Dun laoghaire

Laoghaire Gazet te FREE

August 29, 2013

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Month XX, 2012 Dun laoghaire • Blackrock • Cornelscourt • Deansgrange • Dalkey • Glasthule • Monkstown • Glenageary

INSIDE: Participants of all ages and abilities stepped up to the recent DLR Bay 10K Road Race Pages 8-9

the €40,000 question: Approval for cost of park art sparks protocol query Page 7

118,000 reasons to smile: Cillian’s winnings at RTE Cricket:

St Andrew’s old boy lands top class contract Page 30

Athletics:

More success for DSDAC on national stage Page 30

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES....................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................25 SPORT............................27

CILLIAN O’Mongain (third-left) had 118,000 reasons to smile when he collected a cheque for the same amount on the National Lottery’s Big Money game show at RTE studios recently. The Shankill man was congratulated on his win by Sinead Kennedy, game show cohost; Michael Kelly, National Lottery ticket-selling agent, Stop Press, George’s Street, Dun Laoghaire; Nigel Scully, head of sales, The National Lottery; Jian Liu, National Lottery, Stop Press and Brian Ormond, game show co-host.

Residents concerned after youth set on fire Anti-social incident at Clarinda Park prompts call for greater policing

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

RESIDENTS around the Clarinda Park area of Dun Laoghaire have expressed concern over recent anti-social behaviour which resulted in a youth catching fire.

Fianna Fail area representative James McCann said he had redirected residents’ complaints of anti-social behaviour, which involved young men playing with lighter fuel, to the Garda Siochana and was assured the

area would be monitored.

He said: “I have spoken to a number of residents about this issue and it’s clear it has been ongoing for some time and needs to be tackled.

“Many residents are afraid to use the green area at night

out of fear for their own safety and it cannot be tolerated.”

A Garda spokesperson told The Gazette: “Timely reporting by residents is an essential element in addressing this issue.”

Full Story on Page 2

2 DUN laoghaire Gazette 29 August 2013

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policing Anti-social behaviour concerns

Youth’s jumper set on fire at Clarinda Park RESIDENTS around the Clarinda Park area of Dun Laoghaire have expressed concern over recent anti-social behaviour which resulted in a youth catching fire.

People living in the area reported the antisocial behaviour, which involved young men playing with lighter fuel, to a local Fianna Fail area representative.

James McCann said he had redirected residents’ complaints to the Garda Siochana and was assured the area would be monitored closely.

He said: “I have spoken to a number of residents about this issue and it’s clear it has been ongoing for some time and needs to be tackled.

“Many residents are afraid to use the green area at night out of fear of their own safety, and it cannot be tolerated.”

A resident of Clarinda Park House, who witnessed the recent event which resulted in one of a group of youths catching fire, spoke to The Gazette about what he saw.

He said: “There were

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

a group of about six to eight young kids from 15 to 17 years old who were jumping with skateboards in Clarinda Park and messing; obviously bored.

“I was walking through the green with my girlfriend, and we had to pass by them. I heard one of them say: ‘Do a V’, and another sprayed lighter fuel on a young man.

“Then they shouted: ‘Go for it’, and the boy’s jumper just went up [in flames]. Then they all shouted: ‘Stop it, stop it’ and patted him down, putting the fire out.

“I just lost it; I went for them. I mean, how bored do you have to be to set yourself on fire?

“My girlfriend went mental, too, asking them were they on drugs. They set off, calling her names as they went, so they were all right [including

Local Fianna Fail area representative James McCann said he had redirected residents’ complaints about anti-social behaviour around the Clarinda Park area to the Garda Siochana and was assured the area would be monitored closely

the fire victim],” he said.

“I called the guards and they told me they could see the gang. They were about 50m ahead of me, walking off; I reckon [gardai] had them on camera.

“Once they turned onto Glenageary Road, the guards could see them on the camera at The People’s Park, and told me they were the same ones that had been causing trouble before.

“There have been no incidences since that, now that the guards are monitoring things.

“We’ve had problems here with drinking and littering since the sun came out this summer,” said the resident.

Garda Superintendent Mar tin Fitzgerald, of Dun Laoghaire

Garda Station, told The Gazette: “Timely reporting by residents is an essential element in addressing this issue.

“We rely on the eyes --------------------------

‘How bored do you have to be to set yourself on fire?’

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

Eyewitness to an incident in which a teen’s jumper was set ablaze

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

and ears of the public, now more than ever, and that has been very successful and will continue to be.

“I want to stress that people should call the gardai with these mat-

ters of anti-social behaviour as soon as possible, to get a speedy response going.

“There are pockets of anti-social behaviour that emerge from time to time, and we keep reviewing things. It will not be tolerated.

“That’s the nature of public disorder, and we cannot be everywhere, so, therefore, we rely on the public.

“We work very well with public representatives of all parties, and people often go to them with such issues first, and that creates a time lapse.

“The public should pick up the phone and call the gardai first, in confidentiality, at 01 666 5000,” said Supt Fitzgerald.

29 August 2013 DUN laoghaire Gazette 3

complaint

arts: young author to address festival on fight against gaddafi

Naked man seen at beach

Revolutionary to speak about Libya  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

A YOUNG author from Rathfarnham, who fought in the Libyan revolution in 2011 that brought down Colonel Gaddafi’s regime, will be interviewed at the upcoming Mountains to Sea festival in Dun Laoghaire.

Housam “Sam” Najjair, the son of an Irish mother and Libyan father, has written a semi-autobiographical book about his experiences as a unit commander during the revolution.

Speaking to The Gazette, Sam said: “I went to Libya as an 18-year-old and only then did I start to see things I couldn’t see before, when [I was] there as a child.

“I saw the regime’s oppression. It was a huge experience, but I came back to Ireland as I was in a relationship and had a little girl. When the relationship broke up, I decided to go back to Libya in January 2011 – a month before the revolution.”

By August 20, 2011, Sam and the Tripoli Brigade – a unit of the National Liberation Army of Libya – were the first revolutionaries to enter, and secure, the city.

“I trained in the Western Mountains and made my way into Tripoli, rounding up mercenaries and loyalists [to Gaddafi] who had raped and burned people alive. I was accompanied by a France 24 reporter, and that documentary

[made by the reporter] has won awards.

“The book I’ve written, Soldier for a Summer [published by Hachette Print and available everywhere], tells the tale of a normal Irish man, 19 years old, who became a battlefield commander over the course of a summer.

“It will act as a text for modern history students in colleges, and will be out on September 2.”

Sam Najjair will be interviewed by Irish Times Middle East correspondent Mary Fitzgerald at the Maritime Museum in Dun Laoghaire on September 5, and tickets, priced €10/€8, are available from the Pavilion Theatre’s box office at 01 231 2929.

Not a tall tale: Local woman named as Tesco’s 200,000th mobile customer SHANKILL woman Emma Craxton (right) was delighted to be named

the 200,000th Tesco Mobile Ireland customer recently, with the company’s managing director Elaine Russell and an unusually tall friend congratulating her on her win. Emma’s prize includes 200,000 Tesco Clubcard points along with 200,000 minutes, 200,000 texts and 300GB of data over 20 months. Congratulating Emma on her win, Elaine said that 199,999 other customers have now subscribed to Tesco’s mobile service, doubling the company’s customer base in Ireland in just two years.

A GARDA investigation has been launched following a complaint made to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council about a naked man seen bathing in close proximity to children at a beach near Vico Road recently.

Nude pictures of the man sitting beside children emerged last week.

A council spokesperson said: “We have recently received a complaint in relation to people bathing in the nude at a Dalkey beach. The complaint is being investigated by An Garda Siochana.”

A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardai are carrying out enquiries regarding this incident and anyone with information should contact Dun Laoghaire Garda Station at 01 666 5000.”

4 DUN laoghaire Gazette 29 August 2013

FastNews

heritage: town events highlighted

Walk-in accountancy, Community welfare tax office for Dundrum changes have started A NEW accountancy office, TaxAssist Accountants, that specialises in providing local accounting services, is to open in Dundrum next month.

TaxAssist Accountants is the first in Ireland with a walk-in accountancy and tax shop, and has 14 branches across the country, from Cork to Drogheda.

This latest shop is located at Number 6, Main Street, Dundrum and is the second TaxAssist shop to open in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown region in the past year.

The first, located at Number 7, Patrick’s Street, Dun Laoghaire was launched last March. The new Dundrum office will be launched on September 16 by Deputy Shane Ross (Ind) at 5pm.

CHANGES to how community welfare services in the Dun Laoghaire area are delivered came into effect this week.

The enhanced services, formerly provided in health centres in Sallynoggin, Loughlinstown, Dalkey, Stillorgan, Blackrock and York Road, will now be provided by the Dun Laoghaire local office located at Cumberland Street.

Community welfare officers will be available during the office opening hours, from Monday to Wednesday and on Friday, from 9.30am until 4pm, and on Thursday from 10.30am until 4pm.

This change extends the availability of community welfare officers who were previously only accessible for a maximum of 1.5 hours each day.

Tanaiste praises Lockout events  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

COMMEMORATIONS marking Dun Laoghaire’s role in the 1913 Lockout were held in the town this week, with Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore attending.

Events included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, round-table historical discussions, a lecture series, a walking tour and more.

Speaking at the launch of the celebrations, the Tanaiste said: “The 1913 Lockout was a seminal moment in the Irish Labour movement and in Irish history in general, though it is one that is often overshadowed by the events of the decade that followed it.

“The Lockout marked a watershed in terms of the legitimacy of trade unions, and of workers’ rights in Irish society, and as such deserves a larger mention in our history books than it often receives.

“It is fantastic to see its connection to Dun Laoghaire being celebrated on such a scale for its centenary.

“Not only will [such celebrations] help to inform the local community of the Lockout’s important place in Ireland and in Dun Laoghaire’s history, it will also attract visitors who will experience the fantastic amenities Dun Laoghaire has to offer.”

Former Dun Laohgaire-Rathdown heritage officer and current

MEP, Emer Costello, was instrumental in finding the unmarked grave in Deansgrange cemetery of James Byrne – an important trade union activist during the Lockout.

He was the leader of the then Kingstown Transport and General Workers Union, and was arrested, jailed and went on hunger strike in October, 1913. He died shortly after his release the following month.

Although his funeral was attended by republican and socialist leader, James Connolly, and another 3,000 mourners, his grave remained unmarked. It was only rediscovered by Costello in the course of her council work in 1996.

29 August 2013 DUN laoghaire Gazette 5

dlr sports: register online

Take part in annual race  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

Anyone wishing to take part in the annual DLR Community 5K can register now online. This is the fifth 5km run. It will be held in Kilbogget Park, Ballybrack.

The popular community event attracts all kinds of runners each year, from serious athletes to casual ramblers. Young and old are being invited to partake in the event which will kick off the DLR Social Inclusion Week on October 12.

The event is organised

by DLR Sports Partnership, the council, DLR Leisure Services, the HSE, Dublin Civil Defence, Sallynoggin College and Cabinteely Athletic and Football Clubs.

The 5km route will take participants around Kilbogget Park and entry is €5 for adults and children are free. Participants receive a t-shirt, medal and goodie bag as well as refreshments to keep energy levels up.

Opportunity

Organisers are encouraging people to use the run as an opportunity to be active, get communities together and possibly raise some money for local charities, groups or clubs.

Places for the run are limited so interested parties should book their places soon. Register online at www.dlrsportspartnership.ie.

For more information on the event, contact Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership office at 01-2719502 or email sportspartnership@dlrcoco.ie

music Glasthule Opera Gala is coming to Pavilion Theatre

Singers to hit the right notes at concert  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

NEXT month the DLR Glasthule Opera Gala will burst into song at Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire.

The cream of Irish opera singers will perform selected opera favourites from Carmen, The Pearl Fishers, Don Giovanni, The Barber of Seville and operetta songs from Die Fledermaus, The Merry Widow and The Land of Smiles.

David Brophy will conduct the orchestra for the one-night-only gala. Singers include Sarah Power, a soprano from Bray who is now

part of Scottish Opera and has appeared in many operas such as Rigoletto and The Magic Flute in several venues throughout Britain and France.

Also singing at the gala will be Kate Allen, who is a mezzo-soprano from Dublin. Kate left Ireland in 2009 to continue her studies in San Francisco, and has been mentored by Marilyn Horne at the Music Academy of the West.

On the masculine side, Eoin Hynes, a tenor from Mayo, is a multiple Feis Ceoil winner. He now does concerts and oratorio and performs with the Choir Academy

in Schleswig Holstein, Germany.

Baritone Brendan Collins from Cork made his debut in a solo role in an acclaimed production of Britten’s Billy Budd at the world-renowned Glyndebourne Festival this month. Glasthule a u d i e n c e s a r e ve r y familiar with Brendan who has sung the roles of Marcello, Germont, Escamillo and most recently Figaro in last year’s production of Le Nozze di Figaro.

DLR Glasthule Opera Gala is on at Pavilion Theatre on September 14 at 7.30pm and tickets are €30 from the box office at 01 231 2929.

Soprano singer Sarah Power from Bray, who will perform with the DLR Glasthule Opera Gala at the Pavilion Theatre in mid-September

6 DUN laoghaire Gazette 29 August 2013

DID YOU KNOW WE HAVE We have 142,000* 142,000 READERS IN readers DUBLIN ALONEin dublin

retail Music chain’s return is welcomed

*based on standard industry measurements

*based on TGI-ROI 2012

To place an ad call our sales team on 60 10 240 or email sales@ g a z e t t e g r o u p. c o m

Enterprisenews

Councillors were united in welcoming the news that HMV is reopening in Dundrum, citing its value for customers and its impact on jobs

Retail Management Development Programme THE Enterprise Board, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, are pleased to introduce a Retail Management Development programme which has been designed specifically to assist small independent retail businesses in the county to cope with the current challenges in the sector and to help them to adopt new business models and practices to meet the changes they are facing and to accelerate the growth of their business in the current economic climate.

This course will take place over 7 x evenings (one per week), and topics covered will include: • Building A Robust Sales Strategy • Customer Service • Planning for Business Growth • Retail Management • Financial Management • On-line Marketing and Social Media • Merchandising and Display When: starting Tuesday, September 17th 2013 – 6.30 – 9.30pm (every Tuesday for seven weeks) Where: Fitzpatrick’s Castle Hotel, Killiney Cost: €175 per person (includes refreshment and all course materials) (the overall programme cost is subsidised by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Enterprise Board) Places can be booked on line – www.dlrceb. ie. Places are strictly limited so early booking is essential. For enquiries please phone (01) 494 8400

HMV gets set to reopen with 35 jobs restored  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

THE Dundrum outlet of the music and entertainment chain HMV Ireland is to reopen in September, with some of the former employees that were let go when the store closed in February to be rehired as part of the approximately 35 newly-appointed staff at the store.

Four of the 16 HMV stores that closed are now to reopen, with 120 staff in total already hired and ready to take up their positions in September.

As well as the Dundrum store, the three others are at Henry Street, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre and Limerick.

Paul McGowan, chief executive of Hilco Capital, who bought the chain last April, said: “We are thrilled to be able to bring HMV back to Ireland.

“The demand from consumers has been very strong since we acquired the business from the

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

‘We are thrilled to be able to bring HMV back to Ireland’

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

Paul McGowan, chief executive, Hilco Capital --------------------------

receivers, so it is gratifying to be able to get four stores up and running in such a short period of time.”

Cllr John Bailey (FG) said: “This is great news for the Dundrum area and the whole county. It represents opportunities for jobs in Dun LaoghaireRathdown, and supports indications that we, as a country, are coming out of recession.”

Party colleague Cllr Jim O’Dea said: “I am very pleased to see that HMV is reopening in Dundrum, and delighted that there will be 35 jobs there.

“This is a great relief for the former employees who will be re-employed,

and it is also good news for customers of HMV, who can shop locally to satisfy their needs.”

Larry Howard, chief executive of Hilco Capital Ireland, said: “The Hilco, HMV and Xtra-Vision teams have been at full stretch in recent weeks finalising arrangements and store designs for the new concession arrangements.

“We will also be making announcements next week regarding plans for the redemption of valid gift vouchers which were not honoured during the receivership of the old HMV business.”

Cllr Cormac Devlin (FF) said: “It’s very good news for the retail industry and for the employees returning to work.

“With the likes of M&S and Peats [Electronics] closing down, it’s always good news when the receiver relooks at the issue and opens the shop again.”

29 August 2013 DUN laoghaire Gazette 7

funding €40,000 art work commission sparks debate

Councillors seek clarity on protocol  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

A STATEMENT by a local politician that a new €40,000 art commission for The People’s Park in Dun Laoghaire did not appear before the council for approval has opened up a debate on sub-committee protocol among Dun LaoghaireRathdown councillors.

The new public art commission is to be located on the elevated promenade beside the park.

Cllr Victor Boyhan (Ind) said: “I am surprised about the figure and had no prior knowledge about the procurement of this artwork; no

decision about the commission fee came before the council for approval.

“I can understand in the current financial climate that people might consider this expenditure inappropriate at this time.”

However, a council spokesperson said: “This sculpture was shown on the Part 8 drawings that were approved by the council at the September 2012 council meeting.

“This commission was also approved by the Public arts steering committee and the arts office.”

Responding to Cllr Boyhan, the chairman of the public arts steering committee, Cllr Denis

O’Callaghan (Lab), said: “I’m surprised that an elected councillor would not be familiar with the arts policy of the council.”

Steering group member Cllr Lettie McCarthy (Lab) said: “One of the main functions of the public art steering group is to consider/approve all public art under our own public art policy.

“I am a serving member, along with two councillor colleagues [Patricia Stewart (FG) and Denis O’Callaghan (Lab)] of the public art steering group and we approved The People’s Park promenade public art scheme at our June meeting,

which I understood to be in keeping with national guidelines.

“It is a very thoughtprovoking committee, and extremely informative, exploring the most minute level of detail.”

However, Cllr Hugh Lewis (PBP) said: ““Notwithstanding the merits of the particular piece of art in question, all such expenditures should come before the council to decide democratically if such a piece should be procured or not.”

The subject of the public arts steering group’s autonomy was considered

by Cllr Cormac Devlin (FF): “This is a relatively new phenomenon where

With a €40,000 public art commission approved for The People’s Park, councillors have queried the protocols that allow such an approval to proceed

a steering group okays a plan.

“I wasn’t aware of this €40,000. It should be looked at by the organisation and protocol Committee cto decide how such a group relates to the whole council.

“It needs to be ironed out. It could have been

about a controversial item, although this time it is not.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Jim O’Dea (FG) said: “As a general rule, the council does not vote on every single item of expenditure.

“We have a county manager and various

division heads who are entrusted with the authority to make such decisions.”

The closing date for the first stage of two of the commission is September 20, and information about the brief can be found at www.etenders. gov.ie, ref: 77788.

8 dun laoghaire Gazette 29 August 2013

gazetteGALLERIES

An Cathaoirleach, Carrie Smyth (Lab), presented the Male Category winners with their prizes, with Myles Gibbons finishing in third place, Kevin Dooney in second and Freddy Situk in first Congratulations ... Leonie Gail Roantree

Cllr Smyth presents Nicole Kenny with her prize for coming third in the female category, as her father,

And they’re off ... Well, almost – Chris Mangan, Derek and Angela (nee Mangan) Boylan with Niall, Paul and

Paula Kelly and Sammi

broadcastre Pat Kenny, looks on

Denise Mangan get ready to put their best feet forward. Pictures: Margaret Brown

Doyle

sport: hundreds take up a bay run challenge

Runners take 10k in their stride ...

M

ANY local community leaders and politicians took steps to cheer on the participants in the recent DLR Bay 10K Road Race, which saw hundreds of runners (and more than a few walkers, strollers and light joggers) taking to the streets

and roads around the region.

With An Cathaoirleach Carrie Smyth (Lab) firing the starter’s pistol at Newtownsmith, it wasn’t long before some of the more experienced athletes made their way to the finish line

by County Hall in Dun

Matthew Daly and Norbert Vanwoerkom

Laoghaire.

Some of the slower participants took the 10K event in their stride, with many running for charities, as well as the enjoyment of joining friends for a bit of healthy activity close to the refreshing coastal air.

From start to finish, the runners gave their all

29 August 2013 dun laoghaire Gazette 9

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

The group of visitors that came to the Maritime Museum Warren, Nora Harkin and

An Cathaoirleach, Carrie Smyth (Lab), with artist Franke Clarke, He Jing, and Lian Yikai

Museum: Chinese artists visit

S

Jonathan and Troy

Lisa Kleiner

INO-Hibernian relations were to the fore when a group of Chinese art students visited the National Maritime Museum in Dun Laoghaire recently on a trip co-ordinated through Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor (FG). Accompanied by the well-known artist, Frank Clarke (of Simply Painting fame), the students and their guides were welcomed by An Cathaoirleach, Carrie Smyth (Lab).

They admired the museum’s fine collection of maritime paintings, which highlight the many roles that Irish vessels have played across the years, through peace and war time alike, both close to the island of Ireland’s shores as well as further afield.

Fen Thompson

Many tucked into tasty ice creams

10 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 29 August 2013

GAZETTEGALLERY

There was a diffferent type of buzz on the streets of Dublin recently when The Bee for Battens was out raising awareness for the organisation supporting children and families living with Battens Disease in Ireland. Members of the public were invited to meet and be photographed with the Bee to win prizes. Pictures: Ronan O’Sullivan

FUNDRAISING: BUMBLING AROUND DUBLIN

Creating a buzz

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

29 August 2013 Gazette 11

asdfsdaf businessP27 P16

workshop P14

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



Gazette

Diary P12

what’son Which course expo at the RDS: Which Course

Blackrock’s Steve McCarthy will draw pictures for a whole week in Kaph, a new coffe shop in Drury Street

initiative: imaginative free-for-all in city centre coffee dock

Making Space for the arts  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

A novel artistic endeavour featuring a Blackrock artist and an illustrator who learned his craft at the Institute of Design and Technology in Dun Laoghaire is to take place in a disused space in Dublin city.

Making Space is a new initiative to turn idle buildings and offices around Dublin into creative hubs for short

spaces of time. This month the project will host four creatives in residence over four weeks, who will be making and exhibiting their work at Kaph, a new coffee space on Drury Street in the city centre.

A pop-up exhibition will appear at the end of each rotation showcasing all the work made throughout the week.

The public is invited to visit the space throughout the four

weeks to sit and chat, have a coffee or even buy some of the work created.

Project

Blackrock’s Steve McCarthy starts the project off from August 29 until September.

He will draw pictures, for a whole week in the space on Drury Street and people can go along and draw too as part of his crowd drawing project.

Week two and three will feature visual communications artists Fatti Burke and Fuchsia Macaree from September 5 to 19. The two NCAD graduates will be collaborating in an imaginative free-for-all.

IADT illustrator and children’s picture book author, Chris Judge will take up the space for the last week from September 19 until 26. His

aim is to create a new body of character driven work by using graphics, illustration, painting and design. He can be joined for a coffee and a chat while he daubs some fresh canvases.

If you would like to check out the artists at work, you can do so upstairs at Kaph on 31 Drury Street, Dublin 2 from August 29 from 12pm-5pm and admission is free.

Expo, the dedicated adult learning fair, is returning to the RDS offering a space for course providers and potential students to meet and discuss their future.

The free event will take place on Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1 from 11am – 4pm.

This event features hundreds of courses in a variety of subject areas.

There will be educational providers showcasing the array of full- and part-time programmes available, such as NUI Maynooth, National College Ireland, Dublin Business School, Leisure Industry Academy and many more.

Which Course Expo 2013 will also cater for people wishing to pursue further learning at their own pace with the help of distance learning providers such as the Open University, Oscail at Dublin City University and FAS eCollege.

Each visitor to the event will receive a free goodie bag.

For more information see www.whichcourse.ie.

Gazette

12 Gazette 29 August 2013

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Local

Matters

Rallying Campaigners fighting to get Dublin’s first bridge named after a woman, are calling on the public to send postcards to Dublin City councillors urging them to vote for Rosie Hackett.

The Rosie Hackett Bridge campaign has designed postcards to send to the councillors asking them to support Rosie Hackett when they vote on the naming of Marlborough Bridge on September 2.

There are currently 16 bridges over the River Liffey in the city centre, 13 named after men but none after a woman.

Rosie Hackett was a founding member of the Irish Women Workers Union and was involved in the 1913 Lockout. She also fought for the Irish Citizen Army during the 1916 Rising.

She is one of five people shortlisted to have the Marlborough Bridge named after them.

At a recent public meeting, organiser with the Rosie Hackett Bridge Campaign, Jeni Gartland, said: “We believe that in this, the 100th anniversary of the 1913 Dub-

lin Lockout, we should pay tribute to the many women who made a huge contribution to the workers’ movement. By naming the bridge after Rosie Hackett we would be doing just that.”

Contact details for all Dublin City councillors can be found via their website, http:// w w w. d u b l i n c i t y. i e / YourCouncil/Pages/ YourCouncilHome.aspx or see the Irish Women Workers Union website – www.womenworkersunion.ie.

state art collection exhibition An exhibition of contemporary art from the OPW’s Irish State collection will be held in Rathfarnham Castle next month.

The exhibition, entitled 40/40/40, is returning to Ireland after a successful tour of Europe where it was exhibited at the Centro Cultural Conde Duque in Madrid, the University of Warsaw Library, Poland and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Palazzo della Farnesina in

29 August 2013 Gazette 13

Gazette

diary

to get a bridge for Rosie Rome.

Works are by 40 artists under the age of 40, who are either Irish or based here and are a celebration of Ireland’s 40-year membership of the European Union.

The State Art Collection, which is managed by the OPW, contains over 15,000 art works and decorative objects.

These works are located in hundreds of public buildings throughout Ireland. The majority of contemporary art works in the State Art Collection have been acquired under the Irish Government’s Per Cent for Art Scheme.

40/40/40 runs in Rath-

farnham Castle September 1 to October 31 and is free to the public.

leading ladies fundraiser for charity Leading ladies from across Ireland will gather in Dublin in just a few weeks, to host a special fundraising event at The Marker Hotel to help support Irish charity To Russia with Love.

Broadcaster Mar y Kennedy will MC the women’s lunch event, which will see a number of speakers including Norah Casey, chief executive of Harmonia, Sunday Independent editor Ann Harris and Dr

Rhona Mahony, master of National Maternity Hospital Holles Street.

The women will share their successes, challenges and passions on a range of topics from divorce to career challenges and guests will enjoy a lunch menu created by the hotel’s executive head chef with live music beforehand.

The event will be held on Friday, September 13 and tickets are available from www.torussiawithlove.ie. All proceeds raised will go directly to supporting the charity’s campaign to change the lives of orphaned and abandoned children in Russia.

Rosie Hackett (inset) was a leading member of the Irish Women Workers’ Union and fought to ensure the voice of women was heard in the workplace

L U CY h e l p s fa m i l i e s t o manage money TV presenter and mum of two Lucy Kennedy was on hand to launch an initiative for families, which provides parents

and children with money management learning tools.

The Ulster Bank MoneySense at Home is a free website building on the success of the MoneySense for Schools.

The latest website was developed to meet the growing demand from parents and families for guidance on everyday aspects of money management.

There is advice on

areas such as budgeting, what to do if something unexpected happens, managing debt and teaching children about money.

Speaking at the launch, Ulster Bank MoneySense ambassador Lucy Kennedy said: “There’s nothing like starting a family to make you really understand the importance of money management and budgeting.

“For me, MoneySense at Home is a new, fresh approach to talking about money in a way that’s easy to understand, and is exactly what I need to help budget for my family.”

14 Gazette 29 August 2013

Gazette

s

dublinlife

Making a workshop: inspiring young people difference Dubliners are being encouraged to apply to the annual Vodafone World of Difference programme, where they will have the chance to help shape a brighter future.

The Vodafone Ireland Foundation is offering four exceptional people the opportunity to answer their true calling and work with the charity of their choice for one year, with a salary of €40,000.

They are inviting applications with a closing date of September 6. This year, applicants should be looking to work with either youth-focused charities or propose new youth programmes for existing charities. For more information, see www.facebook.com/VodafoneIrelandWorldOfDifference.

Thinking big on mental health  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

Young people from Dublin were among a group from across the country that attended a Think Big workshop in the O2 headquarters in Dublin recently.

The Think Big programme was designed by O2 and Headstrong, the National Centre forYouth Mental Health, to inspire young people to promote positive mental health in their own communities.

Participants submitted ideas for projects focusing on various mental health issues for which they

were given €300 in funding and awarded a place on the national Think Big programme.

Ashling Flynn, Think Big co-ordinator, Headstrong, said: “The young people taking part in Think Big are leading the way in changing how we think about mental health in Ireland.

“Young people intuitively understand the importance of mental health and are ideally placed to promote positive mental health among their peers. Each project attending the training has great potential to make a

positive difference in their community and in joining over 250 other Think Big projects they are helping to transform our understanding of mental health.”

The programme is open to any young person in the Republic of Ireland, aged 14 to 25, who has an idea for a project that will make a difference to young people’s mental health.

Those who will be going on to the national forum include Julie Collins and Ellen Kelly from Firhouse who worked on a project to highlight mental health

Julie Collins and Ellen Kelly at the 02 Think Big workshops

awareness visually by painting a wall in a tunnel to represent light at the end of the tunnel.

Erin’s Isle Think Big is the title of the project

by Niamh McFeely, Roisin Byrne, Emma Quinn, Shannon Fegan and Courtney Fitzpatrick from Finglas.

The project in their

GAA club involves creating water bottles with uplifting quotes about mental health on them, painting dressing room walls with more encouraging quotes and making stickers for hurling helmets to support mental health in sport.

Eoin O’Liathain from Glasnevin’s Shoutout

project seeks to open up the discourse about being lesbian gay bisexual or transgender (LGBT) in secondary schools in a fresh and engaging way.

It entails a 40-minute standalone workshop designed to make students feel comfortable talking about sexuality in a mature way.

29 August 2013 Gazette 15

features family day: Clane Fertility facility celebrates more than two decades

Baby gathering marks clinic milestone

 laura webb

Hundreds of families are due to return to the fertility clinic that made their dreams of becoming parents a reality.

Clane Fertility Clinic is celebrating over two decades of bringing families together by hosting their first baby gathering in Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park, Rathangan, Co Kildare on August 31.

Past clients and their babies are due to attend the event to share their stories and experiences. They will be joined by the clinic’s medical director Peter Brinsden, who worked at Bourne

Hall where the first ever test tube baby, Louise Browne, was born, and the clinic’s consultant Osman Shamoun will be there on the day too.

Martina Kelly, unit manager, Clane Fertility Clinic, said the facility has helped hundreds of families conceive thousands of babies since it was set up.

“Some families are lucky enough to have complete families, where they have had more than one baby from a result of treatment.

“On standard, the majority of patients would be lucky enough to have one or two children from treatment.”

Although it is common for couples using fertility clinics to have twins, the clinic follows regulations and is always trying to decrease the chances of multiple births. “We would only ever return back a maximum of two embryos, so we are always trying to decrease the potential for multiple pregnancies because they do bring their own risks.

“For some patients it’s a complication in fertility treatment but for others it is a blessing in disguise – the more the merrier – it really depends,” she said.

The clinic investigates the causes of infertility in males and females, they induce ovulation and

Martina Kelly, clinical director of Clane Fertility Clinic

monitor cycles, carry out artificial insemination with either husband’s sperm or donor sperm, and more recently, they perform egg vitriciation, the flash freezing of eggs.

They are the first clinic in

the country to offer egg freezing for social as well as medical reasons.

“We have always been one of the pioneer clinics to break ground, whether it’s the treating of single women, whether it’s the

using of donor sperm, same-sex couples, we feel people are entitled to a choice of treatments and the same for social egg freezing.

“If a young female presents to us in her late

20s or early 30s, she has the opportunity to freeze her eggs and then come back and use them at a later stage, again those eggs are frozen in time and she has given herself her best opportunity of obtaining pregnancy,” Martina said.

Commenting on the upcoming event she said: “This is the first time we have done this in the clinic. We are inviting back over a hundred families varying from 20 years to a couple of months old and even less than that… It’s going to be a very fun-filled day for all involved.”

For further information, see www.clanefertility.ie

Gazette

16 Gazette 29 August 2013

dublinlife

Q&A

business

More ways to save money THIS week, the money doctor continues his series on saving cash. With more than 100 top tips to dip into, he’s sure to have plenty of ideas you haven’t thought of. However, if you have any cash-saving suggestions of your own that you’d like to share, please send them to jlowe@moneydoctor.ie.

22. Always shop with a pre-written grocery list Stick to what is on the list. Men in particular are disastrous for impulse buying.

Joan Lacey – Office Manager, Lucan District Credit Union

Making the right career choice at the credit union Joan has lived all her life in Lucan.

“It was a wonderful village to grow up in with fields all around, the river close by and the cinema across the road from where I lived, where the Ulster Bank is now,” she remembers.

She went to school in Lucan and has been working with Lucan District Credit Union all her working life. “It was a choice between the civil service and the credit union,” she said. “I knew as soon as I started working with the wonderful Carmel Whelan, one of our founding members, that I had made the right choice.”

Joan knew all the members at one time but Lucan has grown so much since she started working with the

credit union. With nearly 18,000 members now, it’s not possible to know everyone. She has seen many changes during her time with the credit union. She is office manager of the Lucan village branch of the credit union. She attained the ACCUP (advanced certificate in credit union practice) a few years ago and is now studying for the CUA (credit union adviser).

When she is not working, Joan and her husband Derek love spending time with family and friends.

“Derek runs marathons and I love being at the finishing line to cheer him on, but a brisk walk in the lovely Lucan demesne is enough for me,” she laughs.

How long have you been working with Lucan District Credit Union?

that member to find a solution that is satisfactory for both parties.

I have been working for Lucan District Credit Union for 35 years now, all my working life.

What is your favourite thing about working in your local area?

Meeting and getting to know a lot of the people in the community and not having to worry about traffic jams or bus strikes.

What makes the credit union successful?

Since the formation of Lucan District Credit Union there have always been very hard-working, dedicated, loyal staff and boards of directors along with a strong membership of wonderful Lucan locals.

How has the recession impacted your business?

With job losses and pay cuts people do not have the income that they did a few years ago. Therefore they can’t afford to borrow or save to the same level as in previous years.

Where a member is in difficulty due to changed circumstances, Lucan District Credit Union will work with

What makes the credit union different from competitors?

The credit union is different from banks, building societies and regulated money lenders because we work solely for the benefit of members. There are no hidden fees or charges. When the credit union makes a surplus the members get a share of the surplus each year, called dividend. The membership is made up of people who live or work in the area and share a common bond.

What is your ambition for the business?

I would like to see the credit union increase its membership to make us one of the biggest credit unions in the country. We are at the beginning of a period of change which will see an increase in the quality and range of services available to our members in the near future. I want our members to continue to feel that they are the most important part of Lucan District Credit Union and will always feel welcome when they come into our offices.

23. Check to see what you need before making out a shopping list Many shoppers buy items they already have in stock.

24. Create a daily list for updating If you run short of tea, washing-up liquid, kitchen towels, these can be added to your main shopping list.

25. Look for special sale announcements in your store, newspapers, radio and television It may be worth your while buying a month’s supply of an item you would normally buy, if you can avail of a huge discount.

26. Shop only once a month for your nonperishables

This means you have to plan for the full month and should not overspend by additional visits to your local convenience store.

27. Keep your shopping receipts You should track your spending and compare prices (a little black book might be just the job or better still, avail of the FREE Money Doctor APP to track your precise spending habits – for iPhones and androids… apply through your app store, type in Money Doctor and download).

28. Shopping at discount stores should not mean that you ignore generic products in the main supermarkets Tesco, Dunnes, Superquinn, SuperValu and Centra stores, Lidl and Aldi all produce their own generic goods at considerably cheaper prices than the brand names.  Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

Harvey Norman: Newly renovated showroom

It’s all go for technology and furniture giant Business is going from “strength to strength” for technology and furniture giant Harvey Norman, as it unveils its newly renovated computer and electrical showroom in Blanchardstown.

The 15,000 sq ft showroom houses the latest computers and electronic technology in a bright and spacious venue, designed to inspire and provide the best shopping experience for Irish customers.

“Harvey Norman has made a sizeable investment into revamping the Blanchardstown store.

The focus of the renovation was to heighten the customer’s shopping experience within the store. Customer interaction and technology are at

the forefront of the design.

We have introduced a lot of new live demonstration areas so customers can experience new technologies.

“We have almost everything plugged in so you can try before you buy; our technology showroom is now easily the most innovative showroom in Ireland,” Neill Callan, electrical store manager, Harvey Norman Blanchardstown, said.

Speaking to The Gazette, Blaine Callard, chief executive of Harvey Norman, said the company is continuing to invest in its business in Ireland and sales are growing.

“We have had a really good year. Business is going from strength to

Blaine Callard (third from left) with staff from Harvey Norman, Blanchardstown

strength. What is happening is, the pie is not getting any bigger but we are getting a bigger slice of the pie every year and it’s really because of the basics.

“We are doing the basics right, we’ve got the freshest products on the shelves and we are focused a lot on customer services. About three years ago we started

completely reinventing how our staff talks to customers and that has been working really well for us.

I am really positive about the direction our business is going,” he said.

Har vey Norman employs 724 staff in 12 stores in the Republic of Ireland including four in Dublin at Swords, Carrickmines, Rathfarnham and Blanchardstown.

29 August 2013 Gazette 17

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Pets can you give BLAKE AND HOLLY a home?

A B-17 Flying Fortress like this will be among the amazing line-up of aircraft that will be flying along the path of the River Liffey right through the centre of Dublin

FlightFest: Over 30 different types of aircraft to fly through the city

Spectacular in the sky

FlightFest is holding a once in a lifetime international flypast over the River Liffey which is due to take place on Sunday, September 15.

This momentous event involving more than 30 different types of aircraft, new and old, will be flying along the path of the River Liffey right through the centre of Dublin.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Naoise O Muiri (FG), said that such a spectacular flypast right in the heart of the city will lift the spirits of Dublin families and those who visit the capital.

“The display of all these aircraft over the Liffey will be a spectacle that will be remembered by old and young for many years to come. Dublin City

Council is delighted to work with the IAA, Dublin Port Company and the airlines, along with all those involved in putting together this spectacular family event,” said O Muiri.

FlightFest is expected to be one of the largest national events of the Gathering and is likely to gather thousands of people from all over Ireland and abroad.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar said the event will be a real Gathering highlight.

“I can’t wait to see these aircraft flying over the Liffey, including two Coast Guard helicopters from my own Department. It will be a fantastic draw for visitors from overseas and from Ireland,” said Minister Varadkar.

“I want to commend the IAA, Dublin City Council and all the organisers for bringing us something unique and special, and for responding to the call to do something for The Gathering.”

Anne Nolan, chairperson of the Irish Aviation Authority, said that the IAA believed such a unique event was a great opportunity to promote the aviation industry and its contribution to the economy.

“Half of the world’s aviation fleet is now managed from Ireland, with 1,000 people directly employed in the aviation leasing industry in the country.

“By providing the people of Dublin and those visiting the city with an opportunity to see at close hand some

of the best aircraft in the world, the industry is contributing to attracting domestic and international tourists to the city,” said Nolan.

The Irish Air Corps and the Royal Air Force will also participate in this event and spectators will enjoy a variety of helicopters and vintage aircraft including the World War II Spitfire and the B-17 Flying Fortress.

The flypast element of FlightFest will commence in the mid afternoon, but the family festival will be running throughout the day. The Defence Forces will also be there to exhibit a static display of military practices, which will all take place along the River Liffey between Dublin Port and the Customs House.

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dogs of the Week are Blake and Holly, who are approximately eight and six years old. Beautiful Blake and his honey Holly arrived into us together.

Blake relies heavily on his confident little lady Holly to help him feel more relaxed in his environment, and because of this, we are going to rehome them as a pair. Blake is really adoring and loving and Holly is really a sweet girl. They are very clever and know “sit” and “paw” already.

We are looking for an active, loving home for this pair, if there are children in the family, they would have to be 12+.

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

Gazette

18 Gazette 29 August 2013

OUT&ABOUT Faux leather skirt €13 (In stores mid-Nov)

Jacquard Tres Cool Knit Jumper €16

Animal Print Crop T €6

Knitted faux leather Sleeve Jacket €29 (In stores early Sept)

Prepare to face autumn/winter – with Penneys

FA S H IO N r e t a i l e r s across Ireland are getting ready for the next season with autumn/winter 2013 collections finding their way to the clothes racks for eager fashion followers to purchase.

We all love a bargain, and one shop that most of us claim we get just that in is Penneys.

This week, Gazette Style is looking at some of the new lines it has on offer for women this season.

From faux leather to tartan, ani-

mal prints to studded boots – it has everything you would expect to see on trend this season, and what we will see fashionistas wearing everywhere from the main street to The Rockies – if you’re lucky enough to get a winter getaway ...

Most of us love bright colours for the summer months, but when it comes to the colder winter

months, layering with t-shirts, jumpers, gloves, hats and scarves is definitely a first love for many.

Penney’s has something for everyone – whether you’re doing the school run or hiking up a mountain, there is definitely an accessory or item of clothing that’s ready to go.

Nicole wears a coat (€25), lace top (€11), jeans (€19), fedora (€8) and boots (€24), while Joanne (front) wears a coat (€35), crop top (€7), jeans (€10) and necklace (€10)

Ltd edition studded knee-high boot €24 (In stores early Sept)

Studded gloves €12 (In stores early Sept)

Ltd edition black metal plate tote bag €20

Check dress with contrast collar €17 (In stores end Sept)

29 August 2013 Gazette 19

Gazette

STYLE

Fuschia’s perfect debs look GAZETTE Beauty has teamed up with Fuschia make-up to help those getting ready for their debutante ball get better prepared.

Why not cut out the hassle of doing your own make-up by booking an appointment at Fuschia make-up, which is now open in The Pavilions, Swords?

A spokesperson for the Irish-owned make-up range said their professional make-up artists can help create the debs look of your dreams.

“Makeovers are free at Fuschia when you spend €25 on products, so simply call in and let them do all the work for you.

“W hether you are

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looking to achieve a look of vintage glamour, heavenly glitz or Hollywood bombshell, it is as easy as booking in.

“They are also doing a fabulous offer at the minute where lashes are only €5 with every debs make-up application,” said the spokesperson.

If you can’t get down to the store on the day, and want to do your make-up at home then why not use some of its fabulous products?

Here is what the team at Fuschia recommend ...

Ensure your foundation lasts all day by using Loose Mineral foundation. Mineral foundation lasts up to 18 hours and gives full coverage.

Fuschia’s Eyelash NTR12 (applied, €15), Love Affair lip lacquer (€16.50), Gold Bronze eye dust (€12.95) or starter kit (€65)

Dramatic eyes are a must for a debs look. Use gel eyeliner (blackout) and Indelible Mascara (black), which are longlasting and add perfect definition to your eyes.

Obviously, some Lashes (No 12 or No 4) will pump up the volume – ideal for those oh-so-important photographs.

For those glitter junkies, use some Eye Dust (sand beige, white gold or golden bronze) to add a little shimmer to your eye.

If you want to go one step further, the Glitter (Colorado Rockies) is amazing and uber-dramatic.

A touch of Bright Eyes on the lower lash line will open up your beautiful eyes and make you look ready for anything.

If you want to define your lips, instead of your eyes, with a vintage glamour look, use the amazing Lip Lacquers (Love Affair).

Incredibly long-lasting, fantastically bright and

wonderfully glossy, lip lacquers are perfect for “statement” lips.

Don’t neglect your brows, either – use Brow Stencils to ensure perfect shape, and Brow Fix to make sure your finished product stays in place while you twist and

shake.

Finally, finish off your look with gorgeous blush and bronzer combined for contouring, and some Candle Glow highlighter (Pearly Pink) to add a little shimmer to your finished look.

And, with that, you’ll

be all done and ready to wow, with all this being all you need for your debs make-up – but, if you find this all too much, simply book in to Fuschia for your full make-over.

Book in-store, or call the Fuschia team at 01 813 8549.

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 29 August 2013

R1

OUT&ABOUT

ARTS

BOOKS: EXAMINATION OF THE DARKEST DAYS IN IRELAND’S PAST

Bringing the Famine to life via its victims  BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

FROM the opening paragraph of John Kelly’s, The Graves are Walking – The History of the Great Irish Famine, you are gripped by a special kind

of horror.

A man pulls up in a carriage to the door of a cottage in Skibberreen with a box which he hands to the owner of the cottage and says: “My dog brought it home last night.”

The man takes a decomposed head out of the box, to be buried with the rest of his wife’s corpse the following morning ...

This, and other harrowing stories from the period, are what makes

this book particularly fascinating and moving.

Kelly uses human tales of the effects of the famine to really tell the story of the level of ghastliness experienced by the Irish population from 1845 to 1847.

Originally found in several American states, the potato blight crossed over to mainland Europe and then on to Ireland.

The stench of the blight was incredible, and is documented throughout the period by observers.

Anton de Bar y, a French scientist, finally ruled that the disease was fungal and christened it Phytophthora Infestans (infective plant-destroyer).

By the time the blight reached Ireland, the potato had become not only a staple diet of the Irish, but almost a way of life.

As the new disease began to take hold, panic simultaneously spread, and farmers were seen sprinkling their plots with holy water to ward off the disease, but, of course, nothing worked.

The entire Irish potato crop was soon infected, and shoals of migrating peasants began to drift from town to town in search of something – anything – to eat.

They sold their clothes for food, and dug in the snow-covered earth for grass to eat, wearing only

A meticulous study of our greatest calamity ... The cover of The Graves are Walking – The History of the Great Irish Famine, by John Kelly, right

rags.

As they passed by corpses, they would take their clothes for themselves.

Some families climbed the sea cliffs looking for seagulls’ eggs and others killed the family dog to feed their children.

Stories of even worse horror emerged as typhus struck and frenzied, feverstricken natives died everywhere.

People who couldn’t afford to bury their dead put them in the walls of their cottages until they had the money to do so.

Grave robbing was widespread, as people dug up one corpse to replace it with their own loved ones.

This led to women sitting

on the graves of their husbands, keeping guard.

According to Kelly, the British response was laissez-faire politics.

Then Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel’s administration blamed the Irish for their own misfortune, and saw the famine as an act of providence to weed out the morally weak.

However, even Queen Victoria’s officers were touched by the misery they witnessed.

On inspecting a disease-ridden workhouse, a relief official spoke of it as a “disgrace to a civilised country” and promptly

went home and shot himself.

In total, the Irish population shrank by one-third through starvation and emigration, and has never recovered that loss.

John Kelly has undertaken an outstanding amount of research, and it is his recording of the personal stories of families all over Ireland that makes the book such a resounding success.

The Graves are Walking – The History of the Great Irish Famine, published

by Faber and Faber, is out on September 5 priced €14.30.

29 August 2013 Gazette 21

GAZETTE

22 GAZETTE 29 August 2013

OUT&ABOUT

BYTES&PIECES

Meet Mr Minecraft – AKA Notch – AKA the always personable Markus Persson

NOTCH UP AN INTERESTING CANCELLATION Mr Minecraft abandons his pet programming project

KNOWN to many gamers simply as Notch – AKA Markus Persson, right, whose best-known game, Minecraft, exploded from being a lone-coder experimental title into a global phenomenon (and made him absolutely filthy rrrrich in the process), one of Sweden’s, and gaming’s, best-known faces has been making headlines again.

Notch had been beavering away for the past year or so programming 0x10c – a more-or-less infinite space game, where gamers would have shaped their spaceship’s growth and, eventually, shaped the universe with their actions.

However, he has abandoned 0x10c, saying that he’d lost interest in the project, didn’t feel he could commit enough to it, and didn’t want to end up as yet another celebrity programmer promising the earth (or the stars, in this case) but never delivering anything, or turning out something he wasn’t passionate about. Fair enough ...

A fan-created version is now in the works, inspired by what is known of what 0x10c was intended to be. Notch said he is looking forward to seeing what talented fans with passion and skill could create with his basic concept, so we could yet see a vast, procedurally-created universe to explore – watch this space ...

GAMING

RETIREMENT: MICROSOFT SHARES LEAP 9% AFTER SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT

Ballmer to step down E Y E BR OWS we r e cocked a-la Roger Moore all around the business world at the bolt-fromthe-blue retirement announcement by Microsoft’s head honcho, Steve Ballmer.

They weren’t the only things raised suddenly – Microsoft shares instantly leapt tall buildings in a single bound, jumping 9% in a clear sign that The Markets approved of the surprise news.

The 57-year-old has been running Microsoft since Bill Gates stepped aside in 2000, and Ballmer has been a, err ... singular force (see below) that did much to raise the company’s revenues even higher – as if such an outcome was needed.

However, despite overseeing some innovative

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@gazettegroup.com

new revenue streams – such as its hugely successful Xbox/gaming division, as well as pushing Bing into the ring with Google – Ballmer was seen by many analysts as having dropped the ball a bit in recent years.

For instance, Apple’s avaricious success was partly due to Microsoft’s sluggish reaction to the rise of tablet computing, while recent fumbles – such as the lukewarm interest in its Surface tablet, and the shambolic launch of the upcoming XBox One console

(which Microsoft PR gurus are busy firefighting, even now) – drew widespread criticism.

With an estimated fortune of around $15bn (or rather a lot of euro, for any beancounters wondering what that comes to), Ballmer can probably afford to retire permanently at the end of the transition period he has set in motion – that’s 12 months for an elite Microsoft team of supermanagers, led by Commodore Bill “Jumpers” Gates, himself, to find Ballmer’s successor.

However, I think it’s very unlikely we’ve heard the last of Ballmer (discounting his final year at the helm that yet lies

Industry watchers and market analysts were caught on the hop by the surprise announcement that Microsoft’s chief executive, Steve Ballmer, is to retire in 12 months. Ballmer has led the company since taking over from Bill Gates in 2000.

ahead).

After all, the kid from (near) America’s auto capital, Detroit, whose father worked for Ford, has always been an extremely driven character (geddit?), and it’s likely he’ll want to take

the wheel at another challenging company, and motor along again as one of the unforgettable characters in an otherwise generally dull corporate landscape.

Here’s hoping so, anyway ...

PROFILE: THE MAN. THE LEGEND. THE BOSS. THE BALLMER ...

HMV REOPENING IN IRELAND 120 jobs created at four outlets

THERE was some good news for the Irish gaming sector – well, indirectly – with the news that HMV is to reopen four closed stores.

It is expected that the stores – located at Henry Street (above), Dundrum Town Centre, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre and Limerick – will reopen in early September.

The stores are set to employ 120 staff upon their reopening, with those who were let go when the stores closed last January contacted as first in line for any available positions, following the loss of 300 jobs when the group’s 16 Irish stores closed.

Apart from the reopenings of those branches being welcome news for staff rejoining the company – with the possibility of more outlets reopening next year – it’s also very welcome news for gamers, as healthy retail competition, and greater choice for games and hardware purchasing, is always a good thing.

Best of luck to HMV Ireland when its operations resume here, and to the staff at the four branches ...

STEVE Ballmer may have announced his upcoming retirement (from Microsoft, at least), but one could never accuse Microsoft’s chief executive of being shy and retiring, as several online videos show.

While the vast majority of business leaders deliver dullas-dishwater speeches and keynote addresses as though there’s a gun pressed in their back, Ballmer’s always been a little, well, different ...

Having delivered turned-upto-11 presentations by (and I kid you not) variously running, bounding, jumping, shouting and roaring, Ballmer’s legen-

dary delivery style has often been a fascinating mixture of something that’s simultaneously passionate, hilarious, terrifying and, crucially, informative.

Don’t believe me? Tr y searching YouTube with these three innocuous words: “Steve Ballmer excited”, or “Steve Ballmer developers”. Go on.

Off you go, now. I can wait ...

Back? Finished cowering under the bed upstairs in your neighbour’s house? Now, tell me if you could imagine Alan Sugar or Denis O’Brien or Tim Cook giving a presentation like that seen in either of those

“YEAHHHHHHRRRRRRRR!” Steve Ballmer makes an unforgettable entrance, courtesy of a low-res clip from 2006 on YouTube

clips? I thought not ...

Given his astonishing energy, enthusiasm and loyalty, and sporting a personal style that’s part winking ringmaster, part grizzled general, and

part bewildering, frankly, the ebullient Ballmer’s going to be one hell of a tough cookie for Microsoft to replace.

A hopping, roaring, cheerleading cookie, at that ...

29 August 2013 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 23

Gazette

MOTORS road

NOISE

Keane is the new brand ambassador for Renault

The new Golf R is the fastest-accelerating production Golf yet, with a zero to 100 km/h time of just 5.3 seconds

volkswagen: golf r to debut at frankfurt motor show

A Golf dream coming true for petrol heads

You could argue that the VW Golf was the first dream car for the boy racer.

Granted, the term “boy racer” hadn’t even seen the light of day when the first Golf was released, but the GTi version quickly became the ultimate thrill ride for young drivers in Ireland.

Many incarnations since, and the Golf continues to raise the pulse – a pulse that is set to quicken further with the news of the newVolkswagen Golf R. Vo l k s w a g e n h a s released the first details of this powerful new car, which will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

With a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 300 PS and 380Nm of torque, and

transferring its power to the road via the latest 4MOTION four-wheel drive system, the new Golf R is the fastestaccelerating production Golf yet, with a zero to 100 km/h time of just 5.3 seconds (compared with 5.7 seconds for the previous model), or 4.9 seconds when fitted with the optional six-speed DSG gearbox. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

The new Golf R isn’t just faster, either: with combined fuel consumption of 7.1 l/100km and CO2 emissions as low as 159 g/km placing it in Motor Tax Band D (€570 p.a) it is up to 18% more efficient than its predecessor.

At the heart of the R is a newly developed version of the EA888 TSI

engine used in the latest Golf GTI, but in this application producing 300 PS. Compared with the GTI’s powerplant, the Golf R’s engine has a modified cylinder head, exhaust valves, valve seats and springs, pistons, injection valves and turbocharger.

The Golf R’s fourwheel drive is the latest fifth-generation Haldex system. Under low loads or when coasting, the rear axle is decoupled, helping to reduce fuel consumption. It takes only fractions of a second for drive to the rear axle to be engaged via the Haldex coupling, which is actuated by an electrohydraulic pump. If necessary, almost 100% of power can be transferred to the rear axle.

The Golf R rides on

specially tuned springs and dampers, with a ride height that’s 20 mm lower than that of the standard Golf (and 5 mm lower than that of the GTI). Adaptive Chassis Control will be available as an option. Like the GTI and GTD, the Golf R is equipped with progressive steering, which reduces the number of turns lock to lock to just 2.1, rather than 2.75, making for an enhanced dynamic driving experience.

Visually, the Golf R is distinguished by its new front bumper design, with large air inlets, modified radiator grille with R logo and newly developed daytime running lights that are integrated into the standard bi-xenon headlights. At the side, there are bespoke body-

colour sills, while behind the standard 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 tyres are black-painted brake calipers with R logos.

The brakes themselves are all ventilated discs: 30 mm by 640 mm at the front and 22 mm by 310 mm at the rear. At the rear, there are smoked LED tail lights, an R diffuser and four chrometipped exhaust pipes – two at either side.

The interior features sports seats with a cloth centre section and Alcantara bolsters, while the instrument dials are bespoke for the R, and include typical touches such as blue needles. The Golf R will go on sale in Ireland in time for the 141 plate with prices set to start around €53,000.

A lover of all things French, including food, fashion and holidays, it is fitting that working mum Lorraine Keane has been announced as a brand ambassador for French marque, Renault.

A regular visitor to France where she holidays each year, and a pretty good French speaker to boot, Lorraine showed some va va voom when she picked up the key card to her new Renault Captur.

The Captur is the latest motor from Renault, hot on the heels of the new Clio.

The stylish new urban crossover, which arrived in Ireland in July, brings a splash of colour and glamour to Irish roads. The ideal family car, the Captur has a unique blend of MPV, SUV and family hatchback.

Lorraine’s new Captur is a stunning burnt orange energy efficient TCe 90 S&S Intense model and is not only good looking but also has some clever life-simplifying touches which are great for busy mums, including zipped removable, wipeable and washable seat covers, dual height boot floor with reversible cover and sliding rear seat bench expanding your boot and storage space.

Lorraine and her husband musician and radio presenter Peter Devlin have lots of plans for the new Renault Captur before the summer runs out.

Lorraine is delighted with the new car: “I’m loving my new Captur. The colour is amazing and it’s ideal for me and the family, with great storage and cool stuff like Media Nav which can access email, full navigation system, USB to connect to my iPhone and iPod to listen to my music with a great sound system, and Bluetooth for hands free calls. Great boot space and the removable, wipeable covers are fab. Looking forward to lots of trips at home and in France with my new Captur.”

New Renault Captur is available from Renault dealerships all around Ireland and is available through Renault Finance from just €189 per month. See www.renault.ie

Lorraine Keane and the new Renault Captur

24 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 29 August 2013

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT fast

TRAVEL

TRAVEL The MSC Armonia has many attractions to entertain you

Cruise off to a great winter deal  natalie burke

HAVING experienced one of Ireland’s hottest summers on record, the thoughts of winter may leave some people a little blue, but this year Thomas Cook Cruise is offering the perfect opportunity to get away for some extra sunshine with a new Canary Island cruise from just €599 per person.

Set sail from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria for seven nights on board the MSC Armonia as it winds its way towards Agadir and Casablanca in Morocco, and on to Lanzarote and Tenerife.

Whilst onboard, take advantage of all that the ship has to offer with a gymnasium and mini golf, as well as relaxing pool and spa facilities.

Departing on November 30, the Canary Islands fly/ cruise seven-night price is based on two people sharing on a full-board basis, with return flights from Dublin.

For further information, call the Thomas Cook Cruise team in Dublin at 01 514 0336, or see www.thomascookcruise.ie.

Four-poster beds are just part of the luxurious appeal of Newforge House, which features old-world charms to soothe and relax you

armagh: relax in a small country house that has family touches, too

Forge your perfect getaway  mimi murray

THE Mathers family have lived in Newforge House in County Armagh for six generations.

Until 2005, it was the place where John Mathers and his siblings grew up, but when the everincreasing cost of maintaining a listed building became too much, he decided to turn it into a guesthouse.

Located in the village of Magheralin, this country house is small, but has everything you need for a secluded break.

It was quiet when we arrived; we had the run of the place until dinner time, when other guests arrived. We spent a short time navigating the gardens, which aren’t vast but are very well maintained and pretty.

They’re filled with lush plants and plenty of open

space, where the Mathers’ young children still run around.

The living space is small with an inviting drawing room where you can have afternoon tea or a pre-dinner drink, while the dining room is cosy, with lovely views of the garden.

Rooms have fourposter beds and the bathroom space is ample, and guests can select from the many books and DVDs on offer.

The proprietor, John, spent much of his time studying accounting until he decided the business world wasn’t for him, delving into the more creative side of his personality, instead.

His dream was to open a restaurant, until he discovered he had an illness that would not be conducive to the stresses of a busy kitchen.

And so, the idea of running a guest house from Newforge House – his family home – and utilising the kitchen to show off his culinary flair came to mind.

The choice for dinner at Newforge is small, with only two starters and two main courses to choose from.

Most of the food comes from the Mathers’ own garden, and you can really taste the freshness of the produce on offer.

A starter of smoked salmon, venison and eel was presented with a horseradish panna cotta.

This was fresh, light and delicious, and a bowl of pea and mint soup tasted of summer.

Before we ordered dinner, John told us about the provenance of much of his food – in particular, the steak that I ordered.

The organic meat is

dry-aged in Europe’s first salt chamber by Hannan’s, in the nearby village of Moira, for up to 45 days.

It was cooked exactly as I ordered, and it cut like butter. My partner had the fish, which was light, and again with fresh vegetables from the garden.

Dessert was a gooseberry crumble – a bit tart, for my liking but made from ingredients grown in the garden. A cheeseboard, with a wonderful selection of Irish cheese, rounded off the meal perfectly, with a couple of ports to wash it all down.

I would highly recommend a trip to The Meat Merchant in Moira, which we did the following morning. For those with carnivorous appetites, this is the perfect place to stock up on a

Newforge House has many inviting features, making it a pleasant getaway from the hustle of the city

freezer full of prime cuts of meat.

Only a couple of hours from Dublin, Newforge hits the spot when it comes to relaxation and

an exciting dining experience.

For further information on Newforge House, see www.newforgehouse. com.

29 August 2013 dun laoghaire gazette 25

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Local

Matters Support local b u s i n e ss Advertise with the Gazette call 60 10 240

26 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 29 August 2013

DUBLIN GAZETTECLASSIFIEDS LEGAL NOTICE

VOLUNTEERING

THE DISTRICT COURT Dublin Metropolitan District Licencing (Ireland) Act 1833, Section 6 Notice of Application for Certificate of Transfer of On Licence Applicant – Sally Anne Browne, nominee of DC Global Horizon Properties Limited TAKE NOTICE that Sally Anne Browne of Windmill Hill, Rathcoole, County Dublin, nominee of DC Global Horizon Properties Limited, a Limited Company having its registered office at Unit 3, Beagan’s Business Park, Newry Road, Dundalk, County Louth intends to apply to the annual Licencing District Court, to be held at Court No. 23 at the Four Courts, Dublin 7 on Wednesday the 25th day of September 2013 at 10.30 a.m. or at the earliest opportunity thereafter for the Transfer, as such nominee of the Licence attached to the premises known as the Finnstown House Hotel situate on the Newcastle Road, Lucan in the County of Dublin and in the District Court Area of the Dublin Metropolitan District Court.

Dated this 22nd day of August 2013 SIGNED __________________ Sally Anne Browne, Applicant.

To:District Court Clerk Dublin Metropolitan District Court, Áras Ui Dhálaigh, Four Courts, Dublin 7.

And:Superintendent Dermot Mahon, An Garda Síochána, Lucan, County Dublin.

90

“To Rathfarnham Village”

LEGAL NOTICE THE DISTRICT COURT

IF YOU ARE READING THIS SO ARE YOUR POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS! TO ADVERTISE

IN YOUR LOCAL PAPER CALL 60 10 240 OR EMAIL NEWS@ G A Z E T T E G R O U P. COM

PLANNING NOTICE SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Retention planning permission is sought by Southern Ireland Pool Federation at ‘Parkside’, Main Street, Old Navan Road, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15 for a change of use of part of the first floor area (406.5 m²) from offices (as granted under Reg. Ref. F07A/0527) to use as a billiards exhibition and teaching academy. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application.

PLANNING NOTICE SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Weronika Butrym and Ewelina Matusiak intend to apply for planning permission at 13 Foxborough Glade, Lucan, Co. Dublin .Development will consist of partial change of use comprising of 34,6sqm existing ground floor living room and sunroom to proposed use as Full Day Care, at existing two storey semi-detached dwelling.

The building will contain 2 rooms: 1st full time session, 2nd part time session, 2 parking spaces + 2 extra parking space. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€ 20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the of the Planning Authority.

213

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Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2 or email news@gazettegroup.com

12345

Dublin Metropolitan District Public Dance Halls Act 1935, Section 2 Notice of Application for a Public Dancing Licence Applicant – Sally Anne Browne, nominee of DC Global Horizon Properties Limited TAKE NOTICE that the Applicant of Windmill Hill, Rathcoole, County Dublin, nominee of DC Global Horizon Properties Limited, a Limited Liability Company having its registered office at Unit 3, Beagan’s Business Park, Newry Road, Dundalk, County Louth intends to apply to the Court at Court No. 23 at the Four Courts, Dublin 7 on Wednesday the 25th day of September 2013 at 10.30 a.m. for the grant of a Licence to use a particular place to wit Finnstown House Hotel situate on the Newcastle Road, Lucan in the County of Dublin and in the Court Area and District aforesaid for public dancing.

Dated this 22nd day of August 2013 SIGNED __________________ MacGinley Quinn, Solicitors for Applicant, Ivy House, Roden Place, Dundalk, County Louth.

To: District Court Clerk Dublin Metropolitan District Court, Áras Ui Dhálaigh, Four Courts, Dublin 7.

And: Superintendent Dermot Mahon, An Garda Síochána, Lucan, County Dublin.

89

29 August 2013 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 27

cricket P29

asdfsdaf gaelic games P27 P31

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



Gazette

soccer P28

FastSport still time to enter ulster bank contest:

Irish Boys Home International team manager Aidan Marsden, centre, pictured with Leinster team members Jack Walsh, Castle; Paul McBride, The Island; Alec Myles, Newlands; and Rowan Lester, Hermitage on their arrival at Dublin Airport. Picture: Pat Cashman

golf: talent-packed team made to wait for final result to secure victory

Leinster lads assist Ireland to Home International crown Gazette country golfers Rowan Lester from Hermitage, Paul McBride from The Island, Alec Myles from Newlands, Jack Walsh from Castle and David Carey from Carton House were all integral parts of the Ireland team who claimed the 2013 Boys Home Internationals championship title at Forest Pines Golf Club in England recently.

Captain Roy Archibald led the team, which also included Robin Dawson, Faithlegg, Sean Flanagan, Co Sligo, Jordan Hood, Galgorm Castle, Gareth

Lappin, Belvoir Park, Ronan Mullarney, Galway) and James Sugrue, Mallow, to victory after a tense final afternoon which saw the result go down to the last singles match of the competition between England and Scotland.

The drama unfolded after Ireland had beaten Wales in their final set of matches by an impressive 9.5 to 5.5, meaning that they had to wait and watch as their rivals for the title, Scotland, faced off against England.

However, England, the defending champions this week and aiming for

three wins in a row at the Lincolnshire venue, were to do the boys on the greens a favour by stifling the Scottish challenge, winning 8.5 to 6.5 and ensuring an Irish victory for the first time in the last three years of the competition, when they had last lifted the cup at Southerness in 2010.

“I’m absolutely elated, that’s the only way I can describe my feelings just now,” said Archibald. “First of all it was tense watching my team get the job done against Wales. To then have to wait and see if England could get the

necessary result for us to win was even more nerve-wracking. But we got there and I’m delighted. They’re a great bunch of lads. It was a great team effort.”

After taking a 3-2 lead into the singles, Ireland will look back on the top order securing three halved matches when it looked conceivable they might have lost them all. “They were crucial halves to get us over the line,” added the Irish captain in reference to the points salvaged by Robin Dawson, James Sugrue and Paul McBride in their singles ties.

GAA clubs across Dublin have until Friday, September 6 to enter Ulster Bank GAA Force, an initiative which supports local clubs by offering them the chance to win support packages to upgrade their facilities The top prize is a support package worth €25,000, and four runners-up from each province will receive a package worth €5,000.

The winning clubs will then carry out improvements to their GAA facilities during the planned 2013 Ulster Bank GAA Force weekends.

Over 500 clubs from across the island of Ireland entered the programme last year, which saw Erin’s Own GAA Club in Waterford announced as winners.

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

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

Gazette

28 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 29 August 2013

SPORT

FastSport run for a life with kidney association: Next month sees the fifth year of the Run For A Life event for the Irish Kidney Association. The race this year will take place over a 2.5km circuit at Parkwest on Sunday, September 15, and it will be an opportunity for walkers, joggers, runners and their families to help much needed funds for the organisation.

The new circuit means that there are three distances, 2.5km, 5km and 10km. The team relay will involve four runners, each of whom will run one lap (2.5km) of the course.

Registration, which will include a participant medal, as well as soup and a sandwich after the race, is €15 for adults and €10 per child. A family of two adults and up to four children can register for €35.

Teams of four adults entering for the relay can register for €55.

For registration and further details, log on to www.runforalife.ie

soccer: local brothers thank supporters for opportunity to compete

Forsyth saga ends with fifth place in the world  sport@gazettegroup.com

Brothers Carl and Darren Forsyth from Sallynoggin returned to Dublin recently after their inclusion in the Ireland panel whose

impressive per formances at the 2013 World University Games in Kazan, Russia saw the national side finish fifth in the competition, the highest position an Irish team had ever

achieved.

Playing a total of six games in 12 days, Ireland started with a huge result against the tournament hosts, Russia. They prevailed 2-1 in front of a crowd of

The brothers sought funding to help them to attend the World University Games

Sallynoggin brothers Carl and Darren Forsyth in action in Kazan

7,000, with Darren scoring the winning goal against a team packed with professional talent, including one player who had lined out in the previous season’s Champions League for Rubin Kazan.

Their tough group matches saw them draw with Canada, before losing out to Mexico in their final group game.

Their group position saw them progress to the quarter-final, but the boys in green were defeated by the eventual tournament champions, France.

They then went into the play-offs for the remaining places, in which they defeated Malaysia and the 2007

and 2009 champions, Ukraine, to claim a very creditable fifth place overall.

Speaking at the end of the competition, team manager Danny Crowley said: “The quarter final defeat to France on penalties will be of particular disappointment to this magnificent group of players since they dominated that game from start to finish, yet the French won the gold medal tonight.

“I am so proud of this bunch of players and the staff Paul O’Reilly, Paul Walsh and Gary Swe e n e y. We h ave worked very hard to get this far and hopefully going forward we can

get more people interested in this magnificent competition.

“This is a world event for our players and playing these games can only help to improve the players in so many ways.”

The brothers were keen to thank those who had assisted in fundraising for them to take part in the games, as the trip was partly funded by the FAI. “It was an amazing experience for us and something we will always remember,” said Darren. “We would like to say thank you to those who sponsored us; this was a huge opportunity for us andtheir support was brilliant.”

European giants of American football gather for Bowl  sport@gazettegroup.com

Members of the North Kildare Reapers Declan Gill and David Perkins with Deputy Mayor of South County Dublin Mick Duff (Lab) at the launch of the event

Gridiron fans will be converging on the Tallaght Stadium this weekend for the 2013 Gathering Bowl.

The game will feature two top-class teams who are among the best in their category of the sport. Canadian team the Greendell Falcons will play the Bristol Academy Pride from the European US High School league.

Both teams will be bringing full squads of players to this transatlantic battle played on neutral territory in Dublin. For Irish fans, this will be the only opportunity to watch this level of American football in Ireland in 2013.

The teams The Greendell Falcons are a community-based team from Manitoba, Canada who recruit players from the

Winnipeg area and field a number of teams at various age groups from seven to high school (15 -17 ) a n d c o l l e g e (18-22) aged players.

The Falcons squad for the Gathering Bowl – their “Euroteam” - will feature players from both their high school and college-aged squads.

Though based in the UK, Bristol Academy Pride play in the US High School system.

They play in the DODDS

Europe League which is the European section of the American High School League for US Military bases.

This league features teams based in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium and the games regularly attract up to 2,000 spectators.

Admission is free, but tickets are required to attend, and these can be obtained by logging on to www.americanfootball.ie.

29 August 2013 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 29

Gazette

Fortress Malahide prepares for battle With the stadium built and the crease in prime condition, the stage is set for the first one-day international between Ireland and England on September 3 at the impressive cricket venue  gerard siggins

sport@gazettegroup.com

THE pretty village of Malahide prides itself as a centre for marine activities, glorious walks and excellent restaurants – but next week it adds another string to its bow as the country’s top international cricket venue.

Several years of work and planning have gone into creating an 11,000 capacity stadium at the club, which is part of the Malahide castle estate.

And for this first game they have been handed one of the biggest fix-

tures in any sport: Ireland v England on September 3.

It’s a repeat, of course, of that famous Irish win in Bangalore two years ago, and the home team are full of confidence that they can repeat that result. “We haven’t any fear against England,” says star all-rounder John Mooney. “And we never will have any fear because they have everything to lose and we have everything to gain.”

Just 3,000 tickets are left on sale for the RSAs p o n s o r e d o n e - d ay international, ensuring

Ed Joyce pulls the ball for a boundary in his epic century v Pakistan in June

it will be the biggest game ever held in this countr y. T he enormous trucks arrived at Malahide three weeks ago, shifting the first of the hundreds of tons of equipment and fittings to transform the village field into an international venue. Sky Sports, which will show the game live, came in June to plant its stump microphones, and is building a huge studio at the Castle End. Cricket Ireland is transforming the village green into an international arena, and it is a huge task. The club’s buildings are unsuitable and there is only a small amount of existing seating for spectators, which means that every structure and seat has to be brought in, with pre-fab dressing rooms, umpires’ rooms, 100-seat media centre and corporate facilities erected from scratch.

The second ground on the Lady’s Acre will be festooned with a Cricket Village for sponsors, retailers, entertainers and food outlets. The traders and hostelries in Malahide village are also has organising events and promotions around the game.

“This is all new to us,” admits Ian Talbot of Malahide CC. “This is the first time we have done a big match here, and it’s the first time

Cricket Ireland has had a match this big. Fingal council has been very helpful all through the process.”

T h e I r i s h p l ay e r s are certainly looking forward to the game.

While Kevin O’Brien got all the headlines for his match-winning cen-

years in Castleknock, Dundrum, Lucan, Cabinteely, Adamstown, Tyrrelstown and Swords.

These have joined the rich cricket culture of Fingal, where the game has always been played by all classes and creeds, and the established Dublin clubs who have

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

‘Playing against England is special. I don’t think there’s any bigger game you can play as an Irishman’ - Ireland’s John Mooney

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

tury in the 2011 World Cup, John Mooney hit the four that got Ireland over the line. “Playing against England is special,” he said. “For me, I don’t think there’s any bigger game you can play as an Irishman – and in a World Cup it was just incredible.”

Cricket Ireland is on the up, as Malahideb a s e d c h i e f e xe c u tive Warren Deutrom explains. “Our targets are ambitious. By 2015 we see nothing less than increasing our participation figures to 50,000 [ f r o m 15 , 0 0 0 ] a n d become the eighth best men’s team [currently 11th].”

The game is buoyant, not least in Dublin where new clubs have sprouted up around the M50 in the last five

been playing for almost 200 years.

Part of this boom is due to rapid growth in the South Asian community. It may not be too long before one of “the New Irish” makes the breakthrough: recent Ireland underage and development squads feature names such as Ali, Chopra, Uddin, Shukla, and Singh.

The opening of the new Malahide ground will be a huge boost to the Irish team and its ambitions, and it recently qualified for its third World Cup. A sunny day and a bumper crowd will make it a memorable occasion – but were the Boys in Green to finish ahead on the scoreboard, well… you know you just have to be there!

FastSport

Transplant medallists saluted at Croke Park Members of the 2013 World Transplant Games team, including a large number of athletes from Gazette Country, were honoured at the AllIreland senior hurling semi-finals at Croke Park recently.

The team, who had recently returned from South Africa, were hailed by the capacity crowd of 80,000 at GAA HQ. The World Transplant Games saw almost 1,000 transplant recipients from 50 countries coming together to participate at the highest level of their respective sports.

The Irish team did themselves proud coming home with 34 medals (12 gold, 10 silver and 12 bronze) that put them 14th on the medal table.

Pictured in the Hogan Stand at half time were Dublin transplant athletes Brian Carney, Deirdre Faul and John Moran with transplant surgeon David Hickey (centre), a former Dublin footballer.

Brigid’s side represent in Croke Park St Brigid’s camogie team were one of the Dublin teams, including Na Fianna, St Vincent’s, St Brigid’s, Ballyboden St Enda’s and Trinity Gaels, who represented Ireland in the Camogiue Gathering which took place at Croke Park recently.

The Camogie Gathering saw the Toronto Camogie Club, Fullen Gaels from Man-

chester, the Croydon and Tara Camogie clubs from London converge on HQ for a celebration of the women’s sport in the year of the Gathering, which was organised

by Brigid’s man and chairman for Dublin camogie, Pat Martin.

Brigid’s represented their club with enthusiasm and showcased a high level of skill over the weekend.

St Brigid’s opponents, Tara and Croydon, contested the final which saw Tara lift the trophy.

Gazette

30 DUN laoghaire Gazette 29 August 2013

SPORT

FastSport

athletics: third consecutive title for dundrum women

Balbirnie signs fulltime with Middlesex FORMER St Andrew’s College, Booterstown student Andrew Balbirnie has signed full-time professional terms with Middlesex County Cricket Clubhaving spent three years at Cardiff University.

During his time at Cardiff he held a summer contract. His ever improving batting is bringing him closer and closer to gaining a position in Ireland’s full side.

Commenting on the signings Middlesex CCC’s managing director of cricket, Angus Fraser, said: “We are delighted to offer contracts to two exciting young cricketers. Andrew and Ryan have been in Middlesex’s system for quite some time and it is rewarding for everyone at the club to see young talent developed by ourselves coming through. We are confident both are set for successful careers with Middlesex CCC.” Balbirnie also spoke to Ger Siggins, saying: “We were playing down in Gloucestershire, and Angus Fraser told me before the game that they were really happy with me and wanted to sit down to offer me a contract.

“I went out and got 96 — knowing that I have a contract, it means I can play with greater freedom.”

“I had my finals in Cardiff but I didn’t hang around for the end of the uni season. I reckoned I would be better off making runs for Middlesex.

“One thing I’ve realised is that nobody notices the 50s and 60s – you need to be scoring hundreds.

“They’re a lovely bunch here, there’s no gap between firsts and seconds and Eoin Morgan and Steven Finn were straight up to me to ask what I was doing for the winter.”

He also spoke about the magic of Lord’s cricket ground: “It’s a special place and I love playing there. I’ve only played three times, for Ireland A, MCC and Cardiff, but I’ve done 12th man loads of times. You volunteer to do sub so you get the famous Lord’s lunch!”

He was one of two players to be added to the club’s full-time roster. Ryan Higgins joins straight from the club’s academy after taking his A Levels. He, too, is a batsman and was England U-19’s star performer against Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Dundrum South Dublin’s women’s team celebrate winning the League Cup at Tullamore Harriers. Picture: Tomas Greally / SPORTSFILE

National crown for DSDAC  sport@gazettegroup.com

D u n drum S o u t h Dublin Athletic Club’s Premier women’s team have retained the National League championship title when they secured the crown for the third year in a row the Woodie’s AAI Track and Field League Final in Tullamore recently.

Dundrum had their work cut out for them to retain the title, with L e e v a l e AC h av i n g dominated proceedings in the first two rounds of the national league, and their competitors managed victory in a number

of key events, but overall, DSD showed their mettle to hold on to the cup for another year.

The Harriers Stadium saw fierce competition in all of the events over the course of the championship which attracted the top clubs and counties in Ireland, and the DSDAC women impressed in all of their events, winning several including the two relay events, the 4x100m and 4x400m.

Gabrielle Coveney won the Premier 400m hurdles in a time of 60.8 seconds while Sinead Denny won the wom-

Fun with the blues

Leinster heroes come to DLSP RFC FINTAN, Aidan and Ronan Kennedy from Foxrock were among the young players who took part in the recent Leinster Rugby Summer Camp at the Kirwan Park club.

Also present on the day were Leinster players Brian O’Driscoll, left, and Fergus McFadden, who took time to help out with the camp as well as sign t-shirts and rugby balls for the attendees.

Picture: Brian Lawless / SPORTSFILE

en’s Premier 400m in 54.56 ahead of Shauna Cannon from Raheny Sha mrock AC, who came home in 55.26.

Jennifer Carey won the Premier 200m in 24.30, while Steven Colvert from Crusaders AC won the Premier 100m in 10.61 and the 200m in 20.92.

Siofra Cleirigh Buttner, DSD’s Irish indoor junior record holder, returned from a break but was surprisingly beaten by EYOF 800m champion Louise Shanahan from Leevale AC over that distance by the very narrowest

of margins — Shanahan won in 2:14.13 to Cleirigh Buttner’s 2:14.32.

Claire Bergin featured in the relay teams alongside Jade Leahy, Coveney and Denny in the 4x100m and Coveney, Denny and Carey in the 4x400m In the field events, Anita Fitzgibbon claimed the premier title in the javelin event with a throw of 44.73m, while Grace O’Rourke placed first in the high jump.

Grainne Moggan also won the triple jump event with a distance of 10.79m, beating her

nearest rival, Emer McCabe from Kildare County by 0.04m.

DSDAC’s men’s team finished the league campaign in seventh place, in spite of the absence of a number of key competitors.

They were able to register some positive results in the course of the Tullamore event, with John Eves finishing second in the 5,000m and fifth in the 1,500m.

Mark Kavanagh placed fourth in both the 100m and 200m events, and Brian McDermott was third furthest thrower in the javelin.

29 August 2013 DUN laoghaire Gazette 31

Gazette

Cuala leap-frog Na Fianna in AHL2  sport@gazettegroup.com

WITH their four Dublin players back in the fold and Colm Cronin and Ross Tierney available after study duty, Cuala were almost unstoppable as they ran up a 4-21 to 0-8 win over Na Fianna in AHL1 last weekend.

The Glasnevin side started slightly the bright-

er but were twice denied by the agility of Sean O’Braonain in nets.

Once Cuala settled, they began dominating in the half-back line where Shane Stapleton, Oisin Gough and Simon Timlin bossed proceedings.

David Treacy and Mark Schutte benefited from high quality ball with the former latching onto a low

ball 35m turned for goal, ghosting by two defenders to net.

It built a 1-12 to 0-6 lead at the break and, on the restart, Cuala took up where they left off with some fast, accurate passing and finding players in the clear.

Barry Connolly struck a goal direct from a sideline cut – en route to a 1-6

tally – despite his hurley breaking in the act. Treacy added a second goal while Brian Fitzgerald also clipped a goal.

Cuala now lie ninth in Division One on eight points with two games remaining. There are three teams below them, Na Fianna on seven points, and St Brigid’s and Crumlin both on two points.

ladies football: all-ireland u-16 final

Club Noticeboard

shankill THE juvenile academy continues every

helped make it such a resounding

Saturday from 12 noon to 1pm and will

success, the children who took part,

continue throughout the summer. We

their wonderful parents and Shankill

cater for boys and girls aged five to 12

FC and Cuala GAA for their continued

years, covering football, hurling and

support.

camogie. All equipment is provided

We have registered an U-10 football

and it’s only €2 per session. Don’t for-

team to take part in the Dublin League

get all children will need a gum shield

which kicks off in September. If your

as per GAA regulations.

child is under 10 and would like to take

Our U-10 and U-12 teams’ Wednes-

part in the team, then call to Shangan-

day evening training session is now on

agh Park on any Saturday to our Juve-

hold for a couple of weeks, due to re-

nile Academy between 12pm and 1pm.

commence in September, just to give

We can’t wait for the matches to start.

the kids and, of course, the coaches a

Contact team manager Gabriel on 085

little break.

725 4897 for more information.

Keep an eye on our Facebook and

Shankill GAA Club are hosting a fam-

Twitter pages as well as our weekly

ily fun day on Sunday, September 15 at

newsletter for updates on when we

Shanganagh Park from 1pm to 5pm.

will start back. We’re looking forward

This is an event for the entire commu-

to registering these teams for the

nity and we look forward to seeing you

Dublin Leagues next season.

all there for a great day’s fun.

A very successful summer camp

There are lots of fantastic events

took place last week with over 45 chil-

planned for the day. There will also

dren taking to the field in Shanganagh

be bouncing castles for the kids along

Park every day. A lot of new skills were

with the GAA inflatable portable pitch

learned, with lots of fun had also. A

with challenge matches held through-

special thank-you to everyone who

out the day.

cuala STUNNING victory for our adult hurl-

off last Sunday week with an impres-

ers on Saturday evening; a 4-21 to 0-8

sive performance and a win against a

win against Na Fianna at Mobhi Road

Dublin selection.

points towards a summer of hard

The U-13 footballers and hurlers

Locals endure tough end to epic season

work and an autumn of great prom-

recorded big midweek wins over

ise.

Lucan and Kilmacud respectively

u-16 all-ireland final

All those who have ordered tick-

Bookings are now being taken for

ets for Sunday’s All-Ireland football

the Cuala All-Ireland lunch to take

semi-final need to collect them in the

place on Friday, September 20.

Foxrock Cabinteely’s Ellen Curran against Cork’s Laura Cleary Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

Dublin Cork  sport@gazettegroup.com

3-5 6-9

AFTER an epic run in 2013, the Dublin ladies football Under-16 side, were undone in the AllIreland championship final by a superb Cork outfit who had 13 points to spare in Birr.

The side was captained

by Kilmacud Crokes’ Lauren Magee – daughter of Dubs hero Johnny – and she was joined in the panel by club mates Holly Greer and Aoife Kane while Foxrock Cabinteely’s Ciara Crotty, Ellen

Curran and Hannah O’Neill, Cuala’s Ciara McKeown and Naomh Olaf’s Niamh Donnelly formed a strong local contingent.

The panel swept all before them in Leinster before running up a 29-point win over Cavan in the All-Ireland semifinal.

But despite Emma Colgan’s excellent early goal, they found the Rebelettes too hot to handle in a fastpaced, open tie.

Dublin demonstrated the threat which their forward line possessed Colgan struck for their first goal with barely a minute

gone.

But Cork responded with three points from player of the match and points from Hannah Looney and Laura Cleary to hit the front as they began to dominate possession around the middle sector.

Wing forward Leneghan struck for the first of her three goals at the end of the first quarter to set Cork on their way.

This was soon followed by an Eimear Scally goal.

Dublin did respond via Shauna O’Hara to cut the deficit to just three but Kate Leneghan got on the end of a fine Cork

move to notch up her second green flag and extend Cork’s lead, helping them build a 3-7 to 2-2 lead.

Goals from Scally and Leneghan in the opening minutes of the second half effectively sealed Dublin’s fate as, despite their best efforts this was a mountain too high for them to climb.

Rebecca McDonnell got another goal back for them while Erika Byrne saw a penalty denied by an excellent Olivia Cahill stop.

Kate O’Keeffe, though, closed out the win with her side’s sixth goal to add a late flourish.

Highlight of next weekend will be the junior A football championship final

while the U-14 footballers hit 7-13 against Raheny.

when our second adult team takes

No joy for the U-15 hurlers who went

on St Monica’s at Parnell Park with a

down in championship action to Na

7.15pm throw in.

Fianna and St Brigid’s.

The adult hurling fundraiser golf

The shield awaits both sides now

event takes place this Thursday at

but the Bs did score a good league win

Glen of the Downs.

away to St Peregrine’s in midweek.

club between 8.30 and 10pm on Thursday night, August 29.

It was a good week for our underage teams with the minors kicking things

Des Cahill will be in the chair with a star-studded panel and the action runs at the Burlington hotel from 1pm until whenever you can.

naomh olaf THE senior hurlers had a tough week

Commiserations to the Dublin sen-

with two losses, against Thomas

ior and U-16 ladies football teams who

Davis and Vincent’s. They now await

lost over the weekend.

the result in the Dublin v Kerry game

Well done to Niamh Donnelly who

which will decide the date of their

represented the club on the U-16

championship game.

team starting corner back. A fan-

The intermediate footballers play in the league this Saturday against Ballyboughal away. Throw in is 6pm.

tastic achievement and hopefully one that will be repeated in the future.

Croke Park is issuing no member-

All support would be greatly appre-

ship cards in 2013. It is intended to

ciated in a vital game as they get clos-

issue a new and more useful type of

er to the play-off positions.

membership card in 2014.

GazetteSPORT all of your dun laoghaire sports coverage from page 27-31

junior jackies: Dublin U-16s’ epic season comes to low-key end at hands of superb Rebelettes P31

august 29, 2013

kings of the castle: Ireland and England set to battle for cricket bragging rights P29

Nicolas Roche hailed his victory in Baiona as “really liberating” after a number of near misses

Roche ‘over the moon’ Meadowbrook man produces scintillating ride on second day of the Vuelta a Espana to claim his biggest ever win on the cycling circuit

 sport@gazettegroup.com

NICOLAS Roche picked up the biggest win of his career as he landed the second stage of the Vuelta a Espana – one of cycling’s three grand tours along with the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France – last Sunday as he proved the strongest rider on the 178km stage from Pontevedra to Baiona.

The Saxo Bank rider described the stage win as “the best day of my career so far” as he made a big push on the final climb to finish in a time of four hours, 37 minutes and nine seconds, two seconds clear of Spaniard Daniel Moreno.

They were in a small group that also fea-

tured Italian Domenico Pozzovivo and the Czech Republic’s Leopold Konig. The latter had led the breakaway group going into the final ascent but no one could not keep pace with Roche in the last burst.

Speaking about this magic moment in his career, Roche said it was “really liberating” after a number of near misses on the grand tours.

“I’ve only won eight races in my career but I’ve had so many second places. [I hear things like] Roche is the rider who’s always in the front but never able to win. I’m over the moon.

“I did the Tour this summer working for Alberto, but I’ve always had the Vuelta as a

target for the last five years and this year was no different.

“I might finish fourth, fifth or sixth overall in Madrid, but this is what counts for now.”

Roche became the fifth Irishman to win a stage in the event and he said afterwards that it was a stage that he and his Saxo Bank team felt suited his skill set perfectly.

Team boss Bjarne Riis had put his faith in his ability but Roche knew that the best-laid plans do not always translate into big wins.

“Although I’ve felt great in training the last few weeks and have been targeting this race all year, I’ve been around long enough to know that things don’t always go to plan.

“There haven’t been many days in my

career where I could say beforehand ‘today I think I can win’.

“Today was different. I can’t really explain it but the last time I had this feeling was in China in 2011, when I ended up winning the third stage of the Tour of Beijing. I haven’t had it since.”

The upshot of winning a stage so early in the three-week Vuelta was that he had little time to celebrate but he did have the bonus of being the holder of all bar one of the race’s marquee jersies.

He held the blue-and-white polka-dot jersey for King of the Mountains as well as the green points jersey and the white combined points shirt.