blanchardstown gazette

INSIDE: Bernard Dunne helps promote suicide

awareness drive P2

Irish Rail approveHansfield tenderAccess roadmeans stationwill finally open

� LAURA WEBB

RESIDENTS who have been waiting years for the opening of the Hansfield train station will be pleased to hear that a tender for the construction of its access road has been approved by Irish Rail, and construction is set to begin

in the coming weeks.The station, which has

been lying idle since its com-pletion in 2010, will finally get the access road it needs in order to open.

Construction is expected to begin in the coming weeks to have the road completed by spring 2013.

Once complete, the state-of-the-art railway station can finally open and local residents will reap the ben-efits of the long-awaited public transport system that will be running on the May-nooth line.

Full Story Next Week

Brave new world: Warm welcome for junior infants FIRST-day nerves were quickly dispelled as junior infant students at Scoil an Chroi Ro Naofa in Huntstown settled into their new surroundings.

Teacher Ms Quinn is pictured welcoming young Ricardo to the school, who was adapting to his new surroundings with ease.

Around the country, little four-year-olds have been making the big transition to a new world of class-rooms, blackboards and teachers.

Full Gallery next week

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SEPTEMBER 6, 2012 Find us onFREEBLANCHARDSTOWN • BLAKESTOWN • HARTSTOWN • COOLMINE • TYRRELSTOWN • DUNBOYNE • CORDUFF • MULHUDDART • ONGAR

TOTAL FARRELL: The Gazette talks to Dublin’s Hollywood hero 2

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8

BUSINESS .................... 18

MOTORS ....................... 20

TRAVEL ......................... 22

ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24

CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Handball: Kennedy denied by McCarthy in All-Ireland finalPage 31

Soccer: Hartstown get one over on FC Blanch in AULPage 30

2 BLANCH GAZETTE 6 September 2012

SUICIDE Dublin 15 support group is officially launched

Highlighting a national concernF

ORMER World Champion boxer Bernard Dunne was happy to attend the recent official launch of Suicide Awareness Dublin 15 at the Grasshopper

pub, Clonee. Convened by the Corduff Community Development Project, the group was established in May, 2010, with the group comprising people who have been

bereaved through suicide, or who have experienced suicidal feelings. Bernard praised the initiative, and the members, for their efforts to support local people affected by suicide. He also praised the upcoming Crossbar Trust Charity initiative on Saturday, September 22, comprising a 40km fundraising cycle for the group.

United to support and highlight a worthy cause ... Former World Champion boxer Bernard Dunne with Carmel Kenny, Ray Kenny,

Martin Donnelly (founder), Mairead Ahern, Katryn Parker and Catherine Kearney

Bernard Dunne with Gary Murphy and Peter Smith

John Farrell, adding to the upbeat feeling of the group’s official launch Locals were happy to help the cause

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EMPLOYMENT Target Express jobs may be saved

16 staff to goas local Clerys branch closes� LAURA WEBB

[email protected]

THE Blanchardstown branch of Clerys Home Furnishing store will cease trading next week, with the loss of 16 jobs.

Last week, retail giant Clerys announced that its home-furnishing store at Blanchardstown centre Retail Park will close on September 15 after incur-ring continuing losses.

In a statement to the Gazette, a spokesperson for Clerys said: “The unit has incurred significant losses since the beginning of the recession. The clo-sure will result in the loss of up to 16 positions. Trad-ing continues at all other

Clerys Home Furnishings stores as normal.”

In reaction to the announcement on August 31, SIPTU representatives have requested a meeting with Clerys management to discuss their decision.

SIPTU organiser Gra-ham Macken said: “The announcement came as a shock to the work-ers at the Clerys store in Blanchardstown. While they were aware of the company’s current finan-cial difficulties, they were not informed until [the announcement on August 31] that management intended to close the store during September.

“The majority of the workers are SIPTU

members. Union repre-sentatives are seeking an immediate meeting with management to discuss the possibility of saving at least some of the threat-ened jobs, and redundan-cy terms,” he said.

Meanwhile, jobs at Tar-get Express, which has a depot in Mulhuddart, could be saved following the acquisition of some of the company’s assets by Masterlink Logistics.

Last week, the High Court granted approval for the sale.

It was reported that Masterlink Logistics will now seek to re-employ as many former Target Express workers as possi-ble, but gave no indication

Clerys store at Blanchardstown centre retail park will close

of exactly how many jobs will be saved.

A total of 398 jobs were lost nationally when Tar-get Express ceased trading on Monday, August 27.

The decision was made following a move by the Revenue Commission-ers to place an attach-ment on the company’s bank account because of unpaid taxes.

Masterlink Logistics currently employs around 350 people. Its headquar-

ter are based in Blan-chardstown, and it said it sought to acquire the assets because there was a “strong fit between both businesses”.

It was reported that the High Court assigned Michael McAteer and Stephen Tennant of Grant Thornton as provisional liquidators for the failed haulage company.

The barrister for the liquidators told the court on Wednesday,

August 29, that the pro-posed contract from Masterlink was “the best offer” for all con-cerned. It was one of two offers made to the provisional liquidators, with the other deemed inferior, counsel said.

Counsel went on to say that it was not known how many jobs at Target Express could be saved, as it depended on how much of the business could be retained.

Dubai seminar is the business CHAMBERS of Com-merce from across Dub-lin come together this month to host a semi-nar on doing business in Dubai.

The Greater Dublin Chamber announced details of a Dubai busi-ness briefing on Thurs-day, September 13, at 6pm in the Radisson Blu Hotel at Dublin Airport.

The briefing is sup-ported by and organised in association with the Government of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce.

Fayha Sultan, a rep-resentative from the department, will speak about the opportunities for SMEs and multina-tionals in Dubai.

It costs €30 each. For information, phone Freda on 01-8900977, or email [email protected].

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Charges brought in stab caseA 20-YEAR-old man has been charged in connec-tion with the fatal stabbing of a man in Mulhuddart.

Andrew Gibney, with an address at Dromheath Avenue in Mulhuddart, was charged on Thursday, August 30, with assault-ing father-of-one Ger-ard Burnett and causing serious harm outside his home at Castlecurragh Vale just before midnight on August 21.

The victim was taken to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown where he was pronounced dead shortly before 1am on August 22.

Two males were arrest-ed, aged 18 and 20 years, on Wednesday, August 29. The 20-year-old was charged that night and appeared in court the fol-lowing morning.

A file is now being prepared to determine if criminal charges should be brought against the 18-year-old.

COURTS

In the pink: Women raise €500 for St Luke’s HospitalTHE LADIES of Elm Green Golf Club held a Pink Day recently in recognition of one of their members, Thomasina O’Neill, who recently passed away with cancer and also for those other club members, men and women who have been affected by cancer. All funds raised were for the Friends of St Luke’s Hospital. The event raised approximately €500 which is a fan-tastic achievement and all who participated were very proud. Pictured at the event were Maria Ginnity, Sindy Augustina, Margaret Finlay and Bernie Phillips.

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Tune into a choirof clownsA CHOIR that mixes laughter with song is giving interested parties the chance to see what they are about during a special performance this autumn.

Hallelujah is a clown choir which is a group of people who gather togeth-er to sing and laugh.

Hallelujah is one part play to two parts song; one part concert to two parts clown theatre.

Weekly rehearsals will begin in 2013 but, on November 3, there is an opportunity to see what it’s all about.

Participants are intro-duced to the basic con-cepts of Clown Theatre and will learn Hallelujah’s signature tune, Charlie Chaplin’s Smile.

To register interest, fill in an application form, available from Draiocht’s box office or by email to [email protected]. The deadline for applications is October 27.

LEISURE TYRRELSTOWN 25 children enrol in new facility

Perseverance pays off as pair open preschool� LAURA WEBB

[email protected]

THE launch of a new Montessori and after-school in Tyrrelstown is a long time coming for its owners, who refused to let obstacles stop them from fulfilling their dream to open the preschool facil-ity.

Christine Fitzsimons and Caroline Byrne were devastated when plan-ning permission for the Montessori was initially refused because new leg-islation stated that such an facility needed an area for outdoor play.

That knock-back made the duo even more deter-mined to make it happen

and, after getting space from their landlord to build an outdoor play area, they applied for per-mission again, and the facility is now up-and-running.

Tyrrelstown Montessori and After School opened this week, with 25 chil-dren enrolled.

Caroline and Christine, who met at a Montes-sori school, talked about opening their own facil-ity, and decided to make it happen together.

Living in Tyrrelstown, Christine saw potential in the units there, and also the need for such facilities in an area that has a high rate of young families.

“When we came up

here [to view the unit] the sun was shining, it was a big unit, it was exactly what we wanted – we said ‘this is it’,” Caroline said.

Tyrrelstown Montes-sori and After-School offers a range of services, as Christine explains: “We have preschool for children from 2½ to 3½ and Montessori from 3½ to 4½. We also have after-school children, and we have a full-time service for children from 2½ - we don’t take anyone younger than that.

“We also have the ECC scheme, the Government preschool scheme, and also the CETS scheme. That is another Govern-ment scheme designed

Christine Fitzsimons and Caroline Byrne of Tyrrelstown Montessori and After School

for parents going back to education if they are on a FAS course or a course run by the VEC and they are awarded free child-care,” she added.

Caroline said they offer potential customers “love-ly, big bright spacious classrooms which are very well equipped” and also “great play equipment”.

There are five curricu-lum areas in Montessori, starting with practical life, sensorial, mathematics, language and culture, tak-ing from the Maria Mon-

tessori way of teaching, which both Caroline and Christine are trained in.

Explaining how Mon-tessori works, Christine said: “Teaching materi-als are all designed for different things; to teach the children independ-ence, to refine their motor skills, their co-ordination and refine their senses, sight, smelling senses and hearing.

“For the practical end of things, little things like hanging up a coat, zipping up a jacket or closing and

opening buttons, help the children become much more independent going into primary school,” she added.

Delighted to see the school finally up and run-ning, the duo are excited about the future.

Tyrrelstown Montes-sori and After-School is located at Unit 2, Block D, Tyrrelstown Shopping Centre.

Call 085 101 0800 or email [email protected] for further information.


Budget reduction is ‘unacceptable’� LAURA WEBB

[email protected]

A LOCAL politician has slammed frontline cuts to the HSE, saying the health service can take no more and that the cuts should be reversed.

Health Minister James Reilly (FG) came under fire this week follow-ing the announcement of €130m cuts to the HSE budget, including a 5.5% cut to home help services to reduce its budget deficit of €259m – although the decision to cut €10m funding for disabled people’s per-sonal assistant hours was reversed following an extended Cabinet meeting.

In response, Labour TD for Dublin West Patrick Nulty said home help cuts were “a dis-

graceful attack on the most vulnerable in our society”.

“The Minister for Health and senior man-agement in the HSE are directly responsible and should be reversing those cuts immediately. It is totally unaccepta-ble to reduce home help services to vulnerable citizens, many of them elderly, who rely on that support to carry out day-to-day activities.”

Deputy Nulty added that while the conces-sion on personal assist-ant hours was welcome, it was insufficient given overall budgetary reduc-tions.

“I welcome the Min-ister’s decision to roll back on the decision to cut the funding for per-sonal assistant hours, but this is not a suffi-

cient response.“There is no reversal

on the decision to make cuts to home care serv-ices. Investment in these services is essential and means that people will not be forced into residential care. It is essential economically and morally to ensure that this investment is retained, and the cam-paign must continue until these cuts are reversed in full.”

He called for an immediate debate on the issue, saying that the Dail, due to return September 18, should be recalled early to “dis-cuss these disgraceful cuts to our services”.

Deputy Nulty said ordinary staff were “holding up [frontline services] with a thread”, adding that it was vital

to lift the embargo on recruitment in frontline services.

“We need to recog-nise that cuts in health are totally and entirely counter-product ive because without early treatment, intervention and support, people will end up in acute hospital beds which cost more in the long term. That is why cuts to home-help services are both mor-ally reprehensible but also economically illit-erate.”

When asked if his party should stay in government, he said the Labour Party should make it “absolutely clear” that these cuts were “unacceptable”.

At the time of going to print, Minister Reilly was unavailable for comment.

HSE Politician says health service cannot take more cutbacks

Enjoy a cuppa for hospiceTHE Blanchardstown Guild of the Irish Coun-trywomen’s Association [ICA], in conjunction with staff from St Francis Hospice, will host a cof-fee morning as part of a national campaign.

On Thursday, Septem-ber 20, organisations eve-rywhere are being asked to take part in Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning campaign, sponsored by Bewleys, which this year is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

The hospice, along with the Blanchards-town ICA, will host a coffee morning at St Francis Hospice that day at 10am, as part of the continuing fund-raising efforts for the hospice.

The entry charge to the hospice coffee morn-ing is €2, which includes coffee or tea and home-baked scones.

For more information, see www.bewleys.com/hospice.

CHARITY

Labour TD for Dublin West Patrick Nulty slammed

frontline cuts to the HSE

R1


EVENT LA Make Up Academy hold graduation ceremony

Graduates brush up on celebrationsL

A Make Up Academy recently held a graduation for their one-year make-up spe-cialist classes from the 2011/2012 year.

The graduation ceremony was a great suc-cess. Students donned their gowns and hats for the special occasion where they received their certificates in front of their friends and families. LA Creative Academy offers a host of

internationally accredited courses spanning make-up, beauty therapy, special effects, hair styling, fashion design, fashion styling, milli-nery, shoe making and photography.

To find out more about LA Make-Up Acad-emy and their range of modules and services, email them on [email protected] or call +353 (0)1 6751999.

The graduates

Amanda O’Dwyer and

Gavin Renneck

Crona Rooney

Anca Condrache (winner of best make-up) and Gavin

Renneck

Anca Condrache, Gillian Hooper, Paula Lynch and Julie Davis

6 September 2012 GAZETTE 11

THE much-anticipated Moyglare Stud Stakes will take place at The Curragh this Sunday, 9th September 2012 and promises a day of premier racing, with spectacular style, thrill-ing entertainment and pageantry and a family friendly atmosphere sure to whet the appetite of seasoned race goers and newcomers alike.

To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Moyglare Stud, founder Walter Haefner’s daugh-ter, Eva-Maria Bucher Haefner, is offering race goers free admission on the day in celebration of this momentous occa-sion.

T h e p r e s t i g i o u s Moyglare Stud is also sponsoring all of the races throughout the eight race card day; with each race named after a famous Moyglare horse.

The highlight of the day will undoubtedly be the Group One Moyglare

Stud Stakes for two year old Fillies, which is now celebrating its 40th year and still carries one of the longest running race sponsorships in the world.

To add to the thrill-ing atmosphere, every race on the day will be a MOYGLARE 50 race, with each win-ning breeder receiving a €1,000 cheque from Moyglare Stud in recog-nition and acknowledge-ment of their success and the challenges that they face.

The MOYGLARE 50 series of flat races for fillies and mares was introduced by Eva-Ma-ria Bucher Haefner in honour of her late father, Walter Haefner, and is a celebration of his love of breeding horses in Ire-land.

While the thorough-breds battle it out on the racecourse, the ladies will raise the style stakes when the Newbridge Sil-

verware Style Icon com-petition gets underway.

Moyglare Stud is also offering an incredible prize to the winner of the “Style Icon” Competition

on the day. The winner is invited to bring a guest to the unique White Turf Horse Races set against the breathtakingly beau-tiful and unspoiled scen-ery of St Moritz in Feb-

ruary. There they will enjoy

luxury 5 star accom-modation for one night at the landmark Badru-tts Palace Hotel, one of

the leading hotels of the world.

The prize also includes flights, private transfers, one additional night’s accommodation in a top hotel in Zurich and free

entry to the Spa Club and the exclusive Kings Club - the most famous night-club in St Moritz!

The winning Style Icon will also receive a

Newbridge Silverware voucher to the value of €5,000, together with an exquisite piece from the Newbridge Silverware Vintage Collection.

Judges of the New-

bridge Silverware Style Icon Award will include the newly crowned Rose of Tralee Nicola McEvoy, eminent broadcaster Mr Gay Byrne, Eva-Maria Bucher Haefner from Moyglare Stud and Fash-ion Editor of the Irish Independent Bairbre Power.

The entire family will be catered for at the Moyglare Stud Stakes at The Curragh, with free entertainment for children and also face painting, bouncy castles, the RACE horse racing simulator and the Giddy Up Club - a chance for children to learn all about horse racing and meet some famous jock-eys. There will also be live music and entertainment throughout the day cour-tesy of the No 1 Army Band.

Singing sensation Mark Boylan will per-form a specially commis-sioned song penned by him celebrating the 50

years of Moyglare Stud in Ireland.

The 14 year old County Offaly native has received worldwide acclaim by composing a number of racing themed songs that have become internet hits and netted him personal invitations to racing fes-tivals including Chelten-ham and the Breeders Cup in the USA.

He was the young-est person to perform at Vicar Street on his own when he supported the High Kings earlier this year.

An art exhibition of the work of children from local schools will also be on display at The Cur-ragh, depicting their cel-ebration through art of 50 Years of Moyglare Stud.

These masterpieces have been judged by an independent artist and each child will be pre-sented with a prize and will get their mounted painting home on the day.

C O M M E R C I A L F E A T U R E

THE CURRAGH RACECOURSE 9th September 2012, First Race: 2.15pm

The White Turf Horse Races, St. Moritz, Switzerland. Photo by Andy Mettler

2004 winner Chelsea Rose, owned by Mrs. A.J. Donnelly, trained by Tracy Collins and ridden by Pat Shanahan

Spectacular style, excitement and racing

at the Moyglare Stud Stakes this Sunday

FREE ADMISSION FOR ALL , COURTESY OF MOYGLARE STUD

The Curragh is located off exit 12 on the M7. Free car parking. Trains to Kildare town with free shuttle bus to the racecourse. Dublin coach provides a service, see dublincoach.ie

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12 GAZETTE 6 September 2012

Castleknock son – and Hollywood A-lister – Colin Farrell and his mother, Rita, at

the Dublin premiere of his latest film, Total Recall (right)

� LAURA WEBB

HOLLYWOOD super-star Colin Farrell was back on Irish soil recent-ly for the European pre-miere of his latest block-buster – Total Recall – saying it was great to bring his co-stars to the city that shaped him into who he is today.

During his brief pro-motional trip for the remake, Farrell took time out to talk to The Gazette about his new movie, and what’s it like to be back home – even if it is just for a short while.

He said: “It’s really great to be able to bring a premiere back to a city that shaped me – as a boy, and as a man.

“Also lovely to have Len [Wiseman], Jess [Jessica Biel] and Kate [Beckinsale] here, too. I think for all of them, it’s their first visit to Dub-lin.”

Unfortunately, the busy father of two wasn’t

able to visit his home-town of Castleknock, saying his return for the Irish premiere of his new movie was “a fleeting visit”.

“I normally get back to Castleknock over Christ-mas when I am in Dub-lin for longer than this particular promotional pit-stop.”

According to Farrell, there is a little pres-sure involved in making remakes – memorably, Total Recall was first filmed by Paul Verhov-en, and starred Arnold Swartzenegger in1991 – but he feels this ver-sion of the classic scif-fi/action movie works.

“Well, naturally, there is the issue of expecta-tion, and people won-dering how similar or dissimilar it may be to the original film, but I think, generally, we made the film we wanted to make.”

In the movie, his char-acter is implanted with

the life memories of someone else.

When asked if he thinks the plot parallels his life as an actor, which allows him to play some-one else and walk in their shoes, his brief response was simply: “God, no, man.”

He has worked with some of the best direc-tors in cinema during his career, to date, includ-ing Stephen Spielberg,

Oliver Stone, Terry Gil-liam and Michael Mann, but Farrell says he has no particular favourite.

“Each director brings something unique and different to a film and to a film set. It’s been an honour to work with all those directors that you mention and, indeed, some that you did not, such as Terence Mallick or Niall Jordan.

“Honestly, I don’t have a favourite – you just hope that when you work with these kind of direc-tors, that you do justice to their choice of cast.”

Stepping into the big shoes of the original star of Total Recall, Arnold Schwarzenegger, we asked Colin if Arnie had been in touch to give him any pointers. Sadly, he hadn’t.

“He didn’t call, he didn’t write. Nope – no pointers! But I think that is just as well, as these are two different films made in two different decades,”

said Farrell.He started out his

career on the small screen with some small roles here and there. His career started to get a little more interesting when he was cast in the BBC series, Ballykissan-gel, in 1998 and 1999.

His first feature film was in The War Zone, which was directed by English actor, Tim Roth.

However, Farrell’s per-formance in Tigerland, directed by Joel Schu-macher, catapulted his career, which later saw him star in films such as Miami Vice, Minor-ity Report, Phone Booth, The Recruit and In Brug-es.

Now a household name, Farrell continues to impress critics with his acting skills, and his latest film has been given the thumbs-up from film critics across the globe.

The 2012 version of Total Recall is in cin-emas now.

Colin recalls his film highlights

INTERVIEW The Gazette meets Colin Farrell

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

‘I normally get back to Castleknock over Christmas when I am in Dublin for longer than this particular promotional pit-stop’- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Colin Farrell- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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� LAURA WEBB

DUBLIN Zoo’s newest arrival, a female giraffe, has been named follow-ing a recent competition held by the popular tour-ist attraction.

The rare female Roth-schild giraffe was named Tamu, which means “sweet one” in Swahili. The suggestion was sub-mitted by Grainne Byrne of Summerhill in County Meath.

Helen Clarke-Bennet, team leader for Dublin Zoo’s African Plains area, said: “Tamu is doing very well standing tall at six feet with a pale tan coat which makes her easily recognizable amongst the herd. She is an extremely well-adjusted and relaxed calf, following the herd wherever they wander.

“We received an over-whelming number of superb suggestions and picking the winning entry was not easy. We chose the name Tamu as it fits her personality perfectly,” Helen added.

For further information about Dublin Zoo, includ-ing upcoming events and news on what’s happen-ing, log on to www.dub-linzoo.ie

Zoo stick neck out with new name

ZOO NEWS: GIRAFFE’S A WINNER

Brazil-iant: Brazilian community gathers to

show off their style and culture in Dublin FOLLOWING on from the huge success of the inaugural Brazil Day Dublin, another day of music, food, dancing, and fun is on the way. A day born out of the increasing numbers of Brazilians who reside in Dublin.

On June 17, Dtwo nightclub hosted 1,800 revellers ranging from curious Irish party

goers to the beautiful girls of Brazil. Num-bers are expected to surpass the 2,000 mark on September 9 as Brazilians in Dublin will celebrate 190 years of independence.

For more information on the day, see www.facebook.com/brazildaydublin or fol-low the Twitter account @BrazilDayDublin.

� BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

DUBLIN is staying open late on Friday, September 21, for Culture Night – a one-night only celebra-tion of arts and culture in the city, and all over the country.

Museums, galleries, churches, historic hous-es, artists’ studios and cultural centres will open their doors late into the

evening, welcoming peo-ple of all ages to sample their cultural delights for free, and there are some genuine highlights in store for local people.

The Irish Film Institute is celebrating 20 years in Eustace Street by screen-ing Far and Away, starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.

The Irish Film Theatre at Earlsfort Terrace will

show an animated short film at 7.45pm, presented by Arts and Disability Ire-land.

The Culture Night Guided Tour will meander along the historic streets of the capital, retelling old and forgotten Dublin stories from 3pm to 5pm. Each tour lasts for 90 minutes and takes in the architecture, history and geology of the venues it

will visit.E s t a b l i s h m e n t s

throughout Dublin open-ing late include the Ches-ter Beatty Library, Dublin Castle, St Patrick’s Cathe-dral, the National Con-cert Hall, the National Museum of Ireland, Col-lins Barracks, the Nation-al Museum of Ireland, the Natural History Museum, the Gutter Bookshop, Gaiety School of Acting,

Temple Bar Gallery and many, many more.

There will be plenty of fun for children, too, as Culture Day for Kids runs activities for fifth- and sixth-classes at many cultural spots throughout the city.

For an interactive guide to all of the events taking place, there is a Culture Night app available to download for free from

the App Store, Google Play, or by going to www.culturenight.ie.

Culture Night is an initiative co-ordinated by Temple Bar Cultural Trust, and is supported by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in partnership with the regional arts offices and local authori-ties throughout the island of Ireland.

Free events for everyone at Culture NightHERITAGE A special night to celebrate arts, culture across Dublin

Plan for free public wi-fi� LAURA WEBB

THE Government has announced plans to introduce free wi-fi across the public trans-port system in 2013.

The Minister for Trans-port, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar (FG) announced the plans to make wi-fi accessible across almost the entire public transport sys-tem. The project aims to encourage more passen-gers and boost tourism.

Such internet access will be introduced on Irish Rail’s Dart and commuter rail services this autumn, and on 80 new Dublin Bus vehicles by Christmas.

Wi-fi is already avail-able on Irish Rail Inter-city services and most

of Bus Eireann’s fleet. It is also currently being tested on LUAS services, and should be available across the city by the end of the year.

Commenting on the announcement, Minis-ter Varadkar said: “We need to ensure that pub-lic transport remains an attractive and competi-tive option for passen-gers.

“Free internet access gives public transport a significant edge over the car, and is already prov-ing popular with passen-gers, where provided.

“In order for Ireland to compete as a tour-ism destination, we must offer 21st century services to 21st century tourists,” said Minister Varadkar.

R1


THEATRE The Ark pilot event for families

Festival opens doors to first autism event� BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

THE FIRST autism-friendly theatre perform-ances for children in Ire-land are to be part of the Dublin Theatre festival’s Family Season, which runs from late September to mid-October.

The Dublin Theatre Festival, in conjunction with The Ark, will present a family season of produc-tions tailored for children and schools.

This year, four theatre companies will bring their work to young audiences of children aged two and over and, for the first time in Ireland, there will be an autism-friendly theatre performance included in

the programme – a pro-duction of White by the Catherine Wheels Thea-tre Company.

The Ark is a unique company housed in a building especially designed for children aged two to 12 to explore everything from theatre, music and literature to painting, film, dance and more.

The Ark’s theatre pro-grammer, Maria Flem-ing, spoke to The Gazette about the initial idea behind the autism-friend-ly performances.

“This is a pilot project based on autism-friendly theatre in Britain and the USA. We studied best practice in these

countries and there are a number of things to be put in place to make it easier for autistic chil-dren and their families to enjoy the performance. These performances are also known as ‘relaxed performances’.

“We leave the doors open so people can come and go freely if they feel claustrophobic; we flag the audience if there will be any loud noises, so the children can cover their ears or use the earplugs provided. We will also have fidget toys for chil-dren to use if they get agitated. Everyone in the venue and the cast are aware it will be a relaxed performance.

Actors from The Ark performing in White

“The parents have no worry about disturbing others if their child gets upset as the space is so accepting. There is also a chill-out space in the foyer if the child needs some time out.

“Families with autistic children really appreci-ate the idea of the whole family going to some-thing together as a unit and every child should be able to enjoy theatre.

“We offer information

packs online too with pictures of the characters and details of the story to be performed so there will be no surprises on the day as this can frighten some autistic children.”

The family season will run from September 28 until October 14 in the intimate theatre space at The Ark in Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dub-lin. Tickets for both pub-lic and school perform-ances are now on sale.

Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or

email [email protected]

GOT A STORY?


Ronan and celebrity pals in charity driveA HOST of famous names came to Ireland recently to play a round of golf in aid of one of Ireland’s top cancer charities.

The celebrities were in town to play the Marks & Spencer Marie Keat-ing Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic, which took place on the acclaimed Palmer Course at the K Club on August 27.

The annual event, which is now in its 13th year, has become one of the most prestigious Irish charity golfing events.

Once again, the high-profile event saw a host of big names descend on the world-renowned golf course to enjoy a great day of golf, followed by a

dinner at the K Club, all in aid of promoting can-cer awareness and rais-ing funds for the Lucan-based charity.

Swords man Ronan Keating, himself a keen golfer, hosts this event every year and as usual, each team of three golf-ers was joined by an additional celebrity teammate for the event.

This year, the guests rubbed shoulders with wel l -known names including: Sir Bobby Charlton, Ronnie Whe-lan, Steve Staunton, Alan Hansen, Ronan Keating, Bressie, Simon Thornton, Gary Mur-phy, Brian McFadden, Vogue Williams, James Nesbitt, Allan Lamb, Shane Byrne, Teddy

Sheringham, Charlie Swan, Mick Fitzgerald, Mick Kinane, Darragh O’Shea, Andrew Coltart, Bobby Davro and Paddy Cole.

Retail giant Marks & Spencer are a long-time charity partner of the foundation and were the title’s sponsor. Many of their own staff and sup-pliers took teams as an added show of support for the work done by the charity.

Speak ing a t the event, Ronan Keating said: “This is one of my favourite fund-raising events, not only because of the fact that I love to golf myself but because it’s brilliant to see the support it continues to get every year.

“The K Club is an amazing venue and there is always a fantas-tic buzz about our golf classic. I think it’s that combination that keeps people coming back year after year.”

Also speaking at the event, Carmel Breheny, marketing manager for Marks & Spencer Ire-land, said: “Marks & Spencer has proudly been supporting the Marie Keating Founda-tion since 2002 and has raised well over €1 mil-lion for the charity in those 10 years.

“We are delighted to have been headline sponsor of this year’s golf classic, another fantastic event for such a worthy cause.”

GOLF CLASSIC For Marie Keating Foundation

Ronan Keating focuses on his game at the Marks & Spencer Marie Keating Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic at

the K Club recently. Picture: Adrian Melia

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Master of puppets back for bravura new show� BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

AWARD-winning veteran ven-triloquist and comedian, David Strassman, is exited at the pros-pect of “coming home” when he arrives in Ireland this month with a brand-new show, Be Careful What You Wish For, at the Olympia.

The new show, which will run for five nights this September, will see Strassman returning to Dublin: “I lived in Clontarf for a year, my son was born in Mount Carmel’s, and I married a Don-egal girl, though we’re now hap-pily divorced.”

Strassman, from Los Angeles, has certainly travelled a long way since his introduction to ventriloquism in junior high school there.

“A teacher, Mr Horowitz, decided to teach ventriloquism as an elective class. I really chose it to get the easy grade. He saw that I excelled, and then he showed me how to place an

ad in a local paper to do kids’ birthday parties. So, at age 14, I was making $50 for a half-hour show, while all my mates were cutting the grass and raking leaves for five bucks a day.”

David is accompanied as ever by a cast of puppet characters in his new show, and they form the basis and the theme of the production.

“This particular show is truly my most wild, funniest and has amazing production value. It’s basically about my main pup-pet, Chuck Wood, who wants to take over my brain and tries to get all the other puppets to mutiny against me. One of my puppets, Angel, has the power magically to make wishes come true and when I hear there’s a mutiny about to happen, I say to the puppets, ‘I wish you never existed’.

“Through the magic of thea-tre, I travel through a wormhole into another dimension where all my puppets exist without my

influence, so each puppet has a doppelganger in another dimen-sion and they don’t know me - I’ve to find my way back home.”

Strassman’s technological wizardry, which he first devel-oped with the help of a NASA engineer, is used to great effect in the show. “I’ve developed a technology where in one scene, I have a hand-held wireless device which operates my pup-pet live.

“I have graduated to a wireless device, enabling me to operate a puppet without using my hands in the traditional way, but 80% [of the show] is still traditional puppetry.”

Strassman’s father was a psy-chiatrist, and the connection between this and his multiple puppet personalities was some-thing that he was very aware of.

“My dad was a psychiatrist and, well, I call [what I do] ‘con-trolled schizophrenia’. But my dad never psychoanalysed me. The characters have always had

their own individual person-alities, hopes, dreams and fears. Each character has parameters of what it would say or do in their imaginary puppet life.

“But there is an element between my two major char-acters, Chuck Wood and Ted E Bear and real life. The sibling rivalry between those two pup-pets is very similar to the rela-tionship I had with my brother. People love to see Chuck pick on Ted E, and Ted E loving Chuck unconditionally - it makes for a great dynamic in theatre.”

And which character did Strassman play in real life? “Oh, I was Chuck! I was the meanest of the two,” he said.

David Strassman’s Careful What You Wish For will run at The Olympia Theatre from September 11 to15. Tickets are available at The Olympia Theatre and cost €28 / €29. For more information, see www.chuckwood.com or www.tick-etmaster.ie

EXCLUSIVE The Gazette catches up with legendary comedian, David Strassman

Ventriloquist David Strassman, pictured here with

Chuck Wood, is back in Dublin from September 11

COLOUR eyes beautiful this autumn/winter with some fantastic eye-shad-ow palettes from a range of cosmetic companies.

It’s the time of year when everyone waves goodbye to the summer (if you can call it that) and reluctantly says hello to the autumn, but on the bright side it brings with it some new wardrobe styles and great make-up selec-tions.

This season’s eye make-up range isn’t all about dark and subtle colours, bright bold colours are making headway through-out the catwalk this sea-son with a pop of colour seen across the eyes on many models.

Max factor has mixed the smokey eye effect eye-shadow with pearl beige in

the inner corners, sweep-ing in a vibrant turquoise over the middle section and adding the pop of col-our with ultra violet into the inner upper socket area - a look perfected on the catwalk.

L’Oreal Paros introduc-es its new Colour Richer Quad eyeshadow palette collection that is designed to make eyes smoulder, add luminosity or make bold statements with pal-ettes including Sumptu-ously Smokey Collection, Lavishly Luminous Col-lection and Bold Brights Collection.

The range also has a wet-technology that trans-forms satiny powder into a luxurious cream.

This palette range is available in eight shades

with an RRP €11.99. Revlon has palettes that

suit every occasion, day or night. Their ColorStay 16 Hour Eyeshadow Quads offer a range of colours from creams to purple.

Each palette contains

four expressive, silky, blendable shades that won’t crease, fade or smudge. The RRP price for this range is €11.25.

El izabeth Arden is offering 20 single and 7 duo eyeshadow palettes that can be mixed and matched to create any look you desire.

The new range offers

shades inspired from the latest catwalks.

Mystic Violet Mono and Heathered Plums Duo create the Dark Romance Look for a/w12 perfectly.

Whilst Precious Metals Duo and Bronze Lustre

Mono can be built up to give the on-trend stunning Sunset look to the eyes.

Elizabeth Arden’s range of Beautiful Colour eye-shadow cost €20 for single and €25 duo palettes.

All collections and col-our palettes are available at participating cosmetic stores and pharmacies nationwide now.


GazetteSTYLESTYLE Edited by

Laura Webb

Make-up

master

classes

Autumn eyes feature some bright and bold colours MAKE-UP artist to

the stars, Shehla Shi-akh, is paying a visit to Ireland this month where she will host a number of master classes and one-to-one exclusive appoint-ments.

During Brown Tho-mas’s Autumn Beauty event, Shehla will be at the Lancome counter in Dublin on Septem-ber 10 and 11.

Her visit also coin-cides with the launch of Lancome’s autumn make-up collection, Midnight Roses.

To book an appoint-ment with Shehla or attend one of her mas-terclasses, contact the participating Brown Thomas counter.

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This season’s eye make-up range isn’t all about dark and subtle colours- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


GazetteBUSINESSBUSINESS

MAYBE it’s the proximity to the Phoenix Park – it certain-ly can’t have been the weather this summer – but, whatever it is, the Dublin 15 commu-nity are remaining active, running, training and getting out and about, according to Laurel Lodge Physiotherapy owner, Alan Moynihan.

Moynihan, a chartered physiotherapist, is at hand to assist with the treatment and rehabilitation of any injuries that fitness fans may pick up.

Having practiced exten-sively as a physiotherapist in Britain, New Zealand and Ireland, he returned home and founded Laurel Lodge

Physiotherapy last year, ful-filling an ambition to open his own practice in his native Dublin 15 area.

Moynihan enjoys working with local sports people and says he relishes the challenge of trying to get to the bottom of long-term back and neck pain sufferers’ symptoms.

“Dublin 15 has seen a surge in athletes taking up running and endurance events such as triathlon.

“A lot of these athletes require treatment, particu-larly in the lead-up to the Dublin City Marathon,” he says.

From his modern, fully

equipped cl inic located upstairs in Laurel Lodge Shopping Centre, Moynihan specialises in the treatment of lower back and neck pain, joint aches and pains and sports injuries.

He also offers a compre-hensive rehabilitation service for patients recovering from orthopaedic surgery, such as knee and hip operations.

Services on offer at Lau-rel Lodge Physiotherapy include chartered physi-otherapy, deep tissue and sports massage, trigger point dry needling, back and neck pain treatment, and post-op orthopaedic rehabilitation.

Interview: Alan Moynihan, Laurel Lodge Physiotherapy owner

Q&A

Making no bones about treatment

Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be?A: All the usual ones – astro-

naut, footballer, James Bond

Q: What was your first job?A: Packing shelves in Super-

quinn, Blanchardstown

Q: And your first pay cheque?A: £50-60

Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?A: Never

Q: When did you start your present job?Last year

Q: What is the best thing about your job?A: Meeting new people every

day, and trying to help them

recover from their injuries

Q: What part of your working day do you delegate?A: Mostly nothing – phone

answering, occasionally

Q: Have you achieved anything

that you once thought you could not pull off?A: Still hoping to run a mara-

thon in a few years, but enjoy-

ing 5-10k races at the moment

Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be?A: A packet of salt and vinegar

Tayto, but they won’t be for

long!

Q: Is there anything about yourself that you would like to set the record straight on?A: Not sure that there is a

record on me

Q: What sport do you follow?A: All of them – football,

rugby, athletics, golf; loved the

Olympics

Q: What sport can you play?A: Running, Gaelic, golf

Q: What is your guilty music/TV or movie pleasure?A: I’ll admit to occasionally

playing Garth Brooks in the

car

Q: Who best represents mod-ern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward?A: Neither – you’d have to go

with Katie Taylor right now

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/iPad?A: I don’t have one; I’m still

using CDs

Q: Who do you follow on Twit-ter/Facebook?A: Mostly accounts that tweet

Irish news and sports; love @

secondcaptains

Q: What was your last tweet/Facebook status?A: I tweeted about National

Potato Day, which was on Au-

gust 25 – big fan of spuds!

Q: Describe your dream meal?A: See above

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

A: Weekend away in a few

weeks, meeting up with some

friends I haven’t seen in two

years

Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna?A: Enda Kenny

Q: Where do you enjoy spend-ing money frivolously?A: Holidays – they tend to be

short, these days, so I enjoy

them

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?A: Definitely not as many as

my football boots and runners

Q: What was your worst holi-day experience?A: Loved New Zealand, but

woke up one morning with

43 mosquito bites all over my

body

A: Seems so far off ... Travel,

golf, play poker

Supported by AIB

A FIRST-TIME BORROWER

Q – THIS is the last year that first-time borrow-ers can avail of mortgage interest relief, but is it worth bothering about? I am single, on a salary of €55K, and have no debts. What’s all the fuss? Terry – Wicklow

A - IN A word – yes! First of all, property prices

have reduced by up to 70% and it is still a buyer’s

market.

While money is still “tight” with the lenders, if you

meet the parameters and conditions, you will find

approval.

First of all, on your income, with no debts, you

could be eligible to borrow up to a maximum of

€250,000, depending on the lender.

Even if you bought at €200,000 – and there

is good value at this level – you would need a

minimum €25,000 to cover your deposit (you may

obtain a 92% loan – the normal is 90%, while there

are some lenders only prepared to lend 80% of

the value of the property you wish to purchase),

stamp duty (1% ), and legal costs (c. 1%, plus VAT

and outlay). You might also want to provide for

furnishings.

Now let’s look at the monthly costs on a mort-

gage of €180,000:

- Mortgage repayment (at 3.5% over 30 years):

€808.28 per month;

- Tax relief (at 25% on the interest paid): €131.25

per month. This relief is available for the next

seven years.

- Net payment, therefore, is €677.03 per month.

On the Net Disposable Income method (your

financial monthly commitments must not exceed

35% of your net monthly income), you would need

to have a net monthly income of €2,309.37, or

somewhere around a gross income of €35,000.

If you have the ability and capacity to buy, and

you are looking for a home, then now is the time.

Seize it!

� Contact John with your money questions at [email protected] or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

Alan Moynihan, chartered

physiotherapist: on hand in Dublin

15 to treat and help rehabilitate a

wide range of injuries

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GazettePROPERTYPROPERTY

BROE Auctioneers are bringing 19, St Brig-id’s Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, a three-b e d r o o m e d f a m i l y home positioned close to Clondalkin village, for the asking price of €270,000.

Pos i t ioned in an appealing location, No 19 holds all the ingredi-ents needed for a fam-ily home, and offers a bright, well-propor-tioned accommodation with further potential.

Set just a short stroll from Clondalkin village and close to an abun-dance of amenit ies including shops, schools and leisure facilities and a short distance away from the M50 motor-way and Luas light rail-way, which enables easy access to all parts of the country.

The accommodation includes an entrance hallway which features a storm porch, alarm panel and phone point.

The ground floor fea-

Superb sale on St Brigid’s RoadCLONDALKIN: THREE-BEDROOM FAMILY HOME FOR €270,000

tures two large recep-tion rooms, including a living room which fea-tures a tiled fireplace and gas fire inset. It also has ceiling coving, a TV point as well as dou-ble doors to the dining room, which has a tile open fireplace, ceil-

ing coving, and a patio door leading to the rear garden.

The kitchen also has a tiled open fireplace, fitted wall and f loor units, and contains a door which leads to the rear garage.

Upstairs are three

bedrooms, all of which have built- in ward-robes, and the family bathroom, which was recently refurbished, and contains a WC, wash-hand basin and large corner shower unit.

The bathroom is also

No 19 St Brigid’s Road is on the market for €270,000

fully tiled on floor and walls.

To the front, there is off-street parking sided by lawn, while the rear garden is very private and is bordered with shrubs and mature trees. This property requires light modernisation.

Other features of the property include gas-fired central heating, double glazing through-out, and a gated side entrance.

V i e w i n g i s b y appointment which can be organised through Craig Leap at Broe Auctioneers, who can be contacted at Tower House , Monas t e r y Road, Clondalkin Vil-lage, Dublin 22, and for more information, call 01 459 4433 or log on to www.broe.ie

Kitchen class: New Avalon style added to rangeCASH & CARRY Kitchens nationwide showrooms are continuing to extend the range of affordable luxury kitchens with the inclusion of the stylish Avalon kitchen to their range.

Cash & Carry Kitchens also carries a range of accessories to perfect the kitchen keeping it practical yet stunning, with drawer pulls and cupboard handles from top European designers, and much more.

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The battle of the small cars rumbles on� CORMAC CURTIS

IRISH motorists have always had great affec-tion for small cars.

They make sense on many levels, and as the marketing departments of the car manufacturers are beginning to realise, small cars appeal to a wide cross section of the market.

Young drivers as well as the so-called “empty nesters” share the same priorities when it comes to choosing their cars.

They demand a very attractive sticker price, low running costs, bot-tom-dollar road tax, and real fuel economy.

Can this be achieved with an attractive look and a comfor tab le drive?

The answer seems to be yes, yes and yes again.

There is a nothing short of a motoring war raging in the small car segment at the moment, and two cars that are really going at it for a piece of the Irish market are the Volkswagen Up and the Skoda Citigo. Also throwing punches in this particular bout is the SEAT Mii.

Skoda and VW are brands that currently share the affections of a great deal of Irish motorists, VW have enjoyed success over the years, with the Golf

and Polo in particular always selling well.

In recent years, Skoda too has begun to cap-ture the hearts of buy-ers.

They are seen as the plucky underdog, eager to succeed against the odds – the kind of sce-nario that the Irish will always get behind, prob-ably because our rugby and football teams do the same thing!

As reported earlier this year, I attended the European launch of the Skoda Citigo and got a good look at it ahead of its Irish launch.

Over the summer, I managed to test the Citigo, as well as the Up on Irish roads to really see how they matched up to one another.

First in to the ring is the Up.

I must admit, I was really looking forward to this car – I’m married to someone who has a lifelong love of VWs, the Golf in particular, so a new model was an appealing prospect.

Before I get into the details, it’s important to remember that the Up, the Citigo, and even the Mii, all come from the same stable, so there are striking similarities as all three cars share a chassis and many inter-nal components.

Having said that, we are still talking about

cars with a set of unique characteristics.

The Up is certainly a small car, measuring just 3,540mm in length and 1,641mm in width, but don’t let that put you off.

The VW engineers h ave m a n a g e d t o squeeze more than enough room out of the interior for two adults to travel with plenty of shoulder and headroom, and in real comfort.

The test car I drove was the three-door ver-sion, which makes it a little tricky for full-sized adults to get in and out of the back – the kids didn’t have any trouble at all, in fact they were even sliding the seats out of the way by them-selves within a day.

It goes without saying that this kind of car is not going to break any speed records, but for driving around town, it’s a marvel.

Because the wheels are set at the extremities of the car, it excels in manoeuvrability – the

Up can be shoehorned in to some seriously small parking spaces.

But just because this car is small don’t think that it isn’t practical – I managed to fit a full-sized lawnmower in the back with the seats folded down.

The Up also scores we l l in the looks department. Clever use of materials and col-ours really gives the car a lift.

The exterior colour is matched on the inte-rior, and, in the model I drove; even the dash-board had a highly pol-ished finish in the same colour.

One very nice touch was the flat-bottomed chunky steering wheel, it’s a small feature that adds the driving experi-ence.

Moving on to the Skoda Citigo, and we are faced with a very similar car indeed.

This was also the three-door version, and again, the kids had no problem getting in and

out and buckling up, so my back was spared the contortions that some three-door cars force it into.

As I said, both cars are based on the same chassis, with the Citigo measuring about 2cms longer than the Up.

The styling of the Skoda is a little more understated than the VW, which, I must admit, I prefer.

The grille helps to give

RoadRoadSignsSignsFive-star safety rating for Cee’dTHE all-new Kia Cee’d has been awarded a maximum 5-Star accident safety rating by Europe’s leading road safety organisation, EuroNCAP.

The five-door hatchback achieved high scores for adult occupant protection (89%), child occupant protection (88%) and safety assist equipment (86%), recording the maximum possible score in the dynamic element of the child occupant safety test. EuroNCAP testers were also impressed with the inclusion of electronic stability control across the entire new Cee’d range in Europe ahead of it becoming a compulsory test criteria.

“The previous generation Cee’d was the first Kia to achieve a 5-star EuroNCAP rating. In the last five years, testing criteria have become tougher, making it harder for manufacturers’ products to be awarded top marks. It is a testament to Kia’s on going commitment to vehicle safety that we are able to once again achieve a high score for the Cee’d,” comments Benny Oeyen, vice president Marketing and Product Planning, Kia Motors Europe.

GazetteMOTORSMOTORS

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‘I must admit, I was really looking forward to this car – I’m married to someone who has a lifelong love of VWs, the Golf in particular, so a new model was an appealing prospect’- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Toyota to sponsor Newstalk rugbyTOYOTA Ireland has announced that from September 2012 it will become the new sponsor of rugby coverage on Newstalk 106-108fm.

The deal will see Toyota supporting all rugby broadcasts on the station including Newstalk’s innovative rugby analysis on the multi award-winning Off the Ball, The Right Hook and Weekend Sports as well as Irish international game analysis and its live broadcasting of up to fifteen Heineken Cup games.

Regular contributors to Newstalk’s rugby coverage include a host of former stars and expert analysts like Shane Horgan, Keith Wood, Denis Hickie, Emmett Byrne, Liam Toland and Matt Williams.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Ian Corbett, marketing operations manager for Toyota Ireland said: “At Toyota Ireland, when it comes to sponsorship, we aim to partner with people and organisations that show exceptionally high standards and dedication to their craft.

“The sports team at Newstalk delivers the best rugby analysis and coverage and that comes across in the quality of journalism, contributors and the overall entertainment value of their broadcasts.

“We’re delighted to announce this new sponsorship and look forward to working with Newstalk into the new rugby season.”


the front end a more complete look and the side windows offer more traditional lines.

The interior finish in the model I drove was a bright affair called Club Reverse in ivory and it gave the already gener-ous interior a greater sense of space.

There are lots of clever storage com-partments and pockets for drinks, documents etc. as well as a park-

ing ticket holder on the windscreen and hooks on the B columns

Skoda are offering their City Safe Drive emergency braking fea-ture as an option in the car, which makes a lot more sense than a sat nav in my opinion.

The City Safe Drive feature automatically stops the car when it senses an imminent collision.

When it comes to the

actual drive, to be hon-est I didn’t really feel an enormous difference between the two cars.

The Skoda was the 60hp version while the VW was the more pow-erful 75hp.

For city driving, the Skoda had more than enough poke to get around, so I wouldn’t see any real benefit in the 75hp option.

All in all, these cars are attractive, practical

and very good value for money.

Both offer enough options to tick the boxes of almost any prospective buyer, so it really comes down to personal taste.

For me, that would be the Citigo.

I do like Skodas, and the 60hp option makes it a more affordable car to own.

I would definitely rec-ommend the City Safe

Drive feature and with-out doubt the five-door version is well worth an extra €500.

The Skoda has an entry price of €9,995 while the Up kicks off at €10,995.

So the battle of the small cars rumbles on, and now that Skoda are also offering some ingenious finance and leasing packages, they certainly seem to be ahead on points.

The Volkswagen Up and the Skoda Citigo

Edited by

Cormac Curtis

RoadRoadSignsSignsVolkswagen Bank lending set to grow in 2012 to €120m VOLKSWAGEN Bank Ireland, a division of Volkswagen Financial Services, Europe’s biggest automotive finance provider has revealed that in the first seven months of 2012 it has provided approximately €100 million in vehicle finance packages for Irish consumers and expects lending to grow by almost 10% year on year (2011 -€109m) by the end of 2012 with a target of €120m.

The financial wing of Volkswagen Group, this finance has been provided via a range of attractive finance packages through Volkswagen Group’s five car marques which are: Audi, Skoda, Seat, Volkswagen and Volkswagen commercial vehicles.

Providing vehicle finance in Ireland since 2008, Volkswagen Bank currently employs 30 staff at its headquarters in Leopardstown, Dublin 18. Volkswagen Bank has provided over €320m in vehicle finance to the Irish market in the last three and half years and it has viewed a significant surge in lending applications over the last 24 months as Irish motorists become more aware and more familiar with the competitive finance offers available via Europe’s largest automotive bank.

Commenting on the increasing level of finance provided, Mutlu Gur, general manager, Volkswagen Bank said: “2012 has seen surge of consumer interest in Volkswagen Bank. Irish motorists are embracing the Bank as a very real alternative source of finance compared to the traditional banking sector.

“The sound financial foundations of the Bank, enables Volkswagen Group to provide very competitive financial terms and this is reflected in the fact that we are lending record levels of finance so far in 2012 and that 70% of this lending has been provided for new car finance.”

With a market leading acceptance rate of over 80%, approximately 6,500 tailor-made finance packages with a average finance terms of 39 months were provided to Irish consumers by Volkswagen Bank Ireland so far in 2012. Over 20,000 Irish motorists have purchased their cars through Volkswagen Bank Ireland since its launch in 2008.

Finance packages vary across the five brands, reflecting each brands consumer segment with rates starting as low as 0% APR. In total, 40 varying finance packages provided a comprehensive menu of finance options for Irish motorists during 2012 and this trend looks set to continue with a new range of packages currently in planning for 2013, these will be revealed later this year.

For further information on the range of finance packages available across the Volkswagen Group go to www.readywhenyouare.ie


Experience an important part ofIrish history� DAVE PHILLIPS

A LITTLE trip off the motorway when head-ing west can bring you to some unexpected places. One such spot is Strokes-town Park, County Ros-common.

The park will be familiar to anyone who is native to the region, where it is a popular venue for day trips and wedding snaps, but I found many Dublin-ers, myself included, were unaware of it.

Located along the N5, making it a perfect pit-stop en-route to Westport, Strokestown is a small town which claims the widest street in Europe.

One end of the town is dominated by the entrance to the park and house.

Once on the land you’ll

find the impressive Geor-gian house, which is in a continual process of gen-tle restoration and pres-ervation.

Other attract ions include a restaurant serv-ing delicious hearty food, several miles of woodland walks decorated with sculpture pieces, and a six-acre walled pleasure garden.

Strokestown Park is also the location for the National Famine Muse-um, which was opened in 1994, a fitting loca-tion given that Famine ties together many of the elements of the park, and features heavily in its his-tory.

Major Denis Mahon, a descendent of the Mahon family who was granted the land in 1653, initiated emigration schemes dur-

ing the Famine, which made him massively unpopular with local ten-ants.

In 1847 he became the first landlord to be assassinated during the period.

The land stayed in the Mahon family until the late 20th century, when it was bought by Westward Garage Ltd.

The idea had initially been to expand an adja-cent dealership onto the land, and sell off the excess land for agricul-ture; but having discov-ered the rich history contained in documents collected in the estate offices, the decision was to preserve Strokestown Park as a historical and cultural monument.

While the divide between the wealth inside

and the poverty outside the walls of Strokestown Park is explored in the museum, a similar divide existed within the house.

Daily guided tours show what life was like both for the family in resi-dence, and for the work-ers who lived there.

Fans of Downton Abbey will find the stratified sys-tem of living familiar: pas-sages and tunnels exist for the staff to move about the house out of sight of the family.

The kitchen is galleried, with a mezzanine level so the lady of the house could visit and deliver orders from above, with-out needing to physically step into the hustle and bustle of the kitchen.

A tour of the pleasure garden is also highly rec-ommended. Here you can explore several acres of carefully manicured land, where avenues of roses run down to a lily-filled lake. A large knocker sits on a door through which the family entered, and three loud knocks sig-nalled any garden staff to obscure themselves from view.

Today, you’re more like-ly to surprise the chef – all of the food served in the restaurant is grown in the garden. A large area at the back is dedicated to fruit and vegetables, includ-ing the infamous Lumper potato, which still remains

prone to blight. Parts of the original walls still con-tain an original flue sys-tem, which piped hot air through them to encour-age growth of more exotic fruit.

With its blend of evoc-ative history, carefully preserved beauty, and its wholesome food, Strokes-town Park is recognised as one of the most signifi-cant private restorations in Ireland.

There’s enough to keep you busy for a day if you’re staying nearby; or if you’re driving to the West, make a point to schedule your stop there. It’s a great way to experience an impor-tant part of Irish history, and you can be sure you’ll never settle for forecourt sandwiches again.

For more information on Strokestown Park, log on to www.strokestown-park.ie

Strokestown Park is a

unique visitor attraction

in Co Roscommon

Discover a unique family theme park with Stena LineSTENA Line has launched a brand new geta-way package to the Legoland Windsor Resort Hotel, giving families the chance to enjoy an action-packed trip to London from only €197 per adult, per night (minimum stay two nights). This great price includes return travel from Dublin Port to Holyhead or Rosslare to Fishguard by car, accommodation with breakfast and what’s more – kids go free! Legoland Windsor Resort is a unique family theme park which boasts over 55 interactive rides, live shows, building workshops, driving schools and attractions, all set in 150 acres of beautiful parkland. For further informa-tion or to book, call Stena Line on 01 204 77 33 or log onto www.stenaline.ie.

Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa is the perfect summer escapeEXPERIENCE the wonders and beautiful beach-es of Dubai or take a trek on a desert excursion in Abu Dhabi with Gohop.ie. With prices from just €602 per person to Dubai or €608 per person to Abu Dhabi, there has never been a better opportu-nity to discover the Middle East, without breaking the bank.

Dubai is an extraordinary Middle Eastern destination that has raised the bar time and time again. From first class shopping and spectacular high rise buildings to beautiful beaches, luxury hotels and fantastic golf courses, Dubai has more than enough to offer any visitor. Dubai’s attrac-tion extends to the mix of old and new between the ultra-modern and the enchantingly traditional and is a melting pot of cultures and beliefs that is sure to satisfy even the most seasoned of travel-lers. Travel on September 22, and stay in a four-star hotel for seven nights on a room-only basis from only €602 per person. Price includes return flights from Dublin to Dubai, accommodation, taxes and charges.

Or travel to Abu Dhabi and stay in a four-star hotel for seven nights on a room only basis from just €608 per person, departing from Dublin on September 19. The unique atmosphere created by the perfect blend of Islamic culture and western charm combined with world class shopping, glitzy hotels and desert excursions make Abu Dhabi a city that stands alone as a premier city break des-tination. Price includes return flights from Dublin to Dubai, accommodation, taxes and charges.

For more special offers, for more information or to book your holiday, visit www.gohop.ie/specials.

FastTravel

GazetteTTRAVELRAVEL

The photography roomThe Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai


Enjoy a sun holiday in Septem-ber free from the hustle and bustle of the peak family seasonWITH children returning to school, September brings with it the perfect opportunity for couples to enjoy the fine weather in sun resorts free of the hustle and bustle of the peak family season.

And to make the most of your free time, Thomas Cook Ireland has a range of exclusive post-rush packages with relaxation, romance and all-inclusive luxury in mind on the Turk-ish Aegean Coast, with prices starting from just €655 per person.

The quaint village of Yalikavak is the perfect resort for a taste of real Turkish life mixed with great tourist services.

The four-star-plus Delta Beach Resort is a real oasis of tranquillity, with its stunning seafront location, magnificent views over the bay and superb facilities. It is available for seven nights from €725 per person on an all-inclusive basis, with drinks and meals included, and departs from Dublin on September 22.

A little further North, Cesme is a charming fishing village which has retained its friendly atmosphere, and boasts two of the best beaches in Turkey. Close to its centre, the four-star Piril Hotel is a relaxing and welcoming property, with stylish rooms and two excellent pools. Thomas Cook is offering seven nights from just €655 all-inclusive per person, departing from Dublin on September 22.

The peaceful location and beautiful beach front setting of the four-star Fantasia Hotel in Kusadasi sets the tone for a blissful all-inclusive week, with food, drink and the hotel’s many facilities all included in the price of just €745 per person for seven nights, departing from Dublin on September 15. The great variety of shops and restaurants in the Long Beach area are just 1.3 km away. For more information or to book, call the Thomas Cook team in Dublin on 01 514 0328, or log onto www.thomascook.ie

TravelBriefs

Edited by

Natalie Burke

The beautiful walled gardens

The Famine Museum

The House is unchanged from the time when the Mahons

lived there

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I fought the law and...Tom Hardy taking aim at the stylist who told him that that cardigan looked good.

GazetteENTERTAINMENTENTERTAINMENT

An all-star cast makes an early run at Oscar glory, but the result is more packed with cliches than plaudits � PAUL HOSFORD

DEPRESSION-ER A America has been a rich picking ground for Holly-wood in recent years.

With directors such as Sam Mendes (Road To Perdition) and Michael Mann (Public Enemies) having taken on the era in recent times, it is no sur-prise that Lawless would be gaining such a buzz.

After all, it has every-thing a late-year drama needs: hot young cast (Tom Hardy, Shia LaBe-ouf, Jessica Chastain), check; hype from a top festival (Palme D’Or nomination at Cannes), check; interesting writer/director combo (Nick Cave, yes that Nick Cave, and The Road’s John Hill-coat), absolute check.

So, all the constituent parts are there, the ducks are in the proverbial row.

So why am I so disap-pointed?

I love the era, I immensely enjoyed The

Road and I seem to be about the only person on the planet that finds Shia LaBeouf likable, I should have been throwing stars at this like a ninja with an arm spasm.

Yet, here I am, doling out a mid-level film and reflecting on whether the problem is me. Am I just too jaded?

As I enter my 26th year, have I lost my ability to enjoy period action? Has my love of gangsters, bootleggers and hard-boiled police-men lost its lustre?

Or maybe this just isn’t very good.

It’s probably the latter,

to be honest. Lawless is the true-life

story of the Bondurant brothers, a trio of Robin Hood-esque bootleggers who control Franklin County.

With their bar acting as a front for their activities, life is good for the boys.

Of course, the happy-go-lucky life of a boot-legging family does not a film make and Guy Pearce is on hand as a special agent intent not on stopping the Bondu-rants, but on ensuring that he gets his cut.

It is actually the arrival of Pearce, an actor of immense talent, that starts

the film’s shift from almost contemporary commen-tary on the foundations of American society into a lost narrative on a pan-tomime villain and a trio of wayward brothers.

Whereas Hillcoat kept The Road, a grand sweep-ing novel, on a tight leash and focused solely on the relationship between father and son, Lawless bounces between sto-rylines.

The early going is spent gravitating to Tom Hardy’s menace as middle-brother Forrest, who is the head of the operation.

Hardy does a manful job of adding gravitas to a man who essentially only communicates in single syllables and has a penchant for serious vio-lence.

Seeing Jason Clarke, who you may recognise from TV’s Brotherhood or The Chicago Code, in a major film role is a delight, but his character, oldest brother Howard is,

unfortunately massively underwritten.

A World War I veteran who has taken too much of the bootleggers pro-duce, Howard has the most potential to ground the film in something human, but that opportu-nity is lost.

Fresh-face LaBeouf is obviously the actor most enjoying himself, play-ing against type and not, for once, playing a nerv-ous teenager. His Jack is almost the protagonist and after witnessing Gary Oldman’s cuty thug Floyd Banner gun a competitor down in cold blood, Jack delves further into crimi-nal life.

His brothers’ reluc-tance to allow him join the business is another story strand left frustrat-ingly unfinished.

The end product is a violent, uneven, occas-sionally brilliantly direct-ed film that shows that in a world of villains, heroes are hard to come by.

FILM OF THE WEEK: Lawless�� (18) 115 mins

OUR VERDICT:THE period elements feel spot on and the young cast, Hardy, LaBeouf and Chastain in particular, are excellent, but the fixation with being gory and on edge takes away from characterisation, leaving the end-product feeling somewhat uneven. It is still a notch above most films this year, however.

Director: John HillcoatStarring: Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Guy Pearce, Gary Oldman, Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Dane DeHaan

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Extra SkyrimMANY games’ lives get regularly extended and enriched through downloadable content (DLC), and one DLC expansion that’s on the way has caught my eye.

Skyrim – the abso-lutely gigantic multi-platform game set in a pseudo-Nordic medi-eval land – gets another DLC expansion soon, entitled Hearthfire.

As the name suggests, gamers will be able to buy land in Tamriel, then design and build their dream home to return to as a base – assuming that you’ve always wanted your “dream home” to have a stuffed orc or two, a weapons rack for cross-bows and enchanted blades, and other such oddities.

The right Wei for adventure in Hong Kong� SHANE DILLON

The recently released Sleeping Dogs, a Hong Kong-set title, mixes together lots of gaming tropes with several Hong Kong crime films to cre-ate an interesting new open-world game.

Chinese-American police officer Wei Shen goes back to Hong Kong to go deep undercover in the city, with the aim of taking down a local Triad organisation from within.

Of course, to rise fur-ther within the ranks

and get closer to the top, Wei has to be a “good” Triad member – and do lots of very bad things, with the tacit approval of the few higher-ups in the police who know his true identity.

Along the way, Wei’s loyalties are tested, as he grows increasinly attached to his Triad brothers, yet can’t forget his duty as an undercov-er cop, and –

Well, at this point, Sleeping Dogs’ plot plays out like half a dozen Hong Kong action films, as this kind of conflict-

ed-loyalties dilemma is a familiar theme in many Asian films.

Turning instead to the gameplay, and Sleeping Dogs is certainly going all-out to establish its own strong identity in the open-world genre.

As you’d expect, Wei is very handy with his, well, hands, with exten-sive martial arts adding to the typical run ’n’ gun gameplay.

Wei’s barely able to walk down the street with rival triad thugs trying to beat him up, like a mash-up between

Although a little rough around the edges, there’s an undeniable sheen to many of

Wei Shen’s travels around neon-soaked Hong Kong, particularly in wet weather

enjoyable Dreamcast title Shenmue II and the PlayStation series, Yakuza.

Hong Kong, too, has set the scene for an interesting playground for Wei’s storyline.

While not quite a true cultural representation of the iconic Chinese city, it is, nevertheless, a fairly faithful intrepreta-

tion of it, complete with many Asian influences that spice up the game-play, and storyline, quite a bit.

While most gamers will be concentrating on everything from “stand-ard” driving, shooting, sailing, exploration and martial ar ts-related antics around the city, others will note the

excellent voiceover work by a strong cast, includ-ing Lucy Liu, Emma Stone and Tom Wilkin-son, to name but a few.

All in all, it’s a decent late-summer release that will feel instantly familiar to gamers, yet which has a strong visual identity of its own, as well as an interestingly “Eastern” storyline.

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FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL

Permission sought for the change of use of ground and first floors from existing commer-cial/ office use to use as a crèche/ childcare facility at Ardee House, River Road, Main Street, Blanchard-stown, Dublin 15. For Myles O’Brien. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reason-able cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public open-ing hours and a submis-sion or observation may be made to the author-ity in writing on pay-ment of the prescribed fee (20 Euros) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the author-ity of this application.

PLANNING NOTICE

16402


Aideen and Gary Con-nolly are applying to the above Authority for permission to con-struct a single story extension, consisting of, Kitchen Extension, Utility Room, Toilet and Study at No.25 Sorrel Park, Clonsilla ,Dub-lin 15. The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reason-able cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its’ public open-ing hours and a submis-sion or observation may be made to the Plan-ning Authority in writ-ing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the author-ity of the application.

PLANNING NOTICE

16399


Mick and Joan Nagle are applying to the above Authority for permission to demolish lean-to kitch-en extension and garden shed, construct a single story extension, consist-ing of En-suite Bedroom, Kitchen, living / Dining Area and garden shed at No.40 Woodview Park, Castleknock ,Dublin 15. The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of mak-ing a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its’ public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the author-ity of the application.

PLANNING NOTICE

16398

BATHROOMS

DVD SERVICES

PAINTING

BUILDING

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SKIPS

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ACCOUNTANT


We Tony and Eilish Hol-mes are applying for full planning permission for a rendered single storey side and rear extension with tiled pitched roof over, including two no. rooflights to side pitch and two to rear pitch, all with associated site works at 9 Riverwood Copse,Castleknock, Dublin 15.The planning applica-tion may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the plan-ning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observa-tion may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (20Euros) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the author-ity of this application

PLANNING NOTICE

16366

� [email protected]

SPORT Against Rac-ism Ireland will host their 16th annual Tesco mobile SARI Soccerfest in the Phoenix Park on Saturday and Sunday.

Soccerfest is an inter-cultural 7-aside tourna-ment and family event with music and enter-tainment for everyone that highlights the need to live in a new Ireland that embraces diversity and integration.

It has become the

largest intercultural soccer tournament in Ireland. Established in 1997 initially for mem-bers of the new commu-nities to integrate with local communities and give them a platform for mainstreaming opportu-nities, it has developed into the largest intercul-tural soccer tournament in Ireland.

It now includes 48 teams for men and women that participate from across Ireland and spectators of over 4,000.

A number of football players from Ireland’s new communities start-ed out at Soccerfest and now play for a number of FAI league clubs and the Irish youth team.

The event has many high profile supporters including former Repub-lic of Ireland man-ager Brian Kerr, Apres Match’s Gary Cooke and former Shamrock Rovers’ defender Victor Ekanem.

A range of cultural activities including live

SOCCERFEST: PHOENIX PARK SET TO HOST ANNUAL SPORT AGAINST RACISM EVENT

Team Rocha celebrate their cup victory in the 2007 SARI Soccerfest at the Garda soccer grounds in the Phoenix

Park. The event this year expects to attract 48 teams and over 4,000 spectators

SARI host 16th annual inter-cultural event

entertainment is pro-vided for all the family. As part of the activities participants are given advice on mainstream-ing into other sports organisations including developing links with soccer clubs.

Soccerfest provides an

environment in which people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures can appre-ciate their shared pas-sion and compete in a respectful way, recog-nising the diversity that is among the population and a feature of interna-

tional sport.Over the weekend,

there will be a men’s tournament of 40 teams, a women’s tournament of eight teams and also a boys and girl’s tourna-ment for Under-13’s.

If you are interested in entering a team,

would like further infor-mation, or would be interested in working as a volunteer at Soccer-fest, contact SARI on 01 873 5077 or email [email protected].

Admission to the event is free all week-end.

GazetteSPORTSPORT STARS:SPORT STARS:August’s monthly August’s monthly local award winners local award winners revealed: revealed: Page 29Page 29



GazetteSportSport

FastSport

Moynihan named in

Junior Ryder Cup sideGAVIN Moynihan has been named in the Euro-pean team for the 2012 Junior Ryder Cup, which takes place at Olympia Fields Country Club in Illinois, USA, from September 24 – 25.

The Pobal Scoil Iosa and Island golfer has been in scintillating form this year to earn his place in a team that comprises two U-16 boys, two U-16 girls, four U-18 boys and four U-18 girls.

They will attempt to regain the trophy from the USA after a 13½ - 10½ defeat at the Glenea-gles Hotel in 2010. The Junior Ryder Cup was formally introduced in 1997, following an exhibi-tion match between teams of boys and girls from Europe and the United States in 1995. It tradi-tionally takes place just before the Ryder Cup.

Moynihan was the youngest player ever to win the Irish Amateur Championship this year to take up one of the U-18 boys’ spot and is joined in the panel by Austrian Matthias Schwab, who played on The European Tour as a 15 year old in the 2010 Austrian Golf Open.

England’s Toby Tree and Sweden’s Victor Tarn-strom make up the U-18 quarter. The girls are represented by Linnea Strom of Sweden, who has dominated junior golf in her country, Quir-ine Eijkenboom of Germany, Harang Lee from Spain and England’s Bronte Law.

The Junior Ryder Cup has been the platform from which successful professional careers have been launched for numerous players.

Spaniard Sergio Garcia played in the 1995 exhibition match and four years later was part of the full European team at the Country Club in Brookline, while Suzann Pettersen played in the Junior Ryder Cup in 1997 and 1999 before becoming Norway’s top female golfer and taking part in six Solheim Cups.

Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy was in the victorious 2004 team, since then he has won two major championships.

� [email protected]

LOCAL riders will pro-vide a large portion of the 36 Irish entrants who will take the line for the An Post Rás na mBan which gets under way in Sneem on Saturday.

With last year’s winner Olivia Dillon absent on international duty at the world championships in the Netherlands, the way has been left clear for the five riders on the Irish team in Kerry to make their mark.

All but one of the selected squad will be making their Irish debut at the event with Lauren Creamer having worn green on her way to 11th overall last year.

The Welsh-based rider will be looking forward to an opportunity to shine having spent last year’s race supporting Dillon, and Irish team manager

Gillian McDarby has plenty of other options in the fight for overall hon-ours.

London-based former Orwell rider Lydia Boylan has been in scintillating form on road and track this season and takes up an Irish shirt on the back of a raft of strong results including fourth at the national road race cham-pionships.

Amy Brice and Anne Dalton rode last year’s event on the Ulster and Leinster teams respec-tively and both have made enormous strides on the national road scene this year.

The fifth member of the team is 20-year-old Fiona Guihen from Navan Road Club, a Rás na mBan rookie whose elevation to the national team comes on the back of impressive form this season.

The Leinster team

includes Caroline Con-way, one of the reserves for the Irish team, who rode the event with Lein-ster last season as did team mates Orla McEvoy and Niamh Stephens. Charlotte McDonald and Fiona Cooke graduate to the Leinster team having made their debuts with Orwell Wheelers last sea-son.

The mighty Dublin club DTC Orwell Wheel-ers sends two squads to An Post Rás na mBan this year along with their representatives on the Ire-land and Leinster teams.

Star veteran rider Orla Hendron will marshal the troops for a tilt at the County Rider prizes aided by Ciara Kinch, Lucy Soden and Mags Don-nelly. The fifth member of the Dundrum Town Centre supported team is Kerry-born Trish Buck-ley, an emerging force in

Leinster league racing.The Orwell Joe Daly’s

Cycles team includes a couple of guests: junior European championship rider Lauren Gourlay swaps her Castlebar CC colours for the event while ace vet Monica Marconi rejoins her old club for the week. They are joined by up and coming Orwelli-ans Isabel Cogan, Cather-ine Downes and Siobhan O’Connor.

One of the stars of the local racing scene this season has been Spain’s Sara Ortiz who leads the Galway-based Black Rose Racing Team. Ortiz, a former Giro Donne competitor, will surely be a force to reckoned with.

Ortiz will be joined in the team by Clare Dallat, the Australian based Irish woman who went within forty seconds of winning the Irish Time Trial Cham-pionship when finishing

fourth in 2010.Backing them will be

the in-form road and track star Rosin Kennedy, Derry’s Tonya Moran and Scottish visitor Anne Ewing.

The final local-based team in this year’s race is the Wheelworx 3D TC team made up of tria-thletes Vanessa Fenton, Aisling Coppinger, Marie Fox, Tania Finn, Maria Mulvany and Karen Rob-inson.

Riding on the London-based Look Mum No Hands! team - but also eli-gible for the Sneem Hotel County Rider classifica-tion - are twice former winner Louise Moriarty and event sophomore Siobhan McNamara.

The An Post Rás na mBan teams face 400km of racing in six stages over five days running from Saturday to Thursday, September 13.

Orwell lead Irish push

CYCLING: HUGE LOCAL CONTINGENT TO TAKE ON RAS NA MBAN

Thirty-six women from across Ireland will battle it out with an international field in the Ras na mBan which gets under way on Saturday


�STARof theMONTHKATIE TAYLOR

THE PEAMOUNT United club

member set the world alight

as she became one of the

very first female Olympic

boxing gold medallists in

London early in August. She

added the 60kg title to the

world title she won earlier

this year, indelibly confirm-

ing her place in the panthe-

on of all-time Irish sporting

greats.

AUGUST proved to be a massive month for female sport in Ireland as Katie Taylor became the coun-try’s first female Olympic medallist since the controversial Michelle Smith back in 1996 in Atlanta.

With Rathfarnham sailor Annal-ise Murphy mixing it with the best in the Laser Radial competition, earning the Irish Times sports-woman of the month title, they were among Ireland’s stand-out Olympians in London this time

around. On the team front, there were

a number of notable firsts with Foxrock Cabinteely’s being the greatest of them, edging out St Syl-vester’s, both clubs producing truly ground-breaking performances so early in their development on the ladies football scene.

Their performances highlighted a sparkling summer of sport, lead-ing nicely into the autumn sport-ing calendar.

FOXROCK CABINTEELY

JUST nine years since form-

ing, the southside club

claimed the Dublin senior

ladies football championship

title with a stunning display

against reigning champs Na

Fianna in Parnell Park. They

now move on to represent

the county in the Leinster

championship for the very

first time, another huge step

forward in their history.

TEAMof theMONTH

2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS AUGUST WINNERS

Local duo get Ireland calls� [email protected]

PALMERSTOWN’S Conor Clif ford and Clondalkin man Ian McLoughlin have been included in Noel King’s Republic of Ireland Under-21 team for the forthcoming UEFA U21 Championship qualify-ing Group Seven fix-tures with Hungary and Italy.

The Irish face Hun-gary in Kecskemet on Thursday, September 6 then meet the Italians in Casarano four days

later.After the recent defeat

by Turkey in their final home game, Ireland have a very difficult task ahead of them but the Irish boss is confident his side can turn the odds in their favour.

“We have two games to go in our group and the simple facts are that if we win the two of them we’ll get at least second place and hopefully that will secure a playoff place,” said King.

“We can’t concen-trate on the Italy game

until we’ve dealt with Hungary. We’ve beaten Hungary before in Sligo so we go there knowing that we are capable of winning the match.

“Of course there was disappointment after our defeat by Turkey last time out. Overall the performance was good and we played well in sections of the game but we conceded a late goal. We have to pick ourselves up now and travel with a positive mindset.

“What has been posi-

tive is that a lot of our lads have five or six more games under their belt since the Turkey game and will be sharper. Fit-ness wasn’t an excuse for the loss to Turkey but it will definitely be helpful that the lads are a bit further into their season.”

A number of play-ers have returned after missing the Turkey game with Jeff Hendrick, Adam Barton, Sean Murray, Samir Carru-thers and Rhys Murphy all back in contention.

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Soccer camp: Locals enjoy Bayern prize THE annual Allianz junior foot-ball camp kicked-off in Munich, Germany, this week with 63 teenagers from 21 countries taking part in a five-day foot-balling adventure with Bayern München. The children, including Lucy

Ashmore, Jonathan Keating and Ashington’s Steven Mullins got to take in a private training ses-sion with the famous club.

Chelsea’s Conor Clifford remains an integral part of the Republic of Ireland U-21 side

SOCCER: CLIFFORD AND MCLOUGHLIN IN U-21SDublinGazetteNewspapers


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Blanch club to raise St Francis hospice fundsTHE Blanch Wheelies, one of the Ireland’s newest cycling clubs, are organising a fund-raising cycle in aid of the St Francis Hospice on Sunday, September 29.

They hope to have over 50-60 riders on the day for the 100km cycle which will start at the Hospice in Blanchardstown at 10am.

Blanch Wheelies recently became affiliated to Cycling Ireland with around 30 licensed members signed up while many more look set to join in the near future. The club will cater for race and leisure (sportive) events and is open to all abilities.

Ongar Chasers

ready to goTHE newly formed Ongar Chasers have set up a new youth-only basketball club in Dublin 15, build-ing on the recent success of school basketball teams from Colaiste Pobail Setanta, Phibbles-town in All-Ireland and Dublin school’s league competitions.

The goal of the club is to build a community team open to youth from other schools and to encourage social integration and multiculturalism through sport.

Initially, the club will have two boys’ teams – U-15s for those born in 1998 and 1999 and U-17 for those born in 1996 and 1997 – entering the Dublin

Leagues for the upcoming season which starts in mid-September.

During the year, they aim to start forming girls teams as well as working with children of other age group from 10 and up.

Both teams would play home matches at Ongar Community Centre on Sunday afternoons.

The club is inviting players, coaches or ex-players interested in coaching or vol-unteering as well as potential sponsors to get involved and sup-port this initiative.

An open night will run September 11 from 7-9pm in Phibblestown Com-munity Centre. More information can be found on www.OngarChasers.com or by emailing [email protected].

AUL PREMIER CFC Blanch 2

Hartstown Huntstown 3

� PETER CARROLL

[email protected]

HARTSTOWN Hunts-town’s AUL Premier C side have announced themselves in style with the promoted side grab-bing two wins and a draw from their opening three fixtures, edging out local rivals, FC Blanch, last week.

The division’s make-up is punctuated with local derbys and this game played in the IT Blanchardstown cam-pus marked the first of a handful of ties for the

Hartstown Park men with a local flavour.

Liam Heffernan found the net for Daniel Wat-ters’ team in the first minute, giving the away side the advantage with a cross-shot effort that the FC Blanch team failed to keep out.

However, the home side, who are known for their quick counter-attacks, swept up the pitch after a Hartstown Huntstown corner that left their centre halves in the opposition box. It broke down and the Blanch full-back ran the length of the pitch before slipping the ball inside to the centre forward who

finished well. The newly promoted

side looked the better for the remainder of the half, owning the greater spells of possession, though the match was still very much up in the air with the dra-matics still to unfold in the second half.

Another quick goal restarted the play in the second half, and this time it came in the shape of substitute Jarvis Doo-lan who came on for the injured David Johnson.

Andy Carroll found him on the edge of the box where he controlled the ball magnificently before pile-driving a vol-ley into the FC Blanch

net. As soon as they got the

game back on their terms, Hartstown Huntstown were one man down as Graham Gibbs was sent off after two yellow cards.

Things went from bad to worse when defen-sive stalwart and team captain Darren McCabe limped off the pitch with 20 minutes to go, with FC Blanch already getting on top of things.

The score was brought level with 10 minutes to go after a free kick was given away outside the Hartstown box, the ball was sent in and with a few legs swinging in vain,

the Blanch centre for-ward found the back of the net.

FC Blanch had a chance to win the game shortly after when they found themselves one-on-one with the keeper, but he failed to convert when the ball soared over the net.

Hartstown Huntstown found a way in the end, when the ball found Car-roll who did a great job of holding the ball up before running to the by line.

On hand for support was Glen Dunne who was first to the ball when it flew across the goal face, and a valuable three points were won.

Dunne breaks Blanch HartsHartstown Huntstown have started life in AUL Premier C in fine fashion, notching seven points from their first three games

SOCCER: DERBY DAY SEES HARTSTOWN HUNSTOWN CLAIM SPOILS

Brogan’s night walk:

Plunkett’s ace cheers

on Boots initiativeST OLIVER Plunkett’s/ER star Alan Brogan was on hand to cheer along some of the over 850 people who took part in the Boots Night Walks for Night Nurses for the Irish Cancer Society this week.The walk took place in 34 locations around

Ireland to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nursing Service, which is available free of charge to cancer patients in their home. It is hoped that the events will raise €50,000 for the nursing service once all the sponsorship is counted.


CLUB NOTICEBOARD

SAINT Brigid’s GAA club nursery has

restarted after the summer break

for four-to seven-year-olds and

runs every Saturday morning from

9.30am to 11am. New members and

families welcome. Contact Paul on

087 9154748 for more info.

Hard luck to Eoin Kennedy who was

edged out in the 60x30 All-Ireland

final on Saturday and to the Dublin

senior footballers also.

Congratulations to Cian O’Sullivan,

Johnny McGuirk, Kevin Callaghan,

Tiernan McGlynn, Davy Hawkshaw

and Darragh McKenna who repre-

sented Dublin this weekend in the

Tony Forrestal Cup.

Great wins this week for our inter

Hurlers, junior camogie and U-15s on

a quiet week for games.

The senior hurler’s last 16 SHC

game and adult league football fix-

ture details this weekend are now on

the website.

The club lotto returns this Thurs-

day in Russell Park with the jackpot

standing at €10,800.

Our minor footballers host their

fundraising table quiz this Friday

evening, all welcome.

St Brigid’s Spleodar Irish club for

teenagers resumes this Thursday

from 7 to 9pm in the club hall. The

cost is €3 per week and everyone is

welcome.

Best of luck to the Dubs, Paul Win-

ters and to our eight minor Fingal

hurlers, Willie Bourke (manager) and

John Bourke (selector) in their All-

Ireland Finals this weekend.

ST PEREGRINE’SWELL done to Eric Lowndes and the

Dublin minor footballers in beating

Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final on

Sunday and best of luck in the hurling

AIl-Ireland final this Sunday.

The junior A footballers have big

games this week.

Congratulations to Louise and Fer-

gus on their new arrival.

Memberships are still overdue and

must be paid as soon as possible. The

family fun day is on September 15 in

the club grounds.

The Penguin Ball is on December 15

in the Carlton Hotel. Tickets are €50

and deposits must be paid by the end

of September

Our club shop vouchers are now

available, details and contacts on

the club website CNP.ie. Follow us on

Twitter @peregrinesgaa.

Entertainment in the club this Sat-

urday is from Chardonnay. Ballads in

clubhouse with Wallop the Pot after

the hurling final on Sunday from 6.30

to 8.30pm.

Bingo continues this Wednesday

from 8.30pm. The jackpot is €550.

ST BRIGID’S

ERIN GO BRAGHTHANKS to the footballers from

Dunderry for travelling to our club for

a challenge game last Friday.

Erin Go Bragh are teaming up with

Phoenix FM and other Dublin 15 clubs to

start a weekly radio show focusing on

GAA in Dublin 15.

The provisional date for the first show

is Monday, September 10. Thanks to Karl

Scanlon who has offered to volunteer

on behalf of EGB.

The annual club facilities fee is now

overdue. Contact Sinead at edgelys@

gmail.com.

No winner of our weekly lotto jackpot.

Numbers were 1, 7, 11 and 25. This Fri-

day’s draw will be held in the Vineyard

and the jackpot is €6,900.

Details of our club dinner dance will be

announced shortly and any volunteers

who would like to help organise it can

contact Sinead on 086 889 1551.

We are looking for a match reporter.

The volunteer would report on one

home match per week. They will be

asked to cover both adult and juvenile

matches.

If you are over 16 and interested in this

key role, please contact Keith on 086 350

6602 or email [email protected].

TYRRELSTOWNTHERE was no winner of the club

lotto this week. The winning num-

bers were 20, 24, 25 and 26. Next

week’s jackpot rolls over to a whop-

ping €3,400.

This is vital funding for the club,

which helps in the purchase of train-

ing equipment, facilities etc. Please

keep this support going and, you

never know, you might just be lucky.

For more information on the club,

or if you would like to join, help out or

even sponsor one of our teams.

We always look forward to wel-

coming new members, along with

mentors and anyone elso who is in

a position to help out in this rapidly

growing club.

Why not come along, get fit and

most of all have some fun.

In each instance, for more infor-

mation on helping out, or to register

your child’s name please contact

James on 083 4086173.

HANDBALL: KINGPINS SERVE UP ANOTHER EPIC

St Brigid’s club man Eoin Kennedy was once again undone by Robbie McCarthy in an All-Ireland final

Kennedy made to wait for ninth title� [email protected]

ST BRIGID’S Eoin Kennedy was once again undone in the final of the M Donnelly All-Ireland senior 60x30 softball championship in Abbey-lara last weekend, falling to Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy.

For the fourth year running, it was a Dublin v Westmeath title show-down with Kennedy, chasing a ninth title win, entering his first final as the challenger against Robbie McCarthy, who won his first title against the Dubliner 12 months ago.

A capacity crowd packed into the fantastic Abbelyara cauldron in one of the best softball final atmospheres for a few years and, at times, were treated to some of the best action seen in the event.

McCarthy was sen-sational in the opening exchanges. He control-led the centre-court with

a brilliant overhand lob serve from right to the back left corner and then delivered precision low pass and kill-shots off either hand as if it was “the easy thing to do”.

Kennedy rallied for every ace and ensured some superb rallies but when the Mullingar man shot into a 10-1 lead, it looked very ominous for the eight-times cham-pion.

However, in the typi-cal manner of one of the all-time great softball players, Kennedy then upped his game, altered the dynamic by pushing McCarthy out towards back-court and then himself produced finely tuned and neat corner play and low slicing pass-ing drives.

Incredibly, as the crowd roared with appreciation, the duo were soon dead-locked at 11-11. From there it was the Dublin man who had control and stormed ahead by 16-12. Suddenly a repeat

of the 2011 final was being envisaged by the large Dublin support.

Instead, Robbie McCa-rthy then signalled why he could be in line to do what his opponent had done through the past decade. The champion drilled out one brilliant kill-shot after another, five in a row to be precise, and went ahead again by 17-16. He sprinted for every pass shot dished out by Kennedy and sometimes produced top class killshots dur-ing those retrieves, as he closed out the opening game by 21-16.

The second proved finely balanced for much of the opening part of play as neither player could assert themselves as they were deadlocked at 3-3. McCarthy then led by 5-3 and 8-5 before he pushed into a command-ing 12-7 advantage.

There were some bril-liant rallies to follow which gave a very clear indication to the capac-

ity crowd that the tradi-tional softball game has few rivals in terms of entertainment.

The players exchanged aces until Kennedy closed the gap to 12-15 but the reigning cham-pion then moved up a gear in the style of a great champion.

Six unanswered aces provided Robbie McCa-rthy with his second Sen-ior Softball Singles title and certainly on this evi-dence it will take a while before the title holder is knocked off his perch.

“It’s great to come back and win the title. This is my ultimate goal every year as I cherish the 60x30 title more than anything else.

“I won last year and that definitely helped my confidence but I felt good today and I had to raise my game as Eoin is a bril-liant player and I knew coming here today that he was on the top of his game” said the back-to-back champion.

HAPPY HUNTING: Hartstown strike late

to gain edge on local AUL rivals FC Blanch P30

ALL OF YOUR BLANCHARDSTOWN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31 SEPTEMBER 6, 2012

Ga

zetteSPORT

� PETER CARROLL

[email protected]

DUBLIN 15 natives have been well represent-ed in the inter-county minor ranks so far this year, and the success of the football and hurl-ing sides will reach its climax when both teams compete in their respective finals over the next few weeks.

Eric Lowndes of St Peregrine’s has proven himself a fantastic talent on both the hurling and football teams, and this year he managed to bag his fourth Leinster title, winning the dual honours for the second year on the trot.

Brigid’s man Paul Winters is part of the hurl-ing panel, along with Lowndes, who will take part in the All-Ireland final this weekend when the Dubs face off against Tipperary in a game that promises to be a tight affair.

Cian Boland and Luke Doherty of St Oliver Plunkett’s are part of the Dub’s hurling cham-pionship run too, showing the club’s flair with the small ball while their side will hope to oust

Tipperary with Plunkett’s man Shay Boland in the manager’s bib.

It was a feat he masterminded a year ago, helping the Dubs to their first final at this level since 1983.

Niall Walsh, another of the Plunkett’s con-tingent, has proved an important part of the half forward line for the minor footballers, add-ing to the game with his creativity and tenac-ity on the ball in last weekend’s semi final win over Kerry –a game that saw the Boys in Blue through to the final in convincing fashion, with the score finishing up at 3-12 to 1-10.

Elsewhere, Ciaran Kilkenny made his much anticipated full senior debut for Dublin last Sunday in the All-Ireland football champion-ship semi-final, replacing Alan Brogan in the forward line due to the 2011 player of the year’s injury woes.

The young Castleknock man looked well beyond his years on the field at the tender age of 18 and gave the Mayo back lines a lot to think about, dropping deep to help break

down the Heather County’s attacks while also presenting a good outlet in Dublin’s pursuit of scores, bagging 0-3 just weeks after receiving his Leaving Certificate results.

Despite the match not going the way of the defending champions, Kilkenny’s perform-ance was definitely a positive to take from the game.

The 2012 Cadbury’s Hero of the Future kept the pace of the game very well and lost his marker with ease toward the end of the game when the boys in blue pushed to get it back on their terms.

After some appearances from the bench dur-ing Dublin’s championship campaign, Kilken-ny’s full debut shed light on the usual questions that surround a player making the transition from 21s competition to senior.

He played the full 70 minutes, looked equal in all the physical tests he was involved in and still reserved a burst of pace in the dying moments of the game after darting about the pitch throughout the contest.

Local heroes set Local heroes set for All-Irelandsfor All-IrelandsDublin 15 has provided a glut of high-class players to the Dublin hurling and football set-ups in an incredible year

St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh man Oisin Boland is among a sizeable local contingent that will contest minor All-Ireland finals

SPORTS SUPER STARS:August award winners revealed inside P29

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