Dun Laoghaire

Pavement Picassos: Chalk it up to a terrific festival firstJESSICA Jones (7) and her father, Andrew, enjoyed some three-dimensional trickery at Ireland’s first ever Chalk Festival held in Dun Laoghaire last week. Visiting artists worked on large installations around Dun Laoghaire Harbour Plaza and

could be observed by the public as they worked. Leon Keer and Jen-nifer Chaparro produced 3D pieces in chalk, while Vera Bugatti worked to create a piece in the traditional Madonnari style.Full Story on Page 4

Town is one of city’s safest places

DAWN LOVE

NEW crime figures have pointed to Dun Laoghaire as being one of the safest parts of Dublin to live in.

The figures, released by the Central Statistics Office, are based on the first six months of 2011 and show that theft and public order offences for the area were significantly lower than many other parts of the greater Dublin area.

They reveal that, while there were 189 public order offences and 264 thefts in the first six months, there were 314 public order offences and a massive 1,057 thefts in Blanchards-town during the same period.

The figures also show that, between 2008 and 2010, the number of public order offenc-es in Dun Laoghaire dropped significantly.

Full Story on Page 5

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INSIDE: Passion for food to take over DLR

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2 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 25 August 2011

All about the music: Local boy places third in Uilleann Pipe competitionIT WAS AN EXCITING and successful weekend of competitions, concerts, ceilithe, sessions and more as the 60th Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann and the 60th anniversary of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eir-eann was celebrated by 250,000 people throughout Cavan over the weekend.

One of the key events of the Fleadh is the competitions with tradi-tional musicians of all ages and backgrounds competing at regional level throughout the year for an opportunity to participate in the All-Ireland on the weekend. The standards were high and the music more than lived up to the expectations of judges and choosing win-ners for each category and competition was no easy task.

Young James O Floinn, of Pipers Club, Monkstown, proudly placed third in the Uilleann Pipes Slow Airs, Under-12 competi-tion. Congratulations James!

Presidential hopeful attends FÁS meetingINDEPENDENT Presi-dential candidate, Sean Gallagher, was amongst those who attended a FÁS Starting Your Own Business course meeting in Loughlinstown last Friday.

Speak ing to the Gazette, Gallagher said: “I was delighted to be given the opportunity to speak with the Start-ing Your Own Business course attendees at the Loughlinstown FÁS training centre this morn-ing. It was truly uplifting to see a group of individ-

uals come together, keen to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to assess the viability of their business ideas.

“Many of those I met today were, like me, former sub-contractors. I told them that, while it was unlikely that the construction industry would come back to what it once was, that they had to look closely at their skills, talents and interests to find new pos-sibilities.

“I know from experi-ence that it is not easy,

but often the challenges that are presented to us can result in opportuni-ties that we had not yet considered,” he said.

“As an entrepreneur, and having been unem-ployed myself three times, I was able to share both my personal and business experiences with those pitching their diverse and prospect business plans.

“I firmly believe entre-preneurship is an essen-tial part to dealing with our economic challenges. Those who cannot find

jobs are up-skilling and retraining and ultimately creating jobs for them-selves and for others.

“Ireland is not just an economy – it is a network of communities. Enter-prise and job creation are the glue that keeps communities together.

With that, I believe our next President must strive to inspire self-confidence and support this spirit of self-determination in the country, so that enter-prise and communities can grow together once again,” he said.

BUSINESS Ireland a network of communities

25 August 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 3

LEAVING CERT Principals delighted with results

Eight A1s for local student

HIROMI MOONEY

A STUDENT from Black-rock College was among the country’s 10 Leav-ing Cert students who achieved eight A1s last Wednesday.

Michael Lockhart scored the top points amongst the 190 students who sat the examinations in Blackrock College in June. The school’s princi-pal, Alan MacGinty, said that he was very pleased with the overall results this year.

“There were four boys who had 600 points, 26 boys got over 540, which is equivalent to 6 As, so the results were very, very good,” he said.

“Having said that, Blackrock always prides itself in being a mixed-ability school and there were a number of boys who did very well down the line in terms of points and achieving to their ability.”

Meanwhile, many other students across South Dublin celebrated their Leaving Cert results. Around 140 students sat the Leaving Certificate Examinations in June in Wesley College in Ball-inteer. Their principal, Christopher Woods, said that more than 30 of them achieved more than 500 points.

“We’re absolutely thri l led, absolutely

Julia McConway, Katherina Manojolvic and Emma Carroll, from St Raphaela’s Secondary School, Stillorgan.

Picture: Geraldine Woods

delighted. We’ve actu-ally achieved the high-est - the best results that we’ve ever had, so we’re delighted with that.”

Forty-nine students sat the Leaving Cert in St Raphaela’s Second-ary School in Stillorgan, and Katarina Manojolvic scored the highest with 590 points. A number of other students also

achieved more than 500 points.

“We’re thrilled, we’re on a high. It’s great,” said the school’s deputy prin-cipal, Eileen O’Donnell.

Forty-two students in Holy Child Second-ary School in Killiney received their results, and one of them achieved 600 points. Fourteen students reached over 500 points

and 17 reached over 400 points. The school’s prin-cipal, Geraldine Hackett, said that she is delighted with the results.

“We’re del ighted, they’re wonderful,” she said. “They were excel-lent results this year.”

There were also cele-brations at Mount Anville with a school spokesper-son describing the results

of the Class of 2011 as “outstanding”.

“All students across the ability spectrum per-formed exceptionally well with over 30% achieving over 500 points. With the national average of 305 points we are, as ever, proud of the fact that 90% of our students achieved in excess of this,” she said.

All about the Luas and MeTHE Railway Procure-ment Agency this week launched its 2011 RPA-Luas Art Competition. The annual competi-tion, which has been widely acclaimed since its founding in 2007, has announced that this year’s theme, Luas and Me, will allow contest-ants a free rein to use their imaginations.

Artists aged 16 years and over are invited to submit artwork, and the RPA are interested in receiving submissions of visual or written work, digital reproductions of paintings and sculpture, graphic design, comic design, photography, poetry, short stories, comedy writing or any work that can be print-ed flat.

First prize will com-prise of €500, as well as an annual Luas Ticket. Closing date for entries is Monday, October 3, 2011.

THE ARTS


Open evening for ICATHE Dun Laoghaire branch of the Irish Coun-trywomen’s Association will be holding an Open Evening this September to attract new members.

The ICA has almost 11,000 members nation-wide, with 20 in its Dun Laoghaire branch.

In 2010, the popular organisation celebrated its centenary. Fun, friend-ship and support are at the centre of the ICA’s ethos.

The Dun Laoghaire Open Day will take place on Monday, September 12, between 5pm and 7pm at 27, Corrig Avenue.

Activities that ICA members are involved in include painting, flower arranging, crafts and reg-ular outings.

For further informa-tion about joining the Dun Laoghaire ICA, or for further information on their Open Evening, contact Katherine on 01 28 36 490.

MEMBERS Picassos of the pavement: Ireland’s first Chalk FestivalWHETHER it was a scribbled version of a stick figure or a hop-scotch board, most adults can remember what it was like to draw on a pavement with chalk.

Who would have ever expected that such drawings would one day become a well-respected art form, replete with a festival in its honour and celebrated International art-ists like Leon Keer, Vera Bugatti and Jennifer Chaparro jetting in to Dublin to perform their art?

On August 20 and 21, the Harbour Plaza was adorned by an eclectic and colourful mix of art.

The event was family and earth-friendly, attracting visitors who love and support the arts. The audience was able to interact with the “performers” or artists in a unique way that made the arts more accessible to all.

Visiting artists worked on large installa-tions around Dun Laoghaire Harbour Plaza and could be observed by the public as they worked. Leon Keer and Jennifer Chaparro produced 3D pieces in chalk, while Vera Bugatti worked to create a piece in the tradi-tional Madonnari style.

In addition, some local artists worked on artworks with a particular local flavour.

The children’s participation zone ran daily from 12 to 5pm. It featured hands-on-crafts for the whole family throughout the after-noon.

Being in full agreementDEAR SIR,

I refer to “letter to the editor” in the Dun

Laoghaire Gazette, dated 28th of July to 11 Aug.

I have rarely read an article in a newspaper that I can say I agreed with 100%; however this letter is the exception.

C Smith expressed my own feel-ings exactly. I too despair at the dirt and filth that pervade the town. I am amazed at the number of junk-ies and drunks who seem to hold sway in the centre of the borough.

Indeed, last Saturday a sizeable group of druggies surrounded the small wall in front of the Church on Marine Road, drinking and throwing refuse around, generally intimidating the normal Saturday shoppers and leaving their detritus before moving on. Meanwhile on

the main street, that is George’s Street, in a small alcove beside the Penny’s store, a drunk preceded to throw up on the main street in full view of all, children included. Unfortunately this scene is not an exception but becoming the rule.

What infuriates me is “Why”. Why can’t we take back owner-ship of our own town? Why do we allow those who litter the town to get away with it? How can we control the number of undesirables that overrun the town?

Ultimately, who is responsible to the tax-paying citizens for the condi-tion of this once proud town? What powers do we need to give to the Garda to assist them in their duties?

It is funny when you look at the numbers of parking meter attend-ants against the number of litter wardens employed in the area;

whose decision is that? Are we try-ing to control parking or is it sim-ply a tax-earning exercise? I am convinced if we can tidy the town up, control the undesirables then business will come. The number of empty units will be taken up by entrepreneurs who can see an opportunity to make a success-ful business. Unfortunately, at the moment, it would take a very brave business person to invest in Dun Laoghaire. I would love to hear from the County Manager as to what the “next plan” for Dun Laoghaire is. And, perhaps more importantly, what was the “last plan” and why did it fail so miserably and, ulti-mately, who is responsible.

Yours sincerely. JohnHartigan.Address with the Editor

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

DUN LAOGHAIRE/RATHDOWNCOUNTY COUNCIL

Permission is sought for a new vehicular entrance, car parking to the front, new window to the first-floor level of the existing South elevation, construction of a 69 SqM two and one-storey extension to the rear of the existing house at 85 Ballinteer Park, Ballinteer, Dublin 16 by Richard and Kerrie Ann Doyle. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offic-es of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire dur-ing its public opening hours. A submission/observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the Planning Authority.

PLANNING NOTICE

13375


‘Cronyism’ claim rejected by Gilmore

AMENITIES: LOCAL POOL

NATALIE BURKE

[email protected]

ACCUSATIONS of polit-ical cronyism have been flatly rejected by local TD and Tanaiste, Eamon Gilmore, after funding of €3.8 million was ear-marked for the construc-tion of a new swimming pool at Loughlinstown.

No sooner had the announcement over the funding been made, than the project entered choppy waters with Kil-dare North TD Catherine Murphy quoted as saying: “People do feel, whether its true or not in this case, that the decisions are based on political patron-age rather than need.”

In a statement, the Tan-aiste said he had sought the development of a swimming pool at the Loughlinstown Leisure Centre since had first entered politics saying:

“Since I first entered politics I have been seek-ing the development of a swimming pool at the Loughlinstown Leisure Centre. I am very pleased that it is now to proceed.

“This will now be a major addition to the sports and recreational provisions in Dun Laoghaire and will be a major local facility,” he added.

“Since the formation of the new Government I have been in regular con-tact with Minister Ring and I am very pleased that he has now given the go ahead,” he said.

It’s understood that the €3.8m grant for the pool represents 57pc of the €6.65m budget for swimming pool construc-tion this year. Ballybofey, in Donegal, is the other project that has been given the green light, with 11 other pools nationwide awaiting funding.

CRIME Theft and public order offences lowest in city

CSO figures show we are safe as houses

DAWN LOVE

[email protected]

NEW crime figures have pointed to Dun Laoghaire as being one of the safest parts of Dublin to live in.

The figures, released by the Central Statistics Office, are based on the first six months of 2011, and show that the latest theft and public order offence figures for the area are significantly lower than many other parts of the greater Dub-lin area.

They reveal that , while there were 189 public order offences and 264 thefts in the first six months in Dun Laoghaire, there were 314 public order offences and a massive 1,057 thefts in

Blanchardstown during the same period.

Meanwhile, in Lucan, there were 358 thefts for the first half of 2011. And, while Dundrum had a lower number of public order offences with 118 recorded, it had nearly double the number of thefts than Dun Laoghaire, with 494 reported.

The figures also show that, between 2008 and 2010, the number of public order and other social code offences in Dun Laoghaire dropped significantly, with 648 offences in 2008 and 435 in 2010.

The number of con-trolled drug offences also appears to be on the decrease in the Dun Laoghaire area, with 133

in 2008, 123 in 2009 and 87 in 2010. So far, in 2011, there have been just 31 reported offences.

There were 66 burgla-ry and related offences in the first six months of 2011, which appears to mirror figures of previ-ous years, with 100 such

offences taking place in 2008, 114 in 2009 and 130 in 2009.

In relation to weapons and explosive offenc-es, there have been six offences for the first six months of this year and 21 attempts or threats to murder, assaults, har-

assments and related offences. However, this compares with 64 weap-ons and explosive offenc-es in the Blanchardstown district and 127 attempts or threats to murder, assaults, harassments and related offences, also in Blanchardstown.

CSO figures suggest Dun Laoghaire is one of the safest areas in the capital


AN UPGRADE of servic-es at Glenageary Dart sta-tion is to begin this week.

Fine Gael councillors John Bailey and Patricia Stewart outlined that the works will include the installation of new ticket validation gates, as well as modifications to the exist-ing gate hall.

Cllr Bailey said: “As much of the work as pos-sible will take place during the day, but some work has to be done at night when trains are not operating.”

The works are due for completion by the end of October.

Cllr Stewart said: “In the short term, these works may cause some inconvenience, but every effort will be made to minimise noise levels and disruption to local resi-dents.

“However, we are con-fident that the work will result in a better service to the public,” she said.

Upgrade works at station

DART: DISRUPTION

ARTS Domini Kemp’s insight into a deliciously

NATALIE BURKE

[email protected]

WITH the Mountains to Sea dlr Book Festival just over a week away, Irish celebrity foodie, Domini Kemp, is preparing to take part in the Art of Eating, one of the festi-val’s most anticipated events.

The lunch, which will take place on Thurs-day, September 8, at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, will see three passionate food writers discuss their love

of food at an event host-ed by celebrated food critic, Trevor White.

Kemp, who trained as a chef in Leith’s of London before setting up the well-known itsa food company in Ireland with her sister, Peaches, was previously hailed by British newspaper, The Sunday Times, as “eas-ily the best food writer in Ireland”, and, last year, launched the itsa cook-book.

“The idea of the event is that people will come, enjoy a nice lunch and

,afterwards, each of the food writers will speak for a few minutes on the art of eating and their thoughts on food in gen-eral,” says Kemp, who is

Passion for foodto take over DLR book festival

looking forward to tak-ing part in the festival for the first time.

“I expect there will be a mixed group of people there, those who love

food and are brilliant cooks, and those who are terrible cooks, but still enjoy cookery and reading about food.

“There might also be people who, like me, are fascinated by the science behind food – why food reacts in your mouth and why we like certain food.”

She will be joined by fellow food writers Jos-celine Dimbleby, of the Dimbleby dynasty, one of Britain’s most popular food writers and author of 17 cookery books, as

well as Catherine Fulvio, owner of Ballyknocken Cookery School and the

Celebrity foodie, Domini

events at the Mountains

to meeting attending top

are brilliant- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

‘I love Catherine’s television shows and think her cookery school is amazing.

‘Our different backgrounds will ensure there will be variety in our stories on the day.’- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Domini Kemp- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


tempting festival event

Kemp, is preparing to take part in the Art of Eating, one of the most anticipated

to Sea dlr Book Festival, and told The Gazette how much she’s looking forward

chefs, including Catherine Fluvio, inset. Picture: Joanne Murphy

first international guest to ever cook at Wash-ington’s Taste America reception for members of the US Senate.

“Although I haven’t met the other speak-ers, I’m really looking forward to sitting down and having a natter with them,” says Kemp.

“I love Catherine’s tel-evision shows and think her cookery school is amazing.

“Our different back-grounds will ensure there will be variety in our sto-ries on the day.”

The lunch will be hosted by famous Irish foodie, Trevor White,

who Kemp believes will bring the fun element to the entire event. “I know Trevor really well and worked with him at The Dubliner magazine and I believe he will be a fan-tastic host.

“He’s a very smart man and knows a huge amount about food and restaurants.

Great stories“He’s worked in plac-

es such as London and New York, so has some great stories. I think he’ll make the lunch fun by prompting the speakers into revealing more than we normally would!”

With food, fun and good conversation being the perfect recipe for the Art of Eating event, Kemp’s only hesitation is her stage fright.

“I always get nervous about getting up and speaking publicly, so I don’t do it very much. It can be daunting and I won’t sleep a wink the night before!

“The whole book festi-val is a fantastic way of engaging with the com-munity, and with Irish authors, and I think it’s a great thing for the local council to organise. I’m really looking forward to being a part of it.”

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LEAVING CERT Summer comes to a decisive end for schools’

It’s all pointing to a great futureT

HE Gazette caught up with students at Sion Hill, Blackrock and St Raphaela’s Secondary School, Stillorgan, last week,

just in time for the time-honoured act of open-ing the envelopes containing the results of their Leaving Cert exams.

And so, without further ado, the winner goes to ... all of the students collecting their results, regardless of the results, for having com-pleted such an educational milestone in their

young lives. As always, the schools praised the students on their results, with a number of outstanding grades from each, which will see the points achieved to help go on to their next step in life.

Inevitably, there was also disappointment for some, too, but there were words of encourage-ment from staff and former classmates, keen to point out that the Leaving Cert – as important as it is – is still but one step on life’s journey.

Big smiles from Laura Ashcroft Jones and Sinead O’Hanlon (head girl and deputy

Sarah Treacey Emma SummervillePrincipal Mark Fennell, St Raphaela’s Clare O’Driscoll, Maria Garcia and Lucy Lovatt

Shauna Hamill and Sarah Walsh. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Julia McConway, Katherina Manojlovic and Emma Carroll

In common with students at all schools, some got on with the serious

business of texting results with friends and families


former students as the long-awaited results finally arrive

head girl, respectively), St Raphaela’s Anna Plaszewska and Helen Kelly

Alison Dorgan and Bronagh McAuliffe

Kristina Tully and teacher, Liz Crummey

Sisters Scarlett and Kirsty Dunning

10 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 25 August 2011 R1

25 August 2011 GAZETTE 11

GazettePETSPETSBrought to you by Miriam Kerins of

the DSPCA

THE FACTS: EXOTIC PETS RETAIN NATURAL PREDATORY AND DEFENSIVE INSTINCTS

Owning an exotic petE

XOTIC animals are unsuitable companion pets.Honestly, I’ve lost

count of the number of times I’ve said this to peo-ple.

And why are they unsuitable? I hear you ask.

Because, once in a cap-tive environment, it’s dif-ficult to provide for the physical, psychological and behavioural require-ments of these unique animals and, in my opin-ion, this makes for an irresponsible, dangerous situation – even if exotic pet owners believe oth-erwise.

I mean, regardless of your belief on this issue, you don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to real-ise that owning an exotic animal can prove danger-ous for you and for the animal because you can never predict their behav-iour…EVER!

Also, with the vast vari-ety of companion animals available to potential pet parents, and who are at this moment sitting in rescue shelters waiting for good homes, you know, gorgeous f luffy cats, majestic, loyal dogs, cute, cuddly bunnies, et al, I have to ask myself why so many people still insist on seeking out these won-derful, yet highly unsuit-able, creatures as pets.

You see, domestic ani-mals are bred by humans over thousands of gener-ations. They are depend-ant, predictable and con-trollable.

However, despi te several generations of captive breeding, wild, exotic animals continue to retain their natural predatory and defensive instincts. Prey species become anxious during captivity, making them dangerous and unsuit-able to living in an envi-

ronment with other ani-mals and humans.

So, let’s ask ourselves the question: What is an exotic animal and how is it different from keeping a companion animal?

An exotic animal is a wild animal taken out of its natural habitat and bred in captivity. It may be sold as a companion animal, but it can never truly be a companion to a human being.

The Dublin SPCA understands the needs of companion animals and the veterinary care and specific requirements important to their wellbe-ing.

Suffering

Exotics often suffer immensely because most people don’t have the resources or knowledge to properly meet their requirements.

The exotic pet trade is big business and many

teens buy them as so-called status symbol pets or as novelties.

However, owners must remember exotic animals cannot perform tricks, they ignore their owners and are difficult to care for.

When selecting an exotic, people don’t con-sider how large they will grow and how long they will live. For example, animals such as macaws and box turtles can even outlive their human own-ers.

Also, when the nov-elty of owning an exotic diminishes, the reality of the high-care cost, lack of interaction, increase in responsibility, not to mention size, soon sets in. This leads to the ani-mals being abandoned or surrendered to a welfare shelter such as the Dub-lin SPCA.

If you insist on owning an exotic animal, despite

what I’ve advised, then have a look at my check-list below:

• Will the animal create unpleasant smells?

• How long will this animal live?

• How large/long will this animal grow?

• What is the specific diet of this animal?

• How much enjoy-ment/pleasure will I get from owning this ani-mal?

• What are the envi-ronmental requirements of this animal?

• Will this animal be a danger to me and oth-ers?

• What are the legal requirements of owning this animal?

• How can I provide specific veterinary care for this animal?

And Another Thing…

Did you know you can get such diseases as salmonella, herpes B,

chlamydia, giardia, hepa-titis A, rabies, ringworm, tuberculosis and scabies from owning certain exotic animals? And no, I’m not auditioning for Mastermind. I’m trying to inform all you wan-nabe exotic pet owners that keeping an exotic is bad for your health, not to mention your social life.

Some of the above

are very serious and some may even prove fatal, but one thing’s for sure – they’re all bound to diminish your list of Facebook friends faster than you can say Albino Burmese Python.

For more info log onto www.dspca.ie, con-sult your vet or email me at [email protected]

it’s difficult to provide for the physical, psychological and behavioural requirements

Unfortunately, some exotic pets can also carry exotic

diseases, requiring extra attention from owners

12 GAZETTE 25 August 2011


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

SHANE DILLON

WITH a whole world of gaming to dig into, where to begin with a regular column? Well, by looking at a world that’s all about digging. Literally.

Minecraft has taken the widely-used gaming terms “open world” and “sandbox” to create a sin-gle genre of its very own on PC (with an IOS ver-sion also in the works).

Some clever coding randomly, yet procedur-ally, generates worlds that are made by uniformly-sized squares, each of which has a different tex-ture – such as for grass, earth, sand, etc – along with different physical and, in some cases, phys-ics-related properties.

By wandering around the world like a modern-day Robinson Crusoe,

Minecraft continues to create the world you’re wandering in.

Rivers, lakes, forests, seas, lava flows and more form as the player moves, complete with vegetation and wildlife, while day and night cycle through, and the weather changes, depending on whether you’re in a desert, forest or snow area.

And yet, the expansive surface of the world is only part of the Minecraft experience, as the world also generates vast cave and tunnel systems underneath, where coal, iron, gold and diamonds wait to be mined, and then used.

“Minecraft” relates to the way that the world works – by mining (or processing) away, the world is permanently reshaped by your actions.

For example, by attack-ing a tree with your bare hands, you can break off raw wood.

This wood can then be split to create sticks, or combined to create, say, a rudimentary wooden axe (to chop down trees fast-er), or a basic pickaxe.

With a pickaxe, the player can then mine some stone from the ground/hills, creating a stronger pickaxe, or min-ing blocks of stone.

By following this basic pattern of splitting some materials, or combining others, and by experi-menting with combina-tions of raw materials, the player can rapidly create a wide range of tools and objects.

So, whether the player simply wants to build a tiny cottage, or a vast city – and teams of people

Digging into a world of wonderGazetteGAMINGGAMING

all over the world have created some truly vast cities and exotic worlds – Minecraft has more than enough scope to do so.

And, considering that the coders say that it’s clever enough for a sin-gle Minecraft world to be many times the size of the

surface of the earth, the players need never see, or do, the same thing twice, per “level” or world.

Started as a single pro-grammer’s experimental dabbling with world-building, Minecraft has, in a couple of short years, spiralled into a small

team of coders, program-ming and modifying this world-building program – it’s debatable if it can even be called a game – that has seen tens of mil-lions of users pay for their own pre-release copy.

With games regularly lambasted as being too

violent, or mindless, repetitive and numbing, it’s a pleasure to highlight one of several titles that celebrates creativity, and one that is as unique as each individual user.

For further details, or to sign up, see www.minecraft.net.

This randomly-generated Minecraft world is just waiting for the player to make their mark, whether by

planting more trees, digging for treasure, building a canal or even an entire city – whatever the player wants

Discovering the cultural hotspots of Scotland

MIMI MURRAY

STEEPED in history, Scotland is the perfect place for a whistle-stop tour of its many museums, cultural sites and iconic buildings.

We decided to pack our three-day trip with as much culture as possible and made our way from Edinburgh, to Stirling and back to Glasgow, devour-ing as much as we could.

There are a surprising number of brand new cul-tural hotspots that have opened or will open in Scotland in the next cou-ple of months and visitors with an interest in arts and culture will be spoilt for choice this year.

We started out in Edin-burgh, during the Fringe Festival, so the city was absolutely buzzing with creativity and excitement.

We were treated to a sneak preview of the Scot-tish National Portrait Gal-lery, which will re-open on November 30, St Andrew’s Day, after a closure of two years. It is being massively upgraded and redevel-

oped in a project that aims to restore and reveal much more of the building than ever before.

The gallery will be able to show many more works of art, introducing a new, regularly changing display programme. The many iconic figures on show include Mary, Queen of Scots, William Wallace and Sean Connery.

Later that day, we stopped into the Nation-al Museum, which has undergone a multimillion pound refurbishment. This is an awesome build-ing, which is a perennial site to visit for locals and will be jaw-dropping for visitors.

This massively popular museum has reopened after a £46 million refur-bishment with a new layout. This will enable much greater access to the collections, an improved visitor experience, as well as a greater appreciation of the iconic Victorian building.

An exciting display for kids are the flying animals and mammals. Other

highlights include Egyp-tian mummies, precious rocks and stones, as well as a mishmash of truly interesting artefacts that, in some way, connect to Scotland and its rich his-tory.

The following day we made our way to Stirling. It has just been given city status and the old town, which is on a steep drive to the castle, is extremely pretty.

The castle is very strik-ing and majestic and locals say that if you held on to Stirling, you held on to Scotland. From the cas-tle walls, you can see the iconic bridge where Wil-liam Wallace launched his famous battle against the English and, even though the Scottish were outnumbered, they routed the English.

Mary, Queen of Scots, was born in the palace, which has been brought back to its former glory and re -enactments take place in the castle throughout the day. Our friendly guide told us that, in the morning, the staff regularly find an indenta-tion on the bed in which Mary’s mother, Mary of Guise, would sleep. Every castle needs a ghost and this one sounds benevo-lent!

The £12 million project has returned the six ground-floor apartments in the castle’s Renaissance palace to how they may have looked in the mid-16th century. The work has already uncovered fascinating historical finds and insights into this peri-

The spectacular Riverside

FastTravel

GazetteTTRAVELRAVEL

Cruising the Arabian Gulf with special travel packages from Thomas Cook CruisesCRUISING the Arabian Gulf is sure to conjure up exotic images in the minds of even the most seasoned of travel-lers, but a special package from Thomas Cook Cruises this December makes it a very accessible option for the everyday holidaymaker.

On board the distinc-tively grand Brilliance of the Seas, the voyage takes in the famous names of this most alluring part of the world, starting in Dubai, moving on to Fujairah followed by two days in Muscat in the Sultan of Oman. Then it’s on to Abu Dhabi and back to Dubai. With endless sunshine and endless pre-Christmas shopping, a visit to the Emirates at this time of year makes for a complete getaway.

The 10-day trip from Thomas Cook Cruises includes flights from Dublin and an overnight stay in 4-star Hilton Hotel in Dubai, as well as port taxes and gratuities on board. For the December 5 departure, prices start from just €1,059 per person.

All Thomas Cook Cruise bookings are fully bonded so money is secured.To book or to order a brochure call the Thomas Cook Cruise team in

Dublin on 0818 200 101, or visit your local travel agent.


Al Jahili Fort at sunset

od of history, including the remains of what may have been a 15th-century knight killed in battle and buried beneath the floor of a previously unknown royal chapel.

Next it was on to Glas-gow and the spectacular Riverside Museum, which was designed by star archi-tect, Zaha Hadid.

This was her first major public commission in the UK and the characteristi-cally bold, flowing shapes of the building are already winning fans. It houses the Transport Museum, which really is one of the most interesting and well-thought-out exhibitions I have ever been to.

Some nice places to eat in Edinburgh include Lancers Brasserie in the more upmarket area of Stockbridge. Di Maggio’s is great for families in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Stravaigans in Glasgow’s West End is great for brunch and the Ubiqitous Chip is definitely worth a look. We flew to Scotland with Aer Lingus, which operates several flights to and from Edinburgh and Glasgow each day.

For more information, go to www.visitscotland.com/surprise.

An exciting display of flying animals and mammals in

the National Museum of Scotland. Picture: Rob McDougall

Museum, designed by architect, Zaha Hadi. Picture: Rob McDougall

Helping remove the hassle of planning a wedding abroadWHETHER you wish to marry in the beautiful Old Town of Dubrovnik, or at one of Cyprus’s romantic beachfront locations, Concorde Travel can offer assistance with arrangements and remove the hassle from the most important day in a couple’s lives.

The new Concorde Wedding brochure includes the ever popular destinations of Cyprus, Croatia, Montenegro and Malta and the new exciting wedding option of the Algarve in Portugal. Understanding that every wedding is unique and that organising a wedding abroad can be time consuming and demanding, Con-corde Travel aim to offer a personalised service that is focused on making your day unforget-table and stress free.

The typical starting price for a wedding package abroad is €4,000 and includes wed-ding fees, travel and hotel for bride and groom, catering for 30 guests, photography, music, flowers, bridal hair and make-up. Visit www.concordetravel.ie to inquire or book your wed-ding with Concorde Travel today.

WeddingTravel

Edited by Mimi Murray


National Museum of Scotland. Picture: National Museums

Scotland

National Portrait Gallery. Picture: National Museums Scotland

GazetteENTERTAINMENTENTERTAINMENT

A mixed bag of filmsStill in the lull of late summer, there’s a variety of passable

films out there, yet nothing especially eye-catching, says Kate KATE CROWLEY

IT OCCURS to me that, now that the school holidays are finally end-ing, and with colleges also soon to resume, we grown-ups will finally have a bit more peace and quiet at cinemas, once the bloomin’ kids are packed off to one educational institution or another.

So, as much as I’ll miss darling Crowleyetta once her studies resume, I’d like to flag up a whole range of films that a post-summer audience may wish to avail of – or to avoid, in some cases.

And, if any of your childer are still enjoying time off – or, indeed, if you’re one of our lovely young readers with an interest in cinema – there are a couple of films here which they may be inter-ested in ...

Spy Kids: All the Time in the World (PG, 89mins,

) is one that only the least demanding of chil-

dren could warm to, as the long-running series gets reheated for, what, its 5th film? The 17th?

Cinemagoers can sure-ly spy better family- and child-friendly films than this tired addition, which is full of clumsy editing, shoddy effects, noise and confusion. Spy Kids – it’s time to retire.

Moving on from chil-dren to teens and young adults, and Final Des-tination 5 (16, 92mins,

) is another franchise sequel.

Once again, some lucky youngsters some-how miss an accident

that was supposed to kill them – only to then find that Death has inventive ways of finishing them off, one by one, in unlike-ly scenarios.

Admittedly, this sounds like a carbon copy of the four prequels, but – sssh – that doesn’t seem to bother fans, directors, or the studios that keep bankrolling the sequels.

So, for those looking to see annoying characters struck by debris from an airplane, this is the film for you.

One day, we’ll be free of such cozily formulaic films – and, speaking of

cozily formulaic, here’s One Day (12A, 107mins,

), the latest Anne Hathaway rom-com vehicle attempting to persuade audiences to hand her the Lovely Girl crown.

Time and again, regu-lar gal Hathaway crosses paths with posho Jim Sturgess on the same day, year in, year out, until they gradually come to realise that perhaps sweet, sweet love is why they keep meeting. Awww.

I expect this film to do marvellously, though I suspect that it’s a film that Mr Crowley, and his ilk, would have to be forced at gunpoint to attend.

He’d probably say much the same in reverse about Conan The Barbar-ian (15A, 112mins, ), which is continuing Hollywoods’ interest in rebooting old franchises or individual films.

Best summarised as “Single barbarian, seeks vengeance”, Conan wan-

ders through typically brutal fantasy lands, bat-tling henchmen, mon-sters, a sorceress and Ron Perlman.

I can’t dislike anything with Ron Perlman as much as I should, so I’ll let this Barbarian pass.

Finally, Glee: The 3D Concert Movie (PG, 84mins, ) is one of those films that is practi-cally review-proof, and review-redundant, as, much like a banana, eve-ryone knows what Glee is, and what to expect.

As such, the hit TV show takes a turn on the big screen, with its stars delivering a concert experience that fans will doubtless love and enjoy, but not quite certain cin-ema reviewers.

And there you have it – a mixed bag of not espe-cially tempting offerings, but not to worry, as once the school holidays are behind us, we can always bank on more interesting films being released.

Jim Sturgess and Anne Hathaway cross paths, again and again and again in One Day, just one of a number of new films on current release

FILMS OF THE WEEK: Various to (PG to 16)

OUR VERDICT:WHILE Cowboys and Aliens has been chasing, roping and then beaming up plenty of audiences at the Box Office recently, several other films have also charged onto the screen, with Kate warning that some are particularly avoidable, while the rest are merely passable. Still, she says: “It’s the summer season, so what else can we expect at the cinema?” Quite.

Directors: VariousStarring: Spying children, an inventive Death, a Lovely Girl, one vengeful barbarian and lots of tuneful young people

GoingOUTGoingOUTPAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929Treasure Island

BALLET Ireland’s annual summer school sets sail for the Pavilion Theatre with a twist on the classic tale of Treasure Island, which is being presented by the participants of the summer school.

Four highly-skilled dancers from Ballet Ireland’s core company are leading the participants, preparing and training everyone for the grand finale. Running this week, and concluding on Friday, August 26, the final show promises to be a wonderful treat for all ballet and dance fans. For full details, see www.paviliontheatre.ie

THE HELIX 01 700 7000Summer Films

AS PART of its summer season of family films, The Helix still has a number of favourites for all to enjoy. Running at 2pm, and priced €6, €4 conc, or €20 season ticket (phone booking only), Fantastic Mr Fox plays on Saturday, August 27; and Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory on September 3, with both films promising to bring a great conclusion to the enjoyable season.

THE MILL 01 296 9340Mountains to the Sea DLR Book Festival 2011

ALREADY proving to be one to watch out for, The Mill is gearing itself up for the upcoming Mountains to the Sea DLR Book Festival 2011, which will take place at the popular Dundrum venue on Wednesday, September 7 and Thursday, September 8, and will see authors such as Roddy Doyle taking part. For full details of the festival’s events, see www.milltheatre.ie.

16 SWORDS GAZETTE 25 August 2011

25 August 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 17

COLLEGEOPTIONSOPTIONS E x p l o r i n g T H I R D - L E V E L e d u c a t i o n


New life begins for students DAWN LOVE

IT’S been a tough year for thousands of second level students in the Greater Dublin area.

Firstly, there was the build-up to the Leav-ing Cert, then the stress that comes from actu-ally sitting it and then the weeks that follow, waiting anxiously for results.

This week, in our seven-page Col lege Options guide, we fea-ture some of Dublin’s top colleges, including Maynooth University, Senior College in Dun Laoghaire, IT Blanch and St Laurence’s Col-lege.

Gaze t t e r epor te r Hiromi Mooney recalls

| HIGHER EDUCATION |

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

ADVERTISE WITH THEGAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

LOCALMATTERS

her daunting first days at university, and some of our best-known TDs talk about their college years.

While many students will have obtained the

results they wanted, some will have missed out on their chosen courses and degrees.

This week, we speak to the President of USI, Gary Redmond, about

his top tips and advice if you didn’t get the points and the course you had hoped for.

He also gives some sterling advice on how to get through the first

few weeks of student life.

And, whatever course you decide on over the coming weeks, we wish all our students the very best of luck.

Access to higher education means a level playing field for students as they consider their options


COLLEGEOPTIONSOPTIONS E x p l o r i n g t h i r d - l e v e l e d u c a t i o n

WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK

ADVERTISE YOUR YOUR BUSINESSBUSINESS TO OUR READERSCALL 60 10 240

*based on standard industry measurements

AIB launch a new student websiteAIB have announced they are launching a dedicated student website, www.stuff4students.ie, which will be offering exclusive discounts and offers for students, not only in first year but in all years in col-lege.

The site will also con-tain information on managing finances for students.

One of the key com-ponents of AIB’s 2011 Student communication campaign is the ongoing dialogue with students through www.stuff4stu-dents.ie.

Some of the key fea-tures of the site will be the budgeting tool, weekly/monthly competitions, relevant articles with advice and blogs on sur-viving your college years.

STUDENTS who have recently received their Leaving Cer t i f icate results and are asking, “What’s next?”, can find answers galore in a new publication from Dun Laoghaire Youth Infor-mation Centre called What’s Next?

It provides informa-tion about the types of grants available, a list of colleges and courses, and where to repeat your Leaving Certificate.

The guide also con-tains information for former students who want to get a job instead of going to college, or who want to take a gap year, which can provide a breathing space or time

out from the pressures of studying.

The free publication explores all these options, and is available from the Youth Centre on Library

Road, beside Playcentre, in Dun Laoghaire .

Dun Laoghaire Youth Information Centre is also holding an exhibi-tion on What’s Next? throughout the months of August and September in the Youth Information Centre.

They have also pro-duced information leaf-lets on student finance, accommodation and evening classes, as well as student guides to the

Dun Laoghaire area.For more information,

contact the centre at [email protected], or call them on 280 9363.

The centre is open every weekday, and the staff will be happy to help with any query you may have.

Solid choices: Good advice from DITSIOBHAN O’Donnell, a furniture design graduate at DIT, is just one of the many graduates from the college pushing the envelope of their careers after attending the institution.

Students have never had such a range of CAO options to choose from, or so much advice from every quarter, and Head of Admis-sions in DIT, Frank Costello, said: “Before accepting an offer, be sure that you know what’s involved in the programme and that you are enthusiastic about undertaking it – after that, start looking forward to your college career!”

| WHAT NEXT? |

Dun Laoghaire centre is the place for answers

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

‘The Centre is holding an exhibition on What’s Next? throughout the months of August and September’- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Essential reading for Leaving Cert

students


Next steps for college success

GARY REDMOND

ALTHOUGH it has only been a matter of weeks, secondary school, and the stressful ordeal of the Leaving Certificate, must seem like a very distant memory.

The unbearable antici-pation and long wait for the results has finally ended. In recent days, you’ve probably either been online or opened that all-important CAO letter. This represents a new chapter in your life. So, what should your next step be?

If you’ve secured your place in college, the next

thing you must do is check if you qualify for a maintenance grant. All the information you need, including the application form, can be found on www.studentfinance.ie. On this website, you will also find other helpful information on scholar-ships, bursaries and other financial assistance that may be available.

If you qualify for a grant, either download the form or complete it online, enlisting the help of your parents if neces-sary. Get your application in as soon as possible, so that you will receive your grant payment in good

time. The earlier you return the form, the more likely you are to receive your first grant payment close to the start of the college term.

Last year, due to a number of factors, many students didn’t receive their first grant payment until after Christmas and, in some cases, as late as March or even April.

If, on the other hand, you didn’t get what you expected either in your Leaving Cert results or in the CAO – don’t panic.

If you didn’t get your top choice on the CAO consider accepting a lower choice if it was

Gary Redmond is the president of the Union of Students Ireland

offered as you may still get offered a higher choice in the following rounds.

On the other hand, there are many PLC courses that will allow you entry into to college next year, and repeat-ing the Leaving Cert is always another option.

The good news is that there are many differ-

ent options out there, so take the next few days to relax, think things over and seek advice from your career guidance teacher.

The key to college life is that you will reap what you sow, so get involved as much as possible: take up a new sport, join some college societies and try something that you’ve

never done before. Your student years will prob-ably be the best years of your life - expect action, fun, but also stress!

And, through it all, bear in mind that you can drop into your students’ union at anytime and they’ll be happy to help keep the experience as memorable as possible.

Best of luck!

| VIEW FROM THE USI PRESIDENT | Homeopathy workshopTHE Irish School of Homeopathy will be running a Get Started in Homeopathy workshop at Milltown College in Ranelagh on September 4.

The workshop is designed for those who would like to use home-opathy at home for them-selves and their families.

During the workshop, participants will be taught how to prescribe for com-mon acute complaints (sudden and short-term conditions) such as coughs, colds, flu, and first-aid remedies. Also covered are children’s remedies for teething, stomach bugs and exam nerves.

For further information, contact Angie Murphy, Irish School of Home-opathy, on 01-8682581, or email [email protected]


COLLEGEOPTIONSOPTIONS E x p l o r i n g t h i r d - l e v e l e d u c a t i o n

THE popular Dio-plóma sa Ghaeilge programme at NUI Maynooth resumes this autumn.

Students of the course can expect to vastly improve their level of Irish through discussion and debate in classes, attendance at lectures on various aspects of Irish lan-guage and culture and a weekend in the Kerry Gaeltacht.

This course is suit-able for people who already have reason-able competence in the language.

For those who may not be ready for this year’s enrolment, the Language Centre’s Teastas Eorpach na

Gaeilge (TEG) learn-ing system will bring prospective Dioplóma students up to the required standard.

Assessment

TEG is a system of Irish language learning and assessment at five levels, from beginners to advanced.

This year, TEG Level B2 was given official recognition by the Department of Edu-cation and Skills as meeting the Irish lan-guage requirement for the colleges of primary education.

For further informa-tion, see www.nuim.ie/language or www.teg.ie.

Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge offered Students welcomed

THIS September, Ash-field College will open its doors to a new cohort of fif th year, sixth year and repeat Leaving Certificate stu-dents from Lucan.

Not only will there be a new intake of students, there are other new faces at the college - and some less new than others.

With maximum class sizes of 25 students, Ash-field College, Templeogue, is building on its long-standing reputation for offering students the very best tuition in a friendly, and student-focused envi-ronment, with the return of the school’s founder, Joe Griffin, a familiar name throughout the local community.

Ashfield College has a fine track record of academic success

Griffin has 40 years experience as an educa-tionalist and has been a mentor to thousands of students in their stud-ies. From the beginning, Joe Griffin has put a focus on small class-sizes and individual student attention from top-class

teachers. Griffin says he is delighted to return for the 2011/2012 academic year.

“Ashfield College has traditionally been a popular choice for Leav-ing Certificate students from Lucan,” said Grif-fin. “Since the school’s

foundation over 30 years ago I have had the privi-lege of seeing so many students from all over Ire-land reach their potential under the guidance of some of the finest teach-ers in the country.

“It is an honour to wit-ness a new beginning

for such a wonderful resource. I believe that now, more than ever, Ashfield College is the logical choice for ambi-tious Leaving Certificate students.”

Students will also be able to avail of com-prehensive study notes covering the entire sylla-bus, which are provided on the first day of term, as well as video classes and class notes available online through Ashfield Online, the school’s e-learning portal.

Philip Burke, the new chief executive, who was a student of the school from 1990-1991, says that the community atmos-phere he experienced during his Leaving Cer-tificate year is integral to the school’s teaching ethos and success.

“When I prepared for my Leaving Certificate in Ashfield College in the early 1990s every teacher knew every student by name, and everyone was on first-name terms,” explains Burke. “The key to the school’s success is in its philosophy of indi-vidual attention. Every student is an individual, with their own specific requirements.

Potential

“Every teacher is a gift-ed communicator who is expert at helping students maximise their potential for exam success. It really is a community and that makes all the difference at such an important and often stressful time in young people’s lives.”

Founded in 1977, the school is situated on acres of landscaped gar-dens in a peaceful south Dublin location, away from the distractions of the city centre but eas-ily accessible by public transport. It has been fully refurbished with state-of-the-art facili-ties, including special-ised teaching rooms for all 21 subjects offered.

| ASHFIELD COLLEGE OPENS ITS DOORS |


students


Consider a future at Dorset CollegeIN THESE challenging times, students need to consider things beyond the score of their imme-diate preferences when considering what cours-es to do in college.

Dorset College is strik-ing out to meet the needs of students and future employers in its offerings, and the courses reflect the current requirements of the workplace and pro-vide excellent prospects and career development opportunities.

In the information technology space, Dorset College is offering courses to enhance career oppor-tunities, and meet the needs of the shortage of

personnel in the expand-ing Information Technol-ogy sector, from Beginner to Advanced level.

Options

With the likes of courses in Computer Sys tems Eng ineer-ing, Cloud Technology Professional, Oracle Java Programmer, Ora-cle Database Associ-ate Administration, or taking the CompTIA A, +CISCO CCNA or Microsoft Server Admin-istrator courses, there is a wide range of options for students.

Students also need to consider and ensure that they get the right quali-

fications to commence their career paths with security, financial rewards and mobility.

The full-time HETAC Higher Certificate in Business Level 6 will provide students with a strong foundation in a range of specialised busi-ness areas such as Busi-ness Management and Organisation, Informa-tion Technology, Finance and Law.

The FETAC Nursing Studies, FETAC Social Studies and the Multime-dia Production Courses provide an opportunity to acquire new skills, com-petencies and knowledge leading to a career path in

that field. As an alternative to

repeating the Leaving Certificate, these courses provide direct entry to third level Certificate and Degree programmes in the Institutes of Technol-ogy and Universities in Ireland.

The college’s suite of full-time programmes also includes the ACCA Diploma in Account-ing & Business, ACCA Qualification, and Com-puter System Engineer (CompTIA A+ & CIS-CO–CCNA).

For further details, contact Dorset College at 01 830 9677 or log on to www.dorset-college.ie

Respond to UCD’s housing studies course [email protected]

THE Respond! Housing Association, in partner-ship with University College Dublin (UCD). is set to offer mature students the opportu-nuty to study for a Bach-elor of Social Studies in Housing & Community Studies (BSS), a part-time four-year degree.

The course is designed

for adult learners, who wish to return to edu-cation while maintain-ing a positive work life balance.

The Respond! offer-ing is the only degree of its kind in Ireland.

The BSS employs a multi-disciplinary approach in its analysis of housing, community development, social policy and aspects of

management. The degree is accred-

ited by University Col-lege Dublin (UCD) and students gain profes-sional membership of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), with access to work place-ments throughout the degree.

Lectures are delivered two days each month in Dublin at the Respond!

campus in Drumcon-dra, or the UCD campus in Belfield.

Tutorials are held in various venues in order to accommodate stu-dents.

Further information about the course can be obtained by visiting www.respond.ie, by contacting 0818 357901 or emailing [email protected].

A wide range of information technology courses are on offer at Dorset College

| CAREER OPPORTUNITIES |

www.gazette group.comwww.gazette group.comAll of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away


COLLEGEOPTIONSOPTIONS E x p l o r i n g T H I R D - L E V E L e d u c a t i o n

Frances Fitzgerald TDMinister for Children

Where did you go to school?

I went to the Domin-ican Convent, Sion Hill in Blackrock

Where did you go to college?

I did a Degree in Social

Sciences, in UCD. A

few years after that

I did a Masters in the

London School of Eco-

nomics in Social Work

and Social Adminis-

tration.

Your first job after college? After UCD, I worked

in a small children’s

hospital called St

Ultan’s which has

since closed. While

there I worked with

disadvantaged fami-

lies whose children

were being treated

in the hospital. After

that, I went on to do

my Masters and to

get Certified as a

Social Worker.

Q&ADeveloping the skills for lifeLAST month saw the third set of Leaving Cer-tificate students attend The Homework Club, and the club’s founder, Dr Naoise O’Reilly, is starting to see a pat-tern developing in the approach needed, to not only survive the trials of the exams, but succeed in your dreams.

“We feel everyone is not only good at some-thing, but can use this experience to do any-thing,” said Naoise. “We try to develop the skills for life.”

The Homework Club, based in Main Street, Blanchardstown, takes a

more holistic approach to study.

“Before starting with each student, together we assess their strengths, aptitudes and potential to guide the students towards an achievable goal, one they desire and enjoy.

“We don’t believe in cram-learning and unnecessary stress,” says Naoise.

“The best analogy I can give you is making an omelette. If you wanted to make an omelette you wouldn’t worry about what goes in to it, you just simply open the fridge and see what’s to hand.

We never worry about learning off cookbooks. For everyday meals we simply know from experi-ence what works and may just check a few details like the temperature and cooking time.

“Study is exactly the same, regardless of the subject. If you under-stand it, and can relate to the material in a way, there is no need to learn off endless information. You simply need to devel-op your own skills to remember the important details, like the cooking time! The rest will come naturally.

“Similarly, in this cur-

The Homework Club aim to deliver skills for all students’ working lives

rent climate it’s possible that you will get slightly challenging exam papers in June. This has hap-pened for a number of years now, and seems to coincide with the increased pressure in the education system. We try to develop coping strat-egies in our students so they can survive in these situations. To go back to

our omelette analogy, you should find yourself in a position in the exams to simply open the fridge in your mind and pull out whatever ingredients you need.

“Being able to stay calm and focused, work your way out of the situ-ation and relate what you do know to the ques-tions you are being asked.

These are not only skills for the Leaving Certifi-cate but for life after.

“We have seen almost all of our students thrive in the last three years with this very simple out-look.”

For more details on The Homework Club, contact Naoise at 085 1129660, or visit their website at www.homeworkclub.ie

| THE HOMEWORK CLUB |

Joan Burton TDMinister for Social Protection

Where did you go to college?

I went to UCD on a

scholarship

What did you study? Bachelor of Commerce

and then Chartered

Accountancy.

What was your first job after leaving college? Trainee Chartered

Accountant with Price

Waterhouse

What advice would you give students heading to college for the first time this year? Enjoy every moment

and work hard!

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students


RIGHT, now that you’ve got your Leaving Cert and have gone through the CAO process, it’s now time to face your first year in college. Yes, it’s a big step – new surroundings, new people, and some-times a new home.

I began my life in col-lege two years ago. Of course, there are both advantages and disadvan-tages to whether you com-mute or live on campus. I chose to stay at home and commute by two buses – two hours each way. It was tiring and took a lot out of my day, but it was cheap and the journey was made shorter when I had an iPod – when the battery hadn’t died.

I went to college on my first day on my own and I knew nobody. A few peo-ple in my class knew each other or were from the same area, so they estab-lished their cliques very quickly, and I was com-pletely out of my comfort zone.

It was very nerve- wracking. But the more I got talking to people, I realised that a lot of them were just like me – scared, feeling lost and wanting to make friends. And we did.

I then discovered that college life makes you completely responsible for everything you do. You now have no teach-er chasing you for your homework, or have your parents nagging you to study for your tests.

On your own

You are now in charge of making it to those 9am lectures, meeting dead-lines, making your own notes and study plan, and, if you’re living alone for the first time, you have to start cooking your own dinners and doing your own washing.

But this gives you great independence and free-dom. Plus, there’s a great social life in college.

When you hear college

| COLLEGE LIFE |

Facing your first yearGazette Reporter, Hiromi Mooney, recalls her f irst few days at University

people say “join clubs and societies,” take their advice on board. They can help you make new friends outside of your classes in college, take up a new hobby and learn some new skills – wheth-er it’s dancing, juggling,

radio or surfing. Get involved and try some-thing new.

Now I’m starting my final year in college and, looking back, I have achieved so much in the past two years. I have made a new circle of

friends, I’ve been able to balance the time between projects, social life, work and all that.

So, what’s my advice? Embrace college life with open arms, enjoy every moment and make the most of it. Good luck!

Gazette reporter, Hiromi Mooney

GazetteMOTORSMOTORS

TOYOTA’S new Verso S was a car that I quickly got comfortable with.

I mean that, once behind the wheel, it was easy to drive and all of the con-trols were logically and conveniently placed. That gave me an instant good feeling about the car.

I found that I got used to this car easily and it was comfortable to drive. The high seating position gives great visibility for everybody on board.

This new Verso neatly fills a gap in the Toyota range left after the small Yaris Verso of the past. The new car is slightly bigger, more modern looking and uses a newer petrol engine.

Toyota offers only one engine option for the new Verso S. This is petrol-fuelled, which is a bit surprising as over 70% of all new cars sold are now diesel-powered. Toyota has some good diesel engines in its line-up, but not for the Verso S.

The eng ine i s a

1.33-litre, four-cylin-der unit – it’s reason-ably smooth and quiet in operation. It is rated at 99bhp and, like many petrol engines, needs to rev to 4,000 rpm to get the maximum torque.

When that is linked with a six-speed gearbox the car should be lively and thrifty. My test drive found the car not as lively as I had expected. The engine needed to go to 3,000rpm, even in sixth gear, to reach 120km/hr on the motorway, and that meant that it was not as thrifty as I had expected.

Relative to the compe-tition, the acceleration performance at 13.3 sec-onds for a 0 to 100km/

hr race is reasonable. I found it somewhat slug-gish from behind the wheel.

My test run of about 580km used a full 42-litre tank of fuel. That meant that I achieved about 20% less than the rated economy level of 18km/litre (51mpg). That bit dis-appointed me because, if I had achieved the rated performance, the car could have driven on for over 200km more!

Some of that difference may be due to my driving style and the varied road conditions. Despite all of those variables, I was less impressed with its econo-my figures.

The CO2 rating at 127g/km puts the car

into Band B for road tax purposes and that means an annual road tax rate of just €156. Again, that’s as good as it gets for a small petrol-engine car. Relative to the competi-tion, which includes the Honda Jazz, Hyundai ix20, Opel Meriva and Nissan Note, the Verso S was the class leader in economy terms.

Everything else about the car impressed me. The second-level specifica-tion Luna version, which I drove, included the new Toyota, 6.1 inch, full col-our, touch screen system called Toyota Touch. This provides drives with a comprehensive multime-dia interface. It incorpo-rates an AM/FM radio,

a CD/MP3 player, Blue-tooth mobile phone con-nectivity, a USB port for the connection of port-able music players, a trip information screen and a rear view camera.

The Verso S has a com-prehensive safety pack-age on board. The car has seven airbags, driver and front passenger airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags and full-length side curtain shield airbags.

The Verso S comes with a three-year war-ranty and a service inter-val of 20,000km or 12 months. Those features will ensure low running costs, as servicing this petrol car should not cost more than €150.

The practical Verso S

Toyota’s new Verso S is a practical and easy-to-drive mini MPV. The car has a petrol engine-only option that’s a big sluggish on the road, but the entry price is

competitive at €16,995 for the basic version that has all of the safety features.

VOLKSWAGEN I r e l and ha s announced that it will be the official motor partner of the Irish Rugby foot-ball Union (IRFU) until 2016. This partnership complements Volkswa-gen’s existing relationship with Leinster

Rugby. The partnership also includes supporting the IRFU tag rugby pro-gramme, alongside Volkswagen’s Lein-ster rugby summer camps.

As rugby reaches fever pitch in Sep-tember, Volkswagen will host a series

of Breakfast Roadshows prior to the games within various Volkswagen retailers across the country. These events will give Volkswagen customers the chance to watch the games with selected rugby heroes. The Breakfast

Roadshow will also include a compe-tition, where Volkswagen customers will be in with the chance to bring five friends to an upcoming match involv-ing one of Volkswagen’s brand ambas-sadors.

Volkswagen is the new partner to Irish Rugby Team

TOYOTA TOPS US BRAND SATIS-FACTION INDEX: GENERAL Motors’ Cadillac brand and Toyota’s Lexus range topped the recent American Customer Satisfaction Index’s annual ranking of car companies. Toyota was the only non-premium brand in the top five, tying with Cadillac and Lexus with 87 points on a scale of 100, followed by Lincoln and Mer-cedes-Benz with 86.

BMW was in 11th place receiving 83 points, dropping three points to its lowest mark since an 80-point ranking in 1997. Volkswagen’s ranking showed the largest percentage increase, while the Ford brand also rose.

Among the seven Asian brands in the index, all but Mazda recorded an increase. Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Nissan all recorded increased rankings.

RoadRoadSignsSigns

Top speed: 170 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 13.3 sec Economy: 18.1 km/litre

(5.5l/100km) CO2 emissions: 127g/km Road Tax Band: B (€156) Euro NCAP Rating: 5

Star (2011) Warranty: 3 years or

100,000km Entry Price: €16,995

SPECS: TOYOTA

VERSO S 1.33


If you are thinking of downsizing your motoring then the new Toyota Verso S may well be a car worth giving more attention to, as MICHAEL MORONEY reports following his recent test drive

STEPHEN Morrissey runs Bathrooms Complete, located in Blackrock village. It is a successful, family-owned business that has established a reputation for quality and excellence over the last 30 years.

Stephen saw that home improvement jobs can be a daunting prospect for most people, particularly when there are numerous trades involved.

That is where his experience enables him to find the right design and solution for bathroom designs.

A bathroom renovation by Stephen and his team always starts with the removal of the old bathroom and the preparation of the room with the high-est standard of workmanship, seeing the job right through to the end with the minimum of disruption.

The average bathroom is fully renovated within five days, and, once it is complete, the client can relax with the peace of mind that Stephen’s commitment to quality materials and workmanship carries a Bath-rooms Complete five-year guarantee.

Stephen’s showroom is open to customers, and he offers the latest designs in high-quality sanitary ware, shower enclosures, bathroom furniture, accessories, tiles and wood floors from leading European brands such as Grohe, Roca, Heritage, Jacuzzi, Merlyn, Dansani, Sonia and Boen wood floors.

Stephen’s technical consultants will call to a client’s home to carry out a free survey and help design a dream bathroom.

For full details, visit their web site at www.bath-roomscomplete.ie or call them on 01-2832244.

Q&A

Stephen Morrissey, of family-owned Bathrooms Complete

KEEPING DOWN THE TAX BILL ON A RENTED PROPERTYQ – I bought a house a few years back but moved away with work. I’m now renting out the house. I was told that I can deduct a certain percentage of the contents insurance value as an expense, thereby saving on my tax bill. Is this true? Stephen - Killester

A - Yes, you can offset the purchase of your

contents for your rented property as an

allowable expense.

This does, however, also open a can of

worms because, once you rent your resi-

dential property, you MUST make returns to

the revenue each year by October 31 wheth-

er you are making profits or not.

There are a number of requirements,

most of which can be offset against your

Rental Income Tax Liability (RITL) including:

• Registering your property with the Private

Tenancies Registration Board (PRTB - costs

€90 for the tenancy and must be registered

within 31 days or the fee doubles to €180.

Multiple tenancies in one property costs

€375)

• Non Principal Private Residence Tax (NPPR

- you pay €200 annually for every residential

property that is NOT your home)

• Mortgage interest - you can claim 75% of

the interest against your RITL

• Maintenance - any expenses incurred in

the upkeep of your property, eg changing

the boiler, new taps, broken glass etc

• Service charges - this generally incorpo-

rates buildings insurance for apartments

and landscaping, et al

• Buildings insurance - if it is not an apart-

ment and stand-alone house insurance

• Furnishings - you can offset the cost of

your furniture, fixtures and fittings by 12.5%

(or 1/8th) each year for eight years (keep the

receipts)

• Management charges - you may employ

someone to look after your property. They

may charge between 9% and 12% of the

annual rent each year – this can be offset

against your RITL.

Contact John with your money questions at

[email protected] or visit his website at

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

Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing

director of Money Doctor

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS

GazetteBUSINESSBUSINESS 25 August 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 25

Interview: Stephen Morrissey of Bathrooms Complete

Making bathroom dreams a reality

Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be?A: I wanted to be a binman when I was 4

Q: What was your first job?A: Picking strawberries

Q: And your first pay cheque?A: 5p a punnet

Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?A: Yes, picking strawberries

Q: When did you start your present job?A: 20 years ago

Q: What is the best thing about your job?A: Receiving compliments about our workmanship and finished product

Q: Have you achieved anything that you once thought you could not pull off?A: Yes, getting my wife to marry me

Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’?A: As much as possible

Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be?A: Stuff that I forgot to delegate

Q: Is there anything about yourself that you would like to set the record straight on?A: No. It’s all true

Q: What sport do you follow?A: Golf

Q: What sport can you play?A: Golf

Q: What habits would you like to change?A: Missing three-foot putts

Q: At the moment, what are you look-ing forward to?A: The weekend and spending time with my family

Q: What is your guilty music, TV or movie pleasure?A: The music of REM

Q: Who best represents modern Ire-land – David Norris or Jedward?A: David Norris

Q: What music do you have on your iPod/iPad?A: Rolling Stones, REM, True Gritt

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Face-book?A: No one

Q: What was your last tweet/facebook status?A: Don’t have time for either

Q: Describe your dream meal?A: I’m very fond of a good Irish steak

Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna?A: I’d prefer to eat alone

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?A: What money?

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?A: I have a few

Q: What was your worst holiday expe-rience?A: Christmas day in Lanzarote with my family in the hospital with a tummy bug

Q: Describe your dream holiday?A: Driving a camper van across Australia with my family

Q: What would be your dream job?A: Professional golfer

Q: What do you plan to do when you retire?A: That’s so far in the future I haven’t even thought about it

GAZE

TTE

GAZE

TTE

Email us at [email protected]


To advertise, call us now on 01 60 10 240

DUN LAOGHAIRE/RATHDOWN

COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning permission is sought for the erection of new floodlight poles and lights, and all ancillary works, at sports pitches at De la Salle College Churchtown, Upper Churchtown Road, Churchtown, Dublin 14, by De la Salle College Churchtown. The plan-ning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of mak-ing a copy at the offices of the Planning Author-ity, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire during its pub-lic opening hours. A sub-mission/observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.

PLANNING NOTICE

13347

BATHROOMS

HIRE SERVICES

GARDENING

BLINDS

SPARKLES – Nothing but the best – 100% Irish registered company with experienced and friendly staff. Sparkles Cleaning is now in its 4th year of operation and is dedicated to providing a professional service to clients at competitive rates covering all of the South Dublin area. We specialise in:Weekly, Fortnightly or Monthly cleaning. House and Apartment once off clean ups - whether you are moving in or out. Our schedule is suited around the client’s needs.References available on request. Contact Caroline on: 01 297 4051 or 087 4139335.

CLEANING

DIVORCE BY CONSENT Separated 4 years ? Agree on all matters ? We will draft and process your divorce documents for Court. From as little as €600 per couple.Separation Agreements - fixed fee €500 per couple.Contact: Damien Mara at 086-1211820 Email: [email protected]: www.divorcebyconsent.com

DIVORCE SERVICES

BRICK, BLOCK AND STONEWORK20 years experience ,living locally. Garden walls, sheds, brick piers, patio and paving. Decorative internal brick work, Plastering Insurance quotes. Call Dave anytime 0872917647

BUILDING

DVD TRANSFERSCinefilms,Photos and Slides transferred to DVD with Music and Titles added.Camcorder and Videotapes edited and transferred to DVD. Phone 01-2807838Mobile 087-9132265

DVD SERVICES

CLASSES

FAMILY HISTORY Introduction to Family History Research and compiling your Family Tree covering, Census Records, Birth Marriage and Death Records, Church Records, Land Records etc. and online resources. 8 sessions of 2 hours over eight weeks. Choice of mornings or evenings. Four people per session. €80 per person for 8 sessions. Call 01 2820139/087 2246610.

SEWING CLASSES/ CURTAIN MAKINGBeginners and Improvers 6 week Sewing Classes on Dress Making and Curtain and Roman Blind Making Starting Mid-September. Half Day workshops also resuming in October. Book your course on www.sewgreat.ie, or call 01 822 7650. Curtain and Roman Blind making service at competitive prices. We reline and re-pleat all curtains; full selection of poles and rails available.

AVAILABLE in Junior Cert and Leaving Cert Maths and Business. In your own home. Over ten years’ experience. Dundrum, Churchtown and Rathfarnham areas. Call David at 01 4738887.

GRINDS

PAINTERS

POLISH PROFESSIONAL PAINTING AND DECORATING Best quality. Free Quotations. No job too small. Very reasonable prices. References available on WWW.MARKCOMPANY.IE find us on FACEBOOKPlease phone Mark on 087-9442445

OPEN MICCalling All Musicians, singer songwriters, solo artists & bands. Open mic nights, every Friday in August at The Rockstore, 73 York Road, Dun Laoghaire.Full PA & Backline available.See web for details:www.therockstore.ie.

ENTERTAINMENT

MAINTENANCEFrom a leaking tap to a dream bathroom, We carry out all aspects of household maintenance inside andout, no jobs too small. Fully insured and registered with 35 years experience.For more information, call Joe: 086 8256004.

HANDYMAN

ANN SUMMERS RECRUITMENT EVENING Want to earn €4,300 in the next 3 months? Join me at the Ann Summers recruitment evening on August 31st at 7pm in the Ardmore Hotel Finglas. Interested in booking a party? Contact Sandra on 083 4093964 & receive your free party bookers goody bag.

RECRUITMENT

SALES ADVISERS required to sign up Electricity and Gas customers to discounted rates. No exp necessary, full training provided. OTE €500/Week. [email protected] or call 016619505

ANN SUMMERS RECRUITMENT EVENING Want to earn €4,300 in the next 3 months? Join me at the Ann Summers recruitment evening on August 31st at 7pm in the Ardmore Hotel Finglas. Interested in booking a party? Contact Sandra on 083 4093964 & receive your free party bookers goody bag.

DOG TRAINING AND KENNELING Residential training in obedience and behavior problems for all breeds ie pulling on lead, housetraining, aggression, recall, chewing, jumping up etc., also personal protection training. Over 20 years experience having trained in the UK, USA & Germany. Qualified master dog trainer, veterinarian & dog shelter recommended.Highly trained security dogs for sale. References available,watch our dogs in action and read our many references at www.topdog-training.com or phone 087 0514467

PET SERVICES

RENOVATIONS

AUSTIN & ALLEN LTDRoofing, Roof repairs, Velux Windows, Standard Windows. All aspects of building or home renovation. Painting and Decorating service available. Bathrooms Fitted, Walls and Chimneys built and repaired. Carpentry Service and guttering service. Reasonable rates, References and testimonials. Free Estimates. Contact Michael on 086 2561436; [email protected].

TILING

A1 TILES AND BATHROOMSComplete Bathroom Refits from Design to InstallationAll Tiling work carried out: Walls, Floors, Kitchens, Halls, Bathrooms etc., supply & FitFamily Run Business over 30 years experience. All Work Guaranteed. Phone 086 8256003.

WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK*based on standard industry measurements

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DUN LAOGHAIREclassifieds

GazetteSPORT25 August 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 27

[email protected]

ETIHAD Airways, the UAE’s national airline and sponsor of the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship, is looking to send one club to Australia to play the challenge match of a lifetime.

Etihad is asking clubs around the country to tell them what their greatest achievement is.

Achievement comes

in many forms, not just silverware. Etihad wants to reward one special club for their greatest achievement; whether that is being the focal point of their community, or manag-ing to keep the club going against the odds or even growing their club in recent times.

The winning club will get its first team flown all the way to Aus-tralia, where they will train with GAA legend

Nicky English ahead of the challenge game of a lifetime.

On October 28, the Best Club Down Under will play an Australian select team as the cur-tain raiser for the Inter-national Rules match between Ireland and Australia in the Etihad Stadium, Melbourne.

Lucan Sarsfields were the Best Club Under The Sun in Dubai in 2009, after netting the prized honour in that

GAA: ETIHAD EXPAND BEST CLUB CONTEST TO AUSTRALIA FOR MATCH OF A LIFETIME

Lucan Sarsfields were voted best club under the sun in 2009, and are seen here in Dubai

Fancy a trip Down Under to represent GAA?

year’s equivalent com-petition.

Oz adventureJustin Warby, Eti-

had Airways Country Manager Ireland, said: “The GAA and hurling has spread far and wide across the globe and

is particularly strong in Australia. We, as an airline, are about con-necting people around the world and the Best Club Down Under com-petition marries both these elements per-fectly. We hope to see clubs from every corner

of the country entering The Best Club Down Under.”

As part of Etihad’s sponsorship of the GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurl-ing Championship 2011, every club in the coun-try is invited to nomi-nate itself to become

The Best Club Down Under and the public will then be asked to vote for the club they feel deserves to win.

To enter this year’s competition just log onto www.etihadgaa.ie and fill out the form to nominate your club.

LONDON IN FOCUS: LONDON IN FOCUS: Exclusive interview Exclusive interview with David Gillick on with David Gillick on his 2012 hopes: his 2012 hopes: Page 29Page 29

GazetteSportSport


Summer camp

Leinster future LionsL

ANSDOWNE Road and the Lansdowne Rugby Club was just one of the venues for the 2011 Volkswagen Leinster Summer

Camps, and the participants not only had the opportunity to develop their skills and get familiar with the game in a safe and fun envi-ronment, they also got first-hand experience of lifting the Heineken Cup. Children who participated in the camps got the chance to make new friends, meet Leinster players, learn more about rugby values such as team work, commitment and integrity, and also become more aware of the importance of physical fitness. All this while learning to develop the basic rugby skills. Each camp took place over the course of a week and were a great success, and all who attended had a great time and learned a lot.

Luke Fitzgerald, from Blackrock, strikes a pose with the Heineken Cup Pictures: Ray McManus/SPORTSFILE

Mark Dent, from Sandymount, is tackled by Dominic

Henry-Hayes, from Dundrum

Andrew Fraser, from Ranelagh, captures the moment

Jake Anderson, from Clonskeagh

Laura Mahony from Mount Merrion

Andrew Fraser loses his tag to Caimin Kenny, from Rathgar

Matthew O’Donnell and Daniel Fitzgerald from Blackrock

in association with


TAKING a step back from an intensive train-ing programme and admitting defeat is a galling thing for any competitor in any sport, but no more so than for an athlete of the calibre of David Gillick.

The Dundrum man has been the flag-bearer for Irish 400m running in recent years, twice winning the European indoor title and appear-ing in prestige events worldwide in recent years as he prepared to take on the ultimate challenge of the Olym-pic Games in London in 2012.

With that goal in mind, David decided to leave his base in Lough-borough in England last winter to work with ath-

letics legend and coach to many of the leading lights in sprint, Lance Brauman, in Florida. Brauman was the man who helped Tyson Gay rise to the upper esch-elons of 100 and 200m running.

But a combination of circumstances have conspired to lead David to make the decision to bow out of competition for the season, and miss out on a place at the World Championships in South Korea, one that he explains he did not take lightly when he spoke excusively to Gazette Sport last month.

“I made the decision with medical advice, and with a view on London coming around. I felt that if I was to continue

doing what I was doing, and hope that something would turn around, or skip the Worlds and race toward the end of the season, I was jeopardis-

ing my health for next season. If I was in a hole now, I didn’t want to dig myself in any deeper. By making this decision, it gives me more time to get myself right, mentally and physically.”

David went on to explain the circumstanc-es behind his diminished form this season.

“I tore my calf at the end of February, which put me out for about eight weeks. By the time I got back into full train-ing on the track, it was the start of April. When I came back, I didn’t have much time, I only really had six weeks to regain my full fitness. I attacked it and did everything I could, but I had more niggles. But I raced any-way, and my times were going backwards.

“I knew in myself that I wasn’t right - I would be waking up in the morning and I would have pains in my legs. So I then raced in early July,

and the times were not good again, and I knew there was something wrong.

“In my mind, I was thinking, “I’m not right,

this isn’t good”, and mentally, you begin to panic. Especially with the Worlds coming up. Two years ago I was sixth, and anything less than that would have been a failure.”

The experience of training with Brauman was one that was filled with positives, but there were also downsides to being so far from home and in a new training environment.

“I wouldn’t change what I did in the last year, I learned an awful lot from Lance, and I will bring that into my train-ing going forward. Being in a group with Tyson Gay and Steve Mullins, world-class athletes, you pick up a lot. It’s positive as well to see the mental aproach from these ath-letes just how profession-al they are in how they approach things. It gives you a lot of hunger.

“I relocated to just outside Orlando back in

Running for the dream againDavid Gillick took the tough decision to bow out of athletics to regroup for the 2012 Olympics , and ROB HEIGH found he is ready for the challenge

David Gillick at Lucan Harriers recently

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

‘Qualif ication is well within my capabilities. I am getting into the training that I know is going to take me to London next year.’- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

FastSport

DARTS legend, Phil “The Power” Taylor was in Donabate recently to take part in an exhi-bition tournament at the Waterside House Hotel.

Having recently won his fourth Euro-pean title, Taylor pitted himself against 15 darts fans who had raised funds for Temple Street Children’s University Hospital for the opportunity to step up to the oche with him.

By his side, was another darts legend, Denis ‘The Menace’ Priestley.

Over 200 darts fans descended on The Waterside House Hotel to watch these champions in action, and a great fun evening was had by all.

Power plays fundraiser for Temple Street kids

October 2010, to a new group and a new coach, and I was injured for that length of time. It was very depressing, not being able to do what I normal-ly would be doing, and being away from home and the support network, the infrastructure of fam-ily and friends, and my own medical team I had built up, made it increas-ingly difficult.

“In America, I missed my friends, my family, and I missed Dublin.

“So I made a decision that I won’t be going back to America. I’ve decided I’m going to split my time between here and Loughborough. Com-ing into Olympic year, I want to be somewhere where I know it works. I’ve a good relation-ship with the group, the coach in Loughborough, and that’s where I want to be.”

With less than 12 months before the start of London 2012, what are David’s thoughts on the year ahead?

“I’m taking a confident view on it. I know I’ve run within the A stand-ard for the last four years. Ideally, I would like to have done it this year, the year before the Games, like I did for Beijing. But I feel that the time is well within my capabilities, so it’s a case of getting into the training that I know that is going to take me there.”


GazetteSportSport

FastSport

DUNDRUM South Dublin Athletic Club secured a huge win in Tullamore last weekend when their ladies claimed the Premier Women’s divisional title at the Woodies’ DIY National Finals, which were held at Tullamore Stadium.

DSDAC were clear winners on a total of 127 points, well ahead of their nearest rivals for the title, Bandon, who finished on 110 points.

The DSD team included two athletes who are going to be travelling to Daegu in South Korea for the World Championships later this month, Deirdre Ryan in the high jump, and Claire Ber-gin in the 400m.

DSDAC net Premier Women’s national title

Joey’s and Bray take part in new leagueST JOSEPH’S will team up with Bray Wanderers to play in the inaugural FAI’s National Women’s League.

The league, con-taining seven clubs, will be officially launched in October, with a start date set for November.

Speaking about the new development, women’s Senior team head coach, Sue Ronan, said, “This is a very exciting time for women’s football in Ireland. The new National Women’s League will continue to nurture and devel-op the women’s game at domestic and international level. This new National League will be a cor-nerstone in the future

success of our game.”

Seapoint 7s open for team entries nowTHE inaugural Dun Laoghaire Seapoint Rugby 7’s Tourna-ment, sponsored by Citadel 100, will take place at Seapoint RFC on Saturday, September 3.

The tournament is open to Irish and overseas teams and the entry fee is €120 per squad.

The fee includes prizes, t-shirts and BBQ and the tourna-ment starts at 11am. Food stalls, live music, family enter-tainment will be on all day.

Application forms are available on the Seapoint website. Contact [email protected] for more information.

[email protected]

SEAPOINT Academy product, Felix Jones, has seen his rotten run of luck with injuries rule him out of the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Jones has suffered with injuries to his knee and back, which have limited him to just 16 starts since moving from Leinster to Munster two years ago.

However, his form coming into the end of this season at full-back made him a near-cer-tainty to be named in Declan Kidney’s squad last Monday.

But , an awkward

landing while contest-ing a high ball in the friendly match against France last Saturday put paid to that, however, as tests showed the injury to be serious enough to keep Jones from travel-ling with the Irish pack to New Zealand.

Following an MRI scan undertaken on Sunday, it was con-firmed that the Ireland full back had sustained an injury to one of the stabilising ligaments in his foot.

The injury will be further reviewed by a specialist to rule out the possible need for surgery, but the injury will require a six-week

period of imobilisation, meaning that Jones was replaced by Geordan Murphy in the final 30 who will contest the Webb Ellis Trophy in September.

Ironically, Murphy himself missed out on the 2003 World Cup, having broken his leg in a game against Scotland just a day before the squad was announced.

Jones began his career at Seapoint, where he played through the age groups, and where he was part of the team who won the All-Ireland Junior Cup in 2007.

He went on to play U-19 and U-20 rugby for Leinster, before claim-

ing 13 Leinster A caps and one appearance for the first team.

Jones was signed by Munster in 2009, mak-ing his debut in that September. He managed just six games before a neck injury sidelined him until the following September.

His comeback lasted just three games, before a knee injury kept him out of action unti l March.

On his return, he made the number 15 his own at Thomond Park, winning the Magners League with Munster and winning a call-up for Ireland’s World Cup warm-up games.

The injury is a blow for Jones, but at just 24, he will know that he has time for at least two more World Cups.

“The squad and man-agement are bitterly dis-appointed for Felix to suffer an injury at such a vital time in terms of selection for the final touring party,” said Ireland manager Paul McNaughton.

“He had certainly put himself into contention over pre-season and the games in the last three weeks. We all wish him a speedy recovery and that he is back playing as soon as possible.”

Jones out of World Cup

RUGBY: SEAPOINT MAN DENIED PLACE IN IRELAND SQUAD

Another heart-breaking injury in the warm-up game against France saw Felix Jones out of the Ireland squad

Camaint feel the noise: Cuala U-11s win tournamentCUALA Under-11 hurlers claimed this summer’s Camaint hurling tournament title after an impres-sive showing against Castle-knock in the final at Parnell Park last week.

Cuala kept their best play for the second half and came from behind to record a two-point win, after which joint captains on the day, Cormac Spain and Daniel Drummond, collected the shield.


in association with

a CLUB NOTICEBOARD

Congratulations to the senior B

camogie team (Jimmy Galavan,

Dolores Greene and Tricia Cantwell)

on reaching the Shield final next

week-end.

Well done to the Dublin U-21 hurl-

ers on reaching the All-Ireland final,

especially Dean, Niall and Stephen.

Hard luck to Joanne and Gemma

on losing All-Ireland ladies’ football

semi-final.

Congratulations to junior hurler

Joe Lalor and wife, Lorraine, on the

birth of Hannah.

Golf outing on September 23 in

Craddockstown GC in aid of the Sen-

ior Citizens’ Christmas Party. Time

sheet in Members’ Lounge.

The Annual Golf Classic will take

place on Friday, September 16 in

Edmondstown Golf Club. See www.

bodengaa.ie for sponsorship oppor-

tunities for this sell-out event.

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 20, 22,

12 and 24. Jackpot of €6,000 was not

won.

Well done to all members on their

Leaving Cert results.

BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S

BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S

LOTTO: Numbers drawn were 2, 4,

6 and 9. There was no winner. Next

week’s draw will be for €1,400. Tick-

ets are available online at www.

ballinteerstjohns.com or from the

usual outlets. €100 to Sean and

Barry, €50 Teresa O‘Connor, €50

Geraldine c/o M Kelly.

Bingo continues every Monday at

8.30pm. The Jackpot is still to be

won. €1,000 of prizes to be won.

Congratulations to Fionan Clabby

on reaching the Under-21 hurling

All-Ireland final with Dublin.

Senior footballers had a great win

over Naomh Fionnbarra and junior

Bs won their top-of-table clash

with Erin Go Bragh, winning promo-

tion to Division 7.

Congratulations to the manage-

ment and players.

Deepest sympathies to the Kenny

family after the passing of Phil’s

brother, Brian.

STARS OF ERIN

The adult footballers have their last

league game in Glencullen this week

against Thomas Davis.

A combination team of the Under-

8s and Under-9s took part in a hurl-

ing blitz in St Mark’s on Saturday

morning. Some wonderful hurling on

display. Many thanks to St Mark’s for

organising this blitz.

There was no winner of the lotto

jackpot this week. The winning num-

bers were 12, 15 and 21. The jackpot

next week will be €500. The three

bonus draw winners were Eric Hard-

ing, Sandy Burke and Lily Donnelly.

All new players very welcome.

NAOMH OLAF

SENIOR footballers were unlucky

to lose by a point at home to Lucan

Sarsfields last Sunday morning,

conceding a penalty that was con-

verted at the final whistle.

However, our U-15 footballers

had a great win afterwards, over-

coming a strong Na Fianna side in a

highly competitive and entertain-

ing match.

Senior hurlers are in action in

the championship next Saturday,

August 27, playing Finbars at home

at 6pm. All support welcome.

The Annual Corporate Lunch is

being held in Croke Park on Friday,

September 2, with RTEs Marty Mor-

rissey hosting the event. A table

of ten costs €1,000, and individual

seats may be purchased for €100.

Further details are available on the

club website.

The Club has decided to add to its

record of club members who have

played for any County, in any grade,

the names of any club members

who have played for London, in any

grade, at any time.

Follow GazetteSport on Facebook and Twitter and at www.gazettegroup.com

AFL DIVISION 1Ballyboden St Enda’s 1-9

Lucan Sarsfields 0-15

[email protected]

LUCAN Sarsfields and Ballyboden St Enda’s showed the different attitudes that league position can bring to your game when they met in AFL Division 1 last week.

With Ba l lyboden in mid-table with two matches to play before the end of their cam-paign going into last week’s game at Pairc Ui Murchu, they had lit-tle to play for, but with Lucan Sarsfields in a lowly league position and being in the dread position of fighting for their league lives, there was a lot of hunger on show.

As a result, Lucan put on a sterling perform-ance to pull themselves out of the Division 1 mire and into a posi-tion that gives them every chance of retain-ing their place in the top tier come next season, while Ballyboden will be disappointed with a performance that belied their depleted line-up, but not their league position.

Lucan dominated the early stages, going five points up early on, and, with their determi-nation to the fore, they were able to maintain that dominant position throughout, their supe-rior fitness and desire for the two points the difference between the sides.

Lucan were also thin

on the ground for play-ers, with a number of players still on summer holidays and working abroad, but the young-er players promoted through the ranks from the junior level showed their keen intent to keep the seniors in Division 1.

With retirements last season, as well as the absences of eight play-ers in the summer break, Lucan are reliant on younger players as they go into the closing stag-es of what has been a difficult season for their senior footballers in the league.

Tommy Brennan and Brendan Gal lagher kicked five points each, with David Quinn kick-ing two points, and Stephen O’Shaughnessy kicking a further three to construct their win-ning total.

Ballyboden, mean-while, by their own admission, were not themselves, and the summer break was pointed at as a possible cause for a lacklustre performance against low-lying opposition.

Lucan’s Mark Twom-ey played with an inju-ry but dominated the midfield, winning a lot of aerial ball against Declan O’Mahony, with O’Shaughnessy orches-

trating play from the middle of the park, feed-ing ball and protecting the defence, as Lucan were dominant.

Shaun Newcombe, playing wing forward this summer, had a good game, but Brennan and Gallagher were on fire in the front line for Lucan, always keeping them ahead in spite of the efforts of the Boden men to reel them in and fire themselves at the other end.

There was a glim-mer of hope in the sec-ond half when the ref-eree awarded a penalty against Lucan, which Kerin duly dispatched, but Lucan were quick to answer with a fast-moving play up field to put another point over the bar and daylight between themselves and the home team.

The resu l t claws Lucan out of the base-ment place in the league, with Kilmacud Crokes and Trinity Gaels now below them with three games remaining - with the remaining games against the two bottom-placed teams, and Bal-lymun.

Ballyboden, mean-while, will look to their last game against Tho-mas Davis and their championship run still to come.

AFL 1: ST ENDA’S DENIED BY DETERMINED SARS

’Boden downed by Lucan survival mission Ballyboden St Enda’s were no match for Lucan

Sarsfields at Pairc Ui Murchu last week

ALL OF YOUR DUN LAOGHAIRE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31 AUGUST 25, 2011

LONDON CALLING Exclusive interview with David Gillick P29G

azetteSPORT

Local lads leading Local lads leading lights as Dubs winlights as Dubs winSchutte named Man of the Match as Cuala and Crokes’ players help U-21s to the All-Ireland final

Cuala man Mark Schutte was part of an impressive Dun Laoghaire contingent on the Dublin team that swept aside Antrim to reach the All-Ireland final

[email protected]

LOCAL players were to the fore as Dublin hurlers booked a second All-Ireland final appearance in as many weeks at the weekend.

Dublin outclassed, outhurled and outplayed Antrim to record a 3-23 to 0-6 win, with Dun Laoghaire natives to the fore.

Cuala’s Mark Schutte grabbed 1-3 on the day, turning in a fantastic display from centre-forward.

Dublin got off to the best possible start when Schutte blasted home a brilliant goal after just a minute.

Dublin, building from deep through Bal-lyboden St Enda’s Dean Curran and Martin Quilty, were sharper and more inventive than a Saffron side that had to work extremely hard for even a tiny share of possession.

Kevin O’Loughlin was another local causing problems for the Antrim defence, his accuracy from frees proving devastating.

The Kilmacud Crokes man knocked over a couple of points from play, and also scored with a stunning sideline cut.

On targetDaire Plunkett and Mark Schutte were also

on target as the Dubs moved into a 1-6 to 0-2 lead by the 23rd minute.

Liam Rushe was a settling influence at the heart of a Dublin defence that had to deal with a couple of nervous moments, but corner backs Bill O’Carroll and Jack Doughan, both of Kilmacud Crokes dealt competently with anything that came their way.

Schutte and his Cuala clubmate, Conor Gough, added points, and Ballyboden’s Niall McMorrow sent a screamer crashing against the crossbar, with Antrim skipper Conor McCann only able to respond through dead balls.

Dublin led by 1-9 to 0-4 at the break, and made a flying start to the second half when

another of the Crokes’ contingent, Sean McGrath, finished from close range after Eamon Dillon’s shot had been saved by Eoin Gillan.

McGrath made no mistake with the follow-up as the Metropolitans began to pull away in emphatic fashion.

Late effortsNiall McMorrow landed three long-range

efforts, and there were points also from Dean Curran, Schutte, McGrath and Dillon.

There was some respite when Paddy McNaughton and McCann added to Antrim’s tally, but the Dubs turned on the power again in the closing stages, with substitute Ben Quinn blasting in their third goal with his first touch.

Dublin’s reward will be a meeting with Gal-way, who overcame Limerick in their semi-final, when the sides meet in the All-Ireland final in Thurles on Saturday, September 10.

LITTLE LEINSTER: Locals in action at Lansdowne in provincial training camp P28

Dun Laoghaire

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