Dun Laoghaire

Laoghaire GAZET TE FREE

JUNE 28, 2012

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DUN LAOGHAIRE • BLACKROCK • CORNELSCOURT • DEANSGRANGE • DALKEY • GLASTHULE • MONKSTOWN • GLENAGEARY

INSIDE: Bloomsday fun as a bygone era returns for annual celebration P8-9

Football: Foxrock Feile stars reach semi-final stage Page 32

Hurling: Cuala continue impressive form against Crokes Page 31

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 BUSINESS ................... 20 MOTORS ........................21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

OPINION: Frances Fitzgerald on child protection services reform See Page 6

Council stance on road fatality ‘lacking’ I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

THE recent death of a Polish national at Kill Avenue has sparked a dispute between Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Councillor John Bailey (FG).

Cllr Bailey wants to see safety measures put in place by the council at the soonest opportunity to ensure there are no future accidents on the busy road.

The council has stated that

speed surveys will be conducted on the road to ascertain what signage is needed, and Cllr Bailey’s suggestion that Rory O’Connor Park become a cul-de-sac “will be considered”.

In response, Cllr Bailey said that the council was using information contained in an out-of-date review from 2008, and things have changed utterly since then. “I’m not happy with their response,” he said.

Full Story on Page 2

Paws for thought: Lions get a new leader as Jim steps down LOCAL Lions had some paws for thought when the outgoing president of Killiney Lions Club, Jim Bradfield, stepped down recently, handing on the chains of office to Tracey Vard at a function held in the Purple Ocean

restaurant. It was a time to congratulate Jim on his leadership, to reflect on the members’ great work under his stewardship, and to look forward to continuing their efforts under Tracey’s leadership as the new president.

2 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 28 June 2012

KILL AVENUE: COUNCIL MUST ACT – BAILEY

ARTS Stars attend a sparkling Dalkey Book Festival

Fatality sparks call for updated road report I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

A ROW has erupted between Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council (DLRCC) and Councillor John Bailey (FG) over a call for an urgent audit of Kill Avenue, following the death of a man there last week.

The council’s traffic section plans to conduct vehicular speed surveys of Kill Avenue, but Cllr Bailey said this does not go far enough.

A DLRCC spokesperson said: “Kill Avenue is a regional road and a key bus route serving the frequent 46A and 75 bus services.

“It was recently improved to cater for the mobility-impaired and disabled with a new pedestrian facility installed to serve the nearby Educate Together school, IATD College and environs.

“It should be noted that dedicated cycling facilities have been provided along the route with upgraded junction treatments. The route would not be suitable for speed ramps for the reasons outlined.

“However, the council’s traffic section will carry out vehicular speed surveys and an assessment of the route for the applica-

tion of flashing signage,” said the spokesperson.

“Regarding Rory O’Connor Park for consideration for a cul-desac, [this] will be considered by the traffic section to assess if a cul-de-sac arrangement would be of benefit.

“An extensive review and evaluation of requests for traffic calming [measures] was carried out in 2008. The final report is available for viewing on the council’s website.

“The report concluded that, to ensure that safety is maintained as a top priority for the council, accident investigation and prevention schemes (AIPs) are being prioritised over traffic-calming schemes.”

However, Cllr Bailey said the 2008 report is too old to work from.

He said: “We had no traffic lights then, we had a roundabout. There were no new housing developments at that time either.

“I’m not looking for history – I’m looking for an updated report.

“I already sent my submissions to the council, but I’m not happy with their response.

“Many young families live there, so it’s a very serious issue. Anyone dying on that road is one [death] too many, in my eyes,” said Cllr Bailey.

Poet Seamus Heaney; Dalkey Book Festival director Sian Smyth and Bono. Pictures: Conor McCabe

Page- (and head-) turning fun HE third annual Dalkey Book Festival certainly opened a new chapter for the young, but impressive arts event, with an outstanding rota of literary guests and book-loving celebrities.

For three days, several famililar faces and names from the arts and publishing spheres were to be found in the historic village, with the likes of Bono and Seamus Heaney just two of the more high-profile names to be

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seen – however, they were just two of the stars orbiting the festival, which included the works and presence of the likes of Maeve Binchy, Joseph O’Connor, Carlo Gebler, Dermot Healy, Martina Devlin and John Waters.

Author readings, guest presentations, and all manner of literary-themed events added to the fun, with Seamus Heaney’s reading at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland proving a particular highlight.

Philip Hayden, Helen Regan and Peter Herring Ava Mahon Bonass and ‘James Joyce’, from The Actor’s Bureau

You’re never too young to get to grips with a classic, as Harry

Writer Kevin Barry autographs his book, Dirty Stories, for ChristIna

Loakman demonstrates

Burke and Colm O’Brien

28 June 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 3

ANIMATION Training unlocks student talent

Eco-friendly film project an ‘inspiration’ I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

AN ANIMATION showcase, Protecting Uplands and Rural Environment (PURE), was held in the Kingston Hotel, Dun Laoghaire on June 20 with the new Cathaoirleach, Councillor Tom Joyce (FG) officiating.

The PURE project is an environmental partnership initiative which unites all statutory and non-statutory interests in the Wicklow/Dublin Uplands in a single endeavour to tackle the damage to the environment from littering and fly-tipping.

The county’s animation

talent was shown on a big screen as four productions were premiered to the assembled audience, which included councillors and Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council (DLRCC) representatives.

Cllr Victor Boyhan (Ind) congratulated the teenagers who participated in the environmental animation training programme, and said: “The standard of their work, and the artistic production and concepts, were very high. The students should be very proud of their achievements.”

The two-week training programme in animation and environmental issues

was open to all secondary schools in the county.

During the two weeks, students created storylines and characters under the expert tutelage of professional animators.

The four films which were shown were full of characters from recycled materials, and commented on environmental issues and problems in the county.

Some of the materials used in the animations were plasticine, cardboard, plastic, tinfoil, fabric, old sandpaper, bin bags and more.

Animation certificates were presented by An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Joyce,

An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Tom Joyce (FG), officiated at the animation showcase with an environmental message at the Kingston Hotel

to 24 participants from secondary schools across the greater DLR area.

Ian Davis, of PURE, was delighted to work with second-level students this year. Of the final four animation shorts, he said: “PURE Animation has been a great success, and all credit is due to the students and the facilitators who were involved.

“They have created four really inspiring ani-

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mations in such a short space of time. Each one has an important environmental message, but they are also very funny, clever and inspiring shorts.

“Education and awareness is an important element of PURE. We previously distributed a primary school teachers’ pack to all schools in the Dun LaoghaireRathdown area, but we always wanted to engage

with secondary schools and teenagers.

“PURE Animation is the perfect type of project that provides students with information on important environment issues, but, more importantly, it gives students an opportunity to develop and explore their own ideas on environmental issues and also learn about animation technology,” said Davis.

BUSINESS

Blackrock network evening A BLACKROCK Network’s Building Business in 2012 event was held in Starbucks, Blackrock last week.

Members from Savills; Dragon’s Den dragons, Bobby Kerr of Insomnia, and Niall O’Farrell; and many members of the Blackrock Business Network attended the event.

A representative from Savills Ireland told attendees that there had been a distinct increase in property sales in the county in recent months.

Dragon’s Den entrepeneurs Bobby Kerr and Niall O’Farrell both spoke on how to survive in the present economy, and had some great tips for business owners to utilise, as well as offering suggestions for areas of focus on, regardless of the economic situation.

Refreshments on the night were served by Ouzo’s bar and grill, and Starbucks, of Blackrock.

4 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 28 June 2012

COMMUNITY Business association promises an exciting, fun-filled event for all

Churchtown gears up for a hot Summer Fest I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

CHURCHTOWN is celebrating its second Summer Fest on Sunday, July 1, and it promises to be bigger, better and brighter than its hugely-successful inaugural predecessor.

Churchtown Business

Association (CBA) has organised the event in conjunction with Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, DLR County Enterprise Board and DLR Chamber.

Radio Nova will be at the festival blasting out the hottest tunes as tango and samba dancers per-

form for the public.

The Radio Nova Rattle and Hummers unit will be manned by top DJs throughout the day, and prizes and competitions galore will be run.

Other delights at the summer fest include stilt walkers, face painters, magicians, a kiddies’ cor-

ner and three different food stalls offering delicious refreshments.

A novel attraction at this year’s festival will be a graffiti artist, who will cover a huge board with fabulous artwork over the course of three hours.

As well as the Radio Nova DJs, there will be

plenty more music on the day as two live bands are due to appear.

Hummers will not be the only exotic vehicles on display, as several vintage and classic cars will be there on the day for enthusiasts to inspect.

With such an array of entertainment on offer,

and because it’s being held on Sunday, this year’s festival has all the right ingredients for a truly magical summer extravaganza for all the family.

Organisers say to make sure you turn up early for all the enjoyable events available, while support-

ing local enterprise.

Churchtown Summer Fest takes place at De La Salle College on Sunday, July 1 from 2pm to 7pm.

Admission is €3 for adults and €2 for children.

For more festival information, call Mick McGovern (CBA) at 01 601 0240.

Call for report on Blackrock Baths

BLACKROCK Baths should be put back on Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s priority list, according to a local councillor.

A forthcoming motion will be moved

by Councillor Niamh Breathnach (Lab) at the July council meeting to hasten the completion of a report on the current state of the baths.

She said: “Blackrock Baths is part of our sporting mythology. How many of our grannies, aunties and cousins came regularly to Blackrock to swim in our baths? It is an important site in the memory boxes of many a Dublin native.”

Cllr Breathnach has submitted a

motion for inclusion in the July 12 council agenda seeking to invite the manager to bring forward a report on the condition of Blackrock Baths, and share with the elected councillors whether it is intended to maintain a sea pool with easy access to bathers on the site.

Modified She said: “I will be recommending that the pool itself could be modified and fitted with access ladders so that bathers, among the many hundreds of office workers in the area, could access swimming during their lunch breaks, even when the tide is out.”

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Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor (FG): ‘I think the new boundaries make more sense’

REPORT: THREE- AND FOUR-SEATER RECOMMENDED

DLR set to become two constituencies I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

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IF APPROVED by the Government, the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area is to be split into two separate constituencies, entitled Dun Laoghaire and Dublin Rathdown, in line with the recently published Constituency Commission Report.

The report gives a break-down of the figures involved in the new boundary shifts.

The report says: “The population of the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown admistrative county is 206,261. This is equivalent to seven seats in a 158-member Dail.

“The Commission recommends that this area should form two con-

stituencies – a four-seat constituency, to be called Dun Laoghaire, and a three-seat constituency, to be called Dublin Rathdown.

“The Commisssion therefore recommends the transfer of population of 13,762 in four electoral divisions from Dublin South to Dun Laoghaire, enabling Dun Laoghaire to remain a four-seat constituency.

“The Commission recommends [...] that Dublin South should become a three-seat constituency and be renamed Dublin Rathdown.

“This arrangement provides for the entire Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council area to be contained in two Dail constituencies.”

The report outlines its purpose as being to cut the number of Dail seats for the general Dublin area by three as, with a population of 1,273,069, the area should have a quota of 44 seats, but has, at present, 47 seats.

In terms of name changes, the Commission found that, due to the “extensive use of non-descriptive, cardinal point designations”, and working against a sense of local identity, there will be four renamed areas in the Dublin region.

Fine Gael TD Mary Mitchell O’Connor said that many of her constituents have returned to the Dun Laoghaire designation, and are “delighted” with the new boundary, as they hadn’t been a part

of it since 2011.

“I think the new boundaries make more sense. There are 12,000 more constituents in the area now, and that beefs up the number of seats for Dun Laoghaire to four,” she said.

However, Fine Gael TD for Dublin South, Olivia Mitchell, said: “Not alone was Dublin South a butchering, the wiping out of the Dublin South name is a real shock.

‘Dublin Rathdown’ will take some getting used to.

“From an electoral perspective, five sitting TDs now know there are only three seats for them at the next election, and it is always more difficult to get elected in a threeseater,” she said.

28 June 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 5

ENTERPRISE Local start-ups set to compete for national prize

Best business ‘elevator’ pitch to scoop €50k I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

UP AND coming entrepreneurs with the ability to pitch their best business ideas have the chance to be fast-tracked to success in Dundrum this month.

Successful applicants will deliver their big business ideas to a panel of judges at the sixth Blueface Business Elevator

heat in Carphone Warehouse, Dundrum Business Park this Saturday, June 30.

Blueface Elevator was set up to act as a platform for Irish-based start-ups with innovative ideas to give a three-minute pitch on their idea.

Seven finalists will be selected from a nationwide search and will compete for coveted

prizes which include telephony services (Blueface), mobile handsets and tablets (Carphone Warehouse) , advertising (Newstalk 106108FM), public relations (Heneghan PR) and legal advice in a grand prize worth €50,000.

The prize package comprises all that a young business could need to make it in the future.

Blueface is an internetbased telecoms company which offers targeted solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses, and offers cost savings for landline and mobile services.

Alan Foy, CEO, Blueface, said of the competition: “To qualify, companies must be less than five years old and any products or services being

pitched must have spent less than one year on the market.

“Our aim at Blueface is to help businesses cut costs and maximise efficiency by supplying costeffective and innovative solutions for business communications. It is time Irish start-ups got a little recognition.”

To apply, entrants had to submit a 100-word

overview of their business idea, in order to safeguard an opportunity to pitch at one of the competition locations.

Those who make it through at local level will go on to the finals and a chance to win the prestigious prizes on offer. The final will be held on Saturday, July 14, at the Carphone Warehouse outlet in Grafton Street.

New service to provide home carers A NEW homecare service, CareRight, which sprang out of a personal quest by a father and daughter to find decent carers for their parents, is offering an alternative to nursing home care in Dublin and Wicklow.

The new company is based in Shankill, and claims to be “committed to supplying highlyqualified, reliable and compassionate nurses and carers” to families in need of such care for a relative.

The company also promises tax relief on their services of up to 41%.

A spokesperson for the CareRight company said: “All of our carers are fully screened, insured and Gardavetted, and are highlyqualified professionals who genuinely care.

“With this in mind, our ser vices include companionship and personal care, where we can help out making beds, meals or visits to

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‘All of our carers are fully screened, insured and Garda-vetted’

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appointments or shopping.

“We also support families who require specialised services such as dementia/Alzheimer’s, respite, stroke and livein care.

“From personal experience, we understand how daunting the step towards availing of homecare is, so we strive to make families feel comfortable with us and to trust in us to look after their family member as we would our own.”

For further information, or to avail of a free, no-obligation assessment, contact CareRight Homecare at 01 239 3233, or email info@ careright.ie.

Aon, two, three: Insurance intermediary staff fundraise for the Children’s Sunshine Home AONINSURE.IE staff Stephen Cullen and

Laura Ryan crammed three ideas into one shot when they helped to promote company-wide fundraising initiatives recenty.

The Sandyford-based insurance intermediary, which offers various car, home, travel and motorbike insurance product options for customers at its call centre, saw Stephen, Laura and local colleagues join with Aon staff around the world to celebrate the inter-

national company’s 25th anniversary with a Global Service Day. In Sandyford, the Aon staff held fundraisers in aid of the Children’s Sunshine Home (LauraLynn house) in Foxrock, with a Dress Down Day, a cake sale, and a copper coin collection and donation all helping with the fundraising efforts – and helping to create this great, coin-collecting, cake-serving, t-wearing shot, too.

PLANNING: RENOVATION PROPOSAL

Harbour Bar plan is set to create 80 jobs I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

PLANNING permission has been sought for the renovation of the Harbour Bar on Marine Road in Dun Laoghaire by Castlering Holdings.

The proposed new development will include two restaurants with outdoor patios opening onto the public boulevard, with office space overhead.

Nando’s restaurant chain has already signed up to take one of the restaurant units in the new development , if the planning application is successful, and will agree to a 20-year lease at a rent of just under €80,000 a year.

In total, as many as 80 jobs will be created within the new building.

Officepods, the office outfitters currently based in Dalkey, has already reserved the two upper floors before planning has been approved. Rent for these two offices is €20,000.

The remaining restaurant unit, of 204sq m, is still available from Sean O’Neill Strategic Property Advice, and is quoted at rental cost of €70,000 per year.

A spokesperson for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said: “We have received an application as described. The application was lodged on May 11, and a decision will be made on July 6 if no further information is requested.”

6 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 28 June 2012

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OPINION ‘We must help families in crisis’

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Review report on child deaths is 60 10 240 ‘deeply disturbing’ CALL THE GAZETTE ON

ENTERPRISENEWS

National Women’s Enterprise Day 2012 - “Believe it and achieve it” - Date for Your Diary Following on from the success of last year’s extended conference, the date for National Women’s Enterprise Day 2012 has just been announced and the conference will once again run over two days taking place on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th October (Wednesday afternoon/evening as well as the full day on Thursday). The event is co-ordinated by the City and County Enterprise Board network across the country and is intended to highlight, inspire and motivate our female entrepreneurs.

This major conference will take place in The Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise and will provide female business owners with one-to-one mentoring appointments, formal and informal networking and access to a full exhibition display area offering support, information and advice. The programme will include a speednetworking session and a workshop on social media, online video and cloud computing for business. A panel discussion will take place around four case studies of successful female owned businesses and delegates will also hear from a number of expert speakers throughout the two day event.

The full conference programme will be available in the coming weeks and information will be available on www.nwed.ie

FRANCES FITZGERALD, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, highlights the need to reform child protection services It is a terrible tragedy to lose a child, no matter what the circumstances.

It goes against the natural order of things. I appreciate therefore that the publication of the Report of the Review Group on Child Deaths is particularly difficult for the families of the 196 children and young adults who died in HSE care, in “aftercare”, or who were “known to the HSE” in the decade up to 2010.

Before this Government took office, there were conflicting data about the numbers of children who died in State care. This lack of transparency and accountability was shocking. It was utterly unacceptable that the State could not even tell how many children had died in its care.

The report’s findings are deeply disturbing. We read of children and young people and families, often vulnerable, often in crisis; who needed support.

We read of services often willing, but fragmented and not comprehensive in their response.The question must arise, how, after a period of such unprecedented economic prosperity we were left with a child protection service in need of such reform.

The report highlights a range of failures including poor risk assessment; poor co-ordination between services; poor flows of information, and limited access to specialist assessment and therapeutic

services.

If ever evidence was required of why we need a totally reformed system of State care and intervention, then this report is it. And if ever evidence was required of the need to take child protection away from the HSE, and to set up a new agency, then this report is it.

As Ireland’s first ever Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I am committed to rectifying this situation. Work on the establishment of this independent body, the Child and Family Support Agency, is now well advanced and my intention is that it will be fully operational from January next year.

Clearly early intervention for vulnerable children in families in crisis is critical. The report highlights key identifiable risk factors which underscored those vulnerabilities.

In 56 of the cases, alcohol and drugs were prevalent in the home; in 46 cases alcohol or drug use by the young person was a factor. In 30 cases, domestic violence was a feature of home life; in 29 cases criminal activity was a feature of family life, while non-school attendance was a factor in 20 cases.

Another lesson from this report is that young people with a need for aftercare should, and must, receive the support they require when they leave State care. I

Minister Frances Fitzgerald

believe the law needs to be strengthened in this regard, and with advice from the Attorney General, I will be proposing legislative change later this year, in the Bill to establish the Child and Family Support Agency.

Access

I am also committed to extending access to 24-hour social work assistance. Child protection crises arise 24-7. So why should child protections services operate any differently?

Structures and systems are all very well, but the Government is also determined to ensure that the underpinning legislative and policy framework is also right. The Government is committed to holding a referendum which will strengthen children’s rights in the Constitution. Work is also well under way on the advancement of the Children First Bill. This will make it mandatory to report all suspected cases of child abuse, and this is another critical milestone for 2012.

The report I published [recently] makes for stark and uncomfortable reading. As a society we need to help families in crisis and protect vulnerable children. We also need to recognise and support the critical role played by carers including the many, many foster families that we are so lucky to have in Ireland.

We can never put everything right; to suggest that we can would be wrong.

However, we must seek to ensure that children who receive State care and support the move onto a more positive pathway in their lives.

We cannot change the tragic outcomes for the children covered by this report. However, a great many changes have already been put in train for other vulnerable children because of what happened.

The Government is committed to transparency and honesty in getting children’s services right, and I am passionately committed to delivering this vital outcome.

28 June 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 7

HOUSING New law to outlaw units in private sector

Council urged to phase out its bedsits

bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

NEW legislation, which will eradicate bedsits in the private sector by next year, should be followed

by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for their own social housing units, said new Leas Cathaoirleach, Councillor Stephen Fitzpatrick (Lab).

A motion was raised

by Cllr Fitzpatrick at a Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) meeting to adopt a similar agenda to the 2008 ministerial order outlawing bedsits to deal with DLR’s current social housing stock of 114 bedsits.

Cllr Fitzpatrick said that the outlawing of bedsits in the private rented sector was imminent, and that the council should be working towards a similar goal.

“We should create a dedicated fund outside of normal capital funding allocated each year for maintenance of our social housing stock.

This special fund should be created, over a period of time, to phase out our bedsits.”

Though Rochestown

House is due to be converted by DLRCC to one-bed flats, there are other bedsit complexes that needed urgent upgrading, he said.

“I was recently involved in a discussion in Rollins Villas.

We need to convert the bedsits there to one-bed [apts].

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‘Cllr Fitzpatrick said that the outlawing of bedsits in the private rented sector was imminent, and that the council should be working towards a similar goal’

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“The bedroom and living space area are very much a merged entity, and are not up to 21st century standards,” said Cllr Fitzpatrick.

Cllr Victor Boyhan (Ind) agreed with the urgency for conversion at Rollins Court. He

said the bedsits didn’t have a window in them and might be potential fire hazards, too.

Cllrs Hugh Lewis and Melisa Halpin (PBP) both agreed that the Rollins Court bedsits must be addressed. Cllr Halpin said: “We should knock two of them into one larger, one-bedroom flat.”

Charles MacNamara, director of housing, DLRCC, said that there were 45 bedsits in Rochestown House, and he would welcome any pressure to be put on the minister [O’Sullivan] in relation to converting the six at Rollins Court.

He said: “The tenants in these are not in their 60s, they’re in their 80s.

I’d welcome any initiative to get funding for this.

“Rochestown House will cost €3 million to redo, and the first phase will cost €700,000. If we get the money, we’ll have it to do Rollins Court, too.

“As soon as Rochestown is finished, we can commit to Rollins Court. Get us the funding, and we’ll carry out the work,” said MacNamara.

€800,000 revamp begins at library DEANSGRANGE Library closed down last week in preparation for rebuilding works comprising major expansion and upgrades costing €800,000.

The improvements will feature a new entrance, an exhibition space, solar panels, disability access, fibre optic cabling, information technology, improved lighting, customer toilets and a glass atrium.

County Librarian Mairead Owens said: “We are very excited with this programme, as the changes will transform the branch and greatly improve services to the public.

“Deansgrange Users will be given six

weeks’ grace in terms of book loans, and are being invited to use other branch libraries.

“We will increase opening hours in Cabinteely Library, which will now open every Friday and Saturday,” she said.

Councillor Victor Boyhan (Ind) said: “The plan is simple, yet imaginative and functional. The new design allows for loads of natural light to penetrate right through the building, which will be great.”

The new and improved library is expected to reopen during the summer of 2013.

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I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

A Pau-werful place: Relax at a Pyrenees village, set in a stunning spot

New Leas Cathaoirleach, Stephen Fitzpatrick (Lab)

TRAVEL PAGES 22-23

8 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 28 June 2012

CULTURE Historians, Joyce fans and arts lovers retrace

Paul Gunn tucks in

Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor (FG), Margaret Grace and Peter Donagher

Celebrations for a bygone era’s ‘local’ HE sights and sounds of a bygone era were briefly to be remarked upon when the annual Bloomsday celebrations were held at Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier, and the nearby Martello Tower, where part of James Joyce’s seminal Ulysses was set.

Leopold Bloom would have approved of the genteel speech and customs on display,

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as local historians, arts lovers, Joyce fans, dignitaries and more assembled at the iconic spots, retracing Bloom’s (fictional) steps. With delicious distractions ranging from ice cream to readings, music to lookalikes, there was something to feed both body and mind for the many fans, who all agreed that it was another Bloom-ing great literary event to celebrate.

Sinead Curran

Molly Bloom (better known as Kate Harris) joins Don

Don McManus and Paul Gunn on Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier in advance of the 8am ringing of the 1834 Bloomsday Bell

Tucking into a refreshing ice cream by the sea front

Sandycove Heritage Trail was also launched as part of the Bloomsday celebrations, with several local politicians and community figures lending their support

Kate Harris makes herself comfortable inside a vintage Daimler

28 June 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 9

Leopold Bloom’s (fictional) steps at this year’s Bloomsday

Some of the Bloomsday enthusiasts gather for a group shot

It was a Bloom-ing good day for McManus, Tom Fitzgerald and Peter Caviston. Pictures: Margaret Brown

Breffni and Yvonne Anderson

Margaret Brown and Deputy

Ante Dietzsch and Lisa Peterson

Mary Mitchell O’Connor

travelled from Germany

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CYCLING Dublin shows it’s no slouch by getting the bikes out

Jonathan Killeen and Monika Wojtek

Aidan Power, Minister Alan Kelly (Lab), Lord Mayor of Dublin Andrew Montague (Lab) and Claire Solan. Pictures: Conor McCabe

Ger and Meadhbh Seery

There were many colourful characters Stephane Capdela and Geraldine Fore

present on the day

Lord Mayor of Dublin Best dressed male winner Gary Tyrrell

Andrew Montague (Lab)

Participants took off from Grand Canal Square in Dublin’s Docklands at 12.45pm on the leisurely (for some) 6km cycle ending up back where they started where food stalls had been set up

Get on your bike VER 2,500 cyclists working in and around Dublin joined Lord Mayor of Dublin Andrew Montague, Minister for Public and Commuter Transport Alan Kelly (Lab), and event brand ambassadors and 98FM DJs Claire Solan and Aidan Power as they put their foot on the pedal for Dublin City Council’s Bike to Work lunchtime cycle.

O

The cyclists took a spin around Dublin on bicycles to promote health, fitness, money saving and stress free travel. The day also featured prizes for the best dressed male and female, and for the company who had the most representatives on the day. For more information on future events visit www. dublincitycycling.ie/

28 June 2012 GAZETTE 11

R1

TRANSPORT Travel card a big hit

Jumping ahead of costs with the Leap THE new Leap card, which takes you anywhere in the city on Dublin Bus, Luas, DART services as well as commuter rail in Dublin’s Short Hop Zone, has exceeded 100,000 sales.

The handy, all-round ticket, which is similar to that used in cities all across Europe, was launched only six months ago, and has proved so popular that more than 4.5 million journeys have been clocked up on it, while €9 million has been spent on the Leap card in travel credit, to date.

Sales remain strong, and the number of people using Leap continues to jump ahead, as around 2,000 people per week pick up their cards.

Leap cards save users up to 11% on the price

of Dublin Bus fares, up to 17% on Luas singles, and up to 18% on DART and Commuter Rail singles.

Another feature of the card is that users no longer have to worry about planning their journey and having the correct change – they can jump on participating transport services around Dublin when it suits them.

T he Leap card is described as “the ticket of the future”, when all payments will be done by card and online in advance.

Leap scheme director Tim Gaston welcomed the encouraging sales.

He said: “It’s great to see more and more Leap cards being used around Dublin.

“People who still pay

cash for single tickets should really think about getting their Leap card as it could save them [money through regular usage].”

Gaston went on to indicate that many other additional features will be developed in the future.

“We’re looking for-

ward to adding more features and products onto the card later in 2012 to make it even more attractive for users,” he said.

Buy your Leap card at any of the 400-plus outlets in Dublin, or go online at www.leapcard. ie to top up your travel credit.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS Callum Tilly and Chelsea Murphy helped launch the Leap card at Heuston Station

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LOCAL MATTERS

12 GAZETTE 28 June 2012 Commercial Feature

Personal pregnancy care at the Rotunda Private Clinics

Hazel Cazzini, Midwifery Manager

BUSINESS Deloitte contest call

The modern and inviting waiting room at the Rotunda Private

PREGNANCY is a special time in any woman’s life. The first visit to meet the consultant, who will be caring for you, can be exciting, but also a little daunting. The multidisciplinary team of Doctors and Midwives at the Rotunda Private Clinics are specially trained to make women feel as comfortable as possible during the course of their pregnancies.

It all begins during the first visit, or “booking

The ethos of the entire team at the Rotunda Private Clinics is to work in partnership with the expectant mothers and their partners, offering holistic care, support and advice at what can be an uncertain time for any woman.

In this, the first of three special monthly features with the Rotunda Private Clinics, we speak to the Midwifery Manager, Hazel Cazzini. upon.,” said Hazel Cazzini, Acting Midwifery

visit”, which begins the process of ensuring that

Manager at the Rotunda Private Clinics. “It’s all

every mother is as well prepared as she can be

about keeping the mother healthy so she can enjoy

when she is expecting - and beyond. Everything,

her journey through pregnancy”

from health promotion and diet to the booking of

There are a number of other useful facilities

ante-natal classes will be discussed, as well as

available through Rotunda Private Clinics, including

any concerns or questions that might be on the

breastfeeding workshops, which are offered free of

mother’s mind.

charge – although mothers are advised to take up

The first visit is also important because the

these classes later in their pregnancies. Ante-natal

mothers get to meet a midwife, who will go through

classes and parenting classes are also offered as

her family history and check routine elements such

part of the overall private service, and are available

as height, weight and blood pressure. Routine blood

during the day, the evening or on weekends.

tests are taken. All these tests help to develop a

Additionally, all ultrasound scans are included as

true picture of the health of the mother at this early

part of the private care package, and consultants

stage of pregnancy.

are available throughout the pregnancy by

“Maybe most importantly, the mother can have an honest conversation with the midwife, who will find out how she is feeling about her pregnancy and the

scheduled visit. Emergency visits can be made to the main hospital if required.

Midwives are available through the Rotunda

incredible change that a baby brings. The midwife

Private Clinics at any time during the working week

will also advise on the importance of a healthy

to answer any questions that expectant mothers

lifestyle during pregnancy, including diet, exercise,

might have about their pregnancies.

work/life balance and issues such as smoking and alcohol consumption will be discussed and advised

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

At the launch of this year’s Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards Programme are judging panel members, David Harney, CEO, Irish Life Corporate Business; Siobhan McAleer, head of strategic partnerships, Irish Management Institute, and Kevin Sheehan, partner, Deloitte

Can your firm claim the Best Managed title?

I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

DUBLIN companies are being challenged to put themselves forward for the Best Managed company award by leading business advisory firm, Deloitte.

Management practices are the focus of the Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards Programme, which is now open for entries from Dublin companies.

This is the fifth year for the programme, and former winners from the first four years have total revenues amounting to more than €10 billion, with accumulated staff employed by them coming to more than 24,000.

Thanks to their management prowess, 20 companies showing superior performance will be selected for recognition at the end of the Best Managed Companies process in March, 2013.

This is the only awards programme to comprehensively assess and fully evaluate the management practices of the competing companies.

The judging criteria includes strategy, capabil-

ity, commitment, financials and management performance across all key functions of the business.

Kevin Sheehan, partner, Deloitte, highlighted the benefit of joining the growing network of Best Managed Companies.

He said: “Currently, there are approximately 70 ‘best managed’ companies across the island of Ireland. We are encouraging other indigenous Irish companies to enter the programme and so be in with a chance of joining this winning network of companies.

Innovative “This year, the judges will be paying close attention to the innovative strategies companies are adopting to ensure their continued success.

“Some of the successful traits companies have demonstrated over the first four years of the programme include the ability to monetise their intellectual property, recognition of the different roles of the entrepreneur and management, in addition to an ability to recognise and act upon weaknesses

and threats and reassess necessary skills.

“Those companies who believe they are implementing similar successful strategies should certainly look to reap the rewards this programme can bring to their company,” said Sheehan.

Deloitte is urging all kinds of companies from various industries across Ireland to submit their applications for the awards.

Last year’s winners came from sectors including IT, telecommunications, hospitality and catering, outsourcing, and design and print, among others.

Winning the title of Best Managed Company is a term that carries considerable weight in marketing terms. The awards are also a great opportunity to celebrate the efforts of many business people in the country in difficult economic times.

For further information, and for details of how to enter the awards, see www.deloittebestmanaged.ie. The closing date for entries is Friday, August 24.

28 June 2012 GAZETTE 13

EVENT Taste of Dublin returns

A garden full of tasty treats I PAUL HOSFORD

TASTE of Dublin returned to Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens last weekend and, despite the gloom of Ireland’s failed Euro 2012 bid and the unpredictable weather, the beautiful park was transformed into a foodie heaven.

T h e h i s t o r i c g a rdens, tucked behind the National Concert Hall, have played host to the festival, which shows off the best that the city has to offer in food and drink.

Restaurants offering fare from across the world including Mexican (777), Asian (Jaipur), Tapas (Malahide’s own Bon Appetit) and everything in between, thrilled the masses who would not let a bit of rain get in the way of the enjoyment of their tastebuds.

The four-day event was opened by Jamie Oliver, who wowed fans with a live cookery demonstration using sponsors Electrolux new Inspiration appliance range.

That was not to be the last of the live events

At the launch of Taste of Dublin 2012 were Kevin Dundon, Catherine Fulvio , Jamie Oliver and Derry Clarke

as chefs demonstrated their skills over the weekend, including Pichet’s Stephen Gibson, Rachel Allen and Paul Flynn.

Drinks experts were on hand to offer tastings and advice including Premier International Beers’ Dean McGuinness, the Moncrieff show’s beer guru on Newstalk.

Over the weekend, 20 of the city’s best restaurants dished up their finest in an al fresco gourmet feast, while 100 producers provided a bounty of the best food and beverages, ensuring that guests sampled and shopped for a

range of produce in the laid back atmosphere of a boutique food market.

R e s t a u r a n t s we r e tasked with fashioning special menus of startersized dishes for the occasion, including signature dishes created by chefs to specially reflect their philosophy and showcase seasonal and premium ingredients.

As a Taste virgin, the first thing that struck this writer was the fantastic job done in maintaining the beauty of the Iveagh Gardens. After exchanging our Euros for Florins, the festival’s

own currency, we took a stroll around, scouting for food.

We both made Bon Appetit our first stop, with buffalo wings and prawn tempura both going down a treat. On to the second restaurant enclosure, where the Saddle Room’s Charleville Fillet of Beef proved irresistible and the Jaipur Chicken Kebab had the perfect kick.

A couple of drinks and another lap of the park before the rain set in and sent us packing rounded a thoroughly enjoyable, and Taste-y, day.

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

14 GAZETTE 28 June 2012

CHILDREN Prepare for summer with a look at just some of

Ready, set, go I LAURA WEBB

Why not take part in a fun FAI soccer camp this summer?

KEEP children entertained this summer by getting them involved in a summer camp they will have no problem waking up for.

Secondar y schools closed earlier this month, and national schools are set to end their school year next week for the summer holidays, so parents are busying themselves looking for ways to occupy the kids.

T his week, T he Gazette is taking a little pressure off parents by sharing some of the many camps available throughout Dublin.

Let kids dance their heart away this summer

with dance camps. In Dun Laoghaire, dance company, Dance Theatre of Ireland, are offering daytime courses, entitled Dance All Day. This one-week course is designed to give young people and adults exposure and experience to a variety of dance styles, in a course that concentrates on modern forms of dance.

The week is not just about dance styles, but puts an emphasis on fun through dance. This course is for all levels.

For further information, see w w w.dancetheatreireland.com.

T h e J i g A c a d e my, located in Powerscourt Theatre in Dublin 2, is hosting its first Irish

Dance summer camp throughout the summer months.

There are camps for beginners and improvers, and this camp is suitable for kids aged six to 14 years.

Beginner camps are held between July 2 to July 6, while improver camps are held later in the summer, between August 20 to 24.

Performance Camps will run from 9.30am to 12.30pm, Monday to Friday, and there will be an end of week performance for parents and friends. For further information, see www.jig.ie.

Stagecoach runs summer camps in singing, dancing and acting, where kids learn every day, and work towards a final performance.

There are camps for kids aged from eight to 14 years, and kids aged from four to seven. For further information, see www.stagecoach.ie.

Most local spor ts clubs across Dublin will have their own summer camps, so check out their website or notice boards to find out more.

Each year, the FAI host their own summer camps, and this year is no different.

Running from July 2 through to the end of August, and for boys and girls aged between six and 14 (of all levels), the camps will see FAI-accredited coaches offering five exciting fun days.

Starting in the morning, with skills-specific training such as passing, dribbling, shooting and heading, the camps will be followed by an afternoon of mini leagues and tournaments.

There are also dedicated goal-keeper camps, and girls-only camps.

For further information on venues and dates, see w w w.summersoccerschools.ie.

Rugby camps are also on the agenda for the

summer season. The VW Leinster Rugby Camps take place through July and August, for kids aged six to 12 years.

Here, children learn about rugby values such as team work, commitment and integrity, and also become more aware of the importance of physical activity.

For those who may not be into sports, why not find out more about science with Anyone4science summer camps this July and August?

This is a fun, handson, educational summer camp for kids, held in a number of locations in Dublin this July and August, and for kids aged five to 12 years.

Locations include Portmarnock Community School (from July 2 until July 5); Rathmichael National School (from July 9 until July 12), and Castleknock Educate Together National School (during the week of July 16 to July to July 19).

The camps for fiveto 12-year-olds run for four days, from 10am until 2pm each day, and cost €120.

There are also a number of camps for teens which cost €160 for five days, and which run between 10am and 3pm.

Creative For the ar ty ty pe, Giddy Studio’s creative summer camps are ideal. Located in Dundrum Town Centre, this camp is suitable for kids aged five to 12 years.

The pottery painting studio is a great creative destination for those who love art. Each day, kids leave with some great summer-themed works of art. Activities include pottery painting, keyring-making, paper crafts, clay and fabric work and beading work.

For further information, see www.giddystudios.com.

Artzone is another great ar t camp that works with different

28 June 2012 GAZETTE 15

the range of great camps for kids

for lots of fun themes each week, making great portfolios for kids. There are junior and senior camps available in locations across Dublin including Rathfarnham, Malahide, Lucan, Castleknock and Dundrum.

Prices for this include all art and games equipment, and an Artzone t-shirt.

Camps take place in July and August, with five-day camps costing €109 and four days, €99.

Discounts on additional children are offered. For fur ther information, see www. artzone.ie.

Don’t forget the above camps are just a sample of what is out there, so make sure to check out local schools and centres for an idea of what is available before making the choice.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS Artistic children will love creating colourful work at an Artzone camp

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16 GAZETTE 28 June 2012

R1

28 June 2012 GAZETTE 17

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY Edited by Laura Webb

First aid kit essentials TRAVELLING to different climates and encountering different conditions abroad can expose you to circumstances that affect your health. While it’s important to consult with your GP to check what vaccinations or antimalarial medication may be required, there are some essentials that you will need for your first aid kit.

• Over-the-counter medicines to treat minor illnesses (travel sickness, insect bites, traveller’s diarrhoea and headache) • High factor sunscreen • Aftersun lotion to treat sunburn • Insect repellents • Plasters and antiseptic cream • Antiseptic wipes Your local pharmacist can provide you with assistance in assembling the kit and answer any more concerns you may have.

With thanks to the staff at Lucan Village Pharmacy

Face time

HE skin regime usually starts at the top with the one area that’s heavily on display – the face.

Using the right moisturiser is a key element to having a fresh, youthful look and finding the perfect product can take time. Trial and error is how most people figure out what best suits their skin type. One trial conducted over the past month was Lancome’s Absolue L’Extrait.

Exclusive to Brown Thomas in Dublin and Cork, this cream has been on the market since May 1.

The massage petal, which is black on one side, gold on the other, helps users apply the cream sparingly. Using the tool for the first time it takes time to get the technique right, but once you use it the ritual is easy enough to keep up. Skin feels soft and regenerated after use.

The black side of the tool is to apply the cream, while the gold side is to massage into the skin. When trying to find out what’s so special about this product, the science jargon can make your head spin, but what we do

T

know is that rose petal stems have a lot to do with the results. Lancome say they developed and perfected “a totally new active ingredient obtained through an exclusive biotechnology process” from Rose Lancome stem cells. These stem cells are to provide an environmentally friendly source of their exclusive regenerating active ingredient.

With an RRP at €290, it is a little steep for most – but using it sparingly makes it last much longer than most creams and the results after a month make you think it’s sometimes better to spend that little bit more.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240 Lancome’s Absolue L’Extrait

asdf sdaf sdaf asdf asd

LOCAL MATTERS

18 GAZETTE 28 June 2012

28 June 2012 GAZETTE 19

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

Monsters Inc: Local band line up September tour LOCAL band, Cry Monster Cry, have announced a September tour that follows on the success of their Malahide-recorded debut EP, The Fallen, which reached number 2 on the iTunes chart last month.

Their song, This New Country, was recently chosen by Tourism Ireland to feature on their new online campaign, Jump Into Ireland.

The band will play The Sugar Club on September 28 and tickets, priced €11, are on sale now.

REVIEW: CANADA’S ELECTRO-ROCKERS RELEASE NEW SET

Metric’s high-gloss hits on Synthetica I ROB HEIGH

THERE are a few bands who spend entire careers burbling just under the radar of popular acclaim and the level of sales which they probably deserve.

Canada’s Metric are one of those bands, one of a few breakout acts from the Northern Americas who are making serious noises and catching the ear of discerning listeners this side of the pond - Hey Ocean being another, notwithstanding the large debt they owe musically to Metric themselves.

The band’s fifth album, Synthetica, arrives on the coat-tails of what was easily their best record to date, Fantasies. Released in 2009 and toured relentlessly (but not so relentlessly that they reached Ireland, dammit!) , that album was a hugely polished summation of their career to date and hit all the marks — breathless canters of songs, laser sharp melodies and riffs, Emily Haines’ perfect vocal and just downright great songwriting.

By rights, it should

Metric miss a chance to step into the next division with their latest album, Synthetica

have been lauded as one of the records of the year (it was) and have set Metric on a path to global notoriety.

To an extent, it did they landed the US tour support slot with Muse as they themselves went mega across the States, and were the one act to come out of involvement with any of the Twilight soundtracks without eternally soiling their place on the artistic roll call.

It also put them in a place where they got exactly what they were looking for, as all bands

ultimately are looking for - sales, publicity, press.

And those of us who loved Fantasies as a consummately great alternative pop record (imagine Garbage if they were actually good) hoped that would lead them on to the next stage.

That stage is here now, and their new release, Synthetica, sounds like a band at a crossroads instead of one hitting the highway running.

It’s as though they have the world at their feet and don’t know whether that was where they wanted it (or themselves) to be.

Emily sounds worldweary, not certain of this new fame monster she has unleashed - “Is this my life, am I breathing underwater?”

It’s not to say this is not a great record. The production by guitarist Jimmy Shaw is exemplary and plays to their strengths. Synthetica feels like a missed opportunity to stamp their glam-boots all over a new set of songs, and in turn, the music-loving world beyond their existing fan base.

Synthetica belies its truth in its title - it’s very

pretty and stylish and produced to within an inch of its life, but it never engages like you feel it ought to. It glides by on its electronic thrum and pretty tunes, shimmers off into the distance.

Hopefully, this is a stepping stone period where Metric work out what exactly they want to be as a band.

They well may be the Star Trek of bands - every even numbered release is a classic.They have the potential to be worldclass, it’s just a question now of whether they want to be.

MUSIC is a fickle business. One minute you have a band you thought would last forever breaking up, like REM, while the next there’s artists you wish wouldn’t last at all recreating Beatle-mania wherever they go, like Justin Bieber. It can be hard to keep up with the speed of it all.

Nowadays, when we can download a track or album instantly or tell an artist directly what we think of them on Facebook or Twitter, that speed is ferocious.

The Rolling Stones are one of a few bands who have stood the test of time, and gathered no moss with consistent releases over five decades.

Fans are waiting with bated breath to hear just how the band plans to mark its 50 years in the music industry.

At the moment, their lips are as tight as Jagger’s trousers as the rumour mill hits overdrive as to what The Stones have planned.

They only thing they are saying is that they won’t be headlining Glastonbury next year — contrary to media reports — nor will 2013 be their last year in the music business, as some speculate the lads plan to go out with a bang and retire after marking their 50th year in music.

The latest rumour is that the Stones are meeting in London next month to come up with a plan of action, which some say may include a gig before this year is out.

All we can do is wait and hope we can get some Satisfaction with whatever is announced.

Meanwhile the music industry trundles on, as unpredictable as an Irish summer.

In the space of a week, Croke Park is the venue to say goodbye to Westlife and hello to the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

While across the water, a stadium tour of all eight final contestants on The Voice UK has been cancelled due to lack of interest.

Not sure I really care...

20 GAZETTE 28 June 2012

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Interview: Sharon Slowey, co-founder, The Pictorium

HOW IS MY INHERITANCE SUM TAXED? Q – I HAVE inherited a lump sum under the tax threshold. As self-employed, will this be classed as income towards the Universal Social Charge?

Jim – Rathmines A – ONCE you have received an inheritance and it is under the tax exemption thresholds, you do not have any further liability. Over those thresholds, the tax is 30% - no further tax is payable on the inheritance and these are the limits: Capital Acquisition Tax thresholds 2009 (up to 7

Group A

Group B

Group C

€542,544

€54,254

€27,127

€434,000

€43,400

€21,700

€414,799

€41,481

€20,740

€332,084

€33,208

€16,604

€250,000

€33,208

€16,604

April 2009) 2009 (on or after 8 April 2009) 2010 (up to 7 Dec 2010) 2010 (on or after 8 Dec 2010) and 2011 2011 (on or after 7 Dec 2011) and 2012

There are also some clarifications in the groupings.

Group A applies where the beneficiary (the person receiving the benefit) is a child of the person giving it.

This includes a stepchild or an adopted child. It can also include a foster child if the foster child resided with and was under the care of the disponer and they provided the care, at their expense, for a period or periods totalling at least five years before the foster child reached the age of 18.

This minimum period does not apply in the case of an inheritance taken on the date of death of the disponer.

In this case, the Group A threshold will apply, provided that the foster child had been placed in the care of the disponer prior to that date.

Group A also applies to parents who take an inheritance from their child, but only where the parent takes full and complete ownership of the inheritance.

Group B applies where the beneficiary is the: • Parent (see also Group A), • Grandparent, • Grandchild or great-grandchild, • Brother or sister, or • Nephew or niece of the giver.

Group C applies to any relationship not included in Group A or Group B. Contact John with your money questions at

jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at

Friendly image keeps clients in the frame SHARON Slowey has been a graphic designer for more than 20 years, running her own graphic design business and working with clients such as Forfas, MUTEC Mercedes, IBEC and many others.

Throughout her career, she has been giving a helping hand to friends and family by touching up photos, making collages and even restoring old photos.

Sharon and her husband, Patrick, who is also a designer, decided that a shop helping people to get their photos displayed in their home, combined with professional graphic skills to make the most of their photos, was an idea worth pursuing and

so The Pictorium was born.

Situated in the heart of Monkstown Farm, Sharon says The Pictorium has friendly advice and help ranging from how to get the photo off your phone through to digitally enhancing photos and printing the final photos onto canvas, photographic paper or a host of other options.

The shop is in a gallery style, showcasing all types of pictures and collages on canvas, float frames, picture blocks and acrylic frames.

There is a section featuring before and after photographs that have been restored, while also featured is a gifts section displaying items that can be personalised

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

A: I have always loved drawing and being creative, so I pretty much am doing what I always wanted to be – a graphic designer!

Q: What was your first job?

A: I worked in Western Marine in Bullock Harbour in the office on work experience

Q: And your first paycheque?

A: Hmmm, no idea - too long ago to remember

Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing

Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: Thankfully, no

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

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with a photo and a message.

The gifts range from mugs, mouse mats, jigsaws and jewellery boxes through to

t-shirts, aprons and bibs.

Contact Sharon or Patrick at 01 284 6106, or email info@the-pictorium.com.

The Pictorium is located at Number 3, Monkstown Farm, Monkstown (opposite the Credit Union), Oliver Plunkett Road.

Q&A

www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the director of Money Doctor

Sharon Slowey, The Pictorium: Friendly advice and help with photos

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: I have been a graphic designer for more than 20 years. With The Pictorium, which opened last December, I am more involved in the photographic end of design, which I am loving

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Seeing the look on people’s faces when we give them a photo that they never

thought could have been restored

like to lose?

A: Talking while watching TV

A: Patrick makes the most

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

A: As a graphic designer, get-

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

A: Marketing – getting out

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

A: Dame Edna in a heartbeat

ting that last minute job done in record time – so often!

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

A: Cooking dinner! Although my husband Patrick and I work together pretty well, he bans me from the kitchen at home!

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

A: A big piece of carrot cake Q: Is there anything about yourself that you would like to set the record straight on?

A: I am 5’ 2.5”, not 5’ 2” Q: What sport do you follow?

A: I can be quite a vocal

there and telling people all about our great new business

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

A: Oh no! I love Savage Garden – not a popular choice for the shop though!

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

A: Is this a typo? Neither Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: Lady Gaga – don’t share her fashion sense, especially that infamous meat dress!

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Stephen Fry

divine lamb curry

– could have a bit of craic with her

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: See question below!

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Ooh that would be telling and my husband will be reading this!

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: Not actually having one for a few years because of work!

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Easy – to go on a safari in Kenya – bring on the Lotto!

rugby fan, to the embarrassment of Patrick

Q: What was your last Tweet/Facebook status?

A: Not too sure – probably

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: I pretty much am doing

Q: What sport can you play?

A: I am more of a walker and

something about the miserable weather!

my dream job

a reader

Q: Describe your dream meal?

Q: What habits would you

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

A: Fill the bucket list

28 June 2012 GAZETTE 21

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS

Edited by Cormac Curtis

RoadSigns Road Signs London gets MINI Olympic boost

The FlexDoors system creates a safe zone for parents and children

Size doesn’t mean anything for this car EVERY car I get to review has one critical test to pass before it gets the thumbs up, and that is the rear access test.

More accurately, it’s the ease of rear access for my kids.

All the legroom, cupholders, flip-down tables and DVD screens in the world won’t mean a thing if my daughters can’t get into their seats and clip their own seat belts.

And this is where the Opel Meriva excels.

If I didn’t know any better, I would say that Opel drafted in a few dozen families to test every aspect of this car at every stage of design.

Far and away the most innovative new feature in the Meriva is their FlexDoors system.

Very much a throwback to cars from the 1940s, the FlexDoors feature front doors that are hinged at the front, and rear doors that are hinged at the rear, meaning the doors open

away from each other.

With both doors open, the car creates a safe zone for parents and kids next to the car.

Research by the Department of Industrial Design at Coventry University looked at the effects of lifting even just a 5kg object (a small baby, for example) in and out of the Meriva’s rear seats.

Compared with the previous model, the FlexDoors helped to reduce back muscle loads by up to 58% and leaning and twisting angles by up to 48%. Back strain was reduced even just getting in and out of the car.

It really comes as no surprise that, as a result of the new design, the Meriva has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the highly-respected German AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs) panel of doctors and ergonomic experts – the first time the group has certified a complete vehicle’s ergonomic concept, rather than indi-

vidual components.

What is most impressive is the whole approach that has been taken to this car.

Gone are the days when a family vehicle translated in to acres of space without any real plan for what a family actually required.

The Meriva isn’t the biggest family car – and that makes sense. The interior space and storage is designed so well, there is no need for a minibussized body.

Starting with Opel’s nifty FlexRail, the front seat passengers enjoy a storage system that provides highly versatile, modular multi-level storage occupying the deep space between the two front seats.

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

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

The clever use of space is also evident in the back where, in its standard three-seat mode, there is ample leg and shoulder room for three adults.

With a simple adjustment, the centre seat can be stowed allowing the outer seats to be easily repositioned for maximum comfort.

All of the seats can be folded flat allowing for an impressive maximum load capacity of 1,496 litres.

You can’t write about this car without making reference to the panoramic roof.

This is a feature that can make the transition to parenthood a little less traumatic for those used to driving convertibles.

Generally speaking, the

arrival of a little bundle of joy means waving goodbye to the soft top coupe.

With the Meriva, you can still hold on to that sense of open-road, topdown driving, but without getting cold or wet.

It really does make the car feel light and airy, and the electric shade keeps the kids from getting too hot if the sun does decide to make an appearance.

For a family, it provided all the essential, practical elements in an attractive package that didn’t skimp on features.

The model I drove was the 1.7CDTi with options including adaptive forward lighting, brilliant paint, heated seats and steering wheel and mobile phone system with bluetooth. The price of this model is €26,295, the entry-level model starts at €20,495.

This range offers genuine value for money and shows that a family car does not need to be the size of small bus.

A TRIBUTE to the capital of Britain: The newlook MINI Rocketman Concept.

This summer the best athletes from some 200 countries will gather in London for the London 2012 Games – the biggest sporting spectacle on the planet.

Premium car brand MINI will roll out the red carpet for the Olympians and Paralympians with the new edition of a spectacular small car study first presented at the International Geneva Motor Show 2011. The new design of the MINI Rocketman Concept combines innovative ideas for personal mobility in major cities with classical, unmistakably British design features inside and out.

The MINI Rocketman Concept caused quite a stir at the Geneva Motor Show 2011 as a groundbreaking new concept car majoring in driving fun in tight spaces. The 3+1-seater, with its three doors and an exterior length of just over three metres, is imbued with the timeless core values of the brand: irresistible design, clever functionality, smile-inducing agility and exceptional efficiency.

In the process, it also offers a very contemporary take on the “creative use of space” principle that has held sway at the British carmaker for more than 50 years.

A very British concept

Woman trusts her new Ford will help DUBLINER Kathleen Fagan was announced as the winner of the Ford Fiesta in The Care Trust’s fundraising draw which, as Ireland’s biggest car giveaway, will see 36 cars up for grabs in 2012.

Set up more than 50 years ago, The Care Trust fundraises to provide essential funds to the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC), Rehab and the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. The money raised helps fund these organisations in their work with the many thousands of children and adults with physical, medical or intellectual disabilities, those who are socially disadvantaged and those requiring medical care.

The Care Trust’s prize draws take place three times per month with all winners notified by post. For €3.50 per week / €15 per month, contributors are eligible for all draws. For more information, see www.thecaretrust.ie or phone (01) 200 0060.

22 GAZETTE 28 June 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Picturesque perfection where time stands still Great family holiday deals to Montenegro in July on offer from Concorde Travel

CONCORDE Travel have recently announced some great deals on family holidays to Montenegro, departing this July from both Knock and Dublin.

With a range of family friendly properties designed with your relaxation in mind, Concorde are offering families a sun soaked break in Montenegro for as little as €1,796 (was €2,536), giving families a saving of €740, based on two adults and two children.

Just south of Dubrovnik, the Republic of Montenegro is a country of 13,000 sq km with long stretches of sandy and pebble coastline and stunning mountain scenery.

The family friendly Slovenska Plaza 3-star complex is ideally located in Budva, just 10 minutes away from the historical town centre and with the magnificent sandy beach on the doorstep.

Ideal for families with young children, the younger guests can enjoy the children’s play centre placed in Aleksandar Hotel, in the immediate vicinity of the development, as well as a children’s labyrinth and a baby corner intended for the youngest kids, with continuous supervision by friendly staff.

Entry is free of charge for hotel guests.

Evening entertainment features various themed parties including folklore evenings, salsa nights and karaoke parties.

From June 15 to September 15, guests can also enjoy the summer cinema at the Rondo Pool with privileged access for hotel guests.

The price includes direct return flights from Ireland to Dubrovnik, all taxes and charges, luggage, return transfers from Dubrovnik Airport to the complex in Budva, local representative assistance and seven nights’ accommodation in a one bedroom apartment.

You will travel from Knock Airport on July 11 or from Dublin on July 18 or July 25.

For more information or to book your family holiday, please visit www.concordetravel. ie, email info@concordetravel.ie or call 01 775 9300 to speak with one of the Concorde Travel representatives.

I STEPHEN FINDLATER

THE “quart d’heure bearnaise” refrain is gently murmured as we wander into the Maison du Jurancon 45 minutes late.

Since arriving in Pau, it is a phrase that rolls slowly but regularly off the tongue.

The suggestion is that people at the base of the French Pyrenees are perennially off time but never truly bothered; a horizontal attitude that lends itself delightfully to a chilled out long weekend.

Nestled 100 km inland off the Atlantic coast from Biarritz and fringing on the Basque country, Pau is often overlooked by pilgrims in search of a cure in Lourdes, just 40 minutes down the road.

But antiquity has shown that British and

Irish blow-ins formed a love affair with the town ever since Wellington’s days.

They were attracted by the stunning vistas of the Pyrenees but with a rare, temperate climate in France’s deep south and duly set up the continent’s oldest golf club and have a vested interest in the vast national stud and equine training centre.

What they originally found was the birthplace of King Henri IV, famously baptised by the local Jurancon wine.

Once crowned, his commitment to local produce held firm, his dictates providing every household with a chicken each Sunday to ensure each French family ate meat at least once a week.

Nowadays, the evidence of that influence

filters down from the Chateau de Pau – where the baptism took place in a decadent, giant tortoise shell.

The town acts as the hub for agriculture, coming alive in Les Halles where ever y artisan from the environs comes together.

Whiffs of duck confit can be smelt through the

It is the backdrop, though, which provides most residents and tourists alike to do their stopping and staring, overlooked by the whitetipped peaks of the Pyrenees – accessed best from the elevated promenade and the Chateau.

Signs of a faster life do adorn the streets. The red and white kerbs leading

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

‘The suggestion is that people at the base of the French Pyrenees are perennially off time but never truly bothered; a horizontal attitude that lends itself delightfully to a chilled out long weekend’

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

deliciously clean air outside a maze of rustic cafes in the old town.

WE HAVE 135,000* READERS EACH WEEK

*based on standard industry measurements

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240 Pau is overlooked by the white-tipped peaks of the Pyrenees

away from the Palais de Beaumont and the starter markings opposite the

The Chateau de Pau in

town’s train station are a constant reminder that the city is, every May, a fully functioning racing track.

Indeed, despite the sleepy outward demeanour, Pau is the local jumpoff for la vie active.

June saw the city welcome a leg of the kayak World Cup tour at the man-made Stade d’Eaux Vives and the Gave de Pau tributary draws its source from the heart of the Pyrenees National Park Chasing those piques – among them the Tour de France favourite climbs, the Col du Galibier and the Tourmalet – was a rush in itself, rolling through lush green areas which contrast with Southern France’s more yellow edges.

The spider-web of ski slopes provides the destination and becomes a summer mecca for mountain bike riders, tearing down the melted pistes.

Most notably, regular competitions adorn the spectacular village

28 June 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs

Plenty of fun activities to keep the family happy with Stena Line’s day trips to South Wales WITH the school holidays already upon us, Ireland’s leading ferry company, Stena Line, is on hand with a range of day trips to South Wales, to help give parents a hand when it comes to entertaining the family this summer.

Families can enjoy a day trip to Oakwood Theme Park, Heatherton World of Activities or Folly Farm with prices starting from only €29* per person. Customers travelling from Rosslare to Fishguard can enjoy an action-packed day trip to Oakwood Theme Park from only €42* per person return by car (based on a car and 4 people) or €50* per person on foot with coach transfers.

Oakwood Theme Park is set in 80 acres of spectacular Pembrokeshire countryside with more than 30 exhilarating attractions including four world-class rides to enjoy.

Thrill seekers can enjoy the ultimate hairraising experience with Speed: No Limits, 2000 feet of twisting and turning steel roller coaster whilst Megafobia has been voted the best ride in the UK and is the ultimate coaster challenge with 900 metres of wooden terror track.

For the younger visitor, the Lost Kingdom is a soft-play terrain providing lots of fun with jumping, swinging, scrabbling, and climbing.

Or why not enjoy an action-packed day of karting, painting, robot wars and water walking from only €35* per person return by car at Heatherton World of Activities or a trip to Folly Farm from only €29* per person return by car.

Folly Farm offers six fantastic zones to visit the Jolly Farm, a spectacular Zoo, an enormous vintage Funfair, indoor and outdoor Adventure Play and Folly Wood Country Park.

For further information or to book a daytrip, visit www.stenaline.ie/days, call Stena Line on 01 204 77 77 or visit your local Stena Line travel agent.

the centre of Pau where King Henri IV was famously baptised

of Artouste in the heart of the mountain range’s National Park.

Riders traverse a 900 metre drop in under four minutes but a more leisurely route can be traversed to take in the breath-taking scenes of the Ossau and Palsam peaks in more leisurely form.

Resembling the internal transport system at a theme park, le Petit-Train de Artouste is actually a marvel of human endeavour.

The highest train route in Europe at 1,991 metres above sea level, its eight kilometre route provides access deep into the heart of the mountains and the secrets lying beyond the auto-routes.

It was forged in the 1930s, taking two years to blast a route to Lac d’Artouste where a dam was built, providing a source of hydro-electric power to the lower-lying villages.

Beyond functionality, it provides hill-walkers and laid-back loafers a chance to sit on top of the world.

The route back to Pau took in worthwhile stop offs at La Commande and Monein where Jurancon’s uniquely sweet wines are made to match foie gras and the ever-present duck.

Sleeping off the regular four to five-course meals, though, proved scarcely an issue as the Ferme de Candeloup – one of the area’s gites, a delightfully converted barn – sits well back from the road with nothing but the crickets’ low click breaking the silence.

Allowing an alarm for the flight back to Dublin to break the tranquility felt an uncomfortable reminder of deadlines and time being afforded an over-important value.

But Pau will remain, living at its own pace.

For more information about travelling to Pau, go to www.rendezvousenfrance.com or follow Atout France on Twitter @AtoutFranceIEpr. CityJet now fly direct to Pau three times a week throughout the summer.

Go to www.cityjet.com for more information.

*Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

The region’s uniquely sweet wines go perfectly with foie gras

24 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 28 June 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Five Ways to Drown

FIVE Ways to Drown looks into the interior of family life and exposes the sadness, the absurdity and the banality through vignettes of dance - theatre and installation. In this public display of the private, the choreography of everyday life becomes extraordinary. Winners of the Culture Ireland.

Touring Award in 2008 and listed in both The Sunday Times and the Irish Times as a cultural highlight in 2011 for their production of Bird with Boy at Dublin’s Kilmainham Gaol.

For one show only, June 28 at 8pm, tickets are priced at €16/12.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Somewhere under the Rainbow THIS award winning, one woman, musical theatre extravaganza has captured audiences around the country.

Now, in preparation for the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Biscuits for Breakfast are delighted to bring “Liza” to the Mill Theatre for one more performance before she leaves these shores. Sharon Sexton’s Liza recounts stories, memories and secrets that make up a fascinating career and an even more intriguing personal life. As she belts her way through Minnelli’s infamous song book, the audience are invited beyond the footlights. July 14 at 8pm. Admission: €20.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Johnnies Britches

They just couldn’t understand it, the guide book said the giant head was in this room but they couldn’t see it

BEEZNEEZ, the popular company that brought you Tuesdays with Morrie and Don’t Dress for Dinner return to the Civic with a lovely old Irish comedy, Johnnie’s Britches.

A runaway, nationwide hit when first produced in the 1940s, Beezneez bring their distinctive production values to this gentle comedy of another time. Anxious to be rid of their accident prone servant girl, Ned and Bridget are willing to allow her to be married to almost anybody, including Johnnie. July 13 and 14 at 8pm. Admission: €20/16.

A titanic undertaking

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Niamh Kavanagh and her band NIAMH’S back with her brilliant blend of rock, soul, r&b, Eurovision hits, tracks from her successful albums and her own favorites with that amazing voice Commitments’ director Alan Parker ‘‘had to have’’. Described as the ‘‘Rolls Royce’’ of Irish singers, Niamh Kavanagh represented Ireland at the Eurovision twice. Catch her on June 30 with tickets €20/€16.

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CALL 60 10 240 GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

Promising so much in the lead up to its release, here is a film that unfortunately doesn’t live up to the hype I NIALL BERMINGHAM

SO YEAH… it’s good.

Not great or life changing or anything even close to that; just a good solid film.

For many, however, that will simply just not be enough. The majority of people who wanted to see Prometheus were expecting so much. It’s not that hard to see why either, giving everything director Ridley Scott said about it.

Planned as a sort-of prequel to the Alien franchise, this was supposed to answer any and all questions raised.

To say it doesn’t answer them is a bit harsh as questions are answered.

However the film does a better job raising more questions than answering the original ones that we had.

Set in 2093 the majority of the action takes place on a distant moon named LV-223. The rea-

FILM OF THE WEEK: Prometheus ### (15A) 124 mins Director: Ridley Scott Starring: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, Guy Pearce, Logan Marshall-Green, Rafe Spall, Sean Harris

OUR VERDICT:

PERHAPS the most anticipated sci-fi film since 2009’s Avatar, Prometheus lets us down. Just like Avatar. Brilliant design and excellent acting from Michael Fassbender are not enough to make this the cherry on top of the cake that is Ridley Scott’s Alien franchise.

son our brave crew have made their way out to this very distant moon; to find god. Or so they think anyway.

At the beginning of the film we see an archaeological group finding a set of cave paintings in 2089. The cave painting includes an image that has been present in many other unconnected civilisations’ artwork.

It turns out to be a star map with coordinates to LV-223 and the archaeologists (played

by Noomi Rapace and Logan Marshall-Green) interpret this as an invi-

tation from humanity’s forerunners.

Cut forward four years and the pair have received backing from Peter Weyland (Guy Pearce), the chief executive of Weyland Corporation, and are on their way to LV-223. With a crew of different types of scientists, a Weyland Corp representative (Charlize Theron) and an android named David (Michael Fassbender) it is a merry bunch indeed.

Ironically the only character who appears real is David, the synthetic man. The other

characters all seem forced and sterile.

Upon arrival on the planet the crew sets out to find out whom, or what, gave the coordinates to the different civilisations and what their intention was.

Of course the film takes this point to mess everything up for the intrepid space farers.

This is also where it gets very formulaic.

Characters die, the seemingly nice and benevolent corporation reveals itself to be a big evil corporation, and aliens do nasty things that will make you squirm.

It all looks brilliant while it’s happening but it’s just too obvious. You aren’t invested in the characters and neither are you worried by their impending demises.

Except for David.

David is the one fresh apple in Prometheus’ barrel full of bad apples.

Fassbender shows just why he is so in vogue as an actor right now.

A spotless performance that will make you laugh, and then, in the very next scene, seethe with rage.

Like I said though, the film looks brilliant.

Scott does an excellent job directing it and the cinematography is second to none. But the design of the film is what catches the eye the most.

R e ve r s e d e s i g n e d from HR Giger’s art work for Alien, the visuals are incredible. Some of the sets are literally breathtaking and the moon world of LV-223 and the structure on it are both tremendously well thought out.

So in conclusion, just as I started, this is a good film, not a masterpiece, and because of that, many people will leave the cinema feeling bitterly disappointed.

28 June 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces

Digging under the new Surface

One of the founding fathers of computer gaming (also known as Super Mario’s dad), Shigeru Miyamoto goes for a ride on a life-size Mario Kart.

However, what will the company Miyamoto-san is known for - Nintendo – drive out next with its upcoming console and gaming releases?

Preparing for the next bit of impressive tech I SHANE DILLON

LAST week, I freewheeled my way through the probability of Microsoft being about to roll out a tablet (see right), and how it might compete with Apple’s iPad. Well, that feeling of deja vu that some of you may be experiencing is justified, as it’s time for another face-off, of sorts, in the form of Microsoft’s SmartGlass versus Nintendo’s Wii U. Legendary Nintendo games designer Shigeru Miyamoto (AKA: Super Mario’s Dad, AKA pretty much the Father of Gaming) was talking recently about how both of the upcoming systems are broadly similar, yet may inhabit different entertainment ecosystems.

As a recap – and bearing in mind that we’re still some way off seeing either in action, or widely

available in anything like the numbers and cultural identity of, say, the XBox 360 or the iPhone, the SmartGlass and Wii U present two very different systems for gamers, and tech lovers, to look forward to.

For starters, SmartGlass is, for the moment, being positioned as Microsoft’s secret weapon in unifying the home entertainment system – a way to enhance and enrich the experience of everyone in the home.

Gamers can use SmartGlass by seeing content pushed to their “smart” devices that supplement the titles they’re playing; a similar notable content push that also operates for broadcasting, whereby, say, your linked-in Windows phone could provide character bios, or maps, or marketing tieins to your favourite TV shows.

The Wii U, on the other hand is basically, what a lot of gamers would call “a bloody big controller”, with a large, inbuilt screen that neatly fits the dual-screen model that Nintendo has particularly focused on in the past few years.

Again, treating the TV screen as the primary content delivery system – games, if you prefer – the Wii U secondary screen can provide a wide range of supplementary information and resources, as a kind of souped-up DS set-up.

Relevant As Miyamoto said, it’s important for Nintendo to provide information that is relevant, rather than just “extra”, In one sense, it sounds like the two forthcoming systems are broadly similar, right? Both have an ability, if not focus, on

providing the user with additional information.

However, we can expect the two platforms to take ver y different directions, not least because, while Microsoft remains focused on a wide range of product streams, ranging from hardware to software, from business users to casual gamers, Nintendo still remains almost primarily focused on pure gaming, with little else to distract it.

So, while the SmartGlass system will doubtless be marketd as, say, a great way to enhance the home viewing experience, a natural fit for gamers looking to organise their play, a useful way for business users to make teir point, and so on, the Wii U is almost certainly set to be “just” marketed as a great gaming tool, facilitating interesting new types of gameplay.

In addition, Nintendo

isn’t well-known for doing very much away from its core gaming model – as innovative as its products are, Nintendo has never pushed its lighter content very hard to consumers – apart from party games, for example, its Wii avatars aren’t really used for, well, anything.

One thing’s for sure – while gamers begin to look forward to the inevitable XBox 720 and PlayStation 4, these kind of content systems and new hardware provide some pretty interesting scope for new types of entertainment.

Personally, I don’t need an interactive map showing me Ian Beale’s “live” walk across Eastenders’ Albert Square, but no doubt plenty of others would be thrilled at seeing their favourite (or most depressing) shows given an extra level of involvement.

IT SEEMS I don’t need a time machine, after all. Readers may have noticed last week my musings on the probability of Microsoft (MS) being about to launch its own branded tablet, but, alas, I hadn’t a time machine to jump ahead and confirm that.

I was dead right, because, last week, MS unveiled its Surface tablet, with which the company hopes to

provide a serious challenge to the all-conquering iPad, as well as providing a hefty new business wing for its Windows 8 OS. Details are still not completely f leshed out, but I’ll return to dig under the Surface – pardon the pun – in the near future.

As to whether the Surface comes with Angry Birds, too, like everything else, well ...

GAZETTE

26 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 28 June 2012

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GazetteSPORT

STARS ON THE RISE: Dublin Sports Awards nominees for June are announced: Page 29

GOLF: LOCAL LADY LEGEND RECEIVES MBE FOR SERVICES TO THE GAME OVER MANY YEARS

McKenna gets royal recognition for a life in sport sport@gazettegroup.com

DONABATE-based golfer Mary McKenna has been appointed as an Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire.

The MBE was given to McKenna by the British ambassador, Dominick Chilcott, at his residence in Dublin last week.

The award, bestowed

by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of McKenna’s services to

sports, comes after decades as both a player and, more recently, a chief administrator in British and Irish golf.

She regularly plays at Donabate Golf Club and said: “I am very honoured to have the MBE bestowed on me.”

She added: “I love my golf and am very proud to have represented Ireland and Britain for many years, so recognition of this sort is something really special. It is the icing on the cake

that took many years to bake.”

Her first time on the British and Irish team was in 1969, and she was still involved up until last year.

In an unbroken 22 years challenge from 19 6 8 t o 19 8 9 , s h e reached 12 finals, winning eight, and represented Great Britain and Ireland on nine successive Curtis Cup teams from 1970 and ten Vagliano Trophy teams from 1969.

Mary McKenna, in blue, was presented with her MBE by the British ambassador, Dominick Chilcott, pictured with Michael Galvin and Suzanne Geraghty , the captains of Donabate Golf Club

McKenna was appointed President Elect of the ILGU at their AGM in January, and currently sits on the High Performance Committee, continuing

to support the development of the game at all levels.

She is never short of an encouraging word for her fellow competitors and in particular

talented juniors.

McKenna once retorted to a journalist who suggested that her 40th birthday might be an apt time to consider retirement “and why

shouldn’t I continue to do what I most enjoy and do reasonably well?

Golf is a game you can play as long as you can stand up and that’s fine by me.”

28 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 28 June 2012

GazetteSport Sport

The talents of nearly 1,000 local soccer players was on show

Striker!

All ages were represented at Kilbogget Park

Mini-World Cup Cabinteely celebrates soccer stars VER the years, Cabinteely FC’s Mini World Cup (MWC) has become the highlight of the summer in Kilbogget Park and this year was no exception.

Hundreds of children, club members, friends and parents converged on the venue to watch the group games and play-offs as boys and girls of all ages took part in the MWC. 932 local players under the age of 12, together with Special Needs players of all ages, organised into 94 teams, play a grand total of 379 games across 16 pitches, scoring 1,880 goals and endured 14 exciting penalty shootouts during the tournament.

Congratulations are due to the club and all who took part, as they played in the grand traditional spirit of the game throughout the competition.

O

The stars of the Special Olympics competition with volunteer and Olympic torchbearer Alva Nolan. PIctures: Greg O’Connor/cabinteelyfc.com

The weather provided a few problems Action from one of the girls’ World Cup matches

The club again hosted a great event

28 June 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 29

2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - JUNE NOMINEES

FastSport

# STARof the MONTH

PHIL LAVERY

EOIN KENNEDY

ADRIAN MORROW

A BUMPER month for the Coolmine man, he won the Stephen Roche GP and the National U-23 Road Race crown in Clonmel

THE ST BRIGID’S handball legend shook off a nine month lay-off to finish second at the 60x30 Open Doubles championship

PORTMARNOCK man Adrian Morrow annexed the Irish Seniors Amateur Open title, leading from pillar to post in Athenry

COLAISTE PHADRAIG

FINGALLIANS

PEAMOUNT UNITED

AN AMAZING season, the Lucan school won the First Year Dublin League, the Leinster Cup and the national title in quick succesion.

THE sister acts of Sarah and Rachel Murray and Bronwyn and Megan Keogh claimed the 4x100 National Junior title in Tullamore

THE Greenogue club provided five of the MGL Gaynor Cup team which waltzed to the national title, sharing 27 goals between them

# TEAMof the MONTH

Rocking out: Fennell ready for Model Croker battle DUBLIN midfielder Eamon Fennell, right, and Wexford’s Aindreas Doyle surveyed the aftermath of the Westlife concert as they prepare to go toe-to-toe this Sunday in the Leinster SFC semi-final as part of a double-header in Croke Park.

Their game gets under way at 4pm while Meath and Kildare face off in the first game of the day which throws in at 2pm.

Tag tournament set to scrum down next week THE second annual Leinster Tag Championship will take place on Saturday, July 7 at Railway Union RFC. Last year saw over 20 teams battle it out to be crowned the best team in Leinster and this year the tournament is set to be bigger and better than before. Once again, prize money of €1,000 is up for grabs, as well as the coveted Perpetual Leinster Tag Rugby Championship trophy.

Along with a day of top-class tag rugby, the entry fee of €240 per team will include refreshments during the matches and a barbecue afterwards during the prize-giving.

The prize-giving will see the handing over of €1,000 cash to the winning team, with prizes also for the winners of the Plate and Bowl sections of the tournament.

Railway Union RFC club president Francis Roche said: “We are delighted to again host this event at Railway Union RFC. The rugby club has undergone huge growth this season and all potential new players, whether vastly experienced or new to the game are welcome to join.”

Registration is now open. For further details, email info@railwayunionrfc.com or contact George Ross on 086 383 1992.

30 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 28 June 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Locals shine at Dublin Community Games NOT even the inclement weather over the weekend could dampen the spirits at the Dublin Community Games county athletics finals supported by DAA at Morton Stadium, Santry.

Over 2,000 children, along with family and friends, from 49 areas around the city and county filled the park with the energy and excitement that have become synonymous with Community Games.

Among the top performers, local stars performed brilliantly in the sprint events with Dalkey’s Molly O’Reilly a second place finisher in the U-14 100m race. Over the hurdles, Harry Kenny was the boy’s 60m champion, coming home ahead of Knocklyon’s Luke Mulligan and Portmarnock’s Hugh Duncan.

Peter Duffy took third in the U-10 200m, holding off the challenge of Clarehall’s Daniel Furlong in the race for the medals.

Further gold followed through Sarah O’Hagan in the U-8 80m race with team mate Jessica Ellison adding the bronze in the same race.

Roisin Healy, in the U-10 age category, held off Lucy Ellis from Balbriggan in the tussle for 200m gold and the team’s brilliant run of results also bore fruit in the 900m walk race for U-13s as Caoimhe Byrne outdid Swords West’s Tara Gleeson.

Allie Cassidy’s third place run in the U-14 80m hurdles edged out fellow Dalkey representative Jessie O’Regan.

A hugely successful and enjoyable weekend was had by all and every competitor will cherish their memories from the 45th finals.

Tony Feeney, president of Dublin Community Games said: “It was wonderful to see so many young enthusiastic athletes competing across a range of events and at all age levels. Each and every one has represented their areas with pride, and helped to make these finals such a success.”

The County Swimming finals take place on Sunday, July 1 in Tallaght Sports Complex. Boys and girls from six to 16 years will be representing their local areas while also looking to secure a place at the National Finals in August.

For more information, log on to www.dublincommunitygames.ie.

HURLING: YOUNG DUBS CLEAR THE CATS AS SENIORS STUMBLE

Cian MacGabhann of Kilmacud Crokes, who saved a penalty against Kilkenny, shone for teh Dublin minors. Pictures: Chris Lynam

Locals help Dubs to final LEINSTER MHC S-FINAL Dublin Kilkenny

1-12 0-10

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CUALA and Kilmacud Crokes provided a wealth of talent to the Dublin minors as they recorded an impressive 1-12 to 0-10 win over Kilkenny in Portlaoise last Sunday.

That semi-final victory saw them advance to the Leinster MHC final, keeping alive their hopes of recording back-to-back titles at this level.

Cuala’s Cian O’Callaghan captained the side while Sean Treacy – younger brother of senior star David – were

both key components of the back line.

Colm Cronin also started while Ross Tierney and Jack Behan were also panelists while Kilmacud was equally well represented.

Cian MacGabhann was the goalkeeper, while Caolan Conway, Oisin O’Rorke and Robert Murphy also played their part.

Shay Boland’s side recovered from a slow start to fully merit their place in the provincial final, with Paul Winters stunning 22nd-minute goal the catalyst for victory, the boys in blue concluding the opening half

Star cricketers: Local school win Leprechaun Cup STAR of the Sea completed their first victory in the Leprechaun Cup when they defeated Castleknock NS by 35 runs at Railway Union CC’s grounds at Park Avenue last week.

The Stars put in an impressive 115 for 5 in their 20 overs, which Castleknock could not match.

The Leprechaun Cup continues to be the flagship for cricket development in Leinster with many new schoolchildren now being given the opportunity to play hardball cricket during their primary school years.

with a lead of 1-5 to 0-4 at the break.

The early signs for the Dubs were less encouraging. Three points (including one free and one 65) from Conor Martin had the Cats 0-3 to 0-0 in front after 14 minutes. It could have been worse, but for an excellent penalty save from Cian MacGabhann in the 13th minute when he denied Martin another score.

Dublin eventually opened their account with a superb Cormac Costello point in the 16th minute and, three minutes later, wing-back Sean McClelland split the posts as the Dubs began to build a bit

of momentum.

The crucial goal arrived in the 22nd minute when Winters brilliantly flicked overhead and into the net to catapult his side into a 1-2 to 0-3 lead.

Winters added two frees, the second from halfway, to bolster Dublin’s lead, before grabbing one from play following some excellent defensive work by the impressive Shane Barrett.

So, from trailing by three points, the Dubs turned it around to lead 1-5 to 0-3 by the 27th minute, before Martin added his fourth point to reduce the half-time arrears.

A minute into the second half, Costello added the second of his three stylish points as Dublin moved five points clear.

They lost their way for a while before the midpoint of the second half as Kilkenny got back to within two points in the 41st minute (1-7 to 0-8), but the Dubs settled again to run out winners despite the sending off of Caolan Conway in injury-time.

In the second game of the day, the Dublin senior panel could not emulate their minor counterparts as they were undone by the Cats 2-21 to 0-9 points in a torturous Leinster SHC semi-final.

28 June 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 31

HURLING: DALKEY SIDE REGISTER IMPRESSIVE RUN

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CUALA HYDE Road was abuzz on Saturday

ing with a well-deserved 0-18 to

morning as the mini All-Ireland

0-6 victory over Kilmacud Crokes

tournaments for all our younger

in Division One of the Adult Hurl-

players came to a conclusion.

ing League. The lads were always

Well done to all the players, man-

on top and took some fine scores

agers, refs, helpers and parents

along the way at Silver Park. They

that played a part.

now lie second in the table behind

This is one of the highlights of the

St Vincent’s.

Cuala year and just gets bigger and

Well done to our five members

better every time it comes around.

of the Dublin Minor hurling team

The smiles on the faces of local res-

that defeated Kilkenny on Satur-

idents, shop owners and shoppers

day and set up a Leinster final. Cian

as the parade made its way through

O’Callaghan captained the team

Dalkey was a joy to behold.

and Ross Tierney, Jack Behan, Colm

The Gaelic for Mothers event that took place after the kids were done

Cronin and Sean Treacy were also vital members of the side.

was another step in the develop-

Thanks to those who helped out

ment of this excellent initiative and

with work on the dressing rooms

perhaps some of the mothers who

and steps at Hyde Road ahead of

watched their kids in the morning

our hosting the National Feile next

will join up and play themselves

week. We hope that further calls

from September.

for volunteers to help out at the

The senior hurlers’ great run of form continued on Sunday morn-

great event will be met enthusiastically.

Kilmacud Crokes had no real competition as they effortlessly moved into the next round of the SFC

Resounding win for Cuala against Crokes AHL DIVISION 1 Cuala Kilmacud Crokes

0-18 0-6

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CUALA’S senior hurlers overcame an unusually tame Crokes challenge in this senior hurling league clash in warm and dry conditions in Silverpark last week.

With St Vincent’s dropping two points to Faugh’s, the AHL title is now very much up for grabs, and in light of their recent form, Cuala are putting themselves in line for a run at the top spot.

Cuala dominated the opening exchanges and their touch and accuracy was far superior to their near-neighbours, who in fairness, were severely curtailed by absences through injuries on the day.

By the ten-minute mark Cuala were up by six, with good points coming from the stick of Dan Keating who was

using his pace to great effect in the corner, and two fine strikes from Stapleton.

Barry Connolly was faultless from the dead ball and would contribute a personal tally of 0-7 by the end of the game.

Kilmacud could only manage two points in the first half, which was a testament to the strength of the Cuala back line.

Simon Timlon and Shane Holden showed why they are two of the best corner-backs in Dublin, snuffing out a number of Crokes attacks.

Cuala went in at halftime with an almost unassailable 0-14 to 0-2 lead.

The second half was a relatively tame affair, with both sides tacking on only four points apiece.

Cuala’s full-forward line of brothers Luke and Dan Keating in the corners and Brian Fitzgerald at 14 worked very

tirelessly over the whole period and each ended up with two points each.

Cian Waldren was his usual busy self and helped himself to three points over the 60 minutes.

This proved to be a very comfortable performance from Cuala which leaves them well positioned to challenge for league honours. Kilmacud Crokes now have to look over their shoulders with four games to go before the end of the season.

Many of the Cuala team and management went back to Shankill to

support the second hurling team who themselves had a great win in their top-of-the-table clash with Crokes.

Next up for the Dalkey side is a top-of-the-table clash with St Vincent’s on July 4 at Shankill.

Cuala: Fintan 0’Brien, Simon Timlin, Shane Kiely, Shane Holden, Shane Stapleton (0-2), Oisin Gough, Sean Moran, Scott O’Brien (0-1), Bobby Browne, Barry Connolly (0-7,7f) , David Cunningham, Cian Waldren (0-2) Luke Keating (0-2), Brian Fitzgerald (0-2), Dan Keating (0-2).

Substitutes: Jamie Brennan for Bobby Browne 50 mins.

NAOMH OLAF OUR junior hurlers achieved a well-

raiser for the club.

deserved draw in their AHL6 game

The nex t outing of the Naomh

against Whitehall Colmcilles last

Olaf Golf Society is to Milltown Golf

Tuesday, on a score of 1 – 10 each.

Club on Friday, June 29 from 1 to

Our Intermediate hurlers were

2.45pm.

unlucky to lose by one point on

Sympathy is expressed to the

Wednesday to Faugh’s, 2-14 to 2-13.

families of Delores Buggy of Balally

The intermediates lost out to

and Anne Cummins of Foxrock, both

Round Towers on Sunda y, while

of whom passed away last week.

the juniors came off second best

Delores was a member of the first

against a very young and talented

Naomh Olaf committee in 1981 and

Parnell’s side.

served as treasurer for a number

The Naomh Olaf Executive wishes

of years.

to thank everyone who organ-

Anne was a strong Naomh Olaf

ised and carried out bag packing

supporter and sold many lotto tick-

in Tesco Dundrum during the past

ets over the years. See also club

week as this is a significant fund-

news on naomholaf.ie

ST JUDE’S HARD luck to Danny and the Dublin

and Finbarr Murphy and Kieron

hurlers following the defeat to Kil-

Quiley matched three numbers and

kenny last Saturday, but well done

share €250.

to the minors and the three Jude’s players involved following their win against Kilkenny in the curtainraiser.

Well done to our visitors from

The jackpot remains €12,700, and you can register to play online.

Next week there is a special draw for paid up members of the lotto, prize is €1,000.

New York last week, who won the

We are looking for helpers with

Division 4 Feile over the weekend in

the bingo for the next couple of

Offaly. Anyone who saw them play

weeks to cover holiday absences

would have tipped them to win as

from the team.

they were very impressive.

Naomh Jude Bingo in the back bar at 8pm as usual next Wednesday

Anyone who is able to help should contact Finbarr at 087 221 0727 or Ger Mangan at 086 337 3778.

night (and every Wednesday night).

Remember, the bar is open for all

Calling will begin at 8.15pm sharp.

the live sport this week including

All welcome.

the international soccer, and you

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 4, 12, 20 and 28.

Nobody matched four numbers,

can contact Bobby behind the bar or on 086 081 7836 for function room bookings.

ALL OF YOUR DUN LAOGHAIRE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

CATS CAUGHT: Cuala and Crokes minor stars aid Dubs to win over Kilkenny P30

JUNE 28, 2012

JUNE SPORT STARS: The shortlist is in for this month’s heroes P29

GazetteSPORT

The Foxrock Cabinteely side that played in the All-Ireland Feile national division one finals last weekend

Fleet Foxes edged out by St Ciaran’s Foxrock Cabinteely Feile queens just miss out on AllIreland finals berth after strong showing in Ferbane dunlaoghairesport@gazettegroup.com

FOXROCK Cabinteely represented the county with distinction at last weekend’s ladies football All-Ireland Feile in Ferbane but they were narrowly edged out by ultimate champions St Ciaran’s.

Having stormed to the Dublin title in superb fashion, they travelled to the competition with confidence high last Friday for their opening battle against St Ciaran’s.

Playing in a gale force wind, they played against the elements and did well to go in at the break just a point down – 0-2 to 0-1 – and they duly built on that in the second period, pulling into a four point lead.

But a fortunate goal seven minutes from time brought Ciaran’s back into contention from a 21-yard free when they had been lining up a point.

It swung the momentum irreversibly and Foxrock ended up on the wrong end of a 2-5 to 1-5 result which limited their chances of progres-

sion despite two brilliant performances.

Offaly champions St Rynagh’s were dispatched with an incredible 6-8 to no score result on Saturday before the Cork winners St Val’s were beaten 4-3 to 1-2.

But St Ciaran’s were not to be caught as they squeezed home in their two remaining group games to take the one semi-final berth on offer from the group and duly went on to ultimate victory in the final.

On the boys side, Kilmacud Crokes were pipped at the semi-final stage of the division two Feile in O’Connor Park in Tullamore on Sunday.

They raced through the group phases with wins over Kilcormac/Killough, 2-7 to 1-2, and St Vincent’s, 2-8 to 0-6, to set up a winner takes all Group A tussle with Armagh’s Clann Eireann.

The Glenalbyn side duly prevailed when they won out 0-7 to 0-3 in Cappincur to take up the one semi-final place on offer. There, though, their run came to an end at the hands of Burren who were single point winners on a 2-2 to 1-6 scoreline.

Elsewhere, Foxrock Cabinteely stars Sinead

Goldrick, Amy Ring and Ciara Murphy were among the key players as Dublin ousted Kildare 1-14 to 2-4 in the opening round of the Ladies Leinster Senior Football championship.

Murphy was on the mark for Dublin’s second point as Dublin moved into a 1-4 to 0-2 half-time lead, Niamh McEvoy grabbing the goal.

Two quickfire points after the break from Syl’s pair McEvoy and Aherne, along with McGuinness, pulled the side further away, out-scoring Kildare four points to one at the start of the second half.

The moving of centre back Goldrick to midfield added an extra dimension during this phase while Brianne Leahy endured a sin-binning to stunt Kildare’s progress, too.

Six unanswered points with Fingallians’ wing back Fiona Hudson, Sinead Finnegan, sub Colleen Barrett, McEvoy, Leonard and Aherne all getting in on the act.

Kildare pulled a consolation goal back in stoppage time but it was scant consolation in the final reckoning.