Blanch

YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER April 26, 2012

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ..................... 2

BUSINESS .................... 19

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

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

ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24

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

Rugby: Garda secure AIL league title with victoryPage 28

Football: St Brigid’s prevail in championship derby encounterPage 31

RECYCLE THIS COPY. KEEP DUBLIN TIDY.

INSIDE: Enjoying the introduction of a

brand new store P2

OPEN DAY: At Powerstown Educate Together National School See Pages 8-9

Charity devastated as thugs steal vanOrganiser appeals for assistance to get business back

� LAURA WEBB

A PLEA has been made for unwanted rails, stands, man-nequins and hangers to help get a charity event back up and running after mindless thugs stole the van carry-ing stock needed to keep the event going.

The organiser of Swap Styles, Aoife Keogh, was left devastated after the white transit van used to carry the stock for the event was stolen last February. Two months on there is still no sign of the van.

“Everything from that event was in that van. The gardai

were contacted and I have contacted them again since, but it hasn’t been found.

“I’m devastated by it,” Aoife told the Gazette.

The incident has now put a halt on forthcoming events, which were to raise money for St Francis Hospice.

Full Story on Page 6

Whole lotto luck:Conal claimshis winnings IT WAS a lucky day for local man Conal Gormley, from Clonsilla, when he won €34,800 on last Saturday’s National Lot-tery Winning Streak TV game show. At the presentation were: John Gilmore, ticket selling agent from Spar, Weaver’s Row, Clonsilla; Gerri Maye, game show host; Conal Gormley, win-ning participant; Peter Plunkett, Head of IT The National Lot-tery; Madeline Gilmore, also ticket selling agent from Spar, Weaver’s Row and Marty Whe-lan, game show host.

FREE GAZETTEGAZETTEBlanch

2 BLANCH GAZETTE 26 April 2012

EVENT CompuB Blanchardstown holds its opening

Shane McCarthy; Cian Donohoe, assistant manager; Zoe Magliocco, supervisor; Andrea Molloy; Richard McNally, assistant manager;

Vlad Sikora and Marcin Hierzejewski. Pictures: Ian Fleming

Introducing a brand new storeT

HERE was a keen sense of anticipation at the opening of the new CompuB store in the Blanchardstown Centre last weekend.

The store, which is a premium reseller for Apple products, enticed people from far and wide with

10% of all products on the day, leading to them selling out of a number of lines.

Visitors enjoyed chatting with the experienced Apple experts on the range of products available and the latest Apple products and accessories.

THE former AIB build-ing sitting in the heart of Blanchardstown Village should be given back to the community for use of vital services.

That’s according to Labour TD, Patrick Nulty.

CutsThe Dublin West TD

said: “Many commu-nity organisations have received cuts to their grants affecting their ability to pay rents and there is huge pressure on them to pay the bills and continue to provide quality services.

“Vacant units at the heart of our community are not only an eyesore

but are also an appall-ing waste of decent buildings.

“The Blanchardstown Centre for the Unem-ployed and other Com-munity Employment type projects would be ideal candidates to move into this location.

“They would enhance Blanch village and be excellent neighbours for local businesses.

“In addition, it would save money for the tax-payer on rents.

“It is high time we started to develop inno-vative local solutions to our problems and uti-lising vacant space like the AIB Building,” he added.

VILLAGE: SERVICES

‘Use vacant building’

Barry with daughter Katelynn Doyle and John and Kevin Boyle

Ben Thompson checking out some of what was on

offer in the store

Sam Walsh, Sonia Abdalhady, Atef Allam, Mostafa Soliman and Sorcha Sherlock

Annette Davey, facilities manager, Blanchardstown Centre, and

Zoe Magliocco, supervisor CompuB

Ger Manley, CompuB country manager, Annette

Davey, facilities manager Blanchardstown Centre,

and Liam Donohoe, Apple country manager

26 April 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 3

Putting some soul back into music

� LAURA WEBB

[email protected]

A DUBLIN couple are putting soul back into music with their band, Jezzebelle, a rhythm and roots sound that is showcasing across Ire-land.

Living in Blanchard-stown, Katie Carpenter (27), originally from Tal-laght, and Gary Burke (29), from Lucan, have been making music together since they met in Ballyfermot School of Rock eight years ago.

The band has released a number of albums, singles and EPs over the years, with the latest EP, Back to the Start, released on March 22.

Last week, the duo played an intimate gig in Bewley’s Theatre to mark the latest release. They are also set to play Gibney’s in Malahide on April 30.

Speak ing to the Gazette this week, Katie said smaller venues work well for their rhythm and roots sound.

“Outdoor festivals aren’t bui l t for us . Acoustic sounds are better played in venues like Bewley’s Theatre

which holds about 50 people.”

When asked what genre would better suit their style of music, Katie said “acoustic rhythm and roots”.

“We usually play just the two of us – two vocals, a guitar and a stamp pedal. Some-times we are joined by drum and bass players, which works well with our sound; it’s a lot of stamp and a great bit of energy.”

They cite their main influences as Fleetwood Mac and Bruce Spring-steen.

The duo is now set to tour Ireland, following six months travelling across America and Canada.

“We try to do all our original music; we trav-el a lot and the plan is to tour up and down the country this year. It’s busy.”

The name Jezzebelle was Gary’s idea, a name that Katie liked instant-ly.

“It was only af ter touring that I realised what it meant. But I like the stuff it [the name] brings up. It means roots and a bit wild, we

BAND Jezzebelle get set to impress locals

Katie Carpenter and Gary Burke

300300wdswds

like what it stirs in peo-ple’s minds.”

What star ted out as a couple of friends loving the same music and interested in set-ting up a band, soon turned into a music love story – “the band came first and then we got together,” Katie laughed. “It works well for us because we travel

a lot so we still get to see each other.”

For further informa-tion on Jezzebelle, or to hear their music, log onto www.jezebelle-music.com The website also lists upcoming gigs. Jezzebelle’s official new EP - Back to the Start - is available from iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, eMusic and Zune.


Thugs steal charity van

THIEVES: BUSINESS IS RUINED AFTER THEFT

MINDLESS thugs have left a charity event organ-iser without a business after stealing a white tran-sit van that carried all the stock needed to run the event.

Aoife Keogh, of Swap Styles, a charity event that allows people to clear out wardrobes by swapping clothes, was left devastated after her van was stolen follow-ing the last event in the Grasshopper, Clonee in February. Two months on, and there is still no sign of the van.

“Everything from that event was in that van. The gardai were contacted, and I have contacted them again since, but it hasn’t been found. It has disappeared off the face of the earth,” Aoife told the Gazette.

The incident has now put a halt on forthcom-ing events, which were to

fundraise for St Francis Hospice in Dublin 15. “Financially, I can’t set it up again. It is purely a charity event for the hos-pice. I’m devastated by it. I loved doing it and people were beginning to get a hold of what it was about. So many people are asking me when the shop is on again,” she told the Gazette.

Aoife is now hoping the generosity from local businesses can help her get the swap shop event back on track.

“I am hoping shop owners or investors, who think it’s a good idea, might donate unwanted rails, stands, mannequins or boxes of hangers - it would really help get it back up and running.”

To help, contact Aoife by logging onto www.face-book.com/?ref=home#!/SwapStyles.ie or email [email protected]

Garden Fair to raise funds for centreHUNTSTOWN Ladies’ Club is hosting a fund-raising Garden Fair to raise money for the local community centre.

Radio and TV person-ality, Peter Donnegan, from the Sod Show, will make a guest appear-ance on the day to give advice and tips on grow-ing your garden.

Loca l bus ines ses have donated a range of plants and baskets to sell at the fair.

Proceeds from the fair will go back to the cen-tre to help with the run-ning of clubs, including the youth club.

The Garden Fair takes place from 7.30pm until 9.30pm on May 3 at Huntstown Community Centre.

Admittance for this event is €2.

HUNTSTOWN

We have a winner: Abbie’s art wins top prize in a colouring competitionTHE WOODIE’S DIY Child Celebrity winner is Abbie Flood, from Scoil Mhuire Senior National School in Blakestown Mulhud-dart. She was the lucky winner of the “Be a Celebrity for a Day” Woodie’s DIY and Dulux Colouring Competition. There were thousands of entries from surround-ing schools in the area, with the standard of entries so high that it was difficult for judges to pick a winner, but they were unanimous in picking Abbie.

Woodie’s have a great day lined up for Abbie and lots of prizes. Abbie will be picked up by chauffeur-driven car and will officially open the new store in Blanchard-stown Retail Park. She also wins a compu-ter for herself and one for her school plus numerous other prizes, including a €100 voucher for a bookshop, €50 voucher for a music store, €100 voucher for Woodie’s DIY, a cuddly toy Dulux Dog and a family pass for the cinema.

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

ADVERTISE WITH THE

GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240


TRANSPORT Vital land is signed over to Irish Rail

Train station opening gets back on track� LAURA WEBB

LAND for a much-need-ed access road to the idle train station at Hansfield has been signed over to Irish Rail.

During the Easter break, contracts were signed, transferring the land to Irish Rail. Accord-ing to local councillor Kieran Dennison, this could see construction begin in the summer.

The state-of-the-art sta-tion has remained closed since construction on it was completed in 2010 because no access road was built. Negotiations between Fingal County Council, Irish Rail and two developers have

been ongoing, and were delayed because one of the two developers went into receivership last October.

News came this week that the land has finally been signed over to Irish Rail.

Welcoming the news, Fine Gael’s Kieran Den-nison said: “I want to acknowledge the assist-ance of Minister Leo Varadkar who helped to bring the various par-ties together to achieve this deal on a very tight timetable. Fingal County Council, Iarnrod Eireann, The NRA, Kavanagh Fennell (the receivers of Manor Park Homes) and Menolly all worked very

hard to reach the agree-ment, which was signed on the Thursday before Easter.

“As well as the land for the access road, FCC bought 14.78 acres for primary and secondary school sites to provide for future needs in the Hansfield area. Blan-chardstown West Edu-cate Together, which is currently in pre-fabs at Castaheany, will be one of the schools to locate there. Councillors approved the transfer of the land to the Depart-ment of Education at the April council meeting for €275,000 per acre.

“The price for this land, at €4,064,500, is 40%

Local councillor, Kieran Dennison

lower than that paid for a similar size plot at Kellys-town in 2010 to provide for Schoil Choilm and Luttrellstown Commu-nity College.

“There was an oppor-tunity for the council to acquire the land at a much reduced market price to provide infra-structure up front, which

is something this new government is keen to do.

“Hansfield now has a brand new train station and school sites and is well able to accommo-date new development in the area whenever that may be,” Cllr Dennison added.

L a s t w e e k , t h e

Gazette reported that the tendering process to find a construction company to build the access road has been put on hold until An Bord Pleanala make a decision on its planning permission for a tempo-rary car park.

A decision is due by the end of the month.

Plan for new pitch PLANS for a new all-weather pitch, beside Mountview Community Centre, have been wel-comed this week by Fian-na Fail councillor, David McGuinness.

Fingal County Coun-cil received the planning application for a new all-weather soccer pitch (100m x 64m) adjacent to the existing community campus, perimeter path and viewing area, as well as floodlighting.

Commenting on the application, councillor McGuinness said: “A par-ticular congratulations needs to be extended to centre manager, Mick Harrop, and his staff for their persistence in bring-ing this project to plan-ning stage.

“This facility will be a huge benefit to the local Mountview, Fortlawn and Lohunda communi-ties who already have a state-of-the-art commu-nity campus on site.”

COUNCIL

Innovation in eye care with Opticalrooms.com

Commercial Feature

OPTICALROOMS is a new optical service within the busy Meridian Clinic in Roselawn shopping centre. This service pro-vides a comprehensive eye examination and to then facilitates people to purchase their glasses and contact lenses online. They offer the tradition service also for people not interested in the online element.

The benefit is the huge savings to be found in their glasses and in all their optical products.

“Due to the fact we do not have all the expenses related to a store we have passed on the savings to our customers,” says Mr Stack the owner and

founder of Opticalrooms.com

“All eye examinations include an assessment for Glaucoma, Diabetes, Macular Degeneration and Cataract develop-ment. Our virtual store at www.OpticalRooms.com will have pre-populated information for each indi-vidual patient following their consultation. Here patients can view their prescription, what was recommended and order or repeat order glasses or contact lenses as they require.

“Using the latest tech-nology and equipment on the market our non invasive imaging system produces images of the

eye from the layers of the cornea right back to the retina and the choroid body. In addition, we use an FDA approved Hen-son visual field analyser. This has a multitude of visual field tests that allow early and accurate detec-tion of glaucoma.

“It is fully compliant for the proposed RSA driving license requirements for both Group 1 and Group 2 applicants.

Mr Don Stack F.A.O.I.The founder Mr Don

Stack F.A.O.I. is an Optometrist with over 20 years experience. He has been running his own Practices since 1994 and brings with him a wealth of

knowledge from his indus-try. I am excited about this new development in the eye care industry, the emphasis will be placed on the examination and the retail end will be offered at the minimal cost to the patient.

“Generally the eye exam is used as a means of get-ting people into the store for the purpose of purchas-ing glasses. By removing this incentive I feel people will choose the quality of the eye exam as their moti-vation”.

Visit Opticalrooms.com to make an appointment or visit them at The Meredian Clinic, Roselawn Shopping Centre, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, 01 779 0999.

The latest technology is used like the Topcon 3D OCT-2000 and the Henson visual field analyser


Open Day funP

OWERSTOWN Educate Together National School held their official Open Day recently with local politi-

cians and councillors, community groups, businesses and the Tyrrelstown/Mulhud-dart Community invited to attend.

The event was a very enjoyable occasion with the Garda Band giving a special per-formance. There was also a puppet show, a magic show, a children’s disco and face-painting to entertain the boys and girls.

Sumithsa Basha, Shameesa Basha and Masub Basha. Pictures: James DevonBreda Clarke with her son

Minister for Transport, Tourism and

Sport, Leo Varadkar

The Minister for Social

Protection, Joan Burton

Alex and Karina Emily Logan and Helena Regan

John and Sorcha Burke

EVENT Powerstown Educate Together National School


Appy time at a launchD

UBLIN’S D2 nightclub was the venue for a very glamorous launch of the Bavaria City Racing App for the Bavar-

ia City Racing event, which will be held in June.

The event will feature five hours of non-stop motorsport action for everyone to enjoy in the heart of Dublin city centre.

Caterham F1 Team will line up alongside an ever-growing list of international and domestic motorsport talent that includes the Vodafone McLaren F1 team, the Aprilia Superbike team, the Motorbase British Touring Car team and the GP2 Teams.

Rebecca Tyrrell, Niamh Kavanagh, Emma Stafford, Adzee Merai, Megan Buggy and

Brian Kiely. Pictures: Ian Fleming Stewart Connolly with Adzee Merai

Sandra Dodd, Brian Kiely and Ciara Hennessy

Jack Tune, Ceoladh Pratt, Robert Rogers, Lisa Murphy and Daniel Lafferty Ciara McAlaree and Jayne Owens

EVENT Bavaria City Racing App launch campaign

26 April 2012 GAZETTE 11

Getting into the spirit of things at a festivalSNAPSHOT The stories of the day from around the capital

12 GAZETTE 26 April 2012

Kathryn Thomas, Emily Duffy and Natasha Duffy at the launch of the Spirit

of Folk Festival held in Whelan’s on Wexford Street recently

THE Spirit of Folk festival launched with a bang recently as festival goers, musicians and some famous faces flocked to Whelan’s of Camden Street, to celebrate the unique event.

TRAZ, Bunioscionn, The Young Folk and The Hot Sprock-ets took to the stage with an attentive audience taking in the folky-inspired tunes ranging from traditional Irish to country rock.

Spirit of Folk, now in its sec-ond year, aims to create an event where lovers of folk, trad, blue-grass and country can come and revel in the best Ireland and Brit-ain has to offer.

It doesn’t stop there, however, with living history, storytell-ing, archery, falconry, games, ancient druidic rituals, as well as a mind, body, soul area filling the grounds at Dunderry Park, County Meath, where it will be held from September 21 to 23.

As one punter put it: “If the quality of music tonight is any-thing to go by, the festival should be a stomper!”

Spirit of Folk early bird tickets are now on sale starting at just €65 for the weekend. See www.spiritoffok.com for more details.

A sweet move to raise funds A DUBLIN hairdresser is hoping to raise €10,000 for St Francis Hospice when it gives every penny made on May 13 to the charity.

Brown Sugar, on South Wil-liam Street, in Dublin’s city cen-tre, will open its doors on May

13 to fundraise for the hospice in Blanchardstown and Raheny.

The salon offers make-up and brow treatments, as well as the usual hair styling and pamper-ing.

From 12pm until 5.30pm every cent made on the day will go to the hospice. To book an appointment at Brown Sugar book, Tel: 01-616 9967 or see brownsugar.ie.

St Francis Hospice provides palliative care for patients suf-fering from cancer and motor neurone disease.

Bressie boost for very good causeWATCH out, Bressie’s about, and he is coming to Castleknock to help raise money for a very good cause.

This May 3, the singer/songwrit-

er and Voice of Ireland judge, aka Niall Breslin, will lend his celebrity status to charity.

He is set to host a charity lunch at Brasserie 15 in Castleknock with all proceeds going to can-cer support centre - Lakelands Area Retreat and Cancer Centre (LARCC).

He will be joined with special guests to host the event, which is offering a three-course meal with wine, plus some great entertain-ing.

The charity lunch takes place on May 3 at 1pm. Tickets cost €65 and are available by calling Brasserie 15 on 01-828580.

The LARCC Centre, Mullingar, gives support and holistic help to people living with cancer, provid-ing a supportive environment where patients and family mem-bers can participate in their cours-es, obtain information and experi-ence complementary therapies.

GazettePETSPETSBrought to you by Miriam Kerins of

the DSPCA

THE FACTS: IT DOESN’T TAKE MUCH AT ALL TO KEEP YOUR PET CAT KEEN

Keeping your cat smilingW

ELL, well, well, w h o ’ d h a v e thought there were

so many lovely cat people out there and I’m delight-ed you’re all regular read-ers of my column.

I’d like to start this week by thanking you for your phone calls regarding my FIV piece; I’m so glad it was of help to you.

With that in mind, and since cats appear to be so popular, I thought I’d ded-icate this week’s column to cat toys and cat play with an aim to help you make your home a more stimulating environment for Miss Kitty.

First of all let me say that, when it comes to self amusement, cats are experts and it doesn’t take much to keep them keen. For example, if you have a balled up piece of paper or a little rubber ball you can flick, well Miss Kitty will be in puurrfect heav-en just chasing and swat-ting it.

When it comes to self amusement, cats are experts


In fact, the clever cat may actually like to play “fetch”, by placing an object in your lap, expect-ing you to throw if for her.

And, yep, I know, pets’ toys can be expensive; I’ve got dogs who have man-aged to shred every single “guaranteed unbreak-able”, toy I’ve purchased, but with a cat it’s differ-ent; you don’t need to raid the piggy bank to keep her happy. Below are a few of my very simple, but doa-ble, hints for playthings for you to make Miss Kitty Claws.

• An empty cardboard box is a great way for cats to investigate and play hide and seek. Or make a cat apartment by attach-ing boxes together and cutting out doors and windows.

• Make it a family affair and set the kids a project by getting them to make felt mice stuffed with cat-nip.

• Used paper towel, or toilet roll, tubes are great for Kitty to unwind.

• Paper bags are fab but

make sure you remove the handles. Never, ever use plastic bags, they are a suffocation risk and sometimes cats can chew and choke on the plastic.

• Plastic golf balls… you know the ones hubby uses for practise. Steal one from his stash and place it in a dry bath tub and let Kitty play.

• Cats love anything that moves so why not get a tub of bubbles and blow them through the air and let Kitty catch and burst them.

• Turn off the lights, get the torch out and play shadows on the wall by dangling cat toys back and forth encouraging your cat to leap up at the wall trying to catch her prey.

Keep it safeCat-proof your home

and keep objects, such as pins, needles, plastic bags, chewable items, elastic bands, including hair bob-bins, paper clips, staples, dental floss, etc., out of reach of your cat.

Keep it interestingLike all good relation-

ships it’s good to keep your playmate happy so, if Kitty has a favourite toy, keep it handy but do rotate the others in order to provide her with a bit of variety. You know, toys to roll, toys to pounce upon, toys to cuddle and toys to wrestle with. You could also try hiding a few and letting her find them. Remember, play strength-ens the bond between pet and parent, so make sure your toys are interactive.

CatnipFirst of all, what is cat-

nip? It’s a type of herb, it’s perfectly safe, it’s a mem-ber of the mint family and it contains a chemical that, when crushed, gives off an odour that attracts cats. It’s worthwhile remembering that cats who have access to catnip on a regular basis tend to become bored with it; so get creative and rotate those toys.

Petting your catWe’ve discussed ways

to entertain your cat but never underestimate the power of petting Miss Kitty. It’s beneficial for both pet and parent and for best results, pet her on the side of the head and, between the eyes and ears where her scent glands are located, that way she can deposit her special scent on your hand.

Remember the above are simply guidelines that I hope will improve your cat’s playtime and stimu-late her mentally and physically, giving your feline hours of fun.

For more informa-tion, contact your local equine vet or log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at [email protected]

GazetteBEAUTYBEAUTYLight, luminate and lift-off for No7 new skincare rangeC

OSMETIC giant No7 is setting new standards in anti-ageing skin-

care with its new Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum for women aged 45 and over.

T h e s e r u m w a s launched this week and, according to No7, it is proven to tackle three key signs of ageing for women aged 45 and over – lines and wrin-kles, loss of firmness and uneven pigmenta-tion.

“No7’s innovations are always developed having identified and understood women’s skincare needs and wants,” a spokesperson for No7 said. “These insights have made No7

the leader in the anti-ageing category with products that work, to make women look and feel good.

“With proven solu-tions for women of all ages, No7 now has a range of serums which specifically address all three key signs of age-ing.”

Boots experts con-sulted with leading sci-entists and dermatolo-gists to understand pig-mentation, the current solutions available and the emotional impact on women.

Dr Katherine Mul-rooney, Cosmetic Der-matologist at The Clin-ic, Sandymount Green in Dublin said: “There is no doubt that skin

ageing has a significant effect on patients, par-ticularly women.

“Signs of skin ageing tend to manifest in the 40-plus age group when patients present in my clinic with concerns about irregular skin tone, such as hyper-pigmentation and age spots, broken veins, fine lines, wrinkles and dull, lax skin.

“Effective treatment options, such as IPL and FRAXEL Laser, chemical peels, and prescription creams are available. However, they require patient compliance during and after the treatments for long-term results.

“I would gladly wel-come a specific, safe, at-

home skincare regime to tackle this problem,” said Dr Mulrooney.

To ensure the new serum met the high s t a n d a r d s wo m e n expect from No7, Boots experts worked with world leaders in anti-ageing to create the for-mulation.

No7 Lift and Lumi-nate Day and Night Serum has been test-ed in over 20 studies, including a break-through clinical trial, two supporting clinical trials and on over 1,200 women.

No7 Lift and Lumi-nate Day and Night Serum (2 x 15ml) is available exclusively in Boots stores nationwide priced at €34.

No7 setting new standards in anti-ageing skincare

with its new Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum

WITH celebrity fans such as Julia Roberts, Rhianna and Katy Perry, it’s no wonder Touche Eclat is still Yves Saint Laurent’s best seller 20 years after being released.

To celebrate this milestone, YSL has launched a collector’s edition of its Touche Eclat. The complex-ion enhancer is an essential tool for every make-up bag and is widely known as a magic wand. It places an invisible layer of light, erasing dark areas of fatigue, lines and hallows.

Yves Saint Laurent 20th Anniversary Col-lector Edition has a RRP of €35.

YSL’s bring

a Touche of

magic


Edited by

Laura Webb

SUMMER has yet to come, so, in the meantime, staying a shade darker than milky is still a look we are trying to achieve, and with a little help of some feline inspired bronzers - it’s possible.

Although most of us are still covering up from arms to legs, faces and necklines are still on show. Looking at most Spring/Summer catwalks they are simmering with spicy colours such as burnished gold, warm bronze and molten copper. Taking some inspiration from this trend, Maybel-line has brought out a new feline inspired Dream Terra Sun Bronzer for a great golden, safari glow – even if we can’t make the real thing.

The Dream Terra Sun Bronzer is avail-able in three shades – Light Bronze, Tiger and Golden. Test the shade before you purchase and chose the one that is closet to your skin tone to give it a healthy glow. The Light Bronze and Tiger shades have a natural pinkness ideal for fair to medium complexions, while Golden is more cop-per, perfect for olive skin tones or as a blush for darker skin tones.

Maybeline launches

new range of bronzers

for summer market

Armani arrives with burst of colour

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GAZETTE Beauty is getting lippy this week, and is taking a look at

Giorgio Armani Cos-metic’s new sheer rouge range.

More and more lips are being treated to great colour block this season, and Rouge d’Armani Sheers are keeping up with the trend with its a range of vibrant and stylish shades.

Three such colours delighting the palette include straight orange to pink-orange — Acid Tangerine 300, Tokyo Coral 301 and Orange Mutation 302.

Reds are available in Red Carpet 400, Ripe 401 and Scar-lato 402, and there are three lively transparent pinks: Ecstasy 500, Vita 501, Blush 502, and

our favourite, as well as three purple shades of variable intensity: Bit-ten 600, Tulipe Noire 601, Black Laquer 602.

The l ipst icks are resistant to water and lock in hydration on the lip surface for over eight hours. With a creamy texture and feathery lightness, the new range acts as a great balm.

Linda Cantello, Arm-ani’s cosmetic director said: “The Sheers are a revolutionary new lip-stick hybrid. The vivid-ness of lipstick with the translucency of a gloss and the comfort of a lip balm — colour like you’ve never seen before.”

G i o r g i o A r m a n i Rouge Sheer range of lipsticks is available from Brown Thomas, Dublin, and Brown Thomas, Cork, with a RRP of €26. Megan Fox, the face of Giorgio Armani’s Beauty Visual Rouge d’Armani Sheers range


GazetteMUSICMUSIC

Unsigned acts battle for ultimate prize

Banks can use their online savvy to land a digital marketing and promotional prize

� ROB HEIGH

WITH bands trying every way possible to break through and get the atten-tion their music deserves, Microsoft and MUZU TV, in association with IMRO, are opening the doors for new unsigned bands to compete via online media and try to win the grand Unsigned and Online prize.

The initiative, which is designed to promote independent Irish music, challenges unsigned Dublin bands to creative-ly use a suite of Microsoft products, social network-ing and a smart online presence to promote their band, to rise up though the MUZU TV leader board and com-pete for the prize.

The band that secures the biggest online fan base at the end of the eight-week initiative will be crowned the winner of the inaugural Unsigned and Online competi-tion. This band will win a prize that is designed to help them to bring their music to the masses, val-ued at over €10,000.

The prize consists of a digital marketing campaign for the band across the major Micro-soft platforms, includ-ing Windows Live and

MSN. They will also win an acoustic session in the MUZU TV studio, and a slot in the line-up at Dublin’s Academy, giv-ing a real profile boost to the winning band.

Speak ing a t the launch, Orla Sheridan of Microsoft Ireland said: “Through our con-sumer research, and on the ground work in third level campuses across the country, we know that music is a passion and consumers are increas-ingly accessing it via dig-ital channels.

“What is interesting is despite the fact that this audience is techno-

NEW BANDS: MICROSOFT AND MUZU PARTNER FOR CONTEST

logically enabled, many have only scratched the surface of what can be achieved through tech-nology and the web. The truth is that musi-cians can now creatively script, shoot and edit a film-quality video and syndicate it to their com-munity with just a few clicks.

“It is for that reason that we decided to part-ner with MUZU TV. We want to merge the best of what Microsoft technol-ogy offers with MUZU TV’s reach, capability and music expertise to create an initiative that will make a real differ-

ence to unsigned Irish bands and those who love up and coming music acts.”

Ciaran Bollard, CEO of MUZU TV added: “We are delighted to come together with Microsoft to provide an engaging platform for unsigned bands to get their music out there.

“Unsigned and Online will enable bands to explore new ground with their music and will help music lovers discover new bands.

“There are so many talented new Irish bands out there with little or no platform of support out-

side their city or town. Microsoft and MUZU TV would like to begin to change that with an ini-tiative that opens up the full potential and reach of the web to bands that want to embrace and explore it.”

For details on how to enter log onto www.face-book.com/unsignedan-donline. The competi-tion will close on June 13 when the top act on the MUZU TV leader board will be crowned the winner. Music lovers are invited to track the progress of their favour-ite band on www.muzu.tv/unsignedandonline.


EASTENDERS, Corrie, Fair City, you can keep ‘em. Their plot lines pale in comparison to the outrageous soap opera drama that sur-rounds Axl Rose.

The plot thickens as the Guns N’Roses frontman pens yet ANOTHER open letter following his refusal of the invitation and induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this month.

Now he’s written an apology to the city of Cleveland for snubbing the prestigious cere-mony but, in the same breath, says he doesn’t understand what the Hall is or how or why it makes money. (There are those who wonder the same about you these days, Axl.)

The G N’R lead singer also thanked those fans who are standing by him, but, funnily enough, he left out the people who did attend the gig when the rest of his band were induct-ed into the Hall of Fame, and who booed every time the word “Axl” was mentioned.

He ended the statement with this: “I once bought a homeless woman a slice of pizza who yelled at me she wanted soup. We got her the soup. You can get your own.”

Ehhh...so he’s not cooking for us any time soon?? I still have high hopes for The O2 gig with Thin Lizzy on May 17 — just bring your own soup.

FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

NIAMH Bownes is happily continu-ing a longstanding family business association with Dun Laoghaire.

Combining being a busy mother of two small children and running her, and husband, Mark’s successful business, Carpet and Flooring Con-cepts, based at Number 95, Lower Georges Street, Niamh’s days are always busy.

Her preferred field of expertise is carpet colour and quality selection, having been a professional fashion buyer in her previous career, and utilising her eye for coordinating col-ours and textures.

She has also gained a professional knowledge of carpet, laminate and timber flooring, resulting in a formal, flooring consultant qualification.

Niamh and Mark pride them-selves on maintaining excellent customer service, along with expert advice and fitting on all types of carpet and flooring, and Niamh is always looking for new, innovative flooring products.

She was thrilled to recently become Dun Laoghaire’s only stock-ist of Adore Touch luxury vinyl tiles, which are available in a selection of wood finishes along with its unique, patented Uniclic fitting system and 25-year guarantee.

Adore Touch is a wonderful addi-tion to an already excellent product range, says Niamh.

Interview: Niamh Bownes, Company Director, Carpet and Flooring Concepts

Q&A

Niamh’s rolling out the business plan

Niamh Bownes, Carpet and Flooring Concepts

Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be?A: Eddie Macken - showjumper

Q: What was your first job?A: Cutting my parents’ grass

and ironing my dad’s shirts

Q: And your first pay cheque?A: Five pounds for the grass,

and 50p a shirt

Q: When did you start your present job?A: 2010

Q: What is the best thing about your job?A: Dealing with the public, and

helping people to find what

they want at the right price

Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’?A: The measures – Mark is bet-

ter at them

Q: What sport do you follow?A: None

Q: What sport can you play?A: I could play them all, I am

sure (ie: none at all)

Q: What is your guilty music/TV or movie pleasure?A: Oh, it has to be Dr Phil ...

Hmmm, should I admit that?

Q: Who best represents mod-ern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward?A: I think it’s Jedward . They

look a bit disorganised; I think

they are clued in, and moving

in the right direction.

Q: What music/pictures/mov-ies do you have on your iPod/iPad?A: If you buy me one, I will tell

you!

Q: Who do you follow on Twit-ter/Facebook?A: Carpet and Flooring Con-

cepts

Q: What was your last Tweet/status update?A: “Adore touch, luxury vinyl

tile now in store; patented click

system for ease of fitting; no

subfloor prep required!”

Q: Describe your dream meal?A: A quiet night out for two for

Mark and I, and not having to

worry about what time to be

home for the babysitter

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

Q: Where do you enjoy spend-ing money frivolously?A: On my children

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?A: I plead the fifth, and admit

nothing

Q: What was your worst holi-day experience?A: Not really had a bad one –

touch wood!

Q: Describe your dream holiday?A: Disney world with the kids,

or a safari

Q: What would be your dream job?A: I love what I do, and

wouldn’t really want to change

it

Q: What do you plan to do when you retire?A: Travel, hire a motor bike and

drive down Route 66

WHERE COULD BE THE BEST PLACE TO INVEST MY €10,000?Q – I have €10,000 to invest from savings, and

don’t mind locking it away for up to five years.

Any suggestions? John –Drumcondra

A - It is really important to examine all the finan-

cial circumstances before locking away money

that you may need sooner than you think. Consid-

erations include:

- Rainy Day Fund - you should have circa three

to six months’ net annual income in an accessible

account for emergencies, sudden loss of income or

that investment opportunity.

This € 10,000 might be best invested in a demand

account (best currently is 3.25% - email me for

details) if you do not have the required threshold

for your RDF.

Age may be a factor- Age - a 60s investor will have different invest-

ment views than one in their 20s.

- Family - you might not realise the expensive

years ahead of you if you have, or are, thinking of

having children. Third-level costs for one child top

€42,000 – and that is without fees (source: Bank of

Ireland).

- Income - are you living within your means?

Perhaps you may be put on a short week or, worse,

be made redundant.

- Investment types - There are many forms of

investment, not all attributable to deposits. The

rate of return is an important factor ... forestry

can give up to 10% per annum, tax-free, but you

may have to wait 10 to 12 years to realise it.

To be consideredGold, while expensive, is best as part of a port-

folio of investments (they say 10% is the recom-

mended percentage), and the stock market itself

should be considered as a long-term investment.

Safety wise, you are well under the protec-

tion threshold of €100,000 per person for deposit

takers in Ireland, and, as regards State savings

(this includes National Savings Certificate – five

years and six months, offering 21% tax-free and

equivalent to 5.04% per annum from DIRT- deduct-

ing deposit takers; there is nothing better for this

term), the protection comes in the form of sover-

eign debt – an unconditional direct obligation of the

Government of Ireland.

� Contact John with your money questions at

[email protected] or visit his website at

www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the

Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing

director of Money Doctor

GazetteBUSINESSBUSINESS Supported by AIB


GazetteMOTORSMOTORS

� CORMAC CURTIS

S OME glorious sunshine decided to grace the skies above Dubl in

just before Easter, and I was lucky enough to be test-driving the latest Volkswagen Golf Cabrio-let at the time.

I couldn’t have asked for a better week to put this gorgeous little con-vertible through its paces.

Apart from the fact that my two young daughters actually squealed with delight at the idea of a car with no roof, I also got the chance to compare a very up-to-date version of a car I used to drive before it was discontinued a dec-ade ago.

Far be it from me to second-guess our German automotive overlords, but the idea to call a “halt” to the production of the Golf convertible in 2002,

and to offer the Beetle convertible in its stead, seemed ludicrous to me back then.

But that’s what they did, and the soft-top Golf was shelved indefinitely.

It came as a pleas-ant surprise when VW announced at the 2011 Motor Show in Geneva that they were reintroduc-ing the Cabrio, and I have been chomping at the bit for a chance to test one ever since.

As I mentioned, there is a little history between

myself and the Golf Cabrio.

Back in 1999, the future Mrs Cormac Curtis real-ised a dream come true – not only did she meet me in a cosy little pub in West Cork, but, that same year, she bought herself a brand-spanking new VW Golf Cabrio, in midnight blue with a black, manual soft-top roof.

For a certain genera-tion, the Golf was the perfect car; the GTI ver-sion was the Holy Grail for young, petrol-headed males – but the convert-ible? Well, that was some-thing very special.

So special, in fact, there was only one insurance company even willing to quote for such a far-out automobile – but I digress.

In my world, this par-ticular soft top was so spe-cial that it was even used as one of the wedding cars

on our wedding day.My first opportunity to

see the all-new model in the flesh was in a show-room window in Dublin 4, and, to be fair to VW, they couldn’t have hit the design nail more squarely on the head.

Being as unbiased as I can be expected to be, the new model is a mas-terclass in understated motoring elegance.

It is lower, and a good deal sleeker than its pre-vious incarnation, with a selection of tasty alloys to chose from.

The car has all the ele-ments from VW’s current style book, but it is put together in such a way that gives it a look and presence that is unmis-takably Golf.

It is a classic example of an object that is greater than the sum of its parts.

No individual element grabs you; there aren’t

any “aggressive” design features; you will not find any “flowing yet contrast-ing visual statements” ... it is simply a beautifully-designed car.

The interior, too, doesn’t go about trying to reinvent anything, either; there are dials and displays that you will find in other cars in VW’s stable, such as the Skoda Superb.

But everything just sits so well together that it really works.

The chunky steer-ing wheel with stitched leather, the gearstick with stitched leather, the brushed steel accents almost everywhere ... all pretty standard ideas, but the balance is right, and comes together in a simple, understated and incredibly comfortable cabin.

The model I drove had leather and suede upholstery with red con-

So much more thansimply aspirational

The VW Golf Cabriolet 1.2TSI is described by our correspondent as “pretty, sleek and beautiful”, as well as “the return of something great”

� Engine: 1.2-litre TSI, 105BHP, six-speed manual gearbox � Top speed: 188km/h� 0 – 100km/hr: 11.7sec� Economy: 5.7 ltr/100km� CO2 emissions: 132g� Road Tax Band: B� Entry Price: €28,465 (to €34,700)

SPECS: VW GOLF CABRIOLET 1.2TSIY


RoadRoadSignsSigns

Citroen readies a fresh new DS lineFRENCH motor manufacturer, Citroen, has announced details of a move that the company describes as a fresh look at the Citroen DS line..

Marketed in parallel alongside Citroen’s main range, the company claims the DS line explores new automotive territory.

Just two years after its launch, the DS line – comprising the Citroen DS3, DS4 and DS5 – has already notched up more than 200,000 sales worldwide.

The DS line will be launched in China this year and, to mark the event, Citroen has designed a new concept car, Numero 9, which will be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show. The concept signals the styling cues of the next three DS line models: a C-segment premium sedan, an SUV and a D-seg-ment executive saloon.

A new take on the shooting-brake body style, Numero 9’s concept is designed with plug-in full-hybrid technology; an ultra-efficient system that boasts remarkable levels of performance – 166mpg fuel economy, 50km range in ZEV mode, 295hp, a “boost” function and 39g/km of CO2.

Designed in Paris, it is hoped that Numero 9 will open a new chapter in the styling of the DS line. Subtly combining the proportions of a coupe with those of an estate, Numero 9 hints at exceptional driving sensations, with its taut lines, long bonnet and ultra-low stance (1.27m tall) on 21-inch wheels.

It also promises unique on-board comfort with its generous proportions (4.93m long and 1.94m wide, with a 3m wheelbase) providing plenty of room for rear occupants.

Numero 9 features new-generation micro-hybrid technology, designed to switch the com-bustion engine to stand-by whenever it is not required. When the driver requires speed and torque, a “boost” function combines the power of the combustion engine and electric motor to enable high levels of performance (up to 295hp). Numero 9 takes just 5.4 seconds to go from 0 to 62mph, and 25.3 seconds to travel 1,000m from a standing start.

When grip is lacking, the car switches to four-wheel drive mode, with the electric motor driv-ing the rear wheels and the combustion engine powering the front wheels. In particularly difficult driving conditions, the driver can manually select 4WD mode.

R1


trast stitching, as well as red mesh panels on the seats – which really gave the interior a little more punch.

I really, really want to say that the interior is stunning, but it falls a lit-tle short of that, which is a shame. You won’t get much change out of €29,000 for the entry-level Golf Cabrio, and, for that money, a little more wow-factor in the cabin wouldn’t go astray.

What you do get for €28,465 is the 1.2-litre TSI engine, generating 105BHP, coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox.

This is a nice combi-nation with just enough oomph and, combined

with VW’s BlueMotion Technology, means pretty low running costs.

Back in the 1999 model, we had a thirsty 1.8-litre petrol engine that wasn’t even fuel-injected, which made for some pretty hairy moments trying to overtake tractors on West Cork roads.

The powered hood comes down with the touch of a button in about eight seconds (I didn’t use a stop watch, so that’s a rough count my kids gauged for me), and there are no latches or handles to twist and turn – so, top marks for the roof design.

We have established that the Golf is pretty, sleek and beautiful – but

can you live with it?The target market for

this car will be predomi-nantly female, most likely with a few kids in tow, so it better have a practical side. And, believe it or not, it has.

In short, as we prepared for an Easter break out of town, I managed to get a bag of clothes, a camera bag, a box of food and drink, pillows, bed linen, a large toolbox, a car bat-tery booster pack, a big bag of toilet rolls, a heavy coat, jackets, kids’ coats, two car seats, two kids, a huge bag of kids’ toys and myself all into the car, with just a little imagination.

Getting the kids in and out of the rear seats was a

doddle (even easier with the roof down), and the seats could tilt and slide with ease.

There are, of course, a dizzying array of options and specs associated with this car, but most of them won’t mean an awful lot to those who feel strongly enough about it to buy one.

The attraction here is the return of something great, something aspira-tional, something with motoring heritage that brings back memories of youth ... something you simply can’t pick out of the list of options.

Those who really want one will get one, and they won’t be disappointed.

Motoring correspondent, Cormac Curtis, top, takes his daughters on a ride in the new VW Golf Cabriolet

1.2TSIy, a motor which, among several other points, he praised for its storage capacity (above)

Ford study shows danger of car textsA NEW study released by Ford shows that nearly half of European drivers admit they have read texts while driving – a highly-distracting habit that has been proven to contribute to traffic acci-dents.

The study was commissioned by Ford to under-score the safety issue as the company prepares to introduce its SYNC in-car connectivity system, which can read aloud incoming messages through a text-to-speech feature, and enables drivers to send a text reply by voice from a predetermined list of responses.

An average of 48% of motorists surveyed from Germany, Spain, France, Great Britain, Italy and Russia confessed to checking their texts while driving.

Despite the prevalence of the practise, drivers surveyed agreed overwhelmingly that reading texts on the move was dangerous. A total of 95% of drivers across the six countries agreed that tex-ting affected driver ability and safety.

At least half of those surveyed in each country said they believed driver response was 50% slower when checking messages from a mobile phone.

Christof Kellerwessel, chief functional engi-neer, Electronic and Electrical Systems Engineer-ing, Ford of Europe said: “Smartphones have so quickly become an essential part of many people’s day that it’s hard to imagine life without them.

“However, text messages can be a distraction for drivers, so the benefit of a system that can read messages aloud from compatible smartphones is obvious.”

Ford SYNC will debut this summer on the all-new B-MAX and will roll out quickly to other vehicles in Ford’s line-up, including Focus and Kuga.

The text-to-speech feature on SYNC, powered by Microsoft, retrieves messages using a simple voice command from Bluetooth-connected com-patible smartphones.

SYNC also enables drivers to send a text reply from a predetermined list of responses, helping motorists to remain focused on driving while staying in touch with contacts. The responses include: “I love you”, “Send directions” and “See u in 10min”.

SYNC’s text-to-speech feature will be compat-ible with an increasing range of smartphones, thanks to Ford’s adoption of the emerging Mes-sage Access Profile standard (MAP) for Bluetooth device-to-device connectivity, which is already used by leading mobile device manufactur-ers including Blackberry producer Research In Motion.

More than four million Ford vehicles in the US already feature SYNC, and Ford anticipates 3.5 million new vehicles in Europe will be equipped with SYNC by 2015.

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R1

Plenty of places to stay for May bank holiday� MIMI MURRAY

THE weather may have been bitterly cold over the last few weeks, but we are all holding out hope that summer will be in the air come this May bank holi-day weekend.

With that thought in mind, there are plenty of places offering deals around the country.

Longueville House is offering one where chil-dren go free.

Stay for two nights and dine on one evening in their Presidents’ Restau-rant.

Sit back and enjoy gourmet cooking by chef/proprietor, William O’Callaghan. Enhance your experience by tast-ing their new house-brewed premium cider, house-distilled brandy or delicious garden berry liqueurs – a true delight for all gourmands.

The offer is subject to availability, and dinner is served between 6:30 to 8:30pm, weekends.

Traditional Irish and Continental Buffet Break-fast is served each morn-ing until 10.30am. A table D’hote menu is included on both evenings.

Up to two children, aged up to 13 years, go free in a family room, but meals are extra. The price is from €220 per person sharing. For bookings, email [email protected]

Next, why not enjoy a Wexford garden tour with Frances MacDonald at Marlfield House?

Check in on Sunday, May 6, and enjoy a stroll in the garden before a glass of wine and dinner with the other attendees.

Following a leisurely breakfast on Monday morning, meet Frances, who will accompany the group to Woodville Gar-dens – a Victorian walled garden; Coolaught Gar-den and Nursery; a farm-house garden and wood-land, and the Potting Shed – a small nursery garden.

The following day, visit Frances’s own garden, The Bay Garden, and Springmount Garden Centre.

Marlfield House is now offering massage and facial treatments.

The package includes a glass of wine before dinner on Sunday; dinner on Sunday and Monday night; lunch on Monday, and lunch in Marlfield on Tuesday, as well as trans-port to the gardens and back to Marlfield.

The cost is €370 per person sharing; for full details, see www.marlfieldhouse.com.

Full bloom

Meanwhile, Rathsal-lagh House is in full bloom, and their thou-sands of mature trees are in full leaf, roses are in bloom, the lawns have been cut and the walled garden has come into its own.

Included in the Rath-sallagh package is a dis-count voucher for the nearby Kildare Retail Village, and a gift certifi-cate for Newbridge Sil-verware.

Available on May 5 and 6, as well as May 11 and 12, two nights cost from €190 per person sharing in a standard room.

This package includes two nights’ bed and breakfast. For further information, see www.rathsallagh.com.

Escape to the West this bank holiday and slow down with three night’s bed and breakfast at the Ice House Hotel, in Ballina.

Take a stroll on the beach with a complimen-tary picnic with wine. Unwind with unlimited time in their thermal suite, including steam room, laconium and two outdoor hot tubs, and soak in a candlelit bub-ble bath.

Whet your appetite with a glass of bubbly on the terrace, followed by dinner on one evening from their 2AA Rosette A La Carte menu.

The price costs €325 per person sharing; for further details, see www.icehousehotel.ie.

Finally, also in the west, why not consider a two-night weekend break at Cashel House?

Experience the won-ders of Connemara, including walking, rid-ing, golfing, scenery and dining.

The package includes two nights’ accommoda-tion, and breakfast, with dinner on one evening, and costs €185 per per-son sharing.

For further informa-tion, see www.cashel-house-hotel.com/.

The idyllic setting is just

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

‘Following a leisurely breakfast on Monday morning,

meet Frances, who will accompany the group to Woodville

Gardens – a Victorian walled garden; Coolaught Garden

and Nursery; a farmhouse garden and woodland, and the

Potting Shed – a small nursery garden’- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

A host of special offers available

with Concorde Travel for a well-

earned Springtime breakCONCORDE Travel have an array of special offers available for the next month, allowing those with a keen eye for a deal and some holi-days coming up a luxurious break at a fraction of the cost. See www.concordetravel.ie

MADEIRASpend springtime in beautiful Madeira.Depart on May 6 for seven nights, stay at the 3-star Dorisol Hotels, on a b&b basis, from only €640pp, the 4-star Lince Lido Hotel, on a b&b basis, from only €715pp or the 5-star Hotel Melia Madeira Mare, on a b&b basis, from only €800pp.

THE ALGARVEDepart from Knock on May 5, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the 3-star Praia Sol Hotel, Vilamoura, on a b&b basis, from only €430pp.

SARDINIAEscape to Alghero’s Medieval town and enjoy the Italian way of life.

Depart on May 3, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the 2-star Buganvillea Apartments, on a self-cater-ing basis, from only €399pp, stay at the 3-star Hotel La Playa, on a b&b basis, from only €564pp or at the 4-star Hotel Punta Negra, on a b&b basis, from only €669pp

MALTATravel to the amazing island of Malta, and enjoy its great sights, history, delicious food and beautiful weather.

Depart on May 4, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the three-star plus Hotel Santana, on a b&b basis, from only €449pp or stay at the 4-star Hotel Dol-men, on a b&b basis, from only €589pp or for four nights, stay at the 4-star Hotel Marina at the Cor-inthia Beach Resort, on a b&b basis, in a sea view room, from only €549pp

CROATIAStay in Dubrovnik Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and experience the enchanting atmosphere of its marble streets, red roofs and the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.

Depart on May 2, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the 3-star Antuniska Apartments, based on two sharing a studio apartment from only €499 per person.

FastTravel

GazetteTTRAVELRAVEL22 GAZETTE 26 April 2012

Longueville House

a taste of the relaxation on offer at Marlfield House.

New suites designed to help the Nordica’s passengers cruise to Holyhead in luxurious comfortSTENA Line has launched two private lounges on the Stena Nordica, which sails on its Dublin Port to Holyhead route.

One lounge accommodates up to two people and the second lounge holds up to four people.

Each lounge is equipped with luxury leather seating, a flatscreen 3D TV, a Playstation 3 console and games, as well as tea and Nescafe Espresso-making facilities.

In addition to this, passengers will also be able to take advantage of waiter service from Stena Plus.

Jamie Christon, Stena Line Dublin Port/Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead route director, believes the private lounges will appeal to all types of pas-sengers, whether they are travelling for business or pleasure.

He says: “The two new cabins provide fan-tastic facilities for people wanting to relax in private.

Space“They are perfect for people travelling on busi-

ness, as they provide a quiet space to get work done and, with the Sky News channel available, passengers can keep track of what is happening around the world.

“The second cabin accommodates up to four people, and is perfect for families, as the children can be kept entertained with the TV and games console, and the adults can sit back, relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, with the whole fam-ily arriving in Holyhead relaxed and ready for their onward journey.”

The Stena Nordica sails twice daily from Dub-lin Port, at 2.30am and 4pm, with return sailings from Holyhead at 8.20am and 9.30pm.

Prices start from €79 single for a car plus driv-er, and passengers can book the private lounges from only €30.

For further information, or to book, go to www.stenaline.ie, call Stena Line on 01 204 7777, or visit your local Stena Line office or travel agent.

TravelBriefs

Edited by

Mimi Murray


Passengers can relax and avail of the new choice

of private lounges on the Stena Nordica as she

undertakes the Dublin Port to Holyhead route

Cashel House


Sails along nicelyIf you ever wanted to see Titanic looking even-slightly-more-realistic than before - well, now’s your chance, given the special anniversary

re-release of the film, with its 3D upgrade making a great difference to certain parts but nothing much, for most other parts

GoingOUT

GazetteENTERTAINMENTENTERTAINMENT

Unlike the poor unfortunates aboard her decks, the film once again sails along smoothly enough to its tragic end

�THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929Faulty Towers Dining Experience

DISCERNING diners are cordially invited to attend Basil and Sybil Fawlty’s three-course meal at The Pavilion theatre, with fine fare to savour. Basil, and his loving wife, Sybil, will be ably assisted by Manuel – one of Barcelona’s finest waiters – to ensure the evening runs perfectly smoothly, and without any possible chance of mishap or mayhem whatsoever. Your Fawlty evening can be enjoyed nightly at 8pm from Friday, April 27 to Sunday, April 29, with the price for the three-course meal, and Basil’s attention, set at €45.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Encore! Showtime 2012

THE stage is all set at The Mill for Encore! Showtime 2012, courtesy of the Encore! School of Performing Arts. This highly-polished production features a wide selection of work and shows from the school’s many talented young performers, running right through from Friday, April 27 to Saturday, May 5, and showcasing some of the students’ diverse and impressive skills in a number of performing arts discipline. For full list of dates for the great shows, see www.milltheatre.ie.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477Romeo & Juliet

FEW will need an introduction to the tale of Romeo and Juliet, yet this startling production will thrill audiences, as Ballet Ireland is set to restage its hugely successful production of Romeo & Juliet, choreographed by Morgann Runacre-Temple. With rave critic reviews, and a superb production, Shakespeare’s timeless tale will delight all at the 8pm shows at the Civic Theatre’s Main Auditorium, running from Thursday, May 3 to Saturday, May 5, with admission costing €20/€16 conc.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622I Hear You Calling Me

A MUSICAL night of pure entertainment awaits at Draiocht, chronicling the extraordinary life story of the legendary Count John McCormack, and features such memorable numbers as Macushla, Because, Roses of Picardy, Somewhere a Voice is Calling and many more. Narrated by radio and TV presenter, Kevin Hough, and featuring Waterford tenor Frank Ryan as John McCormack, and Cork soprano Linda Kenny as Lily, the concert can be seen at 8pm on Friday, April 27, with tickets priced €20/€18.

� KATE CROWLEY

APPARENTLY, some readers didn’t quite care for my A-to-Z quickstep runthrough of the film, Gone, in my blink-and-you-missed-it review, last week.

However, if you missed it, just to recap what I said about that particu-larly one-star film: “With the police not believ-ing a young woman’s story of her sister being kidnapped by a serial killer, just as he’d tried to kidnap and kill her ear-lier, she tracks him down, saves her sister, and kills him. The End.”

There. That’s sunk that particular film plot in one easy go, saving you some of your precious euro in the process.

And, speaking of sink-ing, and of revealing film endings, that neatly takes me (via a slightly taste-less link) on to Titanic 3D, which was recently released in 3D. Which

explains the name.It’s my solemn duty as a

film reviewer (all right, all right, you can put down that hefty stick now, Gazette ed) to at least nod at such passing ships in the night, with Titanic being about the biggest bloody boat to splash by our screens in some time. (With apologies to the recently-released film, Battleship.)

There’s not really very much that I can say about this, other than it’s Titanic back on our screens, but in 3D this time – and, hey! – that’s at least one more dimension than

it had, first time around (though, sadly, I’m afraid that the plot, characteri-sation, and so on are as rigidly two-dimensional as before).

So, once again, we get the doomed young lov-ers on board the doomed young ship, but now with some kind-of-a-bit-decent 3D effects tacked on.

Nothing too jazzy, mind, as they’re just boosting certain key shots in the film – anyone looking for Jack and Rose to start playing a game of frisbee in Steerage, say, will be sorely disap-

pointed.So, yet again – and look

away now, dear readers, if, somehow, as bizarrely unlikely as it sounds, you don’t know what happens to Jack, Rose, the Titanic, Billy Zane, the girl with the china doll, the drunk chef, the girl at the bow of the ship, the eel in the bathtub, et al – the Titanic sinks, and Celine Dion caterwauls at some length. In 3D.

I can’t say that the 3D helps the film (not least as I’m not a fan of 3D effects anyway, as they tend to both dim and blur films, detracting from their visual impact), but, whatever about the ade-quate that’ll-do romance at the centre of the film, there’s no denying the real heart, and star, of the film – Titanic, herself.

The appeal, and attrac-tion, of Titanic and her enduring, yet awful, legacy is effortlessly laid bare once again on the gleaming decks of the

ship, inviting audiences to stroll along through the lost world of 1912’s society and standards.

A century on from the tragedy itself, and whatev-er about the film’s weak-nesses, today it’s hard not to return to Cameron’s Titanic one last time, 3D gimmick or not ...

Finally, I’d like to dedicate this review to the retiring chief sub of the Gazette, who swears blind that he remembers strolling about the prom-prom-promenade of the Titanic back in 19-nim-iny-two, but doesn’t quite convince whippersnap-pers such as yours truly.

However, this old tub respects that old sea salt, who’s prevented me on many an occasion from revealing here what I really think of Madonna’s acting ability, the ever-present threat of Steve Martin trying to return with a comedy, and much more – titanic achieve-ments in themselves.

FILM OF THE WEEK: Titanic�� (12A) 195 mins

OUR VERDICT:FORGET the watery romance between Jack and Kate – once again, the star of the film is the Titanic herself, as she cruises along to her fate. The 3D effects go largely unnoticed (but pack a punch at some crucial moments), while the classy ship gets a classy cast, courtesy of the late Gloria Stuart and (still very alive) Bernard Hill. It’s Titanic – mostly as you’ve seen before – and still a pretty huge achievement.

Director: James CameronStarring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, James Warner, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Bernard Hill, Gloria Stuart, an iceberg


� SHANE DILLON

DEBATE is stirring over whether Web 3.0 is real-ly here, or is on the way, and, indeed, whether Web 3.0 is something radically different from what we understand as the inter-net today, or represents a more subtle shift in how the internet will work.

Perhaps we should look at a very brief his-tory of the internet (or, at least, what the terms Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 generally mean to people, today).

People from their mid-to-late-twenties and upwards will recall how Web 1.0 saw the first mass stirrings of the modern internet across the world, approximately 15 years ago (although the inter-net had existed in other forms for decades – but that’s a whole other ket-tle of fish).

Web 1.0, as “we” under-stood it, saw the inexora-ble rise of the internet

– a largely static experi-ence of plain pages, basic design and minimal user interaction.

Flash forward to approximately ten years ago, to the first evolu-tionary steps of Web 2.0, as new programming and design elements began to maximise the slow rise of broadband.

Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, the rise of Google and PayPal, et al – all very much products defined by (or at least strength-ened by) Web 2.0.

In its simplest terms, Web 2.0 has seen a vast divergence of what the internet “is”, how we interact with it, and how it’s delivered – the rise of the always-on, always-wired world.

What, then, could be the next step forward into Web 3.0, and are we already reaching – or have we reached – this next great evolutionary stage in the internet?

GazetteGAMINGGAMINGHas Web3.0-oh, oh, ohalready arrived?

Ceefax service

joins the DodoPIXEL lovers may have been crying into their cornflakes last week at the news of the long-expected death of Ceefax (or, for young readers: what the inter-net was before we had the internet, for millions of people across Britain and Ireland).

As a child of the 1970s and 80s, I vividly recall turning to Ceefax to look for information – only to find that the television had loaded, say, page 17 of 43, and I had to wait ten minutes for the page I wanted (usually, one that had just passed, such as page 16) to slow-ly loop its way around to being displayed again. Happy days.

Now, after decades of presenting a wide vari-ety of news and listings, presented in slow fash-ion, in giant, blocky let-ters and with basic pixel pictures, and all buried behind tv channels (and running as a forerunner to comparable systems, such as Aertel), the BBC has consigned Ceefax to history’s dustbin, joining the Dodo ...

Anotherweebyte...

As ever, hindsight is 20:20 vision, and, while experts and the common man understand the stag-es of 1.0 and 2.0, nobody is entirely certain what 3.0 represents.

User-tailoredWhile some think that

Web 3.0 will be a more unique, user-tailored experience, drawing upon, and somehow col-lating the vast banks of data that most of us leave in clear trails around the internet to create indi-vidual-specific search,

WE HAD a great response to our recent Kinect Star Wars for Xbox 360 competition, which saw five copies of the great new Kinect game up for grabs. In it, we asked you to tell us the cor-rect answer to the following statement:

Complete the follow-ing Kinect for Xbox 360 tagline:A. You are the bossB. You are the con-trollerC. You are the best[The correct answer was B.]

Thank you to everyone who entered and, of course, congratulations to the five lucky winners, who were all selected at random after sending in the correct answer.

The winners are: Eileen O’Flaherty, Killaloe, Co Clare; Emer Breen, Goatstown, Dublin 14; Jennifer Beaton, Clondalkin, Dublin 22; Ciaran Roche, via email and Diarmuid McCourt, via email. A copy of Kinect Star Wars is being post-ed out to each winner.

Congratulations again, and keep an eye out for more great competitions in The Gazette!

FeelingtheForce

data and product results, others think that Web 3.0 does not represent a new methodology in serving users but, rather, a fight back against what the internet stands for.

Perhaps Web 3.0 rep-resents not something to drive the internet for-ward for individuals, but is (or will be), instead, an intellectual, politi-cal and economic bat-tlefront for corporations and governments alike to skirmish over – all seek-ing to reshape, redefine and protect (or, in some cases, destroy) how and what people can access on the internet.

There’s already plen-ty of evidence of such attempts to ringfence and control the internet (as, indeed, there has been from day one), but never before has there been such a determined push by companies and corporations, in line with governments, to define, control and monitor what the internet is, and how users access it.

From China’s regular updates of The Great

Firewall to restrict what her citizens can access online, to Apple’s self-ap-pointed definition of (and subsequent indirect cen-soring) of what it terms as “inappropriate” con-tent, to continuing cyber skirmishes on a range of national security agen-cies’ fronts, it appears in several ways that the giddy days of free-for-all data are coming to an end.

And so, perhaps that’s what Web 3.0 represents – the evolution into a new, more refined (and defined) state of informa-tion access and flow, rath-er than how it’s delivered, as well as representing the rise of political, civil and intellectual battles for the right to access/police data (depending on which “side” you’re more engaged with).

As we look back at these next stages in the internet’s development, let us hope that what-ever changes are under-way they don’t give us any regret, or reason to lament the rise of Web 3.0-oh-oh-oh …

China’s Great Firewall - designed to keep certain foreign influences and topics away

from Chinese internet users, as well as to protect officially-sanctioned state views

on the internet, and to block others - is but one “frontier feature” as the world

moves towards Web 3.0: the next significant sea-level change for what the internet

is, and how it may be used and accessed. Illustration: Shane Dillon

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FINGALCOUNTY COUNCIL

Liam Boyle intends to apply for permission for a detached single-storey garage at Sey-chelles, Castleknock Road, Dublin 15.The planning applica-tion may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the rea-sonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning author-ity during its public opening hours and a submission or obser-vation may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the pre-scribed fee (20Euros) within the period of 5 weeks begin-ning on the date of receipt by the author-ity of this application.

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Mahmood Khan is apply-ing for Planning Permis-sion for the construction of a single storey extension at ground floor level to the rear elevation of 22 Black-wood Crescent, Ongar Chase, Ongar, Dublin 15. To include internal altera-tions and all associated site works. In addition to the retention permission of 3 No existing roof windows to the front roof elevation and 4 No existing roof win-dows to the rear roof ele-vation all at second floor level. The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its’ public opening hours and a submission or obser-vation may be made to the Planning Authority in writ-ing on payment of the pre-scribed fee (20euros) with-in the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the author-ity of the application.

PLANNING NOTICE

15398


Pat and Pauline Cassidy are applying for planning permission for a first floor extension over existing garage, new tiled roof over existing porch and all ancil-lary works at 15 Glenville Grove, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. The applica-tion may be inspected or purchased for a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, during it’s public opening hours, 9.30 - 16.30, Monday to Friday and a submission or obser-vation may be made to the Planning Authority in writ-ing on payment of the pre-scribed fee of €20.00 with-in the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by Fingal County Council of the application.

PLANNING NOTICE

15405

BATHROOMS

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� [email protected]

THE IRISH Water Polo Association is set to host a pre-Olympic men’s water polo tournament in Dublin, prior to the London Olympics at the National Aquatic Centre from July 5 to 8, which will feature the top four teams in the world as they prepare to challenge for gold in 2012.

Current Olympic champions, Hungary, will take part, as will current

European champions, Serbia, who won their title at the recent Euro-pean Championships in the Netherlands. Also participating are Great Britain, Montenegro, and Croatia, with a final team to be added to the list, depending on the outcome of upcoming Olympic qualifiers.

Water polo is the main sport and passion in a number of these coun-tries, and with this being the last chance for the

teams to meet before London, as well as Lon-don being a sell-out, it is expected that the tourna-ment will attract signifi-cant travelling support from all across the inter-national water polo fra-ternity, as well as teams, delegates and referees as they get set for their turn in the pool in the Olym-pic Games.

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, who is also chairman of the London

WATER POLO: WORLD’S FINEST TEAMS COMING TO NAC TO PREPARE FOR LONDON 2012

The four best sides in the world are coming to Dublin for the pre-Olympic tournament

International tournament comes to Dublin

2012 Coordinating Com-mittee, congratulated the Irish Water Polo Asso-ciation in attracting such high-calibre Olympic teams for this tourna-ment.

“This is another exam-

ple of Ireland benefiting directly from the Olym-pics and adds to the number of Olympic ath-letes from 13 countries who have already decided to train in Ireland ahead of the London Games.

This promises to be an exciting event,” said Min-ister Ring.

Tickets for the event are available from the event website, www.dub-linwaterpolo2012.com.

Ticket prices range

from €4.50 for a child’s ticket, to €90 for a four-day pass, with €25 for a day pass. Matches take place daily in the early evening, with the addi-tion of a morning session on Friday, July 6.

GazetteSPORTAPRIL ASPIRANTS APRIL ASPIRANTS Dublin Sport Awards Dublin Sport Awards nominees for the nominees for the month announced: month announced: Page 29Page 29

GazetteSportSport


The Garda RFC ladies’ team secured the league title this term with eight wins from eight outings. Picture: BIll Cooper

WOMEN’S AIL DIVISION 2Garda RFC 44

Cavan RFC 0

� [email protected] THE GARDA women’s rugby team capped what has been a fan-tastic season for them with an impressive vic-tory over Cavan RFC at Westmanstown last Sunday to secure the Women’s All-Ireland League Div is ion 2 North title.

Garda, coming into the tie with a 100% record in the league to date, having won all seven of their seven ties, needed the victory to see off the challenge of Belfast Harlequins, the only team in a position to spoil their title bid, and ensure a league title for two seasons running, having secured promo-tion from the Leinster League last year.

The Westmanstown ladies set to the task from the off, and were ahead inside ten min-utes when a high tackle on wing Michelle Staf-ford yielded a penalty, with the resulting quick tap allowing No 8 Sha-ron Lynch to crash over for the opening score.

Wi th the in i t i a l nerves settled, Garda took advantage of their territorial superiority and good link-up play from lineouts to yield tries for lock Lorna O’Connor and wing for-ward Fiona Morrison inside the half hour.

Waves o f Garda attacks left the Breffni Belles unable to get out of their own half and, when their single foray into Garda territory broke down, Michelle Stafford latched on to a wayward pass to score a breakaway try under

the uprights. Impressive kicking from out-half Chrissy Doyle left the half-time score at 27-0.

With the tie almost over as a contes t , G a r d a ’ s i n t e n s i t y seemed to drop momen-tarily at the beginning of the second half, and a solo effort from the Cavan hooker almost yielded a score, but for a tremendous tackle from centre Alana Lowe.

Coach Ray Murphy reinvigorated the Garda juggernaut with the introduction of three substitutes, and fresh legs gave the desired effect, as captain Aine O’Sullivan drove over for the touchdown shortly afterwards.

A good break from Sharon Lynch pro-vided the platform for a try clinically finished by substitute wing Lou-isa Healy and Healy

grabbed a second at the end, thanks to some excellent mauling from the Garda forwards.

Presenting the Ache-son Cup, contested between the two clubs at various levels since 1991, incoming Garda Rugby Club president, Alfie Acheson, com-mended both teams on an enter taining contest and congratu-lated the Garda Ladies on a fantastic squad effort, which has seen the team rise from the

lower ranks of the Lein-ster League to the upper echelons of Women’s rugby on the island over the last few years.

Garda now go on to face the winners of Division 2 South, Tral-ee RFC, this Saturday, April 28, in Nenagh, with the winners being promoted to Women’s AIL Division 1 for the 2012/2013 season , a prize that Garda’s ladies’ performances th i s season would merit.

Garda take the league title

RUGBY: LADIES SET UP PROMOTION DECIDER THIS WEEKEND

FastSport

GAA stars get on their bike for charity in RasA HOST of top GAA stars, including All-Ireland winners Bernard Brogan and Barry Cahill, joined forces in Croke Park last week to launch the Race The Ras charity cycle event for 2012.

This is the second year of the race, which will see almost 150 amateur cyclists and a host of current and former GAA stars lining up to cycle across Ireland from May 20 to 27. All the money raised will go to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Aware.

The amateur cyclists will start three hours ahead of the professionals taking part in the Ras each morning and will travel through 13 differ-ent counties, before arriving in Skerries on the final day.

Broadcasting legend Micheal O Muirc-heartaigh was on hand to help to launch the charity race. “I am delighted to be here today to officially launch Race The Ras, which we hope to be an even bigger success than last year. I would ask for those to donate, no matter how small, as it will make a huge difference to NBCRI and Aware.”

Chairman of Aware, David Carton, described this event as an important one for the organisa-tion. “This is a nationwide event and depression is something which affects every community in Ireland. We hope people all over Ireland will sup-port this event and the cyclists who are taking part. We wish them well. Money raised from this will help us to get more information and support to people who need it.”

To register for the cycle, please log on to http://racetheras.com/event-registration/. With eight stages to choose from, cyclists can opt to do all eight stages or a single stage or opt for a combina-tion of two or three stages.

Those wishing to donate can do so by visiting www.racetheras.com/donate.


in association with

�STARof the

MONTHCIARAN KILKENNY

CASTLEKNOCK’S prodigy con-

tinues to shine in the Dublin

line-up, contributing vital

scores and an on-field pres-

ence that has seen the U-21s

into the All-Ireland final

CAROLINE RYAN

GARDA’S cycling sensation

claimed Ireland’s first

elite world track medal

since Harry Reynolds back

in 1897, winning bronze in

Melbourne

SEAN MARI

MARI claimed Whitechurch

BC’s first-ever male All-

Ireland title in the 27kg

category at the National

Stadium after a string of

impressive performances

�TEAMof the

MONTH

2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - APRIL NOMINEES

MALAHIDE CS

AN all-ages golfing

machine, Malahide calmly

saw off the challenge

of Kilkenny in the Irish

Schools’ Matchplay com-

petition this month

FOXROCK CABINTEELY

SOUTH COUNTY LADIES’

football is a hotbed of

talent, as proved by the

young Foxes annexing the

Dublin Feile title, adding to

titles at all levels

COLLINSTOWN PARK

COLLINSTOWN Park came

from behind to become

Leinster champions when

they got the better of

O’Fiaich College in an eight-

goal thriller

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

FastSport

LAST week saw an action-packed feast of Community Games basketball when the pre-liminary rounds of boys and girls’ Under-13, and the finals of the boys’ Under-16 competi-tions took place at the Basketball Arena in Tallaght.

The girls’ Under-13 took to the court last Monday, with teams from Donabate/Por-trane, Malahide, St Jude’s, Drimnagh, Knock-lyon, Ballyboughal and Clondalkin all look-ing to secure a place in the finals.

The teams were split into two groups, with a number of electrifying games being played with fine skills on display from all of the teams.

Malahide and Drimnagh emerged from group 1, while Clondalkin and Knocklyon emerged from group 2. Malahide will play Clondalkin in the final, while Drimnagh face Knocklyon in the play-offs on May 12.

The boys’ Under-13s were in action last Tuesday, with seven teams taking to the court, with the teams matching each other point-for-point and producing exciting games and results.

The final on May 12 will see Clondalkin play Malahide in the final, while Drimnagh face Knocklyon in the play-off.

The boys’ Under-16 matches dominated proceedings last Wednesday night and, with only four teams entered, a round-robin system was played. Each team played three matches and medal placings were only decid-ed by the results of the last two games such was the standard of the teams.

Gold medals went to Drimnagh, while Palmerstown took silver, Bronze medals went to Knockmitten and fourth-place medals went to Clondalkin.

May is set to be a busy time with com-petitions taking place in rugby, tag rugby, rounders, soccer, hurling and futsol. Entries are now being taken for these competitions. Entry forms available from your local area secretary, or www.dublincommunitygames.ie.

For more information on competition entries, contact your local secretary, or Dub-lin Community Games Secretary, Maureen Quinlan on 872 8203, or check out www.dub-lincommunitygames.ie

Basketball blitz at NBA in Community Games

Super Olympians: Taylor backs Terenure run to aid SO athletes KATIE Taylor recently took time out from her intensive preparation for the London Olympics to meet some members of the Special Olympic South Dublin Sports Club, as part of endorsement of the Terenure five-mile run on Sunday, May 13, which aims to raise €10,000 for Special Olympics. €5 of the entry fee goes direct to Special Olympics, and a big turn-out is expected. Those wishing to have an enjoyable run while helping athletes can register by logging on to www.terenure5mile.com

GazetteSportSport



TYRRELSTOWN’S lat-est community facilities were officially handed over to the centre’s new management company by Fingal Mayor, Cllr Gerry McGuire and Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD last week.

Speaking at the event, Mayor McGuire said: “Throughout my term as Mayor of Fingal, one of the most rewarding functions I have offici-ated at is the handover of a Community Centre to the people in the com-munity.

“Tyrrelstown is not

the first of such, nor, I hope, will it be the last. It becomes obvious with our changing economy and changing Ireland just how important it is for a local community to have a central, shared space to enjoy activities, hob-bies, training or simply to meet their friends and neighbours.”

Fingal County Manag-er David O’Connor said: “Tyrrelstown Commu-nity Centre is the latest example of how effective collaborative planning across delivery agencies through the highly com-mended Fingal Schools Model can result in prop-er, useful and appropriate

facilities for a community, and can develop further into a hub of activity, engagement and general community spirit.”

The ceremony con-sisted of unveiling a com-memorative plaque at the centre and the official key handover, with entertain-ment provided by a Hip-Hop display and a sports conditioning demonstra-tion by local children and young teenagers showing the centre facilities off to best advantage.

Facilities at Tyrrel-stown Community Cen-tre will include an after-school childcare facility, meeting rooms of vary-ing size, sports-changing

facilities, a 604sqm dance studio, karate, zumba and Bible reading group amongst other activities. The general purpose hall is 597sqm with sprung floor and skyfold fully soundproofed wall and holds a capacity of up to 500 persons (standing).

For further information on Tyrrelstown Commu-nity Centre, contact Cen-tre Manager Eileen Cor-mack on 01-827 4046.

EnergisedHartstown CS and

Blakestown CC were among the schools to take part in the Fingal County Council Sports Office Exercise: Energise activ-

ity day that took place in Sportslink last week.

Over 200 teenage girls from across Fingal County took part in the day with a wide range of activities ranging from Zumba to lacrosse on offer.

The Exercise:Energise Day is run in conjunction with the Exercise: Ener-gise programme, an Irish Sports Council’s Women in Sport after-school Ini-tiative. The programme aims to change the way young girls perceive physical activity, and specifically targets inac-tive teenage girls in first and second year of post-primary school.

Tyrrelstown centre opens

FACILITIES: NEW SPORTING AMENITIES FOR COMMUNITY

The dignitaries, including Fingal Mayor, Gerry McGuire and Minister Leo Varadkar, at the launch of the Tyrrelstown Community Centre

FastSport

Flynn posts personal best in FayettevilleBLANCH athlete, David Flynn, produced a personal best last week at the Mount Sac relays in Fayetteville, backing up his ranking as the current number five in the NCAA.

Competing in the vest of University of Arkansas, Flynn set the tone for his team’s performance as he contributed to the Razor-backs’ team efforts an eighth-place finish in the 3,000-metre steeplechase.

Running in the Olympic development sec-tion of the event, Flynn turned in a time of 8:49.20. The time is a slight improvement of his previous best of 8:49.24, run earlier this season at the Stanford Invitational. Flynn entered the weekend with the number five time in the US this year at this level of com-petition.


COOLMINE’S Johnny Lee and Donal Crotty (right) have been included in the Leinster Juniors’ rugby panel, who will kick off this year’s interprovincial campaign when they take on their Munster counter-parts at Edenderry RFC this Saturday (4pm).

Leinster then travel to Loughrea RFC on Sat-urday, May 5, to take on reigning champions, Con-nacht, before finishing with

Ulster away on Saturday, May 12 in Larne RFC.

This year’s squad sees a big turnover of players, with a total of 20 uncapped players being selected for the series. Saturday’s fare at Edenderry RFC – which will mark the 100th game between the two provinces - coincides with Edender-ry’s 60th anniversary cel-ebrations, and it promises to be a great day out for all the family.

Also taking place in the club on the day will be an

army parachute display, as well as plenty of kids entertainment, including a bouncing castle, face- painting and train rides all star ting from 2pm onwards. The occasion is also an ideal end-of-sea-son day out for youths and minis.

The day will be capped off by the Leinster Pro-vincial Seconds Towns Cup final between New-bridge RFC and Tullow RFC, which will kick off at 6pm.

Lee and Crotty on Leinster panel

in association with

. CLUB NOTICEBOARD


THERE were great championship

wins for our Inter 1s, Inter 2s, Junior

Bs, Under-16 footballers and senior

footballers in AFL 1 over the week-

end.

Adult hurling championships begin

this week, fixtures on website along

with juvenile and ladies fixtures.

There were great wins for our adult

camogie teams, U-12s and U-13s

hurlers, as well as our U-15 and U-14

footballers this week as well.

Congratulations to Laura Page

who won the overall skills competi-

tion at the Dublin ladies’ Feile and to

St Brigid’s NS who reached the Corn

Marino final this week.

Club snooker tournament on our

new full-sized table starts on April

28. Text your name to 087 633 9238 to

enter. First prize of €100, sponsored

by TalentBase.

Membership deadline for players

has now passed.

The annual club golf classic takes

place in Royal Tara on May 25. Team

entry is €400, while tee boxes and

greens can be sponsored for €200

or €100. For more info contact Phil

on 0867733693.

Club lotto is still €15,000 and takes

place in Myo’s this Friday. Well done

to Philip Ryan and the Dublin U-21s

on their great performance over

Cork.

New players are always welcome,

please contact our club coach, Paul

on 0879154748.

ST BRIGID’S

ST PEREGRINE’SHARD luck to our junior teams in the

championship last week.

The senior footballers had a good

win, and well done to our senior

ladies football and camogie teams

on wins last week.

Well done to the girls for doing so

well in the Feile, reaching the semi-

finals, and also to Martha McNally

for winning the Division 5 skills

test.

Best of luck to our senior hurlers

in their first championship game

this Sunday at 11am on the main

pitch.

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 1, 7,

11, and 23. Jackpot was €2,400.

Brod club: Further to the initiative

on RTE driven by Bernard Dunne we

are encourageing all our members

to register https://login.rte.ie/

rtesso/signup/

There will be promotions and

information da ys also set up,

so please encourage all to get

involved.

Tesco for Schools initiative is now

up and running; please see club-

house for details.

Club shop vouchers are now avail-

able. Details and contacts on the

club website, cnp.ie, which will be

finished shortly.

Follow us on Twitter @peregri-

nesgaa.

Bingo continues every Wednesday

night in the clubhouse from 8.30pm

and this week’s jackpot is €1,000.

Club monster draw has been put

back until June 30.

Follow GazetteSport on Facebook and

Twitter, and at www.gazettegroup.com

THE training times for the junior

teams are as follows: Nursery and

U-7s: Wednesday from 6 to 7pm and

Saturdays from 10 to 11am at Tyrrel-

stown Community Hall.

U-8 and U-9s: Tuesdays from 6 to 7

pm and Saturday from 10 to 11am at

Belgree pitch, Tyrrelstown.

U-11s: Wednesdays from 6 to 7pm

and Saturday from 10 to 11am at Bel-

gree pitch, Tyrrelstown.

Please be advised that due to nurs-

ery and U-7 training being indoors,

trainers must be worn.

If you are available to mentor a

group, throw in a ball, or even make

the tea, we would like to hear from

you. This is a great opportunity to

give something back to the communi-

ty, get fit and most of all have fun. For

more information on helping out, or

to register your child’s name please

contact Clare on 083 408 6173.

Well done to the senior team on their

championship win over the weekend.

They cruised past Proi Na Roifa, with

an emphatic 3-7 to 3 points win. This

was a great match, with the strength

and skill of Tyrrelstown excelling in

the end. Well done, lads.

Training for the senior team takes

place three days a week. The times

are as follows: Tuesday and Thurs-

day from 7 to 8pm and Sunday from

11am to 12 noon at Belgree pitch, Tyr-

relstown.

TYRRELSTOWN

JUNIOR C FOOTBALLSt Brigid’s 1-11

St Peregrine’s 0-6

� [email protected] A STRONG first half display from St Brigid’s, when they built a strong half-time lead of 1-8 to 0-2, sealed the deal against local rivals, St Peregrine’s.

Captain Neil Plunkett hit the net with a neat finish after a through ball by John Dunning to open the scoring.

It wasn’t all one-way, though, with Peregrine’s having their fair share of possession around the middle third, but fine defensive displays from Fergus Delaney, Willie Tyrell and Ciaran Plun-kett kept them at bay.

Further points from Brendan Dunning, a lovely 45’ from Mark McDaid and an inswing-ing point from Keith Fox had Brigid’s in the driv-ing seat.

Peregrine’s came out a different side after the

break, with much more vigour, and they attacked with intent to dominate the opening 15 minutes of the half. However, but only registered three points due to some fine goalkeeping from Donal Donnelly.

Centre forward Fergal Counihan steadied the ship for Brigids with two lovely points; his point from the right wing a beauty.

At intermediate level, meanwhile, Brigid’s began their champion-ship campaign in style, defeating Lucan 1-16 to 1-07 in Newcastle.

Despite the conces-sion of an early pen-alty, Phil Kelly’s men responded well, with a surging run from wing-back Shane O’Hara resulting in a fisted Paudie Kelly goal.

This score gave Brig-id’s a lead they would hold until the final whis-tle, as the majestic kick-ing of Warren Finnegan edged them fur ther

ahead before the break. Second-half points

from Phil McEntee, Anto Briody and Dabh-ach Dinnen sealed their passage into round two, where they now face last year’s beaten final-ists, Cuala, in two week’s time.

The club’s junior A footballers, though, bowed out against Bank of Ireland.

Having led most of the way, the concession of a penalty early in the second half turned the tide. A four-point deficit was transformed into a one-point lead.

In that same competi-

tion, St Oliver Plunkett’s picked up local brag-ging rights with a 0-17 to 2-7 victory over St Per-egrine’s in another derby game, to take their place in the next round of the competition.

For the Blakestown men, it was a tough weekend, as they missed out in the Junior D cam-paign by three points.

Tyrrelstown got their Junior E champion-ship campaign off to an emphatic start when they ran up a 3-8 to 0-2 victory against Croi Na Raofa in their first of three group games in the competition.

FOOTBALL: LOCAL SIDES’ CHAMPIONSHIP ACTION

St Brigid’s sprinted to victory in their junior C football championship encounter. Pictures: Chris Lynam

Derby delight for Brigid’s junior team

Blanch

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