lucan

Green-ing through: Bad weather can’t dampen Paddy’s Day spiritNEIL and Eabha Byrne braved the chilly weather to help give a warm reception to the St Patrick’s Day parade in Lucan village centre recently, which saw a wide range of floats and colourful characters parade through the middle of the

historic village. The unseasonably gloomy and cold weather couldn’t dampen enthusiasm for the annual event, with people coming from Lucan, Clondalkin, Celbridge and further afield to enjoy it.See Gallery on Pages 6-7

Safety fears at Foxford homes PauL hoSford

A LUCAN resident has moved out of his home because of concerns over fireproofing.

Paul Kavanagh left Foxford Court in November when he discovered a lack of cavity barriers in his apart-ment, which act as fire-stoppers.

A private engineer’s report carried out in February at the complex rec-ommends “a competent contractor carry out immediate remedial works

to install fire-stopping”.The complex was built for South

Dublin County Council by Newlyn Developments in 2004, and residents have their mortgages with the coun-cil.

The council said the issue must be sorted between homeowners and the management company or the develop-ers, as it had transferred the freehold title to the management company, which is now the registered owner.

full Story on Page 4

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

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

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

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

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

Month XX, 2012

PROPERTy TAx: Robert Dowds criticises letters sent to local authority tenants P8

Soccer: Lucan United reach All-Ireland semiPage 32

INSIDE: Stepping out to a celebrity shoe exhibition fundraiser in aid of

mental health services 0

March 28, 2013 Find us on

Lucan • PaLmerstown • ceLbridge • LeixLiP • adamstown • dodsboro • Liffey VaLLey • baLLyowen

FREE GAzEttELucan

Boxing: Esker travel to New york for St Patrick’s bouts Page 30

Check out the Gazette’s tips for a cracking weekend of Easter fun

SEE PAGE 12

2 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 March 2013

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Free credit clinics for small local businessesBANK of Ireland in Newlands Cross is offering support to small local businesses which want information about bor-rowing.

The bank is running a series of free credit clinics in its branches, which will help

people to learn all about the loan application process and get tips and advice on what is required in terms of finan-cial documents and business plans.

“Start-up small businesses tend to be run by one or two

people with strong skills or knowledge about their own business but can find the whole area of finance a bit of a challenge.

“Some are quite anxious about approaching a bank for finance and are not sure what

is involved in the borrowing process,” explains Gabriel Bannigan, regional manager Dublin, who is involved in the initiative.

For more information, con tac t the b ranch on 01-4593571

OUTRAGE Call for action on animal welfare

Following the discovery of seven dead horses at Clonburris Little last week, Cllr Gino Kenny, PBP (inset) said:

“The situation ... is completely unacceptable and unsustainable in terms of the welfare of the horses”

Seven horses are found dead at Clonburris LittleTHE discovery of seven dead horses on land at Clonburris has prompted calls for a regulated sys-tem for horse ownership.

People Before Profit Councillor Gino Kenny has called on all parties to resolve the situation with abandoned horses in Clonburris, after seven horses were found dead in the space of a few days last week.

All of the horses found were on privately-owned land, which is commonly known as Clonburris Little.

The lands have been used over the past 20 years to graze horses.

Cllr Kenny, who is

working closely with the newly formed Clondalkin Equine Club, said: “The situation at this present time is completely unac-ceptable and unsustain-able in terms of the wel-fare of the horses.

“There are horses there that have to fend for themselves with very little food, water and practica-bly no shelter.

“This has led to these

poor horses either starv-ing to death or so desper-ate to escape that they have died in trying to do so.”

In one incident on St Patrick’s Day, Dublin Fire Brigade was called to help a stranded pregnant mare which was stuck in a ditch.

Local people, including Cllr Kenny, helped to free the animal, but, unfortu-nately, it died that night.

“The short-term solu-tion is to assess the health of the remaining horses that are in the fields,” said Cllr Kenny.

“The long-term solu-tion is that all parties come up with an equine

management plan for horse owners in Clon-dalkin, and work with the newly formed Clondalkin Equine Club – otherwise, we will face the same sit-uation next year.

“The vast majority of horse owners in Clon-dalkin are sickened by what is going on in Clonburris, but also feel passionately that a solu-tion has to be found in addressing the issue.”

In response to the situation in Clonburris, the Irish Horse Welfare Trust and the Clondalkin Equine Club held a de-licing and de-worming programme free of charge at the site.

Cllr Kenny added: “South Dublin County Council’s policy of sim-ply impounding horses is failing in Clondalkin.

“I’m hoping that out of this desperate situation, we can find a solution.

“It will take some later-al thinking on the part of all civic bodies to address the issue.

“This has to be [done] in conjunction with horse owners to not let this horrendous catalogue of events happen again,” he said.

South Dublin County Council representatives had not responded to a request for comment by the time of going to press.

PAUL [email protected]

Seven horses are found

28 March 2013 LUCAN GAzette 3

Pieta House is calling on you to Mind Our MenLUCAN-based suicide and self harm crisis cen-tre Pieta House is calling on the people of Ireland to educate themselves on the signs and symptoms of suicide.

Joan Freeman, founder and chief executive of Pieta House, spoke to The Gazette as she launched a major new nationwide campaign to reduce the rate of male suicide.

The first of its kind, Mind Our Men is a multi-platform training and edu-cation campaign that will equip the public with the skills needed to reach out

to the men in their lives during times of crisis.

Pieta House has helped more than 8,000 people and has been at the fore-front of suicide prevention since its establishment in 2006.

F r e e m a n s a i d : “Although there’s been a huge increase in aware-ness over the past number of years, it’s clearly not enough as our men are still dying by suicide.

“There are hundreds of organisations doing great work, but it’s family and friends who are on the frontline and who need

to educate themselves on the warning signs to look out for.

“Research shows that family and friends prevent more suicides than by any organisation or institu-tion.

“This is why we’re targeting the women and men of Ireland and empowering them to tackle the problem of sui-cide – spot the signs and save a life,” she said.

The public are being asked to pledge their sup-port for the campaign at www.mindourmen.ie, where they will be pro-

vided with a support pack on suicide prevention and a list of nationwide serv-ices and resources.

There is also a corpo-rate and organisational element to the campaign entitled, Mind Your Buddy.

This is a suicide pre-vention programme designed by Pieta House where designated contact people within businesses and organisations will be trained in support and referral.

It is currently being implemented in male-dominated organisations.

Girls hope for a zippy success: Lucan students in national final for student enterprise awardspiCtUred Are Jessie Hennessy and Niamh Foran from St Joseph’s College in Lucan, with their enterprise Zip-Eeze. They will represent the senior category for South Dub-lin at the tenth annual Student Enterprise Awards National Final at Croke Park on Wednesday, April 17. The awards are co-ordinated locally by the South Dublin County Enterprise Board, with support from IT Tallaght. This is the largest programme of its kind in the country, with students setting up enterprise exhibition displays, and taking part in a series of judging interviews. Best of luck to the St Joey’s students!

heaLth: suicide awareness campaiGn roLLed out

€114,000 spent on Balgaddy works EXACTLY 1,000 main-tenance requests were fulfilled in Balgaddy in 2012 at a cost of €114,000.

Council staff carried out the works in Meile

an Ri, Burig an Ri and Tor an Ri on foot of 1,063 requests, South Dub-lin County Council has told the Clondalkin area committee meeting. The council also revealed

that the works cost an average of €114.39.

The council said that the architectural serv-ices department has confirmed that remedial works in the area had

been completed. The works were the

subject of a number of reports throughout 2012, when it was revealed that many of the homes were in need of work.

counciL maintenance requests fulfilled

4 LUCAN GAzette 28 March 2013

housing Council criticised for unit fire-proofing

Foxford Court residents’ safety fears pAUL hosford

A LUCAN resident could reach under his floor-boards and into his neigh-bour’s home because there was no fireproofing, it has been revealed.

Paul Kavanagh left his home at Foxford Court because of concerns over the lack of cavity barriers,

residents paul Coleman and paul Kavanagh with sinn fein representative eoin o

Broin, who said: “residents must not be left to pick up the bill for a problem which

they did not create”

which act as fire-stop-pers.

He left his home in November, fearing for the safety of his family at the development, which was purpose-built for South Dublin County Council by Newlyn Developments in 2004.

Res idents in the 52-dwelling complex bought their homes from the council and their mortgages are with the council.

However, this week the council has said that

because the homes are privately owned, the issue must be sorted between residents and the man-agement company or developers.

A council statement said: “Under the Plan-ning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), developers are responsi-ble for constructing the development.

“It should be noted that, in this case, South Dublin County Council transferred the Freehold Title to Foxford Court

Eurospar’s family funEUROSPAR in Bal-lyowen will hold a fam-ily fun day on Saturday, April 6.

The event will run from 2pm until 5pm and all are welcome to attend. The day will feature face painting, a magician, a live DJ and a very special appearance by The Voice contestant, Ray Scully, who will busk in aid of Pieta House, the suicide prevention charity.

Also promised is an appearance from a mys-tery television personali-ty, as well as special offers in store all day long.

For further informa-tion, call the store at 01 621 3559.

retail

Management Company Limited on June 1, 2006 and, accordingly, the management company is the registered owner.

“Affordable houses were sold to those who

fulfilled the criteria for eligibility for the scheme but, ultimately, they became homeowners,” said the council.

The council’s stance has angered residents, including Kavanagh.

He said: “The coun-cil built the homes, they signed off on the homes, and they sold the homes to us, and now they’re washing their hands of the whole situation.

“It’s hard to believe that a reputable organi-sation like South Dublin County Council would have such an issue. They definitely have questions to answer,” he said.

Sinn Fein representa-tive Eoin O Broin said that the council had tried to “wash their hands of the issue”.

UnacceptableHe said: “The attempt

by the council to wash their hands of the prob-lem is unacceptable. Residents must not be left to pick up the bill for a problem which they did not create.”

A private engineer’s report carried out on behalf of residents at two units in the complex, and seen by The Gazette, recommended “a com-petent contractor carry out immediate remedial works to install fire-stop-ping, where required”.

That report was pre-pared on February 11, but

no works have yet taken place.

Sinead O’Flaherty is another resident affected by the issues, and has moved her 11-year-old son out of her home due to safety fears.

She said: “It’s shocking. It doesn’t bear thinking about what could have happened. Since we’ve discovered the problem, I’ve tried to be here as lit-tle as possible. It is con-stantly on my mind.”

Key to residents’ com-plaints is the fact that the issue of fire stopping was raised in 2005 by resident Paul Coleman, who discovered the lack of proper such materials in his home.

That issue was brought to the attention of both the council and Newlyn Developments in Decem-ber 2005.

A May 2006 letter from Newlyn to the council said that Newlyn had completed all items out-standing and checked two units for fire-stop-ping, finding both to be compliant with regula-tions.

When contacted by The Gazette, Newlyn said that they had not received any correspondence before last weekend.

A spokesperson said: “We are prepared to engage with all relevant stakeholders if requested to do so in the normal way.”


Keating affirms pro-life stance

abortion: fg deputy critical of group’s poster campaign

pAUL hosford

A LOCAL Fine Gael TD has hit out at posters accusing him of breaking a promise on his stance on abortion.

Last week, posters were put on lampposts around Lucan and Liffey Valley, calling on Deputy Derek Keating and the Minis-ter for Children, Frances Fitzgerald to “Keep Their Pro-Life Promise”.

The group, identi-fied only as Respect Life Lucan (RLL), held a meeting in a Lucan hotel and were calling on the TDs to vote against any proposed abortion legis-lation.

extremeThough a Gazette

request for comment from RLL went unanswered, Deputy Keating affirmed that his stance is still anti-abortion, but he feels that the current level of debate in Ireland is “extreme”.

He said: “My position is well published; I am ‘pro-life’. I had the opportunity to speak in Dail Eireann outlining that I am against abortion.

“I welcome the oppor-tunity to state again emphatically that I am pro-life, which includes protecting the life of the mother.

“I loathe the current extreme campaign which is under way by both sides of the debate. I have received appalling and inexcusable emails, text messages and letters.

“The poster campaign in Lucan is a misguided

event, and is misleading my position, which I have already stated long before any other public repre-sentative made their posi-tion known,” said Deputy Keating.

Minister Fitzgerald did not wish to comment on the posters, but Dublin North TD Clare Daly (ULA), who submitted a bill to the Dail on the issue last year, said that the Government must legislate for the X Case.

She said: “The Gov-ernment must publish legislation to provide for abortion where a wom-an’s life is at risk due to pregnancy.

“It must not have restrictions that would deter desperate women from ever seeking abor-tion, thereby making abortion unavailable in practice.”

South Dublin County CounCil

We, LIDL IRELAND GMBH are applying for Planning Permission for a)Replacement of existing flat roofed entrance canopy with new glazed canopy with steel support-ing structure.b)Existing brick-work panels to entire building to receive white rendered finish.c)Modular Panel Cladding to south-west and south-east corners of existing building.d)Revised Glaz-ing to South Elevation.e)Reloca-tion of plant room door on West Elevation.f)Minor alterations to staff facilities layout.g)2.5m High Timber Screen around exist-ing Compactor.h)2 No. building mounted, back-lit illuminated signs.i)Replacement of existing internally illuminated Flag-pole sign adjacent to vehicular entrance along eastern site boundary with new internally illuminated Flag-pole sign in same location.j)New internally illuminated Flag-pole sign along western site boundary along R136.At Lidl Ballyowen, Lucan, Co. Dublin.This application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost ofmaking a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am – 4pm, Mon-Fri, and a submis-sion or observation may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by South Dublin County Council of the application.

pLANNiNG NotiCe

17920

LocaL sports? call our SPoRTS Team on 60 10 240 or

email [email protected]

TeLL uS abouT youR local comPeTiTionS, evenTS oR winneRS!


Shamrockin’ on St Patrick’s DayHUNDREDS of people braved the cold

weather and donned their best green outfits to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Lucan.

The crowds gathered wearing leprechaun hats and shamrocks to watch the colourful floats in the parade, which came from across Lucan, Celbridge and Clondalkin.

One of the highlights of the parade was the Liffey Valley Vineyard Church, which displayed a vibrant Noah’s Ark float, with the parish chil-dren dressed as various animals.

Both adults and children alike had a great day, and they are all looking forward to next year’s parade.

Daniel Keating and James Nulty

FLOAT ON: LUCAN TURNS INTO A BIG SEA OF GREEN

Liffey Valley Vineyard Church had a colourful Noah’s Ark float. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

Lee O’Reilly

Phil Corcoran shaved his head and dyed it green to

raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society

Alice Morrin

the parade featured some bikers, who were dressed

up for the occassion

Westmanstown Gaels GAA took part in the parade

gazettegaLLeRIeS


Ashling MurphyLiffey Valley Vineyard Church had a colourful Noah’s Ark float. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

Lucan Boxing Club stepping out

Clondalkin Youth Band marching in the parade

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


Labour’s Robert Dowds said the letters were sent, despite tenants not being the owners of their property

Revenue slammed as tenants get tax bills pAUL hosfoRD

The Revenue Commis-sioners has been criticised by a local TD for sending property tax bills to local authority tenants.

Labour TD Robert Dowds said that the let-ters were sent, despite tenants not being the owners of their property and therefore not being directly liable for the tax.

The properties should be taxed by Revenue sending a bill to each local authority for the total housing stock which they own and the local authority passing it on to tenants.

Despite this, Revenue has, Deputy Dowds believes, mistakenly sent out bills to tenants in local authority housing.

This comes despite the fact that Revenue was provided with a full list of local authority housing

stock by South Dublin County Council.

D e p u t y D o w d s said that he had been approached by locals in recent days.

“A lot of people living in local authority housing have come to me asking why they have received property tax bills even though they don’t own their houses.

“The only answer I can give them is that they should not have received these bills and that the Revenue Commissioners have made a mistake.

“I have been informed that local authority ten-ants will now have to write back to Revenue to tell them that they are not liable because they are local authority tenants, even though the local authority had given all the information on their houses to the Revenue Commissioners.

“This is madness and is not acceptable.”

A Revenue spokesper-son said that the issue was an administrative one and non-liable tenants should correct the mistake.

“The majority of local authority housing has been matched and LPT letters have not issued in these cases.

“Because there was no existing complete reg-ister and because there were inconsistencies in addresses provided to Revenue, letters will be issued to authority tenants in a minority of cases.

“It is clearly stated in the LPT letter that, if you are not the owner of the property, you should con-tact Revenue on 1890 200 255 so that we can cor-rect our records. It is most important that a tenant doesn’t ignore the letter because in the absence of any correction, Revenue

will proceed on the basis that he or she is liable to pay LPT in respect of the property.”

Fianna Fail, however, hit out at the Labour Par-ty’s handling of the issuing of the letters, something that Junior Minister Sean Sherlock (Lab) admitted was “a mess”.

Fianna Fail Justice spokesperson Niall Col-lins called it “classic Labour Party hand wring-ing”.

“having learned noth-ing from the chaos he cre-ated with the household charge and the septic tank registration scheme, Fine Gael’s Minister Phil hogan has gone for the hat-trick with this mess over who will be exempt from his badly designed and unfair family home tax. In response, the Labour Party has offered only ineffectual hand wringing.”

housing ‘This is madness and not acceptable’

Volunteer as Tech Champion TeChSPACe in Grif-feen Youth Centre, Lucan, is looking for a volunteer Technology Champion.

Volunteers will be required for three hours on Saturday afternoons and will need an interest in technology and crea-tive digital media.

If you are interested, contact South Dublin County Volunteer Centre on 01 462 8558 or email [email protected]. For more on Techspace, see www.techspace.ie.

School to host art exhibitionARChBIShOP Ryan SNS are holding their annual art exhibition from Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28.

The school is look-ing for exhibitors to display their work at the ever-popular exhibition.

If you are an art-ist, photographer or crafter and would like to participate, contact Brid on 087 921 3520 or [email protected], or Miriam on 086 057 3820 or [email protected]. The fee to secure a place is €20 for a crafter and €30 for an artist.

Reach out to get supportThe Bethany Bereavement Group is inviting locals who are feeling lonely or lost following the death of a loved one to meet them.

They meet at St Mary’s Parish Centre on the second Monday of each month from 10.30am to 11.30am, also fourth Thursday of each month from 8pm to 9pm.

For more informa-tion, call the parish centre on 01 621 7041.

FastNews


Rebecca reaches finals A LucAn schoolgirl has made the final of an All-Ireland writing competi-tion.

Rebecca Atkinson, of sixth class in Gaelscoil naomh Padraig, has reached the final of the Primary category in the John West Fantasy Writ-ing competition.

The competition attract-ed over 11,000 entries this year, with Rebecca’s story The Fish Tale making it to the final three in her cat-egory.

Describing her story, Rebecca says: “Max is a lit-tle kid with a big imagina-tion, and it often gets him in trouble both at home and at school. Grounded once again for telling tall tales, Max decides to run away to sea. But even he couldn’t have imagined the adventure in store!”

writing

Building contract move saves €1.5mSAvInGS made by South Dublin county council in excess of €1.5m have been welcomed by local coun-cillors this week.

The savings come because of the first rene-gotiation of an agreement with a private developer to provide social and affordable housing in Adamstown in Lucan.

under Part v of the Planning and Develop-ment Act 2000, develop-ers can be required to pro-vide up to 20% of units in private residential devel-opments for purposes of social and affordable housing.

Such provision is nor-mally governed by agree-ments made between the developer and the rel-evant local authority.

However, many con-tractual agreements currently in force were made pre-2010 when house prices were much higher. This means that if the developer built these units, the council could be required to pay inflat-ed celtic Tiger-era prices to acquire such units even though the remainder of units in the specific devel-opment could be sold directly to homebuyers at current market prices.

At last week’s coun-cil meeting, Fine Gael councillor William Lav-elle sought an update on renegotiations of the con-tracts.

In response, the coun-cil reported “to date the council has successfully renegotiated the terms

of one pre - 2010 Part v agreement.

“The revised agreement relates to the development in castlegate, Adamstown resulting in savings of in excess of €1.5m to the council at this point in time.”

cllr Lavelle welcomed the news, saying that the pre-2010 agreements would have been “outra-geous”.

“I welcome the sig-nificant savings realised through this first renego-tiation.

“It would by outrageous if taxpayers and ratepay-ers had to foot the bill because their local council was required to pay inflat-ed celtic Tiger era prices for units, which now cost significantly less.

Step forward: get marathon-ready for the Marie Keating FoundationpiCtUred Are Linda Keating, Tv3 presenter Glenda Gilson and Yvonne Joye, who are inviting ladies from all over Ireland to join Team Marie Keating for the annual Women’s Mini Marathon. This year, all of the ladies who join Team Marie Keating can also declare their personal reason for taking part on specially designed “I’m running for …..” t-shirt stickers. Organic dairy Glenisk has pledged a donation of €25,000 to help the charity reach its fundraising target of €50,000 for the event. For more information, log on to www.mariekeating.ie or call 01 6283728.

council: renegotiation leadS to SigniFicant SavingS

FITZPATRICK’S Shoes on Grafton Street recently hosted a special showcase of a celebrity shoe exhibition in its store.

The exhibition marked St Patrick’s Hos-pital Foundation’s Walk in My Shoes initia-tive, which provides mental health services to vulnerable young adults throughout Ireland.

Celebrity shoes on show included U2’s

Adam Clayton, golfers Rory McIlroy, Dar-ren Clarke and Padraig Harrington, The Sat-urday’s Una Healy, signer Nicky Byrne and his wife Georgina, The Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy, and rugby stars Rob Kearney and Brian O’Driscoll.

Guests on the night included model Alison Canvan, Roz Flanagan and Joanne Hynes, who all donated shoes.

Walk in my shoesModel Alison Canavan, who recently attended the Walk In My Shoes charity night

at Fitzpatrick’s Shoes on Grafton Street Roz Flanagan

Sandra, Georgina and Darcey Carr

Astrid Brennan and Nicola Meyer


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

Kate Moran and Rachel Armstrong

28 March 2013 Gazette 11

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

Kilimanjaro: fundraising night at the dogs

Off to the races to benefit Roof Of Africa expedition KilKenny hurling star Brian Hogan was on hand to kick off a fund-raising night at the dogs at Harold’s Cross grey-hound stadium, which will raise money for sick children.

The event will be held from 7.30pm on April 5 in aid of the aptly named Tallamanjaro Ospideal Climb 2013.

The climb will see grey-hound stadium general manager Philip Peake

and volunteers made up of doctors, nurses and Tal-laght iT students head to Kenya on May 18.

There, they will climb the highest peak in Africa as part of an expedition that will last for 10 days.

The money raised will be used to purchase spe-cialised equipment for children going to theatre in the national Children’s Hospital, Tallaght.

Climbing Kilimanjaro for The national Chil-

dren’s Hospital Tallaght was the brainchild of the late climber ian McKeev-er, who was a regular visi-tor to the hospital.

Commenting on the climb eleanor O’leary, head of anaesthetists at the national Children’s Hospital said that the group were anxious to start.

“Fifteen of us depart for Kilimanjaro in May and we are excited about reaching the Roof Of

Africa - the highest free standing mountain in the world.

“Monies raised from this climb will purchase essential equipment for the operating theatre in Tallaght Hospital.”

Mountaineer Mike O’Shea is leading the expedition with Brian and comedian Maeve Higgins, who have come on board as ambassadors.

For more information log on to www.igb.ie

Philip Peake (second from right), greyhound stadium general manager, with

volunteers

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schools P14easter fun P12 asdfsdaf P27business P16

12 Gazette 28 March 2013

President set to attend traditional music finals The finals of the Siansa Gael Linn music competi-tion will be held this April in the National Concert hall. Siansa is a competition in which traditional music groups from around Ireland vie for a prize fund of €4,500.

The eight qualifying groups that have made it to the finals will all perform in front of special guest of honour president Michael D higgins.

Gael Linn is an organisation which promotes the Irish language and Irish heritage in Ireland and is a non-profit body. The concert will be compered by Aine hensey, RTe Raidio na Gaeltachta on Sunday, April 14 in the NCh at 7.30pm. Tickets cost €12 and €6 for students and are available from www.nch.ie.

DIARYdublinlIfeGa

zett

e

Tips for a cracking weekend of Easter fun

holiday: there’s somethinG for everyone in our Guide

Join alice, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts for a day of easter fun in the

Secret Walled Garden of Malahide Castle

The kids are off school and spring might just finally be in the air.

With that in mind, the Gazette has sourced the best events and camps dotted around the M50 this easter.

In Dublin 15, dublin zoo has a very egg-citing line up for the easter weekend, which includes keeper talks about the bird’s eggs and chicks at the zoo, face painting, arts and crafts and an easter Bunny disco on easter Sunday (only). See www.dublin-zoo.ie for further details.

soccer sisters camps are happening across Dublin including Ongar, Castleknock, Swords and Malahide. This is an FAI programme that aims to encourage more girls to start playing soccer. There are venues nation-wide and it’s for girls aged seven to 12yrs, who can learn to play soccer in a fun, friendly and safe envi-ronment. For further info email [email protected] or phone 01 8999559.

Blanchardstown Centre has a feast of events over the easter holidays. The Woolly Wards Petting Zoo is at the centre from 1-4pm March 28 and 29. The easter Bunny Mad hatter Party takes place on Saturday, March 30 from 1-4pm with live entertainment for all the family including a Mad hatter Magic Show and Disco, Spot Prizes, Arts and Crafts. While on easter Monday, April 1 Jack Flash magic shows, arts and crafts, and face painting will take place between 1-4pm. See www.blanchardstown-

centre.ie.Meanwhile, farmleigh

estate’s food market is back on Sunday, March 31 from 10am until 5.15pm.

newbridge house and farm will be hosting an easter eggcitement event over the easter holidays this year. From March 23 until April 7, from 10am until 5pm, families can take the easter egg and treats hunt tour through-out Newbridge house. Costing just €10 per child (one adult free with each paying child, additional adults €5), the event also includes access to the farm. For more informa-tion, call 01 8436534 or visit www.newbridge-houseandfarm.com.

Put a bounce into your little bunny’s step at the swords Pavilions this east-er with The Mad hatter’s easter egg hunt taking place on Saturday, March 30. Meet The Mad hatter at the information desk at 1pm and help him look for the Swords Pavilions easter egg with lots of fun for all and lots of prizes to be won. The shopping centre will also have arts, crafts and facepainting from 1pm until 3pm.

See www.pavilions.ie for more details.

Join Alice, the Mad hatter and the Queen of hearts for a day of easter fun in the Secret Walled Garden of Mala-hide Castle on Saturday, March 30. The family day out will feature a special easter egg trail, facepaint-ing and cupcake decorat-ing. Tickets are priced at €12 per child and €7 per adult. For more informa-tion, visit www.malahide-

castleandgardens.ie or call 01 8169538. Tickets must be booked in advance.

The ardgillan Castle east-er egg trail will be support-ed by Cadbury this year, one of 20 events across Ireland to be chosen by the famous chocolate brand. The trail will take place on Monday, April 1 at 3pm and is welcoming all families and members of the community to take part. entry fee is €3 per child and all proceeds go towards the upkeep of the Castle see www.ardgillan-castle.ie.

I n L u c a n a n d Clondalkin, there is plen-ty to keep children happy over the easter break.

From Friday, March 29 until Monday, April 1, liffey valley shopping Centre will welcome the Wizard, as they ask shoppers to follow the yellow brick road.

From 12-4pm, Liffey Valley’s own version of Oz will feature fantasy and fairy tales from Dor-othy, the Cowardly Lion and Scarecrow and magi-cal entertainment from the Tin Man. Visitors will

also be able to stir up a whirlwind with the Wick-ed Witch of the West and cast a spell with the Good Witch Glinda.

There will also be plenty of easter camps around the area, with lucan leisure Centre run-ning a kid’s camp for boys and girls aged five to 15. Activities include bas-ketball, football, tennis, arts and crafts, and many more. The camp will run from April 2 to April 5 and the cost is €52 for a first child and €47 for a second child.

All activities are fully insured and there are small numbers in each group. email [email protected] or call 01 6241930.

Clondalkin leisure Cen-tre will also hold easter camps, also spanning the five to 15 age range from April 2 to April 5.

The cost is €52 for one child and €47 for a second child.

Call 01 4523300 for more information.

easter will be choc full of interesting things to do in Dun Laoghaire-Rath-

down this year with a Mad hatter’s Tea Party in deer Park on March 31 from 1pm to 5pm. everyone is welcome to this free event run by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Coun-cil and all are encouraged to wear their craziest hats to attend.

dundrum town Centre’s Miss Ali Stage School is running an easter Camp for children aged five to seven in hamley’s Toy Store. From April 1 to 5, a host of entertainment will be on offer for creative children to let off some steam during the easter break.

The easter Camp will have drama, dance and art workshops as well as games and a planned big trip.

In Dun Laoghaire, the national sailing school on the West Pier is holding an easter camp for children interested in all things nautical.

The camp starts on April 2 and runs until April 5 and there will be plenty of expert training given by the sailing school over the four days.


dublinlifeGaze

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schools

erica o’sullivan

Fingal Community College

A NUMBER of fifth year LCVP students at Fingal Community College were treated to several talks recently by employees of Siemens Diagnostics as part of an enterprise edu-cation initiative.

In December, the stu-dents took part in mock interviews in the Sie-mens Diagnostic plant in Swords.

The interviews were organised to give students an insight into the process of applying and interview-ing for a job.

In order to participate in the interview, students

had to have sent a cover letter and CV to Siemens in advance and arrive in full interview attire.

All students were given feedback on how their interview went. Every stu-dent left the room grateful to have taken part.

At the end of February, the students were invited to the Siemens Diagnos-tics plant in Swords as part of Engineer’s Week.

The students were given a tour of the plant and were treated to several talks by different employ-ees of Siemens.

They engaged the fifth years in a very interesting talk on Siemens and the production of high-quali-

A fascinating insighttrip: fifth year students enjoy visit to siemens plant

students gained an understanding of siemens’ diverse

work in swords

schoollife

CALLING all students! Dublin Gazette Newspapers continue to reach out to schools in our catchment areas so that we become a closer part of our community than ever before. Schools are the beating hearts of communi-ties; one of the last places around which a community can gather.

We want all budding writers and photog-raphers from all of our schools to help fill the pages and, in order to encourage the next generation of journalists and snappers to get involved, we are partnering with Harvey Nor-man to present the Dublin Gazette Newspa-pers’ Cub Reporter and Cub Photographer of the Year awards.

For more details, contact [email protected] or telephone Rob Heigh at 01 601 0240.

Get involved with Gazette schools pages and become a real writer or photographer ty and accurate products

for the medical industry. The students were also given advice on creating a CV and interview prepa-ration.

The students were especially impressed by a short film that brought the manufacturing proc-ess to life.

All members of LCVP have gained insight into the enterprise in the Swords area, learning that Siemens employs 300 people in the town.

As a result of their expe-rience, the students decid-ed to make a short film as part of a feedback session to thank Siemens for what they had learned, and the

students hope that they can share what they have learned and help others to prepare for an interview through the film.

The film was planned and created in three weeks and will be presented to

Siemens at a later date.All LCVP students

would like to thank their teachers, Ms Gibson and Ms Hynan, as well as Fed-elma, the schools busi-ness liason [official] with Siemens.


dublinlifeGaze

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business

Q&a

Making positive effects in health and fitness

Dublin business A Plus Skips recently launched its new web-site, www.aplusskips.ie, which it says offers cus-tomers a convenient and easier way to access its services, as it prepares to expand its business further.

This is just the lat-est stage of A Plus Skip Hire’s continued growth and expansion since it was founded in 2004 by brothers Paul and James McCann.

Starting with just two trucks, it now operates a fleet of 17 vehicles and employs over 40 staff in ballycoolin, Dublin 15.

According to managing director Paul McCann, the growth and expan-sion of the business has been overseen by John

McGrane, the financial controller.

“John joined us over four years ago. i felt with my knowledge of the waste industry and his expertise in development we would be able to take the company to the next level.”

John said it was a mat-ter of going back to basics: “Our vision was to offer fair prices to customers, excellent customer serv-ice, and offer an envi-ronmental answer to all waste needs.

“We felt the only way to achieve this goal for our customer was to pur-posely design and build a new facility.”

The next phase of development for the company is to make the recycling facility larger to

Focus on personal finances

COrMAC O’Sullivan is the manager of The Club, at Fitzpatrick’s Castle, Killiney. He has been working in the health and fitness industry here in ireland for over 15 years.

With over 10 years’ experience at management level, with spells work-ing for some of the largest operators in the sector, Cormac has seen firsthand

the effects of the recession on the sec-tor here in ireland.

A qualified yoga teacher, Cormac and the team at Fitzpatrick’s are championing the Exercise More – Stress less message and insist that even small amounts of regular exer-cise can have dramatically positive effects on our lives.

How long have you been in busi-ness?

i have been working in the health and fitness business for over 15 years. i started out as a fitness instructor and worked my way into manage-ment within a few years. i have been managing The Club here at Fitzpat-rick’s Castle for the last year and a half.

What makes your business suc-cessful?

Here at The Club our approach places our current members at the centre of everything we do. So rather than constantly focusing on finding new members, our number one priority is to look after the one’s we already have. This has been our key strategy for the last few years in particular and we are now enjoying the rewards.

What do you offer your clients that differs from your competitors?

Our club is one of the longest established health and fitness clubs in ireland, so the atmosphere within it is totally unique. We also provide some additional services that are unique to The Club – in particu-lar our free creche service is very popular amongst our customer base, as it frees up members so they can incorporate exercise into their daily lives.

How has the recession impacted your business?

For sure the recession has had

an impact on the health and fitness industry here in ireland and The Club at Fitzpatrick’s has not been exempt from that. Our strategy to deal with this has centred on mak-ing sure that our memberships offer great value for money with plenty of added services included in the price.

What is your ambition for the busi-ness?

To continue providing a service that allows members to be part of a club where they feel part of some-thing special. These days’ people have lots of options to choose from when it comes to deciding which gym to join, but there is something special about being a part of a club where you can actually make new friends. i am delighted to confirm that this happens regularly here in our club at Fitzpatrick’s.

What is your favourite thing about doing business in your local area?

The people… i find that when i am out promoting The Club people are always interested in hearing what i have to say. They’ll stop and chat with me and many times i’ve ended up having the most remark-able, honest and open conversations with people about why they gave up playing sport or why they stopped exercising and how much they miss it. i love when people are open and upfront like this and i also love that our product can impact positively on people’s wellness if they give it chance.

corMac o’sullivan, Manager oF the club

a Plus Skips launches its convenient new website

John McGrane, financial controller of a Plus Skips

allow the team to install specialised equipment for even more segregation of the waste.

“it is anticipated with successful planning per-mission, that we shall commence the expan-sion of the facility in July 2013 – creating 15 short-term construction jobs and 20 full time jobs,” said John.

A civic amenity cen-

tre is among its plans, which will allow the gen-eral public to dispose and recycle household items at designated collection points.

“i feel very proud of what we have achieved and what the future holds for A Plus Skips,” John added.

For more information, log on to www.aplusskips.or call 1890 401 020.

communication: eaSy way to acceSS ServiceS

Continued from last week

Step six. Shop well no financial ill can befall anyone who shops care-

fully. Value for money means more than just the lowest price but can incorporate convenience, service, quality and speed of delivery. Don’t be afraid to negotiate and rejoice in the fact that the silver lining to our country’s woes is that there are some great deals to be had.

Step seven. Cut the cost of your borrowing There is a simple but effective formula for dealing

with debt. if you can, consolidate all your debt into a single, less expensive loan and then pay it off as quickly as possible. if you can’t, hustle all your lenders until you get a better rate and always pay the most expensive debt off first. The rate of interest makes a huge difference.

Step eight. Aim for high returns and minimal riskThere are plenty of ways to make a high return on

your investments without taking undue risk. The first secret is not to consider what the market is doing and the second is not to chop and change your mind. Over the medium to long-term the stock market has always (and i mean always) produced greater profits than any-thing else. investors who split their money between shares and bonds and achieve average returns do better than almost everyone else. Check out Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) as the low cost way to invest. Don’t, by the way, waste money on unnecessary management fees.

Step nine. Get protected at the right pricereview all your insurance. Have you got the cover you

actually need? Could you switch providers and save? it is possible to make huge savings by reviewing your insurance on a regular basis. Do you realise if you have quit smoking over 12 months, you could be entitled to a 50% reduction in your life cover premiums.

Step ten. Be optimisticThe economy is cyclical. Everyone is talking

gloom, gloom, gloom now but in due course it will become boom, boom, boom again and when it does the canny will make a fortune. if you are entrepre-neurial the recession is your friend. The costs of start-ing and running a business are lower in real terms than they have been for over a decade. Suppliers are offering great deals. rents are down, professional advisers are charging less and – there are plenty of skilled employees looking for work.

contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoc-

tor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fel-

low of the institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director

of money Doctor

28 March 2013 GAZETTE 17

Cabinteely girl set to supportThe Saturdays BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

A CABINTEELY singer has won a competition to support popular girl band The Saturdays at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre this month.

On the Friday before St Patrick’s Day, Sophie Hannah Byrne got the news that she had won the chance to sing at a special charity concert fea-turing The Saturdays in aid of St Vin-cent De Paul.

The nationwide competition was set up by Bord Gais Energy and was open to all entertainment acts aged 16 and over for the chance to support the chart-topping girl band at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on Thursday, March 28.

Sophie told The Gazette about how she got involved in the competition.

“It was great to hear I won; it was a great start to St Patrick’s weekend. I first found out about the competi-tion from Bord Gais Energy Theatre’s Facebook page, and thought I’d give it a go as I already had a few videos of myself singing on YouTube.

“So I entered, as I thought it would be a good platform for me.

“I’ve been singing since I was three years old, and really want to get my name out there so I sent my version of Rihanna’s We Found Love in, and then forgot all about it.

“I was truly amazed, therefore, when I was shortlisted and then won the competition. My mother, Bernie, and my friends have been great, sharing my videos on Facebook since then.”

As far as performing with The Sat-urdays goes, Sophie is very excited, though also a little apprehensive about performing in front of such a big crowd in the theatre.

“Well, I’m always nervous before any performance, but once I’m onstage, everything is fine and I feel like I was born to do it.”

Sophie intends to create as many opportunities for herself through this performance, and is excited at the pos-sibility that she might sing with The Saturdays, though this has not been confirmed, as yet.

“I’ll be on the look-out for their manager, and I’ll hand out business cards as you never know what might happen, and I want to really use such

Sophie Hannah Byrne: excited to sing at Bord Gais Energy Theatre

OUT&ABOUTMOTORS P22

MUSIC P19

ASDFSDAF P27

Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this weekG

AZET

TE

PEOPLE: HAPPY TO SING AT CHARITY GIG

TRAVEL P24

PetsCAN YOU GIVE BUDDY-CASPER A NEW HOME?THE Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is Buddy-Casper, a very handsome two-year-old male Staffie cross who celebrated his second birthday a little while ago!

This gorgeous guy was spoilt rotten with kongs and a canine cake to mark this special day, he was a true king and loved every minute of it! He absolutely adores his walkies and little treats.

He is a good humoured fella but can find being alone quite worrying, so he would love a home where he has constant company. He would also be happy to share his new forever home with another canine four- legged friend and big kids 13+. He would love to find dedicated owners who have a real interest in his basic training and socialisation skills, someone who really gets him for the special man that he is.

If you think you could give Buddy-Casper or any of the other wonderful dogs at the centre the loving forever home they deserve, please contact Dogs Trust on 01-8791000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50.

a huge platform because these oppor-tunities don’t come along every day.

“I would love a recording contract and to maybe write my own songs some day, though I don’t play an instrument. I’d love to get into a studio with a good producer.

“I love 1960s music, especially soul artists like Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke and Stevie Wonder, and my voice is naturally suited to that kind of music.”

The special concert in aid of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, featur-ing The Saturdays and Sophie Hannah Byrne, is on at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on Thursday, March 28. Tick-ets are €20 to €35 from Ticketmaster.

gets him for the special man that he is.

Buddy-Casper or any of the other wonderful dogs at the centre the loving forever home they deserve, please contact Dogs Trust on 01-8791000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50.

Sophie hopes the gig will be useful for her

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

‘I would love a recording contract and to maybe write my own songs some day, though I don’t play an instrument’- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

18 GAZETTE 28 March 2013

OUT&ABOUT GAZE

TTE

BEAUTY

LAURA WEBB

[email protected]

SPORT fanatics listen up, while exercise is good for the mind and body, it can be tough on our skin, so for that reason Buff Day Spa have put together an exclusive package for sports people, to help achieve excellence in the skin too.

We would be doing something very wrong if we didn’t sweat just a lit-tle during our workout. But exercise induced sweat can clog the skin with impurities, so for this the team at Buff Spa have a Spa Custom Facial which includes skin analysis , deep cleansing, steaming, exfoliation, extractions, massage and customised face masque. Ridding the skin of impurities, this deep cleanse facial can help restore skin to radiance.

Those who run or do other types of car-

dio will notice that the back is prone to excess perspiration, which means the back can get clogged with spots. With this in mind, there is a Dermalogica Beautiful Back that is essentially a Dermalogica facial performed on the back to help keep it looking clean and clear.

This combines a deep cleansing action, deep exfoliation with a 15- minute back massage to relax your muscles and re-energise your body.

Across the ocean, in Brazil, it’s usual for footballers to wax their legs in order to prevent infections while injured, and its spreading to Europe. We all know swimming and triathlon entrants will smooth their skin so they can win medals.

Cyclists also wax their arms and legs because of the frequency of acci-dents during training and competition. Inju-

The sport of keeping your skin in top shape

ries can become infect-ed and inflamed due to road dirt and hair. Removal of hair from arms and legs reduces these risks. A full leg wax costs €45. An underarm wax costs €25.

The full package for a spa custom facial, a Dermalogica beauti-ful back, a full leg wax costs €145 (regular price is €189)

The Buff Day Spa is now also offering sports

massage for only €75 for a session.

The Buff Day Spa, 52 South King Street, Dub-lin 2. For further infor-mation call: 01-677 4624 or see www.thebuffday-spa.com

BEAUTY news

AVON’S SuperShock Gel Eyeliner Pencil gets a 2013 make over with new limited edition shades this spring/summer season.

The SuperShock Gel was launched in 2010 and has made a name for itself in the beauty world. This year, Avon has launched four new eye-catching shades to help create dramatic eyes with colour and glam up our make-up look.

It’s supersoft formula lets the SuperShock Gel Eyeliner glide on easily and evenly, leaving an intense colour finish for long last-ing, extreme eye-drama.

Liz Pugh, part of Avon’s profes-sional make-up artist team says, “Statement-making eyes are all over the runways this season and metallics are a big trend. Now you can get the catwalk look with Avon’s new SuperShock Gel.”

The available shades are Aqua Pop, Steel, Khaki Shimmer and Flash and costs €8.

IT can be found in many make-up bags and is well known for its highlight-ing abilities, so to honour the Touche Eclat highlight pen, Yves Saint Laurent is launching a collector’s edition this year.

In 2013, the famous make-up pen has been dressed in shimmering gold.

Every season since 2010, Touche Eclat dons a new golden packaging in tribute to the Saint Laurent house’s most beautiful creations.

The 2013 edition is delicately engraved and embossed with a spar-kling shower of light like an exquisitely embroidered dress and was inspired by the crystal bead-covered Haute Couture “Edition Soir” evening gown designed by Yves Saint Laurent in the 1960s.

Touche Eclat was created in 1992. It enhances facial features and contours, eras-ing all signs of fatigue and dark circles. A few magic strokes and the complexion is beauti-fully illuminated.

The Touche Eclat Collector 2013 is avail-able from mid-April in shades N° 1 and N° 2.

Collector’s edition of Touche Eclat gets the golden touch

enhances facial features

Giorgio Armani Beauty unveils new foundation shadesTHERE could well be a bun-dle of complexions radiating this April when Giorgio Arm-ani Beauty unveils new tones and shades in its Luminous Silk Foundation and Fluid Sheer products.

The make-up giant will launch the two products next week, which claim to match each woman’s “unique complexion shades”.

The foundation and the Fluid Sheer are teamed together to add radiance to the skin tone, as well as sculpt and blend.

Luminous Silk Foundation and Fluid Sheer can be blended or layered

B l e n d L u m i n o u s S i l k a n d Fluid Sheer t o g e t h e r t o c r e a t e your unique shade.

Layer Fluid Sheer over

Luminous Silk Foundation, to direct and tailor the light, as you illuminate and accentuate the details of your face.

Linda Cantello, internation-al make-up artist for Giorgio Armani Beauty, said flawless, professional make-up begins with “a luminous, natural

looking complexion”.“By blending Luminous Silk

and Fluid Sheer, any woman can find her perfect skin tone while adding radiance and correcting any imperfections.

“I like to start by applying Luminous Silk evenly across the face. Then, using the dedi-cated Blender Brush, I can use Fluid Sheer to add definition. Layering the weightless prod-ucts for a customised result,” she said.

Luminous Silk Founda-tion is light-perfecting and weightless. Now available in 24 shades – including seven new tones – to precisely match

every woman’s most radiant skin tone.

Fluid Sheer skin tone embel-lisher is the light-sculpting col-our veil for your most dazzling complexion. The radiance enhancer is available in 12 ver-satile “colored light” shades to highlight and sculpt the face, warming-up the complexion for an instant, healthy glow.

Giorgio Armani Cosmetics are available exclusively at Brown Thomas Dublin and Cork, from April with the fol-lowing recommended retail prices: Luminous Silk Founda-tion – €42.69 and Fluid Sheer – €42.69.

Exercise can be tough on skin and induced sweat can clog it with impurities

Shocking colour with Avon’s eye-catching gel eyeliner

28 March 2013 GAZETTE 19

Q&AOn the last Thursday of each month, Littlewoods Ireland Ambassador Caroline Morahan or their resident stylist Tanya Grimson (left) will answer your fashion queries through great tips and looks from their many collections. So if you are stuck in a fashion rut and need answers, then email [email protected] with your question, name and location. The top questions will be chosen to feature on the page. The reader with the one question deemed the star question of the month will receive a €50 voucher for Littlewoods Ireland.

I fell in love with a bright yellow dress and bought it for my son’s communion in May, but am now stumped for what colour accessories, shoes etc would go best with it? Paula from Leitrim

STAR QUESTION - I am small of stature, what kind of clothes should I wear to make me appear a little taller? Where can I get jeans with short legs as I am forever having to take up the leg length? What type of tops should I wear to flatter my figure?

Sandra from Dublin

Tanya’s Advice: These days most labels will offer a petite range which really helps when it comes to getting trousers that actually fit you, but even better, is that ankle grazing jeans are very much in style at the moment. They sit on the ankle bone and, if you team them with a pair of high heels, it will create the illusion of longer legs. Another great way of attracting attention to your now longer pins is to add an injection of colour and this version from South, Petite Curvalicious Super Slimming Skinny Jeans, €37, are ideal for creating this effect. Wedges are great not only for giving some extra height, but also for their comfort factor, meaning that they can be worn every day. This pair from Kurt Geiger (KG Nickle Stud Wedge Sandal, €194) has the added benefit of being equally dressy and casual and would look great with these ankle grazers. Keep your tops to the waist, don’t go for longer tunic styles as these will shorten your silhouette, and if you want to keep the focus on your face add some print to your top or don a statement necklace.

I have a tummy and need help finding what to wear to hide it? Orlaith from Dublin 6

Tanya’s Advice: If you want to disguise or minimise your tummy, make structure your best friend. Dresses that are fitted around the waistline will create a more natural silhouette and will streamline your midriff. The black version from the naturally curvaceous Holly Willoughby range illustrates my point perfectly (Holly Willoughby Lace Insert Pencil Dress €79). The black is not only slimming but its structured centre creates a more hourglass figure than a rounded one. There is nothing wrong with having curves, it is

just important to know how to embrace and complement them. Avoid fabrics that cling such as jersey and polyester, and opt for more structured fabrics such as tweed and cottons, and if you can, look for dresses that have a lining in them as they will offer more support. Another great way of distracting the eye from a problem area is again through print; all over print will bring the eye in many directions instead of allowing it to focus on one area, so don’t be afraid to give print a try. This printed version from Savoir is ideal, (Confident Curves Mid Length Dress, €40) as it not only has lots of lovely print, but it’s also cut in a wrap style so this will break up the top part of your body even further. I hope this helps and happy shopping!

On the last Thursday of each month, Littlewoods Ireland Ambassador Caroline Morahan or their resident stylist Tanya Grimson (left) will answer your fashion queries through great tips and looks from their many collections. So if you are stuck in a fashion rut and need answers, then email [email protected] with your question, name and location. The top questions will be chosen to feature on the page. The reader with the one question deemed the star question of the month will receive a €50 voucher for Littlewoods Ireland.

Gazette Style and Littlewoods Ireland have teamed up to help readers with some style dilemmas

Style

Star Question!

STYLE

just important to know how to embrace and complement them. Avoid fabrics that cling such as jersey and polyester, and opt for more structured fabrics such as tweed and cottons, and if you can, look for dresses that have a lining in them as they will offer more support. Another great way of distracting the eye from a problem area is again through print; all over print will bring the eye in many directions instead of allowing it to focus on one area, so don’t be afraid to give print a try. This printed version from Savoir is ideal, (Confident Curves Mid Length Dress, €40) as it not only has lots of lovely print, but it’s also cut in a wrap style so this will break up the top part of your body even further. I hope this helps and happy shopping!

Tanya’s Advice: Yellow can often appear more intimidating than it has to, and in fact can look great with a variety of colours. For a more dramatic look, team it with black accessories and ideally a print shoe like this monochrome version from Colleen’s range, they will break up the yellow and give it more of a fashion edge (Coleen Fonda Woven Platform Shoes, €57). Complement this even further by adding a black clutch and a

statement necklace for extra drama. Alternatively if you wish to tone down the yellow, nude and gold accessories create a more subdued ladylike look. These nude and gold tipped shoes from Love Label tick all the right boxes with their extra metallic touch (Love Label Goodwin Slingback Shoes, €32); finish with a nude clutch such as this one from Dune, (Tassel Detail Clutch Bag, €59) and your look will be both elegant and fresh.


OUT&ABOUT Gaze

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TheatretHe pavilioN tHeatRe 01 231 2929tuesdays With MorrieTHIS deeply emotional drama is the autobiographical story of Mitch Albom, an accomplished journalist and Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor. Sixteen years after graduation, Mitch reconnects with Morrie after learning that his old professor is battling Lou Gehrig’s Disease. What starts as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a last class in the meaning of life. April 3 and 4, tickets are priced at €18/€16.

DRaiocHt 01 885 2622Swinging in the SixtiesFeeling Groovy? Coolmine Musical Society invites you to step inside and relive the music of the 1960s. From Swinging London to the Summer of Love, it will feature songs that capture the spirit of the golden decade. The show will include hits from Burt Bacharach, The Beatles, The Mamas and Papas and the Kinks. April 5 and 6, tickets are priced at €16/14.

Mill tHeatRe DuNDRuM 01 296 9340Folk the RecessionWITH a wonderful selection of songs by composers such as Marty Robbins, Tom Paxton and Woody Guthrie etc combined with their own arrangements of tunes this is really is a feast of folk music. April 5 tickets are priced at €18/€15.

LIFE after Dunder Mif-flin has been fairly quiet for Steve Carrell.

Since hanging up his paper-selling boots on the hit US TV version of The Office, the former Michael Scott has yet to turn in a truly brilliant comedy.

Maybe he set the bar too high early in his career with Anchor-man and the 40 Year Old Virgin, but Carrell is a supremely talented comedic actor in need of a fitting vehicle.

His first attempt at creating a marquee comedy icon is the

Incredible Burt Won-

derstone, a farcical comedy about magi-cians, their rivalries and their inspirations.

As far as setting goes, it is a novel idea, but hardly relevant.

If you’ve seen any movie from a Saturday Night Live alumnus in the last decade, you

Every little thing

know the drill; ego-maniac lead character starts out horrible, has a few bad things hap-pen to him, maybe a love interest and he reforms.

Simples.But the strength of

this genre is not its inge-nuity, its storytelling or even its overall worth as film.

We watch films like this when we don’t want to tax our brain too much, to take it easy, sit one out.

These films rely on our suspension of dis-belief to be at a point where anything seems remotely plausible, as long as you laugh.

Which is handy for Bur t Wonder s tone because, despite leav-ing a number of narra-tive threads unfulfilled, it will attract numbers through the door based on having quite a few very funny set pieces and characters that are written large enough to leave an indelible mark on viewers’ minds.

Much of the film’s charm comes from Car-rell’s talented but com-placent Wonderstone.

As it becomes clear t h a t J i m C a r r e y ’ s upstart Steve Gray, all urine-holding, hot coal sleeping, is winning the

battle for ticket sales in Las Vegas, Woderstone and his assistant, Anton Marvelton (played with deadpan excellence by Steve Buscemi) must evolve or die.

As the two bicker, the film soars and one attempt by Burt to do their two-man show solo is an absolute high-light.

But the film can’t stay focused long enough to decide what it wants to be, which is highly frus-trating.

John Francis Daley (Dr Sweets in TV’s Bones) and Jonathan M Goldstein wrote 2011’s

Horrible Bosses and, much like that effort, Burt Wonderstone is too scatty to really engage.

As the tone shifts, three narratives vie for screentime and none gets the t ime they deserve.

Alan Arkin , who has made a career out of deadpan comedy, finds himself all at sea, despite his magic leg-end Rance Holloway being a fantastic comic creation.

In the end, what’s left is a bit of a jumble and it is a shame.

With a bit more care in the script, Won-derstone could stand alongside Ron Burgun-dy and Chazz Michael Michaels.

As it is, Carrell and Carrey are on fine form, Arkin is excellent and a decent film comes very close to being a very good film.

ego monster Burt Wonderstone gets ready to embark on his latest trick

RevieW: GooD cHaRacteRS, GReat peRFoRMaNceS, So WHy So aveRaGe?

Paul [email protected]

our VerdICt:IT is good. It is certainly not bad. But it could have been excellent had Scardino and screen writers Jonathan M Goldstein and John Francis Daley decided what the film was actually about. Three potentially excellent storylines - the relationship between Burt and Anton, the reemergence of Rance Holloway and the ascension of Jim Carrey’s delightfully bonkers Steve Gray - all go unfulfilled.

director: don scardinostarring: steve Carrell, steve Buscemi, alan arkin, Jim Carrey, olivia Wilde, James Gandolfini

Film OF ThE WEEk: the incredible Burt Wonderstone h h h (15) 100 mins

AS FAR as comebacks are concerned, this has already been a great year. David Bowie’s The Next Day was a marker, a creative high water-mark in his output since the 80s, and in a similar vein, last week saw the release of Bloodsports, the first album in a dec-ade from Britpop icons Suede.

Suede were one of the acts who first lit the fuse of Britpop that blew away the grunge movement on this side of the pond over a glo-rious three-year period that saw them appear on innumerable maga-zine covers and deliver on the hype of being the best new band in Brit-ain.

Classic singles like

The Drowners, Animal Nitrate and New Gen-eration, and their run of first three albums cemented them as a class act, and ensured a level of fan devotion close to mania.

Bre t t Anderson ’s androgynous, agressive croon was the perfect foil for Bernard But-ler’s (and later, Richard Oakes’) intricate and shining guitar parts, the combination recalling early 70s Bowie, filled with London swag-

ger and pop sensibility that ensured their lon-gevity extended well beyond other acts from the scene who tried to plough the same fur-rows.

For a band who blazed so brightly at their first appearance on the scene, to have gone out with the whimper of A New Morning in 2002 was hugely disap-pointing.

Promis ing at the time of their split the year after A New Morn-ing’s release to come back when the time was artistically right is something that Suede have delivered with Bloodsports.

The record is every-thing that New Morn-ing was not — bright,

confident and full to the brim with great tunes, to the extent that there are songs here, like opener Barriers and lead track It Starts And Ends With You, that have already been added to the ulti-mate Suede playlists of fans worldwide.

Barriers , and the other songs that com-prise the first half of the record, stake Suede’s case for a justi f ied return to the battlefield in the same way as The Next Day does.

Everything you ever loved about Suede is here - the tubthumping drums, the shimmering production and lyrics that invoke glorious vulnerability, postcards from the underside of city life.

Snowblind is a soar-ing stomp, while the most glaringly Suede-esque track, Hit Me, ticks all of the boxes for classic status, a rol-licking opening and chorus that scales the speakers, and one of the more gratuitous uses of “La la la, la la” in rock in recent times.

Taking the pace down for the last four tracks, Suede deliver some of their most affecting songs of their careers, Sometimes I Feel I’ll Float Away and Fault-lines both recalling one of their finest moment, The Wild Ones.

Anyone thinking of making a comeback this year now has another incredibly high bar to clear.

ROB [email protected]

review: a welcome return from britpop legends suede

A fire in the blood...Suede’s wilderness years, like those of David Bowie, appear to be behind them now after a creative and artistic explosion with Bloodsports

28 March 2013 gazette 21

gazette

FASTtunes

with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

Happy Easter! As the countdown to the choc-fest continues, I know what I’m doing this weekend (think the chocoholic nun from Father Ted...)

And given that the Easter Bank Holiday week-end is upon us, it’s pretty fitting that a resurrec-tion of sorts is happening in the rock world.

Jimi Hendrix is regarded by many as one of the greatest guitarists to ever pick up a Fender.

Despite only enjoying a few years of fame when he was alive, his legacy has stretched the length and breadth of the music world, influenc-ing every artist from Miles Davis to Stevie Ray Vaughan.

A dozen albums have been released since his untimely death in September of 1970 at the age of 27, including this month’s release of People, Hell And Angels, an album made up of 12 previ-ously unreleased tracks which were in the pipe-line for the follow-up to Jimi’s third (and what turned out to be last) album Electric Ladyland, released in 1968.

The release of People, Hell And Love is also poignant when you consider Hendrix would have been 70 this year.

And if you’re wondering where all this mate-rial came from, Hendrix was famous for using studios as rehearsal space meaning although management were forking out heavy fees, the tapes were rolling for much of The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s jam sessions.

However, rumour has it People, Hell And Angels is likely to mark the end of four decades of posthumous album releases, though the gui-tarist’s engineer, Eddie Kramer, has said there is still a load of live footage in the vault, so the next Hendrix release could be in the form of a DVD. And with Hendrix’s live performances as famous as his fingers - it will be guaranteed to be as elec-tric as ever.

Easter gift from the Jimi Hendrix vaults

22 gazette 28 March 2013

OUT&ABOUT Gaze

tte

GAMING

shane [email protected]

Gears of war: judGment still shootinG for the top

The action ticks along

BYTES&PIECES

Previously something of a sidekick in the gears of War universe, sarcastic, quick-witted Baird (right) steps up as lead protaganist in

this exploratory prequel, set shortly after emergence day. Baird’s joined by some familiar, and new, faces on this latest intense romp.

WITH the XBox 360 nearing the end of its life cycle, several games have been rolling out to show that there’s plenty of life in the old gal yet.

And they certainly don’t come much livelier

than entries in the XBox 360-exclusive Gears of

War series, that’s for sure; a series that

has graced this page before.

Still, with the Gears series seem-ingly well and truly wrapped up at the end of the recent-ish third title, where next

for the fran-chise?

Well, step f o r w a r d

g e a r s of

War: Judg-

ment, the prequel!

(Oh, Epic Games, what-ever next? Gears of War: The College Years?)

Okay, so prequels are generally poorly-received by most people – after all, it’s hard to build up any kind of narrative drama when you know that so-and-so will be okay and go on to other adventures.

Still, kudos to GoW:J, wonky name spelling and all, for working out an interesting new angle.

This time round – or, err, before – a previously ancillary character gets top billing as lead prota-ganist, as sarcastic, highly intelligent Damon Baird begins the game in trou-ble with the higher-ups.

He’s on trial with a

number of other COG soldiers (including pere-nially popular Cole Train) of being disobedient sol-diers in the chaos follow-ing Emergence Day – the day when a hostile species, the Locust Horde, sud-denly began pouring into the world from below.

Now, Baird, Cole and the others are forced to explain what really hap-pened to lead them to this point (which is all set sev-eral years or so before the first Gears of War game, don’t forget). Cue the explanatory flashbacks ...

From the get-go, Gears fans will be in instantly familiar territory, as nobody does “destroyed beauty” as well as Epic Games, with one ravaged cityscape or landscape after another to plough through, Lancer (chain-saw-gun) a revvin’.

Reavers, Wretches, Tick-ers, Lambent and more – all the usual Locust horde are here, and some more, and all looking to cause tears before bedtime for Baird and his buddies,

whether in the single player or in the (highly entertaining) online mul-tiplayer modes.

Perhaps the most interesting feature is the ways gamers can under-take optional challenges throughout, all of which help to, firstly, add greater challenge (as though the game was easy to begin with), and, secondly, to flesh out Baird and co as characters.

It’s hard not to feel that GoW:J isn’t more of the same, but that’s not always

a bad thing, as the Gears universe, characters and, well, vision have always been singularly entertain-ing to begin with.

While the big-scale spectacle of previous titles has been stripped back a little here to focus on tighter encounters, the action certainly hasn’t been short-changed, mak-ing it quite a blast. (Sorry, Baird – pun intended.)

Gears of War: Judgment is available for 18+ gam-ers now from a variety of retailers.

as a way to mix up the action, players can choose to

“remember the truth” of what happened at certain

locations, where they spot the gears logo – thus

triggering area-specific challenges to undertake

Get lost on a year walktree-mendous sense of design in a chilly gameI’M a little late to mention this, as it’s been out for a wee while now, but not unlike the starting cabin deep in its forest, Year Walk isn’t going anywhere any time soon.

While there are tons of new IOS games released every day, only a few of them ever get noticed, with Simogo’s title catching plenty of attention upon its pretty recent release on the Apple store.

At its simplest, you could describe Year Walk as a kind of ... forest walk-em-up, starting off at a serenely quiet Swedish cottage as snow drifts down. From there, you flick the screens around, with trees and other objects unfolding into view, depending on where you’re wandering.

However, the paths and trails don’t quite go where you’re expecting, with a disorientating sense of space, and place, adding to the confusion, while you may meet a number of ... forest spirits on your journey, and not all of them creatures you’d wish to meet in a snowy Swedish forest as night falls ...

An interesting mix of Scandanavian design and folklore, married to quaintly charming graphics that makes good use of IOS platforms’ tactile interfaces, Year Walk is an abstract, atmospheric and elegantly presented title that’s well worth taking a stroll with. Just don’t blame me if you get lost within its deceptively simple setting ...

Fan favourite augustus “Cole train” Cole steps up for

duty, with his younger self proving as tough as ever

from free to almost freewhatsapp confirms charge comingTHIS news may not come as a very huge surprise, but the popular free messaging app Whatsapp has confirmed that it’s to start charging an annual (small) subscription cost for its IOS users from some time this year.

One of the must-have apps on many people’s smartphones, WhatsApp has been very successful. Even though it has rivals, it still maintains its very substantial user base for texting and exchanging pictures (without any pesky, annoying ads getting in the way).

While Windows Phone, Android, BlackBerry and Nokia phone users already pay a minimal annual subscription, IOS users can expect to see their free WhatsApp become, well, very almost free, later this year, with chief executive Jan Joum making the sensible decision to apply a charge ...


MOTORING

Gazette

Combining classic cabriolet with the best of a hatchbackn CorMAC CUrtis

It MAY not feel like it, but it will soon be summer, or at least we hope so.

In anticipation of some clear blue skies, Irish motorists can rest assured that Citroen is continuing the DS line story with the launch of a new chapter, the DS3 Cabrio.

Irish motorists will be able to enjoy the slight-est ray of sunlight thanks to the newcomer’s intel-ligent architecture that makes convertible life considerably easier. the DS3 Cabrio is all about pleasure. Non-stop.

the DS3, launched just three years ago, has proved an undeniable success, totalling nearly 180,000 registrations. Boasting enhanced per-sonalisation possibilities with a range of roof col-lections, the DS3 has led the way in boosting DS line awareness and suc-cess.

the DS3 Cabrio is above all a real DS3. It features all the strong points behind the success of its sister model, name-ly bold styling choices, refinement down to the last detail, and instant driving thrills.

Citroen has chosen a modern technical solu-tion for the DS3 Cabrio to underscore the DS3’s unique character and retain all of the original model’s road feel. Con-tributing to the person-alisation effort, three soft-top roofs are available: black, Infinite blue and DS Monogramme. the DS3 Cabrio is also heir to all the sophistication of the DS line, with an inno-vative 3D rear light signa-ture and a highly original

the Ds3 Cabrio features bold styling choices, refinement down to the last detail, and instant driving thrills

review: Citroen launChes a new Chapter ContinuinG the Ds line

tailgate opening motion. the DS3 Cabrio blazes

a trail in the cabriolet seg-ment with a new wave of modernity: electrically manoeuvrable roof up to 120 km/h; the only real 5-seater in the category; the largest boot in the cat-egory; available from just 99 g/km of CO2.

the DS3 Cabrio inher-its the strong personal-ity of the hatchback. At 3.95m long, 1.71m wide and 1.46m high, it retains the original’s compact proportions, denoting agility and energy. All the customary bold styl-ing choices are present, from the “floating” two-tone roof and shark fin that reinvigorates the car’s waist line, to the side recesses that underline the LED daytime running lights and sculpt the car’s “face”.

the architecture of the DS3 Cabrio is fully in DS3 character. the canvas roof becomes a new source of personalisation with a range of original colours and designs that add to the car’s unique person-

ality. the new model also features all-new 3D LED lights at the rear and a chrome-finished handle that elegantly highlights the top of the tailgate.

While most converti-bles weigh in at some 100kg more than the regu-lar model, the DS3 Cabrio is just 25 kg heavier than the DS3 hatchback. the optimised architecture of the cabriolet model retains all of the agility and responsiveness of the original. Citroen engi-neers have managed to give the DS3 Cabrio the rigidity of the hatchback, notably by using the same architecture for the sides and adding structural reinforcements around the boot.

Equipped with the same technical base as the regular DS3 – ie structural components and running gear – the Cabrio keeps all of the eager handling that makes the DS3 such a treat to drive while at the same time offering top-notch control and safety.

the Irish range offers a choice of three engines

and three equipment grades, with a full range of options.

From safety to comfort to communication and entertainment, the Cit-roen DS3 Cabrio DSIGN has every angle covered. High specification fea-tures include cruise con-trol with speed limiter, 3D LED rear lights, rear park-ing sensors and sports suspension as standard. the new highly-efficient petrol Vti engine is avail-able on DSIGN level with CO2 of 112g and com-bined fuel economy of 4.9 l/100km.

the step up to level two DStYLE adds interior mood lighting, signature daytime-running LEDs, air conditioning and 16” Ashers alloy wheels. At

DStYLE level the e-HDi 90 EGS6 offers the low-est CO2 at just 99g and delivers fuel economy of 3.8l/100km.

the range topping DSPORt equipment level adds connecting box, digital air-condi-tioning, 17” Black Bel-lone alloy wheels and a double chrome exhaust pipe. With a step up of just €1,500 the DSPORt grade comes with the sporty petrol tHP 155 engine with CO2 of 137g or €280 annual road tax.

the DS3 Cabrio was designed to bring occu-pants pleasure with no compromises. It com-bines the advantages of a classic cabriolet with the strong points of a hatch-back.

Skoda Ireland steps up as Tour de Conamara sponsorFIVE-tIME tour de France winner Bernard Hina-ult and rugby legend Keith Wood are among the international sports stars lining up for the 2013 Skoda tour de Conamara (www.tourdeconamara.com).

the event on May 25 is part of a weekend of cycling activity that will see the Connemara area host Ireland’s first sportive team time trial in Carna. Speaking at the launch of the event Raymond Leddy, head of marketing, Skoda Ireland said: “Skoda is delighted to become the official sponsor to the tour de Conamara. We have a rich tradition in cycling and are the official partner of the tour de France. to be able to get behind a local event such as this was an easy decision to make and we wish all the participants well.

“Monaghan & Sons, our local Skoda dealership in Galway, will be offering participants the option to get pre tour VIP treatment with further details to be announced closer to the event.

“the event has already attracted considerable international interest with registrations already received from cyclists in Britain, France and the USA,” according to event organiser Padraic Quinn.

He explained: “We are hoping to build on the success of last year’s cycle and have made a number of changes to provide a weekend of activity for visi-tors to the area. the Saturday cycle in Clifden offers 140km and 80km routes. the option to take part in the Sunday team trial event in Carna is something that is already attracting a lot of attention from cycling clubs and corporate teams.”

the weekend is rounded off with a Family Funathlon in Carna that will include cycling, walk-ing and family entertainment. the Newstalk team time trial event and Family Funathlon are fund-raiser events for Cancer Care West.

Speaking about the return of Bernard Hinault to Connemara, Padraic Quinn revealed the French cycling legend expressed an immediate interest in returning in the aftermath of the 2012 event.

Quinn noted: “Bernard was very taken with the event atmosphere, scenery and the reaction of Irish cyclists to him. this year marks the 100th anniver-sary of the tour de France so it is a real honour to have one of the sport’s true legends join us in Con-nemara for the event.”

NOISEroad

rugby legend Keith Wood, event organiser Padraic

Quinn and raymond Leddy, skoda ireland

24 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 March 2013

OUT&ABOUT GAZE

TTE

HoneymoonsOFFERS: FINDING THE PERFECT, ROMANTIC TRIP OF A LIFETIME

ADVICE : TOPFLIGHT

FOR those loved-up couples in search of some-thing fit for a king and gueen (or a new husband and wife), one way to celebrate your marriage is with a stay at the Residence in Dubai, the luxuri-ous beachfront villa situated within the five-star JA Palm Tree Court.

Located in its own exclusive bay, with 800m of private beach, the hotel offers newlyweds the chance to relax in the epitome of luxury.

Guests can take advantage of a pre-stay planner and start customising their stay in the run up to departure, ensuring the booking of a de-stress spa treatment or a romantic meal on the beach.

On landing, the complimentary Marhaba wel-come service at the airport will ensure a relaxed VIP arrival at the resort.

Prices range from €300 a night based on two people sharing a garden view junior suite, or €723 for a bedroom suite at The Residence. For more information, visit www.jaresortshotels.com.

TRAVEL NEWSfast

Options are endless for newlywed getawaysWHEN it comes to choosing a honeymoon, the options are endless. So, whether you’re a sand-dweller or a home bird, travel expert Hotels.com has compiled a list of popular honeymoon destinations to inspire everyone’s preferences.

Mexico

In Costa Careyes, Mex-ico, prices start from just €174 per room per night on Hotels.com.

Stay at the El Careyes Beach Resort in Jalisco, Mexico, a firm favourite with celebrity honey-mooners and a perfect choice for couples look-ing to escape after their big day.

Surrounded by sub-tropical rainforest and nestled in a secluded cove on the Pacific Ocean, this resort exudes elegance and tranquility.

Bora Bora

Stay at the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa in Bora Bora, French Polynesia, with prices starting from €503 per room per night on Hotels.com.

With celebrity fans including Nicole Kid-man and Keith Urban, newlyweds can enjoy the island paradise with spectacular views of the Otemanu Volcano from the sea shore.

Arizona

If you’re not looking to follow the classic honey-moon recipe that requires an exotic beach, you can enjoy the exclusive serv-ice of the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa in Ari-zona, USA. A boutique hotel located on Camel-back Mountain with a splendid view of Paradise

Valley, even celebrity couple Beyonce and Jay Z are rumoured to have honeymooned here.

Prices start from €357 per room per night.

Donegal

Or to stay a little closer to home, why not enjoy

your post-wedding moon at Lough Eske Castle in Co Donegal? Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker chose Donegal for her honeymoon and with prices starting from €166 per night, you too could enjoy a very fashionable holiday in the weeks after

your big day. A stunning five-star,

Lough Eske is set within 43 acres of forest wood-land the perfect location for that honeymoon clos-er to home.

For further information visit www.Hotels.com.

Fit for a king and queen!

SETTING your sights on the States for that much-longed for honeymoon offers couples a range of holidays to suit every type of romantic getaway.

With fun activities such as safari cruises, water-sports and evening entertainment, as well as the much-needed sunshine and, of course, Disney World, a vacation in Clearwater Beach or St Petersburg in Florida has everything you need for a fun-filled honeymoon.

American Holidays, the Florida experts, have just released these great all-American sun pack-ages, giving you even more reason to head to the Sunshine State this year.

Travel on June 6 and spend five nights at the three-star Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando and five nights at the three-star Sirata Beach Resort from only €639pp. Price includes return flights from Dublin, 10 nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges. Plus, you can add on car hire from only €20 per day.

Spend seven nights at the three-star Barefoot Beach Resort on a self-catering basis from only €629 per person when you travel on June 5, or spend seven nights at the four-star Hilton Clear-water Beach from only €1,109 per person when traveling on May 12. Prices include return flights from Dublin, accommodation as stated, taxes and charges. For more information visit www.ameri-canholidays.com or call 01 6733804.

Set your sights on all the States has to offer

Get tropical in Bora Bora,

French Polynesia or stay close

to home and enjoy Donegal

When it comes to planning your honeymoon, there’s the added pressure of ensuring this once-in-a-lifetime trip is just

that – a romantic trip of a lifetime and one giant excuse to really spoil yourself and your new partner in life. Whether

you’re planning an alternative honeymoon at home, or bending the budget to jet off into the sunset, there are plenty of

options out there for newlyweds to find their post-wedded bliss in some of the world’s most far-flung retreats. And to

help make those all-important plans a cinch, we’ve managed to pull some of the best choices together just for you!

your post-wedding moon your big day.

The Residence in Dubai

28 March 2013 LUCAN gAzette 25

TRAVEL

Gazette

the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of thailand make for an ideal romantic getaway

Whether you are planning a romantic beach holiday or a whirlwind city break, your first trip as a married couple should be full of excitement and romance and an excuse to wine and dine. But being swept away in the run up to the much-anticipated nuptials can sometimes mean overlooking some of the vital details.

Dr Graham Fry, director of the tropical Medical Bureau, knows all about the prob-lems faced by newlyweds and says that a small forgotten detail when planning your all-important honeymoon can shatter your dream holiday.

to help your honeymoon run as smoothly as possible, Dr Fry offers a number of essen-tial tips.

1. Ask someone responsible to send your marriage registration form to the general

registration office when you’re away – the form must go in within one month of the ceremony.

2. A meal at a top restaurant might be romantic, but steer clear of the shellfish when abroad to avoid honeymooners’ most common malady.

3. Don’t forget the suncream! Looking like a lobster won’t turn anybody on, even if they have sworn in sickness and in health.

4. If possible, have a day at home after the wedding before the honeymoon. this will hopefully prevent the “I forgot the tickets” scenario.

5. Don’t use your married name on the tickets unless your passport reflects the change – you might not be allowed on the plane.

For more tips, visit www.tmb.ie .

Essential tips for the ultimate stress-free post-nuptial holiday

In the mood for travelWhether you are looking to explore the wonders of the Unit-ed Arab emirates or the beauty of thailand, travelmood have something to suit all needs and tastes to make that special occa-sion one to remember.

Maldives

travel to the Maldives on May 12, 2013, and spend nine nights in the four-star Bandos Island on a B&B basis from only €1,299 per person. the price includes return flights from Dublin, accommodation

as stated, speedboat transfers and all taxes and charges.

thailand

travel to thailand on May 22, 2013, and spend three nights at the four-star rembrandt hotel in Bangkok on a room-only basis, before enjoying seven nights at the five-star Indigo Pearl hotel in the Premium Pearl Bed Suite in Phuket, on a B&B basis from just €1,429 per person.

Price includes return flights from Dublin, 10 nights’ accom-

modation, internal flights and all taxes and charges.

Mexico

Spend three nights in the five-star Dreams riviera Can-cun resort & Spa in a Premium Deluxe tropical & Garden View room in Mexico, on an all-in-clusive basis from only €1,398 per person for couples travel-ling on June 10, 2013. Price also includes return flights from Dub-lin, accommodation as stated, internal flights and all taxes and charges.

Dubai

Or finally, spend five nights at the five-star hotel Ibn Bat-tuta Gate in Dubai on a B&B basis, before spending seven nights at the four-star Avani Kalutara resort in Sri Lanka, in a superior lagoon view room from just €1,564 per person. Prices include return flights, 12 nights’ accommodation, inter-nal flights, taxes and charges when travelling on May 11.

For further details or further dates available, visit www.trav elmood.ie or call 01 4331063.

advIce : topflIGhtLOnG-hAUL destinations combine brand new experiences with relaxed, home-from-home accommodation, so going the extra mile could make the world of difference to your holiday retreat and thomas Cook are offering a range of idyllic destinations this honeymoon season.

Spend 14 nights at the luxurious five-star Moon Palace Golf and Spa resort in Cancun, Mexico, offering honeymooners a secluded white-sanded beach setting. A 14-night package on an all-inclusive basis is available from €2,178 pps on September 22, 2013.

Or stay 14 nights at the romantic four-star Sirenis Suites in Punta Canta, Dominican repub-lic, on an all-inclusive basis from €1,210 pps. the hotel is set in a tropical haven, nestled between a coconut grove and a spectacular beachfront. Price is based on a departure date of October 1, 2013.

Both prices include direct flights from Gatwick, however flights can be arranged from Dublin to Gatwick at an additional cost.

to book call thomas Cook Ireland in Dublin on 01 514 0316.

TRAVEL NEWSfast

Go the extra mile to Cancun or Dominican Republic

there is so much to see in Italy, from the capti-vating city of rome, to the sandy beaches in Sicily. If Italy is your dream honeymoon destination, you are in luck – Citalia can send you there for incred-ibly low rates.

travel to Bologna for four nights at the Metro-politan hotel, on a B&B basis, for just €459 when you travel on April 23.

Or spend a holiday in Verona for two nights at the Mastino hotel, and Lake Garda for five nights at the Parcha Del Garda hotel, also on a B&B basis from only €649, travelling on May 9.

Or perhaps you will be tempted to relax by the turquoise waters of Capri for seven nights in the Syrene hotel, also on a B&B basis from €969, travelling on May 17, 2013.

All prices are based on two people sharing and include return flights, taxes and charges. For more information, visit www.travelmood.ie

Get romantic and see the sights of Rome and Sicily

Over 100 engaged or recently married

respondents completed the survey which

was conducted by Hotels.com through

Confetti.ie, the online home of Irish bridal

title, Confetti Magazine. While results

showed that one-in-four Irish couples

spend on average between €5,000 and

€10,000 on their dream holiday, it seems

that is not all!

Despite the recession, 99% of newly-

weds plan to take a honeymoon

While traditionally it was the groom’s

job to book the honeymoon, it seems the

modern bride is leaving nothing to chance

with 69% of people polled saying that

researching and booking the honeymoon

is a joint decision.

Thailand is the most popular honey-

moon spot (19%) followed by Italy (11%)

and Australia (9%)

7% of couple say they plan to honey-

moon at home

Honeymoon Lowdown!

Sirenis Suites in Punta Canta

LUCANCLASSIFIEDS 26 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 March 2013

SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Raymond McNally seeks planning permis-sion for a two storey domestic extension to the rear of 15 Moy Glas Road, Lucan, Co. Dublin. This applica-tion may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the rea-sonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am – 4pm, Mon-Fri, and a submission or observa-tion may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the pre-scribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by South Dublin County Coun-cil of the application.

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

zett

e

paralympics: investment for the future will assist host of local stars

O’CONNOr OpeNs edMONstOwN: IrIsh golfing legend Christy O’Connor Junior was on hand last weekend to offi-cially open the new professional facilities at Edmondstown Golf Club in Dundrum.

The club has invested over €400,000 in its new pro facilities, which includes a 2,000 square feet pro shop and a state-of-the-art swing room.

The opening includ-ed a tournament spon-sored by Bill sheehan and sons and Mitsubi-shi Motors.

O’Connor was gener-ous with his time and coached several of the student members of the Edmonstown club on their technique.funding boost for inspiring

athletes on the road to rio FOllOwInG the success of Team Ireland at last year’s london Paralym-pic Games, where the country’s com-petitors secured 16 medals, the Min-ister for Tourism and sport, Michael ring, has announced an investment of €910,000 to Paralympics Ireland for 2013, marking a significant stepping stone for the Paralympic movement in Ireland on their road to rio in 2016.

The announcement was part of a package of support to Irish high-per-formance sport of €8.6 million, which also included direct financial support

to 25 Paralympic athletes totalling €604,000 under the Irish sports Coun-cil’s international carding scheme.

The funding represents the first time that Paralympics Ireland has not seen a cut in their funding in the first year of the four year Olympic cycle after previ-ous Games.

liam harbison, chief executive of Paralympics Ireland, said: “This investment package is very significant for Paralympics Ireland and sets us on a sound path to further sustained progress on the road to rio 2016.

“The improved resource allows us to sustain the huge progress made in securing 16 medals in london and ensuring we deliver top class services to Paralympic athletes,” said harbi-son.

Commenting on the investment in the performance programme, nancy Chillingworth, Paralympic perform-ance director said: “The four year performance plan for rio can now be implemented in full with increased support to sports, sports science and medical provision and improved levels

of professional technical expertise to assist athletes. The plan sets us on a path to sustained success commenc-ing with major Championships in each sport over the coming six months with athletes already targeting qualification slots for the Games.

“Continued investment through-out the next four years is essential for Paralympic sport to continue the huge strides made in london.”

Preparations for rio 2016 have begun in earnest with the first inspec-tion visit completed this month.

the Ireland team brought home an impressive 16 medals from the 2012 paralympic Games in London

ruGby p28sport awards p29 asdfsdaf p27

Fastsport

c o n ta c t ssports editor:

rob [email protected]

For more information or to send in news

and photos: [email protected]

Phone: 01 651 6205

Gaelic Games p31


HSTARof the

MONTHsiofra clerigh-buttnercolaiste iosagain’s siofra cleirigh buttner continued her incredible schools record with an emphatic vic-tory in the senior girls 2,500m race at the irish schools’ cross country championships in the university of ulster, Jordanstown this month.

HTEAMof the

MONTH

2013 dublin sports awards march nominees

barry cahillthe st brigid’s star and former dublin captain called time on his inter-county career, having won eight leinster titles, an all-ireland and an all star during his 11 years repre-senting dublin, avowing his belief in the next generation of players.

fiona coghlanlucan teacher coghlan has been the leader of the pack with ireland’s women’s rugby team, captaining the national team to their historic set of achievements in the 2013 6 nations championship run, only the third cap-tain ever to claim the grand slam.

WILL it ever end? Not the terrible weather, but the amazing achievements of Dublin’s sporting men, women and children which is making our job in choosing the nominees for the Dublin Sport Awards such a difficult job. This month is no different, but there were some stand-out performances that deserved extra attention. Siofra Clerigh-Buttner has been making waves in athletics for years and continues to hit the heights nationally, while Barry Cahill called time on an inspiring inter-county career. Fiona Coghlan and the Irish women’s rugby team impressed on every level, making history on the way to the 6 Nations Grand Slam. Monkstown managed to claim the Irish Senior Cup title this year before a centenary of missing out on the title came to pass, and Clondalkin RFC achieved their third promotion in five years to reach the Leinster League Division 1A.

ireland women’s rugbya historic season for ireland’s senior women’s rugby team saw an incred-ible 6 nations campaign crowned with an array of firsts - the first win over england in the competition, first triple crown, first championship title, and the holy grail, the grand slam.

monkstown hcmonkstown hockey club ended their 99-year wait for irish senior cup glory, finally breaking their hoodoo in the competition in the most thrilling of finals as andy ewington, for the second time in a week, netted a silver goal winner.

clondalkin rfcclondalkin rugby club will celebrate their 40th year in the giddy heights of leinster league division 1a, the high-est level of competition they have ever contested, following a superb 27-6 win over cill dara last saturday that saw them earn promotion.

dublinGazettenewspapers

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D u BL I N G a z e t t e Newspapers is delight-ed to announce that we have teamed up again this year with the SPAR Great Ireland Run to recognise runners in each of our papers’ local areas.

The Gazette will rec-ognise the fastest man and woman from each paper’s circulation area with a specially designed plaque as well as prizes

of sports gear. After the run, we will also be pub-lishing a results list of the top local male and female finishers.

The SPAR Great Ire-land Run 2013 will take place in the Phoenix Park on Sunday, April 14, at 1pm.

This year’s run will more than ever be about enjoying a full family running day as a mini run for five- to eight-year-olds over a one mile lap has been added to

the programme along-side a junior run for nine- to 15-year-olds over 2.5km. The Mini Run and Junior Run will precede the main event and an adult can run or walk alongside each child in the mini-run.

up to 12,000 entries are expected and every adult entrant will receive an exclusive technical T shirt as well as a medal and a generous goody bag after completing the run.

Participants are being encouraged to raise funds for good causes and the event’s nomi-nated charities are the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation and SPAR’s charity partner, the 3Ts – Turn The Tide of Suicide. The Baby Max Wings of Love Fund is the nominated charity for the junior run and mini run.

Entries can be made online at www.greatire-landrun.org.

Get set with Gazette Sport for Great Ireland Run

Athletic stars Ava Hutchinson, Fionnuala Britton, Lizzie Lee and Linda Byrne with

Willie O’Byrne from SPAR at the launch of this year’s Great Ireland Run


BRINGING attention through success to your chosen sport is something that every competitior aspires to achieve, espe-cially when it has existed in the shadow of a more high-profile version of the game.

So when Ireland’s women’s rugby team claimed the holy grail of the sport in the North-ern Hemisphere, the 6 Nations Grand Slam, the attention of the nation turned to recognise what they had achieved.

It should be noted that achievements of this kind are few and far between – Ireland’s captain, Fiona Coghlan, became only the third player to lead Ireland to Grand Slam success after Karl Mul-len and Brian O’Driscoll. The women also recorded their first ever win over

England, as well as their first Triple Crown and first 6 Nations title.

Speaking to Gazette Sport last week, Coghlan admitted she hadn’t had time for the enormity of the team’s achievement to sink in.

“I don’t think it has hit me yet, it has been so manic since we got back. I really haven’t had time to sit down and think about it. I haven’t even had the chance to watch the match back, which I would normally do in the day after or night after the game.”

Speaking about the deciding match, in which they faced Italy in a wet and wind-blown Rome, Fiona says though it was tough, it was not the hard-est match of the cam-paign.

“The weather condi-tions didn’t allow us to play the kind of rugby we like to play. In that sense it was tough, but it wasn’t the most physical game, the French game was more physical. It’s when things aren’t going your way that you have to knuckle down and try to hold the lead, which we did.”

Fiona has a long career in rugby, but it didn’t start from an early age.

“I was sport mad as a teenager and played eve-rything, but it wasn’t until I went to college in Lim-erick that I got into rugby. I signed up for everything in fresher’s week and that was the thing that grabbed my attention most. At the start I was kind of bored at training as it was so technical, but once I played my first game, I was hooked.”

At college, Fiona won intervarsity competitions and college leagues, and went on to win the All- Ireland league with UL Bohs. Her first interna-tional cap came against Spain in Madrid in 2003.

“The experience was brilliant. Someone got injured and I went on as hooker. The level was a step up to what I was used to, and it was a shock to the system. So many of my teammates from the club were on the team

at the time, which made things a little easier.”

Fiona is hoping that the team’s achievements can raise the profile of women’s rugby in Ireland to a higher level, and get more people involved in the sport.

“I would hope that people continue to take women’s rugby seriously. Before, I don’t think peo-ple even knew that there was such a thing as inter-national women’s rugby, or the standard that we were at. Now they’ve been exposed to it, I would hope that it would encourage them to keep supporting it and get involved.

“Everything has been so positive in the last cou-ple of weeks, we’ve never received so much expo-sure. Before, when we played in Twickenham in 2005 when he had to leave without seeing the men’s match, or when our travel plans have gone haywire, that has made the head-lines. But to be getting exposure for the way we play and people looking at the game rather than everything surrounding it, is fantastic for us.

“If we can get more numbers involved, it will be more positive.”

Fiona has already seen first hand the kind of impact that international success can have on inter-est in a sport through her day job, teaching at Lucan Community College.

“Everyone at the school is really excited, and I brought the 6 Nations trophy to the school the other day. On Tuesday, I had a parent-teacher

Grand Slam glory for Ireland’s captain CoghlanFiona Coghlan led Ireland in their historic 2013 6 Nations campaign, and spoke about the journey from college fields to the top of women’s rugby

Ireland’s Fiona Coghlan leads out the team

meeting, and a number were really positive about getting their daughters involved in rugby, which is the first time that has ever happened.

“I hope that can

increase, and in other schools across the coun-try, and I’m sure that the supports will continue to be put in place by the development officers and the branches locally.” rob heIGh

[email protected]

Gazette

ANvILLe thIrd IN kILkeNNy: MOUNT Anville fin-ished third in the Kate Russell All-Ireland schoolgirl’s hockey championship last Friday in Kilkenny in dramatic fashion as they got the better of Crescent Comprehen-sive.

The Leinster cham-pions fought back with two goals in the last ten minutes to win 4-3 to beat the Limerick side, finishing third overall behind Lurgan and Kilkenny College.

FastSport


SPORTGaze

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Fastsport

LUCAN Harriers were well represented at the recent Dunboyne four-mile race, with 13 members in total taking part. First home for the Harriers’ men was Garry Mortimer in 25.53, in his second race in two weeks.

He was then followed by Ferghal Bracken who covered the distance in 26.37, followed by Terry Meyler in 27.52. Running his first race for Lucan Harriers was Rob Brannigan in a time of 29.55.

In the ladies race, first home was Bernie Stapleton in a time of 28.58, followed by Tracy O’Halloran in 30.42 and Eileen Toohy was third home in 33.54, with Edel Smyth next in 36.25.

There was a battle to be the fifth Lucan lady between the two Fionas, with Fiona Doyle home first in 37.21, just 20 seconds ahead of Fiona Hegarty in 27.44.

Showing that she was fully recovered from her injury earlier this season was Maria Donoghue in her first race of 2013, who came home in 39.52, and was delighted to break the 10 minute mile. She was quickly followed by Nuala Murphy in 40.02 and Josie Dignam was home in 40.38.

Meanwhile, last Saturday, Lorraine Hef-fernan and Myra Nolan returned to Galway, and took part in the Craughwell AC 10-mile race. First home for Lucan was Lorraine in a time of 1.17, Myra was quick on her heels in 1.18. This was Myra’s second race in a week having taken part in the St Patrick’s Day 5k.

Harriers show mettle in recent local races

[email protected]

MEMBERS of the Esker boxing club recently travelled on a once-in-a-lifetime sporting excur-sion to New York to box against a New York team at the New York Athletic Club in Manhattan.

A total of nine bouts were decided, with narrow margins being the width of victory and defeat in most of them.

Aaron McGrane took to the ring against the three-times new York Golden Gloves cham-pion, Brian Ceballo, who had missed out on a trip to the London Olym-

pics by one bout. Both men gave it their all and McGrane was unlucky to come out on the end of a majority decision.

Adrian Dolan also came out on the wrong side of the decision against a Tajik boxer who is on the verge of turning professional. Dolan had his opponent on the can-vas twice, but the decision did not go his way.

Rob Flynn, Evan Walker, Peter McCabe, Joe Farrell, Dylan Ward and Peter Tully all boxed well on the night, and the evening was crowned by a bout between St Michael’s Athy boxer Tommy Shee-

han and Tommy Kehoe of the NYAC. Sheehan was unlucky not to take the decision, a fact acknowl-edged by the 1,000-strong crowd in attendance.

The boxers on the night were supported by cor-nerwork by Esker coach-es, Martin O’Connell, Daithi McCabe and Mick Kelly.

A spokesperson for the club said: ”The night would not have been pos-sible without the help of Superquinn Lucan, club president Eddie But-ler and O’Neill’s Bar in Lucan. A huge mention also must go to NYPD detective Terry McGee,

an old friend of the club for setting it all up with the New York Athletic Club.”

The group who trav-elled from Esker Boxing Club were also privileged to be able to take part in the New York City St Patrick’s Day parade as guests of the NYPD.

Esker intend to return to New York next year, and will host the NYAC in Ireland in September 2014.

The club are also in the throes of organising their first year anniversa-ry show, which will take place at Barnhall Rugby Club on Friday, April 26.

In addition, there will be an all-female and jun-ior show taking place in the coming month. Esker have four girls competing in the National Champi-onships this year: Char-maine Reilly, Sarah and Lauren Quinn and Taylor Brady.

Esker travel to London for a European tourna-ment with six of their senior boxers in mid-June and then on to Black-pool with their junior and females fighters at the start of July.

For more information on the club, contact Ed on 085 748 0207 or Mar-tin on 085 179 4531.

esker BC hit the Big apple

BoxinG: nine-Bout event sees CluB Give Great aCCount

Members of esker Boxing Club with members of the NYPD at the St Patrick’s Day Parade in New York earlier this month

keviN and Sean Nolan from Lucan were among the winners of a competi-tion run by Lucozade Sport recently and were awarded with the opportu-nity to meet some of the Irish rugby team, including Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll, during the Boys in Green’s training session at Carton House ahead of their final Six Nations game against Italy. Picture: INPHO/Morgan Treacy

New member records debut victory in LucanADAMSTOWN CT rider Michael Maher won the Lucan Grand Prix A4 cycling race last week, riding in his first ever cycling event. Maher is already an international ath-lete at world level in rowing, and he was

recommended to the team by French-based member, Darragh Zaidan. It is hoped that Michael will be an important addition to the ACT Team Pur-suit at the National Track championships this season.

Meanwhile, Irish national team rider Roisin Kennedy rode her first event of the 2013 season in the Mooney Trophy event.

o’Driscoll welcomes fans at training session

siGninG for irelanD


Club NotiCeboard

Gazette

MeMbership is now due and can be

paid online through our website,

www.lucansarsfields.ie, or at the

clubhouse bar. The deadline for mem-

bership is March 31. There will be a

strict no pay, no play policy in place

this year.

There are still some unclaimed

prizes from the 12th Lock Fight Night

raffle. Check your tickets on the club

website.

The senior hurlers drew with

James stephen’s 1-19 apiece last sun-

day, with scores from K O’reilly (8), s

McClelland (1-1), M May (3), D brennan

(2), b Aird (2), M McCaffery (2) and F

Clandillon (1).

On a freezing cold day for hurling,

the U-9 hurlers played three games

against a strong st Jude’s team at

the 12th Lock last saturday morning.

sars won two out of three games and

showed some excellent determina-

tion and team play to overcome st

Jude’s, whilst narrowly losing the

third. The boys deserve a lot of cred-

it for serving up some great hurling

skills on a cold cold day for playing

games.

Our golf society’s first outing is

at the famous K-Club on April 6. New

members are welcome, and the mem-

bership fee is only €20.

stuck for a birthday party idea?

Why not book the all-weather pitch

in Lucan sarsfields GAA Club for

games or matches and a party in the

Clubhouse afterwards. Cost is €100

for non members and €80 for mem-

bers. Contact Alice on 086 0805055

for bookings.

For every club member who books

a course in Colaiste Laichtin for July

or August, the club will receive €100.

Our nurseries for boys and girls

born in 2006, 2007 and 2008 continue

every saturday at 1.30pm on our

all-weather pitch at The 12th Lock.

Camogie nursery at 2.15pm for girls

aged six and over. This is your child’s

chance to be coached by Dublin senior

hurling captain Johnny McCaffrey.

set dancing continues each

Wednesday at 8.30pm.

This week’s lotto numbers were

2, 13, 15 and 22. There was no winner.

Next week’s jackpot will be €15,500.

edel Mooney’s team will be in charge,

and the sponsor will be Carey’s

Newsagents.

luCaN sarsfields [email protected]

LUCAN Sarsfields duo Peter Kelly and Johnny McCaffrey along with St Pat’s Palmerstown’s Liam Rushe helped Dub-lin’s hurlers bounce back from their loss to Lim-erick with a 3-19 to 0-14 win over Wexford in the Allianz HL Division 1B clash at Wexford Park

last Sunday.Dublin held the upper

hand from the open-ing whistle but it took them a while to find their accuracy before David O’Callaghan hit 1-2 in a quick-fire scoring burst between the 11th and 14th minutes to propel Dublin to the front.

Joey Boland and Simon Lambert held

sway at midfield with Boland getting on the scoresheet while further points from Kevin Byrne and David Treacy had the wind-assisted Dublin 1-8 to 0-2 to the good by the 20th minute.

By the break the visi-tors were 2-12 to 0-4 clear after Conor McCormack raised a green flag.

Dublin did not relent

in the second half and were never going to be caught with sub Eamon Dillon grabbing the third goal before the finish.

Next weekend the Dubs face Carlow know-ing a victory will see them contest the Division 1B final with the winner of that tie progressing to the NHL Division 1 semi-finals.

Locals on point as Dublin bounce back

ThANKs to all who supported the race

night in palmerstown house. A great

night was had by all.

The club would like to express

sympathies to the Ward family on the

death of Kevin Ward, ar dheis dé go

raibh a nanam.

A small number of memberships

are still outstanding and must be

paid immediately.

Lotto results: First draw numbers

drawn were 2, 5, 22 and 28; there was

no winner. second draw numbers

drawn were 14, 25, 27 and 29; there

was no winner.

Any three numbers winners were

Jack, Jim and Alan, Derek c/p bar,

John bates, sean McCarthy.

First draw jackpot of €10,000; sec-

ond draw jackpot of €2,000.

st pat’s

MeMbership is now overdue. renew-

al forms available on the club website

or in reception in the clubrooms.

Only members who have renewed by

March 31 will be entitled to vote at

next year’s AGM.

Details have been announced of

celebrations planned to mark the

official opening of the Monastery

road development. On Friday, April

19, a gala dinner will be held in Mon-

astery road and the following day the

Dublin senior footballers will play an

intercounty fixture. Further details

available on our website. Tickets for

the dinner are priced at €45, and can

be booked by contacting Jessica

O’Malley at 087 280 6273.

Ciaran Carr Foundation fundraiser

and official launch will take place in

clubrooms on saturday, April 6, with

music by Farmer & Friends. This will

be the official release date of Carsie’s

song. Admission €5, or a donation.

please support, all welcome.

An easter Treasure Trail for six- to

10-year-olds will take place on easter

saturday at 10am in clubhouse. entry

€2 per child.

Lotto results: numbers drawn

were 19, 23, 24 and 26; bonus ball 6.

There was no winner of the jack-

pot of €10,000. Congratulations to

Joe Kelly, Marita Griffin and Carol

sheridan who were the three €100

winners. There was no Match Three +

bonus ball winner. Next week’s jack-

pot will be €10,000.

rouNd towerLADIES NFL DIv 1dublin 3-7

tyrone 0-6

[email protected]

ROUND Tower’s Han-nah Tyrell’s goal closed out a comprehensive win when Dublin had 10 points to spare over Tyrone in the fifth round of the TESCO Home Grown national football league, getting back to winning ways after their defeat to Cork.

The game was played in bitterly cold and blus-tery conditions in Belf-ield but was an entertain-ing affair considering the setting. Dublin who had

played against the strong breeze for the opening half of the match had led their Northern challeng-ers at the interval by 1-3 to 0-4.

Dublin’s opening goal had come from the boot of the industrious Noe-lle Healy, whose speedy runs through the Tyrone defence was causing the Red Hand County some concern.

However, Dublin were dealt a hammer blow within 20 minutes when Sinead Goldrick had to be carried off the field of play with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

Tyrone were enjoy-

ing decent possession during these phases but found little change from Dublin defenders Siob-han McGrath, Sinead Finnegan and Bally-boden St Enda’s Rachel Ruddy whose work rate was top notch.

Healy was unfortunate not to raise a green flag for the second time when her rasping shot bounced back off the post but Dublin’s persistence did eventually pay off when Siobhan Woods, popped over three unanswered points to push her side further ahead.

And the tie was effec-tively ended when Dub-

lin substitute Tyrell, out jumped the full back Laura McGillion to knock the ball past the onrushing Shannon Lynch.

Natalia Hyland added to the rout as she had the calmness and strength to slot a low shot past Lynch while being chal-lenged by two Tyrone defenders.

Up next for the Dubs will be the visit of high flying league leaders, Monaghan to the Capi-tal on Easter Sunday. The game is pencilled in for a 2pm throw in time in Lawless Park, Swords, home of Fingallians.

Hannah tyrell from Round tower lined out for the Dublin senior team against tyrone. Picture: GAApics.com

Nfl: footballers bouNCe baCk from Cork loss

dublin ladies return to winning ways

all of your lucan sports coverage from page 27-31 march 28, 2013

fairytale of new york: Esker Boxing Club travel to the Big Apple for St Patrick’s Day events P30

GazetteSPORT

LUCAN United’s U-15 side reached an impressive two SFAI All-Ireland semi-finals in three seasons after they picked up an immaculate away day victory at Mungret Regional last weekend, prevailing 3-2.

In so doing, they eliminated one of the fancied sides for the overall title, an opposition that had earlier deposed the reigning U-14 SFAI champions, Templeogue United.

Among their number, they featured Irish international Sam Ward who was part of the squad that travelled to play Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton and Hove Albion in England a week earlier.

But Lucan have also been mak-ing waves on the international scene

and one of their Irish representa-tives, Conor Masterson, started their quarter-final date in Limerick in style when he broke forward, shrugging off a few challenges before slotting home for the first goal of the tie.

One became two when Sean Quinn’s corner was met by Joel Belkombo to make it 2-0.

Mungret responded but Lucan’s third goal, a brilliant shot from Bran-don Payne, reasserted the two-goal advantage at 3-1 at half-time.

Mungret bounced back to make it 3-2 with 25 minutes to go but Lucan managed to keep the Limerick side at bay to the final whistle.

It keeps Lucan, managed by Ciaran Masterson, in with a shout of picking

up silverware in the coming months, as he explained to GazetteSport after their enjoyable trip to Shannonside.

“I have to say the people at Mungret did themselves, their league and their county extremely well. It was a game with little or no fouls. It was played in the right spirit, and we were delighted to come through.

“This is the second time we have reached the semi-finals of the nation-al competition. When you consider we are now joint top of the DDSL Premier division and in the quarter-finals of the Dublin cup, there’s a great chance.”

Standing in their way in the semi-finals, to be played in late April, are Malahide United’s DDSL Premier

side, the only side to have beaten Lucan in recent memory.

“We played them and lost 1-0, our only defeat in our last 14 games. This will not be for the faint-hearted but we’re progressing well and are

delighted. We had 53 seater bus full of supporters who travelled down with us and we’re very grateful to the club for the way they’ve supported the team and we’re now looking forward to a big day in Dodsboro.”

lucan united’s under-15s will face malahide united in the semi-final

lucan United into all-ireland semi

CAPTAin fAnTASTiC: fiona Coghlan on ireland’s glorious Grand Slam P29

lucan

Documents

lucan gazette

lucan tel

lucan village centre

st patricks bouts page

st patricks day parade

paul kavanagh

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