Castleknock

Fundraising with fashion: At a stylish event for RESPECTREBECCA Davis, stylist, and Helen O’Dwyer, compere, were looking very stylish when they took part in a recent fashion show to raise funds for RESPECT, at Westmanstown Garda Club. The show was a huge success

with locals attending in large numbers to watch the models strut their stuff on the catwalk as they displayed the very latest fashion trends.

Full Gallery on Pages 6-7

Noise on the M50 keeping people awake

LAURA WEBB

NEW trees planted to act as noise barriers to traffic at the M50 boundary are not suitable as sound levels are still too high for residents living beside it.

That’s according to local councillor Eithne Loftus (FG), who said sound levels at the M50 boundary at Castleknock Glade/Grove is still so bad that residents “can’t sleep”.

“Noise levels are still way higher than they should be. I’ve been in houses during peak traffic times and it’s very serious. We need to reduce the sound – some residents can’t even sleep,” she said.

A spokesperson for Fingal County Council said works still remain to be completed including trellis works to the top of the noise barrier.

Full Story on Page 3

YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER April 14, 2011

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES .........6, 7 & 10

MOTORS ........................18

BUSINESS .................... 21

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

ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24

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

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INSIDE: Grandparents’ Day enjoyed at

Castleknock CC P10

STRUT THEIR STUFF: At a fashion fundraiser for St Brigid’s NS See Page 4

FREE GAZETTEGAZETTECastleknock

Somerton: Castleknock’s new grounds officially openPage 32

where2shop: Our eggcellent guide to finding Easter bargainsSee next week’s Gazette

2 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 14 April 2011

With Jim LaceyPhone: 087-2401308

Email: [email protected]

Laurel LodgeCarpenterstown

THE official opening of Castleknock Hurling and Football Club’s

new grounds at Somerton took place last Saturday, April 9.

The club was founded in 1998 and has come a long way in those 13 years. They have proudly distinguished themselves everywhere they appeared on playing pitches throughout the length and breadth of Ireland.

The Castleknock club’s boys and girls, in their blue and gold strip, are wonder-ful ambassadors for this community and a credit to their parents, teachers and mentors.

In a short time they have achieved a ranking in the annals and records of Gaelic games that is truly incred-ible.

They had every reason to celebrate last Saturday at the official opening and blessing of their new pitches at Somerton.

The Ecumenical Blessing was performed by Fr Eugene Kennedy, St Thomas the Apostle Parish, Laurel Lodge and Rev Paul Houston of St Brigid’s Castleknock, and Fr Dan Joe O’Mahony, OFM Cap, blessed each individual pitch.

The facility caters for 1,500 club members from four years of age upwards. It looked like there was more than 10 times that number throughout the day.

The place was buzzing from 10 o’clock when the nursery blitz kicked of. After two hours of fun in the sun, and ‘boy’ was there sun, Shane Boland, Dublin Minor hurler and club stal-wart, presented medals to

THE parish of St Thomas the Apostle was saddened to learn of the recent death of Jerry Reidy following a long illness.

Jerry was a popular and much-loved figure in the par-ish and surrounding area.

He was a native of Knock-nagoshel, County Kerry, and had a distinguished career in An Garda Siochana. He served in various locations throughout the country and also served as a ministerial driver to several government ministries, including Dick Spring and Michael Noonan. On retiring from the force Jerry worked for the Moroc-can Embassy where he drove for the Moroccan Ambassa-dor.

Jerry was a very active member of the parish in Lau-rel Lodge and, indeed, was a member of the Parish Finance Committee. Jerry served on the committee at the time

of the building of the new church and was unstinting in his work. Many of us remem-ber the bright wit and humour that he brought to the table, a most welcome and, at times, a necessary intervention.

In latter years, Jerry, always keenly athletic and a dab hand at golf, took up walking and was to be seen regularly walking and also talking on his journeys. I say talking because would often stop to talk and he spoke to eve-ryone. Jerry was a great rac-onteur and I, like many oth-ers, enjoyed his great fund of stories and yarns from his very eventful life. He will be sadly missed, as was evident by the huge attendance at the removal of his remains and funeral.

Our sympathies go to his wife, Hanna, and children Emer, Marie, Diarmuid and Geraldine. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.

Passing of Jerry Reidy

Castleknock Hurling and Football Club’s new grounds were officially opened recently

The new pitches were blessed by local clergy

Official opening of GAA clubthe children.

Minister Joan Burton, Deputies Brian Lenihan and Joe Higgins and Councillor Mags Murray, were observed during the day enjoying the spectacle while showing their support and commit-ment to the club.

No doubt other local poli-ticians and celebrities were in attendance throughout the day but escaped our eagle eyes.

No significant celebra-tion in the environs of Blan-chardstown and Castle-knock could be complete without the famed Blan-chardstown Brass Band, and they were there, resplendent in their neat uniforms, play-ing a medley of airs to the delight of all present.

The band is in existence since 1826 and is the old-est band in Ireland and the oldest institution in the area, with the exception of the St Brigid’s Church in Blan-chardstown and St Brigid’s Church, Castleknock.

The Castleknock Commu-nity College trad band, led by Brendan Kelly (with Tom Quinn from the Castleknock Club) also provided a great selection of music and went

down a treat with an eager audience.

There followed a display of Irish dancing by Jock Quinn and Ellen Tolan that was met with rapturous applause.

There were face- painters, cartoon characters, foot-ball, hurling and camogie at all levels, including an adult novelty game between the ‘Culchies’ and the ‘Town-ies’.

John Conway (club found-ing member), John McMe-namin, grounds’ chairman, and John Costello, CEO Dublin County Board, con-gratulated the club and elo-quently thanked the sup-porters, sponsors and men-tors while praising the play-ers – the heart of any club

The theme of the speeches surrounded the importance of volunteerism and the GAA within the community and family life.

Following the speeches and blessing it was back to fun and games with compe-titions on the hurling wall an cic fad and an puc fada. Incidentally, some sports historians believe that the game of golf may have had its origins in an puc fada.

The club want it placed on records their gratitude to all who made the day possi-ble by giving their time and resources to the club.

They also say a special word of thanks should go to the Order of Malta who were in attendance from dawn till dusk.

It was great day for Gaelic games, a great day for the Castleknock Hurling and Football Club and a won-derful day for community spirit.

Best wishes to all at Castle-knock Hurling and Football Club, and good luck with your next enterprise – the building of the clubhouse.

14 April 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 3

Councillors say that trees acting as a sound barrier to the M50 are not suitable

M50 sound levels ‘are still too high’

LAURA WEBB

[email protected]

LOCAL councillors have expressed concern that trees planted to act as a noise bar-rier from traffic at the M50 boundary are not suitable, as sound levels are still too high for residents living beside it.

That’s according to local councillor Eithne Loftus (FG), who said sound levels at the M50 boundary are still so bad that residents “can’t sleep”.

Speaking at a recent area committee meeting, Cllr Lof-tus said the recent planting of trees at the M50 boundary at Castleknock Glade/Grove in Laurel Lodge was to be “much higher” and that some trees haven’t been replaced further down the boundary.

“Noise levels are still way higher than they should be. I’ve been in houses during peak traffic times and it’s very serious. We need to reduce the sound – some residents can’t even sleep,” she said.

Cast leknock council-lor Matt Waine (SP) said

an agreement was made for planting and vegetation for the last planting season, but had only happened in the last couple of weeks.

“I don’t know what they are, saplings? They will take ages to grow. M50 concession still has a lot of work to do,” he said, adding it should be monitored.

In a report to councillors, a spokesperson for Fingal County Council said works that remain to be completed include: “The trellis works to the top of the noise barrier. It was agreed that these works would be completed by the residents with a payment from M50 D&C, an initial payment has been made to the residents to allow a con-tractor to start erecting the

trellis, the remainder of the agreed funding is to be pro-vided this week.

“Fencing to prevent access to the area between the sound barrier and the rear garden boundary walls also remains.

“Works have started but cannot be completed until the trellis work is finished. Erecting the full palisade fence would cut off access to erect the trellis,” the report said.

The FCC manager went on to say that from a techni-cal and horticulture point of view, the planting of mature trees there is “impossible” but that the issues raised are seri-ous and the council will bring these points back to the con-tractors.

ROADS Residents ‘not able to sleep’

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‘Noise levels are still way higher than they should be. I’ve been in houses during peak traffic times and it’s very serious. We need to reduce the sound – some residents can’t even sleep’- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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LAURA WEBB

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PARENTS and teachers from Dublin 15 put supermodels to shame when they strutted their stuff down a catwalk during a fashion show at the Crowne Plaza in Blanchard-stown in aid of St Brigid’s National School.

Hundreds of fashionistas turned out to find out what is in store for their spring/summer wardrobe which was

modelled by teachers and parents from the school.

The annual fundraiser is one of the school’s big-gest events and €10,000 was raised. The money goes towards resources for the Castleknock school, the day-to-day running of the school and also towards the build-ing of a new extension at the school.

Thanking everyone for their involvement, Jo Hughes, chairperson of the PTA, said

it was a great night. “There was a great turn-

out. It was a full house with about 320 people there. I’d like to thank everyone who was involved. Teachers, par-ents and local businesses all helped out. There is great community spirit involved.

“I would also like to thank Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh and Ken Boylan [celebrity make-up artist] for helping out.”

The colourful show was hosted by RTE presenter

Top: The audience show their appreciation for the models. Left: Noreen Lynch. Centre: Nora Doyle. Right: Rachel

Boyle with the MC Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh St Brigid’s teacher Ms McIntyre

€10,000 raised at D15 fashion show

EVENT Parents and teachers strut their stuff

Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh. Speaking to the Gazette the stylish mother of four said she was delighted to be part of it.

“I knew it was the other side of the All-Ireland talent show, so I was able to make that commitment to do it.

“I have a huge affiliation with the area. I just think any school that takes on a fash-ion show, the amount of work that is involved is incredible, but they’ve done great.

“I have to say, I have done professional shows, and no-one is screaming in there, everything is calm. I love that the teachers are modelling, the figures on the moms are amazing. I think the yummy mummy’s aren’t south county Dublin at all, they are all here in Castleknock and Blan-chardstown. This is all down to the committee members, they’ve done a great job,”

Blathnaid said. The aim of the show was

to raise money for school resources and the day-to-day running of the school.

As a mother herself , Blathnaid knows how con-cerning it is to hear about budget cut-backs.

“It is a huge concern if they pull back on budgets for schools, as a mother of four it is a massive concern when there is talk of that.

“Their local Ministers should genuinely keep the fight up, if you lose that the kids lose out; you might not see it now, but you will see it further down the line.

“Who remembers what they learned in secondary school? The basics of being able to leave national school, to be able to read or write, is a basis to any education,” she said.

BEECHPARK: TRANSFEROF LANDS

A LOCAL politician is press-ing for the restoration of the Shackleton’s walled gardens at Beechpark, once known as the “jewels in the crown” of Dublin 15, as soon as they have been handed over to the council.

The walled gardens are currently in the process of transfer from Menolly Homes to Fingal County Coun-cil. According to a council spokesperson, the council’s law department is “in contact with the legal teams con-cerned, and it is envisaged that the transfer of the lands will be completed shortly”.

Pressing for their restoration, Labour councillor Michael O’Donovan is hoping the council will restore the gar-dens which have overgrown over the last number of years.

“These gardens were once one of the jewels in the crown in Dublin 15. I remember when I moved to Blanchard-stown first these gardens were opened to the public on Sun-days as a garden centre.

“Now that the gardens will come into the control of Fin-gal’s Parks Department, I’ll be pressing for their restoration. The recent RTE 1 series show-ing Dermot O’Neill restoring his own private walled gar-den has increased the public interest in this type of project. Shackleton was an explorer and brought back to Clonsilla exotic plant species from all around the world.

“I’d love to see these gardens restored, opened and linked in with the new park and play-ground area we have at Beech-park, just next to Clonsilla rail-way station.

“Our Parks Department has the expertise but I’m not sure if we have the funding. We may need to link with FAS or with one of the third-level horticul-tural colleges,” he said.

Call for walled gardens to be restored

L h C t N D l Right R h l


COUNCIL 3,000 residents were left without cards

Missing polling cards still a mystery

LAURA WEBB

[email protected]

THERE is still no clear answer as to how over 3,000 residents in Dublin 15 were left with-out a polling card for voting, with neither An Post or Fingal County Council giving a clear explanation about what hap-pened.

During a recent area com-mittee meeting, local repre-sentatives in Fingal County Council wanted a full explana-tion as to why areas in Dublin 15 such as Hartstown, did not receive polling cards for the General Election.

Polling cards are issued to residents who are registered to vote, but, an estimated 3,000 residents in Dublin 15 did not receive their cards.

According to a number of local councillors, this mix-up left residents confused about whether or not they were reg-istered to vote, or whether they could vote on polling day with-out their card.

Giving an explanation about the missing polling cards, a spokesperson for FCC said: “The council met with An Post in advance to agree a method-ology for the hand over of poll-ing cards.

“The polling cards were hand delivered by council staff to the area manager from An Post for distribution to the individual postal area.

“There was no paperwork official/unofficial in respect of the handover.

“In response to the council’s query An Post responded.

“The delivery office manager in Blanchardstown delivery office confirms that he did not receive any polling cards for the areas listed.”

Speaking at the meeting, Labour councillor Patrick Nulty said: “There is a lot of anxiety on polling day and if you don’t have your polling card that makes it worse.

“It seems peculiar that two arms from the State can give totally different answers.

“I think people could accept what happened if someone explained it. By this report noone can be any the wiser on what happened to this.

“This is over 3,000 people affected, and we still don’t have an answer,” he said.

Socialist Party councillor Ruth Coppinger said that, if residents don’t receive their polling card, a percentage of them “think they can’t vote without it”.

Fingal County Council asked for a clear explanation as to why areas didn’t receive polling cards

“People might not have voted because of it. We need to put structures and procedures in place for the future.”

According to FCC manage-ment, polling cards “are not like registered post”. “But we have a record to say we printed them all and dispatched them.”

But it looks like the future of polling cards being dis-patched in estates could be left up to the postman car-rying out the deliveries, with the FCC manager saying: “There will be a check mech-anism in the future. If the postman notices there isn’t polling cards for a whole estate he’ll report back and let An Post know.”

Exhibition AN exhibition of paint-ings by a local artist is taking place for the month of April at the Visitor Centre in the Phoenix Park.

Work from local artist Eddie Lowe is on display at the beautiful sur-roundings of the Visitor Centre. Admission for this event is free and everyone is welcome to attend to see his work. For further information call 01 677 0095.

Playing pitches TWO playing pitches at Beechpark are now ready for use, and the council is set to allocate pitches to local clubs in accordance with the current demand for the new facilities. During an area committee meeting last week, Labour councillor Michael O’Donovan asked for an update on the progress of the two new sports fields planned for Beechpark in Clonsilla.

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CHARITY A fundraising fashion show to help support people

THE community came in their droves to sup-port a recent fundraising fashion show in aid of RESPECT, held at Westmanstown Garda Club.

The Irish-registered charity is responsible for fundrais-ing projects for people with intellectual disabilities of all ages. With help from Transition Year students from Mount Sackville, as well as a number of RESPECT models, the catwalk fashion show was a great success.

Led by Daniel Dowling and Adam Lawlor, the mod-

els showcased the very latest trends, sporting outfits and styles provided by Miss Selfridge, New Look, Next, Counter propaganda, Dunnes Stores, Shamon Boutique in Castleknock, Ever Elegant in Dunboyne and the RESPECT shop in Prussia Street – a treasure chest of designer bargains and nearly new pieces. MC Helen O’Dwyer kept events moving along, as hundreds enjoyed the eclectic fashion show, and a wide range of events that rounded off the evening in style.

A stylish way to help RESPECT

Respect models took pride of place alongside a number of other

Kiva McNamara, Ellen McDermot and Bairbre Dolan

Gavin Broughan, Kieran Walsh, Martin McDonnell and Ian Sherry

Keeva Farrelly, Claire McDonnell, Catherine Conroy and

Orla Nangle Caoimhe Meehan and Alannah Best

The fashion show had a lot of support from the community, easily filling the venue

Patricia Byrne and Lorraine

LagerborgRebecca Davis, stylist, and Helen O’Dwyer, compere


with intellectual disabilities of all ages is a great success

models. Pictures: Peter Doyle The evening’s models showcased several looks, from casual to formal wear

Laura Dungan and Nina Peters

Josephine Dooley and Angela

O’Callaghan

Liam Walsh, Josephine Dooley, Helen O’Dwyer, Rose Roche, Martha Fox, Sandra O’Connor, Paddy

Macken and Monica Carey


Pictured is Mary Farnan (blue dress) with her family and staff of the Meningitis Research Foundation

Fundraising efforts praised LAURA WEBB

[email protected]

MENINGITIS Research Foundation has expressed their gratitude to a Castle-knock woman, her family and friends, for raising over €6,000 following a second annual Black Tie Ball.

The Foundation, which is one of the leading charities in the world dedicated to the eradication of meningitis and septicaemia, gave a big thank-you to Mary Farnan, from Castleknock, for her support

to the cause. Mary, her family and

friends recently organised a second glamorous Black Tie Ball in the 4-star luxuri-ous Dunboyne Castle Hotel. The black tie event raised an amazing donation of €6,302.

Meningitis Research Foun-dation is a charity close to Mary’s heart. Her 23-year-old son Alan, contracted menin-gitis type B and sadly passed away within a day in August 2006.

Mary has since shown her support to the worthy cause

and organised fundraisers like this, to pay tribute to her son.

Diane McConnell, of Men-ingitis Research Foundation, commented: “We as a charity are very grateful for support offered by Mary and her fam-ily.

“With help from the gen-eral public and local commu-nities we can continue our mission of a world free from meningitis and septicemia.”

Over the last 20 years the charity has invested almost €20 million into research,

leading to many advance-ments that have helped saved lives.

This investment has seen incidence of the disease halved, but, there are still no vaccines available against meningitis type B and so research, awareness and sup-port must continue.

In Ireland, meningitis and septicemia are the leading cause of death in children.

A key part of the charity’s work is informing the public and the medical profession about these diseases.

As part of awareness initia-tives an SMS video awareness campaign, which recently received a special recommen-dation from Astellas Chang-ing Tomorrow Awards, was launched.

This service provides free emergency and symptoms information to your phone by texting TIME to 50308.

For more information on the charity and its work, please check its website, www.meningitis.org or call the Freefone 24- hour help-line on 1800 41 33 44.

MENINGITIS Research Foundation thanks Castleknock woman

A LOCAL politician has wel-comed the first civil partner-ship ceremony celebrated in Ireland last week.

Green Party Dublin West representative, Roderic O’Gorman offered his con-gratulations to Hugh Walsh and Barry Dignam, who cel-ebrated their first civil partner-ship in Ireland last Tuesday.

“It is a hugely important occasion for them but also for all gay and lesbian couples in the country.

“Civil partnerships convey official State recognition on same-sex relationships for the first time, along with providing a range of important protec-tions in areas such as taxa-tion, inheritance, the family home and social welfare,” said O’Gorman.

“As the legal advisor to the Green Party on the issue of civil partnerships, I am very proud of the role we played in ensuring that the last gov-ernment fulfilled its prom-ise to legislate for same-sex relationships. While full marriage equality remains the goal of the Green Party, civil partnerships are an important first step in this direction”, said O’Gorman.

First civil partner-ship gets a warm welcome

CELEBRATION


Celebrating our esteemed eldersO

NCE again, the eagerly awaited Grandparents’ Day arrived at Castleknock Community Col-lege, furnishing First Years with the opportunity

to bring their esteemed elders to school with them for the day, whether a direct grandparent or another significant third-age figure in their life.

The annual inter-generational event is one of the highlights of the school calendar, affording the

opportunity for students to show a little of the mod-ern educational system to their elders, and to further strengthen the ties, and importance, of linking mature community figures with the current generation of students.

A number of workshops were laid on for the day, which saw several experts attend to present their skills and advice for all to enjoy.

Donal Keenan with John and Mary O’Callaghan

Dara and Georgina Farrelly. Pictures: Peter Doyle

Marie Copland, Kyle Sheridan, Alan Copeland, Alison Pitcher

and John Shiels

Anne Kavanagh, Lucy Hanlon and May Grills

Conor and Christopher BarronThere was an excellent response from the community to the day

SCHOOLS Warm welcome for an annual Grandparents’ Day

Leah and Enda Byrne

14 April 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 14 April 2011

GazettGazetteePetsPets Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of

the DSPCA

THE FACTS: DIFFERENT TYPES OF BARKING JUST A DOG’S WAY OF COMMUNICATING

Woof, why do dogs bark?

Dogs bark because barking is their way of communicating and they don’t bark to annoy you or to

spite you or just because they can

IT never ceases to amaze me, the number of queries I receive concerning nuisance

barking. People often ask me: “Why

does my dog bark?” The answer is straightforward and not difficult to understand – dogs bark because barking is their way of communicating. They don’t bark to annoy you or to spite you, or just because they can – although it may appear that way if it’s driving your neighbours mad!

However, there are differ-ent types of barking, and you, as the pet parent, must famil-iarise yourself with them. For example:

The Alert

This is the normal, expected barking to alert you there’s an intruder in the house. It’s perfectly natural for your dog to bark if he senses there’s a threat to his family or his ter-ritory. This is usually a loud, sharp bark and, if you hone in on this natural canine instinct with proper training, you can help your dog protect your home and your family.

Barking at other dogs

A dog down the road barks and before you know it your own pet, along with every other dog within earshot is involved in a dawn chorus. Very annoying.

Playful, excited barking

More common in puppies who bark when playing. My own dogs bark excitedly when they know a car trip and a walk

is imminent. This type of bark normally sounds upbeat.

Nuisance barking

Then there’s the biggie – the behavioural problem or nui-sance barking. This usually signals boredom, loneliness or miscommunication between owner and pet. If this type of barking is a problem, you need to recognise the triggers!

• When does it occur?• Is the dog left alone for

long periods of time?• Is he getting enough exer-

cise?• Is he anxious about some-

thing he hears or sees? (neigh-bour has a new lawn mower and the noise is scaring him, neighbour’s child is torment-ing him, etc.)

In order to address this, you will require plenty of patience and training with a specialist dog trainer for both you and your dog. This will help you understand “doggy” language, and then you can correctly express what it is you wish to communicate to your pet.

Many training techniques are based upon the dog receiv-ing a reward for the desired action. In this case, for exam-ple, the desired action would be “stop barking”.

When your dog barks and you wish to make him stop, hold his muzzle gently or squirt him, again gently, with a child’s toy water gun filled only with clean water – this will momentarily startle him and make him stop barking. When he stops, use the word “quiet”.

Immediately after saying “quiet” if the dog remains quiet, reward him. When he starts barking again, repeat the process. Eventually he will learn to associate “quiet” with a reward. Eventually, your dog will stop barking without the need for the water gun and only the use of the word “quiet” will be sufficient.

It sounds easy enough. I mean once you determine the cause of your dog’s excessive barking, you can try to remove any potential reasons and you can begin to control his behav-iour. Also, it helps if you give your dog better things to do to prevent and distract him from nuisance barking.

Some of the things you

should never do:

Never comfort, feed or pet your dog when they bark for attention or out of anxiety; this is simply rewarding his behaviour.

Never shout – this will only cause him to bark more and louder.

Never allow your dog to bark constantly outside, regardless of the reason – this is the best way to make enemies of your neighbours.

Never use a shock collar they are inhumane, painful and unkind to your dog.

Never allow your dog to become lonely or bored, and never leave him to his own devices for long periods of time.

So, it’s up to you. Develop that “barking ear”, and find out exactly what your dog is saying when he “woofs”, “howls” and “growls”.

And yes, it requires a lot of time and patience, but it’s well worth it because if you train man’s (and woman’s) best friend properly, you’re embark-ing on a lifetime’s investment for you and your pet.

For information log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at [email protected].


Hopping CECILIA FOURIE

LINDT is hopping into action again this year in aid of Tem-ple Street. Lindt is unleash-ing their Gold Bunny Team for their Make Easter Sweet for Temple Street. The Gold Bunny Team will be selling small Lindt bunnies for €1 at their nationwide road shows, with every cent made going straight to Temple Street.

They will be hitting the road and heading to Blan-chardstown Shopping Centre on Thursday, April 21. The trail will continue on to the Pavilion Shopping Centre on Friday, April 22, with their last stop being Dundrum Shop-ping Centre on Saturday, April 23.

Adding a bit of fun and games to this year, the team are selling Gold Bunny Hunt Packs for €15. The pack includes everything you need to host your very own bunny hunt. Not only will the entire €15 be donated to a good cause, but you will also be

entered into a competition to win one of two amazing fam-ily holidays to the luxurious Fota Island Resort and Fota Wildlife Park in Cork worth €1,500 each!

Thrilled

“We are thrilled to be help-ing such a worthwhile cause. The team at Temple Street do an amazing job and the children they care for deserve

CECILIA FOURIE

ARE you an owner of a small business or thinking of start-ing one? Then head down to the Central Library in the Ilac Shopping Centre for the 2011 spring and autumn lectures.

There will be a series of six free lectures to assist new and existing small business owners and managers.

The series of lectures was announced by Dublin Librar-ies in association with Dub-lin City Enterprise Board. The lectures are aimed at those who are contemplating self-employment. This year’s theme is Innovation for Start-ups.

The spring series of cecture will kick of on April 21 and the autumn series will start on September 15.

Places must be reserved. For more information, and a complete timetable, visit www.dublincitypubliclibraries.ie or contact the Ilac Library at 01 873 3996 or email them at [email protected]

Lectures for small businesses

LIBRARY

RTE presenter Lucy Kennedy and the Golden Bunnies are helping to Make Easter Sweet for

Temple Street

CHARITY Lindt is unleashing their Gold Bunny Team

LOCALMATTERSSUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

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TO ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

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‘We are thrilled to be helping such a worthwhile cause. The team at Temple Street do an amazing job, and the children they care for deserve the best facilities possible’- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Grainne Galvin, marketing

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into action for kidsA CAST of great actors, includ-ing Dave Duffy from Fair City, star in Spanish poet Lorca’s Blood Wedding, showing in the Project Arts Centre this April.

Set in1928 in the Spanish province of Almeria, a young bride abandons her husband-to-be on the morning of her wedding to elope with her childhood sweetheart. With the town up in arms, the young lovers are hunted down with terrifying consequences.

Direc ted by Ronnie McCann, this is a true story set to an original score with a cast of over 20 actors, includ-ing Derek Murphy, Liam Hal-ley, Laura Brennan and Noella Brennan. McCann has been a successful actor and director for 20 years.

Running from April 18-30, Blood Wedding is a meaty story of love, betrayal, mar-riage, affairs, murder and plenty of action.

It is showing in the Project Arts Centre and tickets are €15. Phone 01 8819613 for tickets.

True story of love and loss

THEATRE

the best facilities possible. This year we hope to raise as much money as possible for such a fantastic charity,” said Grainne Galvin, marketing manager for Lindt.

This year it is Lindt’s fourth Make Easter Sweet for Temple Street, and the Lindt commit-tee has vowed to make this year sweeter than any other!

To celebrate the campaigns birthday they are hosting their very first Gold Bunny Hunt on Sunday, April 17 at Bewleys Hotel, in the heart of Ballsbridge.

Fun day out

This family fun day out will see Gold Bunny fans hopping from one activity to the next

with Gold Bunny Hunts, face-painting, bouncy-castle and Hamleys toy demonstrations.

If you’d like to come along just simply make a donation of €5 per person at the gate and every cent will go to Tem-ple Street. The hunt will take place from 12–6 and no reser-vations are necessary.

The 2011 campaign will

focus on raising funds to build a dedicated isolation inpatient room at Temple Street.

This facility will enable children and babies with very low immune systems, or those who may be extra suscepti-ble to infection, to be safely treated in a protective envi-ronment.

“We are delighted to be

working with the Lindt team again this year. We value their support and enthusiasm, and we would like to thank the team and those who support the Lindt Make Easter Sweet Campaign, you really are mak-ing a difference,” said Angela McNulty, special events man-ager, The Fundraising Office, Temple Street.

for their Make Easter Sweet for Temple Street

Lucy with Temple Street patients, five-year-old Ciara Gill from Dublin and four-year-old Anthony Iannucci from Sallynoggin


Grape escape: Vintage win for OliveTHE lucky winners of this month’s Marlay Wine Shop competition collected their prizes in the shop on the Grange Road in Rathfarnham last week.

The first prize in the competition, a case of wine worth €150, went to Sean McGovern.

Pictured here is enthu-siastic Gazette reader and talented local photogrpaher, Olive Galbraith, picking up her prize, a case of wine worth €75.

Also pictured is Donal Tuomey, the owner of Marlay Wine Shop and kind sponsor of the competition. Local wine lovers should make a point of visiting Marlay Wines to see the impres-sive selection available.

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day


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HOME Instead Senior Care has just published its third annual Irish Pensioner’s Handbook, a resource for seniors, their families and car-egivers.

The handbook provides practical information and advice on issues such as home care and allowances and entitlements. It also boasts a directory of older person’s organisations and other use-ful contacts.

Speaking about the publi-cation of the new handbook, Ed Murphy, chief executive of Home Instead Senior Care said: “The Irish Pensioner’s Handbook is an essential resource for senior citizens in Ireland. It is a valuable and easy-to-read guide specifically designed for older people and those caring for ageing loved ones.”

To order a copy of the Irish Pensioner’s Handbook, call 1890 930 013 or download a copy on www.homeinstead.ie or stop in to any Home Instead Senior Care franchise office.

A new book for seniors

PENSIONERS


MOTORINGM50M50

THE new Ford Focus takes the Focus design along an evolutionary route that’s modern

and distinctive, but not too different from the past. The car’s design is sharper and more defined, giving it a more modern look on the outside.

In the day following its recent launch, I took the entry 95bhp version fitted with a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine for a drive down the Wick-low coast. It was a pleasant day and the mix of motorway driving, with the opportunity to savour the delights of the Garden County through the minor roads, provided a good test for Ford’s new entry.

Ford has boosted the power

from this compact diesel engine. The output at 95bhp is now 5bhp more than the outgoing car that it replaces. The engine torque also gets a boost and that brings with it a marginal improvement in acceleration to give a faster feeling car.

The acceleration pace of

the new Focus compares well with the competition. While the bigger engine Volkswa-gen Golf can outpace it from a standing start and Toyota’s smaller engine Auris diesel is marginally faster, it can still hold its own in that respect-able competition.

Ford now fits a new six- speed gearbox to this entry- level car, up from the five speed in the previous model. During my morning test drive, I found the sixth gear useful on the motorway areas and it helped to keep the car eco-nomical to drive.

The overall economy emphasis for the new Focus is noticeable – this car is mar-ginally better in km to the

litre compared with the older model. You should get an extra kilometre for every litre of diesel with this new Focus.

That puts the new Focus as among the most economical cars in its class, with a rating of 23.8 kilometres per litre (4.2l/100km on the brochure). That’s a better performance than BMW’s 116d with Effi-cientDynamics, putting the new Focus at the top of the class in terms of meeting the needs for lower running costs.

Add to that a CO2 emission level of just 109g/km and you get a low €104 annual road tax cost for a car that’s mod-ern, sure to be reliable and hold its value. The Ford Focus deal is good. At €21,325, for

the entry-level model – this is about €300 cheaper than the car that it replaces.

There’s a lot more in the deal, including little change in price. The entry-level Focus features comes with Stability Protection (ESP) with traction assist, Ford Intelligent Pro-tection System, body colour bumpers, mirrors and spoiler for the five-door model, elec-tric front windows, power door mirrors, remote central locking with flip key, stereo radio/CD with USB connec-tivity and capless refuelling.

This new Focus will sell well and hold its value well. Ford has retained the great driving feel of the Focus with even better economy.

New styling for FocusFord’s new Focus is more stylish and modern with big economy improvements for the diesel models. Extras like Bluetooth add to the price, which starts at €21,325

before delivery charges.

WINDSOR Motors claims to have carried out their own stress test on new car prices and the results are now out. Their prices have passed the test and have now hit rock bottom. Prices on new cars, 2011 scrappage prices and 2010 low-mileage models have all been reduced.

Windsor is offering over €7,000

off the price of a new Qashqai Plus 2 seven-seater and over €5,000 off the price of a 2011 Nissan Tiida with scrappage.

Scheme

The scrappage scheme will finish shortly, so Windsor advises new car buyers not to miss the chance to avail

of the great scrappage discounts now available across the range.

And as scrappage is available on models within tax band A and B, it also means you will qualify for low road tax. Windsor Motors branches have car finance packages available and have very high approval rates and deal with a number of banks.

According to Windsor CEO, Gabriel Keane: “At Windsor Motors the customer is our focus and, with this stress test, we can now offer even greater savings to our customers. Our stress test proves that our prices have passed the test and I invite customers to visit our showrooms to take a look for themselves.”

Windsor Motors carry out stress test on prices

BMW PRODUCES FASTEST PICK-UP: BMW has produced the world’s first high-per-formance pick-up at its Munich-based develop-ment centre. The BMW M3 Pick-up will fire the imaginations of all motor-ists with its top perform-ance matched by a keen practical bent.

The M3 pick-up packs 420bhp from the V8 engine under the bonnet. That was enough to allow it to top 300km/hr in a race testing run.

The practical features of the BMW M3 Pick-up are impressive. It has a rear-axle load capacity of up to 450 kilos. The load bed of the BMW M3 Pick-up is clad in high-grade structured aluminium sheeting and provides the biggest cargo capacity ever offered on a BMW M vehicle.

RoadRoadSignsSigns

MICHAEL MORONEY took the entry-level diesel model of the new Ford Focus into Wicklow and found the car smooth and efficient

SPECS: FORD FOCUS 1.6TDCI

Top speed: 170km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 12.5 sec Economy: Economy

23.8 km/litre (4.2l/100km) CO2 emissions: 109g/km Road Tax Band: A (€104) Scrappage Eligible: Yes Warranty: 2 years Entry Price: €21,325

The BMW M3 Pick-up


M50M50PROPERTY

Herberton residences great value for buyers

There are a range of properties at reduced prices on offer at Herberton

A NEW phase of houses and apartments has just been released for sale at Herber-ton at St. James’s Walk, just off South Circular Road and close to St James’s Hospital.

The development has been meticulously planned and designed to attract dis-cerning owner-occupiers seeking stylish, contempo-rary homes.

A new phase of four houses and 11 apartments has been launched onto the market at substantially reduced prices, with reduc-tions of up to 60% per unit from peak prices.

The one bedroom apart-ments (485-580sq ft) are priced from €105,000 and the two-bedroom apart-ments (690-800sq ft) are from €149,950. The three-b e d r o o m a p a r t m e n t s (1,000-1,150sq ft) are from €210,000, while the three-bedroom houses (1,050sq ft) are €199,950.

Herberton comprises a rich mix of uses, including residential, shopping and leisure facilities. It offers discerning homebuyers something innovative in

ST JAMES’ WALK: APARTMENTS AND HOUSES REDUCED

Dublin city, having all the best that a self-contained village has to offer.

Apartments have been designed and orientated to take advantage of the views across the city in many instances and generous bal-conies are included to max-imise these superb vistas.

Many of the apartments a lso incorporate large glazed areas to living spaces

in order to give a sense of light and spaciousness not commonly found in similar developments.

Attention to detail has been given throughout all of the apartments where only the most modern fittings and appliances are used in the kitchen and bathroom suites. There are high stand-ards of finish throughout with handcrafted wardrobes

and other fittings.The joint selling agents,

Hooke & MacDonald and Coldwell Banker, have released for sale 15 apart-ments from the new show units on site.

They are on view by appointment with either of the joint selling agents (Coldwell Banker tel. 01-411 0012 or Hooke & MacDon-ald tel. 01-631 8402).

GUNNE Residential is bringind to the market No 28 Davitt Park, a three-bed-room end-of-terrace home extending to 820 sq ft, pre-sented in pristine decorative order with a bright interior.

The property boasts a large secluded wraparound garden with obvious potential to extend subject to planning permission.

The accommodation com-prises entrance hall with solid oak floor, living room to the front of the house with open fireplace, and double doors to the kitchen, which features a range of floor and

wall units, tiled floor and which has double doors opening onto the large, secluded rear garden.

The bedrooms feature built-in wardrobes and tel-evision points, and the bath-room has tiled walls and floor, a Mira Elite electric shower over bath with tel-ephone shower and a heated towel rail.

Outside the property, a side access leads to the large wraparound, secluded rear garden which is mainly lawned and bordered by attractive, well-stocked flow-er beds.

There is also a block-built, plumbed utility shed with fitted shelves that provides extra storage and a shed.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Gunne Residential on 01 280 1719.

Ideal choice for Park lifeBALLYBRACK: THREE-BED LIVING FOR €258,000

Number 28, Davitt Park, Ballybrack

Sellers should be assured their houses will sell PEOPLE who are keen to put their houses on the market but who are put off by concerns about the current environment should not be afraid to press on with their inten-tions, according to a new report from Lisney.

In the report, they state that a family house, priced correctly, will gen-erally sell.

They report that activ-ity in the second-hand homes market increased in the last weeks of 2010 and in the open-ing months of 2011 as a direct result of the sweep-ing changes to stamp duty rates in December’s budget, citing numerous transactions being com-pleted and more at con-tract stage as a result.

“Indeed, since Christ-mas,” said a Lisney rep-

resentative, “we have experienced an increase in the number of parties viewing property and making offers.

“In some cases, we are witnessing competition amongst buyers to secure the purchase.

“This is particularly the case for realisti-cally priced, good family homes for which there is strong demand.”

However, they also state that agreeing a sale on a property and get-ting contracts signed has become increasingly difficult: “Whilst we are seeing more purchasers who are in the market to purchase, lending prac-tises by banks have not improved and, in some cases, securing credit has become even more diffi-cult.”

Sherry Fitzgerald

seek new staffSHERRY FitzGerald are currently recruiting two positions in their Terenure and Dalkey branches.They are looking for customer service/administrative assistants to work in their busy offices.

The role in Terenure is for a part-time adminstrative assistant to work from 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, while the role in the Dalkey branch is a job-sharing branch administrator, five days on, five days off, working from 9am to 6pm.

For more information, contact them directly on 01 237 6316.


SANDRA Dunne is the general manager of energie fitness club in Rathfarnham. The outlet is part of Ireland’s leading fitness club group, with nine clubs in Leinster offering swimming and gym facilities and a unique “six week’s results guaranteed” programme.

The fitness chain launched in Ireland in October, 2010, bringing a wide range of health and fitness expertise gained from their experience in more than 100 clubs in Britain, Latvia, Qatar and Egypt.

Unfortunately, says Sandra, obesity is on the rise in Ireland, with recent statis-tics indicating that one-in-four adults are obese, and one-in-four Irish children are overweight, with obesity rates increasing by 40% in Ireland in the past 10 years.

There is no quick or easy solution. However, she says the chain’s step-by-step six-week programme can help peo-ple to set achievable goals, and support

Interview: Sandra Dunne, general manager, energie f itness, Rathfarnham

Q&A

A healthy outlook on helping clients

Sandra Dunne

Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be?A: I always thought I would

be a teacher but, by the time

I left secondary school, I

knew I would work with

sport somehow.

Q: What was your first job?A: I did lots of caddying and

babysitting as a teenager, but

my first full-time job was a

leisure attendant in a local

swimming pool.

Q: And your first pay cheque?A: I can’t remember, but I

recall being chuffed to bits!

Q: When did you start your present job?A: I started with energie on

January 4, 2011.

Q: What is the best thing about your job?A: The members; they’re

great, and they make the

club.

Q: What part of your work-

ing day do you ‘delegate’?A: I am lucky enough to

have some great managers

working with me and, if it’s

their area, I generally del-

egate responsibility for it.

Q: What sport do you fol-low?A: I love watching tennis and

golf – I was rooting for Rory

(McIlroy) in the Masters.

Q: What sport can you play?A: I loved sport as a teenager

and I played golf, tennis,

hockey and badminton, so

all of those, though I’m a bit

rusty at the moment.

Q: What is your guilty mu-sic/TV or movie pleasure?A: “Chicago” for music,

“Come dine with me” for TV,

and “Officer and a Gentle-

man” for a movie.

Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Nor-ris or Jedward?A: Neither!

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/iPad?A: Cold Play, Take That,

Travis, Snow Patrol and a bit

of Chicago.

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?A: Des Bishop.

Q: What was your last Tweet/status update?A: That I am delighted to be

doing the next Niall Mellon

Township Trust Build this

November.

Q: Describe your dream meal?A: Great food served in a

lovely restaurant, in great

company and accompanied

by a lovely red wine.

Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna?A: Dame Edna; she’s hilari-

ous.

Q: Where do you enjoy

spending money frivolously?A: Kildare Shopping Village;

I also love the coffee shop

in Wicklow town for its fab

berry scones!

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?A: At least 30, but I probably

only wear five. I have a fetish

for expensive running shoes.

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?A: Camping in Cornwall; I

nearly set fire to the camp-

site trying to cook sausages!

Q: Describe your dream holiday?A: New Zealand.

Q: What would be your dream job?A: To own and manage my

own gym.

Q: What do you plan to do when you retire?A: Play lots of golf and

bridge, and have some fabu-

lous holidays.

A MUM’S HOME GIFTED OR SWAPPEDQ - My widowed mother lives in a four-bed detached

house valued at c.€400,000 and I live with my husband

and two young daughters in a two-bed townhouse. I am

an only child, and my mother has suggested we swap

houses, as her home is too big for her. What are the tax

and inheritance implications ? Laura - Milltown

A - This depends on whether your mother wants to perma-

nently gift you her home, or if it is just a straight swap and

no legal contract is required. As regards inheritance, as

a daughter, you are eligible to receive tax-free from your

mother €332,084, over which you pay 25% tax – called Capital

Acquisition Tax (CAT). This means, if your mum gifts you her

home, either before or after she dies, you would have to pay

€16,979 CAT. You would also have to pay stamp duty if the prop-

erty were to be put in your name – 1% which would be another

€4,000, plus legal costs. One option that could save you money

would be to move into your mother’s home, letting her remain,

and keeping the home in her name. When she passes on, as

long as you have been living in the home with her for at least

three years, and you have no other property at the time of

your mum’s passing – you would have to sell the townhouse

– your mother’s home would not be included in her estate for

tax purposes. You would also have to continue living in your

mother’s home for another six years after she passes on; oth-

erwise, there would be a clawback. Stamp duty would still be

payable at that point. Make sure you air all these issues before

deciding to do anything, and take professional advice.

REDUNDANCY LUMP SUMQ – I was made redundant and have €42,000 to put on

deposit. I have nothing planned at this moment, but may

use the money in about six months to start my own busi-

ness. Where is the safest place for it, and best rates at

the moment? Peter – Churchtown

A - The National Treasury Management Agency manage all the

range of State savings products, and all Irish deposit takers

are guaranteed to June of this year for any amount by the

Eligible Liabilities Guarantee Scheme; underpinning this is the

Deposit Protection Scheme, which guarantees up to €100,000

per customer [while British and other such “deposit takers”

financial institutions are – generally – similarly guaranteed].

As for the best rates , all the State saving products are nearly

ALL at least 1% better than the best bank or building society

deposit offerings. If you are prepared to wait the FULL 10 years

on the National Solidarity Bond, this has the best return of all

– a gross 5.41% would have to be offered by a DIRT-deducting

deposit taker (DIRT was recently increased to 27%, so for

every €1 earned in interest, the Government takes 27c).

Outside of our State savings products, Bank of Ireland’s online

15-month fixed deposit account, at 3.58%, is the best; you still

pay 27% DIRT on this, leaving a net 2.6134%. However, as you

may wish to start your own business, the best demand depos-

it account over €20,000 is Nationwide UK’s at 3.15% (but you

can only make six withdrawals a year to maintain this rate).

Anglo Irish Bank offer 3.1% on demand – both can be accessed

online, and fund transfer requests back to your bank account

can be facilitated on a same-day basis with both. Best of luck!

Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@

moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoc-

tor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is

founder and managing director of Money Doctor

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS

BUSINESSM50M50 Supported by AIB

them with in-house expertise in fitness and positive nutrition.

At energie, Sandra says staff want to empower people to transform their lives, be active, tone up, lose weight, and to try new activities, from swimming to a wide range of classes, and above all, to have fun.

She says that energie Rathfarnham teach swimming competence and water safety for both children and adults, with large swimming pools that are the per-fect place to train or relax after a busy day.

She adds: “At energie fitness, we like to have fun. We foster clubs within our club

with coffee mornings, charity initiatives, members’ social evenings and, with the good weather, we’ll be bringing our club outdoors more with running and walk-ing clubs.”

To find out more about energie fitness, whether to arrange a tour or find out about classes, see www.energiefitness.ie.


Six Nations weekend a triumph at Ice House

CORMAC CURTIS

THE STAR rating is quickly becoming a less-than-reliable gauge for deciding on a hotel.

Let’s face it, there was a time when people said: “Let’s take a break in Donegal, where can we stay?”

These days, people are far more likely to ask: “What good hotels have you heard of lately, I’d love to get away!”

The destination has become less important than the accommodation - as busy, working couples and families try to find the perfect mix of dining, comfort, ambience, activities and, perhaps most importantly, value for money.

Unfortunately, different hotels, with wildly dissimilar levels of service, can share the same star rating.

This is why people really like to know more about where they are planning to stay.

Out west, those looking for luxurious accommodation, sensational food, and a ter-rific spa, need look no further than the Ice House, a hotel to which star ratings really are meaningless.

After becoming one of the fastest ever entrants in to Ire-land’s Blue Book, the bible of quality hotels and restaurants in Ireland, the Ice House has become a firm favourite for those taking a break from it all.

Perched on the edge of the River Moy estuary at The Quay in Ballina, Co Mayo, the Ice House is a simple and beautiful mix of crisp, clean, modern architectural devices

melded effortlessly with the original, iconic building that has stood on the site since the mid-1800s.

The hotel takes its name from its original function as a source of ice. The ice was used to preserve not only the vast amounts of fish that were caught in and exported from the area; it also provided ice for two local breweries.

Contemporary styling and historic significance aside, it is the ease and genuinely wel-coming nature of the manage-ment team of Dara Cruise and Claire O’Sullivan, ably assisted by their staff, that lifts this hotel to its deserved place in not only the Blue Book, but also in the hearts of its guests.

I have been lucky enough to visit the Ice House on two occasions, most recently dur-ing the Six Nations’ rugby championship.

It’s important to plan a trip to the Ice House properly.

You will want to enjoy a meal in their stunning Pier Restaurant, but not immedi-ately following two hours of screaming at the Irish rugby team on the big screen in one of the many charming pubs in Ballina.

So, if you can, get there the day before, and arrive early

to enjoy a spa treatment, as my wife did, leaving plenty of time for a stroll along the river before dinner.

I must admit, the bathrooms here are luxurious enough for yours truly to skip the whole spa routine – a long soak in the really deep bath in the beautifully appointed, mod-ern bathroom for a good half an hour or so sees me right as rain.

Having said that, after a facial and a head, neck and shoulder massage at the expert hands of a therapist at the Chill Spa, my better half came back truly transformed, with stress nothing more than a distant memory.

After a little time relax-

ing with a little music in the incredibly comfortable Nug-get suite and a quick stroll, and we were ready for dinner in the Pier Restaurant.

And what an experience the food here is.

I decided some Dunmore East crab, served with Granny Smith apple, coriander and organic leaf salad, vanilla may-onnaise and avocado cream was too good to pass up.

My good lady wife was of the opinion that a bowl of creamed celeriac and parme-san soup with sautéed lamb’s

kidney, apple and balsamic was the way forward.

We were both right. Stun-ning starters with a very rea-sonably priced, and delicious, sauvignon blanc, and we were two for two.

Our mains were flawless, mine being a dish of seared rabbit loin served with fricas-see of autumn mushrooms, ballotine of rabbit leg and black pudding with pom-mery mustard and tarragon. A triumph of local produce that I could have taken home and married if the law only allowed it.

The other side of the beauti-fully laid table was in a fishy mood, and opted for pan-seared fillets of sea bass with curry spices, parsnip puree, shallots and red wine jus.

A divine creation that I hope to return for at some point, for a full helping.

After our meal, we set our-selves up by the bar to watch a little of the Wales v England match, and sampled some of the unusual vodkas on offer –

The stunning view from the Chill

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‘You will want to enjoy a meal in the stunning Pier Restaurant, but not immediately following two hours of screaming at the Irish rugby team’- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

GazetteTravelTravel

Second year in a row as London tops poll as the city break of choice for Irish LONDON has topped the list as the most popular over-seas destination for Irish holidaymakers for the second year in a row, according to the latest Hotels.com Hotel Price Index (HPI®). The latest report shows that London was the most visited city by Irish holidaymakers in 2010, beating off stiff competition from popular cities such as New York and Barcelona.

With fares starting from as little as €28 one-way, includ-ing taxes and a free 20kg baggage allowance, bmi, British Midland International, fly up to four times daily direct from Dublin to London Heathrow so there are no excuses not to hop across the water and see what this action-packed city has on offer for you.

The Hotels.com Hotel Price Index (HPI®) is a survey of hotel prices in major city destinations across the world.

For more information on bmi, visit www.flybmi.com or contact your local travel agent.

Crystal Summer offering big discounts for the early-bird holiday bookers

PLAN ahead and make sure everything is perfect for your 2011 summer holiday. Receive €50 off per person for all holidays to Austria, Germany, Italy and Slovenia when you book with Crystal Summer.

Crystal Summer offer the perfect locations to unwind and soak up some awe-inspiring scenery at picturesque lakeside locations. Whether it’s cycling through the Aus-trian Alps or spending long days relaxing by Lake Garda, Crystal Summer has the perfect holiday option for you.

Offer is valid for all new bookings to all resorts in Aus-tria, Germany and Italy and selected resorts in Slovenia.

Slovenian resorts include Kranjska Gora, Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj when travelling via Salzburg.

Limited availability. Terms and conditions apply. Offer is valid for seven-night bookings with flights and accom-modation for travel May or June only and is not applicable on flight or accommodation only. Offer not applicable in conjunction with any other offer.

Call Crystal Summer on 014331080, call into Crystal’s shop on Duke Street, just off Grafton Street in the centre of Dublin or contact your local travel agent.

FastTravel


ask the bartender when you’re there, you won’t be disap-pointed.

We retired to our suite for the night and enjoyed a sleep that I won’t soon forget.

Despite the fact that the rooms at the Ice House boast floor-to-ceiling, panoramic windows, the black-out cur-tains ensure a room as dark as

pitch until you decide it’s time to get up – bliss.

A short drive to Enniscrone Beach is a must. On certain weekends the local equestrian club sets up jumps and bring the horses to the beach at low tide.

It is a stunning setting where you can get close to the action as the local riders pitch them-

selves against each other.After this, we enjoyed a

quick bowl of the sensational seafood chowder at the Ice House before spending a day sampling the hospitality of the many charming pubs in Ballina.

For a really good local Chi-nese restaurant – might I rec-ommend Love Lee’s, just ask

anyone in the town and they’ll tell you how to get there.

We put our feet up and enjoyed some of the impres-sive digital entertainment back in our room to finish off the night, before one more good night’s sleep, as thoughts start-ed to drift back towards home, children, work… and planning a return trip to Ballina!

Spa at the Ice House, where guests can enjoy every kind of treatment imaginable for a thoroughly de-stressing experience

Irish Tour Operator Sunway accepts honour from Lanzarote Tourism Board THE good friendship between the Sunway travel company and Lanzarote was celebrated recently when the Lanzar-ote Tourism Board and the Fariones Hotel Group paid special tribute to the tour operator for its loyalty to the island, and especially to the Puerto del Carmen area.Sunway’s founder, Jim Furlong, and his daughter, Tanya Airey, the firm’s managing director, were present for the occasion.

Sunway was founded as a travel agency in 1966 and became a tour operator in 1992. Mr.Furlong emphasised the welcome the people of Lanzarote had given to the Irish, a welcome which has been repaid by the Irish Travel Agents Association’s selection of Lanzarote for nine con-secutive years as the favourite sun destination for Irish holidaymakers.

He said he much preferred the Lanzarote of today to that of 15 or 16 years ago, citing the improvements to plac-es like Puerto del Carmen, whose main avenue and streets have been renovated, though he remarked that some of the business premises needed a facelift to fit in with the new surroundings. He added that Lanzarote sells itself to the Irish, because it is so well-known.

The manager of the tourism council said the Irish mar-ket was very important for Lanzarote. He was hopeful of an improvement in the Irish economy following the intervention of the EU and the IMF, and said that Lanzar-ote would continue its joint marketing agreements with airlines and tour operators. Managing director, Tanya, said the company planned to continue its winter and summer packages this year

All ashore as 100,000 passengers on 84 cruise ships set to visit Dublin this yearA TOTAL of 84 cruise ships will call to Dublin this year, bringing almost 100,000 passengers and 40,000 crew to the city.

The first cruise call to Dublin took place on, Saturday, April 9, when Boudicca, a Fred Olsen Cruise Liner, sailed in to Dublin Port.

Representatives from Dublin Tourism, the Regional Tourism Authority for Dublin, will board each cruise ship calling to Dublin this season, providing expert tourism information and advice to passengers. A dedicated cruise map, created in conjunction with Dublin Tourism partners will be distributed to cruise passengers.

Paul Hayden, acting chief executive of Dublin Tourism said: “The cruise market is a very important market to all of us involved in the tourism industry in Dublin. The influx of passengers and crew has a very real impact on retailers, visitor attractions and tours in the capital.”

TravelBriefs

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It’s a big howler ...Kate thinks it’s a beastly affair, but undemanding teens will probably wolf down this Twilight-ish tale

KATE CROWLEY

NORMALLY, I have a huge weakness for bad films and cli-ched television, finding myself glued to the television if I spy the opening credits of Murder She Wrote (where younger readers may notice my old friend, Jessica Fletcher, using a great, great, great cave-dwell-ing ancestor of an iPad to bash out her latest meisterwerk).

Unfortunately, this same tolerance for guilty-pleasure trash-tv does not extend to moronic movies, where, as Einstein might have put it, a mere minute can seem like a very long time indeed, rela-tively speaking. Quite.

And, one thing’s for sure – there weren’t no Einsteins toiling over the script to Red Riding Hood. Do I still have to review this fairytale folly? (“Yes.” – Ed.) Sigh. Okay.

Somewhere, some high-fiv-ing Hollywood execs decided that “Twilight” + an old fairy tale = sackfuls of dosh, which is, presumably, how this tosh made it to our screens.

Gigantic-eyed Valerie

Film of the Week:

Red Riding Hood (12A) 99 mins

OUR VERDICT:SILVER bullets! Holy water! Garlic! What, exactly, does Kate need to finish off a string of these trite monster movies? Red Riding Hood certainly leaves her seeing red ...

Director: Catherine HardwickeStarring: Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, Julie Christie, Lukas Haas

(Amanda Seyfried, or “Red”, as I’m calling her from now on) lives in a typical Ye Olde Village, full of wrinkled old women (aged over 30), comely lassies, hunky suitors, oddly inappropriate traditional village dances, and strange local customs that see regular, monthly animal sacrifices to appease a nearby beast.

So far, so normal, and this wouldn’t sound so out of place in dear old Donegal, where wee Kate spent many a happy summer as a lass with Granny, sans any werewolf problems.

However, interfering with Red’s plans to go and chop some wood with Peter (Shiloh Fernandez), her parents have

bethrothed her to another.While Red and Peter work

out what they’re going to do about this, a werewolf attack sees her sister slain, and the vil-lage put on high alert, as this move by the nearby werewolf is but the prelude to other, deadlier attacks.

Jumping along a little and, after a little Rentamob action, the villagers have caught and killed a wolf. Hurrah! Their ordeal is over! Of course not.

Cue the arrival of Gary Oldm- whoops, Father Solo-mon (Gary Oldman, in his usual scenery-chewing mode, and never so far from his understated performance as decent Jim Gordon in the recent Batman films), who declares that The Wolf! Is! One of YOU!

At this point, I admit that my attention began to drift off a little, as I started trying to weigh up Oldman’s good films versus his many, many bad ones, and (“Get on with it, Crowley.” – Ed.) Sigh.

Yes, indeedy, the big, bad werewolf is one of the villag-ers, but whoooo? Could it be

Grandma, out in the woods (oh, Julie Christie ...)? Peter, the woodcutter? Bobby Ewing?

There’s only one way to find out – Red better traipse off out to Grandma’s, and find out who the wolf (which she has a special connection with) is...

It’s often been argued that there are only seven basic sto-ries to tell, whether in publish-ing or through cinema, yet this one seems to be derivative of only one – the aforementioned Twilight series.

Sure, there are some nice shots here and there, and even some pretty cinematography to admire – albeit in a point-lessly over-stylised way, like a 1980s French pop video.

However, a hopeless script, Oldman’s mugging and Chris-tie’s slumming, lashings and lashings of angst, an over-wrought plot and – oh, great, I’m almost finished! Yay!

Folks, if you’re really inter-ested in a time-honoured fairy-tale, stick with your old books. They may be a little Grimm, but the shaggiest old tale is still worthier of your consideration than this beastly film ...

GazetteGazette ENTERTAINMENTENTERTAINMENT

Look behind you ... Perhaps Amanda Seyfried (AKA Valerie, AKA Red Riding Hood) senses a middle-aged cinema reviewer on the

rampage in the woods, as Kate prepares to pounce on a film that’s made her see red – and without even a full moon in sight

GoingOUTPAVILION 01 231 2929Dance Celebration

Irish National Youth Ballet celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Company. It promises to be a true reflection on how much this young company has grown artistically.April 15, (12:00, 20:00) and April 16 (15:00, 20:00). Prices free to €18.

SEAMUS ENNIS CULTURAL CENTRE 01 802 0898 The Wiyos American roots music sensations, The Wiyos, made a huge impact following their BBC TV debut with Seasick Steve, filmed at The Barbican’s big Folk America extravaganza.In 2009, they went out (by personal invitation) on a 27-date run of US baseball stadiums with Bob Dylan, and last year they wowed a capacity crowd at Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow and were then invited back over the Atlantic for Shetland Folk Festival.Saturday, April 16 at 8:30pm. Admission: €16.

THE HELIX 01 700 7000Back to The 80s Back to the 80s is a fun-filled musical packed with classic songs of the era that make this show burst off the stage.Wednesday to Friday, April 13 to 15 at 8pm, 3pm Matinee, Thursday 14Tickets: €20/Conc: €15.

The Coronas Ireland has been home to some of the most influential artists ever to grace the world stage. The Coronas are no exception and they are bringing their frantic, high-energy live show to The Helix this April. Don’t miss your opportunity to catch this intimate performance as you can be sure they are destined for the top.Wednesday, April 20 at 8.30pm. Tickets €14.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 An Inspector Calls Sandyford Little Theatre presents this famous play written by English dramatist J B Priestley, An upper-crust English family dinner is interrupted by a police inspector who brings news that a girl known to everyone present has died in suspicious circumstances. April 12 to 16 at 8pm. Admission: €18/€15

Boolabus Youth Theatre Boolabus Youth Theatre present an evening of one-act plays, to include new writing, devised and classical pieces.April 19 to 21 at 8pm. Admission: €10/€5

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622Spreacha 2011

Draiocht’s annual week-long international arts festival for children is guaranteed to spark all our imaginations for a full eight days in April. Spreacha shows are perfect for school groups and families with events programmed in and out of school time.April 13 to 20. See www.draiocht.ie/spreacha/

CIVIC THEATRE 01 4627477 Noctu The subject of the soon-to-air RTE series, Dance Off, Noctu is a new departure for the Irish Dance show genre. It strives to tell the story of Irish Dance from the viewpoint of the dancer.April 18 to 23. Check www.civictheatre.ie for times and prices.

Up and Over It As seen on the Late Late Show International Irish Dance superstars Suzanne Cleary and Peter Harding present their electro-pop inspired, alternative Irish Dance show. It’s out with the old velvet-clad, tin-whistle-blowing, diddly-idleness and in with a high-octane, multimedia leap into 2011. This is Irish Dance for the post-pop generation.April 19 to 23. Check www.civictheatre.ie for times and prices.

The Bad Arm – Confessions of a Dodgy Irish Dancer Written and performed by Máire Clerkin, The Bad Arm – Confessions of a Dodgy Irish Dancer is an uproarious, yet poignant, one-woman play.April 18 to 23. Check www.civictheatre.ie for times and prices.


ENTERTAINMENT ADAM MAGUIRE

WHEN a potentially lethal snake went missing in New York Zoo, the cobra became known across the world almost instantly. It also got its own Twitter account.

Called @BronxZoosCobra, this account is the latest in a long line of spoofs that have appeared on Twitter.com.

This is where parody ver-sions of people, things and even places are created to poke fun and raise a few smiles.

Other exam-ples in recent t i m e s include one that claimed to be the account of one of the trapped Chilean miners but, like the missing snake’s account, it was restricted to a short lifespan.

So, here are a few of the funniest spoof accounts that have been up and running

for some time, and that show no signs of stopping any time soon ...

@DarthVaderThe legendary vil-lain from the Star

Wars series i s a l s o a keen T w i t -

t e r e r , i t appears.Be it com-

mentary on news events, information

about the Empire, or even a look into Vader’s softer side, this account has plenty worth reading.

@FakeAPstylebookThe Associated Press

Stylebook is a well-known resource for writers looking to hone their craft.

The Fake version of it, available on Twitter amongst other places, is quite the opposite.

Some of the best writing advice includes: “Remem-ber what happens when you assume. Frankly, you save yourself a lot of work” and “Do not be afraid to use exclamation points in your writing. They can sense fear.”

@ChuckNorris_What would the internet be

without Chuck Norris jokes? A much more boring place, that is for sure.

So it was inevitable some-one would set up a Twitter account claiming to be Chuck Norris, or at least warning you about his lethal nature.

Just in case you were in any doubt about Norris’ skills, the account assures us that he can do a wheelie on a unicy-cle and slam a revolving door. Impressive.

Apple iPad 2The long-awaited update to

Apple’s game-changing tablet

is a device well worth having, though only if you do not own an iPad already.

When the iPad launched last year, it changed things.

Tablets already existed, of course, but none had the instant appeal and allure that Apple was able to offer.

Since then, a number of rival devices have come to the market, and many have been good.

However, none has been great.

The iPad 2 can be consid-ered a baby step forward for Apple – taking that great device from last year, and making a few minor adjust-ments to keep it competitive.

The device now sports a slimmer, lighter body, a fast-er processor, and a couple of cameras. But, beyond that, it is much the same as what came before.

However, that is far from an insult, as the original iPad really was a truly superb machine.

For anyone who has used an iPhone or an iPod Touch, this device will feel very famil-iar. The software is much the same, albeit on a bigger screen, and the way you inter-act with apps is identical.

What makes the iPad 2 so great really is its software too, which is so easy to use and logical that even a small child would feel at home with it.

The device is always-on,

so there is no need to boot it up and wait, and its intui-tive design makes it easy to use for so many things, from e-mailing to watching videos or playing games.

There are plenty of apps – free and premium – that you can download, meaning you can customise the device as you like, and even replace a lot of what you currently do on a PC with it.

If you already own an iPad, you are not going to miss out on a whole lot by not getting the iPad 2, unless you really want a camera.

However, if you are thinking of getting a device like this, there is still nothing better than what Apple have to offer.

The iPad 2 is available from store.apple.com/ie, from €479 upwards.

Visit teic.ie for the latest tech news, reviews and

views.

Some tweet machine favouritesTECHNOLOGY Links to entertainingly far-fetched Tweeters

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Planning permission is sought by Joyce & Kieran Fitzgerald, (AT) 34B Wil-low Wood Grove, Clon-silla, Dublin 15, for (THE) construction (OF A) single storey extension to the side and front of exist-ing 2 storey dwelling, with ancillary site works (.)The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during the public opening hours of 9.30 - 15.30 Monday - Friday at Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchard-stown, Fingal, Dublin 15. A submission or observation in relation to the Applica-tion may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of a fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by Fingal County Council of the Application.

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GazetteGazetteSPORTSPORT

WOMEN’S DIVISION 1Hermes 2

UCD 4

STEPHEN FINDLATER [email protected]

HERMES lost the battle but won the war when their exploits earlier this season were enough to see them over the line and win the Leinster women’s division one hockey league last Sat-urday at Belfield.

The Booterstown club fell 4-2 on Saturday to UCD, leaving them wondering if Loreto could pull off an improbable nine-goal win against Railway Union in the final game of the season.

But it did not accrue as Loreto could only move out as far as 3-0 before being reeled back in, leaving them level on points with Hermes but with an inferior goal tally.

A sleepy first half was briefly enlivened by Caitri-ona McGilp’s goal and Gil-lian Pinder’s autopass score from a five-metre free.

But the second half was rip-roaring and end-to-end. Anna O’Flanagan banged home from close range from the second phase of a pen-alty corner to establish a Hermes lead.

Jenny Burke and Deirdre Duke had a gilt-edge chance

to strengthen that lead but Stella Davis did well to snuff out the two strikers closing in on her goal.

Chloe Watkins, mean-while, clipped the outside of the post with a diving, reverse sweep after stealing the ball from Emma Gray.

The students were level fol lowing a r ight-wing attack, which McGilp swept in at the near post to register a brace against her former club.

And her side hit the front from a top move. Brenda Flannery found Emily Men-zies deep on the left-wing and she did well to get a cross for the waiting Jess

McMickan on the back post to tap in.

Flannery’s straight strike made it 4 -2 while Lisa Jacob’s top reverse drew an equally high-quality save from Davis. In the end, it

proved immaterial but the second half was a joy to behold in all its carefree glory.

Loreto ended the season equal on 44 points but they will rue draws against UCD

and Old Alex late in the season, especially against the students, having led 3-0 before being pegged back when the title race was firmly in the hands of the Beaufort side.

HOCKEY: DEFEAT IN FINAL GAME IRRELEVANT AS BOOTERSTOWN SIDE TAKE CROWN

Hermes’ Audrey O’Flynn, Gillian Pender and Anna O’Flanagan celebrate

Hermes celebrate Leinster league title

RUN FOR THE SUN: RUN FOR THE SUN: Great Ireland Run Great Ireland Run another huge success another huge success in Phoenix Park: in Phoenix Park: Page 29Page 29


GazetteSportSport

ST PATRICK’s Day 2007.

Turning points are ten-a-penny in sporting parlance.

All-Ireland football and hurling winning teams often pinpoint some obscure training ground incident in mid-winter or low ebb in the National League campaign before rising from the ashes to glory.

But, for Irish cricket, the tangible nature of their tran-sition from hope to expecta-tion, from postman to pro-fessional, can primarily be pinpointed to that famous day when they rocked the established order by beating Pakistan in the 2007 World Cup

Last week, Ireland’s panel of 15 headed to the 2011 ver-sion in India, bristling with confidence and determined to continue their growth on the world stage.

They were seen off earlier at a packed media briefing in the RSA – Cricket Ire-land’s title sponsors – offices in Dundrum, reflecting the

interest now generated by

the side.Dubliner Niall O’Brien

wryly sees the seismic shift since he made his debut back in 2002 - a low-key tie against Denmark to little fanfare – to the place where an national papers will carry a daily diary for the duration of the competition.

“If you told me there and

FastRugby

Coolmine Under-16s miss

out on derby win at CollegeCOOLMINE Under-16s were defeated by their near neighbours, Castleknock College, in an enthralling chal-lenge game played in the college last Saturday.

The game started in a very lively fashion with both sides making some excellent breaks and giving nothing away to their opponents.

The opening 10 minutes were certainly not for the faint-hearted with some heavy hits being dished out by both sides.

Castleknock drew first blood after an excellent break from a ruck led to the first try of the game.

From the restart it was again Castleknock who took control and, after some quick play from both the for-wards and backs, a second try soon followed.

Coolmine though hit the Castleknock receivers with venom from the resulting drop-off, and were rewarded with a penalty when Castleknock failed to release the ball on the ground.

Castleknock though did finish the stronger in the sec-ond half, running in another try.

The second half started much the same as the first, and it was Coolmine who took the advantage, with scrum-half Andy McCabe finishing off a rolling maul to score.

The next try again went Coolmine’s way, Number 8 Michael Solan taking the plaudits after some excellent play from the entire Coolmine pack.

The game continued in a very high tempo, but Cool-mine, with the exception of a late penalty from out-half Aaron O’Brien, were unable to capitalise further, and it was Castleknock who took the plaudits as the victors on the day, 32-18.

METROPOLITAN CUP UCD 33

Garda 20

[email protected]

GARDA RFC’s hopes of reach-ing the final of the Newstalk Metropolitan Cup for the sec-ond year in a row were dashed last Sunday with defeat at the hands of UCD in Barnhall.

Following on from a close-fought victory over Clontarf a week earlier, Garda came into the tie with a changed line-up, having lost a number of key players to injury at the tail end of the season.

UCD started brightly and were over the Garda line inside five minutes, clean lineout ball setting up a perfectly-cho-reographed training-ground move, drawing in the Garda defence and allowing wing Cailibhe Doherty to splice the line for the touchdown.

Garda’s early jitters were set to continue and, in spite of advancing well into the UCD half, the ball was somehow stolen in midfield and the perfectly-weighted grubber kick through gave Doherty a sprint for the line and his sec-ond try of the afternoon. The conversion was swiftly added and Garda faced a 14-point deficit with only 15 minutes on the clock.

Within minutes Garda were five metres from the UCD line, outhalf Ben McCarthy garner-ing good field position with the boot. John Dever, play-ing at Number 8 in place of injured Etuini Pongi, was held up at his first attempt but duly obliged at the second time of asking, crashing over off the back of the scrum for Garda’s first points of the afternoon.

Garda were asking ques-tions of the UCD defence but

on each foray into the opposi-tion half the well-drilled Belf-ield defensive unit held firm, forcing handling errors from the Garda three-quarters.

Dogged defence prevailed and, with half-time approach-ing, Garda concentration dropped momentarily to allow UCD to steal the ball in mid-field and the resultant link-up between hooker and centre opened enough of a gap to give UCD a 21-7 lead at the break.

With all to play for in the second half, Garda set straight to the task at hand and closed the gap within three within minutes from the boot of Patrick O’Toole, when UCD were penalised for offside in front of their own posts.

UCD again absorbed waves of Garda attacks and the quick feet of their scrum half almost set up a breakaway try but

for a knock-on at the offload. With UCD infringements at the breakdown coming to the attention of the referee, Garda captain Patrick O’Toole capi-talised on the advantage to score a beautiful drop goal from 22 out and Garda almost closed the gap to a single point five minutes later but for Dar-ragh Hughes’ handling skills letting him down at the last second.

With Garda’s sights firmly set on the line, some excel-lent counter-attacking rugby earned UCD two breakaway tries in quick succession, com-pleting the hat-trick for Doher-ty and killing the tie.

Prop Brian Campbell bagged a well-deserved try for Garda at the death, but the Leinster League Division 1B champions must wait a least another 12 months for another Donnybrook appearance.

Students stymie Garda

RUGBY: SIDE BOW OUT OF METROPOLITAN CUP AFTER DEFEAT RugbyRugby

Enda Muldoon tries to offload under pressure from the UCD defence


in association with

Trap and Marco help to launch penalty contestAS PART of their fundraising efforts in aid of the Irish Homeless World Cup team, the national penalty shoot-out competition, sponsored by Continental Tyres, is set to take place in AUL, Clonshaugh, and Astro Park, Greenhills Road, Tallaght on Good Friday, April 22 at 10am, and there is still time for teams to enter the Dublin leg of the competition.

At the event’s recent launch, Ireland manager Gio-vanni Trapattoni and coach Marco Tardelli urged soccer fans to get behind the venture, in which the regional winners will receive €1,000 of Umbro kit, while the overall winners will receive six tickets for the Europa Cup Final and two nights accommodation in a Dublin 4 hotel.

Details and entry forms can be obtained from wwwirishstreetleague.com, or by calling Mick Pender on 087 127 3258 or Sean Kavanagh on 087 223 8108.

OVER 11,000 people took to the tarmac for the SPAR Great Ireland Run and SPAR Junior Great Ireland Run in beautiful sunshine in the Phoenix Park last week-end.

In a carnival atmosphere, 1,000 children raced in the Junior Run over 2.5 km, which was started by Eddie

Hobbs, patron of the Jack & Jill Foundation, and Sonia O’Sullivan.

Dundrum South Dublin star Cassie Murphy won the girls’ race in a time of 10.45.

The children were fol-lowed by their adult coun-terparts, some 10,000 run-ners, joggers and walkers, who included Sean Gal-

lagher from Dragons’ Den, Evanne Ni Chuilinn from RTE Sport, former Ireland and Leinster hooker Shane Byrne (whose twin daugh-ters ran the Junior Run) Maclean Burke from Fair City, Gillian Quinn, Lisa Fitzpatrick and many, many others.

British teenager, Charlotte Purdue, again showed her vast potential for the future when she was the runaway winner of the women’s race against much more experi-enced opponents.

The men’s title went to former European 5,000 metres gold-medallist, Jesus Espana of Spain, who broke clear with 1,200 metres to go. Defending champion, Martin Fagan of Ireland, was third.

The race doubles as the Athletics Ireland Irish 10k

Championships, and in that respect, there was plenty of local interest, with Joe Sweeney of DSD coming second in the Irish chal-lenge, in a time of 30:42, and Sean Hehir of Rathfarnham AC was fifth in 31:19. Mean-while, in the women’s race, Ava Hutchinson was third in the women’s race in a time of 34:43.

The Run is the only event in Ireland recognised by the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) at Bronze Label level. As a result of the quality of this year’s event, the organisers will be submitting an appli-cation to the IAAF for Sil-ver Label status for the 2012 SPAR Great Ireland Run, as they believe that all the required criteria may have been achieved to upgrade from bronze.

Great runnersOver 11,000 runners shone in the sunshine at the 2011 SPAR Great Ireland Run last weekend with local interest at a premium in all events

Catriona Lindsay Russell, from Blanchardstown

Francis holding

local events ST FRANCIS football club will holding a fund-raiser in the Dean Swift, Dublin 8, on Friday, May 27 in aid of one of their former players, Terry Hillard, who died recent-ly, at an early age.

Club members are asked to please try and support this worthy cause for one of the legends of the club.

Meanwhile, the club will host their Easter Soccer Camp from April 25 to 29 in John Hyland Park.

The camp will run from 10.30am to 2pm every day for all kids aged five to 12, and it promises to be a great week of fun with qualified coaches in a safe environment.

The cost is €50 per child.

NAC to be venue

for Fingal SprintTHE National Aquatic Centre will be the venue for the sixth annual Fin-gal Sprint triathlon on May 15, and organiser 3D Triathlon are calling on newcomers to triathlon and local youths to par-ticipate in the event.

3D Triathlon have also been invited by Triathlon Ireland to host the 2011 Inaugural National Youth Triathlon Champion-ships, which will take the form of three races – the Fingal Sprint (age 18 and over), 2011 National Youth Championship (age 16-19) and Fingal Junior Aquathlon (ages 8-15).

If you are interested in taking part, registration details are available at www.fingalsprint.3dtri.com

Cassie Murphy on her way to winning the Junior Girls’ race

Niamh Sheridan and Lorraine Morgan celebrate their 10k

Jannett Keane does the hard work as Chloe enjoys the park


GazetteSportSport

NDSL UNDER-9BCastleknock Celtic 1

Ratoath Harps 0

[email protected]

CASTLEKNOCK Celtic cemented a fine recent run of form with a convincing win over Ratoath Harps last weekend at Porterstown Park.

With their place booked in the Goalpost Ireland cup final in a few weeks time, and unbeaten since September, the pressure was on Castle-knock to continue their fine form going into this game.

Jack Kearney switched into goal for the first half, while Robbie Robinson gave a fine defensive display with his partner, Bassy McMa-hon, at the back.

Celtic’s wingers, Mark

Delaney and Johnnie Lalor, tormented the Ratoath back three, but they failed to make the breakthrough in the first half.

A couple of changes saw John Carolan come on up front for Joe Gleeson, but he was reduced to scrappy chances as Ratoath pulled everyone back in the hope of a draw.

It was like the Alamo, according to one onlooker, as Celtic went for the win-ner.

When referee John Kelly indicated two minutes remaining, Castleknock made their final switch, bringing on Sean Maher, their top scorer.

A break down the left from Johnnie Lalor, and a pass inside the Ratoath left

back, set Ahmed Khalid up for a shot, and he drove a rocket at the Ratoath keeper which he bravely parried, but Maher followed up and fired the ball into the left corner to seal the win late in the game.

Elsewhere, the DDSL Under-10A side drew 2-2 in Raheny with St Malachy’s in normal time in the quarter-final of the Fitzgerald Cup before going on to win on penalties.

Cas t l eknock ba t t l ed through against their tal-ented opponents, Malachy’s having the upper hand in opening stages before Castleknock got to grips with the game and took the lead when Gavin Harney battled well to retrieve a lost situa-tion and squared the ball for

Luke Danaher to net a cool finish.

The second half was tense and Malachy’s upped their game to get an equal-iser before Harney restored Celtic’s advantage when he scored from a good cross from Jack Hughes.

Malachy’s came back and equalised, bringing the game to extra-time.

Castleknock battled well and held off Malachy’s to get to penalties. Five successful spot kicks from Ben Traynor, Mark Cole, Danaher, Jay Harper and David Petticrew ensured a hard- earned vic-tory.

Special mention to David Pettigrew, Keith O’Hanlon and Jack Hughes at the back who stood up to all that Malachy’s threw at them.

Celtic pull the strings

SOCCER: CELTIC’S U-9S KEEP UP WINNING WAYS IN LEAGUE

Castleknock Celtic’s Sean Maher scores the late winner against Ratoath Harps in their NDSL tie last weekend

FastSport

CASTLEKNOCK College-based Dublin Rhinos fell 13-0 at the hands of reigning Shamrock Bowl holders, the Dublin Rebels, last Sunday to leave them with a 1-1 record after two series of games.

The Rebels went 6-0 up when Aaron Smyth walked into the endzone for the opening score of the game from a fourth down.

And they got the only other touchdown of the day when they caught a break in the third quarter when one of their back-up running backs took a hand-off up the middle of the field and a breakdown on defence by the Rhinos saw him sprint 40 yards into the endzone.

The Rhinos will aim to get back on track when they visit Trinity College this coming Sunday, April 17 at the Trinity College Sports Grounds, Santry kick off at 2pm.

Rhinos rumbled by

Rebels in AFL encounter

Celtic strike away

win in Co MeathCASTLEKNOCK Celtic’s NDSL U-14C side trav-elled to Dunshaughlin to take on the local Youths and their fine perform-ance was rewarded with a 2-1 away victory.

Celtic were down to the bare 11 due to injuries but they hit the front when Evan O’Connor turned sharply and found the net after eight minutes.

They held this lead till the mid-point of the sec-ond half, when the Youths equalised after a goal- mouth scramble.

But, with only minutes remaining, Celtic secured the points when a Youths’ defender deflected a cross into his own net.

Lawrie avoids sand

trap in MoroccoPETER Lawrie produced

his best finish of 2011 to date last week when he finished 19th at the Tro-phee Hassan II in Mor-rocco, netting €16,320 for his week’s work with a four-round finish of five under par.

It was a slight drop from last year’s finish when he breached the top ten but he showed enough form to lead the way on day one with a round of 64.

Speaking about the tournament, he said: “To leave Morocco without being in contention after equalling the Palais Royal course record on the first day was a big disappoint-ment.

“I did enough with a fourth round 70 to climb up into 19th place and taking the positives out of the trip it was my first top- 20 finish after a slow start to the 2011 season.”

Next on the agenda for the Castleknock man is the Maybank Malaysia Open.

Ron a winner: NAC McSwim raises €4,000 THE NAC Swim Club raised a total of €4,000 for the Ronald McDonald House at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin at its recent NAC McSwim gala which took place at the National Aquatic Centre.

With almost 700 children in attendance, and over 2,200 swims on the day, clubs from all over the country came together to donate a portion of their gala fees to the charity.


Club Noticeboard

THE opening of our new grounds in Somerton was a marvelous success. Sincere thanks to all who turned up and enjoyed the day and the facilities.

Many thanks to all who planned, faci l itated and worked hard to make the day a memorable one. We would not have our grounds with-out the great efforts of many individuals, who, behind the scenes, put enormous time, effort and talent into turn-ing Somerton into a place of pride for all involved with Castleknock GAA.

The club and the entire community appreciate your achievement. The club would also like to thank all in the community who supported, facilitated and encouraged the development of Somer-ton.

Anyone interested in play-ing for Castleknock (at any level or age) just contact our club coach Brendan on 085 132 9397.

Nursery for four-to-seven-year-olds every Saturday from 10 to 11.30am, all very welcome and why not bring a friend.

Anyone interested in get-ting involved in the PR side of the club, please contact Dave on 087 2559559.

CASTLEKNOCK

in association with

ST BRIGID’SEASTER Camp takes place on April 26 to 28 from 10am to 1.30pm. Reg is t rat ion day is this Saturday in Rus-sell Park from 12 to 2pm. Any queries, contact Paul O’Brien on 087 915 4748.

We need your old mobile phones. To get a second defi-brillator, the club needs 360 old phones. Phone drop-off point just inside the bar.

Senior ladies’ footbal l-ers had a great league win over Ballyboden, while the second team also beat Na Fianna.

Senior 2 footballers beat Naomh Fionbarra, while the minor hurlers beat Plun-kett’s. Junior C footballers drew with Good Counsel. Senior game vs Ballyboden was postponed due to the sad passing of Sinead Darcy, sister to Ken and Declan Darcy.

Fund-raiser quiz for Alan Kerin’s projects takes place this Thursday from 8.45pm in Russell Park. Support a great cause, €40 for a table of four.

Minor footballers face St Mark’s away on Sunday at 11am. Senior hurlers face Naomh Mearnog in the league this Saturday at 6pm in Russell Park. Inter hurl-ers face St Vincent’s away on Saturday at 6pm. Junior hurl-ers face Liffey Gaels away on Sunday at 11am.

Senior 2 footballers face

Round Towers in cup on Sunday at 11am in Russell. Inter footballers face Jude’s in cup on Sunday at 11am in Russell.

Junior A footballers also face Castleknock on Sunday away. Time TBC.

Club lot to takes place in The Roselawn Inn this Thursday with a jackpot of €12,200.

Our deepest sympathies are extended to the Reidy and Darcy family on their recent losses.

CLUB boxing night is on this Saturday in the club from 8pm. Tickets are selling fast and a limited number still remain, please see club for details.

Great wins on the f ield last Sunday for the junior B and C footballers; our senior hurlers played out a draw in the Leinster League. They play Plunkett’s this Saturday at 6pm on club pitch.

Member sh ips a re now overdue. Please note mem-berships are the same as last year.

Any member not buying lotto tickets visit CNP.ie and support your club for only €2 a week.

The lottery jackpot was not won, numbers drawn were 2, 14, 27 and 28. Next week’s jackpot is €3,000 and is also available to play online using the link on the club website.

Club race night is on in the clubhouse on April 21. Please give this your full support.

Enter tainment this Sat-urday in the club is from Smashin’ Monkeys.

Club shop is open on Mon-days, Wednesdays and Fri-days from 6pm to 7pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 12pm.

Bingo is on Wednesday night at 8.30pm.

If anybody within the club would like to make a differ-ence and join a committee please see club website for details and contacts.

ST PEREGRINE’S

AFL 5Round Towers 0-17

Castleknock 2-10

STEPHEN FINDLATER

[email protected]

SUPER-sub Jason Mock-ler scored a last-ditch point to grab victory for Round Towers at the Clondalkin Community Centre to deny a Rory Corcoran-inspired Castleknock.

Indeed, the hosts will feel justice was finally done after ’Knock profited from a con-tentious first-half goal when the ball looked to be clearly over the sideline in the build-up.

Jerry Kelly kept playing while the Hoops’ defenders stalled, and Corcoran scram-bled in his second goal for an imposing six-point lead.

It left former Towers’ man

Tom McCormack – an All-Ireland minor winner in 1982 – frustrated as the Dub-lin 15 side had their noses in front for long periods, before enduring their first loss of the campaign.

But Towers’ overall strength in midfield and around the breaks kept creating scor-ing positions for the likes of Denis Mackin (0-7, 0-6 from frees) and Eoin Walsh (0-4) who constantly kept the scor-ing sheet updated.

It was a cracking tie, played out in glorious Sunday morn-ing sunshine, and took little time to get up-and-running with Mackin opening his account before the lively Paul Hughes responded.

Towers tacked on another couple of points before Cor-coran began to hit his straps. He netted his first major in the 12th minute cutting in from the right wing, despite initially losing the run of the ball, as he bundled past two defenders and rifled in off his left boot.

He got the next three points, too, as his power and running into the space from corner-forward was dragging the home defenders all over the place.

Walsh’s second point reduced the margin to three but Corcoran’s second – vehemently debated by Paul

Lanigan – stretched the mar-gin once more.

Eoin Moore and Paul Stynes, though, were becom-ing greater influences on the tie, both pointing from mid-field while Ger Homan and Eoghan Young also registered as they went in at half-time at 2-5 to 0-9 down.

Corcoran added the first two scored of the second half – en route to a personal tally of 2-6 – but the strength of Walsh was proving too hot to handle for the Castle-knock defence, though Derek Kinevey put in a string of big interventions.

The bar played its part too, denying Castleknock while Walsh’s fourth skipped over off the upright.

Mackin cleared the bar with two successive frees to nudge Towers in front in the 51st minute but quick retorts from Cathal Daly and Kelly swapped the lead going into the last minute of normal time.

Indiscipline cost the visi-tors, though, as a free was advanced ten metres for back-chat and Mackin tied it up.

And Mockler produced an excellent solo effort to flash in from the right channel and clear the bar, preceding the final whistle by just a couple of seconds.

Corcoran leads line but Towers take tie

Castleknock’s Cathal Daly in action at Clondalkin

AFL 5: LAST-GASP POINT STEALS POINTS FROM ’KNOCK

INTERMEDIATES lost to Scoil Ui Chonaill away in a Div 4 league tie on Saturday evening.

Junior 1s lost narrowly to St Mary’s in Saggart in Div 6 on Sunday morning. Junior 2s were resting after their strenu-ous endeavours last week.

Our three men’s teams have home cup fixtures in West-manstown next weekend, with the intermediates taking on O’Dwyer’s on April 16 at 6pm. On Sunday, the Junior 1s play Wanderers at 11am, with Junior 2s taking on Na Fianna at 3pm.

Men’s training continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm.

GARDAGood inter start for St Brigid’s [email protected]

St Brigid’s will make the short hop down the Navan Road to Blakestown to begin the defence of their Dub-lin Intermediate Football Championship crown on Wednesday, April 27, (7pm) following the county board’s confirmation of the dates and times for the opening round ties in the competi-tion.

Unable to claim promo-tion to SFC level due to

their first team already being at that level, Brigid’s are endeavouring to become a rare breed, by retaining the inter title won last autumn in Parnell Park.

Campaign openerThey start their campaign

with a game against Good Counsel before, should they advance, facing either Bal-lymun Kickhams or St Vin-cent’s on May 4 in Parnell Park.

Their senior team, mean-

while, takes to the field on Saturday, April 30 in the first round of the SFC against Templeogue Synge Street in St Finian’s grounds in New-castle.

Facing the side recently promoted to AFL1, and led by the powerful Eoghan O’Gara, Mark Byrne’s side will be battling for a place in the second round draw with either Ballinteer St John’s or St Mark’s.

Of the other local sides, St Peregrine’s route is a

tricky one, getting under-way against Lucan Sars-fields who went deep in the competition last year and are powered by a resurgent Paul Casey.

They swap venues with their Brigid’s counterparts and play their opening round game in Russell Park on Fri-day, April 29 (7pm).

They potentially face St Anne’s or St Jude’s in the next series of games whihc take place in O’Toole Park on May 7.

ALL OF YOUR CASTLEKNOCK SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31 APRIL 14, 2011

ROB HEIGH

THE culmination of almost a decade of planning and hard work was seen at Somer-ton Park in Castleknock last weekend when Castleknock GAA club’s pitches at the park were officially opened.

When the sod was turned by former Taoi-seach Bertie Ahern in 2008, the club set them-selves on a path to create a bespoke facility that would take both the club and the local community to a new level.

Now, with two adult pitches, one of which is a Prunty pitch; a sand-based all-weather pitch, an all-weather pitch for training and for the underage teams to play on, as well as flood-lights, a hurling wall and a sprinkler system to keep the ground in good condition, the club have achieved a considerable milestone in their history.

Over 1,000 people turned up on the day to celebrate the opening of the grounds, enjoy-

ing a wide range of events, including match-es involving the club’s Under-8 to Under-18 teams, as well as fun matches between adult members of the club.

Medals for success on the day were present-ed by Shane Boland, the Castleknock player who lines out for the Dublin minor hurlers.

Minister for Sport, Leo Varadkar, sent a mes-sage of congratulations, while Minister Joan Burton, along with Deputies Brian Lenihan and Joe Higgins were in attendance.

The day was topped off by a social evening at the Castleknock Hotel, which was attended by over 200 people.

The grounds have already seen a number of prominent visitors, including the Sam Maguire trophy and RTE’s Marty Morrissey, who was impressed with the progress that the club have made over the course of their history. The facil-ity has also been endorsed at an inter-county level, with Dublin’s minor hurlers playing Tip-perary and Kilkenny at Somerton recently.

Speaking to GazetteSport, Castleknock PRO, Dave O’Brien was thrilled to see the facility come to fruition.

“Castleknock GAA is very much a commu-nity-based enterprise.

“It’s great to see the potential of Somerton and it being used by the Castleknock commu-nity in general. It’s very much a community-based facility.

“You don’t need to be a great player to use the facilities, but we are building our player base for the future as well. Somerton is an ele-ment of it.

“If you look at the GAA, and our club in par-ticular, volunteers and community is the basis of the club, its foundation and it plays such a positive role in our community.

“From working with and mentoring kids, to working on things like fundraising and ground development, it has been a huge undertaking, all undertaken by volunteers and that’s the beauty of the club.”

Somerton Park development officially opens and club eyes bright future at their new home

Ga

zetteSPORT

A new era begins A new era begins for Castleknockfor Castleknock

A great day of sport and social activity was seen at Castleknock’s new Somerton Park facility when it officially opened last weekend

FORCED OUT: Garda bow out of the

Metropolitan Cup in semi-final: Page 28

INSIDE: Local stars shine in the Great Ireland Run: P29

Castleknock

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