Lucan Gazet te FREE
Apple has some big ambitions for its latest gadget, the iPad Mini
see page 21 November 1, 2012 Find us on
Month XX, 2012 Lucan • Palmerstown • Celbridge • Leixlip • Adamstown • Dodsboro • Liffey Valley • ballyowen
INSIDE: Colaiste Padraig students on a mission to get friends saving, with help from AIB Lucan Page 6
OPINION: Deputy Derek Keating calls for a Yes vote in the Children’s Referendum P8
Giant talent: Having fun at St Joey’s annual show Football:
Lucan’s Casey hangs up his Dublin boots Page 32
MAIREAD Cooling, disguised as Shrek, joined Meadhbh Foley and Rebecca McGrath at St Joseph’s for the school’s annual talent show recently. Shrek wasn’t the only colourful character at the event, as the students took the opportunity to showcase some of their many diverse talents, with dancing and singing proving particularly popular with everyone. Picture: Cathy Weatherston
See Gallery next week
Soccer:
United see off the challenge of Celbridge Page 30
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES.......................6 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................27
Griffeen Glen bomb find ‘a major threat’
Army unit called out to detonate explosive device left on doorstep
paul hosford
THE Army Bomb Disposal Unit carried out a controlled explosion on an explosive device found in Griffeen Glen last Saturday. Late on the evening of
October 27, a pipe bomb was found on the doorstep of the house and the authorities alerted. The scene was cordoned off by gardai as a controlled explosion was carried out by the Defence Forces.
Deputy Derek Keating (FG) condemned the incident, and said: “This sinister act is a major threat to society but, to be used at this time of year, when young people are more likely to be out in the dark
at Halloween, is a major threat to life. “Had the device gone off, there would have been a serious threat to the lives of the children in the area,” he said. Full Story on Page 4
2 LUCAN Gazette 1 November 2012
dublin GAZETTe newspapers i n f o r m at i o n
heritage Call to help hold a national party
Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publish eight weekly quality free titles, covering the greater Dublin area from Swords to Dun Laoghaire
c o n ta c t s Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Acting News Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Paul Hosford picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sport@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward ads@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 - 6010240
sales@gazettegroup.com
Find us on
www.gazettegroup.com Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.
Launching the €2m IPB/Gathering fund were George Jones, chairman, IPB Insurance; An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny and Imelda Rey, head of engagement and communications, The Gathering
‘Apply now for a share of The Gathering fund’ paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com
LOCAL civic organisers have been urged to take advantage of a new investment in The Gathering programme for 2013. The Gathering is a yearlong celebration of Ireland, and a major tourist drive designed to encourage visitors to Ireland. People at home and abroad are invited to host or attend an event. and local councillor Emer Higgins (FG) is hoping that locals will take advantage of the money on offer to create attractions for visitors. We l c o m i n g t h e
Paul Hosford news@gazettegroup.com
announcement of an additional €2 million in funding for the event, which is being supplied in equal measure by the Government and IPB Insurance, Higgins said that people in Dublin Mid-West should take advantage of the funding. She said: “€2m in additional funding is being supplied to assist the people of Lucan and
Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Newcastle and Rathcoole and beyond in their attempts to organise events and activities at a local level as part of The Gathering 2013 – the biggest tourism initiative ever planned in Ireland.” City and county councils will be administering grants of €25,000 to €60,000, which will support up to three flagship events in each council area. Grants of €500 to €2,500 will also be available for other local and community events. Cllr Higgins added: “The Gathering 2013 is a fantastic opportunity
for each locality to demonstrate all they have to offer. It’s a fantastic excuse to bring friends and family home, or to encourage those who merely have an interest in Ireland and Irish culture to pay us a visit. “It is hoped that the year-long series of festivals and events will bring an additional 325,000 tourists to Ireland next year, which have a significant impact on our economy, contributing to our overall economic recovery.” Labour councillor for Clondalkin, Breeda Bonner, added her support for the fund and said that at a time when many people
have family abroad, bringing people home would be a huge boost. She said: “There is a huge potential in this, because everyone has family abroad. “The recent St Joseph’s BNS book launch was full of people who had come home from abroad and there is huge potential in terms of local history,” said Cllr Bonner, who pointed to Clondalkin particularly as having the components needed for tourism. “We have hotels, the Round Tower and an historic village. We just need to get our thinking caps on,” she said.
Kidd Insurances welcome new appointment KIDD Insurances have formally acquired Aviva’s commercial insurance and associated personal insurance business from their Lucan branch. Cyril Smith, from Aviva Insurance, will be joining the Kidd Insurances team, ensuring a
continuation of the service he provided as branch manager at Aviva. For the branch’s existing customers, there will be no impact on existing policies. Kidd Insurances will be in touch with them to provide full details of customer
service contact information. Welcoming the transfer, Sean Egan, chief executive of Aviva Ireland, said: “Aviva has a longstanding successful relationship with Kidd Insurances. Our goal throughout this transfer process was to ensure that our customers
would continue to enjoy a high level of service and access to Aviva products. “I am delighted our relationship has now been strengthened, with both companies focused on further expanding and growing our businesses into the future.”
1 November 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 3
CHARGE: CLLR GINO KENNY (PBP) ISSUES A RALLYING CALL TO LOCALS
HEALTH
Six-week course on diabetes
‘Stand firm against the household tax’ democratic right. He said: “What we are saying in the campaign locally is to stand firm and don’t be bullied by these letters. More than 45% of homeowners in the SDCC area, and the country, haven’t registered for this charge. “They can only bring a fraction of people to court and, when they do, householders will be defended in a court of law. “People that refused to register have made a courageous decision to send the Government a message that they are refusing to pay. It’s their democratic right to boycott this charge in whatever manner they choose,” he said.
Winning is a snap: Celbridge Camera Club members impress at contest GERRY Kerr, Lilian Webb, Rita Nolan and Mark Sedgwick snapped up some top awards on behalf of Celbridge Camera Club recently, at the Irish Photographic Federation’s 30th National Audio Visual Championships with a number of awards and certificates for their impressive submissions. Classes at the club will commence for beginners on Monday, November 5, and run for six weeks from 8 to 9.30pm in the Youth Cafe in Celbridge Community Centre (aka The Mill). For further information, see www.celbridgecameraclub.net.
gazette
group
.com
A LOCAL councillor has called for the people of Clondalkin to “stand firm” in their non-payment of the household charge. People Before Profit councillor Gino Kenny made the call as the first of the letters were issued by South Dublin County Council (SDCC) in relation to non-registration of the controversial charge, with more than 45% of the denizens of South Dublin still having not paid. Cllr Kenny said: “This is the first shot across the bows of householders that have made a conscious decision not to pay the
household tax. This will be one of three letters that will be sent to homeowners that have refused to register. “The letters will get more threatening in the coming months, and will threaten the homeowner with court action if they do not pay.” The letter states that homeowners who didn’t register before the March 31 deadline have accumulated fees up to €27, making the charge now €127. Cllr Kenny, who is spokesperson for the Campaign against the Household Tax in Clondalkin, reiterated the campaign standpoint that non-payment was a
www.
PAUL HOSFORD phosford@gazettegroup.com
A SIX-week programme on managing Type Two Diabetes will be held in Leixlip Library from next year. T h e X- P e r t p r o gramme outlines how to manage the condition, giving guidelines on how to manage weight, supermarket shopping, possible complications of diabetes and how to prevent them, and the importance of lifestyle, diet and exercise. The course is free and will be running from November 7 to December 12, taking place every Wednesday from 10am to 12.30pm. For further information or to book a place, contact Fiona Moloney at 01 610 6144.
All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are just a click away
4 LUCAN Gazette 1 November 2012
FastNews
Councillor William Lavelle (FG) thinks that this grassy spot would be good for playing pitches
Calls for the provision of new playing fields CALLS have been made for the provision of new playing fields south of the railway at Griffeen Valley Park. Councillor William Lavelle (FG) said that the grassy areas in the park should be converted for use by local sports teams. “I know from speaking with many local sports clubs, including in particular with Lucan Sarsfields GAA club who are located nearby, that there is a significant demand in the Lucan area for additional pitches. “I believe the provision of much-needed playing pitches should be the next phase of development in this area. Clubs would benefit greatly,” he said.
crime Device ‘a serious threat to children’ Discussion on Sacrifice ANSARULLAH, an auxiliary organisation of the Ahmadyyia Muslim Association, is holding an event on the Significance of Sacrifice and Its True Meaning on Sunday, November 11 in the Manor Room, Finnstown House Hotel, from 4pm. To book a place, call Dr Monem on 086 172 1860, or Shaid Ahmed at 085 762 9366.
Race to support Pieta House PIETA House is asking locals to join their Christmas night out on November 30 at Shelbourne Park and help raise vital funds. Tickets, priced €10 each, are available from Pieta House at 01 628 2111. The callout to Griffeen Glen marked the 167th call that bomb disposal teams have responded to so far this year
Bomb squad called out to Griffeen Glen paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com
THE Army Bomb Disposal Unit carried out a controlled explosion of an explosive device in Griffeen Glen last Saturday, a local TD has said. Late on Saturday evening, October 27, a pipe bomb was found on the doorstep of the house and the authorities alerted. The scene was cordoned off by gardai as a controlled explosion was carried out by the Defence Forces. A Garda spokeswoman said the remains of the device were handed over to gardai to assist with investigations and the scene was declared safe. The callout marks the 167th call that bomb disposal teams have
attended so far this year, including 78 for viable improvised explosive devices. There were two incidents on Saturday, with a separate device exploding in Finglas, though gardai will not comment on whether they believe the incidents are linked. Local Fine Gael Deputy Derek Keating is concerned with the growing use of pipe bombs, especially when they appear in residential areas such as Griffeen. He said: “This sinister act is a major threat to society but, to be used at this time of year, when young people are more likely to be out in the dark at Halloween, is a major threat to life. “It is a very ‘young’ area, with many children, and is quite settled, which makes this all the
more shocking. “Had the device gone off, there would have been a serious threat to the lives of the children in the area,” said Deputy Keating. Residents were evacuated from houses surrounding the area and were not able to return to their homes until late on Saturday night as the bomb squad worked to make the device safe.
Doorsteo As yet, gardai have said that there are no further details, other than to confirm that the device had been left on the doorstep of a private house. They have not commented on whether there is a definite line of enquiry, but have said that the matter is under investigation. Deputy Keating
praised the work of the Defence Forces and the general public, but said that if similar cases were to happen again, the vigilance of the public would be absolutely essential. He said: “It does seem that the instances of pipe bombs being left in residential areas across Dublin is on the rise. “At this time of year, when children are out in the dark, it is crucial that people are vigilant and report anything they see that might be suspicious,” said Deputy Keating. The 167 callouts puts the bomb squad on course to come in under last year’s all-time high figure of 237, though that figure was believed to have been skewed by a number of calls made during the visits of Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth.
1 November 2012 LUCAN Gazette 5
6 LUCAN Gazette 1 November 2012
gazetteGALLERIES
Cavin O’Sullivan, Sam Foley and Dean Riordan
The six students at Colaiste Padraic were excited when they finally opened Saved Not Spent as part of AIB’s Chris Keogh and Mark O’Brian
A Saved Not Spent Cake
Build A Bank Initiative. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston
Money: STUDENTS LAUNCH THEIR BUILD A BANK
Boys on mission to 00-Save cash T
Jeeson D’sa, Sarath Kumar and Thobias Raju
HE boys of Colaiste Padraig Christian Brothers Secondary School in Roselawn last week held a bazaar day to celebrate the launch of their own Build-A-Bank. Running in association with AIB Lucan, the 00-Save bank is designed to encourage the boys to open bank accounts and save their money. Taking the James Bond theme to the next level, the boys were kitted out in suits from Dublin Formal Wear in Lucan. Joining the boys at the launch were AIB Lucan’s Manager Maureen Byrne and AIB’s Regional Personal Manager Judith Tray.
David , Andy, Michael, Noel, Mohammed and Mark with manager of AIB Lucan Maureen Byrne, Sarah Keane, Carlos Coleman and Aaron Mahon
Orla McKeon, student coordinator Lesley Bergin, and AIB’s regional personal manager Judith Tray
1 November 2012 LUCAN Gazette 7
Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only €6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com
The participants get ready at the starting line Conor Murphy
Christina , the late Derek Mullally’s mother Bridget and Deirdre Mullally Pictures: Cathy Weatherston
fun run: Remembering Derek
A Cora, Sinead, Fionan , Elaine and Mary
Gay and Maud Nolan
5K fun run to commemorate Derek Mullally’s fifth year anniversary recently took place in Rathcoole Park. All proceeds raised from the run are in aid of Pieta House, the centre for the prevention of self-harm or suicide. There were many participants on the day, and they had the choice to run, jog or walk in the fun run. Luckily the weather stayed dry and sunny, and it was an enjoyable day for all.
8 LUCAN Gazette 1 November 2012
FastNews
Gardai host an evening of song THE Garda Survivors Support Association will host an evening of seasonal music and song, featuring soprano Fiona Murphy, in concert with the band of An Garda Siochana. The event will take place in Westmanstown Sports and Conference Centre on Thursday, November 29. Tickets, priced at €25, are available from Margaret Dixon at 086 845 1949.
New roles at Liffey Sound FM LIFFEY Sound FM has announced the appointment of Terry Callaghan as their new station manager, Lisa Downey as news co-ordinator, and Matthew O’Loughlin as a Liffey Sound intern. The station, which broadcasts on 96.4FM, has also launched a new winter schedule. For further information, see www.liffeysoundfm.ie.
opinion ‘Read all the material; express your views’
A Yes vote on November 10 is a vote for all of our children ON SATURDAY, November 10, the Irish people will have another opportunity to do something important. Every citizen in the State will have an opportunity to amend the Constitution, which governs the functions of our courts, our legislators and, indeed, the Office of the President. It is 20 years since a child’s Referendum was mooted and, with 17 reports published in the past number of months, it is a scandal how some children have been treated throughout Ireland by a society that professes to be Christian, caring and supportive of children. The referendum will introduce four significant articles. You will be asked just to vote Yes or No on
--------------------------
‘A strong message is needed from all the citizens of this State on your views about how we, as a society, treat children’
--------------------------
the proposed new Article 42A on children, but those four articles will (1) recognise and affirm the rights of all children; (2) in exceptional circumstances where parents have failed in their duty towards children, the State will step in; (3) regularise adoption, and (4) provide law for children who are capable of
forming their own view in relation to matters concerning their welfare. In 2011, more than 35,000 children were reported to the welfare and protection services of the HSE and, at present, there are more than 6,000 children in the care of the State through placements in loving families and volunteer foster parents. A significant number of children who are in the care of the State have been fostered to their relatives for protection and safety. Therefore, fostering, adoption, child protection and listening to what the child has to say are important and fundamental aspects of how society treats children. That is why this referendum is being put before you on Saturday, November 10, to allow you to agree or disagree. I am concerned that people will think, because there is an all-party agreement, that this referendum will be passed easily – I am not so sure! This is why I am appealing to you, to ensure that you read all material to inform yourself and vote to express your views on how you feel about children, and how they should be placed in society through our Constitution. A Yes vote will address the serious difficulties that currently exist in our adoption laws and I, along with almost every professional, believe that all children should be given the same opportunity to live in a happy home. However, this is currently not the case for those who have been in foster care for many years and, because of legal difficulties, they are not permitted to be adopted by their loving foster parents. Voting Yes will, of
Deputy Derek Keating: “A Yes vote will address the serious difficulties that currently exist in our adoption laws”
course, change this, and it will mean that children will no longer be caught in a legal limbo. This referendum is a major consolidation of a wider programme that is planned by this Government, in relation to children in society today. Many of the reforms that are planned will focus on supporting families and ensuring that the safety and welfare of children who may be at risk are dealt with. There is also a plan to take the Child Protection Service out of the HSE and to establish a new dedicated Child and Family Support Agency. This agency will be fully operational in 2013. What I, as an elected TD for Dublin Mid-West, am excited about is that this referendum will
ensure that judges will listen to the views of children when making decisions about childcare, adoption, guardianship, custody and access cases. A strong message is needed from all the citizens of this State (whether you vote Yes or No) on your views about how we, as a society, treat children. This referendum will, of course, bring many obligations both on the State and on our institutions who provide services to children such as education, welfare, health and the Department of Justice. I firmly believe that this referendum also sends out a strong message on how we feel about children and why children should be cherished. It is the child who helps us
to understand why we need to have more time for them, more interest in their welfare and, particularly, a better focus on what their educational needs are. I firmly believe that this referendum will give a new impetus for people to feel that they can contribute to the general welfare and development of children’s talents and educational needs over the coming years. I am asking you to vote Yes on Saturday, November 10. I am also asking you to consider the reason why you are voting Yes, and to ask the rest of your family members to do so, too. derek keating
Fine Gael Deputy for Dublin Mid-West
1 November 2012 LUCAN Gazette 9
query Possible move on Palmerstown land
Council is looking into Mill Lane site purchase paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com
SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) have confirmed that they are looking into the possibility of bringing the area at Mill Lane in Palmerstown into public ownership. Responding to a question from Labour councillor Eamon Tuffy, who asked the council to “note the reports ... regarding the possibility of bringing additional lands at Mill Lane, Palmerstown, into public ownership ... and make an updated report on the matter”, the council said that they had been looking into the idea, but needed access to “the required resources”. “The Sun Chemicals property at Mill Lane, Palmerstown, is for sale at present and the council’s valuer has been instructed in this regard,” according to the council management’s response,
which Cllr Tuffy said was “interesting”. He said: “I think the answer from the council is interesting in that the council’s valuer is looking at the site. It wasn’t a complete turnaway answer. “With the price of land and property as it is, I believe that this is a time for the State to buy lands that can be kept open to the public. It is a brilliant opportunity to extend the Liffey Valley lands,” said Cllr Tuffy. The lands sit on the Liffey Valley, within the area of the Liffey Valley Special Amenity Area Order established in 2000, and the Dublin County Council (Lucan Bridge to Palmerstown) Special Amenity Order. The sale of the land has been described by Independent councillor Guss O’Connell as “a glorious opportunity to bring into public ownership one of the most significant herit-
Red Cross prepare a party THE Lucan Red Cross are holding their 62nd annual Christmas party for senior citizens on Sunday, December 2, at 8pm in Finnstown House Hotel. The event is aimed at people aged 66 years of age or over and living in Lucan, and promises to be a great night for local senior citizens. Those not on the group’s mailing list, and who wish to attend, should contact Bernadette Cummins at 01 628 2661. Invitations will be sent shortly to those already on the mailing list.
New appointments made at Lucan Concert Band
Councillor Eamon Tuffy (Lab) asked whether the council could bring the area at Mill Lands in Palmerstown into public ownership
age sites in South Dublin County”. Cllr O’Connell, speaking when the issue first came up on the council agenda in June, said: “There will never be a more opportune time to bring this jewel of the Liffey Valley into public ownership”. The SDCC report said that they are hoping to talk to the Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan about the purchase. “A letter has [been] issued to the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government notifying him of motions agreed at a previous meeting of the committee in relation to this matter. A response is
awaited,” said the council response. CllrTuffy said that input from the Government would be welcomed: “I know that finances in the council are tight, but I hope the purchase could be done with a grant from central government, possibly from the Office of Public Works (OPW), who I know are strongly committed to heritage sites in Dublin, such as Rathfarnham Castle and Farmleigh. “In the coming weeks, I will be writing to the Minister for the OPW, Brian Hayes, to ask his views on the site and, hopefully, there will be a positive response to that,” said Cllr Tuffy.
Brush up on dental health for dogs hiromi mooney
PEDIGREE DentaStix is hosting an oral health campaign for dogs this month. Although 80% of Irish dogs over the age of three suffer from gum disease, 90% of owners rate their own dog’s teeth as good or perfect. Entitled Dental Care Month 2012, the campaign sees partici-
FastNews
pating vets across Dublin offering free oral care check-ups to dogs throughout the month. Amongst the participating vets are Vetcare Rathcoole, Palmerstown Veterinary Hospital and Blanchardstown Veterinary Hospital. Speaking at the launch of the campaign, TV3’s resident vet on Ireland AM, Pete Wedderburn,
said: “During Pedigree Dental Care Month 2012, we are helping dog owners to get into the habit of making their dog’s oral health a priority by offering a free dental care check-up so that any issues can be identified, treated and a regular dental care regime, including tooth brushing, can be started at home.” For further information, see www.ie.pedigree.com.
LUCAN Concert Band has announced the appointment of Brendan Breslin as their new musical director, and Stephen Crooks as assistant conductor. The band are now embarking on a major recruitment drive and, if you play an instrument, or know somebody who might be interested in joining, you are invited to send them an email for further information to lucanconcertband@ gmail.com. The band have a wide range of instruments available to rent, and experienced teachers are available.
10 LUCAN Gazette 1 November 2012
gazetteGALLERY
Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only €6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com
Singer Mary Byrne
Adam Dalton was top banana in the stands, with friends Mikey Lovett, Matthew Nolan and Jack Dalton
Bainisteoirs kick off in a fun final
W
ITH the continuing popularity of Celebrity Bainisteoir, there was everything to play for when the final rivals hit the pitch at Parnell Park recently, with Roz Purcell’s Newtown Cashel team going head to head with Calum Best’s Moy Davitt’s. With everything to play for between Tipper-
ary and Mayo, the RTE show mixed things up a bit in this series with its The Rivals, which saw each celebrity paired against a rival celebrity from their own world, so that, for example, X-Factor took on The Voice, with singer Mary Byrne against Richie Hayes, and so on.
Amy Murphy
Calum Best and Roz Purcell. Pictures: Una Willliams
Martina Maheady and Sarah Cruse with Dermot and Karen Washington
1 November 2012 GAZETTE 11
ASDFSDAF BUSINESS P27 P16
SCHOOLS P14
DUBLINLIFE
Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week, as well as the latest from our schools
GAZETTE
COOKERY SCHOOL P13
COMPETITION: €10,000 FOR OVERALL BEST ENTRY
Uniquely Dublin contest seeks original entries DUBLIN City Council and the Little Museum of Dublin are offering local people the opportunity to win an overall prize of €10,000 in a new competition to find what makes Dublin so unique. The Uniquely Dublin contest is a search for the most creative demonstration of what makes Dublin so special, and entrants can depict this through any of seven creative
methods of music, film, animation, photography, graphic design, visual arts and the written word. The judging panel will make a shortlist of 14 entries of two from each category, and these entries will be displayed in cinemas, on buses and on billboards all over the city and will be put to a public vote. There will be €1,000 for each of the winners of
the seven categories, and the overall winner will be chosen by the public and will have their work displayed in Dublin throughout 2013. Last week, author Roddy Doyle set the whole thing off by supplying the first competition entry with his homage to the Why Go Bald sign on South Great George’s Street. George Boyle, found-
er of creative business association Fumbally Exchange and Maeve Higgins, comedian and author, artist Robert Ballagh and economist David McWilliams are among the judges of Uniquely Dublin which also includes and more. You have until January 28, 2013 to get your entry in, and can do so by going online to uniquelydublin. ie.
Fiona Ross, left, of the National Library with comedian Maeve Higgins, both judges for Uniquely Dublin
12 Gazette 1 November 2012
Gazette
dublinlife Bookmark dates for Book Festival
BIBLIOPHILES across the city should take note – the Dublin Book Festival is set to open its pages later this month. The festival, which will feature book launches, debates, inter views, readings and workshops for adults and children, is centred around the Smock Alley Theatre in Temple Bar, which historically was a home to printers and publishers. Running from November 13 to 18, the festival
features an array of mostly free events featuring an impressive array of speakers and contributors, including Roddy Doyle, Patricia Scanlan, Fintan O’Toole, Vincent Browne and Jimmy Magee. There will also be events for children, with readings, treasure hunts and a cartoon workshop with author and cartoonist John Joyce, as well as literary walking tours of the area around the theatre.
For more information and the full itinerary of events, log on to www. dublinbookfestival.com
french film festival in ifi THE Irish Film Institute will be hosting its French film festival this month, which is set to take place from November 14 to November 25. The festival will open with Love by controversial director Michael Haneke, and gallic star
presence will be out of this world, with special guests including actress Beatrice Dalle, who will introduce a rare screening of cult classic Betty Blue, and Oscar winner Juliette Binoche, who stars in Another Woman’s Life. Other highlights include Cannes successes Laurence Anyways, Xavier Dolan’s vivid melodrama of an impossible love story, and the engaging documentary, The Invisibles. The packed itinerary also features the documentary Step up to the
diary
Get a unique view of the literary life in the city when the Dublin Book Festival kicks off at the Smock Alley Theatre on November 13
Plate and the animated Ernest and Celestine. The festival is supported by the French Embassy in Ireland, the Institut Francais, Uni-
france Films, and the IFI’s principal funder the Arts Council. For more information on films and events, visit www. ifi.ie.
Knitting and Stitching show in rds for dsPCA THE DUBLIN Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has reported an infestation of cuddly mice and other furry little creatures at their Rathfarnham hub as craft-makers flood the shelter with knitted toys for pets. Supporters of the Knitting and Stitching Show, which takes place in the RDS this weekend have responded ‘pawsitively’ following an appeal by the shelter for knitted toys which help socialise kittens and dogs housed in the centre. As part of ‘Pawsitive Knits’ campaign, easy-tofollow patterns for cat’s toys - including knitted mice - have been available to download on the Knitting and Stitching Show website, www. twistedthread.com, and at the DSPCA home page, www.dspca.ie. The knitted toys and coats can be brought to the RDS during the show, or sent directly by post to the Dublin SPCA. T he K nitting and Stitching Show is the largest, family-focused textile and craft event in Ireland. It is expected to attract a record 23,000 people this year.
1 November 2012 GAZETTE 13
COOKING
Dinner made easy at cookery school HIROMI MOONEY
AFTER a long day in work, you’re most likely not in the mood to cook up a meal at home. But sometimes you simply just don’t want the junk food option and would prefer to have something healthy, as long as it’s quick and easy to make. But what can you make and where do you start? These questions were in my head until I got the answers at the new Robyn’s Nest Cookery School in the Town Centre Mall in Swords. The cookery school has just recently opened, and is run by mother and daughter Linda and Emma Callan. Linda told me that their cookery school places “emphasis
on relaxed learning and it’s sociable”. On arrival I was greeted with a choice of tea or a glass of wine by the owners and the teacher for the night, Lily Ramirez-Foran. Lily writes her own blog, A Mexican Cook In Ireland, in which she shares both her own Mexican recipes and her family’s traditional recipes. She sells many of the ingredients necessary for Mexican dishes from her online food shop, MyMexicanShop.ie. The menu for the class that evening was a variety of healthy tacos, refried Mexican beans, homemade green tomatillo and avocado salsa served with tortilla chips, and a frozen strawberry marga-
rita to top it all off. Now, I am no Jamie Oliver, so at first all of this seemed impossible to make. But I do know the basics of what to do in a kitchen, so that was a good start to the cookery class. The class was very interactive as it was a combination of watching Lily’s demonstrations and cooking some of the dishes yourself. My favourite dish of the evening was the courgette flower and sweet corn tacos. Lily demonstrated how to cook this by frying up an array of ingredients, which included dried oregano, feta cheese and a finely chopped onion. I was surprised by how easy it was to prepare and make these meals. Not only
The impressive interior of Robyn’s Nest, with inset, owner of the Cookery School Linda Callan during a demonstration on how to bake scones
were they healthy, but they were bursting with flavours and very quick to make. Every week there will be baking classes and
guest chefs at The Cookery School. There are courses to suit all levels. For bookings and more information, visit www. cookerycourses.ie.
GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com
Gazette
14 Gazette 1 November 2012
dublinlife
schoolLife Get involved with our new Gazette schools pages As part of the relaunch of the Dublin Gazette Newspapers, we are reaching out to all the schools in our catchment areas to become a closer part of our community than ever before. Schools are the beating hearts of communities, one of the last places around which a community can gather. We are calling on budding writers and photographers from all of our schools to help fill the pages and, in order to encourage the next generation of journalists and snappers to get involved, we are partnering with Harvey Norman to present the Dublin Gazette Newspapers Cub Reporter and Cub Photographer of the Year awards. For more details, contact me at rheigh@ gazettegroup.com, or on 01 601 0240.
schools
fair: experiments
Celebrate science in our lives eleanor o’dea and
erica ryan Notre Dame School
SCIENCE Week is Ireland’s biggest annual promotion of science to the general public. The aim of the week is to promote the relevance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in our everyday lives, and to demonstrate just how important it is to the future development of Irish society and
the economy. For the week beginning November 12, Notre Dame School will be running a series of events to promote Science Week. These events will include all staff and students of the school and surrounding primary schools. The events will include a science fair, exhibiting a range of projects, and interactive, fun experiments along with many competitions.
Even a soft drink has a role to play in science, as will be revealed at Notre Dame
O n We d n e s d ay, November 14, the Transition Year students will be hosting the science fair in the hall. There will be a variety of different interactive experiments for everyone to try. At the fair, there will be 18 projects covering biology, chemistry and
physics, exploring all the mysteries of life that you always wanted answered - from electricity and magnetism to the human mind, all of which have an interactive element. There are prizes to be won, and fun to be had for everyone who gets involved.
On top of all this, there will be a quiz for the whole school to enjoy. We have invited a large number of primary school students from our local area, so it should be a great day. It’s going to be a fastpaced science extravaganza, and you won’t want to miss a second of it!
1 November 2012 Gazette 15
Gazette
feature
Hot tips to stay warm in an energy-efficient way WITH November likely to feature some belowaverage temperatures as a whole, and the weather set to become progressively colder as we go through the month, the winter chills are here, and keeping warm is definitely going to be a priority. These cooler periods of weather could be accompanied by snowfall across higher ground, and these are also likely to develop across some lower levels of the country at times – so, don’t think you are going to get away without being affected by the cold
conditions. Keith McGouran, of Topaz Local Fuels, is well aware of the cold weather, and passed on some tips about energy efficiency at this time of year. He said: “Our customers depend on us most in adverse winter weather conditions. We understand that the oil distribution business is an integral service all year round, but especially so when it’s colder. “Our promise to customers is that we will not leave them in the cold, and this year will be no
exception. “With Christmas edging ever closer, getting the expense of home heating out of the way now will leave you with a clearer view of your financial position come the festive season – not to mention the reassurance it brings that you and your family won’t run out of oil on a truly cold winter night.” With that in mind, here are a few cost-saving energy efficiency tips that you can follow. Programme your heat – get a programmable thermostat, or program-
mable radiator control, so you can vary temperature throughout the day, keeping the heat down when not needed. Service your boiler each year, and improve your overall efficiency by 10% – the benefits of an annu-
al service include a longer life, and the reduced likelihood of breakdown, along with added safety and maximum efficiency. An efficient boiler creates more heat from less fuel, reducing energy costs. Follow the 30-minute
rule – set the heating to switch off 30 minutes before bedtime, and set it to turn on 30 minutes before you get up in the morning. Keep radiators and heaters free from obstructions, to allow maximum
benefit. Only heat the rooms you are using – turn off the heating when you’re not there, or if you’re going away for a few days. For further information and advice, see www. topazlocalfuels.ie.
GAZETTE
16 GAZETTE 1 November 2012
DUBLINLIFE
Q&A
TARA SHORTHALL, HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE
Setting standards in home care excellence TARA Shortall is the owner and managing director of Home Instead Senior Care. “Our vision is that everyone should be entitled to remain in their home for as long as possible with comfort, independence, and dignity,” she said. In five years, the company has proven there is a great need for its service,
working with private pay clients, as well as acting as an approved home care provider to the HSE. Home Instead Senior Care is also proud to be a significant local employer. For further information, or for a free confidential care assessment, contact Shortall directly at 01 895 0010, or see www.homeinstead.ie.
How long have you been in business?
for their loved one at the right price.
We started our Home Instead Senior Care office in March 2007. My husband, Ken, and myself now run the business alongside our wonderful office team and 100-strong team of loyal, trustworthy and caring care givers.
What makes your business successful?
Firstly, we are passionate about caring for and serving our clients and their families, giving them the opportunity to live in their homes for longer than would otherwise be possible. Secondly, we are always looking to improve our business and standards of care we provide. Thirdly, rigorous business planning and disciplined cost, cash and financial management.
What do you offer your clients that differs from your competitors?
We offer a premium home-based care service, ensuring we match the most compatible caregiver to the client’s personality and care needs. We also work in partnership with our clients and families to deliver care, advice and support at, what is for most, a very difficult time
How has the recession impacted your business?
We’ve grown our business year on year since 2007. There is a growing need for our services, in light of Government cutbacks and the desire by families to get the best possible care
What have you changed about your business to combat the effects of the recession?
We have a culture of continuous improvement. In an industry that is currently unregulated with no barriers to entry, we are at the forefront of leading the development of standards and processes in the industry. We take very seriously our role of “thought leader” in the global and Irish home care industry.
What law or regulation would you change overnight to help your business?
Regulate the home care market and register all home care workers so there are only reputable and approved operators and care staff in the market, ultimately meaning that vulnerable older adults in our society are protected to the maximum.
How do you use social media (Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn, etc) to help your business?
We use Facebook and Twitter daily with updates and feeds. We use Facebook for many promotions, and special initiatives we are working on. We also have a blog on our website, and this also feeds into Facebook and Twitter. I have my own personal LinkedIn account, which I am currently working on to reconnect with the large group of great people I’ve worked with and got to know over the past 20 years.
BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
When negative equity strikes DID you buy in the boom? Wanted to get on that housing ladder at whatever price, no matter what the obstacles were? Perhaps you bought an apartment that was more than adequate seven years ago, but you have since had two children and you only have two bedrooms in your apartment. The biggest obstacle, to date, for young families looking for a larger home is negative equity – that’s when you owe more than the property is worth. Blackrock, the US company which analysed €100 billion-worth of mortgages for the Central Bank, believes that negative equity is the primary predictor of arrears. Negative equity seems to play a bigger role than even unemployment, which used to be the main cause of arrears. Moody’s recent report says that loans with high negative equity have an estimated default rate of 21.7%. The bond credit rating experts expect default on all mortgages to peak at 20% in early 2013, and have calculated that negative equity makes a mortgage holder 1.7 times more likely to default. “Principle modification” (which is a nicer way of saying “debt forgiveness”) is, according to Moody’s, the only solution, and endorsed by Blackrock. My view is that it’s not “debt forgiveness”, but “debt reality”, and the sooner we face up to this, the easier it will be for us to take the medicine. Of the 780,000-plus mortgages in Ireland, half of
them are in negative equity, and 11% are in arrears. If you fall into these categories – you are not alone. If you are young (under 40), have permanent employment, and you are happy where you are living, then you don’t have a problem. As long as those repayments are being made every month – capital and interest, not interest only – your mortgage will inexorably diminish and, eventually, be paid off. Even if that is in 25 years, this is not a problem and, please God, values will surely have returned by then, and you will have an unencumbered – mortgage-free – home for your twilight years. Trouble raises its ugly head when you either a) lose your job, or b) need to move because the current accommodation is inadequate. So, what happens then? Part Two continues next week. 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
CONSUMER ACTIVITY: ELECTRONICS FARE BEST
Retail sales disappoint as IT, computing dip 20% RETAIL sales continued to disappoint during the third quarter of 2012 (Q3, 2012), according to Retail Excellence Ireland’s (REI) Irish Retail Industry Performance Review for the period. The worst-performing sectors for Q3, 2012 included IT and computing (down 19.90% on Q3 in 2011), garden centres (down 8.54% on Q3 in 2011), and photography and camera stores, which were down 7.10% on Q3 in 2011. The recent digital TV changeover gave a small boost to some industries, as the best-performing retail industry sectors included consumer electronics and home appliances, both increasing sales levels in Q3, 2012
compared with Q3, 2011. Overall, year-on-year sales levels fell by an average of -1.04% during Q3, 2012. This continued the longstanding trend of falling sales in Ireland’s retail industry, and saw Q3, 2012 become the 14th consecutive quarter of consecutive sales decline. Speaking at the publication of the Q3, 2012 retail figures, REI chief executive, David Fitzsimons said: “There were mixed fortunes experienced by different sectors in Q3, 2012. “It is no surprise that non-discretionary sectors, including grocery, pharmacy and hot beverages, enjoyed a reasonable trading period, while the inclement summer weath-
Continuing the trend of falling sales in Ireland’s retail industry, levels fell by an average of -1.04% during Q3
er negatively impacted on ladies’ fashion sales and garden centre activity. “Consumer electronics enjoyed a buoyant period, helped for the most part by the digital switchover, while computing sales were hit with price deflation and purchase postponement. “It is disappointing that the quarter gradually disimproved – primarily due to Budget 2013 specula-
tion – indicating that a return to growth is less likely than first thought. “Home-dependent sectors, including furniture and flooring, and home and giftware, continue to suffer, due to the lack of a functioning residential property market. If matters do not significantly improve in the run-up to Christmas, further failure is assured,” said Fitzsimons.
1 November 2012 Gazette 17
asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P24
MOTORS P22
OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week
Gazette
MUSIC P19
Pets DSPCA’s PET of the week: BOA
The cast of the American Idiot musical will take to the Dublin stage this month
music: green day’s american idiot show to rock bord gais energy theatre
From Broadway to Dublin Bairbre Ni Bhraonain
IF you’re feeling the new kind of tension all across the alien-nation, and if you know where that line comes from, the place to be this month will be the Bord Gais Energy Theatre when American Idiot, the hit Broadway musical based on the music of rock heroes Green Day, runs from November 5 to 10. Dublin is one of only eight venues chosen for the tour of the show, which has won two Tony awards and a Grammy, and the Gazette caught up with one of the stars, Alyssa diPalma, ahead of the show’s arrival, and she explained her journey into the spotlight. “I got into performing because my mother was a singer in a band called Northern Lights for 13 years. They were
very popular around the New Jersey area, and I used to love seeing her rock out every night. So she and I would then do acoustic duets together.” Alyssa is of Irish, English and Italian descent, and is a graduate of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Though she claims some Irish heritage, it’s very minimal but she says that a small drop of Irish blood is better than none. She was keen to join the show when she saw it in New York: “I’ve only been involved with the show since July and it’s really a dream come true. I saw it [on Broadway] and turned to my friend and said, ‘I’m going to play that part’ and it came true. It’s incredible, but with hard work and belief you can make your dreams come true.” According to Alyssa, the themes
American Idiot deals with are very relevant to today’s youth. “It absolutely speaks to my generation. Because it was written after September 11, with all the media saturation that existed, everyone was glued to their TVs and afraid to go outdoors. I was 12 years old when it happened so I grew up amid fears and all my memories are of fear and anger. The show tells us that it’s okay to break through and make mistakes and find your way back to who you’re meant to be.” Although Alyssa was new to the cast, and not around last year when Green Day singer Billy Joe Armstrong played the lead, she met the band in New York. “We were back from tour and had some time off and got to meet Billy Joe. He was so kind and humble and it was truly
a surreal night.” A movie of the show has been mooted on many media websites, with Tom Hanks named as producer. If it goes ahead, Alyssa would love to reprise her role for the silver screen. “I would audition for it, for sure. I love the character I play [Whatsername], she’s way cooler than I am. She’s very urban and passionate and headstrong. She’s a freedom fighter and a survivor.” She regards the show as bringing a message of hope to the audience. “In the final monologue, there is a question about whether it’s the end or the beginning. It’s really saying that as one chapter ends another begins and the next time, you can make different choices.” Tickets are from €20 and are available through Ticketmaster at 0818719377.
BOA is two years old and as you can see he’s a very handsome chap! In his own words: “I’m black and white in colour and a very friendly fella who is full of chat and loves to make new friends. “I was very scared when I first arrived here in the DSPCA, but it didn’t take me long to see that this was a nice place and the folks here were giving me plenty of TLC! “I can’t wait to be part of a loving home and I know I am sure to melt the heart of anyone who takes the time to get to know me. “I love to follow you around and watch what you’re doing - I am a great companion.” The DSPCA is Ireland’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity and was founded in 1840. It takes in stray, sick, injured and cruelly treated animals. You can see more of the animals looking for a home and the DSPCA’s adoption policies by visiting www.dspca.ie/ AdoptaPet.
GAZETTE
18 GAZETTE 1 November 2012
OUT&ABOUT
STYLE
BEAUTY news
Awear €60
Slant Black
Smoky Layers
Dunnes €50 Farfallina
Pure Luxur y
as us fabrics such . o ri xu lu ly p ee s for €55 dollars with d r from Dunne ze Feel a million la b is th e lik ssories velvet, trims and acce d le lace, fur and el w je h it adence w Add ex tra dec
Get J-Lo’s sexy eyes with the Shu Uemura eyelash range
Debenhams €34
LAURA WEBB
Marks & Spencer €47.50 Next €81
ONE of the world’s biggest recording artists Jennifer Lopez was in town recently to stage her Irish concert debut, but before the big performance her make up team headed into Brown Thomas to pick up 10 pairs of Shu Uemura false eyelashes. False lashes are a great way of enhancing the eyes, there are subtle kinds, outrageous kinds and the fancy dress kind, so there is a style for everyone. This week Gazette Style found out just what J-Lo bought, so we can try to copy her eyelash style!
Oasis €TBA
• Three pairs of Shu Uemura Dazzling Diamante false eyelashes. Inspired by Shu Uemura ’s diamond-lined false eyelashes, this classic false eyelash design with a black diamante band helps create a voluminous lash effect, with a delicate flare.
Penneys €15
Penneys €40
• Three pairs of Shu Uemura Farfallina false eyelashes. The triple layers of brown and black tones boast different levels of curls and longer lashes toward outer edge, enabling a natural delicate look and ideal volume on the lash. • Two pairs of Shu Uemura Smoky Layers, layers of thin black lashes, which add volume to the lash line, creating a sultry eye look reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour.
Next €111
Dune €120 Next €19
• Two pairs of Shu Uemura Slant Black, a full set of dramatic lashes that extend and flare outwards. Alternating lengths and delicate wispy lashes add a touch of subtlety for a voluminous and feminine finish. Check these great lashes out for yourself at Brown Thomas.
1 November 2012 Gazette 19
Gazette
MUSIC FASTtaches
Are you ready to grow a mo for cancer research this year? It’s not music but it is an essential announcement: men of Dublin — prepare for Movember, when moustache is king and knowledge is power. This is the fifth and biggest year yet for the Irish Movember mission, which is the month to raise awareness and funds for men’s health. All Irish Mo Bros have to do is simply register at Movember. com, start the month clean shaven then work on your fine moustache stylings for the remainder of the month.
Compton’s latest discovery, Kendrick Lamar, who has released one of the rap records of the year
MUSIC REVIEW: a modern odyssey from the hood
Coming straight outta Kendrick
CONCEPT albums are still occasionally in vogue, though thankfully have progressed out of the prog-rock arena and into a less stratified realm. Even rap occasionally offers up concept classics, like Kanye’s College Dropout, but few maintain a consistent theme throughout. That’s where Kendrick Lamar’s official debut release, Good Kid, mA Ad City, diverges from the path. Described on the cover as a “short film about Kendrick”, it essentially and compellingly takes you on a journey through the life of this prodigal star in the making. A prodigy of Dr Dre and signed to his After-
ROB HEIGH rheigh@gazettegroup.com
math Records imprint, Lamar takes a microscope to the concerns that fuelled the fury of the breakout album by Dre’s NWA, Straight Outta Compton. Kendrick comes from the same streets as EazyE, MC Ren, Ice Cube and DJ Yella, but that was then, and this is now... or so you would think. There is the same aural density and invention on Good Kid that marked Compton out as some-
thing unique in rap at the time - what was, in 1988, an East Coast version of the channelled rage of Public Enemy, but with a call to arms being a real call to arms, not a call to vote and be politically proactive and aware as Chuck D was advocating. Racist cops, gang violence, the catch 22s and traps of living in the poverty gap with its attendant narcotic escapes - all the concerns from 20 years ago are patently still there for Lamar, and he approaches the description of life and how it’s lived with a dynamic and precise flow and one of the best and most focused productions on a rap album in many years.
Good K id, mA Ad City is easily one of the records of the year. coming close but just missing out on catching the tails of Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange. The production work by the likes of Pharrell, Just Blaze and Scoop DeVille is exemplary, evoking the journey that young Lamar takes and that is best summed up by the voicemail message from his mother on penultimate track, Real: “If I don’t hear from you by tomorrow, I hope you come back and learn from your mistakes... When you do make it, give back with your words of encouragement. And that’s the best way to give back to your city.”
All of the money raised here in Ireland will go directly towards the Irish Cancer Society’s initiative, Action Prostate Cancer. Movember is not just for the boys. Girls can get in on the action by taking on the role as a Mo Sista for the month and encouraging the men in their life to grow the Mo. Amongst some of the men joining the Irish Mo Bros are Irish rugby international players, Jamie Heaslip and Cian Healy, Italia 90 stars Ray Houghton, Packie Bonner and Tony Cascarino.
Gazette
20 gazette 1 November 2012
OUT&ABOUT
CINEMA
more
theatre THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929 Port Authority
A young boy leaves home for the first time, a man begins a job for which he is not qualified, a pensioner receives a mysterious package. As each man confronts the significance of these events, they are forced to take stock of themselves, their feelings, and of the decisions they have made. Painting a vivid picture of life in contemporary Dublin, this is a gripping tale of love, loss and family. November 2 and 3, tickets are priced at €18/€16.
Draiocht 01 885 2622 I, Elizabeth
Dano and Kazan indulge in what appears to be the opposite of skinny dipping
At a vital crossroads in history a young queen steps from the shadows to unburden herself of her many troubles and reveal her innermost thoughts on marriage, succession, religion, war, and the challenges to her throne. But time is against her... Elizabeth I, queen at 25, political phoenix and famously unmarried, she was the most educated woman of her age – but who was the woman beneath the crown? November 8 at 8pm, tickets are priced at €18/€14.
cinema: Paul dano and zoe kazan star in this offbeat romantic comedy
CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Ride On
A Honda 50 bike-run forms the background of a hilarious new play by writer Seamus O’Rourke. Five members of the Drumkarren Honda Club are sitting in a run-down shed in Co Cavan, ready to embark on a bike-ride, awaiting the other 20 members (seemingly “stuck” in a pub in Killeshandra). Running from November 6-10 at 8pm, tickets are €20/€16.
This Ruby sparkles THE idea of perfection is a tough one to nail down, particularly when it comes to a relationship. The idea of the perfect man or woman is, essentially, a fallacy perpetuated by Hollywood. The notion that there is a person with all of the positive items on a checklist who comes free of negatives is, quite honestly, ridiculous. Most people know that, yet somehow romantic comedies still turn great business and Matthew McConaughey still makes a better living than me from them. In Ruby Sparks, the notion of perfection is taken and turned on its head, and it makes a cautionary tale. S c r e e nw r i t e r a n d star Zoe Kazan turns
paul hosford
phosford@gazettegroup.com
in a script that is deftly nuanced, star tlingly assured and refreshingly different. Kazan, the daughter of screenwriters Nicholas Kazan (Payy Hearst) and Robin Swicord (Matilda) and the grand daughter of Elia Kazan (who directed the seminal On The Waterfront and A Streetcar Named Desire), shows that the talent for writing is certainly a hereditary thing. Writing her first film, Kazan gives the leads to both herself and her
real life boyfriend, Paul Dano. The pair are directed by Dano’s Little Miss Sunshine directors Jonathon Dayton and Valerie Faris, who are helming their first picture since the 2006 breakout hit. Any doubt that the pair would turn away from their indie roots is quickly dispelled in this tale of a frustrated writer whose latest creation comes to life, as his girlfriend. Dano’s Calvin originally puts Ruby’s appearance down to a mental breakdown of sorts, giving the film some of its funniest moments. But, as it becomes clear that Ruby is not just a figment of his imagination, he settles into the relationship. Of course, telling his cynical older brother
Film of the Week: Ruby Sparks h h h h (12A) 103mins Director: Jonathon Dayton, Valerie Faris Starring: Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan, Antonio Banderas, Annette Bening, Chris Messina, Steve Coogan, Elliot Gould
OUR VERDICT: THE biggest concern that there was around this film was whether the quirky rom-com had run its course, or whether you could make one without Joseph Gordon Levitt and still succeed. However, Ruby Sparks is more honed in on its darker side and in creating a perfect girlfriend, creates some imperfect characters. If you can get past that, you’ll love it.
(Messina) that he is dating a character he made up is somewhat difficult. As the pair go through the early stages of a relationship, complete with parental introductions, the film sparkles. The hope that these two characters can be as perfect as they appear on paper is part of the pull of the film. But, as the film eases into the third act, Ruby Sparks sets itself apart
from its indie-romance brethren. As the obvious cracks in the relationship start to deepen, Calvin reveals himself to be not entirely sympathetic. It is a brave move on Kazan’s part to make her male lead so cloying and needy. Many won’t root for him as his girlfriend pulls away, leaving him with the option of writing to control her or letting her
excercise her free will. As he pursues the former, the film comes uncomfortably close to the bone. Watching two people effectively set out to hurt each other is grim, but it is carried off with enough charm and imagination to cover most, if not all, of the film’s flaws. In the end, this is less a romantic comedy than it is a study of the nature of relationships and compatibility. If you could draw up a list of perfect characteristics for a partner, would it match your current beau? Chances are, it wouldn’t, but sometimes things that shouldn’t work on paper do anyway, just like Ruby Sparks. And that’s just fine.
1 November 2012 gazette 21
Gazette
GAMING tech: ipad’s ‘tablet-tablet’ challenger finally arrives
Apple’s mini commotion shane dillon
THE biggest story of the tech week, and one of the biggest for the year, had to be the unveiling last week of the long-awaited iPad mini (or mini iPad, as I’d bet my bottom dollar it’ll be called by most people from now on, but I’ll just call it the mini for the remainder of this feature). In a move which surprised precisely nobody, anywhere, Apple finally produced its champion to tackle the growing tablet market. Sure, tablets devices have been around for ages – just look at the bazillion sales of the iPad, and all its iterations, for example – but sales of what I’ll call the tablettablet (or, a more portable-friendly tablet, with a typical screen size around the seven-inch diagonal mark) have grown legs and started making bigger impacts in the past 18 months in particular. So, although it’s coming a little late to the tablet-tablet party, Apple has finally waltzed through the door and immediately grabbed all the attention with the mini – though
shane dillon
sdillon@gazettegroup.com
not necessarily for all the right reasons, as I’ll explain ... Firstly, the mini is very much what it sounds like – a smaller version of the iPad, drawing on many of the legacy elements that made that tablet such a success. Ranging from a very similar physical style to its compatability with all iPad apps (while having beefy enough power under the hood), the mini is, in many ways, “just” a smaller iPad. However, in recognition of markets that don’t necessarily think that bigger is better, its smaller size gives it a greater appeal for some markets, making it a more
portable-friendly device to take off to work. With this launch, Apple has finally moved to tackle rival tablet-tablets, such as the Kindle Fire HD, or the Nexus 7, which have been slowly but surely carving out a reliable market share for themselves in the past year. Indeed, once rarer than hen’s teeth, such devices are now commonplace on Dublin Bus, the Luas, etc, with
eBook readers also quite commonplace, now I could continue, but you get the point – the mini seems like a sure-fire winner for Christmas, and beyond, as Apple prepares to muscle in on Google and Amazon devices. However, despite its charms, there have been criticisms, too – for starters, its price point, which is notably more expensive than rivals, hasn’t impressed many, as analysts and consumers alike
had expected something more budget-friendly. Instead, this premium product retains a premium price. Techheads also noted that there’s little that’s truly revolutionary about the mini, which shares similar specs to the iPad 2, but doesn’t have a dramatic design on its own basis. Still, despite having an air of “me-too”, there’s no denying that the mini should make a big impact when it goes on sale from this Friday, November 2.
SPECS THE iPad mini shares many traits with its big brother, incorporating a number of legacy features that have served Apple so well. Its specifications make for interesting, if predictable reading, including:
• Colours: Black and white • Available in 16, 32 and 64GB models • Wi-fi (with 3G, 4G models to follow, soon) • H: 7.87in (200mm), W: 5.3in (134.7mm), D: 0.28in (7.2mm) • It’s a notable lightweight, weighing in at just 308g • 7.9in (diagonal) LED-backlit touch screen, with 1024 X 768 resolution at 163 PPI (Note: not Retina-quality display) • Full HD recording, with a 1.2MP front-facing camera, and a 5MP rear-facing camera; tap for focus/exposure controls • Rechargable battery offers potential 10-hours of use • Finally, its price – from €339 (16GB model) upwards ...
Despite being seen by some as a bit of a “tweener” device - lying between a smartphone, and a full-sized tablet device - the iPad mini will appeal to a great many consumers, and help Apple attack their rivals’ territory
BYTES&PIECES
meet the new-new ipad
Suprise reveal of an updated platform SINCE this week’s page has turned into something of The Apple Show – and why not, for a change, as tons of people use their tech – at the same launch of the iPad mini, Apple surprised lots of people with the unexpected reveal of the iPad 4. Barely half a year on from the release of the iPad 3, the iPad 4 was also revealed at the mini event, with the main difference from its predecessor being its greatly souped-up power, which will doubtless be exploited by developers soon after its imminent release. While consumers are, by now, used to Apple’s periodic updates of its tech, the swift reveal of a new iPad was not automatically welcomed by everyone, given that the vast majority of people buy such a device in the expectation that it won’t be superseded soon afterwards ...
22 GAZETTE 1 November 2012
GAZETTE
&ABOUT OUT road
MOTORS
NOISE
DS5 Hybrid4 named Best Eco Car EARLIER this year I drove what was probably the coolest car of the year, the Citroen DS5. Now to add to its already bulging awards cabinet, the distinctively styled flagship has another exciting achievement as the DS5 Hybrid4 was named Best Eco Car at the recent Scottish Car of the Year Awards, as voted for by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers. “Out greening” three other contenders to the title, the DS5 stood apart from the competition with its innovative and ecologically considerate drivetrain, which delivers impressive performance combined with fuel and CO2 efficiency. The advanced, 200hp full hybrid diesel powertrain combines several technologies to deliver outstanding CO2 emissions as low as 91g/km. John Murdoch, president at the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said: “Making the most of every drop of fuel is the perpetual quandary of car makers. Whilst some try to go further by skimping on equipment or driving pleasure Citroen DS5 offers all this and much more.”
The Citroen DS5
CANDIDATES ANNOUNCED FOR CAR AWARDS: A FIELD of 36 candidates for the Continental Irish Car of the Year 2013 awards was announced by the Irish Motoring Writers’ Association (IMWA) today. The Continental Irish Car of the Year and Continental Irish Van of the Year will be revealed at a gala event in the Convention Centre, Dublin, on Thursday, November 22. Gerry Murphy, chairman of the IMWA, commented: “In spite of the general economic slowdown, we are still seeing the arrival in Ireland of a lot of innovative new car models brim full of
new automotive technologies and the field of runners for the 2013 title certainly doesn’t disappoint.” The 28 voting members of the IMWA assess each vehicle, attributing points on the basis of criteria ranging from innovation and safety, to space, comfort, build quality, driving quality and value for money. “As with each year, the IMWA car jury provide a great service for Irish motorists in helping them to make sense of the bewildering array of new cars that has been launched in Ireland this year”, commented Paddy Murphy of Continental Tyres Ireland, Irish Car of the Year sponsor.
The Ecoboost engine was hailed as remarkable and won International Engine of the Year with a record score
CAR COMPARISON: FOCUS ECOBOOST AND THE FOCUS TITANIUM X
Experiencing the best of both Fords
CORMAC CURTIS
TWO exceptional cars came on the market from Ford this year – both very similar, but at the same time very different indeed. To be clear, I’m not saying Ford just released two exceptional cars, but for me these stand out. I am talking about the Focus Ecoboost and the Focus Titanium X models. Fortunately, I was able to test these cars one after the other to get a real feel for what each had to offer. I was lucky enough to test the Ecoboost model for a day back in July when it first landed here – and it was a revelation. The experience really drove home to me just
how different two individually spec-ed models can be. The engine was hailed as remarkable by the jury that this year awarded it International Engine of the Year with a record score, and it’s no surprise. This engine simply flies in the face of accepted wisdom, it is a 999cc direct injection turbopowered engine, but offers a choice of 100PS and 125PS output and is the most fuel-efficient petrol engine in its class, with the 100PS version promising 4.8litre/100km (58.9 mpg) and emissions of just 109g/km, or 22g fewer than the current 1.6 petrol. The lively 125PS version claims a top speed
of 193kmh (120mph) yet with a frugal appetite of just 5litre/100km (56.5mpg) and emissions also in Band A, at 114g/ km. And it doesn’t half move. Ford believes that this engine in this car will help keep the Ford Focus as the No 1 selling car in Ireland, and I wouldn’t care to bet against them. Generally speaking, cars striving for serious economy tend to go with diesel engines, but Ford feel there is a latent demand out there for a petrol-engined car in this segment which can match a turbo diesel for punch and economy, but which is quieter and has less vibration, and the Focus fits that bill to the letter.
The EcoBoost range starts from €21,485 for the Focus 5-door entry level model, rising to €22,335 for the Focus Edge. The EcoBoost 125PS debuts on the Focus Zetec, from €24,235. At the same time, there is always an appetite for a car that offers the driver high levels of comfort and specification, something that sets it apart from the crowd – enter the Focus Titanium X. This is a model with a distinctively sporty and premium feel. The new Focus Titanium X provides an additional level of premium quality to the Focus range. It is available in four and five door models and is powered by the same
1.6 TDCi diesel engine as the Zetec S and has a 95PS output. The Focus Titanium X spec includes the features such as 17” titanium alloys; deflation detection system; active park assist (Ford’s automatic parking system for getting the car into tight parallel parking spots); visibility pack; Bluetooth voice control and USB connectivity; and full size spare wheel. This is the kind of car that will appeal to a loyal Ford customer who wants to reward themselves with something a little bit special. This limited edition has been carefully thought out by Ford, and goes far beyond simply bolting on accessories; it is a distinctive and stylish motor.
1 November 2012 LUCAN gazette 23
24 LUCAN gazette 1 November 2012
Gazette
&ABOUT OUT fast
Bournemouth: England’s south coast offers more than beaches
TRAVEL
Spectacular setting for a deserved break
Autumn is not the season for hibernating but a time when Ireland looks at its very best. As one of the country’s most spectacular settings, the mountain resort of Aherlow House Hotel and Lodges in the Glen of Aherlow, Co Tipperary, has breathtaking views of the Glen and the Galtee Mountains and is the perfect destination for a well-deserved break. Enjoy two night’s accommodation and a full Irish breakfast each morning at a hotel full of character and warmth. The hotel’s special autumn package includes a warm picnic for exploring the surrounding forests, mountains and unspoilt countryside as well as a delicious evening meal by chef Jose Vega. End your day of exploration with a complimentary hot toddy next to an open fire. The autumn package at Aherlow House Hotel & Lodges is available from €129 per person sharing. For more information, visit www. aherlowhouse.ie or call 062 56153.
Enjoy some seaside tradition with a twist
Dave Phillips
Gohop’s got great offers to portugal: Portugal has always been a favourite for Irish holiday makers, thanks to the amazing architecture, sublime beaches and charming countryside towns. Whether it’s the picture perfect beaches of the Algarve, the beauty of the Lisbon Coast or the breathtaking Island of Madeira, Portugal can offer the ideal break away even during the winter months. Gohop.ie are currently offering flights from Dublin to Portugal, with four nights
accommodation on a room-only basis from just €115, travelling during December 2012. Travel in January 2013 and spend five nights on a room-only basis from just €295 per person or spend 12 nights in February from just €316 per person. Price includes return flights from Dublin, accommodation as stated in three and four-star hotels and all taxes and charges. These prices are based on current airline prices and are subject to availability and dates of travel. For more information or to book, visit www.gohop.ie.
British seaside holiday. Once heard, this unlikely combination of words can trigger an array of mental images w h i c h m ay i n cl u d e striped deck chairs, knotted handkerchiefs on bald heads, and a young Barbara Windsor. But a recent trip to Bournemouth revealed that England’s south coast has left behind the stereotypes to embrace a revived seaside experience that stretches far beyond the beaches. Under two hours from
London, Bournemouth has long been a popular spot for a break from the city, and with a recently revitalised airport and new Aer Lingus Regional route, it is now a great getaway option for Dubliners. Aer Lingus Regional run daily flights from Dublin and one immediate appeal of flying direct to Bournemouth is that you bypass the lengthy queues found at larger airports. The town itself is a unique space and, since its beginnings in 1810,
has been cultivated as a place of bathing, leisure, and relaxation. A 10-minute walk through the Victorian Pleasure Gardens divides the town centre from the pier and seafront that throng with people in the summer months. The 12km of beach is kept busy year round with walkers, cyclists, and surfers. A colourful, cutting-edge restaurant Urban Reef serves locally procured food stylishly, while next door Sorted Surf Shop offers
The Norfolk Royale Hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the promenade
Bournemouth’s 12km beach is kept busy all year round
rental and tuition. From its current ultra-modern and vivacious state, it’s difficult to imagine the Boscombe pier area derelict - around four years ago major funding went into rejuvenating the area. The idea of marrying the traditional seaside holiday with a more modern and nuanced feel has been carried over into much of the accommodation and food on offer in the area. The Green House is a popular hotel which sits in a quiet residential area within comfortable walking distance of both Bournemouth town and Boscombe. It operates a strict eco-friendly philosophy, but refreshingly achieves this in a very upmarket way. It is enlightening to see the lengths the owners have gone to in order to retain the green ethos.
From the chemicalfree paint used throughout the hotel to the bar stocked with beers from nearby micro-breweries, local trade and business are always a priority and style and comfort are in no way compromised. T he Green Room, a restaurant housed within the hotel and open to non-residents, is definitely one of Bournemouth’s culinary highlights and features a menu which changes on the organic ingredients available daily. Right in the centre of Bournemouth town, the Norfolk Royale is another four-star hotel which is guided by a philosophy, this time to embrace its Edwardian heritage and offer guests a distinctly indulgent seaside experience. Especially recommended are weekend high teas where you’re encouraged to spend the
1 November 2012 LUCAN GAZETTE 25
GAZETTE
Travel
fast
TRAVEL
Citalia’s offers for a fantastic winter city break
with walkers, cyclists, and surfers
afternoon relaxing in the sumptuous lounge with tea, coffee, or a Martini cocktail and enjoy enormous platters of cake. The summer months offer lunchtime specials of lobster and chips, and champagne is half price every Fizzy Friday. While the sea and beaches remain the main attractions, there is still plenty to see and do on a weekend trip. Fans of history and literature will enjoy a visit to St Peter’s Church, which houses the remains of Frankenstein author Mary Shelley, along with the heart of her husband. While being a convenient walkway to the pier, the Victorian Pleasure Gardens also house a tethered hot air balloon, which rises to 500ft to give a brilliant, but potentially terrifying view of Bournemouth, the seaside, and its sur-
rounds. There is a lot in the immediate area to see, and while Bournemouth makes an ideal weekend break from Dublin, it could also serve as a base for a longer stay in the region. A short drive inland is the New Forest area, a 56-hectare national park, famous for its wild ponies, which can be explored by foot or by hiring bicycles. Another worthwhile day trip explores the Jurassic Coast, England’s first natural World Heritage Site, where fossils are common from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. Bournemouth is one of the most popular areas in Britain for retired people to settle, but also boasts a growing surf community and an active university population, making for an interesting mix of old meets new.
The result is a place that is at once mature and full of history and at the same time fresh and modern. It’s this air of “tradition with a twist” that makes Bournemouth a great tourist destination. Coupled with the regular affordable flights, mild south coast weather, and year-round attractions, it’s a short trip that can offer a far different seaside experience. Aer Lingus Regional operate daily flights from Dublin from €29.99, www.aerlingus.com. Rates and information for the Green House hotel and Green Room restaurant at www.thegreenhousehotel.co.uk Rates and information for the Norfolk Royale hotel www.peelhotels. co.uk For more information on Bournemouth and surrounding area www. bournemouth.co.uk
The Victorian Pleasure Gardens house a tethered hot air balloon, which rises to 500ft to give a brilliant view of Bournemouth
WHETHER it’s taking a cruise on a gondola in Venice, visiting the famous sites of the Italian capital or seeing an opera in northern Verona, Italy’s favourite destinations could be the ideal location for a much-needed winter city break. And with fantastic offers from Citalia by Travelmood up for the taking, the only thing left to do is to pack your weekend bag. Venice is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artworks and is a city which is in its entirety listed as a World Heritage Site. Visit St Mark’s Basilica, take a gondola trip down the Grand Canal and see the Piazza San Marco from just €299 per person. Travelling on November 17, 2012, the price includes a three-night stay at the four-star Bonvecchiati Hotel on a B&B basis. Or visit Italy’s capital of Rome and see some of Europe’s most beautiful and renowned historic sites including the Colisseum, the Sistine Chapel and the Pantheon. Travel on December 1, 2012, and spend three nights at the three-star Augustea Hotel on a B&B basis from just €264 per person. Verona is one of the main tourist destinations in northern Italy, owing to its artistic heritage, several annual fairs, shows and operas, such as the lyrical season in the Arena, the ancient amphitheatre built by the Romans. The city has been awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO due to its urban structure and architecture. Travel on December 8, 2012 and spend three nights at the three-star Mastino Hotel on a B&B basis from just €276 per person. All prices include return flights from Dublin, taxes and charges. For more information or to book, visit www.travelmood.ie, or call their dedicated team on 01 4331020 or visit the Travelmood store in Duke Street, Dublin 2, just off Grafton Street.
26 Lucan gazette 1 November 2012
LucanCLASSIFIEDS
Bathrooms
Dental
Windows
Computers
COMPUTER REPAIRS & SALES Virus removal, broadband + wireless setup. PC running slow, annoying pop-ups. Call Damien 0861714713 for a quote NO CALLOUT CHARGE DVD services
DVD TRANSFERS
Car Services
Cinefilms,Photos and Slides transferred to DVD with Music and Titles added. Camcorder and Videotapes edited and transferred to DVD. Phone 01-2807838 Mobile 087-9132265 Email: alleventsvideo@eircom.net
House services
FOR ALL YOUR FENCING REQUIREMENTS SUPPLIED AND FITTED
Also Side And Entrance Gates Fitted. Contact Daly Fencing on 087 7651272
HANDYMAN SERVICES Gutters cleaned inside and out €30. Power washing services available for Driveways, Roofs, Walls and Houses. Small Gutter and roof repairs carried out. Painting and decorating also. Call Jim 085 8202238
JT PLUMBING
Plumbing
BEST PRICES IN DUBLIN!! All areas covered. 15 years experience. Free estimates.
OUTSIDE TAP SUPPLIED & FITTED €70
LONG MILE ROAD (Beside Des Kelly) BELGARD RD, TALLAGHT (Beside Kitchens Direct)
Water Tanks, Drippings Taps, Radiators, Burst pipes, Cylinders, Pumps, Outside Taps, Showers, Immersions, Bathroom Suites. For your free estimate call now on 085 7555412 or email: mjrules44@gmail.com
MECHANIC ON DUTY
CAR TYRES from €25 fitted
VAN TYRES from €40 fitted
TOP CLASS PROFESSIONAL PAINTING
FREE 24 point safety check | 1000’s of tyres in stock
Interior & Exterior, Damaged Ceilings, Walls Repaired
01 4297814 | 085 7125864 | 086 2389840
FREE ESTIMATES Fully Insured
BRICK,BLOCK AND STONEWORK
Doors Windows
20 years experience, living locally. Garden walls, sheds, brick piers, patio & paving. Decorative internal brick work, Plastering, Concrete Drives and paths. New Builds. Insurance quotes. Call Dave anytime 0872917647
Call Colm 01 457 0829 087 970 0259
!
planning Notice South Dublin County Council We, Mrs.Weronika Butrym & Mrs. Ewelina Matusiak, intend to apply for planning permission at 13 Foxborough Glade, Lucan, Co. Dublin. Development consists of adaptation the dwelling into a full day care of children aged 3-5 years, from Monday to Friday. A 111,5sq.m storey floor house. The building will contain 3 pre-school activity rooms, kitchen, 2 bathrooms, resting room, 3 parking spaces. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€ 20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the of the Planning Authority. 16811
We have 135,000* readers each week *based on standard industry measurements
advertise your business to our readers call 60 10 240
You can have this ad for as little as...
...€300* for 12 weeks! *Excluding vat. Subject to pre-payment
your local Gazette for The best low cost advertising
call us now on 01 60 10 240
1 November 2012 LUCAN Gazette 27
boxing P28
asdfsdaf gaelic games P27 P31
dublinsport Let the Gazette keep you up to date with all the best local sporting action from around the city as we cover all the stories that matter to you and your community
Gazette
athletics P29
FastSport kennedy wins handball title:
Sara Lawlor with her Bus Eireann women’s national league player of the month award for September/October
soccer: United’s star striker honoured for her five goals in three games
Peamount’s Lawlor named women’s player of the month PEAMOUNT UNITED striker Sara Lawlor has been named the Bus Eireann Women’s National League Player of the Month for September/October. Lawlor was voted player of the match when she scored for her club in the recent FAI Umbro Women’s senior cup final against Raheny United. The 24-year-old has three Ireland caps and was presented her award by Republic of Ireland women’s international team manager Sue Ronan. Dubliner Lawlor scored five goals in her opening three games in the Bus
Éireann Women’s National League, which sees Peamount top on goal difference from their rivals Raheny United in the preliminary phases of the marquee competition. Lawlor admitted she was honoured to get the award but felt that a number of her club-mates could have been in consideration. “It’s lovely to get an award like this but I was a little surprised because lots of the girls played very well over the last month,” she said. “We were very disappointed not to
win the cup but the great thing is that we didn’t let it get to us and we’re very focused on the Bus Eireann Women’s National League. “Our next game is on Saturday November 3 at Raheny so we have an excellent opportunity to bounce back and look to maintain our 100% start to the season.” Lawlor also scored three goals in two FAI Umbro Women’s Senior Cup games in the same period. “Bus Éireann congratulates Sara on winning the player of the month award.
“Sara has continued her incredible form from last season with some important goals in Peamount’s unbeaten start to the 2012–2013 season,” said Andrew McLindon, Bus Eireann PR manager. Peamount’s Chloe Mustaki and Emma Cahill were both part of the Republic of Ireland U-19 side that won their UEFA U-19 Women’s European Championship group, winning all three of their games to qualify for the next phase of the competition. They beat Cyprus, Latvia and Serbia in order to advance.
EUGENE Kennedy, father of multiple All-Ireland winning St Brigid’s star Eoin, completed the double last week as the world handball championships in Citywest. He claimed the diamond masters (Over60) singles title while he grabbed the doubles, too, in tandem with Wexford’s Ned Buggy. Played over 10 days in west County Dublin, over 2,000 players contested the championships over a host of grades across the fantastic purposebuilt Citywest Arena, where an amazing cauldron of action and excitement was created for the 3,000 additional fans who pack into the amphitheatre style seating for the event.
c o n ta c t s Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@gazettegroup.com
For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@gazettegroup.com Phone: 01 651 6205
Gazette
28 LUCAN gazette 1 November 2012
SPORT
DublinGazetteNewspapers
boxing: neilstown man triumphant once more
2012 dublin sports awards october winners
H STARof the MONTH
Kenneth Egan was one of four Irish boxers to land a winner’s prize at the Tammer Elite Multi-Nations event
john brophy THE Phoenix striker’s recent form with his club and with the Leinster senior league panel was good enough to earn him a first-ever Republic of Ireland amateur call-up, a just reward for his excellent start to the season with the Scribblestown club
TEAMof the MONTH H
Egan lands gold again in Finland sport@gazettegroup.com
kilmacud crokes THE Glenalbyn club bridged a 27-year gap to claim the Dublin senior hurling championship in excellent style. They came within one step of a rare double as the club’s senior footballers fell at the last hurdle in the Dublin county final on Monday evening
NEILSTOWN’S Kenneth Egan claimed his fifth gold medal in five tournaments on Finnish soil as he was one of four Irish winners at the 33rd Tammer Elite Multi Nations. The 2008 Olympic silver medallist was joined on the winning rostrum by David Oliver Joyce, John Joe Joyce and Conrad Cummings while Con Sheehan and Ross Hickey took home silver from an exceptional team performance. For Egan, it completed the
hat trick of wins over the hosts at the expense of Tomi Honka. The 10-time Irish elite champion, boxing well within himself, was rarely troubled in this lightheavyweight decider en route to a 16-8 decision. It followed earlier wins over England’s Lawrence Osueke in the quarter-finals tonight to book his ticket into the semi-finals where he met Finland’s Niklas Räsänen who he duly beat by 10-points. “The entire squad boxed superbly all week and it is fantastic to be taking home four gold
and two silver medals in our first Elite tournament since the Olympic Games in London, he said. “Overall, the entire squad produced some fantastic displays – young Michael Nevin also won one bout here – and we’re delighted with their performances.” Talented Portlaoise BC prospect Michael Nevin – appearing in his first Elite tournament – won one bout for Ireland in Tampere. D av i d O l i ve r J o y c e a l s o scooped the Best Boxer Award in Finland.
O’Conaill lands European and London Open wins peter carroll sport@gazettegroup.com
East Coast Jiu Jitsu Academy’s Darragh O’Conaill celebrates his victory at the London Open
DARR AGH O’Conaill, Ireland’s youngest brown belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu, continued his fantastic recent form by claiming two gold medals in the middleweight division – one at the London Open and the other at the Nogi European Championships, which was also held in the English capital. As well as his personal glory, O’Conaill’s East Coast Jiu Jitsu Academy - based in Dun Laoghaire - took another haul
of medals as Dean Barry and Stephen Byrne took gold, John Sheridan won four more including one silver and Marcus Phelan and Daniel Ha claimed bronze honours too. O’Conaill, who had been eyeing these tournaments all year shared his disappointment that the challenge was over. “I’ve just been building up to this tournament all year,” said the European champion. “Every training session and every competition was just a warm up for this and now that it’s over I’m genuinely sad.
“It’s a strange feeling that I haven’t had before, I loved every second of action in the matches and I could see a huge improvement in my game when I faced off against some people that I had fought before.” Now in preparation for the Nogi World Championships in Los Angelos, O’Conaill is in confident mood, despite the organisation of accommodation still being left up in the air for the Dun Laoghaire coach. “I’ve been in great form all year and I think I’ll be able to keep it up. To stay there, I’ve
been enquiring with friends of friends – a life of competing is an expensive one to live,” he said. With his constant jet setting and his commitment to his students competing, O’Conaill believes that jiu jitsu is his calling and the 25-year-old believes he is going some way to turn his lifestyle into a career. “If I wasn’t competing so much, I would be living comfortably. It’s just an expensive sport, but what I’m trying to do at ECJJA is allow people to make the sport their career.”
1 November 2012 LUCAN gazette 29
Local runners produced a series of superb runs at the Dublin marathon last Monday with athletes from DSDAC and Rathfarnham AC medalling in the Irish championships IT WAS something of a family affair for Maria McCambridge, the former Dundrum South Dublin AC runner, as on the day she claimed the women’s Woodie’s DIY Irish national marathon title on the streets of Dublin her 17-month-old son Dylan completed his first marathon. He was pushed around the track in a buggy by her husband Gary for the entire 26.2 mile route, albeit three hours slower than McCambridge’s time, a personal best of 2.35.28, one second better than the time she produced in Paris in 2009. It was good enough for seventh place overall for
stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com
the 37-year-old and created a new record for any Irish woman in the Dublin marathon, bettering Sonya O’Sullivan’s time from 2000. Speaking about the race in its aftermath, McCambridge – who has run in Letterkenny AC colours for the past couple of seasons since relocating there – explained that it was a “very satisfying” outcome in the wake of a tough year
that saw her miss out on a place at the Olympic Games despite achieving the qualifying time. “As soon as the Olympics weren’t on, for me, I just put it behind me, and put my head down in preparation for this,” she said. “So it is very satisfying, and that’s the great thing about being a runner – there’s always another race. It’s not the Olympics but I’m delighted,” added McCambridge. Barbara Sanchez, (Raheny Shamrock AC) took the silver medal in 2.42.10 and Pauline Curley, (Tullamore Harriers) took bronze in 2.45.49. The women’s race in Dublin was won
Maria McCambridge, left, with her son Dylan and Georgina Drumm
by Magdaline Mukunza of Kenya in 2.30.47. On the men’s side, Rathfarnham AC proved one of the stand-out clubs on the day as Sean Hehir took second in the men’s Irish national title while club mate Barry Minnock claimed third
Dublin team categories as Brian Furey also ran well to finish in 2.33.06 to finish 27th overall. The men’s race, from an Irish perspective , was won by Paul Pollock who had earlier raised much cheer when he raced into the overall lead eight
--------------------------------------------------------
‘That’s the great thing about being a runner. There’s always another race. It’s not the Olympics but I’m delighted’ - Maria McCambridge
--------------------------------------------------------
place. It laid the base for the club’s ultimate success in both the national and
miles into the marathon. The Annadale Striders runner had to settle for ninth place in the end as Kenyan and Ethiopian runners dominated the event won by defending champion Geofrey Ndungu of Kenya in 2.11.09. This was a big breakthrough performance though for Pollock who won the Woodie’s DIY national Titleincorporated in the Dublin event in 2.16.30, the fastest time in Dublin by an Irish athlete in 13 years. Both Paul Pollock and Maria McCambridge now plan on turning their attention to cross country. Both athletes have ambitions to gain selection on the Irish teams for the European Cross Country Championships in Budapest in December.
Gazette
Marathon success for local runners
FastSport
Glenn Whelan at last year’s launch
Late night leagues back in action in November FRIDAY Night late night soccer leagues will kick off on November 2 across Fingal. Open to boys and girls aged 13 to 15 and 16 to 21, the games will take place in Corduff Sports Centre, Round Tower, Lusk; Skerries Community Centre, Rivervalley Swords and Glebe North FC Balbriggan, on Fridays from 9pm to 11pm. The leagues will run for five weeks with the winners from each group qualifying for the Dublin finals, which will be held in early December. The Late Night League (LNL) is a fivea-side tournament that has taken place in numerous venues around Fingal over the last number of years and has proven very successful. It is run in conjunction with local authorities, youth groups and Community Garda policing units, and aims to provide a safe, fun and healthy social alternative to teenagers on Friday nights. Niall Mc Guirk, senior sports officer with Fingal County Council added “The joint partnership between Fingal County Council’s sports office, the FAI, An Garda Síochána and our venue providers has enabled the programme to develop around the county. “Late Night Soccer provides a positive sporting activity for young people to take part in; studies have shown it has helped in reducing anti-social behaviour and it gives the youth of Fingal something to look forward to on a Friday night.” Interested participants just need to turn up on the night to register their interest and there’s no cost to participate. For further information on the Late Night League initiative, or any football programmes, contact the local FAI development officer: Balbriggan/Lusk/Skerries area - Paul Keogh (FAI) T: 086 044 4435 E: paul. keogh@fai.ie; Blanchardstown Area – Sharon Boyle (FAI) T: 087 132 3260 E: sharon. boyle@fai.ie; Swords area – Mick Pender (FAI) T: 087 127 3258 E: mpender@fai.ie.
Gazette
30 lucan Gazette 1 November 2012
SPORT
FastSport
soccer: barry happy with lucan united’s chemistry
Dublin clubs encouraged to get involved in FAI awards DUBLIN’S football clubs are being encouraged to get involved and put themselves forward for the Aviva club of the month competition that was launched last week in Dublin by Irish internationals David Meyler and former Portmarnock AFC, Stephen Ward. The overall club of the year award was won by St Joseph’s Boys in 2008, with monthly awards going to Rivervalley Rangers FC (2006), Peamount United (2008), Crumlin United (2008), Skerries Town (2008), Firhouse Carmel FC (2009), Esker Celtic FC (2009), St Paul’s FC (2010) and Kilbarrack United (2012). The awards have become the benchmark for how clubs are performing up and down the country and are run from October through to May with a different club selected every month, receiving €1,500 to assist in their overall development. Each of the monthly winners then goes forward as finalists to the club of the year which is chosen at the FAI Festival of Football and AGM. The clubs will then have a final opportunity to submit presentations on their clubs to the judging panel before the winner of the club of the year is announced and a cheque of €5,000 presented. The judging panel for the award, which is headed up by Donal Conway, chairman of the FAI underage committee, includes representatives from FAI club development, Dublin City Council and Aviva, select the winners based on six different criteria including administration, coaching, participation numbers, performance and contribution to the community. The FAI’s John Delaney said of the scheme: “Since its inception eight years ago, it has been clear that the importance of the Aviva club of the year award comes from the fact that it reaches out to the football family all across Ireland. “It provides our clubs with an incentive to improve and a reward for the efforts of many fantastic volunteers to make their clubs better. Each winner of the Aviva club of the year award has been justly proud of a fabulous achievement and the FAI places great value on the award.” More information about the Aviva club of the month awards and details on how to submit an entry are available of www.FAI.ie and www. Aviva.ie/localsports.
Lucan United got their season going with a hard-fought win over Celbridge Town
Grundy on the double lsl sunday senior 1b Lucan Utd Celbridge Town peter carroll
3 1
sport@gazettegroup.com
LUCAN United have got the wheels going this season and with a few new faces brought in by new manager Ger Barry, the team seem to have gelled after a 3-1 win over Celbridge Town, with substitute Chris Dunne coming off the bench to set up a Victor Grundy brace within 10 minutes of his entrance. The first half of the affair, played in Lucan,
was a very scrappy tie and although a couple of chances went asunder for both sides, there was no way of calling a clear winner. When the sides went in at half time, Barry, noting the lack of creativity the team exhibited through the middle of the pitch, switched the focus to the wings with a stress on the wide players getting forward and stretching the Kildare side’s back lines. With full backs and wingers forcing Celbridge on the back foot, Barry brought on Dunne who came to life as soon
Gaelic 4 fathers Initiative has big impact for Round Tower’s club round Tower’s Gaelic 4 Fathers team has
proven to be a huge success for the club in recent years, affording club members the opportunity to continue playing whilst remaining involved with the club and enjoying the social side to Gaelic Games. The side are sponsored by Pixel Impact (http://www.pixelimpact.ie/) whose representative Gavin Lawler (right) presented a set of jerseys to team captain Ken Byrne in the clubrooms recently
as he was on the pitch, dictating the play from the centre of midfield. When the substitute was found in space in the middle of the park he skipped by two of the opposition’s defenders before slipping a fantastically weighted ball through a gap that found the feet of Grundy who dispatched the ball into the Celbridge net. Five minutes later, the ball was rolled to Dunne out on the right wing where the midfielder had no hesitation in swinging the ball in invitingly for the poised Grundy, who headed
home from 12 yards. With 10 minutes left on the clock Celbridge got their chance to get back into the game when they won a penalty off a wayward United challenge. Converting the spot kick, the away side came to life and piled the pressure on to their hosts. However, in injury time, the ball broke up the field to John May whose strike was stopped by the K ildare goalkeeper, before Stephen Gannon followed it up by placing the ball under the keeper.
After the game, ,manager Ger Barry highlighted how a top four slot is still the target of his side. “It’s my first season here so it’s taken some time for the lads to get used to things, and we’ve had some new faces in but everything seems to be gelling now,” said Barry. “We still need a little bit of work, but the losses we have had were by very short margins and having played against league leaders St James’s Gate, I think top four is still definitely a possibility,” he finished.
1 November 2012 lucan Gazette 31
sport@gazettegroup.com
R O U N D To w e r ’ s claimed the U-15 C Shield last Sunday in Lawless Park when they overcame Fingallians in convincing fashion, 5-10 to 0-2, with centre half forward Kevin McGibney playing the protagonist in the onesided victory.
S t e p h e n B r a c ke n grabbed the first goal of the day when he won the ball at an impossible angle. The confident forward cracked it into the back of the net with a fantastic effort. Kevin McGibney was found in space 10 minutes later to fire home for a second goal and Tower’s went in at the
break with a big lead of 2-0 to 0-1. It was Bracken who netted for the first time in the second half when he won a 50/50, rounded his marker before he sent ripples through the net. Conor Fleming capitalised on Fingallians’ lack of enthusiasm when he ran unchal-
lenged before he notched Tower’s fourth goal of the day. Sean Ryan finished the scoring with an effort similar to Fleming’s, finishing off a high scoring affair for the Clondalkin men who were presented the shield by Dublin’s lone All-Star for 2012, Paul Flynn.
camogie: sarsfields hopes crushed by Na Fianna
Gazette
ASDFASDSAF Five star Tower’s too good for Fins Club Noticeboard lucan sarsfields THE club Mass for deceased members
Saturday on our all-weather pitch
will take place in the function room on
at our clubhouse grounds at the 12th
Wednesday, November 7 at 8pm.
Lock. Football and Hurling for boys
We are currently looking for volun-
born in 2006, 2007 and 2008 is from
teers to either join an existing lotto
1.30pm to 3pm. Football for girls born
team or start their own lotto team.
in 2005, 2006 and 2007 is from 1.30pm
You would only be committing to giv-
to 2.15pm and camogie for girls aged
ing up one Sunday night every 10 weeks
six and over is from 2.15pm to 3pm. No
or so to check lotto tickets for the
need to pre-register.
winning numbers. Training will be pro-
Congratulations to Gerry O’Grady
vided. If you are interested or would
who will be captain of Lucan Sarsfields
like more information, please contact
golf society for 2013. To see the calen-
Mary Flannery on 087 7469143.
dar for 2013, visit the club website.
Club shop opening times: Tuesday
Set dancing classes take place every
(7.30-8.30pm) and Saturday mornings
Wednesday at 8.30pm. Everyone wel-
(10.30am – 11.30am) opening only until
come, no partner required.
Christmas. Occasional opening during
This week’s lotto numbers will be
nurseries on Saturdays when staff
available on our website .Colette
are available. No Thursday openings
Condons’s team will be in charge next
until further notice. Socks, shorts etc
Sunday night when our sponsor will be
will be available from the bar during
John Ryan Accountant. A full list of this
club hours.
week’s fixtures are on our website,
Our nurseries now take place every
www.lucansarsfields.ie.
St pat’s Palmerstown A QUIET week for the bank holiday weekend. The lotto numbers and results were: first draw winning numbers – 10, 14,
Lucan still longing for senior A glory Sarsfields’ camogie stars were unable to add the senior A league title to the shield they won a couple of weeks ago
senior a camogie final
Lucan Sarsfields 0-11 Na Fianna 1-11 sport@gazettegroup.com
LUCAN Sarsfields’ premier camogie squad missed out on the chance to make history as they missed out on their first ever senior A league title in any code in its 126-year history when they were edged out 1-11 to 0-11 by Na Fianna. Played in fine though windy conditions at St Margarets, they had their chances in a tight game where there was never more than a score between the teams.
A somewhat shellshocked Lucan conceded a lot of early and often unnecessary frees, giving territorial advantage and indeed some easy scores to the opposition. In response, Lucan opened their scoring with an Emma Flanagan point while Mairi Moynihan discovered her scoring touch to land six points from frees in the remainder of the first half. Na Fianna, in contrast, scored just three points from frees in that first half, but landed four vital points from play. A point from play from Emer Keenan saw Lucan lead
0-8 to 0-7 at half-time, but camouflaged a sub-par performance. Another Moynihan free improved things before Na Fianna landed two frees to bring the game to level. Then came the decisive score of the game as Lucan gave the ball away in midfield and Na Fianna worked their way downfield where cornerforward Mary Nevin gave Kate Whyte in the Lucan goal no chance with a fine angled shot. The last quarter saw a fantastic contest unfold as Lucan, playing to their reputation as a good second-half team, put severe
pressure on Na Fianna. Emma Flanagan drew a tremendous save from the Na Fianna keeper, and late short frees from Lucan made for a tense last few minutes. Ultimately, the honours went to Na Fianna who were understandably ecstatic at the end. Best for Lucan were Kate Whyte in goal, Noelle O’Riordan at full-back, Claire Rigney at wingback, Laura Murtagh in midfield (whose work-rate was terrific throughout), and in attack, Joelenne Hoary, Emma Flanagan and Mairi Moynihan, scorer of nine points.
Any three numbers: no winner. Lucky dip for €50 each: Ken Crowther, Charles Ryan, Kay Heary, Jim Lennon (tickets drawn by Maree O’Toole).
16 and 8; there was no winner. Second
The next draw is on Sunday, Novem-
draw winning numbers – 4, 14, 19 and 1,
ber 4, the first draw jackpot is €10,000,
there was no winner.
the second draw jackpot is €3,600.
round tower, clondalkin CONGRATULATIONS to the U-15 foot-
Cross, Eoghan Hutchinson, Podge
ballers on defeating Fingallians in the
McKeever, Jason Joyce, Willie Kennedy,
U-15C shield final.
Chris Kavanagh and Gavin Lawler.
The minor footballers drew with Na
This will be one of the nights of the
Fianna. The U-21 hurlers face Setanta
year and is not to be missed. Tickets
on Saturday afternoon in the commu-
are available from the clubrooms or
nity centre in the U-21 championship at
directly from Matt McCormack on 087
2.30pm, with the minor hurlers facing
6836737.
St Kevin’s in the minor championship
Scrap Saturday is returning to Round
on Sunday morning in Dolphin Park at
Tower GAA club. The next collection will
11am. All support welcome.
take place Saturday, November 10 and
A fundraising night of music and
persons are asked to leave their metal
craic will be held by the hurling sec-
to Monastery Road between the hours
tion on Friday, November 2 with music
of 10am and 4pm.
by Farmer and Friends in Round Tower
This week’s lotto numbers were
GAA clubrooms. Doors open 8.30pm,
9, 10, 21 and 27. The bonus ball was 7.
admission is €5. Tickets can be pur-
There was no winner of this week’s
chased from any of the adult hurlers.
jackpot of €9,500. Congratulations to
Round Tower club present Jigs and
Ned O’Byrne, John Curtin and Theresa
Reels in association with a local Irish
Verso who were the three €100 win-
dancing club on Friday, November 16
ners; match three plus the bonus ball
in the Green Isle hotel at 8pm. A great
- Catherine Murphy. Next week’s jack-
night of entertainment and fun is in
pot is €9,600
store with members from across all
The clubrooms are available for
sections taking part with an experi-
rental for parties, anniversaries, etc.
enced dance partner.
Please contact Jimmy behind the bar
Those signed up are Rebecca
or on 01-4592960.
O’Connor, Fiona O’Shea, Jessica
Pick your lotto team leader and help
O’Malley, Linda Delaney, Martin Ryan,
them become the top Friday night
Eric Byrne, Simon Breslin, Shane
seller.
GazetteSPORT all of your lucan sports coverage from page 27-31
united they stand: Lucan pick up healthy victory over Celbridge in the LSL Sunday Senior 1B P31
november 1, 2012
Dublin marathon delight: Annual race around the city sees local runners star P29
Casey hangs up boots Paul Casey captaining Dublin in the O’Byrne Cup against Wexford in 2010
After 10 years in the sky blue, Lucan Sarsfields man Paul Casey has called time on his Dublin career, but will stay on at club level Peter carroll
AFTER over a decade’s contribution to Dublin football, Paul Casey, eight time Leinster championship winner and All-Ireland winner in 2011, has decided to hang up his inter county boots after a fantastic playing career. He claims he is looking forward to paying back his club, Lucan Sarsfields, stating: “After the county there is always the club.” “It’s always been a pleasure to play for Dublin,” said Casey as he recalled his debut in 2002. “It was a dream come true and players like Ciaran Whelan, who had been playing in the team since 1996, won their first Leinster that year, so it was fantastic.
“Obviously to win Sam in the end was a memory that will live with everyone forever, I look back on my inter county career with absolutely no regrets.” The 31-year-old recalls the Leinster final in 2005 as his favourite memory in the blue, after the Dubs had a two-year barren spell in the provincial championship. “As I said, the All-Ireland win was massive, the 2002 championship was amazing as well, but I was only beginning to realise the significance. “The one that always sticks out for me is the Leinster final in 2005 against Laois. Themselves and Westmeath had won the last two Leinsters, our win that year turned out to be the beginning of a huge spell of success and dominance, so it’s
always been special.” Casey also had the privilege of helping new players adjust to the set-up over the years, something he believes is cyclical and the apprentices he once had in the fold will now go onto to help new blood adapt to the intercounty outfit. “I think the backline is in very capable hands now, this year was always going to be my last, but the talent in Dublin now is unbelievable. The calibre is so high, the lads are grounded and they always apply themselves to the best of their abilities. “It’s important to help the players settle and now that they have, they will help the newer players coming through to get involved, that’s how it works,” said the Dub’s veteran.
Casey also underlined how he believes Jim Gavin was “the best choice” and how the former Round Tower man will go on to “huge success” within the Dublin fold. “I’ve played under Jim back in 2002, he’s very professional and he was the best man for the job. He’s a brilliant manager and I wish him all the best” Finally, the defensive stalwart highlighted how he is looking forward to playing out his days with Lucan. “I’m 31, it could be a bit old for inter county, but I still have three or four years left at club level. They’ve been so supportive of me over the years and I’m looking forward to paying them back,” the Sarsfields man finished.