUSINESS

GOT A PHOTO? WOULD LIKE TO FEATURE IN YOUR LOCAL PAPER? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2 or email news@gazettegroup.com

WE HAVE 142,000* READERS IN DUBLIN EACH WEEK *based on TGI-ROI 2012

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240

LORRAINE 086 8385014

Blanch

GAZET TE

SHOP LOCALLY



LUCAN SHOWROOM 01 6217639

We A. & O. Ojuade intend to apply for permission for development at this site 4 Deerhaven Walk, Clonee, Dublin 15 the development will consist of a single storey front extension with hip roof over and two storey extension to front, side and rear to be used as single unit family flat and all associated site works. 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 PlanningAuthority during the public opening hours of 9.30 - 16.30 Monday – Friday at: Fingal County Council, Fingal County Hall,Main Street,Swords, Fingal, Co. Dublin (to inspect PlanningApplications on all lands except those lands to the west of the N2 Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Fingal, Dublin 15. (to inspect Planning Applications on all lands west of the N2) 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, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

PLANNING NOTICE

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK Weir Retail Centre, 40 Hills Mill Industrial Estate , Lucan Village, Co. Dublin

FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL

19166

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL

60 10 240

SERVING 8 THRIVING COMMUNITIES OF SUBURBAN DUBLIN. F O R U P T O D A T E N E W S V I S I T: W W W. FAC E B O O K .C O M / DUBLING AZET TENE WSPAPERS

PLANNING NOTICE

FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL I, Gary Mclean wish to apply for Full planning permission to convert existing attic space to habitable room with minor alterations to house. Permission to include rising of gable wall end in height to create space for additional staircase , removal of existing hipped roof replacedwith gable‘A’roofwith a projecting dormer window structure to the rear, minor alterations to the internal layout and all ancillary site works No. 7 Allendale Walk, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, Co. Dublin.

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 its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (20Euros) within the period of 5weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application.

19126

PLANNING NOTICE

FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL

GOT A PICTURE YOU WOULD LIKE FEATURED IN YOUR LOCAL PAPER?

Permission sought for a detached, two storey dormer bungalow with dormer windows to the rear roof façade and velux roof windows to the front roof façade, off street parking for 2 cars to include revisions to existing vehicular access driveway to include setback to allow for a dual access driveway, connections to all services and associated site development works all in the rear garden area of 3 Park Villas, Pecks Lane, Castleknock, Dublin 15. For Gavin & Carole Halligan. 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.

Contact us for details.

Ph: 60 10 240

*Jan-Dec 2012

GAZETTE GROUP NEWSPAPERS INCREASES ITS REACH YET AGAIN 40,359 More people than ever read your local Gazette

CALL THE GAZETTE ON

60 10 240

19112

19122

34 BLANCH GAZETTE 19 September 2013

DUBLIN GAZETTERECRUITMENT

Vacancies for Staff Nurses and Health Care Assistants The Talbot Group is a privately owned business established in the early 1990’s employing over 450 staff with 300 clients availing of our services.

We are committed to continuing quality assurance in caring for our residents /clients which is directly linked to continuing professional / vocational development of all our staff.

To support our growing needs we are currently seeking to recruit the following staff for our Talbot Lodge Nursing Home in Kinsealy Lane Malahide - For both Full time and Part time positions.

Registered General Nurses with current NMBI (ABA) registration. Recent graduates may apply as an induction and professional development programme is in place.

Health Care Assistants (HCA) who hold a FETAC Level 5 Award which includes the module Care of the Older Person or its equivalent. HCA’s who are near completion of their FETAC Level 5 award will also be considered.

Please complete our on Line Application Form on the Talbot Group Website (talbotgroupnursinghomes.ie) or submit an up to date CV and cover letter to Human Resource Dept, Talbot Group c/o St Clares Building, Stamullen, Co Meath or email katie@talbotgroup.ie Closing Date is Friday 27th September 2013 at 5pm

Celbridge Cabs Require full and - Partime owner drivers Experience essential Full clean drivers license Available to operate Day or Evening For further information please phone 01 6270777 19076

19 September 2013 BLanch Gazette 35

tennis P37

asdfsdaf P27 gaelic games P39

dublinsport Let the Gazette keep you up to date with all the best local sporting action from around the city as we cover all the stories that matter to you and your community



Gazette

cricket P36

FastSport still time for etihad funding contest:

Team Ireland members including Olivia Dillon, Mel Spath, Lydia Boylan and Caroline Ryan gather ahead of the Ras na mBan in Clare last week

cycling: team ireland dominate national women’s cycling event in clare

Rousing Ras sees the best of local talent rise to the top Local riders were celebrating last week when the 2013 vintage of the Ras na mBan came to an end in Co Clare, marking another successful iteration of the women’s national race event.

Team Ireland were well to the fore, with US-based Olivia Dillon claiming the overall title for the third time, matching her efforts in 2010 and 2011, and holding off the challenge of second placed National Road Race champion Mel Spath, also riding for Team Ireland.

With the two women on equal time

overall, Dillon won the race by virtue of a stage placings count back.

Team Ireland were very well placed in the general classifications, with Dillon and Spath taking their places in the top 10 alongside fellow rider Lydia Boylan in fourth place.

Garda Cycling Club member and world number one individual pursuit rider Caroline Ryan placed 20th in the overall rankings.

The team dominated the stage three team time trial, with the foursome having a comfortable 31.7 seconds in hand

over DID Electrical, with the Luxembourg team a further 10 seconds in arrears on the fast 13.4km course at Barefield, near Ennis.

Other local riders were among the winners at the final classifications, with Orwell Wheelers Dundrum Town Centre’s Monica Marconi being the first among the veteran’s class.

Riding for the Cycling Leinster team were Adamstown Cycling Team’s Roisin Kennedy, who came in 52nd place, whilst Fran Meehan, pilot for Paralympic heroine Catherine Walsh, placed in

36th in the general classification for the same team.

Britain’s Hannah Barnes, guesting with DID Electrical, made it a very successful first racing trip to Ireland, scooping the IVCA Queen of the Mountains competition and the National Dairy Council Points classification to go with her three stage victories, while the first Junior prize went to Danish rider Elinor Huusko of Team Rytger.

Dillon and Spath are travelling to the world championships in Florence next week.

Dublin hurling clubs still have time to enter this year’s Etihad Airways Raise The Bar competition for the ultimate prize of a year’s sponsorship package with the Abu Dhabi-based airline.

Clubs can enter the competition before midnight on October 20 by submitting written and video entries on www.etihadgaa.ie to show how they have Raised The Bar, and why they deserve to win the sponsorship package.

Etihad Airways wants to reward one special club, whether that is being the focal point of their community, or managing to keep the club going against the odds or even expanding their club in recent times.

Further details can be found online at www.etihadgaa.ie.

c o n ta c t s Sports Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@gazettegroup.com Phone: 01 651 6205

Gazette

36 BLANCH Gazette 19 September 2013

SPORT

FastSport

Kilmacud set for AllIreland competition THIS weekend will see another great AllIreland tradition played out locally when Kilmacud Crokes host the 41st annual football national sevens event, and Crokes players Rory O’Carroll and Paul Mannion were on hand at Croke Park to help announce the groupings for the event.

Kilmacud Crokes will play out of Group 8 where they face Castleblayney Faughs from Monaghan, Tuam Stars from Galway and Gaoth Dobhair from Donegal.

Local neighbours Naomh Olaf will play in Group 3 where Emmet Og from Longford, Naomh Conaill from Donegal and Caherlistrane from Galway will be their opponents.

This is the 41st year of Ireland’s premier sevens tournament and the second year with FBD as title sponsor. It is a day which has become a firm favourite in the GAA calendar for both players and supporters alike.

FBD also announced that as part of the day itself, a special sevens game will be held ahead of the final, featuring a team of Dail Eireann All-Stars taking on a GAA media selection.

Raffle tickets will be sold at the same time as the game for a chance to win All-Ireland tickets, with all proceeds going towards the official GAA charity, Fighting Blindness.

The tournament itself will see the best club teams from all over the country travel to compete and given the weekend that is in it, it is no surprise that teams from Mayo and Dublin were not shy in signing up. Mayo will be represented by Claremorris and Aghamore, while Dublin will have five teams competing including St Oliver Plunkett’s and Parnell’s.

Chairman of Kilmacud Crokes football committee John Shovlin said: “This is one of the biggest weeks in the GAA calendar and we in Kilmacud Crokes are very much looking forward to the FBD sevens on Saturday.

“It is such an integral part of All-Ireland final weekend in Dublin; we can’t wait to welcome the 32 clubs and their supporters to Kilmacud on Saturday.

“This is the second year of FBD’s support and at a time when clubs all over the country are struggling we are very grateful to them for their continuing support and for the work they have done in raising the profile of this competition.”

cricket: scots comprehensively defeated in matches

Ireland claim ICC WCL title  sport@gazettegroup.com

Ireland completed back-to-back victories over Scotland as they romped to a sevenwicket win last week to put to rest the disappointment of their one-day international defeat by England and claim the World Cricket

League championship title.

Tim Murtagh’s last over blitz had crushed the Scots’ hopes of automatic World Cup qualification in their encounter the week before, but they went to bat from the toss, hoping to take the game to an Irish side miss-

The Ireland team celebrate their WCL success last week

give your club a boost Insurance assistance on offer for Dublin GAA daniel Peel, Sarah Ladden, Cormac Dignam and Jane Murray were on hand to get the message over that a new GAA rewards scheme can help clubs net some assistance from Liberty Insurance.

Anyone who takes out a new car or motor insurance policy before October 13 can nominate their local club to receive €50, and anyone who gets a quote can also nominate their GAA club to be in with a chance of winning €10,000. For more information, visit www.libertygaa.ie.

ing opening bowlers Tim Murtagh and Trent Johnston.

Stuart Thompson took the new ball on his ODI debut, and the Eglinton man impressed as part of the Irish seam bowling quartet who shared the wickets, taking two for 20.

Kevin O’Brien and

Kevin O’Brien, John Mooney and Max Sorensen

Max Sorensen took three wickets apiece for a total of 67 runs, while Eddie Richardson collected his first international wickets.

While spinners George Dockrell and Paul Stirling didn’t take any wickets, their parsimonious spells kept the Scots in a vice-like grip, and the Scots managed only 12 boundaries in their whole innings.

David Murphy hit a few lusty blows but it was too little, too late as the Scots managed just 165 all out with three balls unused.

Knockout Iain Wardlaw (2-60) offered some optimism for the visitors, removing William Porterfield (5) and Paul Stirling (13) early on, but it was to prove a false dawn.

Niall O’Brien hit an unbeaten 65 from 70 balls, including nine fours, to lead Ireland to a comprehensive seven wicket win.

Ireland were presented with the trophy by ICC global development manager Tim Anderson, finishing five points clear of their nearest challengers, having only suffered defeat once in 14 matches - to Kenya in the sweltering conditions of Mombasa.

Ireland coach Phil Simmons was naturally delighted at the wide margin of the win.

“We played proper cricket today, and it just shows us how much we let ourselves down on Friday. So it’s a case of coming back and making sure we play properly, and not having days like that too much.”

19 September 2013 BLANCH Gazette 37

Gazette

International route to new career high Globe-trotting tennis star James Cluskey is one of Ireland’s brightest hopes on the court, but his success comes at a price, one he is willing to pay to achieve his Wimbledon dream J A M E S C l u s ke y i s working out his schedule in a hotel room in Istanbul, trying to work out the logistics of getting to a tournament in Uzbekistan. A six-hour overnight taxi ride from the capital Tashkent, it looks an unlikely but potentially necessary pit-stop in his pursuit of playing at Wimbledon in 2014.

Now in his fourth year on the professional tennis circuit, the Swords native has been plotting this type of course to ever-increasing gains in recent times. So much so that the past two months have taken him from Portugal to Spain to Russia to Belarus, back to Spain and finally to Turkey.

His doubles world ranking has made a

 stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

similar journey, bouncing all the way up to 145, an improvement of over 100 places in the past 18 months, a career high.

Indeed, it is the highest any Irish-born player has ever attained.

It is a progression that, he reckons, is bringing him right in contention for Wimbledon next summer if he makes the right tournament choices, a difficult choice for Irishmen on the tour.

“Where we are from, we only have one home Futures tournament, the

third tier of professional competition. In Britain, where my ranking is now I would have a wildcard to Wimbledon,” he told GazetteSport.

“I’m getting closer to some of the top ATP events – which is usually for players in the top 120 – so I’m not a million miles away. I’ve beaten some top 100 guys and I feel I am improving just being in the environment. I’ve been playing well and feeling good.”

Among his recent successes was a victory on the Challenge Tour with Austrian Max Neuchrist in Guimaraes; two weeks before that, he had become the first Irish player to win at this level of competition with France’s Fabrice Martin.

And he has developed

James Cluskey - “My goal is Wimbledon - that’s the big ambition”

a strong relationship with both players. In Kazan, Cluskey and Neuchrist reached the semi-finals, falling only to a team featuring Jurgen Zopp – a top 100 regular. A week later, playing with Martin, they claimed a Futures title in Belarus without dropping a set.

and so do Fitzwilliam LTC from a development fund.”

Both he and McGee did receive some funds from the Irish Sports Council too, something that has coincided with them both breaking new ground and rising to best ever world rankings.

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

‘I’m getting closer to the top ATP events, so I’m not a million miles away’ - James Cluskey

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

Back with Neuchrist last week, they matched that feat in Spain.

That amount of travel, though, is not done without a decent amount of finance, something that the Swords man is helping to push on further.

It is something that Irish Davis Cup team mate James McGee has spoken about in recent times with a particularly illustrative post on his personal website as well on George Hook’s show on Newstalk.

“There are a lot of people worse off than me so I don’t want to harp on about it but it is not easy.

I try not to think about the finances too much because if you put pressure on yourself money wise, I won’t play as well.

“But it is very difficult and I don’t like to go on about it. [To get by] I coach clinics, Leinster tennis give me some help

But they have been forewarned that a repeat of this backing is unlikely in 2014 despite their performances. It does affect his preparations but he is determined to try and keep pushing for a first Grand Slam place.

“I started playing on the tour after college in 2010. I finished 370 in my first year and then ended 2011 at 280. Now I’m up to 145 and hopefully I can finish inside the top 150 this year.

“It’s good progression but, back to the money thing, I don’t know how much of next year I can play but my goal is Wimbledon.

“All my ranking points have come since this year’s Wimbledon so the aim is now to use that to get the best schedule up to next June and then get into the qualifiers or the main draw in London.

That’s the big ambition,” said Cluskey.

Gazette

38 BLANCH Gazette 19 September 2013

SPORT

FastSport St brigid’s and coolmine get set for their fight night: St Brigid’s GAA and Coolmine RFC are getting ready to stage a unique Dublin 15 fight night at St Brigid’s GAA club on Saturday, October 19.

Participants and spectators alike are guaranteed a knockout action-packed night of excitement and entertainment during the fight night when local heroes from both clubs take to the ring.

Tickets cost €20, and for further information, log on to www.stbrigidsgaa. com and www.coolminerfc.com

soccer: 17th annual inter-community contest a huge success

Celebration of cultures comes to Phoenix Park  sport@gazettegroup.com

Phoenix Park once again welcomed the cream of the nation’s soccer talent from all walks of life and communities at the Sport Against Racism Ireland (SARI) Soccerfest 2013 last weekend, the 17th annual running of the intercultural festival of football.

Forty men’s teams, eight women’s teams and eight Under-13 teams battled it out in what has become over the years the largest intercultural seven-a-side tournament in Europe.

The winners of the

Tesco mobile SARI Cup were Galway All Stars who beat Gunner Boys a team with Kenyan roots - 1-0 in extra-time and Galway All Star’s goalkeeper, Julian Yaho, was awarded Player of the Tournament.

Winner’s of the TESCO mobile SARI Plate were Chinese Reds who beat Phoenix 1-0 in the final.

The women’s tournament was won by St Catherine’s for the second year running, defeating Shelbourne in a penalty shoot-out with Ealish Murray and Amy Kelly scoring the all important spot kicks.

The James Gill Under13 Fair Play Cup, named in memory of James Gill, a dedicated volunteer with Sport Against Racism Ireland at their annual Soccerfest who passed away earlier this year, saw the holders Lifford FC from Ennis, Co Clare take on Dublin side Pavee Point for top honours.

In what many considered to be the match of the tournament, Pavee Point won 2-1 with their goalkeeper Daniel Kavanagh saving a penalty in the last minute of injury time.

Former Republic of Ireland and Arsenal defender John Devine, alongside

James’s parents Declan and Geraldine, presented the cup and medals.

In the All Stars match, Second Captain’s Eoin McDevitt went head to head in a battle of soccer tactics with Ireland’s Under-21 international manager Noel King.

Speaking after the event, chairman Perry Ogden said: “This year was played out in the spirit of fair play as never before. When you have 56 teams together, it can’t help but be competitive, and this year it was great to see the games played in that spirit “For me, the highlight

Winners of the 2013 SARI Soccerfest in Phoenix Park last weekend, the Galway All-Stars

was the Under-13 final, in terms of the quality of football, the upsand-downs, and the last minute penalty save, it really had everything.

“We had more new teams this year coming

from all over the country, teams from Galway, Clare, Carlow and Monaghan, and we also had direct provision centres represented, supported by the Office for Promotion of Migrant Integration.”

19 September 2013 BLANCH Gazette 39

Gazette

s

dublin gathering Camogie blitz gathers national talent

Club Noticeboard st brigid’s

MARTHA McNally from St Peregrine’s was

among the players in action for Dublin in the Division 1 section of the Cooper Helmets All-Ireland Under-14 camogie blitz at Naomh Mearnog last weekend.

All teams participating in the competition paraded with their county banners at Croke Park during half-time of the Senior All-Ireland final.

Picture: Caroline Quinn

All-Ireland football final ticket draw

White Collar Boxing returns to

this Thursday evening in the club from

Russell Park on October 19 v Coolmine

9.30pm. Only fully paid-up members

Rugby Club. Tickets are on sale from

for 2013 can enter the draw, one ticket

next Monday, Anyone who wishes to

per member.

sponsor a page in the Fight Night pro-

Best of luck to Paddy, Shane and the Dublin team from all in the club.

Some great results on the playing

camogie: saints face St Peregrine’s in last four

Our Lotto committee are looking to recruit new sellers. Those interested

U-15A hurlers, U-14A and B hurlers

are asked to speak to Tommy Phelan

and senior hurlers in AHL 1.

or Pat Carr on 086 832 6757.

Colour splash wash/run takes

Full round of AHL games this week-

place on September 29 at 1pm for our

end, with our AHL 5 hurlers facing

juvenile section. Please support this

Ballinteer in a huge game on Sunday

great fundraising event.

morning at 10.30am. A win would see

St Brigid’s St Vincent’s  sport@gazettegroup.com

2-9 1-1

ST BRIGID’S set up an enticing semi-final derby date with nearn e i g h b o u r s S t P e regrine’s later this week after they saw off St Vincent’s with 11 points to spare in a game refixed due to the initial tie being over-run by fog.

Both sides were already assured of their passage through to the final four of the competition, but an all-important home draw was the prize on offer for

the victor and Brigid’s showed their resolve to have their Russell Park advantage right from the start.

They settled into the game with Sinead Daffy opening the scores with a point from play.

B r i g i d ’s f o r w a r d s slowly added to their score in the first half, which included a great goal from Grace Dunne.

Vincent’s did put the Brigid’s backs under pressure on occasion and they grabbed a fortuitous goal just before half time.

A high ball that

was meant for a point dropped and hit the crossbar and, while Patrina Moran reacted well and cleared the rebound, Vincent’s followed up with force and hit the net to reduce the deficit to 1-5 to 1-0 at the break.

The Marino side followed up quickly after the change of ends and pocketed their first point of the game in the opening minute to reel the gap in to four points.

But it proved to be Vincent’s last score of the match as Brigid’s continued to work hard,

with strong defence and determined work from the forwards. Rachel Boyle’s goal copperfastened the success while points from play and frees from Niamh McCarthy saw the side run out convincing winners.

They will now meet St Peregrine’s at Russell Park on Thursday night at 8.30pm with a final date against either St Vincent’s or Trinity Gaels on the line.

That pairing meet at Druimnigh on Sunday morning in the battle for the second final berth.

the lads win the league.

seven-year-olds has resumed after

Hard luck to Audrey McCormack

the summer break and runs every

who lost out in the All-Ireland ladies

Saturday morning from 9.30am. New

junior handball final at the weekend.

members and families always wel-

The Dublin Handball One Wall com-

come. Contact Paul on 087 915 4748

petition will take place at St Brigid’s

or email info@stbrigidsgaa.com for

on Saturday, September 21, starting

more information.

at 10am.

Our club shop has also reopened

Senior men’s club championships

and runs every Friday evening from

resume on September 27 (hurling)

7pm and every Saturday morning

and October 4 (football).

made to Breege on 086 405 0964.

senior 5 c’ship

current training programme.

ior 5 camogie team, AFL 3 footballers,

from 10am. Any urgent orders can be

Brigid’s net home advantage for semi

Best of luck to all our boxers in their

fields this week with wins for our sen-

Our club nursery for four- to

St Brigid’s senior 5 side claimed a decisive victory against fellow semi-finalists St Vincent’s last week

gramme, contact Billy on 087 417 2333.

Club AGM will take place on Sunday, November 24.

Our Lotto jackpot is €6,000 for this

Finally, please send any photos or

week’s draw on Thursday in Russell

match reports of your team in action

Park.

to info@stbrigidsgaa.com.

st peregrine’s Best of luck to Eric Lowndes and the

up members can apply for tickets.

Dublin senior footballers in the All-

Any queries, contact Tom Kitt or

Ireland final.

Roger Watters.

Great wins for the junior A foot-

Pyjama party in the club on Fri-

bllers last weekend, and congratu-

day, October 4. Tickets available

lations to the U-15 boys hurlers who

from Aileen.

made the shield final.

There was a great win for the adult camogie team who beat Liffey Gaels to qualify for the championship semi-finals.

Condolences to the O’Sullivan family on their recent bereavement.

Club Lotto was not won. Numbers drawn were 10, 19, 22 and 27. Next week’s jackpot is €2,200.

If anybody has anything for clubnotes please email robert.keogh82@ gmail.com.

Entertainment in club Saturday from The Soul Doctors and on Sun-

Draw for the All-Ireland football

day after the All-Ireland final from 6

tickets takes place this Thursday

to 8pm, entertainment from Wallop

in the club at 9.15pm. Mary is taking

The Pot.

orders (one per person) for the AllIreland football final. Only fully paid-

Bingo on Wednesday at 8.30pm, this week’s jackpot is €450.

erin go bragh Well done to our underage teams who

Hard luck to both our minor camogie

were in action over the weekend. Hard

teams, and junior footballers who lost

luck to our U-12s who lost to Kevin’s

to Lucan Sarsfields and St Vincent’s.

HC. Well done to our U-15 girls who beat Beann Eadair in the championship.

Our minor ladies team will be making the jump up to senior with the football

Well done to Niamh Maher from our

squad next season and are now look-

U-12 girls who was a mascot in Croke

ing for adult players. Any one inter-

Park for the camogie All-Ireland finals

ested can contact Kevin 087 822 0612

last Sunday.

or Ciara 087 914 7154.

40 BLANCH Gazette 19 September 2013