Dundrum GAZET TE FREE
MAY 17, 2012
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DUNDRUM • CHURCHTOWN • NUTGROVE • RATHFARNHAM • BALLINTEER • SANDYFORD • LEOPARDSTOWN • TERENURE • STILLORGAN
INSIDE: Style galore at the launch of Neola Boutique in Dundrum Town Centre P2
Rugby: Leinster boost as O’Driscoll announced fit Page 32
Cycling: Orwell see more success in Criterion League Page 28
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ..................... 2 BUSINESS .................... 20 MOTORS ........................21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
TREATY: Peter Matthews (FG) on
voting Yes for a fiscal ‘safety net’ P6
Locals help gardai to find vehicle I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
MEMBERS of Neighbourhood Watch in the Ballyogan Estate in Dundrum have pulled together and assisted gardai in tracking down a suspicious vehicle believed to be connected to burglaries in the area. There have been a number of burglaries in the area, and the community set up a dedicated Facebook page to share information with each other
and the gardai relating to suspicious activity. In a statement, Gardai said: “On May 3, gardai from Cabinteely arrested a man as part of an ongoing operation targeting burglary in the Dublin South Eastern Division. “He was later released, pending a file to the DPP. Gardai are appealing to residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity in their area to local gardai.” Full story on Page 4
Wheelie interesting: Having a great time at Gravitation 2012 AN CATHAOIRLEACH, Councillor John
Bailey (FG) got some great insight into the demands of BMX riding from this expert when he officially launched the Gravitation 2012 event at the skate park at DLR Leisure Services Monk-
stown. A celebration of all manner of blade- and bike-related fun, the event attracted a lot of interest, with many gravitating to the celebration of alternative sports and urban culture. See full gallery on Pages 8-9
2 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 17 May 2012
LOCAL TEAM WIN?
RETAIL Neola Boutique opens at Dundrum Town Centre
WE WANT TO KNOW! YOUR LOCAL PAPER, YOUR LOCAL SPORTS! Call our SPORTS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email sport@gazettegroup.com
Neola Killeen
Rozanna Purcell
Aleana O’Shea and Laura King
Avila Lipsett
Emma Cogan and Johanna Cooney
Saoirse Collins and Rebecca Gleeson
Fabulous styles for fashionistas D UNDRUM Town Centre recently hosted a lavish party at Neola Boutique to celebrate the outlet’s opening at the prestigious shopping centre. The outlet’s owner, Neola Killeen, was on hand to welcome some of the city’s most stylish people, with everyone keen to see what the new outlet – the third in Neola’s boutique chain – had to offer.
Joining her on the night were several high-profile fashionistas, including TV3’s Laura Woods; style guru, Emily O’Donnell; and model, Roz Purcell. Located on the Gallery Level at the shopping centre, Neola Boutique stocks a wide mix of styles and top designer labels, including Rene Derhy, Diesel, 7 for All Mankind, True Religion and Hudsons, to name but a few.
17 May 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 3
ENTERPRISE New jobs announced with firm’s expansion
‘Construction now seeing an upward trend’ I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com
SANDYFORD-based construction information service company, Construction Information Services (CIS) has recently acquired northern-Irish competitor, Unearthore, creating two more jobs and possibly more into the future. Speaking about the takeover, Tom Moloney, managing director, CIS, said that it represents the start of an uphill trend now showing in the construction industry. He said: “There will be two people employed to maintain the level of service for the former Unear thore customers. We hope this will increase as time goes on.” CIS supplies construction related firms with planning and project data used to compile sales leads, build profitable marketing/sales plans, and win new business. Unearthore, formerly based in Belfast, will be relocated to the Sandyford premises in Beacon Court. Moloney said: “The company is a very similar one to CIS, and we are taking their clients and
integrating them into our own database. “It will immediately increase our customer numbers by 550.” This move is just the start for CIS as new markets could open up to the Irish company, thanks to this expansion, in Northern Ireland, Scotland and, hopefully, England. --------------------------
‘We see the construction industry is starting to move again, in the markers we use to judge it’
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Tom Moloney, managing director, CIS --------------------------
There was not a huge upheaval involved in the move of Unearthore’s operations to Sandyford as the lion’s share of CIS’ business is predominantly done online. Unearthore (formerly, Commercial Information Company) has been a major player in the Northern Ireland market since 1980, and was owned by Pat McGrath, who is joining CIS. Moloney said: “We used to be paper-based,
but now it’s [our related work] nearly all done online, and our business has increased due to that, too. “In 2007, we had 24 people employed and, today, we have 10, but we feel the industry is starting to move again. “We see it in our business, with the increase in levels of inquiry, new sales and retention. These are our three markers to go by.” At the height of CIS’ success, the company was turning over €2.5 million a year, but that has dropped by 63% in recent times. With this new add-on company’s business, Moloney hopes to see an eventual opening up of the British market to the company. “The acquisition will mean a growth in turnover for CIS of 25%; already, sales this year are up 39%,” he said. CIS was founded in 1973, and is the leading provider of market intelligence in the construction industry in Ireland today. It has been involved in many major construction projects, both north and south of the Border. At present, the company has more than 3,000 clients.
Reassurances over Braemor Rd works DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) is currently collating submissions relating to works planned for the Braemor Road. The Gazette ran a story last week regarding concerns from many retailers along the road, including the fact that it could mean a drop in revenue for local businesses. A council spokesperson said: “All valid submissions received will be considered during the preparation of a manager’s report, which will be presented to a county council meeting
later in the year.” Regarding the matter of traffic, the council said: “On the issue of the traffic management during construction, it will be agreed with our traffic section and An Garda.” The spokesperson assured residents and businesses in the area that: “It should be noted that access to all premises will be maintained at all times, and Braemor Road will not be closed to traffic. All details of the scheme are available on the Council website.”
FUNDRAISER
An ‘open garden’ for Sam
I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bbhraonain@gazettegroup.com
Tom Moloney, managing director, CIS
A FUNDRAISING event will be held in Knocklyon in early June in aid of Rathfarnham boy, Sam McMahon. Nine-year-old Sam suffers from Friedreich’s Ataxia, which is a degenerative illness for which there is no cure. The fundraiser is being organised by his mother, Caroline, and is an “open garden” at her home, and will focus on all things horticultural in their beautiful garden. The open garden is on at Number 40, Templeroan Avenue, Knocklyon Road on Saturday, June 9, and Sunday, June 10, from 10am to 4pm. To find out more about Sam, see www.sammcmahontrust.ie.
4 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 17 May 2012
THEATRE: TERRIFIC SHOW CRIME Neighbourhood Watch spots suspicious vehicle STAGED BY TALENTED KIDS
‘Showtime’ for Encore! I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com
ENCORE! School of Performing Arts held its annual Showtime at the Mill Theatre recently. The annual extravaganza gave students of the performing arts school the opportunity to display their talents, and some of the hard work they’ve been doing throughout the year. Children from Sandyford, Knocklyon and other south Dublin areas strutted their stuff by reenacting and performing scenes from many wellloved musicals, such as Annie, Grease and Alice in Wonderland. Encore! currently has 650 students on its books, and the talent on display
was greatly appreciated by packed houses during this year’s eight-day run at the Mill Theatre. The performers ranged in age from three-yearsold to 18, and the musical fare on offer was as wideranging, with songs from Broadway to Disco. Each student performed in a play, sang songs and did dance routines. Encore! currently runs performing arts classes all around South Dublin, including at the Mill Theatre itself. Other venues are at Sandyford, Taney, Knocklyon and WestWood, Leopardstown. Classes include musical theatre, voice training, ballet, drama, hip-hop and much more.
Gardai praised Ballyogan residents’ Neighbourhood Watch for their role in assisting the gardai in an ongoing operation targeting burglaries in the area in what Glencullen/Sandyford Sinn Fein member, Shaun Tracey (inset) described as “a great example of a community working together in conjunction with the gardai for the better of the whole community”
Gardai praise residents I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com
RESIDENTS of Ballyogan Estate in Dundrum have assisted gardai in tracking down a suspicious vehicle believed to be connected to burglaries in the area. The local Neighbourhood Watch group had been on the look-out since gardai gave the group the description of the vehicle in the area. There had been a number of burglaries in Ballyogan, and the community set up a dedicated Facebook page to share information with each other and gardai relating to suspicious activity in the area. Glencullen/Sandyford Sinn Fein member, Shaun Tracey said: “Last
Thursday [May 3], after the car was spotted in the area, gardai were alerted and the driver apprehended.” Tracey went on to congratulate the Neighbourhood Watch programme at work in the area and sees such gardai-community liaisons as a vital new trend in community policing.
Example He said: “This is a great example of a community working together in conjunction with the gardai for the better of the whole community. “I want to congratulate those involved, particularly those who created the Facebook page.” Michael Turner, co-ordinator of the Ballyogan Neighbourhood Watch
group, said that the Facebook page was a wonderful tool for vigilance and communication in this case. He added: “Community officer, Billy Molloy, played a huge part in the apprehension [of the driver]. “Billy had been on holiday and, as soon as he came back, he was around knocking on doors in the area. “He told us the make of the car involved, and that was enough. It all came together after that.” In a statement issued by the Garda Press Office, Sergeant Sean Mac Seoin said: “On May 3, gardai from Cabinteely arrested a man in his forties as part of an ongoing operation targeting burglary in the Dublin South Eastern Division. “The man was arrested in the Ballyogan area of Carrickmines at approximately 4.30pm, and taken to Shankill Garda Station, where he was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. “He was later released, pending a file to the DPP. Gardai are appealing to residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity in their area to local gardai.”
17 May 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 5
6 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 17 May 2012
TREATY A Yes to the Stability Treaty provides safety net
Forcing EU countries to adhere to the rules PETER MATTHEWS (FG) on how this treaty is pre-approval for another bailout if we need one and how it addresses the EU’s economic mistakes
ENTERPRISENEWS
Calling Senior Entrepreneurs! Are you over 50? Ever thought of starting your own business or are you already running one? This may be the right time and the County & City Enterprise Boards nationally, in conjunction with Senior Enterprise, are promoting training and networking focussed particularly on specific issues and challenges relating to budding entrepreneurs in this target group. On May 8th-9th, a hugely successful and popular Senior Entrepreneur Workshop was held in Portlaoise, with over sixty-five entrepreneurs from all over the country coming together to share their ideas and experience, and learning more about business planning and covering additional elements pertinent to business owners in this category, such as succession and pension planning, and the use of social media in business. Based on feedback, from this event, and as there are already waiting lists from disappointed applicants, the organisers are planning another event in the near future. If you fall into the 50+ category and have, or are planning to start a business, and would like to meet your contemporaries with similar plans from all over the country – get in touch with us! To receive more details, please contact Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Enterprise Board – (01) 494 8400 or info@dlrceb.ie.
E U R OPE i s attempting to learn from its economic mistakes. It was unwise of Greece and Italy to maintain huge national debts since the introduction of the euro. It was wrong of France and Germany to flout the rules and spend far more money than they were raising in taxation. The Stability Treaty addresses these mistakes. If this Treaty had been in place when the euro was launched, Greece and Italy would have been forced to reduce their national debts during the calmer times of the past decade. This might have enabled them to weather the storm when the financial crisis spread to Europe. Germany and France would not have been able to abuse their position as large countries and ignore the rules because this Stability Treaty strengthens the rules. It contains two basic rules about how countries must manage their finances. National debts must be kept low and a strict limit is placed on the amount of money that countries can borrow. These rules force Eurozone countries to adhere to sensible housekeeping rules. It ensures that, over time, less taxpayers’ money will go towards paying interest on debt and more will be available for schools and hospitals. It compels countries like Greece and Italy to reduce their national debts so that their public finances cannot affect the stability of our currency. Most importantly, voting Yes to the Stability
Treaty provides Ireland with a safety net as we face into an uncertain future. Voting Yes guarantees Irish access to a new European bailout fund should it be needed in the future. Access to this fund is our insurance policy as we work our way out of the current crisis. If we don’t vote in favour of the treaty, we have no guaranteed funding for a future bailout should it be needed. We have already borrowed more than we are entitled to from the IMF. If the IMF agreed to provide us with further funding, the rate of interest on IMF loans would be higher than the interest rate on funds from the new European bailout fund. Fur thermore, it is likely that we would only receive IMF funding for a brief period of time. This means that the budget would have to be balanced in a crash-course short period. The level of cuts and tax hikes that would be necessary would almost certainly be on a scale incomparable with anything we have experienced before. The economic hardship entailed would be extremely sudden and severe. It is important that foreign multinationals do not fear such an economic crisis in Ireland. Twitter, Intel, IBM, CocoCola, Apple, Pfizer, MSD, PayPal and Fidelity are among the global giants that have invested in Ireland since the general election. Voting Yes eases any fears these companies would otherwise have and will encourage further investment in Ireland. The referendum shines
Fine Gael TD , Peter Matthews
a spotlight on Ireland over the next few weeks until May 31. In this context, I commend Central Bank Governor Patrick Honohan’s recent comments that national governments shouldn’t be forced to pick up the bill for bailing out bank bondholders. This bill should be shared by our European partners. The Stability Treaty is a first step in addressing the enormous problems in the Eurozone. At the same time, all the leaders of Europe need reminding that the over-arching, imperative priority is resolving the European banking and financial crisis. For Ireland, the refer-
endum provides us with a timely opportunity to demonstrate that the ECB’s insistence that Irish citizens pay and suffer for the foolish investments of European banks was wrong and should be reversed. This is an opportunity we must not miss. We should use it in every possible way, by meetings and correspondence with the ECB and EU institutions, in public forums, in panel discussions, in the newspapers and on television and radio to drive this point home. The choice facing us in this referendum can be put quite simply. Imagine a personal situation and the possibility that you
may need a loan at some stage in the future. Voting Yes will ensure that you are pre-approved for a loan with a low interest rate that can be repaid over a reasonable time period. Voting No means that if you need a loan in the future, you would be forced to search for a lender, apply for a loan with a higher rate of interest that must be repaid within a much shorter period with no guarantee that the loan application will be accepted. This is the choice we face on May 31.
Peter Matthews Fine Gael TD, Dublin South
17 May 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 7
CHARITY Roy’s appeal to help fundraising drive
‘Support for guide dogs with SHADES’ FAMOUS dog-lover, and former football star, Roy Keane took time out of his busy schedule to launch the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind’s (IGDB) SHADES fundraising campaign at the Radisson Blu Saint Helen’s Hotel in Stillorgan recently. The launch was celebrating the tenth year for SHADES, which ran from May 7 to 13. Speaking at the launch, Keane praised the work of IGDB, saying: “It’s amazing to see the incredible difference a guide or assistance dog makes to an individual or family. “I’m a great admirer of their work, and the effort put in by their volunteers and staff in making a difference to others. “I’m appealing to the public to support SHADES this year so that more people can enjoy the freedom and independence that these wonderful working dogs provide.” More than 80% of IGDB’s revenue comes from voluntary donations and fundraising. SHADES is one of the organisation’s biggest campaigns, with volunteers helping to raise
funds by selling SHADES pins at locations across the country during the month of May. Padraig Mallon, chief executive, IGDB, spoke at the launch about the organisation’s need for funds. “Every donation helps us to train more guide and assistance dogs that will go on to significantly improve the lives of people waiting for our services.” --------------------------
‘I’m appealing to the public to support SHADES this year so that more people can enjoy the freedom that these working dogs provide’
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Roy Keane
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He commended Keane’s involvement, saying: “He has been an inspiration to many of our volunteers, who felt that his willingness to support us was a great encouragement to them.” Mallon praised Tesco for providing a venue for volunteers to collect at
stores nationwide on May 12, and the Radisson St Helen’s Hotel, Stillorgan for its sponsorship of the SHADES campaign. He said: “The Radisson St Helen has really understood our organisation’s values, and they have always made our volunteers, clients and guests feel at home.” The Radisson’s general manager, Neil Lane said: “We are delighted to be hosting the 10th anniversary of the launch of the SHADES campaign. “To further support the event, the employees of the Radisson Blu St Helen’s have done some of their own fundraising, and have collectively raised €1,000 for the charity. “I am delighted to present that cheque to the IGDB team.” To support SHADES, you can make a donation online or buy a €2 SHADES pin at a collection point near you. Alternatively, you can organise an event at work or in your community, or volunteer to sell SHADES pins at a collection point in your area. SHADES events are continuing all around the country until Monday, May 28. For further information, call 1850 506 300, or see www.guidedogs.ie.
May Fair fun at St Brigid’s, Stillorgan A MAY fair will take place in Stillorgan this weekend, with plenty on offer for all the family. If you’re looking for a day out, head along to the parish grounds at St Brigid’s, Church Road, in Stillorgan. The fair will offer an array of stalls with many goods, including plants, cakes, deli delights, clothes, hats, accessories, books and CDs. There will also be an assortment of miscellaneous fare on offer, and you
never know what you might find in the Aladdin’s Cave. Many toys, sweets and a bouncy castle will engage children on the day, while hamburgers and smoothies will provide the sustenance required to have great fun all day. St Brigid’s May Fair will be held on Saturday, May 19, from 10am until 2pm. All of the stalls are covered so that even if it rains, the event will go ahead.
At the presentation of €1,000 to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB) raised by staff of the Radisson St Helen’s Hotel, Stillorgan were Padraig Mallon, chief executive, IDGB; Roy Keane and the hotel’s Catriona McGroary, front of house manager; Yvonne McNamara, director of sales and Neil Lane, general manager
M
I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com
Winging it: ‘Some happy (sales) news about those Angry Birds’
GAMING PAGE 25
8 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 17 May 2012
SPORT Celebrating DLR’s diverse alternative sports
Steady, steady ... A master of balancing
An Cathaoirleach, Councillor John Bailey, gets some BMX tips from a young expert
Cllr Bailey was ready to
Whether
riding on a
skateboard, BMX, microscooter or in-line skates, the park suited all skills
Cllr Bailey got some
great insight into the
demands of BMX riding
A wheelie great Gravitation 2012
N CATHAOIRLEACH, Councillor John Bailey (FG) looked tempted to swap his chains of office for a wheelie sporty BMX when he officially launched the Gravitation 2012 event at the skate park at DLR Leisure Services Monkstown. Joined by world-renowned skater, Snowy Brew, and master BMXer, Donnacha Carroll, amongst others, Cllr Bailey was keen to get to grips with the variety of particularly youth-
A
ful sports on display at the skate park, which saw a lot of skateboarders, in-line skaters, micro-scooter riders, BMX riders and more enjoying the annual event, which celebbrates all manner of blade- and bike-related fun, and the diversity of alternative sports and urban culture in Ireland. Cllr Bailey highly praised all the participants and expert skills on show at Gravitation 2012, which was hosted by DLR Events, and is an initiative of DLRCC.
17 May 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 9
and
urban culture at annual
skate park party
At first sight, it looks as though this skater is jumping over the lads
show Snowy Brew and Donnacha Carroll a few tricks. Pictures: Lorna O’Brien
Taking to a flowing ramp
An impressive turnout of local riders in several areas turned out for Gravitation 2012
10 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 17 May 2012
EVENT Guests enjoy a charity lunch at Brasserie 15
Denise Warren, Suzy Warren and Oonagh Foran
Sophie Browne, Ann Marie Fay and Penny Warnock.
Winner of The Voice of Ireland, Pat
Pictures: Ania Sherlock
Byrne, John Quinn and Conor Quinn
Teresa Rocca, Celine Brady, Rosemary Duffy, Monica
Gill Pilkington and Louise
McGinn and Sharon Mohan
Rainey
Jackie Curly, Susan Lawlor, Alan Breslin, Louise
Pat voices support RASSERIE 15 in Castleknock, welcomed The Voice of Ireland winner, Pat Byrne, who took time out of his busy schedule to support his mentor and new best friend Bressie during a charity lunch held
B
in Castleknock. Pat played to a packed-out house at the event in aid of LARCC (Lakelands Area Retreat and Cancer Centre) hosted by the Voice judge Bressie.
Hughes, Brigit Hughes and Steve Hughes
Brian Kennedy and Bressie
Mairead O’Keefe and
Una Waters and Carmel
Mary Browne
Muller
17 May 2012 GAZETTE 11
AWARDS Entries sought for contest
Growing enthusiasm for allotments rewarded THE RDS has announced the launch of the 2012 RDS Allotment Awards. Now in its third year, the awards have a total prize fund of €3,000, and strengthen the society’s commitment to promoting bio-diversity in Ireland. Demand for allotments has never been higher, and the desire to grow fresh food at an affordable price is now stronger than ever. The RDS Allotment Awards aim to recognise the hard work, dedication and attention to detail being undertaken by those involved in allotment gardening, and also to promote an area that encourages people to become more aware of rural issues. The first award recognises the individual allotment gardener, and is divided into two categories: Experienced, and Novice Gardener. With the aim of promoting excellence in allotment gardening, the winner in each category will receive €500, and an RDS silver medal. The runner-up will be awarded €300, and
GOT A STORY? TELL US ABOUT YOUR LOCAL EVENT, CELEBRATION OR FUNCTION Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com
Last year’s RDS Allotment Award winners, Jim Spain and Sean de Barra, of Rathbeggan, Co Meath
third place, €200, with each receiving an RDS certificate of merit. The second award recognises the work of allotment providers, and is open to local authorities, allotment societies, community gardening groups and individuals who are providing allotments. The winner of this award will receive a cheque for €1,000 and an RDS silver medal. This award seeks to recognise the work that has been carried out on the overall allotment
site, as well as the supports that are provided to the individual growers. David Wiggins, chairman, RDS Committee of Agriculture, said he is looking forward to meeting this year’s entrants. He said: “Whether it’s for reasons of health or self-sufficiency, allotment gardening has never been more popular in Ireland. Allotments provide fresh and healthy food, as well as many other benefits to those involved, such as
relaxation, enjoyment and recreation. “Last year, the standard of entries was extremely high, and we are anticipating that it will be just as good, this year,” he said. Founded in 1731, the RDS continues to fulfil its commitment to furthering the broad economic and cultural development of Ireland. The RDS Allotment Awards are part of the RDS Foundation’s programme, which aims to promote excellence in
Irish agriculture through its diverse range of activities and awards. Application forms are available on the RDS website at www.rds.ie/ agriculture, by emailing agriculture@rds.ie, or by calling the RDS Agriculture Foundation on 01 240 7215. The closing date for entries is Friday, June 8. Judging of the allotments will take place over the summer, with an award ceremony taking place in the RDS in autumn.
12 GAZETTE 17 May 2012
MENTAL HEALTH Breaking silence
Depression is treatable, stresses GP in new book I NATALIE BURKE nburke@gazettegroup.com
DESPITE being so prevalent in our lives and communities, there is still a lingering reluctance to talk about depression and its effects. Approximately 400,000 people suffer from depression in Ireland and, between 2004 and 2008, 527 people died by suicide in Co Dublin alone. Dr Harry Barry, a GP and board member of Aware, the support group for those affected by depression, is determined to break the silence with his latest book, which offers practical advice to those suffering from depression as well as their families and friends. Flagging Depression: A Practical Guide, is the fourth instalment in Dr Barry’s bestselling Flagging series and, with a foreword by Paul Kelly, of Console, the national organisation supporting people in suicidal crisis and those bereaved by suicide, Flagging Depression lays out a practical four-step approach based on Dr Barry’s mantra, “feel better, get better, stay well”. The newest book not only reaches out to those dealing with depression but also offers vital assistance to those close to them. Dr Barry told The Gazette: “I look after a lot of people with depres-
sion, and quite a number of them and their families asked me to create some kind of simple, practical guide. “When you’re depressed, your whole energy and concentration is down, and you’re struggling to focus. “It’s a bit like you’re stuck in quicksand – you keep trying to move, but keep sinking, so you need something very hands-on that you can go to, immediately.” With Flagging Depression being a guide primarily aimed at sufferers themselves, it shows an insight into the disease
it’s not ‘just a bad day’ – they’re living in this terrible situation. Their mood is so down that they’re stuck at the bottom of a well, and they don’t know how to get out. “There’s a difference between being stressed, or depressed ‘with a little d’ – which we all get – and actually suffering with depression. “Lots of people misunderstand these conditions, so it’s important the symptoms are well laid out and easy to see,” said Dr Barry. A medical doctor, Dr Barry has extensive experience in the practice of
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‘There’s a difference between depressed “with a little d” and actually suffering with depression’ --------------------------------------------------------
Dr Harry Barry, author
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for both the person with depression as well as those around them. “The person living with someone with depression doesn’t really understand it completely, and the book goes into the mind of a person suffering, and all the negative thoughts that can roll around their mind. “Normally, a person could have a bad day, but their logical brain would switch back on and come up with a way of dealing with it,” he said. “For a person with depression, however,
dealing with issues such as depression, addiction and anxiety and, as a board member of Aware, he is also a regular contributor to the national media on the area of mental health. He said: “I was always very interested in the whole area of mental health and I suppose it was triggered by a very tragic suicide that took place in Drogheda, and I decided to write my first book to try and highlight depression. “It started from there, and I was asked to join Aware shortly after-
wards. “This book itself is dedicated to two lovely young guys who I knew, who both took their lives very tragically, and their families,” he said. The practical, four-step approach outlined in the book by Dr Barry looks at ways of changing a person’s lifestyle so they start to feel better; taking exercise, nutrition and avoiding alcohol, into account. It also looks at drug therapy for those unable to function with practical methods, and talk therapy to discover the issues that may have contributed to the person reaching such a low point. “What people don’t realise is that it is a really treatable condition. People often think that if they’re depressed, that it’s for life and there’s nothing they can do about it. “[But] for people who treat it properly, most people can be back feeling better within two months, and can be completely better and off all forms of treatment by nine months, so it’s a real message of hope,” said Dr Barry. With such a high rate of the population suffering from depression at any one time in Ireland, Dr Barry admits the poor economic climate has played a role in the increasing figures. “We’re beginning to see a lot of older people – men, for example – who
17 May 2012 GAZETTE 13
on illness that affects 400,000 people
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Flagging Depression author, Dr Harry Barry, with Paul Kelly, Console
have had major issues of unemployment, have lost their jobs and are in financial difficulty, and are starting to get very down. “Maybe they would have been more resilient before, and less likely to get into difficulties, but we
are definitely seeing people who might not have appeared with depression up to this point, so there’s no doubt in my mind that it’s coming more and more to the fore,” said Dr Barry. Flagging Depression raises awareness of the
issue that has taken such a strong hold of our society, for both the sufferer and their families, and Dr Barry said it was important to watch for warning signs when it comes to those suffering silently. “The key things to
watch out for would be if someone was retreating back into themselves and becoming quieter, maybe withdrawing a bit and spending more time in their room or on the computer, being tired all the time or not sleeping. “If there’s anybody who
makes throw-out comments about the world being a better place without them, always zone in on them. Watch out for those warning signs.” Flagging Depression: A Practical Guide is available now from Liberties Press, priced €13.99.
Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.
14 GAZETTE 17 May 2012
COUPLES: €10,000 PRIZE ON OFFER FOR THE BIG DAY
EVENT A BioBlitz challenge to find the most species
Wedding fair at Red Cow I SUZANNE BYRNE
PLANNING on walking down the aisle sometime soon, but worried you won’t be able to afford the kind of special day you always dreamed of? Well, the Red Cow Moran Hotel has good news for you. As part of its upcoming wedding fair jamboree, it has organised an online competition – at www. r e d c ow m o r a n h o t e l . com – to win a free wedding gown from bridal designers, House of Tamem Michael; a honeymoon of your choice with Thomas Cook, and a reception at the Red Cow Hotel, for up to 100 people, in a prize valued at up to €10,000. The winners will be announced at the fair. Goods and services on display will include florists and invitation
companies, while car and limo firms will be there to offer transport that will not only get the bride and groom to the church on time, but also in style. And, of course, the icing on the cake for any wedding is the cake – bakers with years of experience in designing cakes, from the modest and traditional to the outrageous, will be there to discuss what you want for your big day. Also at the fair, visitors can enjoy front row seats at the Tamem Michael 2013 bridal collection. To top it all, any wedding that is booked at the Red Cow Moran Hotel showcase will get a €1,000 discount. The Red Cow Moran Hotel Wedding Fair 2012 takes place on Sunday, May 20, between 2pm and 5pm.
President Michael D Higgins will launch the BioBlitz at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre on May 18
Things to get a bit wild at Aras an Uachtarain I LAURA WEBB
lwebb@gazettegroup.com
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WILDLIFE living in the grounds of Aras an Uachtarain will be surveyed for the first time as part of Ireland’s BioBlitz 2012. President Michael D Higgins will launch the BioBlitz at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre this Friday, May 18. Throughout a 24 hour period, from May 18 until May 19, over 200 scientists and wildlife surveyors will gather at four locations nationwide to participate in Ireland’s BioBlitz 2012, to see which group can record the most species of wildlife.
This is the third year of the event which is organised by the National Biodiversity Data Centre. Last year a record 1,088 species were recorded in Killarney National Park over 24 hours in 2011. Parks involved in this year’s blitz include Glengarriff Nature Reserve, Co Cork; Lough Boora, Co Offaly; Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 and, for the first time, surveyors will gain access to the grounds of Aras an Uachtarain to record its biodiversity. Director of the National Biodiversity Data Centre and organiser of the event, Dr Liam Lysaght said: “One of the objectives for hosting the event is to open
up the wonderful world of wildlife to people, and to demonstrate that there is an amazing richness of diversity all around us. “If we were to diminish this diversity in our surroundings, we would greatly diminish our quality of life also,” he added. Dr Mary Kelly-Quinn, Chair of the National Biodiversity Data Centre added: “This is a massive effort on the part of experts who are all participating in the event in a voluntary capacity to raise awareness of Ireland’s rich biological diversity resource, a resource that is estimated to contribute €2.6 billion each year to the Irish economy. Vital sectors
such as agriculture would be seriously impacted should this biodiversity be lost.” Residents are being encouraged to take part in the recording effort by coming along on Friday 18 to one of the four sites. The amount of species recorded within the day will be announced at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and all recording will cease at 5pm after which the winning team will be announced. A programme of events at each site to introduce people to aspects of Ireland’s biological diversity, such as bat walks, dawn chorus, pond dipping, bee and butterfly walks,
botanical walks, moth trapping and small mammal trapping. Further details and live streaming during the event can be accessed on a special BioBlitz Websites http://bioblitz.biodiversityireland.ie/ set up for the event. The National Biodiversity Data Centre www. biodiversityireland.ie is the national centre dedicated to the collation, management, analysis and dissemination of data and information on Ireland’s biological diversity. It serves as a hub for the exchange of data between governmental organisations, NGOs, research institutions and volunteer recorders.
17 May 2012 GAZETTE 15
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: AN ANIMAL-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT CAN BRING MANY BENEFITS
Man’s best friend making a difference in the office CCORDING to an article in this week’s Sunday Times, lucky staff at Google’s European HQ in Dublin are allowed to bring their dogs to work. Apparently this policy is already in operation at other Google offices around the world. What a brilliant idea and well done Google for being so animalfriendly because, instead of saying goodbye to sad doggies in the morning, owners can bring their precious pooches into the office with them. I know from personal experience working in an animal-friendly environment the happiness, positivity and joy that will shine from those offices; not to mention what a privilege it will be for staff. So, with that happy sentiment in mind, if any dog lovers out there are lucky enough to be able to take their best friend to work with them or who may be trying to convince their bosses to follow Google’s example; here are a few of my Pet-iquette, (sorry,
A
couldn’t resist) guidelines for you to follow; just to make sure the experience is a positive one for you, your dog and your colleagues.
give him a clean bill of health. If you think he’s having an ‘off day,’ call the vet and allow Fido to stay at home and take a sickie.
Before you set out Make sure your dog travels safely in the car with a secure doggy seatbelt or in an appropriate pet carrier.
Do your research Chat with colleagues and make sure nobody suffers from dog allergies, dog phobias, or just doesn’t like dogs. And yes, I know it’s hard to believe but sadly, dogs are not everyone’s cup of tea.
Dog proof your work area Before you bring your dog into the office tape up loose electrical wires, put markers, tippex, glue, plants and any other tempting items out of Fido’s reach. Once you’re happy, take another quick look around then lie down on the floor to get your dog’s eye view. What hazards have you missed? Supplies Bring along sufficient food, water, feeding bowls, paper towels and so on. Vaccinations Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and have your vet
Behaviour Your dog should be socialised and happy to get on with other canines as well as humans. If he’s a tad, er, over active, then why not take him for a long walk before you head into the office to let him use up some of that excess energy. Make it familiar If your dog has a favourite toy, blanket and bed, take it into the office with you to keep things familiar for him. Also, make sure to create a safe haven for him so that he can retreat from noise, other dogs and the hustle and bustle of a busy office.
Monitor Carefully monitor what your dog eats during the day and make sure coworkers understand not to feed him a variety of treats that may make him ill, may cause him to over eat or may give him an allergic reaction. I personally do not allow anyone else feed my dogs and have trained them not to take food from strangers. Proper ID Make sure your dog is microchipped, wears an identity collar and tag, is fully vaccinated and is given a clean bill of health from your vet before taking him into the office. Regular walks Take your dog outside for regular pee and poo breaks and make sure to bring along a pooper scooper to pick up and dispose of any mess in a responsible manner. Rubbish Dogs can’t resist the delicious smell of an office bin so make sure you discard all unwanted and uneaten food outside and
Lucky staff at Google’s European HQ in Dublin may bring their dogs to work
in an enclosed bin where your pet can’t get at it.
Inspiration Your dog-less colleagues may be inspired
to head for their nearest animal welfare shelter and adopt a dog thanks to seeing what lovable and good natured companion pets they make.
For more informa-
tion, log onto w w w. dspca.ie or contact your vet or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca. ie
16 GAZETTE 17 May 2012
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY
Edited by Laura Webb
Top tips for radiant skin with a lasting faux-glow R
ADIATE this summer with help from Lancome make-up artist, Shehla Shaikh. This week, she shares her secrets to perfecting the faux-glow radiance in a few simple steps. • Apply La Base Pro all over the face; the silkysmooth texture of this primer will ensure that make-up lasts all day. • Using a foundation brush, apply Lancôme TeinteIdole Ultra 24hr foundation. Start on the cheeks and apply in a buffing motion, bringing the remaining product into the T-zone. Ensure to blend into the neck for a flawless finish. • Brighten and correct
under the eyes by applying Lancome Teint Miracle concealer, which has an illuminating finish. Apply this in an upsidedown triangle under the eyes, and using one shade lighter than your foundation. Brush some product across the eyelids and set with a little translucent powder, which helps to balance and brighten the eyes as well as creating a base for eyeshadow. • Apply Lancome’s Star Bronzer to the face where the natural light falls, across the temples, cheeks and under the jaw line. Start with a little and build it up, blending and buffing in a circular
motion to mimic a sunkissed look. This is a great way to add glow and contour to the face, making the cheekbones pop. • For a radiant, smoky look, smudge Lancome Kohl pencil in bronze into the lash line. Lancome Kojl pencil in aqua is perfect against hazel eyes. Ensure you smudge softly into the lash line. • Illuminate around the eye area using Lancome’s OmbreAbsolue Moonlight, blending lightly under the eyebrows, along the lower eyelid and into the inner corner of the eyes for an instant lift. Press a little of the eyeshadow on the water-
line, which will reduce any redness, making the eyes appear fresher and brighter. • For long, luscious lashes and a wide-eyed look, start using Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes mascara on the outer corner of the lashes, and work the brush from the roots to the tip. • Finish with a gorgeous coral lip for the summer. Rouge In Love 322M, a soft coral, is perfect to add colour to the face. Apply with your fingers to give a natural finish, or straight from the bullet for a real injection of colour. • To achieve a soft, candle-lit glow on the face,
Lancome make-up artist, Shehla Shaikh
highlight using Lancome Eclat Miracle. Work a little into the bronzing brush and dab
where the light hits the face, top of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, forehead and chin.
Meet Shehla Shaikh at the Lancome Counter, Brown Thomas, May 17 to May 19.
17 May 2012 GAZETTE 17
GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY RENOVATION: GETTING READY FOR AN EXTENSION NEEDS PLANNING AND PREPARATION
Extending the scope at home I GERHARD HEYL
THE process of undertaking any building project in your home is a mix of mental adjustment, planning and hard labour. If you’ve grown tired of limbo dancing around the gap between the dining table and the sofa and the kids’ toys are steadily invading the adult living space, then you have probably made the decision to seriously investigate how to go about building some extra living space. First things first, in order to enlarge your home you will need to ensure you have sufficient space to extend the property. Perhaps you can go up
into the attic? Or maybe you have a good size garden that will take a rear or a side extension. Next, you need to get a plan drawn up. It’s a good idea to try and match the new build to the lifestyle of the occupants of the home, to ensure a good fit of space, to use. There is no point in building a new games room if it can’t accommodate that new snooker table you have your eye on. Your architect and builder can advise on the best set of plans for your home. You will need to ensure any works carried out on your home comply to planning permission guidelines. These are considered on an indi-
Expanding your living space at home can make a huge difference to your quality of life
vidual basis and the size of the extension and the size of your garden/location of boundary walls will all have an impact. Your engineer, architect or builder will advise
you on this matter. With clever planning, it is possible to generate excellent changes to your internal living accommodation in a cost effective manner. Once the plans
and budgets are agreed and in place, it’s time for the hard graft to begin. You need to approach the period of the build in as calm a way as possible while visualising the end
goal of improved living space. Your home will be a building site for the next while and it’ll be dirty and messy. Take into consideration that
you may have to pack up possessions or even move out for the duration of the build. In future articles, we will discuss steps to avoid common pitfalls in the planning, tendering and costing stages of a building project When work moves from outside to inside, the place will begin to look a bit more like a home then a building site and you can begin to imagine living in your new space. Once kitchens and bathrooms are installed and your new down lighters in the sitting room are in place, you are nearly there. All that’s to be done now is to decide what colours to put on the walls.
BabyBABY
18 GAZETTE 17 May 2012
YOUR GUIDE
TO EVERYTHING FOR YOUR BABY
KidStuff
Udderly Gorgeous Maternity range from Cowshed WE all know our babies are the most innocent, beautiful and flawless creatures on the planet – but we also know they have a tendency to make their mothers look slightly less so. Which is why bath and home care specialists, Cowshed, decided to develop the Udderly Gorgeous Maternity range and Baby Cow Organics. The 100% natural range is designed not only to help protect babies’ delicate skin, but also to help mums keep their skin as soft and smooth as their babies. And they’re now available in Ireland. Since its launch in 1998, Cowshed’s philosophy has been to create a complete range of honest, natural and therapeutic products, using the best organic and wild-crafted plants. The Udderly Gorgeous range is totally natural and made from wild-crafted sea buckthorn oil. It’s also rich in vitamins, carotenes, minerals and fatty acids, which provide your skin with all the nourishment it needs. The Baby Cow Organics range is made from meadowfoam oil and is specially formulated to pamper, protect and soothe your baby’s delicate skin. For mums, check out the Udderly Gorgeous stretch mark oil at €19.95, or the Udderly Gorgeous Cooling Leg and Foot Treatment for €17.95. But at the end of a hard day, it has to be the Udderly Gorgeous Bath Salts at €23.95. Cowshed products can be found at retailers nationwide.For full list of their products and prices call Naturelle De La Riche 01-8903070.
The Saturdays’ star, Una Healy, shines as a new mother I NATALIE BURKE
nburke@gazettegroup.com
JUST hours before the Gazette’s interview with the beautiful and talented Una Healy, one-fifth of girl band sensation The Saturdays, instructions arrive from her management that requests we refrain from asking certain questions. Such a request is just one reminder of how far the 30-year-old singer/ songwriter from the town of Thurles, Tipperary, has come. But after chatting to Una about her most recent role as a new mum, how she and her rugby star fiance, Ben Foden, have adapted to parenthood and the inspiration behind the name of their new baby girl, Aoife Belle, it’s clear that this particular celebrity mum hasn’t forgotten her roots and has her feet set firmly on
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‘My father suggested Aoife, as I was struggling for a name and I really liked it but I wanted something to go with it. As my mother’s maiden name is Bell, I decided that would be a great name. It’s nice for her to have an Irish name because she’ll always have her Irish identity there’ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
the ground. Having just given birth to her and Ben’s first child eight weeks ago, Una is already back at work, launching the band’s brand new single, which was released last week. “It’s only really the last week or two that I’ve really been back working, I was just spending all my time with the baby before that,” Una told the Gazette. “Going back to work isn’t the easiest thing in the world to do and I’m really, really tired. But
that’s the nature of the business, its like anyone who is self-employed – it’s not something you can take a lot of time off from; its not as easy as that, but I’m coping well.” Una was reunited with her band-mates Frankie Sandford, Rochelle Wiseman, Vanessa White and Mollie King last week, when they started promoting their latest single, 30 Days. “It’s a really fun pop song and it’s uplifting. The sentiment is actually quite sad, as the song is
counting down the days until you see the person that you love but when it comes to the tune, it’s definitely one that would get you up on the dancefloor,” said Una. “We’ve been really busy doing radio interviews, photo shoots and other things to promote the new single, so between that and spending time with the baby, it’s been really busy.” Health scare
Following Aoife’s birth on March 13, Una and her fiance have adapted well to their new roles as parents, despite their baby suffering a health scare just hours after being born. “There was some fluid on her lungs when she was born which is actually quite common but, at the time, she was making little grunting noises and then suddenly started choking so we were really concerned. She spent 24 hours in the neo natal unit but she was looked after so well by everyone and she’s perfect and healthy now!” The new parents were spotted out for the first time last week, when they attended the Rugby For Heroes charity event held in the UK. “Our whole life has changed since we had the
baby. It used to be Una and Ben and now suddenly there are three of us, there’s Una, Ben and Aoife so it’s a bit crazy. It was great to spend some time together at the event as it was our first night out together since having the baby but we were excited to get home to her. It was nice to have some romantic time together, you need to be able to do that.” Following an early music career playing guitar and singing in venues across Ireland, Una joined the band in 2008 and has always taken fame, and the pressures associated with it, in her stride, so it comes as no surprise that when it comes to losing baby weight, the singer hasn’t succumbed to the celebrity obsession. “I didn’t really feel a lot of pressure to lose baby weight but I was quite fit and healthy when I was pregnant so I didn’t really gain a lot,” she said. “Aoife was 7 pounds 13 ounces when she was born so she wasn’t a big baby, but as soon as I came home from the hospital I lost one of the two stone I gained during the pregnancy. I’ve also been really active and busy looking after the baby over the last few weeks and have been eating healthy and doing a lot of walking.” Heritage
With many celebrity mums fighting to top the unusual baby name chart, Una admits she wanted to make sure her daughter held on to her Irish heritage.
17 May 2012 GAZETTE 19
KidStuff All About Baby Fair to feature leading products and services THE All About Baby Fair 2012 is set to take place this July, when new parents and mumsto-be will have the chance to buy, try and test all the products and services they need for their new baby. The fair will take place on Sunday, July 29 at the Plaza Hotel, Tallaght and will offer expert advice, professional services, shopping, entertainment and a guaranteed fun-filled day out for all the family. Leading professionals in the industry will be available on the day to offer expert advice and information with a demonstration from Baby Wearing Ireland on all things sling and baby carrier related, breastfeeding information from Certified Lactation Consultants, Claire Bulfin and Nicola O’Byrne, nutrition information for during and after pregnancy by Gaye Godkin, infant first aid with Theresa Dwan and a demonstration of baby sign language by Miriam Devitt. Many stalls will feature products and services unavailable on the highstreet with great discount offers, while Gymboree Music and Play will also be on hand with a dedicated Kid Zone to keep the youngsters entertained. The event will be held from 10am to 4pm and admission is €5 for adults, while children under 16 are free. For more information, see www. allaboutbabyfair.wordpress.com.
New mum Una Healy, one-fifth of girl band sensation The Saturdays, and her little one, Aoife Belle (inset) nset)
“My father suggested Aoife as I was struggling for a name and I really liked it but I wanted something to go with it. As my mother’s maiden name is Bell, I decided that would be a great name. It’s nice for her to have an Irish name because she’ll always have her Irish identity there.” After just two months of maternity leave, Una says The Saturdays already have a hectic schedule for the summer ahead. The band are set to return to Una’s hometown of Thurles for the first time next month, when they will take to the stage at Thurles Greyhound Sta-
dium on Friday, June 3, in what will be Una’s first performance since having her baby. Excited
“I’m so excited about it. It’s the first time I’ve performed with the girls since we did the tour back in December so it’s the first post-baby gig. The girls have never seen where I grew up so it’s nice for them to see the sights of Thurles and where I’m from. It’s also nice to be able to perform in front of my home town and to bring the music back there.” “We’re also planning on going to LA this summer to film a pilot for a
reality show so that trip will be really good. The Wanted and One Directon are over there and are doing really well so we’re hoping a girl band could do well over there too. It’s the next step for us.” Broody
And what about baby Aoife Belle? “Of course she will be coming with us!” insisted the new mum. “The other girls love her and are so good to her. They’re always buying gifts for her and I’ve made them all really broody!” 30 Days is out now and is available from iTunes and all good music stores.
20 GAZETTE 17 May 2012
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Tom Egan, Harris Heating
Tom’s turning up the heat COPING WITH DEBTS Q – Having taken my child out of a fee paying school, pared back on all costs til I can pare no more, the debts including our home loan (in negative equity and in arrears) seem to be mounting and never ending. We are at our wits’ end juggling the finances but seem to be getting nowhere. Have you any advice ? David – Dun Laoghaire A - I really empathise with you and know that you are not alone. There are thousands and thousands in the same boat. Essentially, it is all about budgeting, planning, prioritising and implementing. We have a three-step process for those wishing to address their financial issues called EAR – Evaluation, Action and Representation. The first step, Evaluation : On agreement of this process, a Fact Find ( ALL financial advisers MUST comply legally with this Central Bank of Ireland directive every time they meet clients so that appropriate and personalised recommendations, strategies, solutions and action plans can be given.) is sent to the borrower. On completion and return of same by the client, a meeting is then arranged and all aspects of the issues discussed and evaluated. An email outlining the discussion outlining the strategies and recommendations is then sent to the client after this c. one hour meeting. The second step, Action: This covers the completion of the Standard Financial Statement – a mustdo if negotiating with a mortgagee in particular. This is a comprehensive generic document that must be completed and also requires a list of attachments to corroborate those details. This generic form can be used for all creditors. An itemised schedule of those additional requirements for the mortgagee is also included. This process will take at least 45 minutes. The third step, Representation: On your behalf or with you to the mortgagee if necessary- some clients want professional support when meeting mortgagees or creditors. We all need support and no matter how bleak your situation may seem, not only is there a solution, but there is a manageable solution. Please email me for details. 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
HARRIS Heating was established in Dublin in 1979. Now 33 years in business, it has served over 40,000 commercial and domestic customers. “There is still a great family feel to the business, we are a local Dublin company serving our community,” says Tom Egan who has been the commercial and domestic development manager for Harris Heating for the last 10 years. “It is challenging at present but we have adapted to suit the market and are getting a fantastic response to our current, We Love Boilers, campaigns as well as our Gloworm Gas Boiler and Firebird Oil Boiler campaigns. We are also about to launch our, Oh Solar Eco, campaign which will be a Firebird Solar package for the summer. “The majority of our service engineers and plumbers are more than 10 years with the company. “We have experienced professional staff, repeat business and competitive prices. To sum it up in one sentence? It would be trying to keep it simple.” Tom Egan, commercial and domestic development manager
Q&A When you were a kid, what did you want to be? I am 51 and still don’t know what I want to be.
day do you “delegate”? I like a win/win situation and will delegate and love to see initiative by all stakeholders…
What was your first job? Picking spuds in Rush.
What sport do you follow? All, but Bohs and the Dubs are extra special.
And your first pay check? £11. When did you start your present job? 10 years ago. What is the best thing about your job? Definitely the people and the broad spectrum of challenges. What part of your working
What sport can you play? Just walk these days, I need to shift a few stone!
Who do you follow on Twitter/ Facebook? Again it’s all family and friends. Describe your dream meal? Los Abrigos in Tenerife. Scappetas Italian mushrooms in coconut vegetarian rissota, cheese cake and Italian sparkling water.
What is your guilty music, TV or movie pleasure? Action movie every time.
Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? On our grandchildren. Our granddaughter only has to say how special the my little pony magazine is and I buy it.
What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? All of our six (adult) children and two grandchildren.
How many pairs of shoes do you own? Two pair of black shoes and one pair of runners and one pair of crocs (the kids hate them)
What was your worst holiday experience? A holiday is as good as my head is. In Ireland, Carraroe, Co Galway and abroad, Medano, Tenerife. Describe your dream holiday? Where ever I can get peace of mind. In Ireland, Carraroe, Co Galway, abroad, Medano, Tenerife. What would be your dream job? I never chose a career. In 1978 you took what you could get. So where I am is where I’m meant to be. What do you plan to do when you retire? Prefer to use the phrase “change direction”, continue enjoying life.
www.gazette group.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away
17 May 2012 GAZETTE 21
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs TOP MARKS FOR OPEL: IN the
The Renault Kangoo Maxi Crew Van ZE has an ex-VAT price of €18,200
Kangoo goes electric I CORMAC CURTIS
THE recent surge in fuel prices is showing no signs of abating, and, as a result, a dramatic shift is taking place in the buying trends of motorists. Any car dealer will tell you that people are opting for the most economical engines possible, both in new and used cars. Car manufacturers have been quick to react to this shift in the market - scarcely a week goes by without new, more efficient and economical technologies being introduced to make every drop of fuel go that little bit further. In parallel to developments of the traditional combustion engine, electric vehicles are becoming a very realistic alternative for many drivers. Personally, I support any initiative that allows people to avoid paying hundreds of euro per month in fuel bills simply to drive to and from
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‘Once you get used to the silent running of the electric engine, it’s as straightforward as a golf buggy to operate’ --------------------------
work. And let’s not forget that half of those euros go to the Government, thank you very much! So, what electric cars are available that will work in the real world? My first experience of an EV (electric vehicle) was a wonderful week with the Renault Kangoo Maxi Crew Van ZE. The Kangoo is aimed squarely at the business sector, with tradesmen a particular focus, but it slotted into my family’s lifestyle perfectly. I’ll admit from the outset that I do love driv-
ing vans, so I am a little biased. But, the fact is that you can accommodate a family and an enormous amount of stuff into this Kangoo. If you simply consider what you need in a car, as opposed to what you think you want, the Kangoo ticks just about every box. This car is easy to drive, with acres of windscreen and mirrors giving an almost panoramic view of the road. It won’t break any records in the acceleration department, but it easily moves, even full of family members in the back and gear in the boot. The interior isn’t luxurious, but it is both modern and attractive in its simplicity, and very, very comfortable. Side access to the rear seats is via sliding doors which makes getting the kids in and out a joy. The enormous boot has a split, two-door access,
the downside of which is the slightly impaired view in the rear-view mirror as a result of the door frames. But, it’s a small price to pay for such a useful payload - this thing can carry as many bikes, scooters and ‘Flikers’ as you can throw at it. Obviously, one of the real attractions here is the savings you can make on fuel. Once you have a charge point at your house, you can “fill up” this car for between €2 and €3. A full charge will translate into a range of about 170km. If you plan on taking the Kangoo on holidays, you would certainly need to plan your route very carefully. Not all electric vehicles can take a fast charge (a quick, 25-minute boost at certain charge points) and unfortunately the Kangoo falls into this category. For any kind of distance, it is important to plan a stop of a few hours at a charge point along
the way. As it happens, the charge point at my home was not working properly the week I had the car, and I was left with only 25km of range left in the “tank”. I was really stuck, as the depot where the car needed to go back to is on the other side of Dublin. There are charge points around the city, but I couldn’t find my swipe card to use them, and I didn’t feel comfortable leaving Renault’s shiny new Kangoo at a public charge point unattended. Enter Airside Renault in Swords. They are a few miles up the road from me, and when I called ahead, my new BFF, Paula, very kindly arranged for me to leave the Kangoo safely charging at one of their charge points. I have to send a big thank-you to the team at Airside for their help on this one – they really did dig me out of a hole there!
So, the Kangoo van can carry loads of people and stuff in comfort, and it has no problem getting around – what’s the catch? Even though the actual fuel cost is quite low, currently electric vehicle owners need to pay about €75 (ex VAT) per month to lease their car battery. Considering most people pay at least this much for a single tank of petrol at the moment, this is not an awful lot of money, but it does feel like a kind of stealth tax to keep the sticker price low. Speaking of sticker prices, the ex-VAT price of the car is a very affordable €18,200. No doubt these vehicles will be the van of choice for surfers, campers, and all sorts of festival-goers in the future. But, for now, it would be very encouraging to see people embrace electric vehicles and to see more of them on the road.
recently published ADAC (German Automobile Club) breakdown statistics for 2011, all five Opel models listed achieved above-average results, with the Opel Meriva leading the way. The Opel Corsa also achieved a top result: receiving the best ADAC rating in the registration years 2007 to 2009 and 2011 (2006 and 2010: second best grade). The best evaluation grade in the ADAC breakdown statistics was also achieved by the Opel Astra, which also scored best in the individual ranking as the vehicle with the fewest faults according to the results of the “DEKRA Used Car Report 2012”. The compact van, Opel Zafira and Opel Insignia for registration also received top scores.
22 GAZETTE 17 May 2012
GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Exploring the famous gardens of Normandy Get your shimmying shoes on for Shakefest in Tullamore
FORGET Electric Picnic. The place to be for dance nuts and culture fiends this year is Charleville Castle, Tullamore, Co Offaly, where one of the most intriguing festivals on the community calendar – the Shakefest – kicks off on Saturday May 26. A celebration of multicultural dance stylings - in particular those from the Middle East and the Orient -- the day-long event will also include a series of cultural and artistic workshops and performances. This year, the special guest instructor will be acclaimed Egyptian Oriental dancer Joana Saahirah, who’ll be giving a workshop on Egyptian history and folklore, together with performances of some dazzling and interpretive Oriental dances. Having delighted audiences with her shows in Cairo and around the world, this is one to watch for serious dance fans. While catering to visitors of all ages, Shakefest has also cast its eye over the younger dance enthusiasts, who can look forward to a special workshop ‘Dance like Michael Jackson’ hosted by Jacko tribute act Declan Kiely. Kids can also look forward to a bouncy castle, juggling and stiltwalking show by Stagecraft Ireland, and a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. For the more adventurous dance fans, there’ll also be demonstration of Poi (involving swinging tethered weights through a variety of rhythmical and geometric patterns) and Ribbon dancing (similar to rhythmic gymnastics, where the dancer twirls ribbons), Bachata (a hip-based three-step that originated in the Dominican Republic) and Argentinian Tango. New to Shakefest this year is a live history section – where medieval re-enactors will be treating audiences to combat simulations of the Crusaders Knight’s Templar. As the day draws to a close, visitors can enjoy the annual multicultural Hafla, followed by a spectacular fire show from The Red Embers and some 40s swing from The Bugle Babes. Playing the day out the day will be the North Strand Kontra Band, with a mix of original and traditional material, influenced by the music of Romania and Bulgaria. Tickets for Shakefest can be purchased on www.shakefest.net or www.brownpapertickets. com and range from €10 general admission, €10 camping, €20 family day pass or only €15 for evening entertainment. Gates open at 12pm. All proceeds will be going towards Charleville Castle Restoration Fund.
DAVID PHILLIPS
BEYOND the D-Day beaches and within easy reach of a rental car, Normandy offers a unique side of France, with its medley of hidden gardens and chateaux steeped in colour and history. Claude Monet’s house and garden, where he based himself for over 40 years, is a must see. Located 80km outside of Paris, the tiny village of Giverny can be visited on a day trip from Paris. A stunning array of tulips, gladioli, and irises colour the garden in front of the house. “This is an ongoing project,” explains head gardener, James Priest. “Since 1976, we have been restoring the gar-
--------------------------
‘Dotted through Normandy there are plenty of hamlets and villages to stay’ --------------------------
dens based on Monet’s designs and from the memories of people who had visited. It is a constant process of interpretation and reinterpretation.” A second adjoining garden boasts the pond and bridge made famous through Monet’s Water Lilies paintings. The house, with its bright pastel interiors, is also open to the public, and as well as commanding views of
the gardens, offers a rare insight into the family life of one of the fathers of French Impressionism. A half-hour drive from Giverny, with the aid of a GPS or a good map, you’ll find the 18th-century Château de Miserey. On the 20 acres that surround the house, a garden has been cultivated that represents a journey through hell, purgatory, and heaven – with all manner of spiked and poisonous plants giving way to an impressive alley of roses and apple trees. This is a much wilder space than the carefully preened gardens of Giverny, and Mme De Romilly, the current owner, is an excellent host and a mine of information on the plants
Château du Champ de Bataille offers a glimpse of the splendour of pre-Revolution France
and symbolism found throughout the property. Another must visit is Château du Champ de Bataille, which has to be seen to be believed. The owner, interior designer James Garcia, has worked for 20 years to restore this 17th-century castle, and the result is an interior and exterior that offer a glimpse of the splendour of pre-Revolution France. While privately occupied, the house and gardens are open to the public at weekends and throughout the summer, and provide a rare opportunity to access an unparalleled collection of antiques and art, where every inch is filled with history. For more contemporary art, the Jardins de BoisGuilbert and Château de Vascoeuil both act as open air sculpture galleries set in stunning locations. The former hosts a collection by Jean-Marc de Pas, and presents an amazing balance between art and nature, with the art pieces elegantly accentuating the wooded landscape. There are many ongoing projects at work here: statues slowly being coated with moss will take decades to develop and age; while a ring of Giant Redwood, the purpose of which is to give a telescope effect into the night sky, will come to full effect around a cen-
Claude Monet’s Gardens,
tury from now. The Château de Vascoeuil boasts outdoor works by Vasarely, Cocteau, and Dali against the backdrop of a 15th-century manor. The pieces here are modern, colourful, and bold and the interior also serves as an indoor exhibit space and museum. T here are dozens more parks, houses, and gardens to visit in close proximity, which will offer something to cater for all interests. The Parc du Bois des Moutiers is an impeccably preserved house rich in esoteric symbolism and history, the Shamrock Garden has the world’s largest collection of hydrangea, and Les Jardins Suspendus in Le Havre is a multi-million euro horticultural redevelopment of a First World War fort. Dotted through Nor-
17 May 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 23
Edited by Mimi Murray
TravelBriefs Denmark the destination for epicures AFTER years in the culinary doldrums, Denmark has finally taken its rightful place alongside the world’s most mouth-watering destinations for foodies. Boasting 13 Michelin-starred eateries and the capital Copenhagen’s famous Noma restaurant (voted San Pellegrino’s World’s Best for the past three years), it’s now the place to be for people who are serious about their food. And this summer, the famous New Nordic Cuisine will take centre stage with exciting culinary festivals cropping up countrywide. Whether island hopping in the archipelago or staying at a classic seaside hotel you’ll find new and inspiring palate pleasers - from Scandinavian island cuisine to local artisanal cheeses and homemade Danish cherry pie. First up on the itinerary is Copenhagen’s gastronomical quarter.
near the village of Giverny, were made famous by the artist’s Water Lilies paintings
mandy there are plenty of hamlets and villages to stay, which function as great bases for exploration, and offer excellent cuisine. The expansive green countryside gives perfect soil and weather for apples, so you’ll find the tipple is cider rather than wine. Cheeses are a regional speciality and as you’re never far from the coast, fans of seafood will be in their element. Aer Lingus operate daily flights from Dublin to Paris Charles de Gaulle. One-way fares start from €39.99. For more information, visit www.aerlingus.com Particularly recommended is Hôtel Le Grand Cerf in Lyonsla-Foret, a sleepy picturesque village where you’ll feel completely removed from the hustle and bustle of the port towns http:// www.grandcerf.fr/
The Château de Vascoeuil boasts outdoor works by Vasarely, Cocteau, and Dali against the backdrop of a 15th Century manor
Once the capital’s meat packing district, it is now home to a trendy culinary scene where unconventional bars and hygge (the Danish term for cosy) restaurants are front and centre If only the best will do, Noma in the capital (Strandgade 93 1401. Ph: 0045 32 96 32 97) is a must see — but book in advance to avoid disappointment. Failing that, check out the dynamic Geranium restaurant (Per Henrik Lings Alle 4, 8, Copenhagen, Denmark. 0045 69 96 00 20) which also features on the list of San Pellegrino’s world’s best – and the gastronomic Relae (Jaagersborgaade ( 44 2200 Koenhawn N Ph 0045 369 66609), voted Copenhagen’s best new restaurant in 2011. SAS fly twice daily from Dublin to Copenhagen from €75 one way, including taxes and charges. To book, log on to flysas.ie.
24 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 17 May 2012
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Hairy Maclary and Friends
OUT of the gate and off for a walk, went Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy. Anyone with young children will recognise these immortal words instantly as the opening lines of the book Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy by Lynley Dodd. With music, singing and several of your favourite Hairy Maclary stories, this show is a must-see for the whole family. Running for two shows on Saturday May 19 at 1.30pm and 3.30pm, tickets are priced at €10 and €8.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 The Importance of Being Earnest IN its 21st Anniversary year, Rathfarnham Theatre Group is delighted to stage this timeless and much loved classic in its most lavish production to date. Wilde, at his sharpest, weaves a tale of deceit regarding the courtship between two young men about town and two beautiful strong minded young ladies, which is laced with wit, elegance and paradox. The show takes place at 8pm from Tuesday May, 22 to Saturday, May 26. Tickets are priced at €15/12 For full list of dates for the great shows, see www.milltheatre.ie.
CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Just a Song At Twilight COME and have a good sing along to the Irish songs of a gentler era when Fil Campbell plays at the Civic. Fil presents an affectionate tribute to the Irish folk songs that generations of Irish grew up with – songs that were recorded by women like Delia Murphy, Bridie Gallagher whose lives Fil documented in her RTE documentary series Songbirds. The show runs on Tuesday, May 22 for just two shows, with a special Bealtaine performance at 3pm and a show at 8pm with admission €16/€12 conc.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Chalk & Cheese ERIC Lalor and Gearoid Farrelly are two of Ireland’s most in-demand comedians. While they’re both funny chaps, they couldn’t be more different. On this tour they will fight over the music in the dressing room, slag each others driving and say “you’re not wearing that on stage are you?” a lot. The only thing they agree on is that the audience will have a great night of comedy - two headliners for the price of one. Catch this show at 8.15pm on Thursday, May 24, with tickets costing €12.
Jeff gets out of the house, trying to prove his brother’s wife (Judy Greer) is playing away from home
Home sweet home Jason Segel is the man of the moment, but is this offbeat indie flick able to match Kermit and company? I PAUL HOSFORD
HAVING stuck close to the biggest film of the week for the last fortnight, I felt it was time to stretch my indie legs a little this week. That means that while Tim Burton and Jonny Depp rule all in Dark Shadows, my watching has consisted of a Zac Efron movie (the a l m o s t- ave r a g e T h e Lucky One) and a sweet little indie movie, Jeff Who Lives At Home. Coming from the Duplass brothers, Jay and Mark, this rather odd drama comedy follows the style and pace of their 2010 effor t, Cyrus. In that film a member of the Judd Apatow travelling comedy show played a socially awkward, bordeline narcissist who really should have left home by now. In Jeff... a member of the Judd Apatow travel-
FILM OF THE WEEK: Jeff Who Lives At Home ### (15A) 82 mins Director: Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass Starring: Jason Segel, Ed Helms, Judy Greer, Susan Sarandon, Rae Dawn Chong, Evan Ross
OUR VERDICT: IT CAN get cumbersome at times and the pace can sag a little, but sticking with it is a reward in itself. Underneath the slackers pace is a heart of gold as Helms and Segel have a real chemistry, displaying a tenderness towards each other that reveals the true nature of brotherhood. Watch also for a star turn from Susan Sarandon as their mother.
ling comedy show plays a socially awkward, bordeline narcissist who really should have left home by now. Ok, so the boys stay with what they know. T his time around, however, it is Jason Segel taking the lead from Cyrus’ Jonah Hill. In Cyrus, Hill was the obstacle to mother Marisa Tomei’s relationship with John C Reilly. In Jeff... Segel is the obstacle to basically every relationship there is. An unemployed man-child who lives in
his mother’s basement philosophising on life, the universe and everything in it, up to and including the prospect that maybe there are no wrong numbers. Jeff is unhappy that he has not found his purpose in life and is desperate to attain his destiny. A chance, or maybe not, meeting with his brother gives him a an opportunity to maybe, just maybe, do something big for the first time in his life. But, just what that is remains elusive for both
Jeff and the audience. Though it looks good and contains some funny moments, the story itself never really settles into a rhythm. Indeed, that is to suggest there is a story beyond the basic premise that Jeff lives with his mother and has not yet found his destiny. From the moment Helms arrives on screen, however, a lot of that can be forgotten, such is the warmth and depth of his relationship with Segel. Helms has begun to carve himself a decent career as Hollywood’s go-to prissy but ultimately lovable square and here it is no exception. While Jeff has yet to leave the familial home, Helms Pat isn’t exactly faring much better. He is, according to Jeff, “just drifting through this life”, being suckered into buying a Porsche while his wife (Greer) may or may not be having an
affair. The brothers’ attempts to expose the infidelity bring some of the film’s highlights as their farcical efforts at ensnarement become more and more desperate. Susan Sarandon, playing a supporting role as the (man)boys’ mother is outstanding. She gives the film the emotional anchor that allows Segel and Helms the latitude to indulge their comedic sensibilities. There is a sub-plot involving a secret admirer for Sarandon that feels shoehorned in purely to fill out the meagre running time, but any excuse to keep these character’s on screen is welcome. Segel is fast-establishing himself as comedic giant, with The Muppets establishing him on the A-List and this film will do nothing to harm that as the big lovable lug works his charm again.
17 May 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces Something to really get stuck into
Hebridean islands are not an obvious choice for a videogame setting, yet the multi award-winning PC title, Dear Esther, sets out not just to redefine what a ‘game’ can be, but also to create a new type of player-engagement
Exploring a concept SHANE DILLON
SEEING as my other pieces here this week have been connected to buildings and landscapes (with Angry Birds, below, about shattering them, and Minecraft, right, about exploring and constructing), I thought I’d pick out a fairly recent PC title that’s also well worth exploring. There’s a long-running debate that games can’t be regarded as “Art”, although, in recent years, several key titles have greatly strengthened the case that they can, and are, with one such critically-acclaimed title, Dear Esther , both opening eyes and raising
eyebrows, for some, at its engaging, atmospheric presentation. For those with a powerful PC rig – and, make no mistake, Dear Esther makes some serious demands for enough graphic and processing power to reveal her mysteries – the title creates a bizarre yet beautiful trip around a remote Hebridean island. Remote, deserted and abandoned ... yet not quite an empty island, as the player/protaganist discovers on his travels, with minor events having perplexing weight, adding to his confusion about why he is there – and who’s Esther, anyway? Whether wandering
past ruined boats on wind-blasted beaches, picking a path along narrow cliffside paths, watching the cold waters of the North Atlantic lap under a pale moon, exploring crumbling cottages by torchlight or stumbling through eerie caves, Dear Esther creates a sense of physical, relatable space that few titles can match, with the barren landscape around the small island feeling tangibly real. However, what makes the title so memorable are the triggered scraps of story and character monologues that one hears at certain points around the island; an overall story that’s randomly revealed
Anotherweebyte... Something Angry that will make some people happy AS THE public face (for many) of casual gaming, and as a love-it-or-hate-it brand that practically everybody’s grandmother has played at this stage, Angry Birds has flapped onto this page with regular updates. Now, in not-entirely-surprising news, its developer, Roxio, has something to really squawk about – the overall franchise has been downloaded one billion times, thanks to appearing on (approximately) 2,347 platforms in lots of iterations. Angry news to make some people happy, indeed.
in scraps and whispers. In the end, the player – if “player” and “play” are the right words for the actions of exploring an open world with no objectives, no conflict, nothing more to do than to explore, to see and to learn – undertakes a journey with more thought, and lasting effect, than a dozen loud shooters. It has been this aspect that struck a chord with many critics, as well as with a range of non-gaming media who also picked up on Dear Esther’s charms, ranging from leading psychology magazines to some heavyweight business press; all fascinated by “an experience”, rather
than by “a game”. That’s an impressive amount of respect for a title which originally started out as an exploration of what a standard first-person game engine could achieve, or if it could be pushed to create another type of player-engagement. In creating a modern ghost story, of sorts, for a character who may be as haunted as the ethereal, cold, solitary landscape around him, Dear Esther has crafted an experience that somehow transcends the medium, and makes a solid case for the Games As Art debate. Dear Esther is available via Steam digital download.
Zynga’s move to draw some extra value from sponsorship deal ANOTHER app that generated lots of interest recently, Draw Something has kept millions busy since being bought by Zynga for an estimated $210 million. Perhaps in a reaction to the sharp drop in users following the purchase (with daily active users dropping from 14.3 million to
10.4 million), as well as being an interesting marketing move, Zynga is working on sponsored challenges, with players being asked to draw well-known brands, and their imagery, ranging from KFC to Nike. It could be a great way to reinvigorate the user base, as well as being a useful way to generate revenues, if Zynga can draw more companies into the project.
READERS may feel like kicking me into a deep, deep cave for mentioning this title yet again, but Minecraft has just been released on the XBox 360, priced 1600 Microsoft Points, marking a strong highlight of the 360’s notable LIVE Arcade series As this is probably about the 2,714th time I’ve mentioned Minecraft here, I’m sure many readers already know that it’s probably the greatest “sandbox” game ever, with gamers left to make up their own gameplay on randomly-generated worlds full of cube-shaped materials, as they chop down trees, explore caverns, mine metals and craft all kinds of tools and items to make their world ever more impressive or do whatever they want to do – so, I need hardly repeat such noteworthy points again, here. Not quite as expansive or as open as its PC big brother, the XBox 360 is, however, a much more accessible beast, with simplistic yet distinctive graphics, freeform gameplay that the gamer creates, and, best of all, multiplayer fun, all of which makes it a title well worth digging into ...
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Pursuant to the provisions of the Auctioneers and House Agents Acts 1947 to 1973 intend to apply to the Judge of the Dublin Metropolitan District Court sitting at Court No 23, Old Public Records Building, Four Courts, Dublin 7 on Thursday the 28th day of June 2012 to 10.30am for the renewal of a Certificate of Qualification to hold and Auctioneers/House Agents Licence to carry on business under the name of Forbes Hamilton and having the principal place of business at The Tram Yard,Castle Stress, Dalkey, County Dublin in the City of Dublin in the aforesaid District. Dated this 17th day of April, 2012. Signed: Conall Forbes, Applicant. Signed: Messrs. Hugh J. Campbell & Co, Solicitor for the Applicant, Shannon House, Custom Place, Athlone, Co Westmeath. To: The District Court Clerk, Dublin Metropolitan District Licensing Office, 1st Floor, Aras Ui Dhalaigh, Inns Quay, Dublin 7. To: The Superintendent of An Garda Siochana, Garda Station, Dalkey, Co Dublin. 15536
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GazetteSPORT
JACKMAN BEGINS: Leinster legend on his life in Dublin’s rugby scene: Page 29
ATHLETICS: ANNUAL MEMORIAL RACE SET TO SEE 400 RUNNERS TAKE TO THE ROADS
Olympic tickets on offer at the Tom Byrne race sport@gazettegroup.com
THE prize of a lifetime is on offer at this weekend’s Tom Byrne Memorial race, which is taking place at 11am on May 20 in Lucan. One lucky entrant will recieve, in his or her goody bag after the race, a pair of Olympic track and field tickets for London 2012. This special prize comes courtesy of Cadbury, an Olympic Games sponsor.
With race entry limited to just 400 athletes, early entry is strongly advised, especially with such a unique prize up for grabs. The 5km race route takes in 3km of Griffeen Park in Lucan, and it finishes on the Lucan Harriers track on Newcastle Road. Senator Eamonn Coghlan and local TD Derek Keating will be starting the 2012 race, which is held in honour of one of the founding members
of Lucan Harriers, Tom Byrne. The race starts and finishes on Esker track in Lucan and is one of the few, if not the only, road races in the country which finishes on a track. This really adds to the atmosphere at the finish, since the race is often still undecided as the leaders come onto the track for the final sprint in front of a big crowd. This 5k is an event for anyone, from fun runners
The Tom Byrne Memorial road race takes place from 11am this Sunday (May 20)
to elite athletes to keep fit enthusiasts to walkers, footballers, joggers, and everyone in between. Amongst previous men’s winners have been Olympians Gerry Healy and Cormac Finnerty,
and Peter Matthews of DSD who has represented Ireland on many occasions at World and European Cross Country Championships. Women’s champions have included Lucan Har-
riers’ own Niamh Beirne (multiple international for Ireland track and cross country), Emer Martin of Sportsworld and Irish cross country international, Orla O’Mahony of Raheny Shamrocks.
The online entry at www.runireland.ie is only €12 or €15 on race day. Visit www.tombyrne memorialrace.com or call Derry McVeigh at 086 8322214 for more information.
28 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 17 May 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
Capital of European rugby ’13 DUBLIN is set to become the capital of European club rugby next year after it was announced that the city will host both the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup finals in May 2013. Tournament organisers, ERC, announced that the RDS will be the venue for the Amlin Challenge Cup final on Friday, 17 May, 2013, with the Heineken Cup going ahead the next day at the Aviva Stadium. With both 2013 finals being played in close proximity, up to 70,000 supporters will have the opportunity to visit the city on an unmissable weekend of European club rugby.
CYCLING: LATEST ROUNDS OF CRITERION RACES SHOWCASE NEW FACILITY
Corkagh hosts ladies’ league sport@gazettegroup.com
ROUNDS four and five of the Wheelworx Orwell Ladies CritLeague were held in the new Corkagh Park purposebuilt cycling track near Clondalkin last week. Round four saw a large turn-out of riders eager to try out the impressive new track. Garda CC and Cuchulainn shared the main
spoils in both races. The B Race saw a strong scratch group work well together to reel in the limit groups and secure the top six spots. Annette Dawe (Cuchulainn) rode away at the end to secure the win, with Sorcha McKeating (U/A) in second, and Isabel Cogan (Orwell) in third. Newcomers Sorcha and Isabel have
Sandra Fitzgerald happy on her return to racing
Team Orwell working well together in the A race in round 4 of the CritLeague event at Corkagh Park
impressed by consistently registering high placings in the B Division, and will be battling it out for the overall B title coming into the end of the league season. Lynda Haran from Orwell was in great form on her return from a training camp in Majorca to take fourth place, with Ciara O’Hagan (Orwell) taking her best placing to date in sixth. The A race was also hotly contested, with the welcome return of Sandra Fitzgerald from Garda CC to the racing scene following recent injury. She wasn’t showing any ill effects from her enforced break and, with new team-mate and former Cuchulainn
rider Eve McCrystal in the limit group, the stage was set for Garda CC to dominate. McCrystal initially worked well with a strong limit group to stay away from scratch, but left nothing to chance by attacking solo with four laps remaining. Meanwhile, Fitzgerald had attacked from the scratch group and only Anne Dalton (Orwell) was able to go with her. The duo worked well together to reel in the limit group but, by the time they made contact, McCrystal was already clear. W i t h F i t z g e r a l d ’s team-mate burning up the road, it was left to Dalton to lead the chase
of McCrystal, but even with the assistance of Orwell team-mate, Lucy Soden, the lead proved to be insurmountable. McCrystal used her time-trialling skills to secure a well-deserved win, with Fitzgerald taking the sprint for second and Dalton third. Fine weather for Round 5 in Corkagh Park made up in some way for the rained-off night it was replacing. With reduced numbers, the track lent itself well to running the A and B races together, with the Bs getting up to one full lap of a head-start. T he handicapping worked well, with all of the groups coming together in the final four
laps, and though there was a brief lull in the action, it burst back into life with two laps to go when Anne Dalton used the crosswind stretch to launch an attack. Roisin Kennedy (ESB) was quickest to react and almost managed to catch Dalton’s wheel, but just couldn’t quite close the gap, leaving Dalton to solo in for an impressive victory. Patricia Buckley (Orwell) set off in hot pursuit in defence of her jersey, but the gap was already too large, and Kennedy held on for a well deserved second, with Buckley finishing up third and holding on to her overall lead for one more day.
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Dark blue knight on club crusade
FastSport
His heart remains with Leinster, but Bernard Jackman is set to face the biggest test of his career with Grenoble, writes STEPHEN FINDLATER LEAVING home is not likely to leave Bernard Jackman with too many headaches over his now divided rugby loyalties. The former Coolmine head coach will once again leave his home province next year in pursuit of a new rugby challenge, this time taking on the top job at Grenoble. The 2009 Heineken Cup winner will step up to the head coaches’ position, having worked this season as defensive coach on a consultancy basis for the French side. Working with the club for eight days each month paid dividends for Grenoble – they went from conceding 30 tries a year to letting just 13 slip this term – and now Jackman
is getting ready to face what will be the biggest test of his career. But he remains an ardent Leinster fan, making the last few weeks exceptionally busy, dividing his time between setting up home in Eastern
playing. “Human nature is you want to be playing. But last year’s semi-final got me back as a fan again,” he told GazetteSport at the Heineken Star Saturday media day. “Now I’m coaching
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‘You have to break out and compete on an international stage and be the best. That’s the challenge’
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France and getting set for May 19’s Heineken Cup final. He travels to Twickenham as a fan, but there was a dilemma he initially struggled with when he stepped back from
Former Heineken Cup winner Bernard Jackman was in Dublin to officially launch Heineken Star Saturday which takes place this weekend, on May 19
professionally, I have to have my coaching head on with Grenoble and, with my heart, Leinster are my team and I hope they win it again.” Getting the Grenoble gig is part of Jackman’s coaching progression, one that he has been meticulously building. His CV includes two big years at Ashbrook with Coolmine between 2007 and 2009, helping the club’s progression to Leinster League Division One and within touching distance of senior rugby. Along with spells with Newbridge and Tullow, it is a time of which he speaks with fondness, all three clubs winning promotion during his tenure. “I like coaching junior rugby. It’s very honest and uncomplicated. You give the guys a plan and a goal and you work towards it. “Big steps, small steps, it depends on the players you have. Coolmine had very good skill levels, so it
was basically giving them a collective hardness. “Once they got that, they could beat anyone. I really enjoyed it, a really young club with no politics.” He adds that he feels, with Donal Crotty taking the coaching reins, the Dublin 15 club have what it takes not just to get into the Ulster Bank league, but also to move up to Division 2A. Since his Ashbrook time, he has stepped up incrementally, taking on the top job at Clontarf before linking up with Grenoble. They will play next season in France’s top 14, offering a superb top-level opportunity, especially with big posts limited in Ireland due to the provincial system. “Getting that opportunity in Ireland is hard because there’s only four teams and all are on an upward curve. They don’t want to take a risk on a guy who is just starting off. “I’ve always been willing to travel or drop down a level to learn. I went to Connacht twice to improve. I went to Sale to improve. I coached Coolmine, Newbridge, Tullow because I wanted to develop. “To get a chance to go to France at that level is huge. To coach in a foreign language will be a challenge, but the lack of French will hopefully make me a better commu-
nicator long-term. I want to use France to develop myself and come back to Ireland as a good coach.” While many lament another Irish coach leaving these shores in order to get a high-grade posting while outsiders fill the top provincial jobs, Jackman is not overly perturbed. “The reason they are going for these guys is because they have the top grade experience. The Irish provinces are under so much pressure to deliver results that they won’t take a chance. “But if I have the experience from France or England, I’d expect a fair crack at it but I’d only want to get a job if I’m the best candidate, not because I’m Irish. “You’ve got to be prepared to move to build an international profile. There’s no reason we can’t go over to New Zealand or Australia, as long as you bring some skills and are good enough. “You have to break out of the Leinster bubble and compete on an international stage and be the best of those. That’s the challenge.” Heineken invites rugby and soccer fans to enjoy the UEFA Champions League final and the Heineken Cup finals in the pub - the best stadium on earth. For participating Heineken Star Saturday venues across Ireland check out: www. heineken.ie/starsaturday
Legend Keino to open Africa Week athletics FORMER Olympic champion, Kip Keino will fire the starting gun for what will be an exciting and unique athletics meet at Morton Stadium next weekend, which forms part of Africa Week 2012. SARI are partnering with the Dublin Multicultural Resource Centre, Cradle, Integrated Academy for Athletics Performance and the Integration Centre for the One Race Human Race Africa Week athletics event. The aim of the event is to introduce the sport of athletics to the community through this intercultural family event. Africa Week 2012, which will run from May 21 to 27, will provide a high-profile platform for the unique athletics meet on the penultimate day, May 26, from 9am to 6pm. Over 500 people are expected to gather at Morton Stadium to hear the gun start a full day of track and field events. Most of the athletes will be drawn from the African diaspora, but in true intercultural style, the line-ups will be inclusively global and local. The organisers, that include a host of sports and community NGOs, hope to raise awareness among the public of the benefits of joining their local athletics clubs. It is no coincidence that two of the invited guests of honour hail from the Horn of Africa. Former Olympic champion, Kipchoge Keino (www.kipkeinofoundation.co.ke ), will fire the first starting gun, while current World champion, Mo Farah (www.mofarahfoundation.co.uk) is on Olympic duty, but said: “As a sportsman, I can think of no better way to celebrate Africa Week.” As part of the fundraising intiative for the One Race Human Race event, SARI are holding a prize draw with the very special prize of roundtrip flights for two to the African island of Zanzibar, with seven nights at the Kichanga Lodge, a beautiful hotel on the east coast. Tickets are €20 each, and the winning ticket will be drawn on May 26 by guest of honour, Kip Keino. For more information, see www.sari.ie.
30 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 17 May 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
SOCCER: MOUNTIES MISS OUT ON TITLE AFTER TOUGH FINAL
Hurling Skills Tour on course for Parnell CENTRA are set to bring their Hurling Skills Tour to Parnell Park on Saturday, May 26, with Dublin and St Pat’s, Palmerstown, star Liam Rushe and Waterford’s John Mullane (above) in attendance to give Ireland’s future hurlers the chance to train with the best in the game at the free event. The Dublin event will be supported by local Centra retailers in Dublin including McHugh’s Centra and Gaskin’s Centra, and will feature an array of family entertainment, including live music, a hurling simulator to test your hurling skills, face painting and a hurling skills session for children. To register, email centragaa@centra.ie or Freetext CENTRA followed by DUBLIN and your name to 50050.
An extra-time winner from the Wexford Youths saw Mount Merrion miss out on the FAI Youth Challenge Cup title
Merrion denied in extra-time YOUTH CHALLENGE CUP Mount Merrion Wexford Youths
1 2
I sport@gazettegroup.com
GARY Delaney’s extratime header saw Mount Merrion cruelly denied in the FAI Youth Challenge
Cup final last weekend, after Mick Wallace’s side saw off the Deer Park club. Merrion had taken an early lead from a wellworked Marcos Byrne goal, but Wexford forced the match into extra time, thanks to Chris Fenner. Both teams had chances to win the match in extra-time, but Wexford’s dominance from set pieces finally paid off when Delaney headed home the winner. There was a tense opening to the match as both teams struggled to come to terms with the pressure of the occasion. Wexford were the
quickest to settle and dominated most of the first half with their direct style of play keeping Mount Merrion in their own half of the pitch. The breakthrough came for Mount Merrion on 31 minutes, however, when Adam Carroll set Mark O’Sullivan free. He drove into the box and passed to Byrne, who turned beautifully and finished well. Wexford should have been back level in the 51st minute when Wallace made an excellent run and cross for Fenner, who steered his shot wide. Wexford raised their game and when Wallace and Fenner again
Cumann celebration: Lorcain claim the Corn Nuiri crown SCOIL Divine Word, Marley, supporter Hannah Fitzgerald raised the sign and the rafters in support of her team against Scoil Muire is Seosamh, Bayside when they lined out against each other in the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol finals at Croke Park last week. However, Bayside were to prove the victors in the Corn Olly Quinlan, thanks to goals from Hannah McElvanney and Shauna Murphy. Picture: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE
combined, it resulted in the equaliser thanks to a fantastic finish from the latter. In response, the Dubliners went close after a determined run and shot from Karl Corbett was tipped over the bar. Corbett’s chance spurred on his team and it was their turn to exert pressure from set pieces, as Ffrench and McDonagh both went close with headers. By rne had a half chance to win it on the stroke of full time but was off balance when he shot and saw his effort drift just wide of the post as the game went to extra time.
Merrion had Wexford under pressure for most of the first half of extra time, but Wexford nearly scored on the break when a lovely cross from Duffy was spilled in the area but no Wexford man was close enough to finish to the empty net. Wexford took the lead from a corner on the stroke of half time when Delaney’s header hit the crossbar and rebounded to the same man who headed it back into the bottom corner. Mount Merrion drove forward searching for an equaliser but in spite of their pressure it was Wexford that held out to win.
17 May 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 31
HURLING: PALMERSTOWN DEFEAT BALLINTEER
a
CLUB NOTICEBOARD BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S THERE was no winner of last Thurs-
Wednesday night is a great night
day’s Lotto draw. Next week’s draw
of tr adi tional music, no cover
will be for €2,600. Numbers drawn
charge. Why not come up and join in
were 2, 3, 7 and 21.
or enjoy a night of music and craic.
Tickets are available online at w w w.ballinteer st johns.com, or from the usual outlets. Congratulations to the Dublin minor ladies - Maria, Shauna, Laura and manager Fintan - on winning the Leinster final, as well as Maria getting Player of the Match. The ladies’ football fundraiser is on this Friday at 8.30pm.
Spread the word to your friends, family and neighbours. Singalong in the bar on Tuesdays, singers and musicians welcome. Issue 4 of BSJ30 is now available online on the website. The new edition includes articles on the inter-county senior footballers and hurling throughout the years.
ST JUDE’S WELL done to Tom Devlin, Shane Gib-
The senior footballers start their
bons, Fionn O’Rionn and all the Dub-
championship campaign this Friday
lin minors on a resounding victory
night against St Vincent’s, the game
over Carlow on Saturday last.
is being played in Newcastle with a
The weekend saw two good wins for the minor footballers, with the As beating Erin’s Isle on a scoreline Ballinteeer St John’s just fell short of the mark in their match against St Pat’s, Palmerstown
John’s just miss out in SHC encounter SHC GROUP A St Pat’s Palmerstown Ballinteer St John’s
2-12 1-12
I sport@gazettegroup.com
A BRILLIANT closing quarter saw St Pat’s, Palmerstown effect a six-point turnaround to reignite their hopes of reaching the play-off phase of the SHC, all but ending Ballinteer’s hopes in the process. Shane Stapleton did not have a vintage night from frees but still garnered 1-3 in the closing stages, his 44th minute goal turning the tide. It was the third of three very scrappy majors at O’Toole Park in a hotly contested tie that threatened to boil over on numerous occasions. Pat’s got the first inside a minute before Ballinteer cleared the bar four times to level matters. James Gilligan and Aodan Clabby were among a host of tidy scorers while Fionan Clabby – lining out at
corner-forward – wriggled free from his marker only for Damian Gallagher to save brilliantly. But the inf luential Glen Whelan was credited with a soft goal when he out-muscled Liam Rushe. The St John’s man cursed his shot for being too short only for it to drop awkwardly for Gallagher who spilled into his own net, a score which helped the Marlay men to a 1-7 to 1-6 advantage at the break. With Gavin O’Broin and Cormac O’Brien to the fore, it was a lead they looked to build on as Maher clipped over from a Whelan pass. Scores from Aodan Clabby and Gilligan extended the lead to three. Pat’s had responded with Rushe firing a huge point while Noel Sweeney made a big impact from the bench. His first act was to play a great pass to Aidan Glennon – the game’s key midfield presence –
who slotted home comfortably. And the pivotal goal again came from Sweeney’s delivery. It also owed a lot to Graham Dunne’s impudent tackle, arresting Joe Maher’s run dead in its tracks with a delightfully clean clip. Sweeney’s ball dropped into the square from where a couple of fumbles saw the ball pop up to Stapleton who batted home whilst on the ground. Gilligan’s free edged St John’s back ahead but three points in 90 seconds defined the late stages as Stapleton added two scores while Peter Keaney got a point his performance deserved. Stapleton’s ’65 in the last minute created more breathing space before St John’s frustrations got the better of them with James Gilligan seeing red for dissent on the final whistle. Elsewhere, Lucan
Sarsfields produced the result of the competition to date as they ran up a 0-16 to 2-6 win over six in-a-row chasing Ballyboden St Enda’s. Lucan laid the foundations in the first 20 minutes, scoring each of the first nine points on the night with Mick May to the fore. Paul Ryan only got Boden on the board in first half injury time but a goal from Stephen O’Connor on the restart threatened a comeback. Ryan added another goal in the 36th minute to make it game on but Stephen Nolan’s red card took the wind from the champions’ sails. Matters improved for Boden in the 36th minute when Ryan batted a high delivery to the net to reduce the deficit to four points. Over the remainder of the game Lucan used the extra man intelligently as Ballyboden tried in vain to chase the game.
7.15pm throw-in. All members are encouraged to attend to support the lads.
of 8-9 to 2-2, and the minor Bs were
Last week’s lotto numbers were
in action and beat Cuala 2-9 to 3-12.
8, 9, 11 and 14. There was no jack-
While there were mixed fortunes
pot winner, and Paddy Hackett, Billy
for the hurlers in the championship,
Roche and Jack Lernihan all matched
the junior As won a thrilling match
three numbers and share €250. The
in Mobhi Road against Na Fianna by
jackpot remains at €12,700.
two points, and the junior Bs were
Naomh Jude bingo is on in the back
beaten by a narrow margin away to
bar at 8pm every Wednesday night,
Clann Na Gael.
all welcome.
BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S CONDOLENCES to Peter Shovlin and family on the death of his mother. Hurling section quiz is on Thursday next at 8.30pm. Table of four for €40. Please support.
The summer camp will run this year from July 9 to August 31. Application forms will be available shortly on www.ballybodensummercamp.com. Intermediate and junior football
Congratulations to Scoil Treasa Fir-
championship action this week, as
house on winning the Sciath Aghais
well as ladies’ football championship
Cup in Croke Park and to St Colmcille’s
matches - check website for details.
NS as they took their fifth Herald Cup
Lotto week 43: Numbers drawn were
title, to add to the previous victories
2, 28, 14 and 3. The jackpot of €13,000
in 2001, 2005 2006 and 2008.
was won by Mark Wims, Knocklyon.
NAOMH OLAF CONGRATULATIONS to our senior
boys football Feile teams who played
hurlers who had two outstanding
so well in Division 2 and Division 9.
wins in the senior hurling B champi-
The hurling Feile is on next week-
onship this week by defeating Oliver
end and Olafs are hosting. Good
Plunkett’s in the Navan Road mid-
luck to our young hurlers and their
week (2-9 to 1-11), and Naomh Bar-
mentors in this very exciting and
rog at home on Saturday with a final
enjoyable annual competition. First
score of 2-4 to 1-6.
game starts at 10.30am on Saturday
These two back to back wins, posi-
morning. Support appreciated.
tions us very well for the remainder
Congratulations to Sean Saun-
of the championship. Match reports
ders, Dun Emer and Hillary Callanan,
on naomholaf.ie.
Limerick on their recent wedding in
Our junior hurlers had their first
beautiful Dingle.
defeat in the championship on a
Sympathy is expressed to the the
score of 1-16 to 1-8 against Realt
Sunderland Family on the passing of
Dearg in Kiltipper Road on Sunday.
Bill Sunderland, Balally loving hus-
Congratulations to the Naomh Olaf
band of Terry.
ALL OF YOUR DUNDRUM SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
SAINTS STUNG: Ballinteer pegged back by late Palmerstown flourish P31
MAY 17, 2012
DARK BLUE KNIGHT: Leinster hero bound for Grenoble stint P29
GazetteSPORT
Brian O’Driscoll is pulling out all the stops as Leinster aim to make history with a third Heineken Cup title in four years on Saturday. Picture: Peter Doyle
O’Driscoll fitness boost for Blues Goatstown resident sees off knee ‘niggle’ to take place in Heineken Cup final squad for Twickenham dundrumsport@gazettegroup.com
BRIAN O’Driscoll has given Leinster a major boost ahead of their Heineken Cup final date with Ulster on Saturday evening in Twickenham as he fights back from injury. The Goatstown resident said that he was recovering well from a knee injury which ruled him out of last weekend’s Rabo Pro12 semi-final win over the Glasgow Warriors in the RDS. But he said earlier this week that he was pushing hard to be fit and available to play in the biggest game in European club rugby. “I’m feeling good,” he said. “It was just a bit of a niggle last week. With the week that’s in it, I’m just looking forward to getting back into it and you pull out all the stops when it comes to Heineken Cup final week and I do expect to play on Saturday.” While previous finals against Leicester and Northampton have seen Leinster fans tentative about their final hopes, this time round the Blues are pitched as overwhelming favourites as they
line up a third Heineken Cup title in four years and possibly becoming just the second side to retain the title. But O’Driscoll says that over-confidence is not an issue that Leinster are having to manage. “I don’t think we’ve been allowed to be complacent at any stage this year. The coaching staff has done a great job, led by Joe Schmidt, in that we’ve never been allowed focus beyond the game in hand. Even last week, there was no talk of this week. It was about the semi-final of the Rabo and only that. “Only this week were we allowed discuss Ulster and do our video. I don’t think complacency is an issue. You realise all bets are off in a final. Anything can happen, just look at last year! With that, the form any side brings into a final is irrelevant in a lot of cases. “Brian McLaughlan and Dave Humphries have done a great job in progressing the Ulster squad. You’ve a nice mix of some experienced internationals, the South African contingent and John Afoa gives them some steel.
“They have big Irish players in Stephen Ferris, Rory Best and Andrew Trimble. Some of their younger guys have also really stood up to the plate like Craig Gilroy, Darren Cave has played really well.” With Ruan Pienaar a huge threat from placed kicks, O’Driscoll was also keen to emphasise the importance of staying on the right side of referee Nigel Owens throughout. “Discipline is going to be key when you have a guy [Pienaar] who can knock over penalties from 55 to 60 yards out, you can’t afford to give away silly penalties. “Like all referees, they like to put their stamp on a game early on, particularly in the first ten or 15 minutes. We’ll have to be very aware of what we are doing defensively and in attack. “Certain aspects to referees rulings have been targeted, sealing off from an attacking point of view and players not rolling away. “We’ll analyse Nigel in the build-up to the game as well and try and play a fast open game the way, I know, he likes the game to be reffed.”