Clondalkin GAZET TE FREE
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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER
INSIDE: Pi maths test adds up to a fun event for schools P8-9
April 12, 2012
CHILDREN: Public’s views vital in helping to draft child legislation P4
Easter fun: Lots of characters at Liffey Valley THIS local girl was sitting pretty
Gymnastics: Gold for local duo at Celtic Cup championship Page 32
when she joined these colourful characters at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre recently, which was hosting a most unusual tea party with Alice, the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit and the Queen of Hearts. Storytelling, games, and Easter chocolates were all equally devoured by the enthralled children who gathered for the party, with adults also enjoying the fun feeling at the busy centre. Picture: Paddy Barrett
Soccer: Peamount back on top as league season heats up Page 28
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ........................21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
Posts to be lost at Clondalkin schools DEIS cutbacks in I PAUL HOSFORD
Dublin Mid-West criticised by SF
CLONDALKIN schools are set to feel the pinch as the full scale of Government DEIS cuts is revealed. Three schools in Clondalkin will lose teachers and, overall, the numbers reveal that four schools in Dublin Mid-West
are due to lose 12.5 teaching posts as a result of cuts imposed by the Department of Education. In Clondalkin, Deansrath Community College and Collinstown Community College are to lose one post apiece, while St Kevin’s Community College is to lose 1.5 posts.
Responding to the news, Sinn Fein representative Eoin O’Broin said the numbers were “shocking”. “Education is the key to our economic recovery. At a time of recession, the Government should be increasing investment into education,” he said. Full Story on Page 6
2 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 12 April 2012
FastNews Petition over fate of 210 and 76 buses
MORE than 100 people have signed a petition calling on Dublin Bus not to remove or alter the 210 and 76 bus routes. The petition, circulated by FF councillor Trevor Gilligan, has found residents overwhelmingly in support of the route, says Cllr Gilligan. “Some residents need to get to NUI Maynooth, some have heart conditions and require access to Tallaght Hospital, [trips that] they will not now be able to make. The list goes on. “The slogan on Dublin Bus website is: ‘Serving the entire community’. I’m asking them to change their slogan to: ‘Dismantling the entire community’,” said Cllr Gilligan. “This Government was elected with a mandate to create jobs – cutting bus services will cut jobs, directly. We have four government TDs in Clondalkin, and I’m asking them to use their influence, to confront the Minister for Transport to reverse any cuts as a matter of urgency,” said Cllr Gilligan. In response to the councillor, Dublin Bus said that the changes would benefit the community. “As a result of the service redesign, the revised route will be more reliable, direct, and will operate customer-focused clock-face timetables. “These significant improvements have been undertaken to make customer timetables easier to understand, and will ensure greater ease in planning journeys,” said the company’s statement.
Fun at the eighth annual Eco Week SOUTH Dublin County Council will hold their eighth annual Eco Week, from April 23-28. Eco Week is all about spreading an important message: Our Environment, let’s protect it. Eco Week events are open to everyone from community groups to schools, householders to individuals and businesses. All events are free, and range from exhibitions, workshops and seminars to storytelling, and much more, to
raise awareness of environmental issues and solutions in a fun and practical way. Highlights include Recycling Magic, with Marvin the Magician, in schools on Tuesday, April 23 and Wednesday, April 24. Meanwhile, The Sunflower Show will make its way around libraries, and the Opportunities in Green Business Showcase will be held in County Hall on Thursday, April 26. Bookings will only be taken from Monday, April 16 onwards, and are on a first-come, firstserved basis. For further information, see environment. southdublin.ie.
HERITAGE Call for recognition of language’s use in area
‘Community could be a Gaeltacht’ LAST week’s census figures reinforce the call for Clondalkin to become Dublin’s first Gaeltacht area, a local TD has said. Labour TD Robert Dowds welcomed the new figures, which show that the number of Irish speakers has increased by 7.1% since 2006, with 1.77 million people now purporting to speak the language.
He said: “The census records that now nearly two-thirds of people who speak Irish on a daily basis are living in nonGaeltacht areas. “This figure reinforces the argument that non-traditional Gaeltacht areas, with strong Irish communities, should be given the opportunity to be recognised as such by the State. “The Gaeltacht Bill, which
the Government is preparing, should give us the opportunity for doing just that. “Our language is continuing to grow from strength to strength, and the Government is continuing to work to promote the use of the language,” said Deputy Dowds, himself a fluent Gaelgeoir. “This increase is very good news for the Irish language
community. The census shows that Irish speakers have more than trebled since the 1911 census, which means we can be very optimistic about the future of our native language. “I am hopeful that Clondalkin, which has a large and very active Irish-speaking community, will be able to gain Gaeltacht recognition in the near future,” said Deputy Dowds.
With everything from convenient citizen access to local politics to the area’s rich built and natural heritage, Clondalkin is well served by a wealth of public facilities, as well as the famous community bonds for which the area is known, making it a great place to live
‘Clondalkin is the best place to live in Ireland’ I PAUL HOSFORD
clondalkin@gazettegroup.com
CLONDALKIN should be considered in the running as one of the best places to live in Ireland, according to Fianna Fail councillor Trevor Gilligan. A national newspaper is running the competition, and the judges want to know why any claimed town is the best in Ireland. Councillor Gilligan talked to The Gazette about why Clondalkin deserves to win. “As someone born, reared, educated, living and working in Clondalkin I am very proud of my home town, from the Round Tower to the Camac Valley, and
from the Grand Canal to Corkagh Park. “Within Corkagh Park, we have the only fishing lakes in Dublin. We have recently formed a Tidy Towns Committee, are meeting weekly, and we will enter the Tidy Towns competition this year. “The Clondalkin Sports and Leisure centre was built with an investment of €12 million, and boasts a top-of-the-range swimming pool and facilities. As a frequent user, it is a great amenity in the Clondalkin area. “I also enjoy a quiet game of pitch and putt in the CPM club, which, again, the Camac runs through. “In the village centre, we have lively local bars, such as The Wheel, Lau-
rels, Quinlans and the Village Inn. Right on the Royal Canal, we have the Waterside Pub. “If anyone fancies a pint ‘as Gaeilge’, there is Aras Chronain, as well as the Round Towers’ GAA club, which is embedded in the history of Clondalkin.
Investment “Recently, the astroturf all-weather pitch on the Monastery road opened this February, and our main sand-based all-weather pitch opens in the summer, bringing the total investment in the complex, to date, to €4 million. This is a great resource for all to use. “The Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce plays an active role in the
area. Every Christmas, the lights shine down Main Street, whilst the council organises a lighting of the tree right in the centre, where a local photographer takes the pictures and local choirs sing songs of joy. “The people of Clondalkin take pride in their home town. “South Dublin County Council has worked with the IDA to bring many big global companies to our Digital Hub in Grange Castle – Pfizer, Takeda and Microsoft, to name but a few. “More foreign direct investment equals more jobs. Whilst many people know of Clondalkin, as it is just off the N7 on route to the city centre from Tipp, Limerick or
Cork, more people need to know about its heritage, history and beauty, and that is why for me, Clondalkin is the best place to live. “The ‘X-Factor’ is that Clondalkin is both a rural and an urban town. “If Clondalkin wins, we will be delighted to bring The Irish Times out for a coffee in Liffey Valley Shopping Centre – also located in Clondalkin,” he said. If you’re living in your ideal place, and believe it could win, go to irishtimes.com/bestplace and submit an entry. The winner will be announced in June, and The Irish Times will mark the accolade with a plaque, and a short film for irishtimes.com.
12 April 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3
MUSIC Busy local band readies second album
With support gigs and bill-sharing for the likes of Bon Jovi and Bob Dylan behind them, Riptide are obviously on the right track to making an even bigger splash
Success flows after Riptide I PAUL HOSFORD
clondalkin@gazettegroup.com
IT HAS taken three years, €40,000, one orchestra, four studios, a clatter of musicians and a band that has gone from Lucan to the RDS by way of Russia, France, Britain and everywhere else. But, now, The Riptide Movement is ready to release their second fulllength effort, Keep On, Keepin’ On. The band, who have been together six years this March, were founded in Lucan after the demise
of two other bands, bringing Mal Tuohy, Ger McGarry, Gar Byrne and JP Dalton together. In 2009, the band released their debut effort, What About The Tip Jars? to widespread critical and commercial success. The band’s efforts saw the album go to number 16 in the Irish charts, and has sold more than 18,000 copies, to date. For a band with no management, agents or record label, they are at the forefront of a changing musical landscape, making a living in a
smaller market through good music, hard work and effort. Guitarist JP Dalton says that it is all about effort. “It’s all been constant gigging and selfpromotion. We work hard on that side of the band, because it’s our full-time job now.” That commitment has paid off in spades, as the band has become a fixture on the Irish festival circuit, firmly establishing themselves as a name to be reckoned with in the Irish live scene, with last year throwing up some
particular highlights. Winning the Hard Rock Calling competition gave the band a slot supporting rock legends, Bon Jovi, in the RDS, where they played to more than 10,000 people. JP says: “We were actually playing gigs in France and had to fly back to play the Radio Nova competition, which we won and then flew straight back to France to keep gigging. “It was an amazing experience, and a world removed from slogging around. “Don’t get me wrong,
we still lug our own gear everywhere, but that night was a different experience. “We were then on the London Feis, where we shared a bill with Bob Dylan,” he says. To be reaching such heights is a reward for the band who, JP says, have “done as many gigs as possible” since their inception. On the new album, JP says that the band have grown. “It is a double album, and there are some treats on it. It’s an expansion
on the last album, but it’s hard to compare the two of them. “It’s Heavy, and it’s Country, and it’s a bit Bluesy, but it’s still us. It’s a big challenge to progress at the same time. Change has to come, but it has to logical and natural..” The band heads out on tour to promote the album this month, starting on April 14 in Cork’s Cyprus Avenue, before two gigs in Dublin’s Academy on April 21. For full details, and tickets for all gigs, see www.trm.ie.
YOUTH
Step over to a dance festival TO CELEBRATE the NOISEmoves Youth Dance Festival, Rua Red cultural centre is holding a number of special events. The festival is an initiative of South Dublin County Council’s Arts Office, with guest dance companies, such as Dublin Youth Dance Company and Coisceim Creative Steps. On Friday, April 20, you can see dance films and hear from dancers, choreographers and film-makers about the process of making dance for camera. The event starts at 8pm, and costs €5. The following day, from 11am to 1pm, also costing €5, there will be a masterclass with renowned choreographers and dancers, Cathy Coughlan and Kathy McGuinness. Booking is essential for both events; see www. ruared.ie, or call 01 451 5860.
4 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 12 April 2012
STANDARDS Improving Ireland’s child welfare services
Public is urged to offer views on child protection TRACY COOPER, chief executive of the Health Information and Quality Authority, says draft standards on child protection set out the key attributes of an effective and safe child protection service IT is very clear from various reports in recent years that have highlighted the scale and seriousness of child abuse in Ireland, that there is a need to significantly improve Ireland’s child protection and welfare services. With this as our guiding principle, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has developed Draft National Standards for the Protection and Welfare of Children that set out the key attributes of an effective and safe child protection service. The setting of standards by HIQA and the monitoring of compliance with them are important levers in driving improvements in the effectiveness and safety of health and social care services for children and families. The new draft Standards have been launched for public consultation until May 17 next by HIQA. The Standards document, and an easy-toread guide to the draft Standards, can be downloaded from the Authority’s website, www.hiqa. ie. HIQA has a legal duty to set standards, while the Health Service Executive (HSE) has a legal responsibility to promote the welfare of children not receiving adequate care and protection and therefore it is critical to ensure that the system for protecting children is
effective and robust. The draft National Standards have now been developed by HIQA to support continuous improvements in the care and protection of children receiving HSE child protection and welfare services. The Standards put the needs of children at the heart of child protection services and promote the principles outlined in Children First, the national guidelines for the protection and welfare of children. HIQA is committed to ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of children is the top priority for the HSE. The Standards will apply to HSE Children and Family Services and its statutory functions, which include protecting and promoting the welfare of children at risk in the community, and supporting and protecting children in the care of the State. When finalised, the Standards will be the basis of HIQA’s future inspections of the HSE’s child protection functions and can also be used as a guide for self-assessment and improvement by all those involved in the protection of children. While HIQA will publicly report on the HSE’s performance, and hold the HSE accountable for these services, the Standards will enable HSE child protection and welfare services to gear up to the best of their ability to
address concerns consistently and to a high standard. It is important to point out that, when implemented, HIQA would review HSE systems rather than individual cases. It is not intended that, as a general rule, the Authority should become involved in the detail of individual child protection cases. Therefore, people who are concerned about the welfare of children in any setting should continue to report any concerns about child protection and welfare to their local HSE health office. The HSE has been consulted in the drafting of these standards as they are critical to the implementation of these standards. HIQA developed the Standards assisted by a Standards Advisory Group. This is a group of key representatives from the HSE, Government departments, An Garda Siochana, other regulatory bodies, people from the academic and legal fields, non-statutor y organisations and other key stakeholders. The expert group and HIQA looked at, and considered, international and national published research, standards in Ireland and elsewhere, expert opinion, policy document and reports by national and international governmental and non-governmental organisations.
Tracy Cooper, chief executive of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA)
In general, our Standards are not prescriptive but are calling for timely and effective action to be taken to protect children, and that children and their families have timely access to child protection and welfare services. A number of reports on child abuse cases were considered by the Authority and its Standards Advisory Group when developing these standards. These Standards cover issues such as listening to children, assessment and planning, working
with other agencies, the protection of children across a range of settings and the training and support of staff, and are grouped according to six key themes as follows: • Child-centred services • Safe and effective services • Governance, leadership and management • Use of resources • Workforce • Use of information. The Authority is now seeking the views of the
general public and children and young people on the draft National Standards. Information collected from this consultation process will be used to inform the development of the Standards. Your comments can be submitted through an online survey on the HIQA website, www. hiqa.ie, or by downloading and completing the consultation feedback form on our website and emailing it to consultation@hiqa.ie. You can print off the feedback
form and post it to us, or you can write to us. Once the consultation deadline has passed, the Authority will carefully analyse all the submissions made and we make further amendments to the Standards document. The finalised Standards will be presented to the Board of the Authority for its approval. Following this, the Standards will be submitted for approval to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.
12 April 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5
HOSPITAL
JOBS: LOCAL FIGURE BUCKS NATIONAL TREND IN REDUCTION OF NUMBERS
Ruling on plan for clinic
West Dublin rise in Live Register I PAUL HOSFORD clondalkin@gazettegroup.com
THE Live Register figures for Clondalkin and Lucan continued to rise last month, again breaking from national trends. While the national figures were slightly down last month, in unadjusted terms, by 1.6% (or 7,139 persons) in the year to the end of March, figures for Dublin MidWest showed a slight increase. February’s figure of 9,073 was up to 9,094 in March, with males under 25 continuing to struggle. There are now 1,162 such males on the register, compared with 655 females. Meanwhile, women over 25 have seen a slight fall, from 2,268 to 2,255, while men in the
same category account for 5,022 claimants in March, compared with 4,981 last month. Fianna Fail councillor Trevor Gilligan said that the figures are skewed by emigration statistics. “As a Peace Commissioner, I am, on a regular basis, signing documents for people who unwillingly must travel abroad. These figures do not show up on the Live Register.
‘Reality’ “So, the figure, in reality for this month, is far greater than [the figures show],” he said. “As a voluntary director of the South Dublin County Enterprise Board (SDCEB), I am pro-jobs. “The SDCEB is doing a great job investing locally in small-to-medi-
um businesses. T his money would otherwise be paid to that same person or employees receiving Social Welfare. However, I feel that central government is taking all the wrong actions. “Everything Fine Gael and Labour have done in Government goes against creating jobs – the increase in VAT, home tax and removal of bin waivers. “[They are taking] money out of people’s pockets that would otherwise be spent locally. “So, I’m asking Fine Gael and Labour: ‘Please, stop the savage cuts, and give us what you say you will – jobs, jobs, jobs’. “Tax increases and cuts in expenditure do not help jobs; however, reducing tax will,” said Cllr Gilligan.
PLANS to build a €6 million paediatric secondary care clinic at the Hermitage Clinic are still subject to conditions laid out by An Bord Pleanala. The plan, a joint-initiative by the Hermitage, VHI and Sanford Health, would see the construction of a 10,000 square foot clinic that would house 18 consulting suites and would be the first of its kind in the country.
New look: Delight as Eoin O Broin sponsors Ashwood Football Club SINN FEIN Dublin Mid-West representative Eoin O Broin present-
ed a new club strip to Bawnogue soccer team, Ashwood FC. At the presentation of the club strip were club members Mick Lordan, Ger Martin and team Captain, Carl Mahon. Ashwood CF won the subsequent game against Bray-zil after a draw took the game to penalties. “I am delighted to be able to sponsor Ashwood FC. Local sport plays a vital part in our communities. I want to commend the club management, the players and all the locals who give the time to the senior and junior teams in Ashwood FC,” said O Broin.
Go-ahead The application was lodged with South Dunlin County Council last July and was given the go-ahead in August. However, appeals were lodged to An Bord Pleanala, and the Bord ruled that the proposal be scrutinised under the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2011. They have requested that the council attach conditions relating to the act to the permission.
6 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 12 April 2012
EDUCATION DEIS cuts unveiled as 12.5 positions in Dublin Mid-West are lost
Three Clondalkin schools to lose teachers due to cuts
I PAUL HOSFORD
THREE schools in Clondalkin will lose teachers as the full scale of DEIS cuts are unveiled. Overall, the numbers reveal that four schools in Dublin Mid-West are due to lose 12.5 teaching posts as a result of cuts
imposed by the Department of Education. In Lucan, Archbishop Ryan primary school is set to lose nine posts, while in Clondalkin, Deansrath Community College and Collinstown Community College are to lose one each and St Kevin’s Community College is to lose 1.5 posts.
The information is contained in a reply from Minister of Education, Ruairi Quinn, to a Sinn Fein parliamentary question Responding to the news, Sinn Fein representative Eoin O’Broin said the numbers were “shocking”. “This news is truly
shocking. W hen the cuts to DEIS schools were first announced it was feared that up to 15 schools across the Dublin Mid-West area could lose teaching posts. “Following a ver y successful campaign by parents and teachers, supported by Sinn Fein, Minister Quinn
announced a review of the proposed cuts. Many schools hoped that the Minister would see sense and reverse the proposal to cuts teachers for schools in some of the most disadvantaged communities in the country. “These cuts simply make no social or eco-
nomic sense. They will damage the education and the future of the young people attending these schools. “Education is the key to our economic recovery. At a time of recession, Government should be increasing investment into education, particularly in disadvantaged areas.
“I am calling on the Minister for Education, Ruari Quinn, to reconsider this foolish and damaging decision to cut teaching posts. I am also calling on the four government TDs in Dublin Mid-West to publically call on the Minister to reverse the cuts,” said O’Broin.
Plenty of roadworks for area this year A NUMBER of works will take place on roads and pathways in the Clondalkin area this year, with South Dublin County Council announcing plans for a €3.7 million maintenance programme. A number of roads will come under the Restoration Improvement Grant. Amongst these will be the Fonthill Road North, from the Quarryvale roundabout to the Fonthill Retail Park roundabout. Rathcoole will also benefit as the Kilteel Road (Phase 2) will see a continuation of works done in 2011 to the county boundary and Windmill Road will be resurfaced. Under the Restoration Maintenance Grant, Oak Way, from junction with
Boot Road to Oak Rise, Church View and Oak Way will be repaired, as will Rockfield Drive, which will have repairs carried out to concrete road bays. Works will also be carried out to resurface Ashwood Road, Way, Lawns and the Park, while Alpine Heights will be worked on to complete the remainder of works outstanding. Under the Discretionary Maintenance Grant, the Old Naas Road will have sections resurfaced, with the council installing new manhole covers. There will also be ramp repairs to ramps in Woodford Walk, Woodford Hill, New Road Clondalkin and Palmerstown Woods. Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald
LAUNCH: PILOT PROGRAMME FIRST OF ITS KIND
A new service to keep children safe A NEW service for children, whose parents are separated and who are unable to agree safe and appropriate arrangements for contact, has been launched by local TD and Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald. The facility, the first of its kind in Ireland, is the Child Contact Centre in Quarryvale – a service provided by Barnardos, Ireland’s leading independent children’s charity, and One Family, Ireland’s leading organisation for one-parent families. It is operating on a two-year pilot in three locations in Dublin – Ballymun, Clondalkin and Tallaght. “I was delighted to launch this fantastic new service in Clondalkin this week. I’ve long been a supporter of the work
of the Quarryvale Family Resource Centre and am particularly pleased that this important new service is now available at this centre,” said Minister Fitzgerald. “At the event we learned exactly what families and children using this service are saying about it – and it’s very clear that this facility is making a huge difference to children’s lives. Separations can be very tough on children and they can be traumatic if communication between parents has broken down to the extent that they cannot agree contact arrangements for the child,” said Minister Fitzgerald. The Child Contact Centre service provides a range of contact options, including supervised
contact – where contact is supervised for one family at a time; supported contact – where contact is provided for a number of families at the same time, and handover contact – where an arrangement is agreed for one parent to bring their child to the contact centre to be collected by the other parent, without the parents needing to meet. Parents are offered additional family supports, like counselling and a key worker to assist in addressing the issues that led to them needing to use a Child Contact Centre service, so that they can move on to self-arranged contact over time. Karen Kiernan, Director of One Family explained: “The need for the service was identified in research carried out by
One Family (Supporting Child Contact: the Need for Child Contact Centres in Ireland – Family Support Agency, 2010) which clearly identified a significant level of unmet need in relation to children of separated parents. “The report shows that, based on international provision, Ireland could require 37 such centres throughout the country.” The Barnardos and One Family Child Contact Centre pilot service is now fully operational in Ballymun, Clondalkin and Tallaght. Anyone can make a referral to the service by contacting Barnardos and One Family Child Contact Centre at childcontact@onefamily.ie or on 01 4032085/89/80 on Tuesdays from 9.30am – 1pm.
12 April 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7
PLANNING FF, Lab figures exchange sharp opinions
War of words over Mahon’s findings A WAR of words over the findings of the Mahon Tribunal has broken out between a Fianna Fail councillor and a Labour TD, both from Clondalkin. Councillor Trevor Gilligan (FF) and Deputy Robert Dowds (Lab) laid into each other over the part their respective parties played in rezoning lands in Clondalkin. This week, Cllr Gilligan released a statement saying that his party had taken the Mahon Report to heart, and acted to put right the mistakes that were made. “Two weeks on from the publication of the Mahon Tribunal report, many people will be wondering if lessons have been learned and if political parties and politicians act differently today. “Fianna Fail has taken the tribunal report extremely seriously, and acted swiftly in response to it,” began Cllr Gilligan, who turned his attention to Deputy Dowds. “However, I couldn’t help notice the comments of Labour TD, Robert Dowds, who said: ‘Fianna Fail should hang
their heads in shame for what they have inflicted upon the people of our community’. “There are individuals who previously served our party who disgraced it, and betrayed the people they were elected to represent. “Lessons have been learned and, as a Fianna Fail councillor since 2004, I have put forward several motions to de-zone 10% of land in Clondalkin.
Rejected “There was no support for this from Deputy Dowds, who was on South Dublin County Council at the time. In fact, Deputy Dowds did not support my motion to de-zone land at Kilcarberry – this land could have been used as GAA pitches for the local Round Towers GAA club, but, instead, my motion was rejected. I would ask Deputy Dowds to take a look at the site now. “As an elected representative, Deputy Dowds has said he has fought against a ‘malicious and destructive culture’ in planning. “In this he has my full support. I only wish his actions and voting record on South Dublin County
Council matched his rhetoric,” said Cllr Gilligan, drawing the ire of Deputy Dowds, who said that Cllr Gilligan’s words were an attempt to ‘distract’ the public. In response, Deputy Dowds said: “The first thing that needs to be said is that this is a very obvious attempt by a Fianna Fail councillor to distract from the enormous betrayal of Clondalkin and Lucan perpetrated by numerous members of his party who were found to be corrupt, as uncovered by the Mahon Report. “Secondly, the reason why I, and a majority of the council, voted against Cllr Gilligan’s motion is because the waiting list for Affordable Housing was, and still is, in the thousands, and the only option left for building council houses in the locality was the council’s land at Kilcarberry. “Every day, I am being contacted by families desperate for housing, and the council rightly came to the view that this had to be the priority for the good of the community. “Any other decision would have led to the council throwing away an extremely valuable resource,” he said.
Learning about loss with Our Father
ONE of the standout productions from last year’s Absolut Fringe Festival will captivate audiences in the Civic Theatre from Monday. Our Father was nominated for Best Female Performance at last year’s festival and is a tale of family, loss and moving on. Journey
Stefanie Preissner’s searing portrayal of abandonment, loss and acceptance will leave you gasping and dazed as she takes you on a rhythmic journey
through the language of rap. Starring Pat Nolan, Gene Rooney, Jo Linehan and Stefanie Preissner, and directed by Tara Derrington, this moving, yet uncompromising, new play examines what it means to have unanswered questions after the death of a parent. The play runs from Monday, April 16 to Saturday April 21 at 8.15pm, including a matinee on Saturday at 3pm. Tickets are €16 and €12 concession, with €10 tickets for opening night on Monday April 16 and for the matinee performance on April 21.
M
I PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com
Getaway: Relaxing in the elegant surroundings of Ballymaloe
Councillor Robert Dowds described the plight of families ‘desperate for housing’
SEE TRAVEL PAGES 22-23
8 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 12 April 2012
SCHOOLS Confey College hosts the Leinster final of national
No matter whether they had come from near or far, the students were ready to face the challenge with their peers. Pictures: Ian Fleming
The students concentrated on their tasks, while the school’s staff, and their teachers, looked on
Just as easy as Pi
gazette C .com
photos
ONFEY College recently recent hosted the Leinster section of the Pi Maths competition, with the maths department de welcoming i schools from all across the t province to the event, which saw some of the e th best third-year maths m students competing for f one of three Intel-sponsored I trophies. As reported in last week’s Gazette, the competition c consisted of eight eig rounds lasting
six minutes each, with questions based on the Junior Cert higher-level maths syllabus, and with the team for each school, comprising four students apiece, enjoying the challenge. Ultimately, after intense concentration, the competition was won by Marist College, Athlone, with Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge finishing in second place and Newbridge College, third.
Seen yourself in the Gazette? Emily O’Rourke, Ciara Hodson, Kate Nolan and Aoibheann Margalt
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€6.99 Breen Sheridan, Shane Clune, Sam Linehan and Alex Suvac get advice from MS Fitzpatrick
12 April 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 9
Pi maths test, as boffins gather to commence brainy battle
The Pi Awards
Niall McGillacuddy Brigid Gahan, Mary Cullen, Ciara Kennedy and Susan Howard
Niamh Tyrell
Checking over their performance
Anna Lyons with Paula, Ciaran and Len Scully
Grainne O’Rourke
10 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 12 April 2012
CHARITY Students dig deep with a Mad Hatter’s tea party
Live music helped add to the fun feeling on the day
The day couldn’t have been the success it was without the support of students, in tandem with a diverse range of helpful companies
A number of art pieces helped to create the right mood
Alzheimer party is ITT Tallaght hit URIOUSER and curiouser were the scenes at ITT Tallaght recently – in an upbeat way – as an Alice in Wonderlandstyle fundraising tea party was laid on by advertising and marketing students, in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland. Several Clondalkin and Lucan students attending the college joined in the fun, as there
C
were lots of imaginative and zany activities to help create a great day. Businesses, including the Bad Ass Cafe, Coffee Perfection, Woodies DIY, HB and others, supplied a wide range of treats and services, while students made the best of the glorious weather on the day to help support the fundraiser, which raised €916.71 for the society.
The students were happy to support the cause, This large graffiti piece was created during the event
and raised €916.71.
12 April 2012 GAZETTE 11
12 GAZETTE 12 April 2012
COMPETITION: GETTING ‘HOOKED’ ON ENERGY
Top talent: A natural at wood turning
Looking to our youth for ideas
JIMMY DEENIHAN, Minister
for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, attended the National Museum to accept the museum’s most recent acquisitions from Kerry-based wood turner artist, Earl Allgrove (right). Minister Deenihan said: “This extremely talented artist was brought to the museum’s attention while participating in a craft development project with South Kerry Development Partnership. Having started working with wood relatively recently – back in 2003 – Earl has shown tremendous natural skill in attaining this level of competency with wood turning.” COMMERCIAL FEATURE
100% fresh Irish homecare meals delivered to your door
Tender cooked bacon with cabbage, creamed potato, carrot and turnip mash with parsley sauce
HEALTHCARE Food Solutions are producers and suppliers of ready prepared meal solutions for the Health sector (Hospitals and Nursing Homes). With the current pressure on us to stay at home during our advancing years, we have launched Ireland’s first 100% Irish Homecare meal delivery service. Our chefs have designed a wholesome range of carvery meals to suit the age profile of our customers. Once fully cooked all of our meals are freshly frozen and are ready for you to enjoy in less than 15 minutes from your
microwave or under 40 minutes from a conventional oven. Our meals are delivered weekly or fortnightly to your door by our friendly homecare team. Healthcare Food Solutions have been awarded the Love Irish Food mark for our work in only using 100% Irish ingredients and being proactive in Irish Employment with our produce being manufactured here in Ireland. We only produce the most wholesome meals, such as our Tender Cooked Bacon as seen above, Roasted Irish Beef with Yorkshire pudding, Tender Cooked Turkey
Paul Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Healthcare Food Solutions.
and Ham with handmade stuffing and traditional Irish Beef and Stout Stew to mention just a few. Homecare delivery has been proven to be gratefully received in the Irish
market in the current climate. The main difference between Healthcare Food Solutions is that our produce is 100% guaranteed Irish, sup-
porting Irish jobs and Irish suppliers. If you are an older person or if you have a parent living at home and are concerned about the quality of their daily meal, why don’t you visit our website at www.healthcarefoodsolutions.com and visit our Homecare Shop. We deliver our meals on a weekly or fortnightly cycle across Co.Dublin, we can be contacted via the web shop or contact one of our telesales team on 01 289 8823. Once you are happy with our service you can set up a regular weekly or fortnightly order which will be delivered automatically.
CELEBRITY broadcaster George Hook launched Tell The Future, a storyw riting competition encouraging primary school children, North and South, to write a short story on how to power homes, hospitals, factories and schools into the future. Now in its second year, the competition rewards the best ideas from young people in Ireland today regarding energy and the environment. Rugby pundit and NewsTalk host, Hook, is spearheading this year’s competition and has made a special animated video for pupils, parents and teachers to learn more about it, which can be seen by logging on to www.tellthefuture.eu Launching the competition, George commented that, as a nation, we need to pay more attention to the creativity of our youth. “Our young people today are not only more aware of innovation and new technologies, but also of the environmental and energy challenges we are facing today and into the future. We need to take more notice of young people’s creativity, and Tell The Future gives them a nationwide platform to showcase their ideas on energy sustainability,” he said.
Bringing these written stories to life is a key feature of this year’s Tell The Future competition, and winners in the junior and senior categories will have the unique opportunity to have their story transformed into a oneof-a-kind animated video narrated by George Hook himself. In addition, first-prize winners will receive their own iPad and a specially-engraved trophy. The school of the winning pupil will receive five Netbook laptops, with branded mouse pads and t-shirts for his or her class. Second and third-prize winners will each receive a Kindle. Tell The Future is part of a pan-European initiative – Future of Rural Energy in Europe (FREE) – which is supported in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland by Calor Gas, and aims to highlight the environmental and energy-related concerns facing rural communities in particular. Tell The Future will be launched for post-primary school students North and South in autumn 2012. The closing date for entries to the Tell The Future primary competition is Friday, May 18 2012. For full details, please visit www.tellthefuture.eu
12 April 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 13
R1
EVENT Getting a Lidl help for Happy Heart
Have a heart and help raise funds for foundation I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
FAIR City’s Tom Hopkins and TV celebrity, Caroline Morahan, have volunteered to raise money for the Irish Heart Foundation’s 23rd Happy Heart Weekend appeal. The weekend is on May 10 to 12 and the aim is to raise half a million euro to fight heart disease in Ireland. The event is sponsored by Lidl Ireland and their staff, together with the team at 2FM, and the Irish Heart Foundation are appealing to Dubliners to volunteer and lend a hand in the mission to raise the target amount. Happy hearts will also be sold through Lidl stores. “I support Happy Heart Weekend because I’m passionate about driving awareness of heart disease and stroke. A little bit of awareness can be the difference between life and
death. This was the case for my cousin, who was able to spot the signs of his heart attack and managed to get help in time,” Caroline Morahan said. Caroline has helped the Irish Heart Foundation before and been involved in previous years’ Happy Heart Weekends. She left Ireland for Los Angeles but has returned and is looking happier and healthier than ever. She is a loyal patron of the charity. The anticipation is building for the Happy Heart Weekend 2012 and preparations are already in full swing for what is shaping up to be the best Happy Heart Weekend yet. Every year thousands of people all over Ireland give up their time during the weekend of May 10, 11 and 12 forThe Irish Heart Foundation. These volunteers scat-
tered across the country will hit the streets to collect donations and sell the Happy Hearts for €2 each. They will provide you with a fundraising pack, heart badges, and details on local collection points, plus you can choose what day or days you would like to volunteer. You can also raise money for Happy Heart Weekend your own way by registering for the events pack to keep hearts across Ireland happy and healthy. Collect donations at work and discover new ways to gladden and strengthen your heart so that it will last a lifetime. The spoils of the Happy Heart Weekend will provide free heart disease education and fund a helpline to support heart and stroke patients. Every €2 raised from the sale of happy heart badges will
SHOW: PAVILION VENUE Dublin Dance festival set to delight DUBLIN Dance Festival is stopping off at several venues across Dublin and Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire, is one of them this year. The Spanish company, Aracaladanza, will perform a piece inspired by surrealist artist, Magritte. It will be a strange mix of puppets, dance, clouds and ladders sure to ignite the imagination of any audience. The show is entitled Nubes (Clouds) and it has already delighted audiences across Europe. It is suitable for all ages from
Caroline Morahan calls for volunteers to support the Irish Heart Foundation’s Happy Heart appeal, with ‘Lidl volunteer’, three-year-old Laura Ormsby
help to avoid 13 unnecessary deaths from heart disease and stroke in Ireland. Hopkins said: “Even giving a small bit of your time can make a big difference. Whatever you feel passionate about, prevention, research, CPR... the Irish Heart Foundation does it all and I hope the people of Dublin will volunteer to sell happy hearts this May.”
Hopkins is from Ballyfermot and has been on the show for many years. He began life as a civil servant but ended up treading the boards., and is well known for giving his time to charitable causes. To volunteer for Happy Heart Weekend in Dublin by selling happy hearts or by organising your own fundraising event, call Jena Clark on 087 3743367.
You can also donate directly to the charity online or find out more about the fundraising drive by going to www. happyheartweekend.ie
four years and up. “Magritte would tip his hat… for 50 minutes both children and adults were left speechless,” according to La Tribuna de Albacete. You can catch the show at Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire, where there will be four performances, on Saturday, May 12, and Sunday, May 13, beginning at 2pm and again at 4.30pm. Tickets are €14 for adults and €10 for Children. Concessions are €12 / €8 and Family tickets, €40 (for four people).
14 GAZETTE 12 April 2012
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY Green Angel skin range nurtures with nature
Weleda nourishes with its Skin Food
CELEBRITIES and models across the world swear by it, and it can be seen in makeup bags of A-listers like Adele, Alexa Chung and Rhianna, so what is Weleda’s skin food’s secret? Skin Food was created in 1926 and was the first skincare product developed by natural brand, Weleda. The replenishing skin repair cream, Weleda Skin Food is ideal for people constantly on the go, which can lead to tired, overworked and dehydrated skin. The product’s main ingredients include nature’s best, including organic sunflower seed oil, and extracts of wild pansy, calming chamomile, caring calendula and revitalising rosemary extract to perk up even the weariest skin. A great rescue remedy for undernourished complexions – the reason why it’s the go-to skin care product for so many worldwide. Weleda Skin Food is €6.25 (30ml) /€11.25 (75ml) and available from Nourish Health and Beauty Stores, selected independent health stores and pharmacies nationwide.
AN Irish-based company is showing just how wonderful Mother Nature can be with their exclusive range of seawood and essential oil beauty-based products. Each product is handmade using the very best in Irish products, sourced by a husband and wife team. Chris and Mary Mitchell developed Green Angel and have over 10 years experience in bringing, and developing high-quality Irish products. The Green Angel collection is a unique collection of fresh and innovative beauty products with over 33 unique handcrafted skin care, spa and hair-care products helping to rejuvenate and nourish all types of skin. The product is themed to be wellbeing from the ocean, which many users
would agree after testing it. According to the owners, the top-to-toe holistic approach they provide leaves the entire body, revitalised and enriched, with nurturing ingredients like vitamin E, jasmine, ylang ylang, neroli and apricot all combined with the natural healing benefits of Irish seaweed. Yes, you heard right, seaweed. Nature’s very own beauty product is added with care to ensure best results. Each product is blended meticulously to ensure that all the benefits of seaweed extract is captured. The seaweed is sourced from unpolluted waters off the west coast of Ireland, with all the benefits of natural, highquality essential oils to deliver amazing results. The Green Angel prod-
ucts have been making customers look and feel refreshed all day long. The couple have always seen natural ingredients as an important part of their lives, whether it is in the food they eat, or the topical applications they use. The importance of which has been carried through into their work and development of Green Angel products on an ongoing basis. The holistic Green Angel experience will leave you revitalised and ready to face the busy world again. Green Angel have their factory showroom in Rathcoole, where they continually develop new ingredients and products. Green Angel Body Massage Oil with Neroli Geranium & Irish Seaweed Extract is just one of the many products
Holistic Green Angel experience will leave you revitalised and ready to face the busy world again
available. It’s used to help relax; pour one drop into the palm of the hand and massage from the feet to the neck. Body massage is renowned for helping to clear toxic build-ups and for aiding relaxation. Another way of using this product is in
the bath – pour two teaspoons into bath water and soak for at least 10 to 15 minutes to soothe and relax. Check out the full range of Green Angel products by visiting greenangel.com, where products can also be pur-
chased. There is a also a wide range of pharmacies and gift shops nationwide stocking the natural range. For stockist information call 01-4124900 or visit their website for details of stockists.
12 April 2012 GAZETTE 15
Edited by Laura Webb
Give yourself something to really smile about
GIVE yourself something to smile about, and make that smile glisten with a whitening glaze, thanks to a new fuss-free treatment. Not ever yone can afford to get their smile matching celebrity smiles on red carpets all over the world. But who is to say we can’t try, and try is what Gazette Beauty has done. When we heard about PolarWhite Pro, a product used by some friends, we decided to find out if it really works PolarWhitePro Teeth Whitening Glaze comes in a very stylish silver penlike product, which says it is a fresh, affordable and fuss-free treatment to keep teeth looking healthy and pearly white. It’s a safe, pain-free way to whiten and brighten. Stains from
smoking, tea, coffee and red wine disappear with use. The light and small product can easily feet in to a bag or make-up bag when on the go. As a heavy tea and cof-
--------------------------
‘PolarWhitePro has been developed by an Irish company in conjunction with a leading international dentist’ --------------------------
fee drinker myself, it was time to put it to the test and see the results. It is recommended to use for five days once a month. and follow instructions carefully. It is a bit messy but worth it. Holding a smile after applying the application can make you
feel like a Chester Cat, but you won’t mind smiling once you see the finished results. It takes 60 seconds to dry, but do not rinse because the gel remains active, slowly dissolving surface stains on teeth and you can’t eat or drink for 30 minutes after application. After using it for the full five days there was a noticeable change. PolarWhitePro has been developed by an Irish company in conjunction with a leading international dentist. It uses potent active ingredients, a formula that helps to whiten teeth up to six shades lighter after six applications. For further information, or to purchase it, log onto www.polarwhitepro.com
Food intolerances - Could you be suffering? IT is estimated that about 20% of Irish people suffer from food intolerance and many of us are not aware of it. The term, “food intolerance”, refers to a reaction in the body that arises from an inability of the digestive system to properly digest certain foods. These undigested foods lead to an accumulation of harmful toxins in the bloodstream, which causes our immune system to overreact. Food intolerance can manifest itself in many ways some of which include: IBS, indigestion, eczema, asthma, hay fever, and even headaches. A finger prick test in your local pharmacy may identify foods that you are intolerant to and help improve your quality of life. With Thanks to the Staff of Lucan Village Pharmacy PolarWhitePro Teeth Whitening Glaze
16 GAZETTE 12 April 2012
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: HOW TO SAFELY INTERACT WITH FAMILIAR AND UNFAMILIAR CANINES
Keeping children safe around dogs I WAS deeply upset to read about an incident reported earlier this week concerning a small child who was viciously attacked by a husky dog. Now, before I go on, I want to say that this is not typical behaviour for such a breed. In fact, here at the Dublin SPCA, we have successfully, responsibly, re-homed many huskies over the years that have made wonderful, loyal family pets, so I would hate for any reader or prospective husky parent to shy away from this breed in light of the unfortunate and dreadful incident. I don’t know the facts, only what I have read and I thank God for the quick intervention of the child’s neighbour and I believe
the little guy is recovering in hospital. When my own, now adult, daughter was only three, she was savagely attacked by a neighbour’s dog and I can tell you I was mad beyond words. Thankfully, Megan made a full and speedy recovery and I insisted on adopting a rescue dog, so she wouldn’t grow up fearing all dogs were going to attack her. That dog is my much lamented greataunt Sophie, now 17, and I immediately set about educating Megan regarding her own personal safety around Sophie. However, I would stress to all parents/guardians that no child should be ever be left alone or unsupervised with any dog, irrespective of breed.
Teach your child to NEVER pat a strange dog without the owner’s permission
That is not to say the little lad in question was ever left unsupervised, it’s just a piece of advice from somebody who works in animal welfare. As a mother and grandmother, I can only imagine the poor mom’s utter horror as she helplessly watched the scene unfold before her very eyes. As a result of that unfortunate
incident, I want to give readers a few tips regarding safety around dogs; whether it’s your own family pet or a strange dog, because, believe it or not, there are a number of ways in which your child could come into contact with an angry dog. They are: • The family pet. • A friend’s, neighbour’s
or relative’s dog. • An uncontrolled dog on the street/in the park. • A dog under effective control, on a lead, but who is approached by your child in a manner he doesn’t like. All parents know that kids go off the rails when they spot a dog. Their natural instinct is to run up and pet the animal, try to hug it, pick it up and scream and squeal with excitement, often upsetting the dog, albeit unintentionally. So, what can you do to protect your child from being bitten by a dog? • Teach your child to respect a dog’s instincts and, most importantly, its fears. When around a dog, ask your child to speak quietly and to move slow-
ly – no running around making mad, flapping movements. • Never allow your child to ride a bike, a scooter or skate too close to a dog. Some dogs feel scared because they are not normally used to these things and may even chase the moving object because such behaviour can trigger a dog’s natural prey instinct. • If a strange dog gets frisky or excited around your child, teach the child to behave like a statue. Your child will need to drop any food or toy they’re holding and stand still like a statue or a tree. Statues are boring for dogs – they will usually come over, sniff and go away. Practise this with your kids, so they
know exactly what to do if a strange dog rushes at them. • Teach your child to NEVER pat a strange dog without the owner’s permission. • With the owner’s permission, teach your child to approach the dog slowly and quietly and allow the dog to sniff the back of the child’s hand – then gently pat the dog’s chest, sides or back. Again, these are guidelines. Hopefully, the little lad will make a full recovery and I wish him and his parents the very best for their future. For more information, contact your vet or log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie
12 April 2012 GAZETTE 17
18 GAZETTE 12 April 2012
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods
FORGET bankers, bondholders and brokers - it’s the rockers we should have been looking to for financial advice all this time. Two major players in the rock world could be making (even more) big bucks very soon. Bono’s tech-wise investments in the likes of Facebook and Yelp means some investors are saying “I Will Follow” to whatever the U2 frontman puts his money to. His investment firm, Elevation, is set to pocket a billion dollars from Facebook alone, and the next trick up Bono’s leather sleeve is the company expected to take a huge bite out of Apple’s market. Dropbox - an internet storage service - is still in its early stages but already has tens of millions of users, and with the first 2Gb free, they’ll be logging on in their droves. Although, back in the music world, it’s yet to be seen if ALL Bono’s investments are “sound”. U2 have apparently enlisted the help of the songwriter who gave X-Factor losers (well they didn’t win, did they?) One Direction their debut hit. Bet they’re sorry they already used ‘Pop’ as an album title.
Another rocker with his eyes on a very big prize is Neil Young. Coming from the time of vinyl, the legendary musician thinks MP3 just isn’t up to scratch and wants to develop a new audio format with quality that’ll take the listener right into the recording studio. Young wants the future of music to be coming from an online “cloud” as opposed to compressing audio like an MP3 would. Don’t be fooled by his 66 years, Neil Young is down with the kids, and with one of his trademarked names for this new invention: “Thanks for Listening” — he’s polite too! They don’t make them like that anymore. Listen to Dee Woods from Radio Nova every weeknight from 7pm to 12am on 100.3FM
Go with the Flo: Machine release Unplugged set COMING on the back of her recent acclaimed set at the O2, Florence Welch and her Machine are releasing the MTV Unplugged session recorded in New York recently. The set features songs from Florence’s two albums, as well as covers of Johnny Cash’s Jackson, backed by Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme, as well as a beautiful rendition of soul standard, Try A Little Tenderness.
CHARITY: IRISH ACTS CONTRIBUTE TRACKS TO NEW RELEASE
Supporting the sound on Pieta House release I ROB HEIGH
LIFE SUPPORT, a compilation of exclusive tracks from some of Ireland’s finest artists was released last week in aid of Pieta House, the suicide and self-harm crisis organisation based in Lucan. Life Support is the brainchild of Alan Jacques from the Green & Live Show on Limerick’s Live 95 FM, a perennial supporter of new Irish music. Among the 18 tracks on the compilation, many which are exclusive, are songs by Delorentos, The Coronas, Windings, Wallis Bird, We Cut Corners and The Flaws. “Pieta House is a cause close to my heart. I wanted to support and raise money for Pieta House in a practical, pro-active way,” said Alan Jacques who conceived the album and approached some of his favourite Irish artists of the last few years to get involved. “Music is a great way to express your emotions. We’ve very appreciative that so many artists have come together to support the work we
We Cut Corners, one of the Dublin bands who feature on Life Support, released in aid of Pieta House
do at Pieta House,” said Joan Freeman, CEO and founder. “We want to remind people that we are here to help, and we urge people who feel they can’t cope, or who find themselves in crisis, to please contact us. Our services are free of charge and we’re equipped to help people get through their crisis,” she said. Pieta House provides a professional, faceto-face, free-of-charge therapeutic service for
people in the acute stages of distress. The therapy is aimed at people who have attempted suicide but sur vived, those who have a strong urge to take their life and those who self-harm. The primary aim of Pieta House is to reduce suicide by helping people get through that critical phase when suicide becomes a plan rather than just an idea. Pieta House opened its doors in Lucan in
January 2006. In the last five years, the organisation has opened four more centres – three outreach centres in Finglas, Tallaght, and Ballyfermot in Dublin, as well as a second national centre in Limerick. The unique, clinicallybased model developed by Pieta House is used by the five centres across the country. Aside from the contribution of the 18 artists who appear on the compilation, the album
has been made possible with the support of Limerick’s Live 95 FM and The Delphi Label to allow all proceeds from the sale of the CD to contribute directly to Pieta House. The album, priced €9.99, is released on The Delphi Label on Friday, April 20, and will be available to buy online and from selected stores in Ireland, and also as an iTunes download. For more information, see www.pieta.ie.
12 April 2012 GAZETTE 19
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Antonio Macari, owner of Macari 66
Cooking the best in fresh at Macari 66 ANTONIO Macari’s parents came to live in Ireland in the late 1950s and early ’60s, respectively. Borza Cafe on Braemor Road in Churchtown, was owned by Antonio’s aunt and uncle and his mother was working there at the time. She met and married Antonio’s dad soon after. They went on to open a successful business, Macari’s, in 1966 at Harold’s Cross, but in 1972, they moved back to Italy. Antonio was only five years old, so he was brought up in Italy until he decided to come back to Ireland in 1993. He worked in Borza’s, in Tallaght, for a few months until he was given an opportunity to run the new Roma takeaway in Lucan Village, then a restaurant in Terenure and another takeaway. In the year 2000, he co-founded Italtiles, a bathroom and tiles company, with a friend. It had showrooms in Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, and he was involved until 2008 when he sold his shares. He spent some time back with Borza’s again, which has always been his second home, until last year, when he decided to open Macari 66. The number 66 is very significant to him because his dad opened Macari’s in Harold’s cross in 1966, where it used to be a few doors down from the cinema. He kept it in the name to distinguish him from the other Macaris. He then decided to do things a bit different from other chippers and cook fresh fish while you wait. His beef and chicken burgers are home-made and use Irish beef and chicken, and he fries with palm oil only.
WHERE TO PLACE € 10,000 Q – I have €10,000 to invest. Would my best option be to put it off my tracker mortgage and keep same repayments to reduce the term ? Or another option, to buy prize bonds ? Thanks. Declan – Blanchardstown A - There are a number of factors that must be considered in making investment decisions. Age, family and income are the three major considerations, along with current savings and investments strategies – do you have a Rainy Day Fund ? Ideally, three to six months net annual income in an accessible account for three reasons : 1. Emergencies (your engine packs in) 2. Sudden loss of income (one of you loses your job) 3. Investment opportunity (buying that le Broquy for half nothing !) Tracker rates are 1% currently and possibly likely to go even lower for the next 24 months. Therefore, you CAN earn more on deposit than you can save by paying off your tracker mortgage. You are probably paying c. 1.75% interest on your mortgage. Best demand deposit is 3.25% ( KBC Bank – email me for details ) or net 2.275%... over 0.5% more than your mortgage is costing. Investec Bank also offer 4.52% (net 3.164%... 1.314% greater) on an 18month fixed deposit account. As regards Prize Bonds, you are subject to the
Antonio Macari, owner of Macari 66
vagaries of chance. While you do have a greater chance than the Lotto, those chances are still slim,
Q&A
but Prize Bonds are a good option in a balanced portfolio.
Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: An airplane pilot.
Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’? A: Most of the cleaning, which
ern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward? A: Probably Jedward.
Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? A: Fancy restaurants and on
Q: What was your first job? A: Serving sweets and ice
I supervise anyway.
Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: A lot of Pink Floyd, Red Hot
holidays.
cream at the Borza on Braemor Road in 1980.
Q: And your first pay cheque? A: Twenty pounds. Q: When did you start your present job? A: November, 2011. Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: I suppose it’s that I am the
Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be? A: A holiday brochure, even though I can’t go right now!
Q: What sport do you follow? A: Football and the Six Nations’ rugby.
Q: What sport can you play? A: Football.
boss!
Q: What habits would you like to lose? A: Eating too much!
Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed? A: No, not really.
Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to? A: Definitely a holiday.
Q: Have you achieved anything that you once thought you could not pull off? A: My house, I guess.
Chili Peppers and other rock groups.
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: Mostly my friends status’. Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update? A: I shared a joke. Q: Describe your dream meal? A: It would have to be my wife’s lasagne and my mum’s homemade sausages.
Q: What is your guilty music/ TV or movie pleasure? A: Rock music.
Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Definitely together at the
Q: Who best represents mod-
same table.
Contact John with your money questions at
jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing
Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: Six, plus four or five pairs of
director of Money Doctor
sport shoes.
Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: I’ve never had a bad holiday. Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: A round-the-world trip of three months, at least.
Q: What would be your dream job? A: I would love to win the lotto and then do charity work fulltime.
Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: Travel as much as I can afford to.
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZET TE CALL 60 10 240
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20 GAZETTE 12 April 2012
GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY
BLANCHARDSTOWN: DETACHED FOUR-BEDROOM PROPERTY
Redwood rises high in Hollystown homes Interiors at Barnageeragh Cove
SKERRIES: RANGE OF PROPERTIES FOR SALE
Captivating Cove for new buyers Hooke & MacDonald and Grimes Real Estate Alliance are opening showhomes on the waterfront at Skerries, at Barnageeragh Cove this weekend, and already only a small number of properties remain in the soughtafter development. The specification in Barnageeragh Cove is well above normal standards, both internally and externally. The contemporary houses and apartments are nestled amidst grounds that incorporate a blend of hard and soft landscaping, with feature seating areas and pathways providing residents with a soothing environment. In every property, kitchens are finished to a high standard as per the individual showhomes, and bathrooms and en suites focus on hygiene and clean modern lines. The bedrooms feature contemporary wardrobes, while all the living spaces boast fine finishes. The extra-large terraces are one of the main features of design of the apartments providing above-average outdoor space to residents. There is high-efficiency gas condensing boiler, WormGlo central heating system, with contemporary style Stelrad radiators. All the houses and apartments at Barnageeragh Cove are covered by the ten-year HomeBond Guarantee Scheme. The two bedroom apartments (70 sq m / 760 sq ft) are priced from €150,000; the three-bedroom duplexes (114 sq m / 1,230 sq ft) are priced from €220,000; and the threebedroom-plus study houses are priced from €295,000 (125 sq m / 1,350 sq ft).
SHERRY Fitzgerald are bringing No 38 Redwood, Hollystown, Dublin 15, a detached four-bedroom property in showhouse condition, to the market for the asking price of €315,000. The best quality fixtures and fittings adorn this turnkey property, situated near Hollystown Golf Course, and it further benefits from a landscaped, sunny, southwest facing rear garden with water feature, splitlevel patio and garden lighting. Inside, the accomodation, which extends to 1,360 sq ft, comprises of an entrance hall with Canadian solid hardwood flooring. There is particularly good understair storage here also. The oversized guest WC is elegant in its simplicity with quality wall and floor tiling, compris-
ing WHB and WC. The living and reception room benefits from dual aspect, with a bay window to the front and a picture window and double glass doors which open to the rear garden. A contemporary stylestone fireplace has a gas inset fire. The kitchen-breakfast room comprises an ivory-fitted kitchen, and is complemented by a deep red-tiled splash back and cream ceramic floor tiles. The electrical appliances are mainly topof-the-range Neff appliances, such as a double oven, five-ring gas hob, chimney-style extractor fan. There is also an integrated fridge freezer and dishwasher. Tall, double, glass doors open to the patio and rear garden, and a separate window to the side of the kitchen fills this room
with light. There is access to the utility room from here, which is plumbed for a washer and dryer. The condenser gas boiler is housed here and this room is ideal for further storage. The master bedroom is decorated with great flair and imagination, containing built-in wardrobes and triple windows maximising light. The flooring in all of the bedrooms upstairs is high-quality semi-solid. The master bedroom is also en suite, with cream ceramic wall and floor tiling and a Merlyn shower enclosure. The second bedroom is also en suite, a double guest-room with dual windows and built-in wardrobes. Bedroom three is another excellent double room with same flooring and quality-fitted wardrobes.
Number 38 Redwood, Hollystown in Dublin 15, is on the market for €315,000
The master bathroom is fully tiled, comprising bath with shower attachment, WHB and WC. Outside, the garden has a parking bay for two cars to the front, and dual
entrances to the landscaped south-west- facing rear garden. For more information, contact Michelle Curran at Sherry FitzGerald on 01 820 1800.
CASTLEKNOCK: TWO-BED GROUND FLOOR APARTMENT FOR €245,000
Courtly sought-after apartment SHERRY FitzGerald in Castleknock are bringing No 3 Castleknock Court, Castleknock, Dublin 15, a two-bed ground-floor apartment, one of just eight apartments in this sought-after development, to the market for the asking price of €245,000. Built to extremely high standards and benefiting from a recent total refurbishment, this property is in walk-in-condition, with an upgrade of wiring, plumbing and new double-glazed windows throughout. The ceilings have even been re-plastered to remove the previous stipple plastering. This property is further enhanced by having its own hall door and, there-
The interior of No 3 Castleknock Court
fore, no shared communal hallway. Built to extremely high standards and benefitting from a recent total refurbishment, this property is in walk-in-condition, with an upgrade of wiring, plumbing and new
double-glazed windows throughout. The new kitchen and electrical appliances are bound to appeal. The accommodation, which extends to 700 sq ft, comprises an entrance hall with laminate floor-
ing and a storage closet/ cloakroom which affords ample storage space for a clothes dryer, and there is a separate hotpress. There is a large open plan living/dining room with matching flooring. Decorated in neutral cream paint finishes and cream-painted woodwork, the room also features wood surround fireplace has an electric fire. A large glass sliding patio door opens to a sunny balcony which overlooks communal gardens. The new kitchen in the property is in high-gloss cream with wood veneer trim and matching countertops. An electric oven, ceramic hob, extractor fan and washing machine are
included, and the floor is tiled in cream ceramic and there is a very attractive natural stone splash back and window sill. Both bedrooms are spacious double rooms with built-in wardrobes, while the bathroom comprises a shower, washhand basin and WC, tiled flooring and extensive wall tiling. Castleknock Court is located at the top of Beechpark Avenue at the junction with Castleknock Road, right in the heart of the village. Viewing is by appointment and can be arranged by contacting Michelle Curran at Sherry FitzGerald in Castleknock on 01 820 1800.
12 April 2012 GAZETTE 21
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS
Edited by Cormac Curtis
Renault Clio gets a fresh design HERE is an awful lot of buzz going around about new compact cars entering the market this year, such as the Skoda CitiGo, VW up! and the Seat Mii. But, there are still other models around that should not be dismissed altogether, simply because they cost a little more. One such car is the Renault Clio. This week, I spent a few days with the entrylevel Clio, also known as Expression, and it is certainly a useful and eyecatching little motor. The model I drove was of the three-door variety, which is always a good test of practical design when there are two kids under the age of seven to ferry around. When it comes to passengers, the idea of buck-
T
ling in the kids in the back seat of any threedoor car always fills me with dread, but the reality is rarely all that bad. The front seats in the Clio Expression do move quite freely, and the handle for tilting and sliding the seats is easy to get at and operate. One trap this Clio doesn’t fall into is using overly-long front doors. There are quite a few small cars that go large on the doors to make passenger access that bit easier – but that often leaves the driver with a heavy weight close, and, more often than not, swinging wildly against the next car in the car park. So far, so practical. Where the Clio does make a statement is with its design. Without going com-
RoadSigns Road Signs JAGUAR CONFIRMS PRODUCTION OF F-TYPE: JAGUAR
The Renault Clio – also known as the Expression – is an attractive entry-level, three-door vehicle, with a subtle look that strays from recent Renault designs for a more refined style, replete with plenty of useful features
SPECS: RENAULT CLIO CO2 emissions: (g/km) 132 Consumption: 8.3 litres/100km 1.2-litre 16-valve Fuel tank: 55 litres Fuel type: Ethanol/ unleaded €12,990 for 1.2-litre
pletely over the top, the car does stand out nicely from the crowd. The front grille is low and large, almost giving it the look of a basking shark. Just over this grille, the headlights have a stretched look, as
they wrap from the front back towards the windscreen, really lending some expression to the front end. There’s also fog lights that give a little bit more personality to the whole affair. In terms of spec, the Clio Expression may be the entry-level model, but it does have quite a bit on offer. It comes with a threeyear/100,000km warranty, as well as ABS with EBD (electronic brake distribution) and electric windows up front. There is an 80W radio-
CD MP3 with a separate display, and four speakers that can also be operated from controls on the steering column. The back seats get three headrests, and an electronic immobiliser is also standard. In the rear, there are Isofix points on the seats, and the three-door model has Isofix points on front passenger seat. The rear seats also fold down to allow for larger items in the boot. There are a host of airbags, a multifunction trip computer, Renault’s Anti Intruder Device (RAID),
as well as remote central locking and a normalsize temporary spare wheel. The interior is dark grey cloth upholstery, and there are attractive chrome inserts on the dashboard and steering wheel. Coming in at €12,990 for the 1.2-litre model, the price is a little steeper than some other, high-profile entries in to the market, but with Renault’s various tradein offers, there are sure to be plenty of ways to bring that price down a bit.
Skoda Ireland to sponsor Robert Barrable Rally Team SKODA Ireland are sponsoring rally driver Robert Barrable and his team, Robert Barrable Rally Team, as he takes part in the Circuit of Ireland rally. A native of Swords, Barrable is a former Billy Coleman Award winner and 2010 British and Irish Citroen Racing Trophy Champion. The rolling sponsorship agreement will see Skoda Ireland support the Robert Barrable Rally Team with additional team infrastructure, including the provision of branded
merchandise, marketing, PR support and a team hospitality unit as well as investment towards event costs. This season, Robert is competing in the latest specification ex-works Skoda Fabia S2000 rally car. Last weekend’s Circuit of Ireland Rally formed the third round of the global Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC). The circuit of Ireland is the second-oldest rally in the world. Steeped in history, many epic battles can be recounted
after almost 80 years of rallying on the Emerald Isle. Skoda has previously tasted success at the event with Eugene Donnelly and Paddy Toner winning in 2009 with a Skoda Fabia WRC. Speaking at the announcement of the new sponsorship deal, Barrable said: “I’m delighted to have such a great brand like Skoda supporting the team, the Skoda Fabia S2000 is a fantastic rally car; the added support from Skoda Ireland will hopefully lead to further suc-
cess this season.” Raymond Leddy, marketing manager of Skoda said: “Skoda Ireland is very pleased to be able to support rising Irish Sports stars like Robert and we hope this sponsorship can help him further his career. We can see the potential in Robert and are delighted to be involved.” For information on Robert Barrable Rally Team please go to: http:// robertbarrable.com/ Or follow him http:// twitter.com/#!/RBarrableRally
Skoda Ireland are sponsoring rally driver Robert Barrable and his team
has confirmed that it will be bringing an all-new sports car to production – the F-TYPE. Speaking at the New York auto show, Adrian Hallmark, global brand director, Jaguar Cars, said: “We showed the C-X16 concept in September 2011, and the reaction to it has been so positive that we’ve accelerated our development of an all-new Jaguar sports car. “The core appeal of Jaguar’s cars is their sporting heart, and that heart will beat stronger than ever before in the F-TYPE.” Full F-TYPE technical and range details will be announced later in 2012. It will go on sale in mid-2013.
22 GAZETTE 12 April 2012
GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Relaxing in the elegant surroundings of Ballymaloe
Valletta, the capital of Malta
The sixth-annual star-studded Isle of MTV Malta music festival is a must-see for music lovers
THE successful Isle of MTV Malta music festival will be taking place in Malta this year for the sixth consecutive year on June 26. The music and entertainment organisation has already confirmed the attendance of multi-platinum selling musician and producer, Will.I.Am, in what promises to be a stellar line-up. The star-studded event will take place in Floriana, Valletta, and is a must-see for all music lovers. Concorde Travel is currently offering package holidays to this, or the neighbouring resorts, for the dates around the event. Early booking is recommended as availability is limited. Departing on June 21 for seven nights, stay at the three-star Bayview Apartments, in Sliema, on a self-catering basis, based on four sharing a twobedroom apartment, from €654pp; the three-star Bayview Apartments, in Sliema, on a self-catering basis, based on two sharing a studio apartment, from €674pp; the three-star Tal Fanal Complex, in Gozo, on a self-catering basis, based on four sharing a one-bedroom apartment, plus car hire for the stay, from €684pp. Stay at the four-star Mellieha Bay, in Mellieha, on a half-board basis, in a double/twin room, from €844pp or the five-star Le Meridien Hotel, in St. Julians, on a BandB basis, in a double/twin room, from €874pp. Prices include return flights to Malta, return airport transfers, accommodation and board basis as indicated, and all taxes and charges. To view videos of Malta and Concorde Travel accommodation, go to Concorde Travels YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/concordetraveldublin To book your Malta break, or for further information visit www.concordetravel.ie or phone (01) 775 9300.
MIMI MURRAY
WHEN the sun shines in Ireland there really is no better place on earth. Our coastline takes on a glistening aquamarine hue, the lush countryside is several shades of green and, as we all know, the craic pores out on to the streets for some al fresco dining and drinking. Just east of Cork city is the lovely village of Shanagarry, which is home to the Allen family estate, Ballymaloe. This beautiful country house is set on hundreds of lush acres, with plenty of elegant country pursuits available right on the grounds. These
include an outdoor pool, a croquet lawn, a tennis court and a small golf course. We only stayed for 24 hours, but the intensely relaxing atmosphere in the house makes it feel like longer. We slept in the Blue Room, in the main house, which has double doors leading out to a very pretty garden, which leads into an area that houses pigs, chickens and a magnificent peacock. No television can leave some guests a little worried about the lack of a diversion on arrival, but we were thrilled to not have the distraction. A trip to Ballymaloe is all
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A spacious, tranquil standard room
about relaxation and dining. Oh, the dining. After a lengthy drive from Dublin, we immediately wanted to sample some of the food, even if it was only a small sampling. I went for the scones with home-made jam, whilst my other half had an open roast ham sandwich – big meaty chunks served on homemade brown bread with lots of pickled cucumbers and coriander. Everything was bursting with flavour – delicious and not a mouthful of their famed relish in sight! After some very sedentary pursuits, including reading and a nap, we decided to explore
the grounds. The estate is breathtaking and we meandered into the nearby craft shop and coffee shop for a look. The walled garden should also be seen. Perfection
And so to dinner. On Friday evenings, they do a hors d’oeurves buffet before the main event, which is really different and gets everyone buzzing about the meal ahead. There was everything from smoked fish, mussels, oysters, lots of delicious vegetables and a selection of pates and terrines. It is tempting to get stuck in here, but that would be inadvisable as there are five more courses to come, including, soup, main, cheese, dessert and coffee with petit fours. Everything is cooked to perfection and is very imaginative. Slowcooked lamb for me and poached monkfish with scallops for him, were perfection. We loved the way our waitress came around with a cheese trolley and the dessert trolley. It was quite 1970s, Fawlty Towers but good fun and something a little different. Plus, the selection was outstanding. The French almond tart was sublime. After that lot, there is nothing more for it than
The Ballymaloe country
an after-dinner drink in the bar or an early night. On many evenings you can find Rory Allen in the drawing room playing traditional music. In fact, you might run into any of the Allens, although we didn’t spot the illustrious Rachel or Darina during our stay. However, the elder matriarch, Myrtle, was on hand to chat to guests. After a very decent night’s sleep, brought on by the good country air, we looked forward to breakfast, which was again to an exceptional standard. We managed another quick jaunt around the gardens before we had to bid a very tearful farewell to Ballymaloe, with a definite promise to return very soon. For information on deals at Ballymaloe House go to www.ballymaloe. ie or check out the Blue Book website on www. irelands-blue-book.ie.
12 April 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 23
Edited by Mimi Murray
TravelBriefs
London tops the polls for second year as most popular overseas destination for Irish travellers
house is set on hundreds of lush acres in the lovely village of Shanagarry, just st east of Cork city
Etihad Airways new service to Kenya expands presence in Africa ETIHAD Airways’ inaugural passenger flight to Kenya touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, last week. The new daily, twoclass A320 service is the airline’s first passenger service to East Africa and a critically important step in expanding its presence in Africa. The airline will also reach into West Africa with the introduction of flights to Nigeria in July, 2012. Etihad Airways commenced operations to the Seychelles in November, 2011, and Libya in January of this year, building on existing services to Egypt, South
Africa, Morocco and Sudan. An Etihad Airways delegation of senior executives, led by chief commercial officer, Peter Baumgartner, was on the inaugural Nairobi flight. Executives from the airline will meet government officials and local tourism representatives during the visit to Kenya. The delegation will also host an evening reception to celebrate Etihad Airways’ new flights. Etihad Airways President and chief executive officer, James Hogan, said: “We are delighted to introduce Etihad Airways to East Africa. This year will see consider-
able growth for us within Africa as a whole, as we observe strong and emerging markets across the continent. “In particular, this new route services the considerable and growing flow of people and capital between Kenya and north Asia, with major Chinese investment in Africa generating passenger demand in both directions. “We expect to see strong loads to China, including our new destinations – Chengdu and Shanghai – and, of course Beijing, though the schedule allows subfour hour connectivity to key destinations across
Etihad Airways’ inaugural passenger flight to Kenya touched down in Nairobi
north Asia, south-east Asia, the Indian subcontinent and Australia.” The A320 aircraft has 16 Pearl Business class and 120 Coral Economy class seats. Etihad Airways began dedicated cargo serv-
ices to Nairobi in March 2009 and will continue to operate five freightonly flights per week. The combined capacity of passenger and cargo aircraft will allow the airline to transport 340 tonnes of cargo each week.
LONDON has topped the poll for the second year in a row as the most popular overseas destination for Irish travellers, according to the latest Hotels.com Hotel Price Index. The report shows that London was the most visited overseas city by Irish travellers in 2011, beating off competition from places such as New York and Paris to take the top spot. Despite London topping the poll as the most visited city, the US was the most popular country for Irish travellers in 2011, with six American cities in the top 20. New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, San Francisco, Boston and Chicago all featured on the list as travellers took advantage of the strength of the euro against the dollar. Short breaks to European destinations also remained popular in 2011, with Paris, Rome, Berlin, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Madrid and Nice all in the top 20. Closer to home, wellknown soccer cities, such as Liverpool and Manchester, also made the list with Liverpool the fifth most visited destination in 2011. Kate Hopcraft, senior PR manager at Hotels.com, said: “London is always a popular choice for Irish travellers, thanks to its accessibility for both business and leisure travellers. High-profile media events, such as last year’s royal wedding, have really helped keep London top of mind with travellers and, with the Olympics just around the corner, we would expect to see London continuing to be a popular destination. “It was also interesting to see that six out of 20 destinations on the list were US cities, indicating the popularity of the US for Irish travellers all year round.” At home, Dublin was ranked as Ireland’s most popular destination for a ‘staycation’ in 2011, while cultural hot-spot, Galway, took second place. Cork was third on the list while Limerick, the destination with the lowest average price covered by the report, took the fourth spot. The popular picturesque town of Killarney scooped fifth place to make up the list of most popular domestic destinations.
24 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 12 April 2012
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Springtime Recital
MUSIC lovers are well served by the Dun Laoghaire School of Music’s spring lunchtime rehearsals, which returns to the Pavilion with what promises to be a delightful performance by acclaimed cellist, Sandra Vedras. She will perform music by Bach, Vivaldi, Beethoven, Rachmaninov, and will be accompanied by Declan Fitzpatrick, for a refined recital that will usher in a fresh feeling for the middle of the season. Her lunchtime recital is at 1pm on Saturday, April 14, with tickets priced at €9.50/€6.50.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Cause Celebre
THE social and cultural mores of the 1930s come to the fore in this 1977 play, which is based on a real-life story. Presented by the players of Sandyford Little Theatre, a young chauffeur, and his much older lover, is charged with the murder of her third husband. But who is really on trial, and who will society damn the most? Gender, class and the expectations of 1930s’ morality collide in this engrossing production. The play runs nightly at 8pm until Saturday, April 21, with tickets priced €18/€15.
CIVIC THEATRE 01 885 2622 Our Father
STEFANIE Preissner’s remarkable performance examines abandonment, loss and acceptance as she uses rhyme and rap to explore the death of a parent, as, stanza by stanza, the familiar familial threads of love, birth, betrayal, regret and death are pulled back to create a moving, mesmerising production, courtesy of a rhythmic journey through the language of rap. Our Father runs from Monday, April 16 to Saturday, April 21 at 8.15pm, with a Saturday matinee at 3pm, and with admission priced €16/€10.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622
Easter Integrated Dance Project CROI Clan, a professional contemporary dance company based in Cork, invites both disabled and non-disabled dancers, aged between 13-18 years, to participate in this exciting and dynamic week-long project, which celebrates and encourages dance diversity. The week will conclude with a dance piece set in a professional show in Draiocht’s studio space. The free project will run from Tuesday, April 10 to Saturday, April 14. If interested to participate, email sarah@draiocht.ie or telephone 01 809 8029.
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Group of human soldiers in boat, meet enormously powerful invading alien vessel. Aliens, meet some ants. Still, cinemagoers will know which side to bet on in this latest tale of derring-do on the high seas. Luckily, Rihanna’s on board to help save the day. Hurray!
A sinking feeling ...
Kate’s left all at sea by a brash film that’s sure to leave critics floundering, but should make a splash at cinemas I KATE CROWLEY
IF I ever find Liam Neeson trying to stuff any kind of cheap flyers through my letterbox (you know, for any kind of local takeaway or taxi firm, that kind of thing), I swear I’ll drop my Mariettas and teapot to race over to the front door as fast as my dainty Size 9s will take me. Once I’ve flung open the front door, I swear, I’ll grab Mr Neeson by the strap of his leaflet delivery bag and drag him into the front parlour, ready to grill him on some of the roles he’s been taking on in recent years. After all, choosing to enlist for a (brief) role as an admiral in Battleship doesn’t seem to have quite the same gravitas of other roles he’s had in the past, right? (Are you listening to me, Oskar?) I’m sure that, like the rest of the Crowley household, my dear readers can both instantly relate to
FILM OF THE WEEK: Battleship ## (12A) 131 mins Director: Peter Berg Starring: Liam Neeson, Rihanna, Alexander Skarsgard, Brooklyn Decker, The Tall One, The Sidekick, The Captain, Aliens
OUR VERDICT: TIMBERS are left well and truly shivered by the bombastic antics in this tale. It messes about a bit with the standard Hollywood trope of Vastly Superior Invading Aliens Get Spanked By Primitive Hoomans, but its cheerfully enthusiastic approach to chaos and destruction will delight audiences as much as deafen them. Intellectually empty, it’s an adrenaline-packing production that’ll do well.
the raw tension and stress involved with the classic game, complete with endless shouts of “G7!”, “E3!”, and the like, eventually culminating in the indignant coup de grace: “You sunk my battleship!” Not, one may imagine, what one might call obvious source material for a $250 million blockbuster, but hark! What sound of barrel-scraping breaks through yonder window? Given that the thought of Liam Neeson playing Battleship against, I dunno, a CG panda, or a CG turnip (voiced by Eddie Murphy) for 90
minutes probably didn’t lead to high-fives at the movie mogul meeting, instead, we arrive at the completely logical and inexplicably previously omitted element needed to complete Battleship’s appeal – aliens. Yes, that’s right, a bunch of themtharr extreeturresteeal folk have suddenly started splashing about in the ocean, where, as luck would have it, Admiral
Neeson (oh, and Rihanna) are standing by, ready to do a lot more than shout “F6!” from the deck. (As normal for any film with plucky military types saving the day, I completely fail to remember character names, ending up with The Tall One or The Captain or The Sidekick – as such, it’s just easier to remember The Neeson or The Rihanna here.) With several ships happening to be in the area at the time, and caught unawares by the sudden a p p e a rance of vast (and vastly superior) invading alien vessels, it’s not long before the aliens have successfully turned
pretty much all of the ships they come across into rather unsuccessful submarines, and started trashing urban areas, too. Oh dear. Can the sailors wipe the deck with the aliens, or will there be an early bath for humanity? Well, you’ll get plenty of bang for your buck with this one, which is, basically, a much wetter version of Transformers. No doubt it’ll float yer boat if you’re one of those landlubbers that’s happy to send your brain on shore leave for a while, but Cap’n Crowley here found it all to be a little bit fishy. Now. Hollywood. I have a fandabidozi idea for a new film, with car chases, a love triangle, a hot chick, and a nervewracking finale shootout on top of the Chrysler Building. It’s called “Tiddlywinks”. Call me.
Meet Admiral Shane (Liam Neeson, in a not especially memorable role)
12 April 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING
Gaming and its potential for a negative impact on kids SHANE DILLON
LAST week, The Guardian published an interesting story that emerged at the Association of Teachers and Lecturers’ annual conference, in which the negative aspects of gaming were having on some children were discussed. That word – “some” – is very important, as it is impossible to argue otherwise that regular exposure to violent and adult games has no effect on some children. At the conference, it was discussed that many psychologists were reporting negative behavourial traits in young children who played computer games extensively – of most note, and unsurprisinly, there were some worrying trends associ-
ated with young children playing games designed for teenagers, or adults. (Given that some of my siblings are teachers, these comments and insight backed up much of the anecdotal evidence I’ve heard from the coal face, in addition to my personal experience.)
Suggested It was suggested that many children who experienced such content (primarily, violent computer games) were prone to be more violent, potentially at greater risk to social exclusion, more physically sedentary, and other such worrying traits. Without wishing to sound too professorish, I’ve been gaming for more than 30 years, from the earliest days of home
computer gaming, so I’ve probably got more insight into gaming than an awful lot of people – and parents – out there. With this in mind, while I’m passionate about gaming, and still can enjoy games from many points of view, I’m also much more aware, lately, of the ways in which gaming is still largely regarded by many parents and adults as, “you know, for kids”. In this way, I’ve been pretty horrified by the increasing sight, and sound, of young children playing completely inappropriate games, along with teens also being needlessly exposed to gory, graphic content, Having just trotted past 40, my teenage years are some way past, although I can still (just about)
While many games that revel in slapstick violence can be age-friendly for all the family (such as Angry Birds, left), many other titles are rated 18+ for clear reasons (such as Grand Theft Auto IV, right) – yet many parents remain unconcerned about the potential negative impacts that such titles may have on their children
remember all of the things I, and my peers, did as teens in the 1980s, including the then media frenzy over “video nasties”, and the like, and how willing – of course – my friends and I were to dabble with our first steps into the adult world. However, while of course games, and gaming, can be wonderful pastimes, and fun for families to share and spend time together with, it’s worrying indeed that too many parents don’t seem to know, or care, what their children are playing. It’s safe to say that the
vast majority of parents wouldn’t know one end of a claymore from another – or, indeed, what a claymore is – but it’s a pretty safe bet that their sevenyear-old son does, given the amount of six- or seven-year-olds I’ve heard running around with guns and mines in games like the Call of Duty, or Battlefield franchises, with pretty disturbing language to boot. While of course “play” takes many forms, and any child psychologist worth his or her salt would tell you that violent, exploratory play is a normal part
Control the Force with this great Kinect competition HERE at The Gazette Group, we’ve teamed up with XBox to offer readers another great Kinect prize. Following on from the recent launch of Kinect Star Wars for Xbox 360, five lucky readers can be in with a chance to win a copy of the game. Using the Kinect sensor, Kinect Star Wars allows fans to physically hone their Jedi skills, wield the power of the Force in their hands, pilot iconic ships and vehicles, rampage as a vicious Rancor monster or even dance with iconic Star Wars characters. Using full body motions, players can live out the ultimate Star Wars fantasy to use the Force, battle with a Lightsaber and more – no controller required.
To be in with a chance to win your copies, simply email The Gazette with the answer to the following statement: Complete the following Kinect for Xbox 360 tagline: A. You are the boss B. You are the controller C. You are the best Email your answer, with the subject line “Kinect”, before 5pm on Friday, April 20, to: competition@gazettegroup. com. All correct entries will be entered into a draw, and five winners will be selected at random to win a copy, which will then be posted out. One entry per person.
Five readers can feel the Force and win a copy of Kinect Star Wars, for the XBox 360
of child development, as boundaries are explored and defined, gaming’s potential negative impact for some (but by no means all) children needs greater policing by parents.
While it’s clear that gaming is an acceptable, and welcome, part of children’s lives today, it’s to be hoped that parents take a greater interest in what, exactly, is being played.
GAZETTE
26 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 12 April 2012
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GazetteSPORT
SPINNING AROUND Stephen Halpin on his return to the top level of cycling: Page 29
ADVENTURE RACE: RACE OVER WICKLOW MOUNTAINS SET TO CHALLENGE ATHLETES
Competitors set for WAR at Glendalough sport@gazettegroup.com
THEY say that war is hell, and this weekend sees an opportunity to put that maxim to the test when one of the t o u g h e s t a d ve n t u r e races in Ireland, the 53 Degrees North Wicklow Adventure Race (WAR) takes place at Glendalough. On Saturday, April 14, over 600 competitors will run, cycle and kayak through some of
the most beautiful scenery in Ireland. There is a choice of three courses for competitors new to the adventure race scene. For those serious tough guys and girls, there is the full WAR course of 75km, which takes in 21km of mountain running, 52km of cycling and 2km of kayaking. T h e c o u r s e t a ke s competitors along the Spink Run, over the Sally Gap, along the
challenging Djouce run before ending with kayaking on Lough Dan. There is the shorter WA R- S p o r t o p t i o n , which will take in similar spectacular scenery and route, but which will total only 44km. And, for the first major race of 2012, there is the new WAR-Mini option, which avoids the gruelling heights of the Spink Run, but will be equally as challenging for new converts.
Former Ireland and Leinster player Shane Byrne celebrates finishing his first WAR event
The 53 Degrees North WAR series of adventure races will be run to the BS8901 standard. The standard defines the requirements for a sustainability event management system to
ensure an enduring and balanced approach to economic activity, environmental responsibility and social progress relating to events. Event T-shirts will be made for 100% recycled
polyester (each is the equivalent of five plastic bottles). And instead of the traditional single use plastic goodie bags, distributed at the end of the event, 53 Degrees
North WAR goodie bags will be reusable drawstring bags. For more information, and to register for the race, log on to www. wicklowadventurerace. com.
28 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 12 April 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
SOCCER: EARLY GOAL AND TENSE MOMENTS BUT LADIES PREVAIL
Retro Sports Day set to help Debra Ireland A GROUP of students at Institute of Technology, Tallaght, are holding a nostalgic retro-themed sports day at the college on April 18 in aid of Debra Ireland. Harking back to school days, the activities will include an egg and spoon race, three legged race and an obstacle course, together with many more fun and inclusive events for those who attend the day, which begins at 11am. The recipient of the event’s fundraising is Debra Ireland’s, whose mission is to fund the development of treatments and cures for all forms of Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). EB is a condition children are born with where their daily activities are limited because of the excessive blistering of the skin. The skin disorder can be described as ‘butterfly skin’ because the skin is as delicate as a butterfly’s wings. Debra Ireland helps the lives of people with EB be as comfortable as possible while they are funding the research for a cure. As well as the sports activities, they will also have a Mexican-themed section with a piñata and limbo competitions. Prizes for the activities have been donated by sponsors including the Sweet Emporium in Rush, Dunnes Stores, Fyffes Bananas, Trophies Online, McDonalds Naas, IFI Cinema, Westpark fitness, Ballygowan Water, Life Pharmacy Rathmines, Laughter Lounge, Xtra-Vision and Superquinn. All proceeds collected on the day will go directly to Debra Ireland. The group have set up a Facebook page and event for the day, ww.facebook.com/ITTRetrosportsday and wish to use this a means of connection with future possible participants. For further information, contact ITTretrosportsday@ hotmail.com, or see www.debraireland.org.
Peaumont United’s Jenny Critchiey, right, is congratulated by team-mates Sara Lawlor, Stephanie Roche and Dora Gorman after scoring
Peamount reclaim top spot FAI NATIONAL WOMEN’S Raheny United Peamount United
0 1
I sport@gazettegroup.com
J E N N Y C r i t c h l e y ’s effort after just three minutes proved the difference when Peamount retook their place at the top of the Women’s National League, a potentially huge result with just two rounds still to play. Having come into the starting line-up in place of Jenny Ferrari at the last minute, Critchley took little time to get into her stride as Stephanie Roche threaded a pass through to her and the striker calmly slotted home. It lifted the Peas back above Raheny and they know wins over Castlebar and basement side Shamrock Rovers will hand them the inaugu-
ral league crown. Peamount tried to boss the game with Caroline Thorpe and Dora Gorman in the middle of the park, but they couldn’t stop Raheny breaking through, and Chloe Mustaki had to clear the ball off the line after Rebecca Creagh headed at goal from a corner. Former St Francis’ woman, Mary Waldron, kept up the pressure on the Peas by shooting over not long later. She then set up Creagh again on 25 minutes, but this time her shot was deflected wide and out for a corner. For a match with so much riding on it, it was perhaps natural that Peamount tried to slow the pace down. Roche was a stabilising influence in her more withdrawn role, and Eileen
Gleeson’s side were able to keep control of possession. R a h e ny b e g a n t o press higher up the pitch in the second half. Katie McCabe had the best chance after an hour when she was put through by a Mary Waldron flick. The mercurial striker could only hit the side netting, however.
Pass the Peas Gradually, Peamount came back into the game, with Sara Lawlor and Louise Quinn going close. Raheny’s passing and first touch consistently let them down as promising attacking moves broke down. They tried to turn the screw on the visitors with the introduction of Sandra Mulhall with just over 15 minutes left. Siobhan Killeen was in
space in the Peas box after 78 minutes, but opted to cross instead of shooting and the move came to nothing. Raheny suffered from over-passing in their moves, with Peamount’s defensive players closing them down quickly. With five minutes left the northsiders were presented with another golden oppor tunity, but Sandra Mulhall just couldn’t get on the end
of a cross. Stephanie Roche could have extended the Peas’ lead with moments left but shot wide. Megan Campbell’s free two minutes into added time at the end of the match was the last chance for Raheny to get something from the match, but no one was able to latch onto it and Peamount claimed a big win.
12 April 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 29
in association with
Comeback kid is ready for the Ras
FastSport
Stephen Halpin has bounced back from a tough year with the kind of form that sees him on the verge of a huge 2012, says STEPHEN FINDLATER Stars come out for the
AFTER a year ravaged by a nightmare series of injuries and infections, Swords Cycling Club’s Stephen Halpin is lining up a rejuvenated 2012. Relocating to his native city from Belgium, and a full pre-season, sees him in positive mood, and the results have begun to flow for Halpin. He took two big wins in March, as he spies top form ahead of May’s An Post Ras. Those wins included the Ras Naomh Finan in Clonard, Co Meath, and the Carrick Wheelers Cup in Carrick-onSuir. It gives a confidence fillip that he can get back on track af ter an 18-month period wracked by ankle problems, as he told GazetteSport. “I was injured for a lot of last year, from October to maybe April or
May. Then I came back, did a few weeks training and then went into the Ras very unfit. “I came out of that and got a blood infection and chronic fatigue,
Nicolas Roche lamenting the long-term effects in recent years. “It’s very important – that base training in the winter months – your fitness can be hit
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‘In a race, anything can happen, so I go out with every intention of winning.’
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which put me out for the rest of the season.” It tested his resolve but he cites the continued support of his Swords’ clubmates and his sponsors, Metaltek Scott, who stuck with him despite the problems. S u c h i s s u e s h ave afflicted a number of Irish pro riders in recent seasons, pre-season struggles leading to ongoing mid-season issues, with Phil Lavery and
and miss all year and then missing a couple of months of racing; you’re playing catch-up throughout the year. It’s hard to discipline yourself to take it slowly. I learned that the hard way last year, coming back too soon. “But this year has been really good. I’ve been disciplined and the positives that came from last year were that I was really motivated. I missed it so much last
Stephen Halpin, in blue, training with the An Post team last year
year, the winter was good enough this year, no snow to disrupt the training camps with the team, so it was very productive.” “In the space of a week, I won in Clonard and then in Carrick-onSuir. That, in itself, is very good for the confidence.” A crash in Essex slowed that momentum while a trip to Scotland for the Tour Doon Hame was also fruitless, but Halpin is content with where he is at. A fter five years in Belgium, he recently moved back to Dublin, moving in with top pro, Phil Deignan – a stage winner in the Vuelta in 2009 – in Terenure, something which he sees as another boost. “It happened by chance; we were both looking for a place to stay. It’s great, training with one of the best. “You do pick up bits as you go along, like diet, routines and treatments … little things that make a difference. “Living in Dublin, when the contract came about in the UK with Metaltek, it was the perfect opportunity to get a year at home. I could be living in London and a race would come up in Newcastle and you’re looking at a five-hour drive … so I’m probably better off living in Dublin, with the airport
going to loads of locations. “Having family and friends around does make a huge difference rather than being abroad. You do miss things, so it works out better for your mentality to training and overall for your performance. “My programme with the team has been sorted since January. I know now what I’m doing for the rest of the year so it gives me time to plan where I go and when. I don’t need to be on call, like I was in Belgium.” And it leaves the elements in place for him to try and make a big impression in the Ras in the next month despite the growing crew of Irish pro cyclists. “It’s the next big one. I’ll go out to win a stage but, if it happens that I’m in contention for the GC, I’ll race everyday. “A s f o r t h e I r i s h nationals, any where in the top five or ten would be great. But you see the likes of Matt Brammeier a couple of years ago winning it, so anything’s possible on the day. “The good thing about having more than just one or two pros, they can mark each other out on the day and, in a one-day race, anything can happen, so I’ll go out with every intention of winning it.”
Great Ireland Run 2012
THE biggest ever cast of celebrities from stage and screen are set to take part in the SPAR Great Ireland Run in the Phoenix Park, Dublin on Sunday, April 15 as they come together to support a range of charities. Among the leading lights confirmed to take part are Ugly Betty star Eric Mabius (above), Boyzone’s Keith Duffy, radio and TV talk-show presenters, Matt Cooper and Craig Doyle, former Miss World Rosanna Davison, Diarmuid Gavin, Irish actor Jason Barry and Coronation Street star John Michie (Karl Munro) among others. Many of the celebrities are taking part to support the events nominated charities, the Marie Keating Foundation and the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation. Others are running for Leukaemia And Lymphoma Research and other good causes. Up to 10,000 runners, walkers and joggers are expected to participate in the event, which gets under way at 1pm and is shown live on RTE television. A further 1,200 children have entered the Mini and Junior Runs for five-to-eight and nine-to-15 -year-olds. These runs will make up the largest ever children’s running event in Ireland. The Junior Run starts at 11:15 followed by the Mini Run at 11:30. The Mini and Junior Runs take place over a flat 2.5km course, which uses the same start and finish areas of the adult SPAR Great Ireland Run, which starts at 1pm. The nominated charity for the Mini and Junior Runs is the Baby Max Wings of Love Fund. Entries for the SPAR Great Ireland Run are now closed, and those entering are required to collect their numbers and run packs at Lifestyle Sports in Blanchardstown during trading hours between noon on Thursday, April 12 and 4pm on Saturday, April 14.
30 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 12 April 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
Life Style Sports offer Euro 2012 competition LIFE Style Sports in Blanchardstown Retail Park will this weekend host the quest to find the ultimate Irish sports fan. This fan will feature in the Life Style Sports window campaign in all its 62 stores nationwide and win a trip to Euro 2012 to see the boys in green take on Spain including flights, accommodation and match tickets. From 10am to 4pm this Sunday, April 15, the Life Style Sports store in Blanchardstown will host the fervent fans as they attempt to walk away with the title and the much-sought after prize of the Spain match package. Vivienne Bushell, marketing director of Life Style Sports said: “We want fans to come to the store as if they were arriving at City Stadium in Poznan or PGE Arena in Gdansk. Nothing is too over the top or too green for us. “We are encouraging everyone over the age of 18 to come bedecked in their green white and gold.” A judging panel, which includes current Irish squad member Stephen Hunt will make the final decision. All fans will be accommodated on a first come, first serve basis and must be available on Monday, April 16, for their Life Style Sports photoshoot. Stephen, who will drop into Life Style Sports in Blanchardstown at 1.30pm on Sunday, said today “The support we get at home and abroad from our fans is just amazing. To see a stadium awash with the green, white and gold gives you such a great feeling and lifts the team. The fans really are the 12th man.” While in Poland, the Life Style Sports Ultimate fan will blog on the Life Style Sports Facebook page and post photos so that they can share the excitement and give a sense of the atmosphere at the stadiums to all the Facebook followers. Find out more on the Life Style Sports Ultimate Fan, and how simple it is to get involved via Facebook www.facebook.com/lifestylesports.
SOCCER: REPUBLIC UNDER-15 SELECT MISS OUT ON CUP TITLE
Sarah McCarthy in action for the Republic of Ireland Under-15 footballers at the AUL Complex last week
Local student stars for Ireland sport@gazettegroup.com
ST JOSEPH’S College, Lucan student Eleanor Ryan Doyle along with Peamount club mates Brooke Dunne, Chloe Murphy and Lauren Kealy played her part but was unable to turn the tide for the Republic of Ireland’s Under-15 Girls Schools side as, for the second year running, Northern Ireland pipped them in the final game of the Bob Docherty Cup. The northerners won out 2-1 in the decisive game on day four of the tournament at the AUL Complex last Friday. The Republic had
made the perfect start to their campaign, beating a Metropolitan Girls’ League (MGL) FAI Selection last Monday evening, coming from a goal down to snatch a late equaliser and subsequently win 4-2 on penalties. Northern Ireland’s 3-2 win over Scotland, and England’s penalties win over Wales, left a three-way tie at the top of the table after day two, before the Republic ran up an impressive win in their second game last Wednesday. The wind provided an immense challenge for both teams, but a mustwin situation added to
Towering show: Under-11s shine in St Kevin’s blitz ROUND Towers’ Under-11 hurlers
recently took part in St Kevin’s U-12s’ hurling blitz, and acquitted themselves well, and made the club very proud. The team played very strongly in their first two matches, beating the home side to book a place in the quarter-finals against Setanta. In spite of keeping Setanta scoreless in the second half, they were unlucky to end up on the wrong side of the result, only losing by a single point.
the day’s events. The Republic hit the front from a free kick when Colaiste Dhulaigh student, Courtney Higgins, crossed to the lively Roma McLaughlin in space. Megan Connolly waited patiently on the left side of midfield to apply the final touch. The partnership of McLaughlin and Connolly was working well for the Republic, while Swords’ student Lynch had a super chance on goal, but her shot breezed just past the post. But, on a rare counter, the Republic gifted a free kick to the English. Alysha Stojko-Down
endeavoured to reap the benefits of Ireland’s mistake, but her shot went right of the post. The game, though, was put beyond doubt when Connolly again scored following some great link play with Savannah McCarthy for a 2-0 win. With Northern Ireland winning 3-1 against Wales, though, it left it between them and the Republic for the title. The final was a fastpaced affair as the game kicked off in the Dublin sunshine on day four of the tournament. The Republic of Ireland created the first chance when a snap
shot from Connolly saw her effort spring over the woodwork. Further solid chances fell to McLaughlin and Connolly. The deadlock remained until midway through the second half, when Northern Ireland were awarded a penalty. McGlade was brought down inside the area and up stepped Mackin, who coolly slotted the ball down the middle of the goal past Brooke Dunne. McGlade doubled the lead to put the North well on course before Zoe Power latched onto a ball from Courtney Higgins to pull one back for the hosts.
12 April 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 31
in association with
CAMOGIE: DUBLIN COMEBACK FALLS JUST SHORT
CLUB NOTICEBOARD ROUND TOWERS MEMBERSHIP is now overdue. Discount
the presentation of medals to the
on club cards will be cut for those who
Intermediate Championship-win-
have not renewed. Renewal forms
ning panel, followed by dancing,
are available on the club website or in
and tickets are priced at just €20.
reception in the clubrooms.
Tickets can be purchased from Ed
This week’s numbers were 7, 10, 21 and 29; Bonus Ball 4. There was no winner of this week’s jackpot of €6,600.
O’Malley on 087 807 3391 or Caitriona McGrath on 087 961 9466. Penthouse Menswear, Liffey Valley, are the latest business to team
Congratulations to Margaret Big-
up with Round Towers. Round Tower
ganne, Dave Reape and Rob Keane,
GAA members can now assist their
who were the three €100 winners.
club by shopping in Penthouse
Next week’s jackpot is €6,700.
Menswear. When making a pur-
Come along and join us in celebra-
chase simply display your Towers’
tion at the senior ladies’ football
membership card, and 10% of the
championship presentation night
sale will be redistributed to Round
on Saturday, April 14, in the Round
Tower GAA Club. We would urge all
Tower GAA clubrooms for what
club members to suppor t Pent-
promises to be a great night. A
house Menswear and help your
three-course, sit-down meal and
club while picking up the latest
music by FitzaFrenic, along with
fashions.
LUCAN SARSFIELDS A battling and impressive Dublin side, featuring Lucan’s Alison Twomey, just fell short of a win
Camogie stars get close to the Cats NCL DIVISION 1 Kilkenny Dublin
2-9 2-8
I sport@gazettegroup.com
DUBLIN, featuring St Pat’s Grainne Quinn and Lucan’s Alison Twomey, missed out on a rare senior camogie triumph over Kilkenny last weekend when their incredible comeback came up an agonising point short at O’Toole Park on Easter Sunday. They were left to rue a tally of 13 wides from placed balls, while the concession of a soft second goal will rankle, but huge positives can be taken from the tie. Ten points down with four minutes to go at the break, the Dubs went on to outscore Kilkenny by 2-7 to 0-4. In the entire second half, the visitors could only score once from play, and never threatened the Dublin goal, a testament to a wonderful defensive performance, with debu-
tante Emma Whyte starring, and holding talented Cat, Aoife Neary, scoreless from play. Some of Dublin’s play was outstanding, particularly in the super four-minute spell before half-time. An Ali Maguire-pointed 45 in the 26th minute was Dublin’s first score in 23 minutes, and this was followed by a superb crossfield pass by O’Hara to Amy Murphy who pointed. Another O’Hara missile found Ciara Burgess in the 29th minute and the Raheny girl raised Dublin’s fourth white flag. Dublin weren’t finished, and O’Hara picked out Murphy whose rasping shot shook the net, reducing the deficit to four. It countered Kilkenny’s strong opening, in which they wiped out Murphy’s opener with Neary scoring three points before Katie Power cut in for their first goal. Tara Corrigan had
to retire injured shortly afterwards and, from there on, Grainne Quinn had a tight watch on Katie Power (a cousin of Dublin player, Fiona Hayes), limiting her to one point. A second Kilkenny goal by Siobhan Hyland saw them open a 2-5 to 0-1 lead by the 24th minute. when Dublin lost possession going forward and compounded this error by indecision in the small box leading to the goal being conceded. With the breeze in the second half, Neary clipped over a free, but Ali Maguire responded with a point from centre back. Four minutes later, Muireann O’Gorman cut the gap to a goal with a pointed free. Confidence was growing and the half back line of Whyte, Maguire and Ballinteer’s Fiona Hayes, were outstanding. On the occasions when Kilkenny breached that line, Catriona Power stood in the way on more than
one occasion ably supported by Grainne Quinn and Elaine O’Meara. Neary’s fifth pointed placed ball put Kilkenny four clear in the 41st minute as Dublin introduced Aoife Kelly and Miriam Twomey. O’Hara was doing all she could to lead the charge and when her dipping shot nipped under the crossbar, the O’Toole’s throng were in full voice. One sensed that if Dublin could draw level, they might just be able to drive on from there. But Neary notched another free to settle her side. A minute later, O’Hara fired over a great point but Colette Dormer showed great leadership for Kilkenny to strike their only score from play in the second half. It got them just clear and, while Maguire put over a difficult free, despite three minutes of added time, the clock ran out on a great Dublin performance.
A BIG thank-you to Dr Deirdre Ward,
The first outing for our golf soci-
from Tallaght Hospital, for the very
ety takes place at Killeen Golf Club
informative talk on Sudden Car-
on Saturday, April 21. To book a slot,
diac Death which was attended by
text Michael on 087 233 1983 with
160 people in the club last Tuesday
your name by Sunday, April 15.
night.
The heats for our Sars’ Stars tal-
For parents who could not make it,
ent contest will take place on April
we would strongly advise all to look
14 and 21 with the grand final taking
out for the next meeting, as it really
place on Saturday, April 28.
was great to learn the simple signs to look out for in our children. Well done to Colette Condon for organising this.
Set dancing classes take place ever y Wednesda y from 8 . 30 to 10pm in the function room of the clubhouse.
This week’s Lotto numbers are
Our nurseries for boys and girls
available on our website, www.
born in 2005, 2006 and 2007 contin-
lucansarsfields.ie.
ue every Saturday at 1.30pm on our
Seamus Clandillon’s team will be
all-weather pitch at The 12th Lock.
in charge next Sunday, when our
This is your child’s chance to be
sponsor will be John Ryan, Account-
coached by Dublin senior hurling
ant.
captain, Johnny McCaffrey.
ST PAT’S PALMERSTOWN A BUSY week for Glenaulin with Easter Camp in full swing. Home games this coming Saturday: U-8 footballers host a blitz s t ar ting 10am; U-9 pla y Lucan Sarsfields at 11am; U-12 footballers
Minor footballers host Naomh Olaf at 11am on Sunday. Junior hurlers play away on Sunday at 3pm to Na Fianna. Many thanks to all our bagpackers over the weekend.
v Lucan Sarsfields at 12.15pm; U-14
We hope you all enjoyed some well-
football also at home v Na Fianna at
deserved chocolate on Sunday. You
3.30pm.
can work it off at the camp.
Meanwhile, U-10s play away to St Jude’s; the U-11s travel to Blakestown to play St Peregrine’s; U-13 hurlers v Ballinteer St John’s at
Final reminder for memberships that are now way overdue. There was no winner of this week’s lotto jackpot.
3.30pm in Marley Park; U-16 hurl-
Numbers drawn were 10, 11, 13 and
ers play Plunkett’s in Liffey Park at
19. Paul Faughnan, Colín Doyle and
2pm; Senior hurlers take on Raheny
Hazy matched three numbers for
away on Saturday at 6pm.
€70 each.
Follow GazetteSport on Facebook and Twitter, and at www.gazettegroup.com
ALL OF YOUR CLONDALKIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
NORTHERN LIGHTS: Local starlets in Irish U-15 side but NI get final victory P30
BLAZING SADDLES: Halpin ready for top return from injury P29
GazetteSPORT
Clondalkin gymnastic club pair Sophie Toomey and Zoe Taylor won gold and were the club’s first ever Celtic Cup representatives
APRIL 12, 2012
Clon’s Celtic Cup gold for local duo Toomey and Taylor claim the crown for Clondalkin Gymnastic Club at international competition clondalkinsport@gazettegroup.com
CLONDALKIN Gymnastics Club broke new ground last weekend when the club’s Sophie Toomey, age 17, and Zoe Taylor, 12, took home gold from their very first Celtic Cup outing. Indeed, it was the first time the club had received a call-up to the prestigious event, a Junior international competition between the Celtic Nations (Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man) with potential future stars of the 2016 Games battling it out in both Junior and Minor categories. Although the club has, over the years, had many gymnasts competing successfully at International competitions, this was a significant first. Toomey and Taylor have been training together as a pair for the last two years, their selection for the Irish squad was based on the
results of the Winter Championships where they were ranked the number one women’s pair in the country at Grade 2. That was from a field of 160 competitors from all over Ireland, who each had to qualify through their own regions to reach those finals in Carlow for a day of intense competition. In the end, only a fraction of a point separating the medal winners. The Celtic competition moves from country to country year on year, and this year was held in Belfast where the two gymnasts, along with head coach Emer Kavanagh, witnessed a high-quality field, as the club’s chairperson Julia Toomey explains. “The international standard on the day was extremely high but both gymnasts have been training together intensely for the last two years to reach the standard required for this level of competition. “Their dedication and hard work paid off as
they produced an almost flawless floor routine which was awarded the gold medal. “It is an amazing achievement for the two gymnasts and their coach as it is the first time anyone from Clondalkin has been selected for the Celtic Cup, and everyone in the club is thrilled with their success.” The club is now busy preparing for National Tumbling Finals, which take place at the end of April, and the All-Ireland Acro Finals at the beginning of May. These results follow hot on the heels of the success of a group of seven Clondalkin gymnasts, plus head coach Emer Kavanagh, in Geneva at the International Acro Competition. Toomey, Fiona Tapley and Taylor all took silver medals, while Barry Gouldsbury and Beatrice Fagan received bronze for their performances, showing the emerging standard at the club.