Lucan

A big deal: Liffey Valley outlet takes top Nissan title for 2012WINDSOR Liffey Valley has been awarded the title of Nissan Dealer of the Year for 2012.

This prestigious award recog-nises and acknowledges excel-lence in sales performance, customer service and business

operational standards and devel-opment.

Pictured are Padraig Boland, head of sales and development at Nissan Ireland, and Neil O’Sullivan, dealer principal Windsor Nissan Liffey Valley.

Sale of Weston Airport on cards PAUL HOSFORD

THE NAMA-owned Weston Airport is believed to be close to being sold to a private investor, though a price has not been disclosed.

It is understood that the airport, once part of the Jim Mansfield empire, would be run as a going concern, continuing as an exclusive executive airport.

The sale has prompted questions about the social dividend paid by

NAMA after a motion to have the lands, particularly the part in the Liffey Valley, brought into public ownership was passed by South Dub-lin County Council.

Cllr William Lavelle (FG), who tabled that motion, said: “I would have thought that protecting and delivering public access to high-amenity lands along the Liffey would have represented a very positive form of social dividend.”

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

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

OUT&ABOUT .................24

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

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

Month XX, 2012

THE SOUND OF MUSIC: Trad sessions in Lucan are taking on new airs Page 2

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2 LUCAN GAzette 24 January 2013

music membership boost for local group

Sinéad, Ciara, Roisín and emma took part in the session at Lucan Sarsfields, organised by Comhaltas last week

Trad sessions in Lucan are taking on new airsAS the air in the club-house at Lucan Sarsfields filled with noise this weekend, it was music to the ears of local tradi-tional music enthusiasts.

Comhaltas, the inter-national traditional Irish music organisation, has been experiencing some-thing of a resurgence in recent years, with the Lucan branch currently representing over 70 members, just four years after being formed.

The group organises sessions, classes and slower sessions for chil-dren, which include the aforementioned Sars-fields session.

Lucan Comhaltas PRO

Students called on to make Gathering filmsLOCAL Transition Year stu-dents have been called upon to get involved with The Gathering by making a short film showing the best of what their home town has to offer.

The Gathering, in collabora-tion with the Department of

Education and Skills and Bank of Ireland, are offering a prize of €1,000 to the students who win the video contest as well as €400 for their school.

Local TD Frances Fitzgerald said that the competition offered a chance to show the good in

local areas.“We have a lot to be proud of

in Clondalkin, Lucan, Saggart and Rathcoole.

“[There] is a strong sense of community in all these places. We have something special to offer, and I hope students can

find a way of communicating that.”

For more information on the competition, log on to www.thegatheringireland.com, or get in touch with the Minister’s constituency office directly via www.francesfitzgerald.ie.

pAUL [email protected]

Dara MacCraith says that the music is enjoy-able and more and more people are interested in becoming part of the process.

“It is growing. Even in recessionary times, we are growing. We’re growing the number of instruments that we have as well. For example, this is the first year that we’ve had a concertina button

accordion, and banjo and fiddle are [becoming popular as well].”

Comhaltas is the larg-est group involved in the preservation and promo-tion of Irish traditional music and culture, with language, dance and music all taught. Com-haltas are the driving force behind the world-famous Fleadh Ceoil.

For enthusiasts of trad music, there is no short-age of local venues in which to partake, with The Ball Alley, Penny Hill and Courtney’s Pub just a few of those that have weekly trad sessions.

Where the group can’t put on full classes, they

organise individual les-sons for locals hopeful of beginning or improving.

Dara says that the rea-sons for getting into the group are numerous.

“For most, it is a social thing, particularly the adults. Some would have learned [an instrument] as a child and never gotten back into it. For the children, it is a great extra-curricular activity and a lot of parents rec-ognise that.

“It teaches kids about music and culture, with the added bonus that it helps academically.”

The group have a monthly session in Lucan Sarsfields GAA

club, with the next due to take place on January 26.

The group also provide musical classes which began again on Janu-ary 23, and offer classes for all levels and ages in fiddle, tin whistle, flute, accordion, bodhran, banjo, mandolin and guitar.

Classes in this “second term” cost €105 and a very limited number of places are available in the banjo, button accord-ian and concertina class-es, depending on experi-ence.

For more information, contact Dara Mac Craith on 087 964 8699.

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24 January 2013 LUCAN GAzette 3

Weston to be sold by NAMATHE NAMA-owned Wes ton A i r por t i s believed to be close to being sold to a private investor, though a price has not been disclosed.

It is understood that the airport, once part of the Jim Mansfield empire, would be run as a going concern, con-tinuing as an exclusive executive airport.

Since being placed into the hands of the National Asset Manage-ment Agency, a buyer has been sought, though some had pushed for the lands to be brought into public ownership, with South Dublin County Council recently pass-ing a motion to that

effect.Fine Gael Councillor

William Lavelle, who tabled that motion, said that any sale of the land by NAMA raised ques-tions about the role of the agency.

“I had previously secured the unanimous support of South Dub-lin County Council to seek to keep these lands in public ownership, in particular the lands along the River Liffey. So I am obviously dis-appointed with the sale, if confirmed, by NAMA.

“This reported land sale again raises the question of NAMA’s approach to deliver-

ing a social dividend. I would have thought that protecting and delivering public access to high-amenity lands along the Liffey would have represented a very positive form of social dividend.

“My priority now is to seek clarity on the new owners’ plans for the airport and to try to build a positive working relationship between the community and the new owners,” said Cllr Lavelle.

Management at Wes-ton Airport had not responded to requests for comment from The Gazette at the time of going to press.

property: airport may be snapped up by private investor Gardai

appeal for infoGARDAI are appealing for information after a shooting left a man with injuries to his leg.

The incident took place on the evening of Satur-day, January 19 when, at approximately 12.15am, a 30-year-old male was discovered at Fairgreen, Saggart, with a gunshot wound to his leg.

He was taken by ambu-lance to Tallaght Hospi-tal.

A man in his 30s was arrested a short time later by investigating gardai, and was being detained at Lucan Garda Station at the time of going to press.

Anyone with informa-tion is asked to contact Ronanstown Garda Sta-tion at 01 666 7700, or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

shooting

snap to it: talented local collects a harvey norman prize for her photoWYKtORIA Stawasz of Adamstown Community College was named Gazette Cub Photographer of the Month for November and dropped by The Gazette’s offices before Christmas to pick up her gift voucher, courtesy of Harvey Norman. Wyktoria’s pic-ture of a squirrel perfectly captured the changing of the seasons at the time.

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Local business supremo Luke Moriarty was honoured by his home county, Kerry

Moriarty receives Person of Year prize pAUL hosford

LocaL businessman Luke Moriarty, owner of Supervalu Palmerstown and The courtyard Hotel, Leixlip, has been named Kerry Person of the Year for 2013.

The enterprising Ker-ryman, who employs over 500 people in the capital – in three Dublin SuperValu supermarkets, as well as in Balbriggan’s Bracken court Hotel and the court Yard Hotel – was praised by the selec-tion committee for his approach to business, which is based on “pro-moting Irish suppliers and contractors, develop-

ing staff and mentoring careers, and playing a sig-nificant hands-on role in local communities”.

accepting the award, Luke Moriarty said he greatly appreciated being selected Kerry Person of the Year for 2013, and considered it a great hon-our for his family.

“There is great satisfac-tion in running a family business, and the secret to success is having a fan-tastic team around you. Similarly, being part of a community, it is only nat-ural to get involved and do what we can,” he said.

“The more you put in to something, the greater the return in many ways,

not least the sense of satis-faction in seeing a project come together.”

The announcement was made at a recep-tion in the Royal college of Physicians last week by the cathaoirleach of the Kerry association in Dublin, Maura Hughes. The award, now in its 34th year, is presented to people who make a sig-nificant contribution to their locality, and whose achievements ref lect credit on the county.

a native of Killorglin and one of 11 children, Luke Moriarty served as chairman of the Kerry association in Dublin from 1998 to 2002. He

moved to Dublin in 1976 to work with Dunnes Stores, and 35 years later runs a large family com-pany, operating businesses in the retail and hospital-ity sectors.

although based in Dublin, Moriarty has not forgotten his native county. His love of his home county and its cul-tural heritage has drawn his support to sporting projects and key initia-tives such as the Listowel Writers Week and his acquiring and gifting to the caherciveen Library in Kerry important his-torical memorabilia and documents relating to the late Daniel o’connell.

honours Award for local business leader

pAUL hosford

MccaBe’S Pharmacies in Griffeen and citywest are offering free weekly weigh-ins at its Dublin branches to health con-scious customers who are following the health and fitness regime of RTe’s operation Transforma-tion.

Viewers of the popular television programme and those hoping to kick-start a healthy lifestyle for the New Year can avail of the free service over the next five weeks.

as part of the free weekly weigh-ins, a health professional from Mccabe’s Pharmacy will record the weight of par-ticipants, making it easier for them to track their progress and attain their goal weight.

Discussing the ini-tiative, ciara Mccabe, pharmacist at Mccabe’s Pharmacy, said: “We’re delighted to be offering our customers and view-ers of operation Trans-formation this free serv-ice. The New Year brings the annual tradition of forming resolutions to improve health and well-being, and the weekly weigh-ins are a great way for people to keep track of their weight loss and stay motivated.”

heAlth: cheMists AssistWeekly help for weight loss plan

pAUL hosford

a LocaL TD has said that lives have been saved after a massive drugs haul by Gardai in Palmerstown and cel-bridge.

Heroin and cocaine val-ued at nearly €7million was seized when officers from the National Drugs Unit stopped two vehicles in Naas, co Kil-

dare last week, and discovered about 35kgs of heroin and cocaine with an estimated street value of between €3.5 million and €5.5 million, pending analysis.

Follow up searches in Palm-erstown and celbridge yielded a haul of more cocaine, canna-bis herb and heroin, a Garda spokesman said.

Gardai said that the drugs

found in Palmerstown and celbridge were valued at approximately €1.25 million.

Fine Gael TD Derek Keating said that the haul represented a major blow to criminal gangs in Dublin.

“This is a major blow to the criminal underworld and many lives will be saved [because of it]” said Deputy Keating, who expressed his thanks to local

gardai in a statement on the incident.

“I once again congratulate the Garda for the dangerous work they do on behalf of the law abiding citizens.”

Two men in their 30s were arrested and detained under Section 2 of the criminal Jus-tice (Drug Trafficking) act, 1996, at Naas Garda station as part of the operation.

Local drugs seizure hailed as ‘life-saving’

Be a good neighbour this winter, says Age ActionaGe action Ireland is urging communities to play their part to ensure that their older neighbours remain safe and well in their homes during the current cold spell of weather.

With this week’s snowfall not expected to be the last of the winter, age action spokesman eamon Timmins said that it was vitally important that locals played their part in helping elderly neighbours.

“cold weather can kill and does kill in Ireland, making the winter a particularly challenging period for older people in particular.

“Snow and ice make that challenge even greater as many older people may not be able to get out to buy food, fuel or medical supplies,” Mr Timmins said.

Dolan tribute show set to arrive at Civic Theatre next monthMY BRoTHeR Joe, a new live concert show featuring Ben Dolan, brother of the late, much-loved entertainer, Joe Dolan, comes to The civic Theatre in Tallaght on Thursday, February 7.

For years, Dolan’s energetic and charismatic stage performances thrilled audiences throughout the world. His brother Ben shared the stage with his younger brother for 47 years and is on hand to tell the stories behind Joe’s songs, and highlight Joe’s successful singing career.

The show will begin at 8pm and tickets cost €20. To book, log on to www.civictheatre.ie

FastNews



Operation transformation attracted a large crowd. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

Walking your way to fitter youWith many people wanting to start the

new year with resolutions to get fit, the recent Operation transformation

walk at Corkagh Park was a great opportu-nity to get out and be active. As walking is easy, affordable and one of the best health

tonics, the success of the Operation trans-formation event shows that there is a huge demand for this event each year. this year’s event also attracted large numbers who braved the elements for what was a very enjoyable feel-good occasion.

Clodagh and elbha Sherlock Julie O’Leary and Barbara Lawlor

gazettegaLLeRIeS

transformer: putting one step in front of the other

Jonathan Irwin from the Jack and Jill Foundation with John Foley

Ireland’s european Cross Country Championship gold medal winning

team Lizzie Lee, Linda Byrne, Fionnuala Britton and Ava Hutchinson.

Pictures: Geraldine Woods

sPAR’S Great ireland Run 2013 was recently officially launched at the Radisson Blu St helen’s hotel in Stillor-gan. it was launched by ireland’s European Cross Coun-

try Championship gold medal winning team - Fionnuala Brit-ton, Linda Byrne, Ava hutchinson and Lizzie Lee. the 10km run takes place at the Phoenix Park on Sunday, April 14.

it’s a runner: spar’s Big ireland event set for phoenix park

Willie O’Byrne from Spar evanne Ni Chuilinn

24 January 2013 LUCAN GAZETTE 7

Operation Transformation attracted a large crowd. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

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

David Nagle (volunteer for SDC sport

participant) and Emma Kenny

Bernard Farrelly, Lorraine O’Connor and councillor Breda Bonner

Alison Mc Intyre with her children Isobel and Joe, and

her dog Anji

James gives the event the

thumbs up

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FUNDING has been allocated for two permanent electronic warning signs to be installed at an accident blackspot on Westmanstown Road.

The dangerous bend is to get two permanent elec-tronic warning signs which

will flash up messages such as Slow Down or Danger-ous Bend whenever a vehicle approaches.

Local Fine Gael TD and Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar confirmed the fund-ing under the Low Cost Safe-ty Improvements Scheme, which includes €32,000 for

the warning signs, and new road markings, traffic radars and anti-skid surfacing.

Westmanstown Road resi-dent Terry O’Neill who has rebuilt his front wall more than 38 times in the past 25 years because of cars hitting it, said the sooner the signs are installed, the better.

He said: “They were due to be installed last November, but we are still waiting.”

According to O’Neill, since surface work was completed on the road last October, there has been no accident there.

“Touch wood, everything seems to be okay. The cars are keeping on the road, so far.

Since they treated the road surface, things have been good.

“This [new signage] will be an in-your-face warning, it will heighten awareness [of the dangerous bend] more so than it is at the minute,” he said.

Mulhuddart councillor

Kieran Dennison (FG), who raised the issue with Fingal County Council last Septem-ber, said he would also like to see the works commence as soon as possible.

“I think with the rate that accidents have been happen-ing there, it is critical that we move fast on it,” he said.

Funding approved for signs at accident blackspotroads News of installation of permanent electronic warnings is welcomed

Assistance for elderly people to live securelyLOCAL elderly people are being encouraged to be security aware.

The Senior Alert Scheme (SAS) provides grant support for the supply of equipment to enable older peo-ple without sufficient means to continue to live securely in their homes.

The scheme, which is run by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, replaced the scheme of commu-nity support for older people in May, 2010.

GrantThe grant assistance is

made available through community and volun-tary groups registered with the Department.

The contact person for the Lucan area is Mary Brennan, who can be reached at 01 675 4943.

Lucan Citizens Information Centre also has a booklet available: Entitlements For Over 60s.

It contains lots of useful information, including a checklist: Where My Possessions Are Kept.

The centre at Ballyo-wen Castle is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thurs-day and Friday, from 10am to 12.45pm, and from 2pm to 3.45pm. They can be called at 0761 075 090.

FastNewsGet red-dy: appeal to help heartswItH Valentine’s Day fast approaching, actress Caroline Morahan was joined by Ken Fernee and Gerard Smith to help promote the upcoming Irish Heart Foundation’s Valentine appeal recently.

The trio were happy to help highlight the appeal, which asks individuals and companies to help raise vital funds to support people with heart disease and stroke, with “red days” at work set to add to the fun.

For further information on the initiative, see www.irishheart.ie/redhot.

A PLAN to extend Com-munity Employment schemes, which aim to take 2,000 people off the Live Register, has been roundly welcomed.

The plan, announced by the Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, last week, will make 2,000 additional places avail-able on the Community Employment (CE) pro-gramme.

This will bring the total number of CE places for 2013 to 25,300, and forms part of the National Jobs Strategy.

Minister Burton said the roles play a “vital role

for unemployed people by developing their skills, experience and confi-dence”.

She added: “Commu-nity employment is also of immense benefit to the local communities.”

Local Fine Gael coun-cillor Tony Delaney praised the decision to create the CE places.

Vital roleHe said: “CE plays a

vital role for both job-seekers and their com-munities.

“It provides work experience, including appropriate training for

jobseekers, which helps them to take up work on the open labour market by developing their skills, experience and confi-dence. The programme benefits the whole com-munity.”

Cllr Delaney also wel-comed news that the Department of Social Protection will spend more than €1 billion on activation programmes and other supports this year to help jobseekers acquire work experience, skills and qualifications they need to return to full-time employment.

The 2,000 additional

places will target specifi-cally the growing number of long-term unemployed, as well as other welfare claimants who are more than a year in receipt of payments. The places will be allocated on a phased basis.

Priority will be given to schemes and organisa-tions which are involved in the delivery of com-munity childcare servic-es, and social and health-care services for people with disabilities.

An allocation of 500 additional places will be reserved for childcare support and 500 places

for social and health-re-lated services.

Priority will be given to applicants who are involved in drug rehabili-tation services, and who consider participation on CE to be a further step in this process. Additional CE places will be made available to respond to new proposals.

Innova t ion , new approaches and models of delivery from organisa-tions will be encouraged and supported, with up to 100 places to be reserved for such proposals.

The balance of places will be made available

to schemes which can demonstrate a clear jus-tification on the basis of quality of service and performance.

Cllr Delaney said: “Existing CE schemes can apply for additional places in the normal way by applying to their local Department of Social Protection office. This can be done at roll-over of the scheme.

“Schemes that are in mid-term can also make a submission to their local office. Schemes can contact their local social protection office for fur-ther details.”

Welcome for extension of community employment plan

jobs: iNitiative aims to Get 2,000 people off the live reGister


opening 10 positions created at dealer

new Kia outlet drives up local jobs rate

Kia brand ambassador Leinster rugby player Sean O’Brien was on hand to help

celebrate the opening of Windsor Motor’s new Kia garage in Liffey Valley recently pAUL hOSfOrd

[email protected]

THERE was a jobs boost for the area this week when Ireland’s largest car dealer, Windsor Motors, announced the creation of 10 positions after they opened their new Kia Garage at Liffey Valley.

The f irm already employ more than 300 people in their 13 dealer-ships around the coun-try.

With the loss of jobs at HMV last week, as well as the ongoing high Live Register figures, the news of the jobs will be widely welcomed.

The launch of Windsor Kia is the latest stage of the company’s continued growth, and comes at a time of widespread uncer-tainty and difficulty in the Irish motor industry.

The group will invest approximately €2 mil-lion into the Liffey Valley

operation, which will take the place of the former Bill Cullen Renault show-room.

Gabriel Keane, chief executive of the Wind-sor Motor Group, said that the company was “bucking the trend” in an uncertain time for the motor industry.

He said: “With so much talk of uncertainty around the motor industry in Ire-land, we are delighted to be paving the way for the sector by opening a new garage, creating new jobs and offering customers a cost effective, consumer-focused proposition.

presence“We are excited to be

working with Kia, a grow-ing brand in Ireland, and we plan to help to greatly increase the company’s presence in Ireland over the coming 12 months and beyond.

“We at Windsor plan to

Festival committee to meetTHIS year’s Lucan Festival will run from September 23 to 29.

The organisers hope to welcome local people back to Lucan as part of The Gathering, as well as featuring “some items which belong in the village”.

Festival chairman Joe Byrne said: “Some things have been missing from Lucan for quite some time and, in the near future, we will make an announce-ment.”

Last year’s committee will meet on Tuesday, February 5. The meeting will

take place in St Mary’s Parish Centre at 7pm. The festival has become a highlight on the calendar every year for local peo-ple and visitors alike, and has featured numerous bands and street performers.

The highlight of the 2012 festival was on Sunday, when the entire village was closed to traffic and locals were encour-aged to take to the streets and celebrate the village.

For further information, see www.lucanfestival.com, or call Joe Byrne, chairman, at 086 794 4074.

continue the company’s recent success in the mar-ket well into the future, with more exciting plans for the coming year.”

enthusiasmKeane’s enthusiasm

was echoed by Kia Ire-land managing director James Brooks who said: “The Kia product range and the Kia brand have grown beyond recogni-tion in recent years and we are committed to delivering our cars to Irish consumers through a first-class dealer net-work.

“The decision by Wind-sor to open this state-of-the-art Kia showroom in Liffey Valley is undoubt-edly a vote of confidence in the Kia brand, and we look forward to a long and mutually reward-ing partnership with the Windsor Motor Group.”

Toastmasters to turn 30LUCAN Toastmasters will soon hold an open evening to celebrate their 30th year in existence.

The group, part of Toastmasters International, is inviting locals to come and see what they do on Thursday, January 31 at 7pm in the Spa Hotel.

FastNews

Valentine ball for foundationTHE Marie Keating Foundation will hold a Val-entine’s Ball in the Red Cow Moran Hotel.

The ball will take place on Saturday, February 16, from 7.30pm, and all proceeds will go to the Marie Keating Foundation.

Tickets, priced at €70, can be bought by calling 01 628 3728, or by emailing Fiona at [email protected].

Call our news Team on 60 10 240 or email [email protected]

GoT a story?

10 lUCAN GAzette 24 January 2013

Ending on a highlisa Murphy, Roz Flanagan, Virginia Macari, Jo Jordan and Danielle Meagher

emma english and Bernie

Cafolla

Patricia Olufemi and Joanne

Kimani

elaine O’Brien and Ciara

lambert

Christine Urban and Ally Morron.

Pictures: Una Williams

Jane lundon, Deirdre lundon and Melina Skvortsova

Dandelion on Stephen’s Green hosted the official wrap party for the cast and crew of the hit TV show dub-

lin Wives recently. The wives, or shall we say wannabe

wives, as only one of them is married, lisa Murphy, Virginia Macari, Jo Jordan, Roz

Flanagan and danielle Meagher were all in attendance and looking as glam and sparkly as ever.

The group of five opinionated, ambitious and very glamorous young women had the nation fascinated with their fluffy antics around ireland and beyond.

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

24 January 2013 Gazette 11

dublinlifeGa

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

dance ireland: honourinG european dance

Putting best foot forward to mark coming of ageDance Ireland is cel-ebrating its 21st anniver-sary over the next two months with a series of performances which honour a variety of euro-pean dance traditions to mark Ireland’s eU Presi-dency.

Made In Dublin is the first part of Dance Ire-land 21; a year-long pro-gramme of dance events to celebrate the organisa-tion’s anniversary.

Dance Ireland will

showcase the Irish dance community through-out the year with a pro-gramme including live per formances, f i lm, photography, talks and more.

Made In Dublin is a week long introduction to this year of dance and is a season of perform-ances to be held in the Project arts centre and the abbey Theatre by international and nation-al artists in Dance House

over the last six years.The season kicks off

on January 28 with Body and Forgetting by the Liz Roche company, who are based in Ireland.

Others lined up are Portuguese artist, clau-dia Dias performing her solo show, Vontade de Ter Vontade; a triple bill of Irish dancers Liv O’Donoghue and John Scott Dance and Ital-ian dancer elena Gian-notti; French troupe La

Zampa, austria’s Loose collective and many more triple and double bills featuring dancers from Spain, Ireland and cyprus, all located at the Project arts centre.

Tickets for Made In Dublin performances can be purchased at Project arts centre at www.projectartscentre.ie or by ringing 01 8819613/4 and the full programme of events is available at www.danceireland/21. Dancer Liv O’Donoghue will perform. Pictures: Enrico Fuga

feature p13diary p12 asdfsdaf p27business p16

12 Gazette 24 January 2013

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Sparking enthusiasm for engineeringThis year’s Engineers’ Week, an annual cam-paign to promote engi-neering as a career, is set to take place from Febru-ary 25 until March 3.

This year ’s event, themed Bringing Dreams To Life, and organised by Engineers ireland, is focused on showcasing the possibilities a career in engineering can offer.

John Power, director general of Engineers ire-land, recently called on enterprise and academia for their full support: “Engineers are involved in so many exciting and

essential roles – they build cities, they design medical devices, they create enter-tainment products and much more besides. With-out the input of engineers, many great ideas would remain fixed in the imagi-nation and never become a reality.”

Engineers ireland is asking businesses and colleges to open for pub-lic tours, to run engineer-ing-related workshops or activities or to develop an initiative of their own.

Those who wish to par-ticipate are invited to visit www.engineersweek.ie.

the only Game in towniF you have not gone to see GAME: The Future of Play in the science Gal-lery in Trinity College, you still have a few days to see this fascinating exhibition before it closes this week-end.

The free exhibition features work by world-renowned game designers such as Eric Zimmerman and architect Nathalie Pozzi.

GAME offers you the chance to get directly involved in the future of gaming as many hitherto

unrevealed games are available for the visitor to sample. Not only that, but there is also an opportu-nity for avid gamers to design their own game with John healey and Game Design Lab. Once you realise your own crea-tion, you can then upload it onto the science Gal-lery’s GAME Lab PCs for other visitors to play.

GAME runs until Janu-ary 20 in the science Gal-lery, Trinity College from 12 noon to 8pm on week-days, and from 12 noon to 6pm at the weekend.

boost in toy donationsThE bleak economic outlook did nothing to dampen irish people’s giving spirit over Christ-mas as the 2012 RTE 2fm Toy Appeal for st Vincent de Paul in association with superValu saw some 65,000 toys donated and distributed to families.

The number shows an increase of 9,000 on the 56,000 toys collected dur-ing last year’s appeal and the toys donated have been calculated to have a value of over €1 million.

Led by 2FM presenters, including Ryan Tubridy, hector O hEochagain, Ruth scott, Colm hayes and Larry Gogan, 2FM Toy Appeal’s stated wish for 2012 was “that every child got a toy for Christ-mas”.

Tubridy said: “The fig-ures this year speak vol-umes about the generos-ity of the irish public.

“Even during times as tough as these, peo-ple have dug deep and helped to put smiles on the faces of children who might otherwise have had nothing to wake up to on Christ-mas morning”

ellie mooney (five) and Gavin deRoste (five) launch engineers’ week

24 January 2013 GAZETTE 13

FEATURE

ROB HEIGH

IMITATION is the sin-cerest form of flattery, so Michael Winslow must be the sincerest man on the planet.

The vocal gymnast who leapt to fame in the Police Academy movies in the 1980s is coming back to embark on a two-week tour of Ireland in the next few weeks, including a date with Dublin at Whelan’s on Sunday, February 2.

Currently on the east coast of the US, the Gazette asked Michael how and where he got his start in comedy: “I started by watching every old TV show I could to do with com-edy, and the Saturday

morning cartoons on TV. The voice artistry and sound effects were what appealed to me – they were cool, man. I started adding my own sound effects, putting extra noises to the cartoons, and Charlie Chaplin movies.”

The youngest of six children in a US Air Force family who trav-elled from air base to air base as Michael grew up, the travelling lifestyle was something he was used to from an early age. “It was tough, and we travelled a lot, I had to make new friends all the time – or make up new friends, or dogs, or cats, or trucks, anything that would keep me occupied.“

Eventually, he moved to Los Angeles to pur-sue his career in com-edy, where there were some hard lessons to learn before he reached where he wanted to be.

On stage

“Well, to begin with, I wouldn’t recommend hitch-hiking to Califor-nia, not even to Navy Seals! And I wouldn’t r e c o m m e n d b e i n g homeless, either, which I was for a while. But I knew what I wanted to do, and so I would try to get on stage at every comedy club there was – the Improv, the Comedy Store.

“I was starting at the bottom and working my way up. I was lucky

to get onto [classic US talent show] The Gong Show, with Chuck Bar-ris, and from winning the show, I could afford a car to live in – so I was mobile homeless! That gave me the chance to drive to other clubs and get sets there.”

Michael’s career went from strength to strength, eventually being cast as Larvelle Jones in Police Academy. Since then, he has used his skills in clas-sic movies like Gremlins, Back To The Future, as well as numerous TV shows.

We asked Michael what he would call his brand of comedy – “My wife calls me a voice-trumentalist, so that’s close enough.”

The voice artistry of Winslow back in Ireland

F ina l l y , M icha e l explained what it is that he most likes about coming to Ireland, a regular slot on his

stand-up tours.“What I like most is

that Ireland in terms of comedy is so open-minded, and I get the

chance to work with local musicians. For me, my job is to help every-one forget about the rent for an hour.”

American actor and comedian Michael Winslow at

work (above) and as Larvelle Jones in Police Academy

chance to work with


dublinlifeGaze

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business

PlayFit expansion plan set to create 10 jobs

growth at exercise comPany

Use ‘15 seconds’ to save for your life

finance: each staGe of livinG needs a plan

I’VE been at my wits’ end trying to turn financial-planning theory into something a bit more practical.

What I have come up with is a series of check-lists, each designed to summarise the sort of things one should be thinking about at differ-ent stages of one’s life.

Here is the 15-second version of the 15-minute guide to sorting out your finances:

1. Decide what you want to achieve, and over

what period.2. Work out what

action you need to take to achieve it.

3. Take the required action.

4. Monitor the results and change your tactics if things are not going according to plan.

A big part of this proc-ess is going to involve choosing the right finan-cial products for your needs.

A few words of warn-ing: think carefully before you buy any financial

product because some-one has told you that you should.

A good example of this is the way mortgage bro-kers and lenders push life cover on people without partners and/or depend-ants.

I mean, why worry about paying off your mortgage after you’re dead if there is no one you actually want to ben-efit?

There follows a series of steps to suit whatever stage of life you are in.

Young and freeYoung? No responsi-

bilities? Anyone who tells you to “enjoy it while you can” is not your friend.

I mean, yes, enjoy it – but this shouldn’t pre-clude planning for the future. Here are the key action points you may

want to consider:• Creating an emergen-

cy fund to cover unex-pected expenses.

• Paying off any per-sonal or student loans.

• Short-term saving for cars, holidays and so forth.

• Income protection in case you are unable to work for any reason.

• Starting a pension plan. It is never too early.

• Saving for major purchases, such as the deposit to buy a home.

Next week, I offer financial advice for your other stages in life ...

contact John with your

money questions at jlowe@

moneydoctor.ie or visit his

website at www.moneydoc-

tor.ie. John lowe, fellow of

the institute of Bankers, is

founder and managing direc-

tor of Money doctor

BairBre Ni BhraoNaiN

TEN jobs are set to be created by PlayFit, the children’s exercise company, across greater Dublin as they continue to expand their operations.

The employees will travel to ven-ues including Sandyford, Swords, Dundrum, Stillorgan and Terenure to give multi-sport and activity play classes to children aged three to eight.

The majority of the new PlayFit positions are for exercise physiolo-gists with a third-level education in exercise or teaching, along with playing and coaching experience in activities such as gymnastics, rugby, soccer, GAA, basketball and athlet-ics.

According to a Dublin City Uni-versity report, only 19% of primary school children get the 60 min-utes of daily exercise that is rec-ommended by the Department of Health and Children.

PlayFit was formed in 2012 by Liza Crotty and Mark Sweeney.

Crotty said: “Since we launched in September 2012, the demand for our classes has been phenomenal.

“While this expansion will ini-tially cover the Dublin area, by Sep-tember of this year we plan to move into other parts of the country.

“Interested candidates should visit our website – www.playfit.ie – to apply, as we are recruiting imme-diately for these positions.”

Candidates for the new positions need to have their own transport to get from the PlayFit venue to their

required venue.The 10 new roles are a combina-

tion of full- and part-time positions and would suit gym instructors and personal trainers.

Successful candidates will host PlayFit classes designed to aid the development of children’s funda-mental movement skills (tumbling, running, hopping and leaping) and ball skills (bouncing, kick-ing, throwing and catching), while building self-confidence in a non-competitive, supportive environ-ment.

There will be two sets of classes for two age groups – juniors, which will be for ages three to five, and seniors, aged six to eight.

PlayFit is a joint venture subsidi-ary of ClapHandies, which provides developmental training for babies and toddlers, and Fit For Life, which is a service to keep those in nursing homes fit and healthy.

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‘since we launched, the demand for our classes has been phenomenal. while this expansion will initially cover the dublin area, by september of this year we plan to move into other parts of the country’- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -liza crotty, co-founder, playfit- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

the founders of PlayFit, Liz Crotty and Mark Sweeney

24 January 2013 Gazette 15Ga

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Brides-to-be can expe-rience the red carpet treatment at the Bracken Court Hotel in Balbrig-gan later this month, when they hold their Wedding showcase on sunday, February 13.

With the hotel host-ing over 100 weddings in 2012, they are one of dublin’s busiest and most experienced wed-ding venues.

Only one wedding a day is hosted in the Bracken Court, to ensure an exclusive wedding

experience, and com-plete focus on the wed-ding party.

The showcase intends to give newly-engaged couples a chance to view the hotel set up for a wedding, allowing them a unique insight into how the venue will look for their special day. On hand to offer advice and tips will be the hotel’s wedding co-ordinators, who will be available to speak with on the day, while providing a vast experience and knowl-

edge on the hotel and its services.

The hotel will be pre-senting the complete wedding experience, allowing visitors view the hotel’s two suites, which will be dressed in a vari-ety of wedding styles.

Menu selections can be discussed, and advi-sors will be on hand to address all aspects of the special day, from accom-modation and guest services, to the recep-tion, meal, flowers, and entertainment.

The hotel have a number of packages available, including the all inclusive wedding from €2,450 for 100 people, while unique touches can be designed to suit each occasion, from bespoke menus, right down to the com-plimentary chair covers and coordinating bows in the wedding suite.

Admission to the Bracken Court Hotel wedding showcase is free, and complimentary spar-kling wine and canapés

Red carpet treatment at Bracken Court Hotel

the wedding showcase intends to give newly-engaged couples a chance to view the

hotel set up for a wedding

will be served. A select number of exhibitors will also be there, including limousine companies, cake designers, and entertainers, who can

advise and help plan the special day.

For further informa-tion, or to enquire about 2013/2014 wedding pack-age specials, contact the

Bracken Court Hotel’s dedicated team, Jean Bermingham and Helga duffy, on 01-841 3333 or e-mail [email protected]

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&bride groomD u b l i n ’ s c o m p l e t e g u i D e t o y o u r w e D D i n g


l g low ing sk i n l

Janette Ryan

Pharmacy training manager

It’s your wedding day, all eyes are on you, and every bride wants to look their very best on their big day.

Glowing skin is key to a radiant bride and to achieve this you need to put in the work – prepara-tion is key!

to ensure you wake up with healthy skin that’s glowing with vitality on your big day, invest in a skincare plan as soon as possible. the more effort you put in, the better the results.

skincare expert Janette Ryan, training manager for Vichy and La Roche-

Posay, has put together some top tips for brides:

the lead up

• If you don’t already follow one now is the time to adopt a daily skincare routine. speak to the skincare advisor in your local pharmacy to devel-op a regime specifically

for your skin. • Avoid any drastic diets

for your wedding, as it will show negatively on your skin. Adopt a healthy eat-ing regime, exercise and drink lots of water for a radiant glow.

• Choose a daily mois-turiser that will help with extra radiance.

Skincare tips for brides-to-be

Skincare expert Janette Ryan, training manager for Vichy and La Roche-Posay

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• start using a facial mask once a week; this will give skin a great boost. Choose a product that best suits your skins unique needs – hydrating, radiance or deep pore cleansing.

• Get your skin in peak condition by dry brushing your body with a natural bristle brush once a week. start at your feet and work upwards towards the heart in long, firm strokes. Follow with a moisturising body lotion.

• It’s important to keep your skin hydrated, espe-cially if you work in air-conditioned offices.

the week before

• Avoid deep-cleansing masks which might bring imperfections to the sur-face. Opt for something hydrating and soothing.

• Relax as much as pos-sible – stress can manifest as imperfections on your skin. Have a bath, light a candle, take some time for yourself and forget any wedding anxieties.

• Include a daily gentle exfoliator to your beauty regime, which will really help give your skin a flaw-less look and leave you ready for all those camera lenses!

On the big day

• sleep is the best thing you can do for your skin. Get a really good rest the night before, you will look rested and avoid bags under the eyes.

• Choose a mattifying base product that will ensure you are shine-free all day.

• Have your chief brides-maid keep a mini thermal spa water on hand to keep you cool and hydrated. Relax, laugh and enjoy your special day.

&bride groom

Vichy Idealia Smoothing and Illuminating Cream

refines skin texture and illuminates the skin


Search is over for good fitWedding shoe design-ers Aruna Seth have tapped into the bride’s i n n a t e m a g n e t i s m towards footwear and have made it that little bit easier for brides to get their hands on that per-fect pair of shoes.

earlier this month, the brand launched a new-look website, especially designed to simplify the bridal shoe shopping process and make the experience even more pleasant.

For irish brides hoping to get their hands on these beauties, as well as visiting arunaseth.com, you can also stop by Aruna Seth’s newest stockist, Knights-bridge Boutique in the Powerscourt Centre.

A dedicated team for the perfect dayit’S that time at the turning of the year when thoughts turn to plans for special wedding days, and with that in mind, the Red Cow Moran Hotel is holding their wedding showcase on February 17, from 2 to 6pm.

the Red Cow’s wed-ding packages start from €40pp and include eve-rything every wedding day requires, from drinks receptions in the contem-porary style of the hotel’s four-star surroundings and four-course meal with selected wines for the all-important wedding guests, to the champagne toast, evening reception and bar extension. the welcome extended to

happy couples includes a red-carpet welcome, flo-ral centerpieces for tables and the bridal suite for the bride and groom.

the Red Cow also offer preferable accommoda-tion rates for wedding guests, who can enjoy the best that this renowned dublin landmark has to offer.

the hotel’s dedicated wedding coordinators promise that they will

always go the extra mile to make your big day truly unforgettable, and the showcase is an ideal opportunity to get a taste of what the Red Cow have to offer on wedding day.

For more information, contact Sinead at the Red Cow Moran Hotel on 01 459 3650, via email at [email protected], or log on to www.redcowmoranhotel.com. Showcase: Newgrange Hotel to

hold a wedding open eveningnavan’s newgrange Hotel is holding a wedding open evening on thursday, January 31 from 5 to 9pm where Karine Kavanagh, the hotel’s wedding coordinator, will be helping to showcase the hotel and its wedding facilities. For more information, contact the hotel on 046 90 74100, or log on to www.newgrangehotel.ie.

D u b l i n ’ s c o m p l e t e g u i D e t o y o u r w e D D i n g


l romant i c and a f fordable opt i ons l

BETWEEN paying for the wedding and setting up a new household, many couples find there’s not much money left in their budget for the hon-eymoon.

But who says you have to spend a fortune to enjoy a romantic hon-

eymoon at your dream destination? Here are some simple ideas for a more affordable, yet still romantic, honeymoon.

Gift of a honeymoon

You can spread the cost of your honeymoon, or perhaps even cover the

Honeymoons at the right price

Who says you have to spend a fortune to enjoy your honeymoon?

cost entirely, by listing it on a honeymoon gift reg-istry. A honeymoon regis-try works just like a wed-ding registry, but instead of buying you china, your wedding guests buy you a trip to China (or the hon-eymoon destination of your choice).

Yes, your guests could just contribute cash toward your honeymoon, but giving a particular portion of the honey-moon (dinner at a fancy restaurant, or a carriage ride through the historic

district of a far-off city, for example) is somehow more meaningful.

exchange homes

If you prefer to min-gle with the locals rather than other tourists, look into a home exchange for your honeymoon. In a nutshell, you go stay in someone else’s house while they stay in yours.

Sound risky? Maybe, but tens of thousands of people have exchanged homes across the world since the 1950s. For an

annual subscription, home exchange clubs will help you find someone willing to swap homes with you, as well as offering tips to make the exchange go

smoothly. According to exchangehomes.com, a home exchange can cut your travel costs by as much as half.

travel in the

off-season

It may be obvious to seasoned travellers, but those with less experi-ence may not be aware of how affordable it can be to honeymoon in the “off-season” — basically, any time other than when most people travel to your destination.

Certain destinations’ accommodation and airfare prices may be slashed by 30% or more during the off-season, compared to the peak travel season.

Consider airline

alternatives

When booking airfare online, don’t overlook the discount airlines — some are not listed on the big travel portal websites, even though they might have a lower fare to your destination.

Gaze

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Bloomfield House Hotel in mullinger has announced the return of Red or Black, their wed-ding game show, which offers everyone who enters the opportunity to play for the wedding of their dreams, and every-one who plays the game has an equal chance of winning.

Based on the TV game-show of the same name, the contest will take place at the hotel on Sunday, february 17.

The overall prize includes a huge range of special day prizes,

including personalised handmade wedding sta-tionery by Janice Baker Stationery, and bridal make-up by Bloomfield Spa and bridal hair by the five-star indulgence will complete that glam-orous look for the day.

Chauffeured

The winning couple will be chauffeured in style in a vintage Bent-ley Rolls Royce from Rover Coaches, and on arrival, guests will enjoy treats from mrs maguires Sweet Shop, as well as a sparkling wine and cana-

pes reception. All the happy memo-

ries on the day will be captured by Helena flynn Photo Services, and the wedding cake, a treasured focal point on your spe-cial day, will be provided by Cakes by Una.

The prize also includes a Supreme Wedding Package for 100 persons at the four-star hotel.

“The wedding package itself, the hotel, rooms, food, band, dancers, dJ, cake, florist, car/driver, photographer, videog-rapher, hairdressers, make-up people, were

Wedding game show returns

the Marleys: Last year’s Red Or Black game show winners

all superb,” said Roisin marley, the 2012 Red or Black winner. “Now, after the big day all i can confirm is that all that warmth and willingness to make the day the hap-piest and best of our lives

shone through from eve-rybody.”

With over 33 years’ experience in hosting wedding receptions, the four-star Bloomfield House Hotel is renowned for service, atmosphere

and customer care. for the chance to

win the wedding pack-age, contact Bloomfield House Hotel on 044 9340894 for full details, or log on to www.bloom-fieldhousehotel.ie

if yoU are dreaming of a fairytale wedding day at a historical castle, then the enchanting Trim Cas-tle Hotel, which recently won the 2012 Best Wed-ding Venue in leinster, may be the venue for you.

The hotel is holding its annual wedding fair on Sunday, february 24 from 2 to 5pm, and if you are in search of a unique wed-ding venue, this is a day not to be missed…

Trim Castle Hotel sits with quiet authority over-looking the mystical Trim Castle and the adjoin-ing rolling lawns of St Patrick’s Church.

A spokesperson for the hotel commented: “Trim Castle Hotel is the perfect choice for your reception as it possesses the old world charisma of the historical Anglo- Norman castle, and the contemporary standards of magnificent food and stunning decor.”

The hotel also boasts a rooftop terrace from which guests can admire the impressive castle.

The floor to ceiling win-dows of the Great Hall banqueting suite and pre-function area allow a view of the castle and church lawns. The roof-top gar-den located on the third floor provides an impres-sive backdrop for wedding photography.

An all-inclusive pack-age is available on key dates in 2013, 2014 for only €55pp. There are also excellent packages available for January and february 2015.

for information, con-tact the wedding co-ordi-nators at Trim Castle on 046 948 3000, or email [email protected]. more is available online at www.trimcastle-hotel.com

Fairytale Big Day at Trim Castle

l b loomf i e ld house l

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Successful fair at the Bridge HouseThe Bridge house hotel in Tullamore, Co Offaly, last week cel-ebrated another success-ful wedding fair that saw prospective brides and grooms-to-be gather at the hotel.

The hotel is located less than 90 minutes from Dublin, Galway and Lim-erick, and aims to pro-vide for all their wedding needs, including venues for civil ceremonies, large weddings up to 350 peo-ple and smaller wedding receptions for up to 60 people.

The hotel’s dedicated wedding team carry over 40 years of wedding expe-rience while the stun-ning Secret Garden at the hotel, designed to be a prime spot for the all-important wedding party

pictures, is a little place of mystery where brides and grooms can hide away in a magical place on their special day.

Another key photogra-phy location at the hotel is the staircase, which was designed to exactly replicate the infamous staircase in the film Titanic.

Now with a dedicated wedding website, http://tullamore-weddings.bridgehouse.com/, poten-tial brides and grooms can preview exactly what the Bridge house hotel has to offer and learn more about the hotel’s wedding team.

For further information, visit www.bridgehouse-hoteltullamore.ie or Lo-call 1850 312 312 / 057 9325600

A perfect dress for a special day hiromi mooney

eVeRY woman desires to have the perfect dress for their special day, to walk up the aisle to marry the man of their dreams. So getting the right dress is of utmost importance.

The shape is the key feature to look out for in wedding dresses, accord-ing to owner of bridal wear supplier Darling-Wear, Miriam Dempsey.

“I know brides read it in books, but I really think they need to wear dresses in a shape that actually suits their figure. I think it’s very important to get a neckline that suits the bust line, and I think people can get very lost in – maybe wearing

strapless dresses when they ordinarily wouldn’t wear strapless dresses.

“I always ask a bride if they’re looking at a strap-less dress, would they ever wear a strapless top, and if the answer is no, they probably shouldn’t be looking at strapless brid-al dresses either. There’s a reason that they prob-ably haven’t worn them for the last 10 years,” she advises.

Miriam understands how difficult it can be to choose the right wedding dress, so at DarlingWear she offers customers one-to-one appointments at the showrooms, which are located at The Gables at Kill in Tullow, Co Car-low.

l what to we ar l

the shape is the key feature to look out for in wedding dresses

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24 January 2013 LUCAN gAzette 23

A perfect dress for a special day

Showcase: Viewing at Thomas Priory HallthomAs prior hALL, an award-winning wedding venue situated in Ballsbridge in Dublin, is holding a wedding showcase this weekend on Saturday, January 26 and 27. This will be a great opportunity for brides- and grooms-to-be to view the venue as it would appear on their wedding day. For more details, contact wedding co-ordinator Barbara on 01 668 1111, or email [email protected].

l what to we ar l

This exclusive person-al time gives customers a chance to select their dress in a comfortable and private environ-ment. DarlingWear are open on an appointment basis only, seven days a week.

“There’s a lot of flex-ibility on appointments,”

she says. “I have brides and bridesmaids who come for appointments at night because some-times it’s hard to get bridesmaids and brides off from work at the same time. A lot of peo-ple work on Saturdays, so that doesn’t work, so I also do appointments on

Sundays.” DarlingWear have

sourced their products worldwide, and as well as bridal wear and the bridesmaids collection, they also stock a wide range of accessories, footwear, communion wear and evening wear. The bridal collection includes designs from Venus Bridal, D’Zage, Romantica, Mascara and Manon Fashions.

“I’m competitive on pricing, and the big thing is the discount options

and very good value on accessories – I’ve really gone and researched and got some good acces-sories and veils,” says Miriam.

“I give 10% off if people are buying two or more bridesmaid dresses, and then there’s the order and collect service. There’s 20% off where [custom-ers] come and place the order for the dress that they want, they get measured up, and then they collect them when they come in, and they get their alterations done [by] themselves locally.”

DarlingWear source their products worldwide

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‘i think it’s very important to get a neckline that suits the bust line’- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

24 LUCAN gAzette 24 January 2013

OUT&ABOUT Gaze

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Motors

The going is great with GTn CormAC CUrtis

The motor industry never tires of acronyms – ABS, eBD, eSP, CVT, eGR, TC.

There is a dizzying array of abbreviations for all kinds of features and every level of spec, but the one that really reso-nates is GT.

Coming from the Ital-ian, Gran Tourismo, sim-ply put means that the car can go the distance in comfort, and with some serious spring in its step.

I have recently been lucky enough to test three different models all given the GT Line spec, all of which came from the same manufacturer – Renault.

From the punchy little Megane Coupe GT Line to the muscular Megane hatch GT Line and the daddy of the three, the Grand Megane GT Line, this is an impressive line-up of cars.

They may come from the same manufacturer, bear the same family

name and spec, but we are talking about three very different personali-ties here.

The first of the three I drove was the hatch, and what a surprise it had in store.

Packing a 110bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine, but boasting fuel-saving stop-start technology, this model has all the prac-ticality of a five-door car with the thrill of some-thing far more lunatic.

The car combines a sport chassis developed by Renault Sport, for extra driving excitement, with exclusive interior and exterior design ele-ments, rear diffuser, 17” alloy wheels, sport seats and aluminium pedals.

Next in line for me was the Grand Megane GT Line – the model that is begging to be taken for a spin down through France and perhaps to the north Spanish coast?

Yes, this is the kind of trip the Grand Megane was built for.

the megane family may come from the same manufacturer, but they have three very different personalities

renault meGane: the Gazette tests an impressive line-up of cars

The 1.5-litre diesel engine, this time coupled to an automatic gearbox, was well matched to the weight of the car, giving plenty of power when needed.

This car gives the driv-er a wealth of features to make serious touring a pleasure.

Starting with the heat-ed, split-leather seats, the interior oozes comfort.

The contrast stitching around the gear stick and steering wheel feels reas-suring to the touch, while a host of clever compart-ments offer practical

storage in every corner of the cabin, even in the footwell.

entertainment comes in the form of the Renault R-PLUG&R ADIO+, offering connectiv-ity solutions for all your mobile devices including a jack plug in the front and built-in Bluetooth® technology for mobile phones, with voice rec-ognition and audio-streaming. With the Plug & Music option you can connect your MP3 player to the USB or Jack socket and control the system using the central

control.Navigation is handled

by the Carminat Tom-Tom® LIVe, which is Renault’s new onboard, connected navigation system. Its central con-trol provides intuitive, safe access to the various functions.

So, to the last of the family, the sexy Megane Coupe GT Line.

Keeping in mind this little beauty has the same 1.5-litre diesel engine under the hood, you can imagine the kind of drive you have waiting in store.

every bit the mad yoke you would expect, yet brimming with bags of the aforementioned GT Line spec of its siblings – this was my favourite of the three cars.

Maybe not my very first choice when I put my practical hat on, but the amount of features crammed into this little motor is nothing short of staggering, and man does she move about.

These are cars that Renault should be proud of, and are sure to tempt some new buyers in their direction.

Toyota have announced Cars for Good winnersTOYOTA Ireland have announced that Irish Dogs for the Disabled and St Ultans in Cherry Orchard, Dublin were selected as the recipients of new Toy-ota cars as part of its 2013 Cars for Good programme. To date, Toyota have donated more than €80,000 worth of vehicles to charity since the pro-gramme’s inception in 2012.

As the awarded recipients, both St Ultans and Dogs for the Disabled, which are based in Co. Cork, will receive a donation of one vehicle each from Toyota Ireland, up to the value of €20,000. The organisations can choose to raffle the car to raise funds or register the car for day to day needs.

NOISEroad

24 January 2013 LUCAN gAzette 25

Travel

Gazette

Relax in style in Dubai’s newest beach front hotel NAtALie bUrke

Dubai is no stranger to luxury. Whether it’s a private beach, a five-star hotel or designer shop-ping experiences, the Middle-Eastern destina-tion is one that is ever-in-creasing in its popularity.

but for those seeking a more exclusive visit, it will come as good news that Dubai’s recently opened four-star Ocean View Hotel is not only Dubai’s newest hotel, but the only beach-front hotel to grace the shores of Dubai and the only four-star to be situated on The Walk.

Having just opened its newly carved doors to the public, as recent-ly as December 2012, the hotel has already gained a hugely positive response. Perhaps one reason being that it is the latest venture of the prestigious Ja Resorts and Hotels.

its parent company already owns the well-known Dubai resorts –

the Oasis beach Tower and Jebel al i Golf Resort and Spa.

Overlooking the ara-bian Gulf, the Ocean View Hotel celebrates its surroundings by boasting a total of 342 rooms and suites, most of which feature sea views (hence the befit-ting name).

With each room fea-turing all the mod-cons, including a flat-screen television, guests can make the most of the large selection of inter-national satellite chan-nels and avail of free-wifi across the premises.

Shopping

Holding a prominent and fortunate position on The Walk, a 1.7km-long retail and beach-side shopping prom-enade, the hotel is steps away from the public beach it presides over. it also offers a selection of five different restau-rants, meaning there is variety for every guest,

as well as a number of bars, with the inclusion of an executive lounge.

While there is plenty to see and do outside, the hotel hasn’t taken any chances when it comes to four-star facilities and features a temperature-controlled free-form swimming pool with its own sea views, as well as a spa and health club.

With its fortunate location just seconds from the beach, guests can access the public beach or hop onto a complimentary shuttle to the nearby five-star private beach at Jebel ali Golf Resort and Spa. For a day away from the beach, the hotel also offers complimentary shuttle service to all major shopping malls.

“Ocean View Hotel appeals to a range of travellers, whether its families with young children who’ll love the kids club and pool, or couples who prefer the

Getaway: rooms with a view

A spacious Ocean View Hotel bedroom suite

range of different din-ing concepts,” explained William Harley-Fan-ning, the general man-ager of the new hotel.

Five-star service

“Ocean View Hotel has been positioned as a four-star but with five-star service and five-star facilities. We’re located right in the heart of Dubai Marina, so it’s a fantastic base to explore all Dubai’s famous sights and landmarks.”

With fantastic offers set to launch the hotel, William says it has been

a positive start to the year.

“until October 13, we’re offering a free upgrade from bed & breakfast basis to half board to celebrate the opening and the unique range of dining concepts within the grounds. We’re sure that’ll be an influencing factor for a lot of our guests and we hope that they’ll then come back again the following year.”

For more informa-tion, visit www.jaresort-shotels.com.

Dubai is becoming ever more popular as a destination for sun, relaxation and, of course, a bit of luxury

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athletics: world body confers silver status on phoenix park event

LUCAN CLUb tAkes oN Air Corps : ESKER ABC are running a boxing competi-tion with The Irish Air Corps on Friday, January 25 at 7.30pm in Baldonnel Aero-drome.

With over 10 senior and intermediate bouts on the night, it promises to be a great match up that the two organisation are hoping to turn into an annual match.

It also serves Esker ABC in their prepa-rations to take on a team from The New York State Athletic Club in New York on March 14.

Esker senior coach Martin O’Connell is a serving sergeant with the Defence Forces and has been instru-mental in organising this event alongside Irish senior champion Tommy Sheehan.

britton a marquee name for 2013 Great ireland road raceEUROPEAN cross country champion Fionnuala Britton says she is anxious-ly looking forward to this year’s Spar Great Ireland Run, and “just loves the Phoenix Park”.

She was speaking at the launch of the annual 10km race last week as the Sun-day, April 14 was confirmed as the date for this year, announced at the Radisson Hotel in Stillorgan.

Britton is one of the marquee names to compete in the race and launched the event along with fellow European senior women’s team mates Linda Byrne, Ava

Hutchinson and Lizzie Lee who all won gold in the team event.

Britton committed to lead the wom-en’s field in the run where she finished seventh in 2011. “I just love the Phoenix Park,” she said.

“There is no place better in Europe to run and the buzz around the Spar Great Ireland Run is incredible. Each year it gets bigger and better with more and more kids in their own races; and then runners, joggers and walkers of all abili-ties start in a top class international race to aim for their own personal best.”

This year’s run will be all about enjoy-ing a family running day out. It will begin with a Spar mini-run for five- to eight-year-olds over a lap of a mile and an adult can run or walk alongside each child.

After the mini-run comes the jun-ior run for nine- to 15-year-olds over a longer distance of 2.5km.

The day is topped off by the 10km main event which covers a scenic single lap of the Phoenix Park in its springtime glory.

The International Association of

Athletics Federations has conferred its Silver Road Race label on the Spar Great Ireland Run, in recognition of the event’s high standard of organisation, elite participation and media profile.

This is the only Irish event recognised in this way by the IAAF. Last year’s event was won in a stunning course record time of 27.49 by multiple Olympic gold medallist Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia. The women’s champion was Gemma Steel of Great Britain in 32.06.

The 2013 run will also act as the Irish 10k road championships.

Ava Hutchinson, Fionnuala britton, Lizzie Lee and Linda byrne help launch the Great ireland run 2013 at the radission Hotel last week. Picture: Geraldine Woods

soccer p28 cricket p28 asdfsdaf p27

Fastsport

c o n ta c t sActing sports

editor: stephen Findlater

[email protected]

For more information or to send in news

and photos: [email protected]

Phone: 01 651 6205

Gaelic Games p29


SPORTGaze

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peter [email protected]

C O O L M I N E m a n Stephen Henderson and Por tmarnock’s Conor Sammon could be in line for a Republic of Ireland debut after he was named in Giovanni Trappatoni’s extended 27-man panel to face Poland in the Three international friendly on February 6 in Aviva Stadium.

The shot-stopper was one of three goalkeep-ers named in the panel along with Kieron West-wood and David Forde as a number of Dublin-

ers received call-ups.Sammon, meanwhile,

gets the nod after a par-ticularly impressive fes-tive period with Derby County, netting four times since the start of December.

Former St Joseph’s Boys players abound-ed as Darren O’Dea, Paul McShane and Andy Keogh have all been included while Clondalkin man Glenn Whelan and Portmar-nock’s Stephen Ward are among the more established names in the panel.

The Republic of Ire-land manager was forced

to cancel his press con-ference in Dublin last Monday after his sister, Romilde Trapattoni, 81, passed away after a long illness in the early hours of this morning.

Speaking about the selection, though, the Trapattoni said: “I have decided to use this friendly game as an opportunity to work with younger players to see their potential.

“As a result, I have given senior players like Robbie Keane and Stephen Kelly a break for this fixture. We saw a number of strong per-formances from our

younger players in the second half of last year .

“We intend to build f rom those s t rong foundations, using this friendly match to intro-duce more new talent like Anthony Pilkington, Jeff Hendrick, Sammon and (Richard) Keogh. I look forward to working with these players, and seeing what they have to offer.”

Elsewhere, former Joey’s player Sam Byrne has been included in Republic of Ireland U19 team manager Paul Doolin for the forth-coming friendly inter-

nationals against the Czech Republic.

The Irish will face the Czechs in Longford on Tuesday, February 5, and again in Athlone on Thursday, February 7, as they build up their preparations for the UEFA Championships elite qualifying round in June.

Doolin is pleased to have a number of play-ers back at his disposal after injuries curtailed their involvement in the first phase in Lux-embourg last October when the Irish finished joint top of their group with Germany.

Dublin duo eye Republic debut

socceR: laRGe local continGent in inteRnational squaDFastsport

A NEWLY formed sponsorship arrangement between Cricket Ireland and RSA has seen a vast amount of cricket sets distributed to schools around the Leinster area.

Karl Lynch, a teacher at Tyrrelstown Edu-cate Together NS in west Dublin, was delighted to receive the new RSA-sponsored equipment and has seen first-hand the progress cricket has made since it started within the school.

Lynch, from Ballygawley in Co Tyrone and a playing member of the well-known Aireagal Chiarain GAA club has witnessed the game’s rise within the school of late.

“Last year, through the help of Cricket Ire-land and Fingal County Council, we started a cricket coaching programme with a small number of the fourth and fifth class children.

“The sessions proved a great success and from the teacher’s point of view it was most enjoyable as the children were so involved that behaviour was not a problem.

“It is a great game for both boys and girls to compete in evenly. The children learned some great skills relating to teamwork and more importantly communication’.

“Since then, they have been nagging me to start up a school team and to partake in the various competitions that run during the final school term. Give us another year and we will look to enter the Leprechaun Cup.”

Tyrrelstown school enjoy cricket explosion

Clondalkin man Glenn Whelan is among the more established names in Giovanni trappatoni’s panel to meet poland


DUBLIN boss Anthony Daly says the addi-tion of Cuala duo Cian O’Callaghan and Colm Cronin along with Lucan Sarsfields’ Sean McClel-land has added an extra pep to the step of the county’s senior hurling panel ahead of the new season.

All three were part of the Dublin minor side that reached the All-Ire-land final last September but have been making an impact at training ahead of the side’s 2013 opener in the Walsh Cup this weekend.

To date, Daly has been working off an extended panel of 37 players as she tests his deck before trim-ming the squad for the national league.

Long-term injuries to Maurice O’Brien, Martin

Quilty, Stephen Hiney and Ryan O’Dwyer have limited his options some-what but those that have stepped into the breach have impressed.

Speaking at the launch of Stars of Erin’s Who Wants to be a Thou-sandaire? Fundraiser – which takes place on March 16 in Stillorgan Park Hotel – Daly told GazetteSport, the young-sters are making quite an impact at training.

“There’s a lot of young lads who have brought in a great old energy.

Those three off last year’s minor team, they’ll knock you good and hard and they’re still only repeat-ing or doing their Leaving Certs!

“All the older lads have commented how the younger lads being around has given a fresh impetus. Hopefully that will rub off.”

It’s a fresh outlook that Daly hopes permeates the squad. The two steps forward of a superb 2011, winning the National League and reaching the All-Ireland semi-final, were followed by three steps back in a low key 2012 in which only a Leinster championship win over Laois interrupt-ed their losing streak.

Last January, Daly said he did not mind too much losing in the first round of

the Walsh Cup but, with the benefit of hindsight, he does see a value in get-ting back into a winning mode.

“Being relegated dent-ed confidence so we’d be mad keen to get back and getting results flow-ing even though all the

psychologists will tell you now, it’s not about results but performances.

“Looking back to last year on the Walsh Cup, Laois beat us and we saw what we could do to Laois in the championship.

“Driving home that day, I probably thought we were just as well off out of it as we can focus on the league but maybe it was the thin end of the wedge and allowed standards to slip early on.

“We certainly would be focused on trying to get out of the blocks. It does give us a chance to try out a few lads. The Walsh Cup is not the be all and end all but at the same time, we want to get a couple of good games out of it.

“If we can win the quarter-final, we are likely to have Galway in Parnell and that would be a great

Fresh faces driving hope for New YearAnthony DAly is hoping that his side can make use of this year’s Walsh Cup campaign to get 2013 off to an upbeat start after a chastening 2012 season for the Dublin hurlers

Dublin senior hurling boss Anthony Daly at the launch of the Stars of erin Who Wants

to be a thousandaire? fundraiser in Johnnie Fox’s last week Picture: Geraldine Woods

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

‘Those lads off the minors; they’ll knock you good and hard and they’re still only repeating or doing their Leaving Cert’ - Anthony Daly- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

GRANGE golf club enjoyed a proud week as one of their own, Paul McGinley, became the first Irishman to be appointed captain of the European Ryder Cup team at Gleneagles in 2014.

Speaking about the appointment, the Rath-farnham man said: “I am a very proud Grange man to be appointed the first Irish Captain of the Ryder Cup team.

“I have been a member of Grange for 30 years, and little did I think as a young lad, practising on the new lands that I would assume this high office. I have met many Grange members on my travels around the fairways of the world and I always get a very warm feeling when I see the famous black sweater in the gallery. I look forward to the challenge and to the club’s con-tinued support.”

At the announcement of his appointment, McGinley also paid tribute to his days at Bal-lyboden St Enda’s, something that engendered the team ethic that he has exhibited in the Ryder Cup in the past few years.

Famously, his 10-foot putt at the Belfry in 2002 won the Cup for Europe while he also played his part in the 2004 and 2006 teams and was an assistant captain at the past two events under Colin Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazabal.

Speaking about the appointment, he added: “I can’t wait to get into the role of being the captain and I’m relishing the thought of taking on one of my great heroes, Tom Watson.

“He’s not only a wonderful person about a great ambassador for the game of golf. I’ve never had an opportunity to go up against him in a playing sense. To go up against him in a captain-cy sense will be a real thrill for me.”

McGinley brings captaincy experience from his time as Britain and Ireland captain against Continental Europe in the Seve Trophy in 2009.

He also received high level backing with world number one Rory McIlroy saying: “He has been a great player and a great personality for the European Tour over the years. I also played under him at the Seve Trophy in 2009 and I thought he did a great job.

“From all the captains I’ve played under, I think he was the best.”

Grange man McGinley the first Irish Ryder captain

one to see more of the lads in.”

From an upbeat base, he is hopeful this can permeate the rest of 2013 in spite of Tomas Brady, Ciaran Kilkenny, Eric Lowndes and Cormac Costello opting to play with the footballers.

To that end, he says that while he would like to have an enlarged squad, the door is only open for them to return to hurl-ing in the right circum-stances

“I have great respect for my own panel and you take every case on its merits and if it will upset your own panel, maybe its not right.

“We’re happy with our squad, we have a few injuries coming right and hopefully the four long-term players out will come back about March or April.

“We’ll have a good strong squad, one that got to a league title and an All-Ireland semi-final. If we get a few more per-cent onto 2011, we’ll be a match for everyone and that’s what we have to focus on.”

StepheN [email protected]

Fastsport

Gazette

SPORTGaze

tte

30 LUCAN gAzette 24 January 2013

Fastsport

CAROLINE Thorpe snatched a dramatic last minute winner as Raheny United defeated Peamount United in a five goal thriller at Gree-nogue.

The loss drops Peamount back down to third place in the second year of the Women’s National League as Wexford Youths took advantage of their travails to rise above the West Dublin outfit.

Stephanie Roche, pictured, nudged Peamount ahead in the third minute, but Noelle Murray cancelled that effort out nine minutes later. A Roche penalty on 24 had Peamount in front again, but Rebecca Creagh restored parity with 14 minutes left on the clock with a powerful header.

Late on a draw seemed likely, but Thorpe arrived in the right place at the right time to pounce on a goalkeeping error as Raheny eked out a critical triumph which keeps them firmly in the title race.

Peas crushed by late Thorpe strike in WNL

ReCeNtLy named Dublin senior hurling captain Johnny McCaffrey and senior footballer Ger Brennan were on hand to launch this year’s Dublin spring series of national league games in Croke Park.A season ticket for the entire series is

available for €50 which includes entry into games on February 2 as well a March 2, 10, 16 and 23.For more information, go to www.gaa.

ie/tickets.

Dublin fans set to avail of excellent package

the joys of sprinG

J4 SecTiON bClondalkin 15

Guinness 29

[email protected]

DESPITE a late rally, Clondalkin’s thirds were beaten with help as two early Guinness tries from their centres partnership set the base for a 29-15 victory.

The Clondalkin men had planned specifically to combat the attacks from the explosive Guin-ness 12-13 combination but acting coach Gary Donnelly claimed his side missed some cru-cial tackles that allowed the opposition to bag the

vital scores. “We always knew it

was going to be hard,” said Donnelly, who was using time with the thirds to recover from his own injury.

“The side had pre-pared for the exact thing that happened but it just didn’t come together.

“As soon as the game started Guinness pushed up their two large cen-tres. They’ve been bag-ging tries like this all sea-son, but we missed some very important tackles and that allowed them to put a good bit of distance between the two sides.

“To be honest, we were

expecting it to be closer. We put in the work on the training field so in that respect it was disap-pointing.”

With the two tries being converted and a further penalty added to their tally, Guinness reached the interval with a sizeable lead, 17-3, with Clondalkin’s only score coming from a John Mur-phy penalty.

It was more positive from the Clondalkin perspective in the sec-ond half and Donnelly crossed the whitewash, which was converted, before Gerry Dunne grabbed another five-

pointer. Howe ve r , G u i n -

ness didn’t let up and they scored two more tries, one of which was converted in the early exchanges of the second half, with the Clondalkin rally being too late on to affect that final result, 29 to 15.

“We did focus on our own game and we man-aged to really start putting some great attacking moves together in the late stages of the second half. Although we failed to contain their centres, we did get a chance to work on our own game and I think it paid off.

“Clondalkin were the better team toward the end and, had there been an extra 20 minutes, I’m sure we could’ve got two more tries that would have put us level.

“The main objective of this side is to improve every week and it hasn’t been easy with a lot of the squad from last year moving up in the ranks at the club and some of the lads being injured.

“If they continue to improve they can see themselves finish mid-ta-ble. The arrival of coach Ken McMahon is sure to help the side dramati-cally too.”

Clon salvo comes too late

ruGby: Guinness early burst puts them out of reaCh

Clondalkin’s Ray Connor attempts to evade a guinness tackle in their J4 tie last weekend

Club NotiCeboard

Gazette 24 January 2013 LUCAN gAzette 31

MEMBERSHIP is now due and can be

paid online through our website www.

lucansarsfields.ie or at the clubhouse

bar. There will be a strict no pay no

play policy in place this year.

Lucan Sarsfields are delighted to

announce their forthcoming main

event fundraiser 12th Lock Fight Night.

This is a white collar boxing event,

where 36 club members, including All-

Ireland winning former Dublin foot-

baller Paul Casey and former Green TD

Paul Gogarty, will take part in a boxing

extravaganza.

Each of the boxers is fighting on

behalf of a club team(s). The event is

taking place in a circus-style Big Top

tent on Saturday, March 9 in Lucan

Sarsfields.

Standard seating tickets cost €25.

There are also a limited number of

ringside seats available for €30. Tickets

are available online through the Lucan

Sarsfields website. We are looking for

people to invest in corporate spon-

sorship on the night; platinum, gold

and silver packages available. Con-

tact the following for more informa-

tion: Donal Crowley on 087 9257411 or

[email protected], Ray Barnes

on 086 2394616 or [email protected]

or Kathleen Roche on 0879639439 or

[email protected].

We are pleased to announce that

for every club member who books a

course in Colaiste Laichtin for July and

August the club will receive €100.

The Feile committee of 2013 is organ-

ising a buy a dress fundraiser in the

clubhouse on February 1, 2013. We need

you to donate your unwanted dresses

for the occasion. You can donate your

dress directly to the following people:

Tracey Walsh 087 9735665, Audrey Cof-

fey 087 6538970 or Mary Reynolds 087

7687376.

The camogie nursery is at 2.15pm

for girls aged six and over. This is your

child’s chance to be coached by Dublin

senior hurling captain Johnny McCaf-

frey.

The adult awards night will be held

this Saturday, January 26.

Set dancing continues each Wednes-

day at 8.30pm.

The 25-card drive continues every

Friday night in the clubhouse; €5 entry,

and first prize is €50. All welcome.

This week’s lotto numbers were 1, 3,

21 and 24. There was no winner. Next

week’s jackpot is €11,000. Josephine

Donohue’s team will be in charge next

Sunday night when our sponsor will be

John Ryan Accountant.

st pat’s palmerstowN

Garda/westmaNstowN

luCaN sarsfields

THE annual club dinner dance and

adult presentation night is on Friday,

February 8 in Louis Fitzgerald Hotel

at 7.30pm; €35 per head. Again, tick-

ets are available from any committee

member or can be reserved on the

ticket hotline 086 7255586.

The race night will take place in Palm-

erstown House on Friday, March 15 at

8.30pm.

Lotto: the first draw winning num-

bers were 6, 12, 16 and 26; there was

no winner.

The second draw winning numbers

were 9, 10, 14 and 29; there was no

winner. Any three numbers wnners:

Madeline Slater, Aoife Mullins

The next draw is on Sunday, the first

draw jackpot is €10,000; the second

draw jackpot of €6,000.

PRE-SEASON training continues for

the intermediate and junior panels on

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm and

Saturday mornings at 9am at West-

manstown.

The ladies start pre-season this

week with training on Monday at

7.30pm at Westmanstown, the Tyr-

relstown gym at 7pm on Wednesdays

and 9am on Saturday mornings at

Westmanstown.

Please note that the ladies are field-

ing a second team in the forthcom-

ing season and new players (Garda

and non-Garda) are very welcome.

Contact Julie Kavanagh or Mairead

Crowley.

The Gaels Nursery runs every Sat-

urday from 10am. Sessions are held

indoors in Crunch Fitness, Westman-

stown, for the duration of the winter.

Ask for Geraldine Cullotty. For the lat-

est information, visit www.westman-

stowngaels.ie

Training continues for all juvenile

teams. Boys and girls from Clonsilla,

Lucan, Clonee and Blanchardstown

from eight- to 16-years-old are wel-

come to join. Contact club GPO Dec-

lan Jennings for more information at

0858006101.

Please note that all juvenile teams

(U-8s and higher) are now required by

Dublin GAA to wear gum shields in the

2013 season. The juvenile AGM takes

place on Thursday 24 January at 8pm.

hurliNG: luCaN maN hopiNG to make ameNds iN 2013

Lucan Sarsfields man Johnny McCaffrey was reappointed as Dublin captain this week

mcCaffrey retains dublin captaincy [email protected]

JOHNNY McCaffrey, Lucan Sarsfields and Dublin hurler, has been reaffirmed as the cap-tain of the Boys in Blue for 2013, carrying on from last season when he was also selected to lead the county side.

McCaffrey, who cap-tained Anthony Daly’s men to national league division one glory in 2011, spoke earlier in the week with regard to the next champion-ship season, the loss of Tomas Brady to Jim Gavin’s footballers and the momentum need-

ed by his team to gain championship glory.

The Sarsfields man claimed that to be involved with the Dub-lin panel, hurling must be your main focus and players can’t sim-ply come in and out depending on how the football season pans out.

“You need to be hurl-ing,” McCaffrey said.“If you’re playing both codes, you can keep going with the foot-ball but your skill in the hurling would be lacking because you’re missing a week’s hurl-ing training.”

He also claimed that the loss of Brady to the football programme was a surprise to him.

“It was a surprise but I was talking to him the night he made the deci-sion and it’s something he always wanted to do and he said he’d have regrets if he didn’t do it.

“He’d be offered a few times before and said no. He said he mightn’t get a chance again and he would have regret-ted it if he didn’t get a chance.”

As for the cham-pionship, McCaffrey underlined his belief in momentum and the

impact it has on a team when it comes to both league and champion-ship runs.

“I know we had two big losses against Gal-way and Kilkenny in the league and cham-pionship and we sort of never really recovered from them.

“We always seemed to be chasing ourselves the whole time whereas the year before we had momentum and we were very confident in what we were doing. There were a couple of small little factors like that that hopefully we can put right this year.”

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DUBLIN cruised into the final of O’Byrne Cup with a 4-15 to 0-10 win over Louth in Drogheda last weekend.

Four first half goals paved the way for the win, setting up a final date with Kildare next Saturday evening at 7pm in Parnell Park.

Two of the goals came inside a 60-second spell with Bernard Brogan on the mark on both occa-sions in the tenth minute as Dublin got off to a fly-ing start to lead 2-4 to 0-2 after only 20 minutes.

In the 22nd minute Emmet O’Conghaile raised Dublin’s third green flag when his point effort dipped under the cross-

bar as the Wee County’s defence found themselves under constant pressure with Denis Bastick and Declan O’Mahony on top at midfield and wing-back Jack McCaffrey breaking with telling effect from the middle sector.

In first half injury-time Paul Hudson fisted to the net to end a confi-dent move by Dublin that

invovled Diarmuid Con-nolly, Paddy Quinn and Paddy Andrews as the Dubs led 4-8 to 0-7 at the interval.

Dublin used the sec-ond half to introduce a number of subs including newcomers like Shane Carthy, Paul Mannion and Cormac Costello - all members of this year’s U21 panel.

Dubs cruise into O’Byrne Cup final

all of your lucan sports coverage from page 27-31 january 24, 2013

captain fantastic: Lucan Sarsfields Johnny McCaffrey named once again as Dubs’ skipper p31

GazetteSPORT

glenville are hoping that celebratory scenes remain the norm this season

peter carroll

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WITH former Bluebell player and Saturday team manager Wayne Kelly on board, Glenville Football Club of Palmerstown’s chances of pro-motion are looking good in this year’s Leinster Senior League Sunday Senior 1 A league.

Kelly, in his first year with the club, claims new faces and bigger numbers have been the key to the team’s assault on the league, but claims the club are no strangers to promo-tion with the team moving up five times in seven years before their arrival in their current league.

“We’ve had an influx of new players and we

nearly have two players for every position. This is a very successful club and they’re not stran-gers to promotion, but we have won nothing yet so I’m not going to get ahead of myself, nothing is definite,” said Kelly.

Since returning from the Christmas break, Glenville have remained unbeaten in their last two games and their form will be crucial coming into the last 16 of the FAI Intermedi-ate Cup.

“We’ve played well since we came back after the Christmas and that’s something that was missing in their seasons before. The team tended to dip around the Christmas time so it was very important for us to be quick out of the gates when we returned,” said Kelly.

“Broadford Rovers was a good game for us and got us going again, we were delighted to win 3-0 and even though we didn’t get the three points against Rathcoole, we should’ve won the game but we just couldn’t find the net and it finished 0-0.”

Now, with Beggsboro up next, Kelly knows he will face a challenge. It was his first com-petitive game at the helm of Glenville when they last met Beggsboro on their home turf in Cabra.

“We went 2-0 down when we played them in Cabra. It’s a tough place to go and they have a lot of support in the area, the stand was packed. We managed to rally and come out with a 3-2 win and I think that was mostly down to the

excellent preseason we had. “I played for Cherry Orchard and Bluebell

for a number of years so I know the importance of a good pre-season.

“We played teams from the LSL top flight and we didn’t win a single match, but being used to that standard helped us no end,” said the determined coach.

“I think if we get through this round and into the quarter finals anything can happen. There are some fantastic teams there but if they don’t show up, we’ll hopefully be ready to take advantage of that.

“Ideally, I’d love to win promotion and take a cup too, but we’re still a long way away from that and we will have to work hard.”

Glen are Kelly’s heroes Unbeaten since the Christmas break, Glenville are chasing promotion and into the last 16 of the FAI Intermediate Cup, thanks to fresh legs

DALy’S DUbLIn ShOw: Senior hurling manager up-beat for 2013 campaign p29

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