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ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES...................... 6 DUBLIN LIFE................... 11 OUT&ABOUT ..................17 CLASSIFIEDS................ 26 SPORT ........................... 27 Soccer: Local defender signs for Huddersfield Page 30 Shoe-ly a winner: Local man gallops to a photo prize CABINTEELY Inpho Sports Agency photographer Donall Farmer (cen- tre) galloped to victory with his shot, Lucky Horse Shoes, at the AIB Pho- tojournalism Awards 2013 recently, where he picked up second prize in the Sports Action category. Micheal Chester, president, Press Photographers Association of Ire- land and Denis O’Callaghan, head of branch banking, AIB, presented Donall with his prize, complimenting him on his “lucky” shot (inset). Additional councillors could cost €700,000 BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN A HEATED debate took place at a meeting of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) last week when it was revealed that the addi- tion of 12 new councillors may cost the council in the region of €700,000. Proposals to restructure local government were revealed last October, with a recommendation to increase the number of DLRCC councillors from 28 to 40. Councillor Gerry Hor- kan (FF) asked if the addi- tional costs would necessi- tate cuts in services in the county. In response, deputy county manager Kathleen Holohan said: “We are not in a position to give a rea- sonable estimate of what it will all cost, [or] what serv- ices may be cut.” Full Story on Page 3 Fears cost of local government reform could lead to cut in DLRCC services February 21, 2013 Find us on DUN LAOGHAIRE BLACKROCK CORNELSCOURT DEANSGRANGE DALKEY GLASTHULE MONKSTOWN GLENAGEARY FREE GAZETTE L aoghaire DUBLIN BAY ‘VICTORY’: Local reaction to oil firm’s surrender of drill licence Page 2 INSIDE: Make your child’s communion or confirmation day extra special See P18 Stars: Fourth annual Gazette Sports Awards preview Page 28

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Page 1: Dun Laoghaire

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................6

DUBLIN LIFE ...................11

OUT&ABOUT ..................17

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

SPORT ...........................27

Month XX, 2012

Soccer: Local defender signs for HuddersfieldPage 30

Shoe-ly a winner: Local man gallops to a photo prizeCABINTEELY Inpho Sports Agency photographer Donall Farmer (cen-tre) galloped to victory with his shot, Lucky Horse Shoes, at the AIB Pho-tojournalism Awards 2013 recently, where he picked up second prize in the Sports Action category.

Micheal Chester, president, Press Photographers Association of Ire-land and Denis O’Callaghan, head of branch banking, AIB, presented Donall with his prize, complimenting him on his “lucky” shot (inset).

Additional councillors could cost €700,000

BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

A HEATED debate took place at a meeting of Dun Laogha i r e -Ra thdow n County Council (DLRCC) last week when it was revealed that the addi-

tion of 12 new councillors may cost the council in the region of €700,000.

Proposals to restructure local government were revealed last October, with a recommendation to increase the number of

DLRCC councillors from 28 to 40.

Councillor Gerry Hor-kan (FF) asked if the addi-tional costs would necessi-tate cuts in services in the county.

In response, deputy

county manager Kathleen Holohan said: “We are not in a position to give a rea-sonable estimate of what it will all cost, [or] what serv-ices may be cut.”

Full Story on Page 3

Fears cost of local government reform could lead to cut in DLRCC services

February 21, 2013 Find us on

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

FREE GAZETTELaoghaire

DUBLIN BAY ‘VICTORY’: Local reaction to oil firm’s surrender of drill licence Page 2

INSIDE: Make your child’s communion or confi rmation

day extra special See P18communion or confi rmation

Stars: Fourth annual Gazette Sports Awards preview Page 28

Page 2: Dun Laoghaire

2 DUN laoghaire gazette 21 February 2013

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reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. we also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. if your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. if one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, dundrum Gazette, dun laoghaire Gazette, lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

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EnvironMEnT Company pull back – for now

Providence resources Plc has surrendered its foreshore drilling licence for an exploratory well in the Kish Basin off Dalkey island

surrender of oil drill licence is welcomedLOCAL politicians and conservation groups have been reacting posi-tively to the news last week that oil and gas exploration company Providence Resources Plc has surrendered its foreshore drilling licence for an exploratory well in the Kish Basin off Dalkey Island.

Providence Resources made the decision to sur-render the licence, which was issued by Minister Jan O’Sullivan at the Department of the Envi-ronment last September, ahead of a judicial review by An Taisce, which was due to take place in the High Court on February 19.

Counci l lor Denis O’Callaghan (Lab) wel-comed the news by say-ing: “This is great news. There was huge opposi-tion to this project by residents and environ-mental groups along the coastline.

“I now look forward to amending legislation to

further protect our coast and foreshore.”

Cllr O’Callaghan said that many people had contacted him with their concerns over the drill-ing and thanked them for their patience.

On the conservation side, Stephen Vard, of Dublin Bay Concern, said: “It is great news; we should celebrate. People-power has worked.”

An Taisce was pursuing legal action after the area and its environs were des-ignated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) by Minister of Heritage Jimmy Deenihan in December.

Despite numerous calls on Minister O’Sullivan by conservation groups, politicians and locals to

have an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) completed ahead of any issuing of any explorato-ry licence, the EIA was not obtained, and the licence was granted to Providence Resources.

Since the licence was issued, numerous groups, including Dublin Bay Concern and Save Our Seashore, demonstrated in Dun Laoghaire and outside the Dail against the foreshore drilling.

ProtectMinister Deenihan’s

SAC designation came in response to EU regu-lations to protect por-poises that congregate in the area.

A judicial review was then granted to An Taisce in relation to another EU directive relating to the need for an EIA for such a site of conservation.

John Harnett, chair, An Taisce, said: “An Taisce will be liaising with its legal team to discuss what further actions are

necessary at this point, and to ensure that these essential changes to Ireland’s legislation are made to ensure that the Irish environment and its people are afforded the full protection that the EIA directive provides.”

As the judicial review approached, Providence Resources decided to pull out of the drilling for the moment, and voluntarily surrender their licence.

In a statement, Provi-dence Resources said that once clarity on Ireland’s compliance with an EIA directive is achieved by the minister, the company will reapply for a new licence.

Tony O’Reilly, chief executive, Providence Resources, said: “Whilst it is frustrating that this situation has arisen and caused a delay to our planned activities, we feel it is in the best interests for all concerned to sur-render the licence and allow the Government to make the necessary

amendments, and we can then make a new application to carry out our planned programme.

“Despite the delay to the planned drilling activities, we remain very excited about the poten-tial of this exploration prospect.”

ClarifyCllr Victor Boyhan

(Ind) said: “In light of the statement issued by Providence Resources, I would ask the Minis-ter for the Environment [Phil Hogan] and Local Government to clarify what elements of the EU’s EIA directive have not been transposed cor-rectly into Irish law, and to indicate a timeframe for this essential legisla-tive work to be done.”

Responding to the surrender of the licence, Minister O’Sullivan said she would review the EIA regulations in question “with a view to removing any difficulties that may exist”.

BairBre Ni [email protected]

Page 3: Dun Laoghaire

21 February 2013 DUN laoghaire gazette 3

Call for a brief for Callinan Dun Laoghaire-Rath-down county councillors have called on Garda Commissioner, Martin Callinan, to meet with councillors and the coun-cil’s planning department to brief him on proposed development in the coun-ty ahead of the planned closure of two garda sta-tions in Stepaside and Kill O’The Grange.

Councillor Lettie Mc Carthy (Lab) said: “I can only assume the commis-sioner’s office was not fully briefed in relation to planned and future development for the area served by Stepaside.”

gardai

Debate over €700,000 cost of new councillorsA heATeD debate took place at a meeting of Dun Laoghaire-Rath-down County Council last week when it was revealed that the addi-tion of 12 new council-lors to the elected rep-resentation in the area may cost the council in the region of €700,000 a year.

The 12 extra coun-cillors are due to be assigned to DLRCC before the 2014 elections as part of Minister for environment, Commu-nity and Local Govern-ment, Phil hogan’s local government reforms.

Counci l lor Gerr y horkan (FF) said that each new member would cost the council about €27,751 in direct costs each plus extra support costs of €27,920 which brings the total addition-

al cost up to €668,052 for the first year. horkan asked the manager if this expense would neces-sitate cuts in services in the county.

Kathleen holohan, deputy county manager and director of corpo-rate services and human resources said: “The Putting People First document [Government proposal on Local Gov-ernment Reform] men-tioned a possible reduc-tion in members’ allow-ances, so that could be a possible saving to the council. We are not in a position to give a rea-sonable estimate of what it will all cost, [or] what services may be cut.”

She went on to say that the chamber meeting room, housed in the pro-tected structure of Coun-ty hall, could not cope

with more councillors as it is only fit for a total of 50 members including officials: “The architect’s department is working on chamber options as at present it is not equipped for 40 councillors.”

Cllr Richard hum-phreys of Labour wel-comed the coming of more councillors to DLRCC: “Dublin has been discr iminated against for years. In Leitrim there are eight times more councillors per head than in Dub-lin. The government is rebalancing things with an overall reduction [42%] of councillors in the country.”

however, Cllr horkan said: “This increase in councillors from 130 to 183 in Dublin devalues the position of council-lors.”

council: worries over cut in services

sweet spot: Mcgrath rolls up his sleeves for Bake for Brain injury campaignsoccer legeND and Acquired Brain Injury Ireland ambassador Paul McGrath is rolling up his sleeves and Baking for Brain Injury with TV3 ladies Sinead Desmond and Catherine Leyden – raising much needed funds for the charitable organisation. Pictured with Paul is holly Taylor from Cabinteely. The Bake for Brain Injury campaign is an annual fundraiser developed by Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, in an effort to raise much needed funds for those liv-ing with an acquired brain injury. Bake for Brain Injury takes place from March 11-17 and encourages all those who can to bake and donate online at www.bakeforbraininjury.ie

Page 4: Dun Laoghaire

4 DUN laoghaire gazette 21 February 2013

Parking charges to be cut to €1.50

Despite the move to cut parking fees in the Dun laoghaire shopping area from €2 to €1.50, the council refused

to add Saturday to the days liable for charging on Windsor terrace

BairBre Ni BhraoNaiN

DUN Laoghaire-Rath-down councillors have voted to cut parking fees from €2 to €1.50 an hour in the Dun Laoghaire shopping area – at a pro-jected cost to the council of €25,000 a year – but refused to add Saturday to the days liable for charging on Windsor Terrace.

Charging for parking on Windsor Terrace on Saturdays was deleted from the manager’s park-ing proposal as council-lors said it would act as a disincentive for visitors who come to the area at

weekends.Frank Austin, director

of transportation and water services, said that contained in the new parking measures was an extension of the parking fee week from Monday to Saturday, instead of Monday to Friday, for the Windsor Terrace area.

This area fronts the beach, and is where most people park before going for a walk along the pier.

Councillor Jane Dil-lon Byrne (Lab) said: “It is most welcome that the price of car park-ing is being reduced in the town, [yet] there are social implications for

people if we raise the price at Windsor Ter-race.”

Cllr John Bailey (FG) said: “Take Windsor Ter-race out of the proposal. To put a charge in there is a massive disadvantage. We are trying to encour-age the elderly, as well as young people, to go walking, and this charge discourages them.”

However, expressing an opposite viewpoint, Cllr Patricia Stewart (FG) said: “There is a limit to the amount of parking in Dun Laoghaire. There-fore, we have to do this [charge in Windsor Ter-race]. It is equitable, as it

ensures a turnover of cars there so that nobody hogs these spaces for hours.”

Austin replied that the net cost of the parking reductions to the coun-cil, factoring in the addi-tion of Saturday parking, will be €25,000, and said that if Windsor Terrace is deleted from the proposal it will not make much of difference to this cost.

Other roads affected by the new reduced parking charges contained in the council parking proposal include Corrig Avenue, Library Road, Northcote Avenue, St Mary’s Street, Tivoli Terrace and York Road.

council: initiative will cost €25,000

EntErprisEnEws

how can hi-Start progress my business in 2013?THE Hi-Start Management Development Pro-gramme assists ambitious early stage growth focused companies to identify and build the foun-dations required to secure investment and scale the business in international markets. Hi-Start has been developed and part-funded by the Dublin & Wicklow Enterprise Boards and Enterprise Ireland.Now in its 6th year and with a new focus on inves-tor readiness the programme will run from April to November 2013 in Dublin.

What is involved?The six half day workshops are designed to each contribute a key component to the development of the investor ready business plan.A related mentoring session will follow each train-ing module to assist the participant with the spe-cific outcomes required.The programme will be delivered by the highly acclaimed world-class business development con-sultant John McMahon, Forum 21 Ltd.

am i eligible?Participation is limited to 10 companies. Appli-cants must meet the criteria below:

• Have established customer need and demand for the products/service

• Demonstrate the potential to scale business to the international market• Be established no more than 18 months• Based in Dublin or Wicklow region

how to apply?Participation Fee €500 (includes all training and mentoring costs). To apply, contact [email protected]. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Enterprise Board (01) 4948400.

Hi-Start Programme

get your Business investor ready

BairBre Ni BhraoNaiN

PEOPLE who experienced flood damage as a result of extreme weather in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown in 2012 have claimed only €396,000 from an overall national com-pensatory pool of €40 mil-lion from the Office of Public Works (OPW), it emerged at a

council meeting.A motion to discover why so

little of these available funds had been claimed was put for-ward by Cllr John Bailey (FG).

He said that there were at least 70 flooding hotspots in the county and, of these, only three areas had claimed for compensation.

He added that there were

still 15 claims outstanding, and asked the manager if these would be paid by the council’s own insurance and, if so, how would it affect insurance in the future.

In response, Frank Austin, director of transportation and water services, said: “The council has only been success-ful in one [OPW] claim so far,

and is appealing the other.“The rules that apply to

claim this compensation are very specific – that’s why so lit-tle has been claimed.

“If we are unsuccessful in our applications, we can carry out the work ourselves.

“Fifteen households have claimed compensation from the council for flooding and

our insurance will cover it.”Cllr Barry Ward (FG) asked

if those in the houses in the Trimlestown scheme which were flooded last October have applied for the OPW funding. Austin answered that the Trim-lestown Stream was in private ownership, so had nothing to do with the council.

Cllr Jim O’Dea (FG) asked if

those in areas around the Slang and Dodder Rivers could apply for OPW compensation.

Austin said: “CFRAM, the catchment flood risk assess-ment and management [study], is a study that covers the Slang and Dodder as well as all national rivers, so they will automatically be assessed by the OPW.”

Only €396k claimed in flood damages out of €40m poolcouncil calls for motion to look into why so few funds have been claimed

artists invited to apply for art grant shareDUN Laoghaire-Rath-down County Council arts grants are still available for any artist based in the county, and the council is calling on local artists to make their applications before the closing date at the end of this month.

As well as individual practitioners, groups and ensembles can also apply for the funding.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday, February 27 at 12pm. For further information, see www.dlrcoco.ie/arts/Arts_Grant_Guidelines_2013.pdf.

Social housing letters on wayDUN Laoghaire-Rath-down County Council is writing to approximately 3,600 households with a Housing Needs Assess-ment application form.

All those in the county who have applied for social housing will have to fill in a new form, which must be returned to the council by Friday, March 8.

Anyone who is currently on the DLR housing list will receive a form in the post and must send it back to the council’s Housing and Community Depart-ment, or complete it online at www.dlrcoco.ie/hna.

Fastnews

Page 5: Dun Laoghaire

21 February 2013 DUN laoghaire gazette 5

Page 6: Dun Laoghaire

6 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAzEttE 21 February 2013

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

Shankill FC are on the ball with winPOOR weather delayed the presentation, but

there were sunny smiles all round when Shankill FC was recently presented with

its prestigious Aviva Club of the Month award for October. The wait for the top award was worth it, as the club joins a very select group of clubs in the monthly contest, which runs from October through to May. As part of their award,

the club was presented with €1,500.Increasingly seen as a benchmark of how

clubs are performing across the country, the Aviva Club of the Month award was some-thing for everyone in the club to celebrate, with Shankill FC now going forward as a finalist for the Club of the Year award, chosen at the FAI Festival of Football and AGM.

Jacqui Hurley, Aviva tV, interviews

club chairman Brian Moore

SPORT: Club Of The MOnTh hOnOuR fOR Club

Volunteers ensured there were more than

enough delicious treats for everyone on the day Chairman Moore had fun meeting the players

Darren Quigley gave

great advice to the

young players

Despite their different ages and levels of ability, the young players represented a great resource for the club

Shankill FC’s many younger members were delighted to help celebrate the club being awarded Aviva Club of the Month, for October last. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Page 7: Dun Laoghaire

21 February 2013 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAzEttE 7

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

Darren Quigley gave some great coaching on the day of the presentation

the boys and girls gave their training their full attention

Let our advertisers tell you why:

Why advertise with the Gazette?

“Dlr Leisure Services has been using Dublin Gazette Newspapers for a number of years to communicate with our customers on our programmes. We find the service we received excellent and they always offer us good value for money. The personal touch of having an account manager makes our life so much easier. The Dundrum & Dún Laoghaire Gazette covers the areas in which our centres are located. Dlr Leisure Services would have no hesitation recommending the Gazette to others to promote their company.

B e c a u s e L o c a L M a t t e r s

Page 8: Dun Laoghaire

8 DUN laoghaire gazette 21 February 2013

Step to it: Ready for night runPrePariNg for a little night running at the launch of an upcoming event were Irish sprinter Ailis McSweeney an Dublin GAA captain Bryan Cullen, who were happy to put their best foot forward to promote the upcoming Samsung Run Dublin at Night 10K Event.

An estimated 10,000 runners are expected to take to the capital’s streets at 9pm on Sun-day, April 28, for a great 10k run through the city on a route that will take in the city’s rich heritage.

FastNews

bairbre Ni bhraoNaiN

SpINAl Injuries Ireland (SII) is in need of volunteer drivers to help with the organisation’s social activities programme in the Dun laoghaire-Rathdown area.

last year, SII took 150 peo-

ple with spinal cord injuries from the National Rehabili-tation Hospital on a variety of trips, including visits to Dun-drum shopping centre, to the cinema, on boat trips around Dalkey Island and up the liffey, kayaking in Blessington and out to the Aviva Stadium

and Croke park for soccer and rugby matches.

Most outings take place in the evening or at weekends and a rota system is in place.

Jennifer Wright, SII activities facilitator, said: “The patients gain so much from our social and activities programme. They

get a break from the hospital setting and, at the same time, an opportunity to discover life with their injury outside of the hospital, with plenty of support to draw on if they need it.

“The outings are therapeutic on so many levels – not least because of the craic that is had

with patients and volunteers. There is a real difference in the mood of the patients when they return.”

Volunteer drivers must hold a D1-licence, and all other rel-evant training, such as clamp-ing down wheelchairs and gaining an understanding of

spinal cord injury, will be pro-vided.

If you are interested in vol-unteering as a bus driver, or as a general volunteer to accom-pany these patients, contact Jennifer Wright at 01 235 5317 or email her at [email protected].

SuppoRt 150 people from National Rehabilitation Hospital avail of service

Spinal Injuries Ireland need volunteer drivers

bairbre Ni bhraoNaiN

A SIMIlAR project to the Dublin Bike rental scheme could be a possi-bility for Dun laoghaire-Rathdown (DlR) after Minister of State at the Department of Transport Alan Kelly announced the allocation of Nation-al Transport Authority (NTA) funds to run fea-sibility tests in the region for such a scheme.

The inclusion of DlR in the bike scheme comes under the NTA’s new programme for sustain-able energy measures to encourage greener trans-

port alternatives, enti-tled the Smarter Travel project.

The NTA has already allocated €2.6 million for the expansion of the Dublin Bike Scheme, to include areas from Heuston Station to the Docklands.

The initial stage of the process in establish-ing the scheme in DlR is a feasibility study to examine and gauge the response and needs of local people.

Minister Kelly has allocated €30,000 for feasibility studies into the provision of the bike hire

scheme for DlR, and the process will be carried out in collaboration with Dun laoghaire-Rath-down County Council (DlRCC).

The original bike scheme has been oper-ating in Dublin since 2009, and is regarded as among the most success-ful bike-sharing schemes in the world. The capital is cited in case studies where other cities con-sider establishing their own schemes.

This extension of bike hire schemes for the Greater Dublin Area is being administered by

the NTA in conjunction with local authorities, and the entire sustaina-ble measures programme will involve a €43 million investment by the Gov-ernment into sustainable transport infrastructures, such as cycleways for the participant council areas.

Reac t ing to the announcement, Cllr Niamh Bhreathnach (lab) said: “I was delight-ed when Minister Kelly announced the fund-ing and mentioned Dun laoghaire. This money will have to be spent in the next year, or in phases

over the three years.“We need to have the

bikes at Dart stations so that when visitors come to the area, they can just pick one up and off they go.

“The Booterstown sta-tion to UCD cycle lane, which is planned by the council, will certainly go ahead now and also be of great benefit to the bike scheme, but we need even more cycle lanes in the county.”

Commenting on the bike scheme and its exten-sion, Minister of State for primary Care Alex White said: “As an avid cyclist

myself, I believe its suc-cess is a further demon-stration of how cycling has really taken off in recent times, and it illus-trates people’s growing awareness of their own health and wellbeing.”

However, DlRCC said the plans are only at the feasibility stage.

A spokesperson said: “As part of the Sustain-able Transport Measures programme 2013, fund-ing has been allocated by the NTA to carry out a feasibility study into the provision of a public bike hire scheme for Dun laoghaire town.”

Feasibility tests may see DLR get its own bike rental scheme

tRaNSpoRt: pLaN couLD pRomote cycLiNg FoR ReSiDeNtS aND viSitoRS

Debating ethicsST ANDREW’S Col-lege in Blackrock will be taking part in a students’ debate on science and ethics on Friday, February 22.

Debating Science Issues, which is hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, is a debating competition intended to “engage young people in the cultural, societal and ethical implications of advances in biomedical science”.

Celebrate flagsBRATACHA 2013, the Festival of Flags and Emblems, is coming to Dun laoghaire in May, providing a fascinating insight into the heritage and role of flags and emblems in societies.

The festival, which is an international sympo-sium on the history, heritage, culture and identities associated with flags and emblems, will feature public lectures and seminars, exhibitions, heritage-related stands and booths, and a commu-nity parade.

official flagThere will be an

official festival flag, which has been crafted in cloth by Dublin flag-makers, O’Regan’s of pearse Street, which will be raised at the opening ceremony for Bratacha 2013 at the unveiling of an herba-ceous display entitled Europe In Bloom in Cabinteely park on Thursday, May 9.

Page 9: Dun Laoghaire

21 February 2013 DUN laoghaire gazette 9

TDs, senators called to pay commercial rates bairbre Ni bhraoNaiN

TDS and senators who have constituency offices in the county are exempt from paying commercial rates on the proper-ties they occupy, it was revealed at a recent Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council meet-ing.

Counci l lor Victor Boyhan (Ind) asked the manager if there was a rates exemption for TDs’ and senators’ offices in the county, saying: “Are they all exempt? There are hard-pressed shops, such as the National Council of the Blind, who are paying rates.

“This [issue of rates exemption] came up at Ennis town council meeting, and I’d like the manager to clarify it.”

Answering Cllr Boy-han’s initial question, Helena Cunningham, financial director, said: “Constituency offices are exempt from com-mercial rates because

there must be com-mercial activity [on the premises] for it to be rateable.”

C o u n t y m a n a g e r Owen Keegan pointed out to the chamber that the council did not have the power to change this exemption.

Councillors agreed to look at the matter again next month and frame a motion calling for the council to write to the Minister for the Envi-ronment, Phil Hogan, to remove any rate exemp-tion for deputies, minis-ters and senators’ con-stituency offices in the county.

Cllr John Bailey (FG) said: “These elected officials have a moral obligation and a respon-sibility to make an equivalent [to the com-mercial rate] donation, because they’re paid well enough.”

In a separate motion, Cllr Tom Murphy (FF) called for a reduction in commercial rates for

start-up companies. He asked members to sup-port his call to “write to the Minister for Finance, [Michael Noonan] ask-ing him to consider reducing the rates for start-up companies for their first year in busi-ness”.

However, Cunning-ham told councillors that there was currently only one commercial rate by law, and to reduce it would also reduce the

council’s income and detrimentally affect ser-vices as a result.

Cllr Murphy respond-ed, saying: “DLR rates are the most expensive in Dublin. Fingal [rates] are 15% below them. We have to be competitive now.

“When I look at San-dyford Business Park, I feel it’s sad to see all the empty buildings there. We should be encour-aging new business and

Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre reopens on March 1DALKEY Castle and Heritage Centre is to re-open its new glass doors to the public on Friday, March 1, after being closed for renovation for the past four months.

The refurbishment included a new interactive section, as well as a vaulted ceiling.

The renewed centre opened especially for its first school tour on February 18.

FastNews

Young sailors set to make a splash at Sail-A-Thon 2013DUN Laoghaire Harbour will play host to Sail-A-Thon 2013 on Saturday, March 23 – a free sailing event that is open to all youngsters between the ages of seven and 18 who have sailed with the Irish Sailing School before.

The event, being organised by the Irish National Sailing School (INSS), is in aid of the Children’s Medical and Research Foundation of Crumlin Children’s Hospital.

The young sailors will spend eight hours in Dun Laoghaire harbour, competing in races and regat-tas for charity.

If you would like to take part in the Sail-A-Thon, contact the INSS at [email protected].

helping them to get off the ground.”

The DLR budget for 2013 factored in a reduc-tion of the commercial rates in the county by 2%, and now stands at 0.166 of the value of the property in question, compared to 0.162 in Dublin South and 0.144 in Fingal County.

Cllr Melisa Halpin (PBP) said a letter to the minister [Hogan] was already being framed, following a motion passed at the last coun-cil meeting calling for a differential rate of tax to be introduced in the county, with start-ups factored into it.

Dun laoghaire rathdown County Council

council Action sought on funding issue

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10 DUN laoghaire gazette 21 February 2013

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

AHOST of sparkling Irish stars and celebrities set forth for a glittering night out at Cafe en Seine in the

city centre recently, where the Dawson Street venue was playing host to a fun-draising evening in aid of the ISPCC.

Also staged to celebrate Calum Best’s birthday, the terrific night of entertainment saw many well-known faces in attendance, keen to help sup-port the charity’s work with children, as well as the chance to enjoy some

craic with a plethora of top talents, including comics Katherine Lynch, Joe Rooney and Dave Young, while music fans spotted the likes of Brian Kennedy, Rick Savage and boyband Level 5, to name but a few.

Fundraising party was the place to be Seine ...

Dave o’Sullivan and Nick Munier were delighted to attend the fundraising evening at Cafe en Seine in aid of the iSPCC

greg French and Sharon

Stacy hennessy alison Canavan, Brian Kennedy and Bernie Cafolla

Dylan Mcgrath and

Virginia Macari Claire o’Connor and Sinead Brennan

lisa Murphy and Jo Jordan

Cathy o’Connor

Page 11: Dun Laoghaire

21 February 2013 Gazette 11

dublinlifeGa

zett

eschools P14diary P12 asdfsdaf P27business P16

archives: consult a Professional GenealoGist

Research your family tree for free at the national ArchivesThe National Archives of Ireland (NAI) is providing a free family history service to visitors to the archives in Bishop Street.

Members of the public can consult a professional gene-alogist about sources relating to their family history free of charge. The archives house every historical record of the modern Irish state.

The Gazette spoke to head of reader services in the NAI, Aideen Ireland, about the free service and how the pub-

lic has been responding to it. “The free public service

has been running since 2003 where people can come in and speak to a genealogist for half an hour or more about their family history.

“It’s been very popular but since the downturn in the economy there has been a drop off in numbers.

“We used to offer a full day’s service but can’t any longer. Now we offer the service from Monday to Fri-day from 10am to 1.30pm

and we will continue to provide it for as long as we can afford to. I urge people coming in to bring as much of their own material as they can into the experts to quick-en the process.

“When people come in they first have to apply for a reader’s ticket. They then talk to one of our genealogists who may then steer them to our document room where they can order what they need for further research. They may also be advised to

look at our microfilm or be given links to other institu-tions.

“People can also come back to see the same genealo-gist or a different one to con-tinue their family research, and we encourage them to do this again and again.”

If you are interested in discovering more about your lineage, go to the fifth floor of the National Archives, at the back of the Reading Room. Visitors are dealt with on a first-come, first-served basis. the National archives of Ireland

let dublin Gazette newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week, as well as the latest from our schools

Page 12: Dun Laoghaire

12 Gazette 21 February 2013

Show off your dance skills with Funtasia contest

Dancer tobi Omoteso will be a guest judge for Funtasia’s Got2Dance dance

competition, to search for Ireland’s best dancers

DANCE fever is sweeping across Dublin this week, as Funtasia begins the search for Ireland’s best dancers.

Taking inspiration from the hit TV show, Got2Dance is open to all ages and styles of dance and will be held at Bettys-town, Co Meath on Sun-day, February 24, March 3 and March 10.

“We’re looking for Ire-land’s best dancers,” said Andree McCarthy of Fun-tasia. “We’ve arranged a superb line-up of guest judges who are renowned in the world of dance, including Aidean Byrne, a hip-hop dancer with Raw Edge Crew, and Tobi Omoteso, whose hip-hop routines have earned him international acclaim both featured on Sky TV’s Got2Dance. We are also thrilled to welcome Belinda Murphy, a chore-

ographer and dancer with Riverdance.”

For more information, visit www.funtasia.ie.

JOIn OxFam’s tOGether On wOmen’s Day OXFAM is calling Dub-liners to join hundreds of people all over Ireland by hosting an Oxfam Get Together for International Women’s Day on March 8, and help raise money to support women living in poverty worldwide.

An Oxfam Get Togeth-er can be anything from a coffee morning to a movie night or even a karaoke night. The heart of the idea is to get together with friends, family and col-leagues and do something that you love – while fun-draising for Oxfam.

Speaking about her recent trip to Tanzania, Oxfam Ireland ambassa-

dor and judge on RTE’s The Voice of Ireland Sha-ron Corr said that this can change lives in the poorest areas of the world.

“An Oxfam Get Togeth-er is simple. Just organise something fun with the people you love spend-ing time with – and help raise vital funds that will transform the lives of women affected by pov-erty and injustice around the world,” she said.

To download your Oxfam Get Together fund-raising pack or to find out more, visit www.oxfamire-land.og/gettogether.

scramble tO FInD eGGs FOr Jack anD JIllA GREAT Lily O’Brien sponsored Easter egg hunt is on in Dublin until Easter Saturday, March 23, in aid of the Jack and Jill Foundation.

Over 100 fibreglass eggs will be hidden around Dublin and the hunt is on to find them. Each egg is 75cm high and has been decorated by well-known artists and celebrities.

To get involved, you have to find 20 of the eggs and collect the code on each one.

You can then enter a draw to win a grand prize of diamonds and other smaller gifts, including chocolate factory visits and a year’s supply of chocolate from Lily O’Brien’s.

At the end of the Big Egg Hunt, the decorated eggs will be auctioned for charity in aid of the Jack and Jill Foundation through an online auc-tion, and there will also be a live auction at the Four Seasons Hotel on Saturday, March 23.

dublinlifeGaze

tte

diary

SellSale

You

r

advertiSe your Sale with the Gazette...

Call uS now on 60 10 240

Page 13: Dun Laoghaire

21 February 2013 Gazette 13

feature

Gazette

Race to cut children’s mortality rate to zeroA 5km race is being held on march 2 in St Clare’s Sports Grounds in Glas-nevin in aid of UNICEF Ireland, and has been organised by a group of seven students who are studying for a mSc in marketing in DCU.

The students are hop-ing to raise €4,000 for UNICEF Ireland as part of the international organisation’s Believe In Zero campaign.

“Every day, 19,000 chil-dren die from causes we can prevent, like malaria, malnutrition and expo-sure. UNICEF believes that number should be

zero,” their spokesperson said.

“Over the last 50 years, UNICEF and its partners have helped reduce the worldwide child mortal-ity rate by more than half. Five years ago, 25,500 children died every day from preventable causes. much of that success is recent—the result of tried and true lifesaving interventions and pro-grammes perfected in more than 150 countries.

“No other humanitar-ian organisation saves more children’s lives than UNICEF. By joining the Race To Zero on march

2, you can help UNICEF work to toward the day when zero children die from preventable caus-es.”

Caroline keyes, spokes-person for the group at DCU, said: “We feel this event is a great way to get fit and have fun whilst supporting children around the world who need help.

“The money raised will go towards the charity’s Believe in Zero cam-paign.”

The race is open to eve-ryone to run, jog or walk. Race start time is 11am with registration (picking

up race numbers) begin-ning10am. Entry fee is €20 for adults and €10 for students. For more information about the event, log on to Facebook at www.facebook.com/UnicefirelandRaceToZe-ro, or register directly on www.unicef.ie.

If you have any que-ries about the Glasnevin event or would like more information, email Caro-line at [email protected] or call on 086 158 8433.

For more information log on to www.unicef.ie/GetInvolved/5km-Race-to-Zero--35-93.aspx the race takes place on March 2 in Glasnevin

campaiGn: 5km event in aid of Unicef iReland Seachtain na Gaeilge set to returnEARly next month sees the return of Seachtain na Gaeilge which will this year be packed with Gathering events as well as Bliain na Gaeilge.

Organisers have a host of treats as gaeilge lined up with a special calendar of Irish-language events happening locally and nationally from march 4 to 17. It is hoped that the use of Irish will spread across the world through-out 2013.

Seachtain na Gaeilge 2013 will mark Bliain na Gaeilge as its biggest festi-val and will be celebrating 120 years of the revival of the Irish language.

All events can be accessed via the website at www.snag.ie.

adveRtise yoUR sale with the Gazette...

Page 14: Dun Laoghaire

14 Gazette 21 February 2013

Bhadrajee hewaGe

St Benildus College, Kilmacud

StudentS a t S t Benildus College created their Solid Savings Bank recently to compete in the 2012/2013 AIB Build-a-Bank challenge, a compe-tition aimed at educating transition and 5th Year students about the real-ity of the banking world, including marketing and business.

the school has been competing in the Build-a-Bank Challenge for over seven years now and this year’s competition saw over 30 students compet-ing for six places on the banking team.

Building the perfect bankst benildus college: students’ success in aib challenge

St Benildus Bank Builders adam McCormack, Kevin treanor, Michael Crowley, james

Kearney, Bhadrajee hewage and Stephen Mcentee. Picture: Frank Browne

AIB Student Officer, Frank Browne of the Sandy ford Branch, selected Bhadrajee Hew-age for the position of manager, Stephen Mcen-tee for assistant manager, Michael Crowley for the position of sales and mar-keting executive, Kevin treanor as auditor and Adam McCormack and James Kearney as tellers.

SSB held its grand opening in early January 2013 and were generously supplied with balloons for the occasion by Leisure-plex, Stillorgan.

the grand opening was so successful that 52 accounts were opened on the day and at the time of

print, over 80 accounts have been opened. this is about 80% more than the amount created last year and around 125%

more than the amount created by the banking team two years ago. the bank offers savings serv-ices, issues laser and debit

cards, allows customer to sign up for 24hr internet and mobile banking, and allows customers to lodge money.

duBlinlifegaze

tte

schools

schoollife

AS pArt of the relaunch of the dublin Gazette newspapers, we are reaching out to all the schools in our catchment areas to become a closer part of our community than ever before. Schools are the beating hearts of communities, one of the last places around which a community can gather.

We are calling on budding writers and pho-tographers from all of our schools to help fill the pages and, in order to encourage the next generation of journalists and snappers to get involved, we are partnering with Harvey nor-man to present the dublin Gazette newspapers’ Cub reporter and Cub photographer of the Year awards.

For more details, contact [email protected], or on 01 601 0240.

Get involved with our new Gazette schools pages

let our advertisers tell you why:

Why advertise with the gazette?

b e c a u s e l o c a l M a t t e r s

“ “

Dlr Leisure Services has been using Dublin Gazette Newspapers for a number of years to communicate with our customers on our programmes.

We find the service we received excellent and they always offer us good value for money. The personal touch of having an account manager makes our life so much easier. The Dundrum & Dún Laoghaire Gazette covers the areas in which our centres are located. Dlr Leisure Services would have no hesitation recommending the Gazette to others to promote their company.

Page 15: Dun Laoghaire

21 February 2013 Gazette 15

FEATUREAnti-bullying campaign to be launchedThe ISPCC, Ireland’s old-est independent children’s charity, will be launching an anti-bullying campaign this spring.

Believing there is a need for a concerted effort nationwide to work in partnership with schools, parents and communities to reduce incidents of bul-lying, the ISPCC will be hosting an anti-bullying awareness week from March 4 to 10, together with a nationwide cam-paign to raise awareness.

A Day of Action will take place on March 8, which will see staff and volunteers of ISPCC sell-ing the “bullying shield” (€2) nationwide to raise awareness and funds for the charity’s cause.

Major new contemporary music festival in Dublin is announcedA MAjor new music fes-tival has been announced for Dublin and will allow people the chance to experience and explore new contemporary music from Ireland and abroad.

The first New Music Dublin (NMD) event, which takes place between March 1 and 3, has been set up by the Arts Coun-cil, The National Concert hall, rTe orchestras and the Contemporary Music Centre.

The festival will be held in the National Concert hall and will showcase a broad range of musical creativity with the work of major international and Irish artists on offer.

Included in the NMD line up will be the rTe

Concert orchestra per-forming the Irish premiere of Arvo Part’s Symphony No 4, Garth Knox will bring his Italian inspired Saltarello to the stage, and the hilliard ensemble will be singing the haunting music of Icelandic com-poser johann johannson.

In addition to the prin-cipal concerts, NMD has a schedule of workshops, masterclasses and other events to appeal to Dublin music lovers.

As well as the National Concert hall, the Con-temporary Music Centre (CMC) will play an impor-tant role in New Music Dublin by also hosting a number of events specifi-cally to promote and sup-port Irish composition.

here, TCD Music Compo-sition Centre will perform new music and show a documentary about com-poser raymond Deane which was commissioned by CMC for Deane’s 60th birthday.

evonne Ferguson, director of CMC says: “I can’t wait for an entire weekend of immersion in such unique sound worlds from Ireland and abroad that puts Irish composi-tion in a wider european and international context. My only problem for the weekend is how not to miss anything.”

Tickets costing €5, are available from the box office of the National Concert hall on 417 0000 or online at [email protected]

Cheque it out: Helping to grant magical wishes of sick children john Tuohy, chief executive, Nightline, presenting a cheque for €5,000 to Susan o’Dywer, Make-A-Wish Ireland. Nightline Parcel Motel raised €1 from every parcel delivered over the Christmas period and is presenting all proceeds raised to charity partner Make-A-Wish Ireland. The Make-A-Wish foundation grants magical wishes to children between the ages of 3-17 years with life-threatening medical conditions. All proceeds raised will be donat-ed and used to grant the wishes of children nationwide creating wonderful lasting memories that will stay with their families forever regardless of what the future may hold.

Page 16: Dun Laoghaire

16 GAZETTE 21 February 2013

“THANK you for your application/your CV/for meeting with us, but unfortunately, on this occasion ...”

You spent three hours on your CV, you met with the company twice, you did a fantastic PowerPoint presen-tation to their board of directors – and all you got was this lousy stock letter. Not even a phone call.

Not a week goes by but a superb person I know receives a job rejection letter and, let’s face it, even if you weren’t too excited about that job in the first place, a tiny bit of your career confidence dies each time.

Of course, feedback – if you can get it – is always best. A few years ago, it was simply good etiquette for recruit-ers and employers to provide feedback.

Many organisations will still give it, but it’s becoming less frequent.

If you can’t fathom any reason whatsoever for your “rejection”, try not to take it personally and move on. There are a plethora of possible reasons that you will never be a party to.

It could be something as simple as another candidate could start a week earlier and the employer needed to make a decision and didn’t have time to start negotiat-ing with you over start dates.

It could be that head office has put a surprise freeze on recruitment.

A company I know hired one candidate over the other, simply because the decision-maker knew that the Line Manager didn’t like the candidate in question ... and the decision-maker didn’t like the Line Manager.

Petty? Perhaps. Does it happen? Oh, yes. What you have to remember is, it’s not personal, it’s just a process – their process.

DUBLINLIFEGAZE

TTE

BUSINESS

Don’t take rejection personally if your job application fails ...

However – inclement economic conditions notwith-standing – can you put your hand on your heart and say that, after that CV, that interview, you can’t think of any reason they don’t want you?

If you are racking up a stack of “Thank you, but ...” letters, it may be time to review and amend your approach.

Look at your CV and interview technique in the harsh, cold light of day and be honest with yourself about the effort and time you devote to your applications.

Be clear that job rejection is absolutely no reflection of your personal worth, but don’t continue to do the same things time and time again and expect different results.

Contact Rachael at [email protected] or visit www.

thecareerhub.ie. Rachael Kilgallon is a FETAC qualified career

coach and founder of The Career Hub.

If you are continually unsuccessful with your job

applications, it may be time to review your approach

DESPITE the impact of the recession, Brendan Cumiskey, managing director, TC Matthews, says that the firm – the biggest seller of wool car-pets in the country – has noted that the demand for quality wool carpets has never diminished, even in recession.

“People are happy to look at wool carpets as an investment, rather than as a once-off discretionary purchase,” he says.

He added: “Carpets still account for a big slice of home furnishing spend, and we owe it to our customers to per-sonally advise on what is the best investment for them – as a result, they trust us.

“Because we buy big volumes of wool carpets, we get them at very keen prices, and can then pass these savings on. It means more people who thought they couldn’t afford wool, now can.”

How long have you been in business?

Personally, I’ve been involved in the carpet trade all my life. TCM have been in business for a little longer – 100+ years.

What makes your busi-ness successful?

The team: we have the most dedicated staff I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with, and we have great customers – it’s that simple.

What do you offer your clients that differs

from your competi-tors?

We buy directly from the manufacturers. Because of our buying power and size, we nego-tiate prices that others can only try to match by supplying inferior underlays and accesso-ries, and employing less experienced fitters.

Plus, buying the carpet is only part of the process – the installa-tion and service offered is just (if not more) important.

We have the knowl-edge, dedication, quality, choice and service that is the envy of our com-petitors.

How has the recession impacted your busi-ness?

The collapse of the new housing and commercial building markets really had a

huge effect on us.The subsequent lack

in consumer confidence made business extremely challenging.

What have you changed about your business to combat the effects of the recession?

Like every business, we’ve had to “Cut our cloth to suit...”.

Now, more than ever, we focus on only buying products that represent real value – special offers that are more likely to sell quickly; exclusive products that are exactly the right shades, quality and price points for our customers.

We know that we have actually increased our market share and, in fact, we opened our Stil-lorgan branch just three years ago - right bang in the middle of this reces-sion.

And we very recently opened a superb new showroom in Droghe-da’s M1 Retail Park.

What law or regula-tion would you change overnight to help your business?

If it were just to benefit my own business, that would be biased and irrelevant. Better to say that I believe that no one should have to pay tax on a much wider range of day-to-day necessities.

How do you use social media (Facebook, Twit-ter or LinkedIn, etc) to help your business?

We are relative late-comers to social media – carpets are still very much a touchy-feely thing.

We are now investing in this type of media, but we do want to get it “just right” before we dive in.

Value to leave you flooredQ&A: BRENDAN CUMISKEY, MANAGING DIRECTOR, TC MATTHEWS

Brendan Cumiskey: “We have the most dedicated

staff I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with”

“THANK you for your application/your CV/for meeting with us, but unfortunately, on this occasion ...”

You spent three hours on your CV, you met with the company twice, you did a fantastic PowerPoint presen-tation to their board of directors – and all you got was this lousy stock letter. Not even a phone call.

Not a week goes by but a superb person I know receives a job rejection letter and, let’s face it, even if

Don’t take rejection personally if your job application fails ... gazette

group gazettegroup

ww

w.

you weren’t too excited about that job in the first place, a tiny bit of your career confidence dies each time.

“THANK with us, but unfortunately, on this occasion ...”

company twice, you did a fantastic PowerPoint presen-tation to their board of directors – and all you got was this lousy stock letter. Not even a phone call.

receives a job rejection letter and, let’s face it, even if

.com

All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away

Page 17: Dun Laoghaire

21 February 2013 Gazette 17

Hottest new boy band taking it to a new level natalie burke

IRELAND has always been known for its suc-cessful boybands, and when it comes to the newest kids on this par-ticular block, it seems we have our own direction.

Gone are the days when Westl i fe and Boyzone graced our walkmans, and in their place have stepped a new, young, hip (can we still use that word?) and pas-sionate fivesome, eager to fill the gaping hole in the market left by their pred-ecessors.

The five boys in ques-tion, aged between 16 and 19 years old and hailing from Dublin and Meath, make up Level 5, the country’s hottest new pop act.

Despite being together less than six months, Chris, Dean, Jason, Dar-ren and Shane have already performed to thousands in the 02, per-formed at the 19th birth-day bash of One Direc-tion’s Niall Horan, and have developed a loyal following of Irish teen-age girls.

In fact, their fans have

even dubbed themselves the ‘Levelers’, provided the band with a few unu-sual gifts and have helped the Level 5 Twitter page reach a massive 11,000 followers – and quickly counting.

And all this before they are due to release their first EP.

But that is exactly what they have been working on ever since they released a success-ful Christmas single with X Factor finalist Mary Byrne in December and according to the boys, 2013 is looking to be an

important year for the future of Level 5.

“We’re doing a lot of different things at the moment; we’re writing some of our own stuff and just trying to get the balance right.

“Our EP is the first step and so far we’re having great craic with it, we’re in and out of the studios and doing what we love. You can’t ask for better than that really,” said 16-year-old Chris, the youngest member of the group.

Continued on Page 21

level 5: Jason Cafolla, Chris leonard, Dean Gibbons, Shane thornton and Darren regazzoli

OUT&ABOUTMOTORS P24hOMeS P20 aSdfSdaf P27

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Page 18: Dun Laoghaire

18 Gazette 21 February 2013

COMMUNIONS&CONFIRMATIONSGaze

tte

Everything you need to know about sacramentsSILK white gowns, fake tan, stretch limousines and a huge bill. No, I am not talking about a wedding. I am listing some things that are commonly seen at com-munions and confirma-tions in 21st century Ireland.

We are fast approach-ing the months where the two religious sacra-ments take place, and there is no doubt that many families are pre-paring their budgets for the big day. It is a reality that nowadays people spend a lot more money on these occasions than

what it means: communion and confirmation explained

Helping your child understand the meaning of their communion and

confirmation will make the day extra special

Have your special family day at the KALthough better known as the venue for some amazing sporting events of recent years, the K Club is also somewhere to consider for special family celebrations, including communions and confirmations.

Located in the village of Straffan, Co Kildare and on the banks of the River Liffey, the hotel is surrounded by 550 acres of mature woods, parkland and magnificent formal gardens – perfect for photographs.

the K Club understand the importance of helping families celebrate these momentous family occasions.

For further details on family celebrations at the K Club call (01) 601 7200 or email [email protected]. Full details are also on the K Club website www.kclub.ie.

they did in the past, but some of the “tradi-tions” which took place during the Celtic tiger years aren’t as preva-lent today. of course there are ways of mak-ing the day memorable, but there are many ways that parents can ensure that their children do not lose sight of the real meaning behind these milestone events.

But to help your child understand and prepare for these sacraments, it’s important that you fully understand them your-self. So what are they all about?

Firstly, everyone must be baptised before they make their First holy Communion. then in the run-up to the com-munion, children will attend Confession to tell their wrong-doings or sins to a priest, who will give them penance in exchange.

Communion takes place in May for sec-ond class pupils in pri-mary school, when they are aged seven or eight because this is the age when they are “sin-free”. Catholics believe

this sacrament is a remembrance of Jesus’s sacrifice and being unit-ed with him in a special way, by receiving him at the altar through the holy Eucharist or holy bread, which symbol-ises his body.

Confirmation takes place in sixth class, when pupils are usually aged 11 to 13. this is when a child strength-ens their commitment to Christ and accept-ing responsibility as an adult, and is conferred with the holy Spirit and the laying on of hands by a bishop.

the child will choose a Christian name as the i r con f i rmat ion name, and they will also choose a sponsor to be a witness and to be their support, and the spon-sor will stand with the child at the altar.

the bishop will trace the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead

with ‘Chrism oil’ and say: “Be sealed with the gifts of the holy Spirit.”

So to help prepare your child for these sacraments, it’s a good idea to talk to them about how much they know and understand. You can also encourage them attending mass or children’s mass with them regularly.

Schools tend to have preparation meetings, so talking to the teach-ers about how they teach the children about these sacraments can also be a good source of information.

Most importantly, remember that com-munion and confirma-tion are special celebra-tions for your child. It’s not about all about how much pocket money they get that day, or whether they have a bouncy castle or not, its all about them.

Page 19: Dun Laoghaire

21 February 2013 GAZETTE 19

COMMUNIONS&CONFIRMATIONS FEATURE

GAZETTE

WHAT IT MEANS: COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION EXPLAINED

Darlingwear Dress €220

Darlingwear Hairband €20

TK Maxx €39.99 and €26.99

Everyone wants their kid to look great on their

special day, but that doesn’t have to mean

spending a fortune.

Gazette Style has chosen just a few of the many

outf its out there available from retailers such as

TK Maxx, Littlewoods Ireland and Darlingwear.

Take a look, or get inspired by these gorgeous

outf its that will keep girls and boys happy, as well

as sparing their parents’ pockets.

Littlewoods Freespirit €50

Debenhams €93

TK MAXX 14 Criss Cross pearl dress €26.99 and lace front tutu dress €39.99

Littlewoods’ Taylor & Reece Boys Fully-Lined Jacket €39

Taylor & Reece Boys Waistcoat and Cravat, from €17

and Single Pleat Trousers, from €20

LOCALMATTERSS U P P O R T L O C A L B U S I N E S S

ADVERTISE WITH THEGAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

Page 20: Dun Laoghaire

20 Gazette 21 February 2013

newlands manor park: three-bedroom style

To the Manor born, a fresh new homeBroe Auctioneers are present-ing 40 Newlands Manor Park in Clondalkin, a deceptively spacious three-bedroom house boasting generous room pro-portions throughout, to the market with an asking price of €225,000.

Positioned in a quiet cul de sac in this sought-after gated devel-opment with private access to 700 acres of parkland at Cork-agh Park Demesne just off the N7, 40 Newlands Manor Park is presented in very good condition throughout and has been freshly painted offering a blank canvas for its new owner to put their stamp on it.

The proper ty comprises

entrance hall with semi-solid flooring, a guest bathroom with WC, whb and tiled floor. There is a spacious lounge with semi-solid flooring, a bay window and feature fireplace with a coal-ef-fect gas fire.

The property boasts a sunroom which also features semi-solid flooring, velux windows, patio doors to the rear of the property and a pine-paneled ceiling.

The kitchen/dining room has fully-fitted beech shaker-style units, as well as cooker, fridge freezer and dishwasher included, and a tiled floor.

The utility room also has a tiled floor and is plumbed for washing machine.

Upstairs, all of the bedrooms feature fitted wardrobes, with the main bedroom leading to an en suite, which contains a WC, whb and shower, and the family bath-room contains the same features, with the addition of a bath.

outside, the rear garden has a decked area and is surrounded by mature shrubs. There is also ample communal parking to front.

This complex is maintained to a very high standard and benefits from ample communal parking, electric gates and manicured green areas.

The property also comprises gas-fired central heating, an alarm system, and double glaz-ing throughout, and as previ-ously mentioned, direct access to Corkagh Park with private gateway from complex.

Viewing essential to appreciate all this superb family home has to offer, and to arrange a view-ing, contact Lisa o’ Donoghue at Broe Auctioneers on 01 459 4433 or email [email protected].

For more information, and to view other properties on offer, log on to www.broe.ie

40 Newlands Manor Park is on the market for €225,000

OUT&ABOUT Gaze

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HOMES

Page 21: Dun Laoghaire

21 February 2013 Gazette 21

Gazette

Level 5: Jason Cafolla,

Chris Leonard, Dean

Gibbons, Shane thornton

and Darren Regazzoli

have a busy few months

ahead of them

Continued from Page 17

“We’re trying to get something fresh together. There’s no point bringing out something people already know so we’re working with different ideas,” said band-mate Shane.

Following the boys’ Christmas collaboration with Mary Byrne, they said they would love to work with her again.

“We didn’t know what to expect but she was just so down to earth when we met her and it was such a relief. She was really nice and really looked after us as it was all so new,” said Darren.

Performing at the Childline concert in the 02 has been the highlight of the band’s career so far, with the boys saying it was a ‘dream come true’.

“There are no words to describe what it is like walking out on to the stage in front of that many people. We were expect-ing nobody to know us and we could hear them screaming ‘Level 5’ even before we went out on stage. It was breathtak-ing”, Darren continued.

While the band may be the only all-Irish boyband on the music scene at the moment, Level 5 say they admire solo artists such

as Michael Buble and Justin Bieber, as well as bands they will ultimately be competing against for attention.

“We all admire differ-ent people but in terms of success, One Direction have hit the nail on the head. They really have made it and they deserve everything they have because they’ve worked so hard for it,” said Chris.

traditional

With shows such as The Voice and the X Factor, new pop acts are entering the music scene every year. For the boys of Level 5 however, they are glad to have taken the more traditional route.

“When you go into the X Factor or any of those competitions, it’s very intense, you’re in the limelight from the word go. We feel like we’re going to build up our knowledge and will have done all the small gigs – the good ones and the bad ones – and when we get onto a stage, we will be a lot more pol-ished. We feel like it’s the right way to do it,” Dean explained.

2013 is set to be a big year for the new boyband, who will be featuring in their own reality fly-on-the-wall documentary

series, The Rise of Level 5, which is due to go on air in just a few weeks time. The boys also plan to release a single to coin-cide with the TV show.

“It’s not going to be a documentary that will make us look fabulous; it shows everything bad and good,” said Jason. “It shows our ups and downs, when we’re just at crack-ing point and then when then when we’ve tears of happiness as well.”

“People think that being in a band means you just have to turn up, smile and pose – but it’s nothing like that. Every chance we get its prac-tice, practice, practice. We can’t wait for every-one to see that we actual-ly do work hard. There’s a completely different side to it,” he added.

Unusual

With such a large fol-lowing, the boys have already experienced being recognised in the city centre and have received some unusual gifts from their fans, including a pet hamster.

“Our fans are great and come everywhere with us. Most days they are [outside our rehearsal studio] and we have to try and convince them to go to school and that educa-

interview: all about level 5

Hottest new boy band taking it to a new level

tion is important!”Over the coming

weeks, the band are set to take on a nationwide tour across 110 schools fronting the Pieta House Youth Suicide Prevention and Mind Your Buddy campaign. “We’re going to be giving talks as well as performing and trying to help people so it is a great cause”.

With a busy few months ahead, the future is certainly looking bright for the lads of Level 5.

“There is a lot on our wishlist! We would love to release an album and someday we would love to sell out a stadium. That’s a goal. Next year we hope to do our own gig and even sell that out. Obviously, it won’t be in the Aviva, but you never know!”

For more information, visit www.level5official.com or become fans/lev-elers of their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/level5official.

MUSIC

Page 22: Dun Laoghaire

22 gazette 21 February 2013

OUT&ABOUT Gaze

tte

CINEMACINEMA

TheatretHe pavilioN tHeatRe 01 231 2929a Skull in Connemara FOR one week each autumn, Mick Dowd is hired to disinter the bones in certain sections of his local cemetery, but is he hiding a secret? February 28- March 2, tickets are priced at €18/€16.

DRaioCHt 01 885 2622My Brother JoeJOE Dolan’s brother Ben shared the stage with his younger brother for 47 fun-filled years. Who better than Ben to tell the stories behind Joe’s songs and highlight Joe’s successful singing career? February 28, tickets €22/€18.

Mill tHeatRe 01 296 9340the importance of Being earnestOSCAR Wilde’s theatrical masterpiece is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest comedies in the English language. Wonderful characters, sparkling dialogue, gloriously improbable plot twists and a sprinkling of romance – The Importance of Being Earnest has it all. London Classical Theatre promise to bring this 19th Century classic to vivid, extravagant life with our customary flair, attention to detail, high-quality casting and impeccable production values. Catch the show on February 26 and 27, tickets are priced at €20/€16.

IF JUDD Apatow’s new film, this Is 40 was any realistic indication of middle age, the mortality rate among 39 year olds would be extremely high.

The film is called a stand alone sequel to Apatow’s 2007 hit, Knocked Up and focuses on the supporting char-acters of Pete played by Paul Rudd and Debbie played by Leslie Mann.

The couple are now turning 40 and their children are growing up and the plot (for want of a better word) revolves around their narcissistic refusal to accept the fact that they are ageing and that their relationship is an empty and unfulfilling disappointment.

Neither character is in any way likeable, they argue constantly and try to find meaning and gen-uine affection from each other where none exists or is deserved.

This was very hard

40 and unfunnyJudd apatow’s children Iris and Maude and wife Leslie Mann play three quarters of this Is 40’s lead family

Review: JuDD apatow’S “SoRt of Sequel” iS SoRt of teRRiBle

OUR VeRDICt:WHERE Knocked Up was earnest, funny and refreshing, this is the exact opposite. Overshot, meandering and unfunny; this film is self-indulgence of the worst kind by Apatow, an otherwise talented director who reckons his own life is so interesting we should all be forced to watch it.

Director: Judd apatowStarring: Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Jason Segel, Megan Fox

Film OF The Week: this is 40h (15) 133 mins

BaIRBRe NI [email protected]

work to watch, not least because half of the audi-ence laughed at every vacuous line or cheap sexual innuendo.

The film begins with a sex scene in the shower, in the middle of which Pete, the Paul Rudd char-acter, admits he has taken a Viagra.

This immediately caus-es the Debbie character to stop the action and launch into one of her many, many whining dia-tribes about how life and Pete are not as she would wish either to be.

Pete, in true stereotypi-cal Hollywood style as the innocent, nonplussed male, cannot work out

why his wife is angered by such an admission while Debbie moans about not being attractive enough for her husband to per-form naturally.

As a character, Debbie is even more annoying than her husband as she seeks constant valida-tion through her physical appearance and the striv-ing for perfection, while all the while having the body of a pre-pubescent girl.

Other characters are as vapid, if not as annoying as the two leads. Pete’s father, Larry, played by Albert Brooks, is a dead-beat who has triplet boys with his new wife thanks

to IVF treatment and constantly bums money off Pete.

This character is thor-oughly unfunny, repre-hensible and unapolo-getic but depicted as a charming cad.

Megan Fox makes an appearance as Debbie’s employee Desi who is also a high-class hooker.

She fulfills her role as sex symbol admirably with all of the men jus-tifiably drooling as she disrobes in every other frame.

There is a scene where Debbie is looking at Desi’s body and starts to feel her breasts with fasci-nation as though she has

never seen such things before.

Her co-worker, Jodi, played by Charlene Yi is truly disturbing as the Oxocontin addict with a penchant for imitat-ing the Exorcist’s Regan McNeill.

The whole thing is a bizarre mess of half-formed ideas and flat jokes. The cast of actors which includes John Lith-gow, though stellar, can never pull this written off vehicle out of its inertia.

In another weird twist, Chris O’Dowd appears with a full moustache and is literally in competition with Jason Segal, an actor who would be his natural competitor for Hollywood roles.

T he on ly mi ld ly redeeming and amusing bit of the film is a turn by Melissa McCarthy who plays the mother of a boy who has been cyber-bul-lying Debbie and Pete’s daughter.

Page 23: Dun Laoghaire

21 February 2013 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23

CINEMA

GAZETTEGAMING

XBOX FOUNDER ATTACKS MICROSOFTKey engineer raises eyebrows with “Stupid” blogONE of the key founders of Microsoft’s original XBox console, Nat Brown, sent ripples through the games media (and other media, such as The Huffington Post) just before St Valentine’s Day with a pretty withering blog attack (to put it mildly) on the company and its management of the XBox 360 (below), bluntly entitled: “Stupid, Stupid xBox!!”

The engineer – who also named the original console – didn’t hold back with his opinions, with such choice jibes as: “Microsoft has jumped its own shark and is out stomping through the weeds planning and talking about far-flung future strategies ... when their core product, their home town is on fire, their soldiers, their developers, are tired and deserting, and their supply-lines are broken.”

Ouch. Brown wasn’t feeling a lot of love for Microsoft for St Valentine’s Day, that’s for sure.

While such opinions are Brown’s own, and while many would rebutt them, some of his irate words raised some interesting (and valid) points about the threat that small-scale apps present to Microsoft, and its console rivals.

With Apple yet to reveal the oft-mooted Apple TV, and the plethora of attention-grabbing apps such a move

would undoubtely entail, there’s still time for Microsoft, Sony

and Nintendo to attempt to prepare for such a threat ...

BYTES&PIECES

SO THAT’S it – the cur-tain has finally come down on HMV in Ireland, with the loss of 300 jobs at the chain’s 16 stores, as yet another retail domino topples over in the mer-ciless chill winds of the recession.

It goes without saying that each one of those jobs is a terrible blow for the individual involved, while the knock-on impact such job losses, and store closures, have on local economies and communities is also to be noted, and regretted.

Stores across Britain have also been affected, with many jobs to be lost there, and shops shut-tered, as HMV’s British wing attempts to restruc-ture itself and survive.

Here, the Irish wing’s administrator, Deloitte, had been seeking a buyer for the stores but was unsuccessful, with a state-ment for the receiver to HMV Ireland, David Car-son, announcing: “The marketplace is very dif-ficult, given competition from web-based retail-ers and digital down-loads, compounded by a number of other factors, ... It was not possible to attract a purchaser.”

What does HMV’s closure mean for Irish gamers? The chain’s clo-sure here further reduces gamer choice, with the loss of such physical bricks-and-mortar outlets

almost certainly likely to shunt consumers more towards online distribu-tors instead.

Yes, it’s true that a quick glance around Dublin, and elsewhere, reveals a number of games retailers, albeit few that are fully dedicated games retailers, as GameStop are.

Instead, there are sev-eral chains that also sell games, such as Smyths Toys, Xtravision, Tesco

and Argos, to name but a few, as well as a number of smaller, independ-ent retailers and games exchanges dotted here and there.

However, almost with-out exception, the range of games available at such well-known outlets is usually small – to say the least – with consum-ers often lucky to find the top 10 or 15 titles on the main platforms, and often with nothing at all from smaller games platforms

– and that’s yer lot.At the same time, many

of the remaining retailers have succumbed to “sec-ondhanditis” – using val-uable shelf space to flog traded-in games, rather than set aside space for a wider (and more crea-tive) selection of new or recently released titles.

As such, for gamers looking for real choice for their gaming interests, or to support their platforms,

this is a negative develop-ment, as gamers often tend to look out for older games that have dropped in price, or “smaller” games that aren’t piled high on shelves as block-buster titles.

Despite HMV’s flaws, and despite facing the same limitations outlined above, at least it also had an okay range of stock, accounting for an accept-able range of platforms.

But where now for the lowly PC gamer to graze,

for example?It’s also worth pointing

out that HMV were also notably, and often signifi-cantly, cheaper than rival retailers – I couldn’t tell you how many times I saw titles on sale in HMV, only to see the same game with eye-raising price dif-ferences in rival chains and shops very close by.

As such, with the loss of such a well-known chain and its physical outlets, gamers across the country could be feeling the financial pinch even more acutely than before – that’s if they can find the title they wanted in the first place.

Inevitably, other games distributors and chains should see a bounce in their footfall and sales, with the loss of one of the last remaining giants.

These survivors face their own challenges, with the inexorable rise of online retailers – usu-ally with cheaper prices, and certainly with a wider choice of titles – present-ing a very real threat to their sustainability, too.

Where HMV have gone, others may yet fol-low. Watch this space ...

HMV: IMPACT OF CLOSURE FOR GAMERS, SHOPPERS

Death of a giant retailer

SHANE [email protected]

HMV’s Grafton Street outlet is now closed for good, as the company joins GAME on

the list of collapsed games retailers in Ireland

CINEMA

Page 24: Dun Laoghaire

24 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAzEttE 21 February 2013

OUT&ABOUT Gaze

tte

TRAVELOUT&ABOUT Gaze

tte

MOTORS

It’s simple, sturdy and safe – but special it isn’tn CORmAC CURtIs

Skoda have been busy making use of their momentum in the motor-ing world by adding new models to fill as many segments of the market as they can.

Short of a sports coupe and a top-end executive SUV, they have been carefully releasing new and, as they would say, clever models to a public that have been eager to get on board.

The latest addition to the Skoda family is the Rapid.

Here we have a mid-size saloon aimed very much at a family looking to carry more stuff with-out spending too much money to get it.

Have they achieved what they have set out to do?

definitely.Unless you have been

living under a rock for the past six months, you will have seen just how serious Skoda are about getting these cars on the road. The TV, radio and press have been posi-tively heaving with Rapid advertising – and why not? They have a quality car delivered at a good price ready for a mar-ket that is growing ever-conscious of how much it can spend on the new family car.

I spent a week with the 1.2-litre TSI 86bhp petrol version of the Rapid.

First impressions?Solid. Everything I

have come to expect from this brand.

It won’t get too many jealous looks from younger drivers, but that’s hardly the point.

Rapid drivers won’t

the skoda Rapid affords the occupants a bucket load of safety features and space

rapid: serious practicality at a seriously competitive price

be all that bothered with image, but they will be happy with a car that looks solid and well pro-portioned.

This is a practical motor designed to offer serious practicality at a seriously competitive price.

So, while it won’t set the world alight in the looks department, it does have a comfortable interior and affords the occupants a bucket load of safety features and space.

ah yes, space. What is it about Skoda engineers and squeezing every last millimetre of room out of every car?

The Superb range leads the pack in rear leg room, which gets better with every new model. The CitiGo is Tardis-like in how many fully-grown adults in can accommo-date in a very small car.

and the octavia boasts a boot that would give an

airplane hangar a run for its money.

as with all Skoda mod-els, the build quality of the interior is top-class.

I never feel as though a Skoda interior is likely to age badly or deteriorate like some of its competi-tors will.

The materials are tough and the parts never flimsy. The chrome accents that highlight parts of the cockpit in the Elegance spec model I drove looked as though they will always add a little class to its appearance without fad-ing or cracking.

The leather on the steering wheel felt luxu-rious and the radio and telephone controls were just where they should be and behaved just as expected.

So, the other bits and pieces in the Elegance spec include upgraded 16” dIoNE alloys, the ‘vintage’ interior, onyx-

onyx dashboard (or no cost optional onyx-Beige), a chrome pack that includes upgraded gear stick knob, frame of shift lever, control ele-ments of interior air sup-ply and locking button of hand brake.

For safety and comfort, it includes rear parking sensors, cruise control, climatronic air condition-ing, front and rear electric windows, a rear centre armrest, two additional rear loudspeakers and height adjustable driver and passenger seats.

So, there is a lot there to add to the car’s appeal.

and there’s the rub.For me, for all its practi-

cality, functionality, build quality, safety and com-fort, the car just wasn’t at all special. It was just a bit dull.

From a driver’s point of view, I felt the clutch took far too long to get used to and didn’t provide the

feedback I would like, and the suspension is not forgiving enough for a car that is clearly geared at families.

at the price point where it enters the mar-ket, and because there are so many attractive finance packages avail-able, even from Skoda themselves, I would per-sonally go rummaging around the back of the sofa for the extra few quid required to buy an octavia.

Put it this way, the Rapid range starts off at €16,515 and the octa-via comes in at €18,590. Not a huge difference in price, and, for my money, the octavia is a better car aNd it’s just been given a very pretty upgrade lift-ing it out of the ordinary and making it a real eye-turner.

Watch this space for a review of the new octavia in the coming months.

Ford invites you to check out their high-tech gadgets aS the first car brand to achieve a total of seven different Euro NCaP advanced safe-ty rewards in recogni-tion of its wide range of technologies during February, Ford’s net-work of dublin dealers is inviting customers to come in and try out the vast array of high-tech gadgets that now come as standard or optional on its cars.

From Mykey on the new Fiesta; which allows parents to influ-ence their children’s use of the car just by programming the key, to the new Ford SYNC with Emergency assistance, which automatically alerts the emergency services if a car is in a crash, Ford’s technology is geared towards making the driving experience a much safer one.

active city stop prevents a car from colliding with a vehicle or other obstacle in front at speeds under 30km/h, while the Lane keeping aid warns against veering off line due to fatigue.

The technologies are also geared to

making life more con-venient for the driver. active park assist, for example, takes away the hassles of parallel parking by automati-cally steering the car into a space.

For laden-down shoppers, meanwhile, the automatic tailgate on the brand-new kuga is a real blessing.

opening the tailgate is activated just by the driver moving his or her foot under the rear bumper - no more fid-dling with keys!

Eddie Murphy, chairman and manag-ing director of Ford Ireland comments: “Ford is first to market with a lot of these technologies, while in other cases they have been the preserve of more luxury models up to now.

“affordable tech-nology is what Ford stands for, meaning even Ireland’s most popular car – the Ford Focus – can be pur-chased with practically every hi-tech feature out there.”

For further details, please see www.dub-linford.ie.

NOISEroad

the Ford Kuga

Page 25: Dun Laoghaire

21 February 2013 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAzEttE 25

TRAVEL

GazetteHOMESMOTORS

GazetteTRAVEL

The Bridge House links body and soul superbly NAtALIE bURkE

UNTIL recently, travel-ling to the midlands was something I had a ten-dency to overlook when it came to arranging a week-end away.

Such drives featured a host of quaint drive-through towns where I occasionally stopped, but hadn’t really considered as making my final desti-nation.

In fact, one of the only times I had travelled to Tullamore, Co Offaly, was to do my driving test, yonks ago; I think the waiting list in Dublin was extremely long, so I thought a country town was my best bet.

It turns out I was wrong, but I passed second time round anyway. But who would have thought that the town is fast emerging as the ideal destination for a much needed break away?

A recent invitation found me driving down the N4 from Dublin once again – with a full licence this time – and heading directly for The Bridge House Hotel and Spa.

Just a hop, skip and an hour from Dublin’s fair city, Tullamore is perhaps best known for its famous

From the spa to the restaurant and, of course, the bedrooms, the bridge House Hotel has many luxurious touches

tullamore: luxurious touches help make your midlands visit a treat

export, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, and hosts a heritage centre in its honour.

But the town also has much more to offer: local heritage trips, shopping and dining, and a range of outdoor activities, with one of its biggest draws being, perhaps, its most popular hotel.

The welcome at The Bridge House Hotel was a warm one, which was a thankful break from the winter weather outside. The lobby greets its guests with a sweeping staircase and a cosy blend of dark woods, and the hotel’s interior is subtle and luxu-rious.

We were lucky enough to stay in a suite, which had its own private bal-cony to admire the local view.

We arrived just in time to take some time out in the Sanctuary Spa and my masseuse managed to massage away a stress-ful week with a full body massage.

An hour-long treat-ment, it was complete with warm towels and sooth-ing music and, thanks to the spa’s late opening hours, we still managed to fit in some time to relax in the outdoor hydrotherapy pool afterwards.

Post-spa, it was time for dinner at Balcone Ital-iano, the in-house Italian restaurant. Located on the top floor of the hotel, the restaurant overlooks the main lobby.

VintageDesigned in true vin-

tage Italian kitchen style, the furniture and decor is reminiscent of a real Ital-ian country home – or, at least, what I imagine one to be – and the menu really has something for everyone.

Our table enjoyed a charcuterie board to start, with a selection of Ital-ian cheeses, salami and parma ham, which was followed by golden-fried button mushrooms with garlic and chive mayon-

hotel at a nice and sound-less distance, before call-ing it a night.

I’m a huge fan of break-fast, but particularly when it’s brought to the table – a rare treat. Following some pick-me-up coffee and, of course, a full Irish, we reluctantly checked out of the hotel to begin the short journey home.

The second-night stay will have to wait until next time!

the bridGe house hotel details the bridge House Hotel’s spa-

cious family accommodation can

sleep up to five comfortably. From

Sunday, March 24 to Friday, April 5,

enjoy three nights’ b&b, a four-

course dinner on one night, and

kids Camp from just €349.

For further details, see www.

bridgehousehoteltullamore.ie or

call 057 932 5600.

naise.For our main course,

we enjoyed a tender filet of steak, which – after see-ing the size of my fellow guest’s T-bone steak – was too good to suffer any food envy.

The restaurant was buzzing with a mixture of guests and locals and the good food, wine and company was certainly one that will be tough to top.

The restaurant even played host to Rosanna Davison on the night, with whispers that she was making her own pizza in the kitchen. It’s clearly a popular place.

Indulging in one last dry-January sin, we enjoyed an apres-dinner drink in The Palace night-club, which adjoins the

Page 26: Dun Laoghaire

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21 February 2013 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAzEttE 27

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

zett

e

cricket: ireland extend professional ranks with new fundinG level added

O’BRIEN ENjOys mIxED WELsH FORtUNEs: LUCAN man Fergal O’Brien qualified for the main draw of a world ranking snook-er event for the first time in 2013 last week when he overcame Nigel Bond 4-3 in the qualifiers for the Welsh Open.

He was undone, though, by former world champion Gra-ham Dott in the first round of that compe-tition. O’Brien started well with a break of 89 to win the first frame and he was still very much in the mix at 2-2 when he rattled in a clearance of 57.

But Dott ground out the next two frames to set up a date with world bil-liards champion Pankaj Advani in the second round of the competition.

Malahide’s chase one of the newcomers on contract listMALAHIDE’S Peter Chase was one of the major beneficiaries of the 17 con-tracts announced by Cricket Ireland for the 2013 season as one of three youngsters who are new to the list.

Max Sorensen, 27, meanwhile has been rewarded with an A contract after impressing with his consist-ency, speed and accuracy during an outstanding 2012 season. The Hills opening bowler joins established Dublin-based stars Trent Johnston, John Mooney, Alex Cusack and Kevin O’Brien in the top bracket of deals.

There are now four categories of contracts, with the C band dedicated to players who are in full-time edu-cation, headed by Stuart Thompson, who is already a full international.

Promising pace bowler Chase and the Cricket Ireland Young Player of the Year Tyrone Kane both earn con-tracts for the first time as Ireland look to the future following the recent retirements of Boyd Rankin, Nigel Jones and Albert van der Merwe.

Cricket Ireland performance direc-tor Richard Holdsworth said: “We are

pleased to retain players on A and B category contracts from last year, and all of them still have a great deal to achieve on the international stage.

Future

“It is important Cricket Ireland has plans for the future, and whilst 2013 will be a huge year for the team, we must also look ahead to major ICC events – the World Twenty20 in 2014 and the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand the following year.

“We have therefore awarded a full

A contract to Max Sorensen who impressed everyone in 2012, taking 31 wickets at just 17 runs each in the 21 games he played.

“We have also awarded C category contracts to four younger players who we see as a key part of our future. Nine of the 17 contracted players are also contracted to English coun-ties, and our close relationships with those counties will hopefully allow them to play for Ireland as much as possible in addition to the ICC man-datory matches in season.

Cricket Ireland enjoyed a great week, announcing their extended list of central contracts as well as a new link up with toyota

dublin Gazette awards p28 asdfsdaf p27

Fastsport

c o n ta c t sActing sports

Editor: stephen Findlater

[email protected]

For more information or to send in news

and photos: [email protected]

Phone: 01 651 6205

Gaelic GaMes p31

Page 28: Dun Laoghaire

28 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAzEttE 21 February 2013

Gaze

tte

SPORT

Foxrock Cabinteely’s ladies footballers

Swords judo club

Colaiste Phadraig

tHE upcoming Gazette Sports Awards are set to celebrate a string of stunning acheive-

ments for clubs and schools around Dublin, running the gamut from county to provin-

cial to All-Ireland to European honours. Among the list of clubs that will be in attendance at the event on March 8 in the Red Cow Moran hotel, there are some that have waited 99 years

to reach the pinnacle of their game while others have risen to incredible heights despite only forming within the past15 years, confounding expectations in the most impressive way.

Stars of 2012 Sports Teams

Castleknock tennis sensation, James McGee

Kilmacud Crokes senior hurlers Father and Son All-Ireland winners Gerry and Robert Moran

Malahide CS golf team St Brigid’s Feile double

Malahide RFC

three Rock Rovers Castleknock Dublin and Leinster JFC championsCastle Golf Club - Irish Senior Cup winners

Page 29: Dun Laoghaire

21 February 2013 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAzEttE 29

Page 30: Dun Laoghaire

Carl [email protected]

LSL Senior 1aPegasus/St James 0

St Francis 0

UCD Sports Campus played host to a thrilling top 4 encounter between Pegasus/St James Athlet-ic and St Francis FC on Sunday morning.

In the opening min-utes, St Francis looked the more promising of the two sides, their wing-ers Jordan Gardner and Gary Shaw spearheading the league leaders’ attack.

Gardner was instru-mental in creating a

chance for striker Antho-ny Shortt, who in turn did well to make room for a shot which Pegasus goal-keeper Mark Bambury did well to get down low.

With 10 minutes played, the away side looked to have scored when they countered from a cor-ner kick, Shortt superbly controlling Eoin Rogers clearance and spreading a pass out to Gardner, who in turn picked out Shortt towards the back post where he duly slot-ted the ball into the back of the net only for the goal to be ruled offside.

Following this early scare, the home side

regrouped thanks in part to the leadership of their captain Barry Fagan, who looked to keep con-trol of the ball and dictate the pace of his sides play which stifled the visitors and forced them to sit deeper in midfield.

Both sides finished out the half with sev-eral chances on goal, but Pegasus winger Ruairi Scolland and Francis’s Gardner would both be denied.

In the second half, Pegasus began to play more direct, a change in tactic which resulted in a 25 minute spell of domi-nance for the south Dub-

lin side which saw strikers Paul Cummins and Dan-iel Coxban on the end of several chances on goal, the latter chipping Rog-ers on one occasion only for the ball to strike the crossbar and be cleared from danger.

The visitors contin-ued to quickly counter on the break with Gavin Doyle,only to find a well-organised Pegasus defence led by Brian Duffy stopping them in their tracks, show-ing everyone why they have only conceded nine league goals this season.

The chance of the

game fell to Scolland on the 70th minute fol-lowing link up play with Cummins and Coxban, which culminated in Scolland finding space inside the box but Rog-ers once again produc-ing a vital save.

The Baldonnel side held on for the draw and duly showed why they are league leaders, thanks to their captain Craig Gardner who lead an organised defence and leave Pegasus/St James frustrated as they felt they could have won the game, if they just showed more ruthless-ness in front of goal.

Pegasus are grounded

Soccer: PSJ take imPreSSive Point againSt FranciS

SPorTgaze

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30 DuN laOGHaIrE GazEttE 21 february 2013

Fastsport

BLACKROCK teenager Danny Kane has been signed by the Huddersfield Town Academy after gathering attention for his performances at Cherry Orchard and in the Irish interna-tional ranks where he most recently impressed against Estonia. Such is the demand for the talented teen that Huddersfield Town Academy have admit-ted they had to fight off a number of high pro-file English clubs to bring in the Republic of Ireland Under-16 captain. The centre back, who played for Stillor-gan side Lakelands before moving to Cherry Orchard, will join the Terriers in the summer and work with Academy manager Mark Lillis (pictured with Danny above) and professional development coaches Frankie Bunn and Tony Carss. The Irish skipper spent a short time on trial at the club towards the end of 2012 and will also spend the holiday periods training at ‘The Yorkshire Club’, just as he has done during the last week. Huddersfield Town’s head of football opera-tions Ross Wilson commented on Kane’s arriv-al and praised the work of the Irish setup and Cherry Orchard, for their role in the player’s development. “We have been tracking Danny extensively in recent months,” said Wilson. “His perform-ances for Cherry Orchard and for the Repub-lic of Ireland suggest that he is a young player with considerable potential, but of course he has a long way to go in his journey to reach his personal goals. “He will be supported excellently in that development by all of our technical and sup-port staff, led by Mark Lillis, whilst he can also rely on the backing of an extremely supportive family back in Ireland.” Cherry Orchard club secretary Penny Del-mar also weighed in on Kane’s decision to move and spoke of the defender’s perform-ances for club and country. “I am delighted for Danny to have signed with Huddersfield Town, a club with genuine ambition. He has developed very well at Cher-ry Orchard Football Club in recent times and has been a credit to himself also in represent-ing the Republic of Ireland youth international side.”

Huddersfield know that Kane is able

the Pegasus/St James team which was frustrated as they could have taken all three points against league leaders St francis

BrOtHErS Pearse 400 metre runner Shauna Cannon bagged the gold medal at the Woodie’s DIY AAI Senior Indoor Championships last weekend. Here she is pictured centre with Ray Colman, chief executive of Woodie’s DIY, left, and Ciaran O Catháin, Presi-dent of Athletics Ireland, right, second place Jenna Bromell, Emerald A.C., left, and third place Mandy Gault, Lagan Val-ley A.C., right.

Wood you believe it! Shauna scoops medal

Senior chamPionShiPS

Page 31: Dun Laoghaire

Club NotiCeboard

Gazette 21 February 2013 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAzEttE 31

THERE was no winner of the lotto this

week which means next week’s jack-

pot is €2,000.

Match first three winners were Eoin

Reid, Mount Alton, Knocklyon , Cliodh-

na Reid, Mount Alton, Knocklyon , Sean

MacMathuna, Clarinda Park West,

Dun Laoghaire and Miriam Barry,

Woodlawn Park Grove, Firhouse.

The club extends its deepest sympa-

thy to Kevin Maguire and family on the

death of his mother Sarah.

In football news, the Minor foot-

ballers overcame Cuala in the Gaelic

Football League while the Senior foot-

ballers defeated neighbours St Judes

in the Vincent de Paul Cup.

With days to go until Battle of the

Boden commences in the National

Basketball Arena the boxers are in

the final stages of preparation.

Tickets are on sale this Thursday

from 8pm to 9pm in the clubhouse.

All support welcome - It will be a

great night.

Sportsprophet 2013 is back so if you

think you are sports expert and you

would like to win a few bob log onto

www.bodengaa.ie for more infor-

mation and if you are a dab hand at

cards - why not come to the club on a

Friday Night at 9pm for a game of 25.

New members always welcome.

Congratulations to Ballymun Kick-

ams on their recent win over Cross-

maglen Rangers in the All Ireland Club

Semi Finals.

Best of luck to them in the All Ireland

Club Finals on St Patrick’s Day.

For any Ballyboden news or informa-

tion check out www.bodengaa.ie

Follow us on twitter @bodengaa

or on Facebook by searching Boden-

GAA.

Cuala

WaNderers

ballybodeN st eNda’s

CONGRATULATIONS to Lorraine Hayes,

crowned Cuala Club Person of the Year

at the Annual Awards night in the Kil-

liney Castle Hotel on Saturday.

Well done also to every other recipi-

ent on the night. We’ll have a review in

the Cuala Weekly newsletter on Thurs-

day and no doubt plenty of pictures on

the website at www.cualagaa.ie

Good luck to David Treacy with DIT

and Oisin Gough with UCD as they take

to the field in the quarter finals of the

Fitzgibbon Cup on Tuesday.

Hard luck to the Minor A Footballers

who were edged out in a high scoring

game at Sancta Maria against Bally-

boden at the weekend.

Congratulations to Ciara McKeown

who has been selected for the Dublin

U16 panel. Ladies Minor training con-

tinues every Wednesday night from

7.50-9pm in Holy Child, Killiney. All are

welcome.

Calling all adult members (player/

official/non-player) - the deadline

for payment (February 28) is fast

approaching and so far take up and

payment of memberships have been

slow.

Payments may be made though Pay-

pal, see club website for details, to a

team manager or mentor, to the Club

Office, or directly to the Adult Regis-

trar (contact Fiona on 087 6334450 or

[email protected]. To facili-

tate players training, a final night for

registration, Thursday February 21,

has been organised from 8pm to 9pm

in Bray Emmets. Remember that

unless you are a fully paid up member

by deadline you will not be allowed to

play for your team.

Any queries on this please contact

Fiona. Well done to Dublin Champions

Ballymun Kickhams on making it to

Croke Park for the final of the AIB Club

Championships next month.

The Cuala Take me out fundraiser

takes place on Saturday. 300 tickets

have been sold already and the last

few tickets can be snapped up through

the Adult football section.

There’s plenty more about this on

Facebook.com/cualaclg.

ADULT Men’s Football training con-

tinues throughout the week.

All new players are welcome to

attend.

For our first team please contact

John for details on 0868118372 and

for the second Team please contact

Mark on 0876732628 or Damian on

0868632565.

Training occurs weekly as follows.

Monday 7.45pm Firhouse Commu-

nity College Gym, Tuesday 7.15pm

Frank Kelly Park,Thursday 9pm

Three Rock Rovers, Sunday 10.30am

Knocklyon Community School.

League commences this Sunday

February 24, Junior A’s are at home

to Naomh Barrog at 11am, Junior B’s

away to St Kevins Killians at King-

swood 3pm, all support welcome,

check club Facebook and website

for more detail.

football: Gilroy happy With NarroW WiN

Ballyboden midfielder Michael Dara MacAuley helped Pat Gilroy’s Leinster past Connacht

Macauley helps leinster into finalInterprovIncIal s/fleinster 1-21

Connacht 1-20

[email protected]

ENERGETIC Bally-boden St Enda’s mid-fielder, Michael Darragh MacAuley was in action for the Leinster panel last weekend in Longford as they booked their place in the final of the Inter Pro-vincial Football Cham-pionship with a narrow win over Connacht 1-21 to 1-20.

Connacht, despite their depleted side, held a two point lead in the final passages of the game before the 2010

Footballer of the Year, Bernard Brogan, fed Adrian Flynn a ball that was put over. Brogan then equalised himself with a free before he punched the winning point over the bar.

The game was played at a fairly low inten-sity in the first half and Leinster, coached by All Ireland winning coach Pat Gilroy, led for much of the half by 1-2 to 0-2 before the western out-fit fought back with four unanswered points of their own.

Connacht’s scoring blitz added some spice to the affair and the two

sides began to score at ease, as the half-time score line suggested, 0-14 to 1-8 in favour of the John Tobin panel, with the only goal com-ing from Leinster’s Joe Sheridan.

Tipperary’s Paul Con-roy really put the wind in the Connacht sails when his shot rippled the net with 10 minutes to go to give his side a five point lead, but it was then that Brogan really ignited and made his scoring presence known.

“He was exceptional,” said Gilroy of the Dublin forward after the game. “He was keen to get into

the final – as he said, he has played in it four or five times and he had never won a match.

“A lot of lads were in the same boat so it was nice to come out the right side of it,” said the former Dublin boss.

The final of the com-petition is due to take place next Sunday in Croke Park and with the GAA aiming to make €100,000 for char-ity by giving all the gate receipts to Crumlin Chil-dren’s Hospital, they’ll be hoping for a better turnout than the couple of hundred that turned out in Longford.

[email protected]

BALLYBODE N S t Enda’s Gary Maguire, Shane Durkin and Conal Keaney were part of the Leinster panel last week-end that were put out of the running to retain their 2012 Inter Provin-cial Hurling Champion-ship after being beaten by Connacht, 3-13 to 1-16 in

Tullamore.Connacht boss Antho-

ny Cunningham showed off his great tactical mind by bringing Damien Hayes and Davy Glen-non off the bench during the semi-final tie, with both going on to score a goal each that would prove to be the difference between the two sides.

Leinster will be disap-

pointed with the result having led by a five point margin at two stages dur-ing the game, but the dif-ference between the two sides was quite signifi-cant in the dying embers with Connacht leading by 3-13 to 0-16 before Eoin Larkin grabbed a goal which came too late to be anything but a consolation.

Kilkenny hurler Brian Hogan, who was captain of the Leinster outfit, claimed that the turning point of the game came when a Shane Dooley shot stopped on the line after getting stuck in the mud, allowing Connacht to clear.

“I suppose Connacht pushed on from there rather than us,” he said.

Boden contingent lose out in hurling

Page 32: Dun Laoghaire

all of your dun laoghaire sports coverage from page 27-31 february 21, 2013GazetteSPORT

annalise murphy’s olympic heroics in last year’s london games has seen her named sailor of the year by afloat magazine, recognising her fantastic year in the laser radial class

peter carroll

[email protected]

ANNALISE Murphy has been honoured by being announced as the Sailor of the Year for 2012 by Afloat magazine after an amazing 12 months that saw her record Ireland’s best finish in any sailing class in 30 years with her fourth place at the London Games.

There was no shortage of talent to pick from with a lot of strong performances from the Irish sailors at the Olympics, with veterans Peter O’Leary and David Burrows putting in solid displays as well as young prospects like Sophie Brown, Finn Lynch and Fionn Lyden putting their names firmly on the map.

However, it was Murphy’s performance in the Laser Radials that seemed to be the out-standing achievement in the Irish ranks, as she led the event for half of the regatta before falling behind later on in the event.

Although Murphy was surely disappointed on missing out on the coveted bronze finish, she showed great determination and proved she was no one-hit wonder when she battled to the top of her class in late August of last year.

The Dun Laoghaire woman entered the last race of the regatta in third place but with a field of strong sailing talent, she faced great pressure to hold onto the position before los-ing it in the final seconds of the race.

To her credit, Murphy stayed in a pack at the top of the field, surrounded by the great-est athletes in her classification and proved that she was worthy of being counted among them.

The National Yacht Club sailor qualified for the games on the back of a dominant display in the Skandia Sail event where she took a podium finish after another medal-winning performance Weymouth the previ-ous year.

A towering figure at 6ft 1in, the woman they call “The Irish Lever” was the tallest in her 41-boat fleet in London, and some British yachting pundits put her early regatta wins down to her frame.

Murphy has shown that she has every chance of winning the award again in 2013 with some very dominant performances already banked so early in the year, but there is no doubt the talented sailor is looking at this year as just one of the building blocks on her Road to Rio for 2016 where she will be vying for gold.

The Dun Laoghaire based competitor just came short of a podium finish at the ISAF World Cup in Miami earlier this month. The fact that she came so close proves she can stand proudly with the elite in her class. She’ll have another chance to prove herself in the next round of the ISAF World Cup in Palma de Mallorca.

annalise tops the pollsMurphy is named Sailor Of The Year, recognising her heroics at the 2012 Olympic Games and her performance at the ISAF World Cup

SPORT STAR CelebRATIOnS: Fourth annual Dublin Sports Awards to rock the Red Cow P28

WinGs cliPPed: Pegasus boss league leaders St Francis but are held in lSl Senior 1/A P30