Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

28
Laoghaire Informer Dún October 2010 • Unit 38, Northwood Court, Santry, Dublin 9 • Tel: 01 813 8786 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.informer.ie dún laoghaire • dalkey • killiney • monkstown • Blackrock 20,000 copies delivered monthly George Hook, (with Sa- rah McGovern and Aoife Cogan) at Toners' Pub in Baggot Street launching the search for the Pow- ers Whiskey Best Pub Snug in Ireland. A total of 25 Dublin pubs have been shortlisted for the accolade, with voting now down to the public to decide the nation's favourite. Votes accept- ed via text or online at www.powerswhiskey.ie george likes a snug! from areas such as Knocklyon, Rathfarnham, Ballinteer and Dundrum.” The journey between Sandyford and UCD is a little under 6km but up until the advent of the 47 bus route, if you were a student it took two buses to get to and from class- es. The proposed development of the UCD campus has highlighted that large areas of the Capital are not acceptably serviced for those prospective UCD students. Students from areas such as Sandyford and Stepaside, hinter- lands that lie inside a 10 km radius of the campus, are facing treks to an from classes if they are to be reliant on public transport. New UCD Gateway Project 'must tackle transport woes' UNIVERSITY College Dublin has released details of their Gateway Project and its plans to revolutionise the Belfield campus. These plans include the creation of an Arts and Cultural facility, exhibition spaces, the John Hume Institute for Global Irish Studies, Conferencing facilities, offices, student residences, a medical cen- tre and many other features. These additions and develop- ments have been met with general enthusiasm but Cllr Neale Richmond is looking for the UCD Gateway Project to address the issues of transport and access to one of the biggest educational institutes in the country. Cllr Richmond is quoted as say- ing “As a recent graduate of UCD I fully understand that the numbers of students relying on driving to UCD is far too high, the stress and cost of this form of commuting is further compounded by a chronic shortage of free parking which in turn sees local housing estates used as ancillary car parks.” The Gateway Project aims to address the issues of transport and access, looking to promote public transport, cycling and walking while actively trying to reduce the dependency on car usage. These initiatives seem targeted at trans- forming the Belfield campus into a more efficient campus, trying to optimise the free flow of traffic into and out of Belfield. Cllr Richmond, while welcom- ing these proposals, also states: “I’d like to see UCD be proactive on this front and assess the feasibil- ity and licensing mechanics of a private bus service to the college By graham connors News Feature page 14 New Charity 25 fundraising concept why i'm looking for a man having a BaBy in ireland comment - page 3 win a copy of duBlin informer columnist lucy taylor's new Book - page 18 20% OFF with this Coupon for OCTOBER & NOVEMBER (TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY)

description

New Charity 25 fundraising concept page 14 comment - page 3 win a copy of duBlin informer columnist lucy taylor's new Book - page 18 20,000 copies delivered monthly News Feature By graham connors OCtOber & NOvember October 2010 • Unit 38, Northwood Court, Santry, Dublin 9 • Tel: 01 813 8786 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.informer.ie with this Coupon for (terms aNd CONditiONs apply)

Transcript of Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

Page 1: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

Laoghaire InformerDún

October 2010 • Unit 38, Northwood Court, Santry, Dublin 9 • Tel: 01 813 8786 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.informer.ie

dún laoghaire • dalkey • killiney • monkstown • Blackrock

20,000 copies delivered monthly

George Hook, (with Sa-rah McGovern and Aoife Cogan) at Toners' Pub in Baggot Street launching the search for the Pow-ers Whiskey Best Pub Snug in Ireland. A total of 25 Dublin pubs have been shortlisted for the accolade, with voting now down to the public to decide the nation's favourite. Votes accept-ed via text or online at www.powerswhiskey.ie

george likes a snug!

from areas such as Knocklyon, rathfarnham, Ballinteer and Dundrum.”

The journey between Sandyford and UCD is a little under 6km but up until the advent of the 47 bus route, if you were a student it took two buses to get to and from class-es. The proposed development of the UCD campus has highlighted that large areas of the Capital are not acceptably serviced for those prospective UCD students.

Students from areas such as Sandyford and Stepaside, hinter-lands that lie inside a 10 km radius of the campus, are facing treks to an from classes if they are to be reliant on public transport.

New UCD Gateway Project 'must tackle transport woes'UNIVErSITy College Dublin has released details of their Gateway Project and its plans to revolutionise the Belfield campus.

These plans include the creation of an Arts and Cultural facility, exhibition spaces, the John Hume Institute for Global Irish Studies, Conferencing facilities, offices, student residences, a medical cen-tre and many other features.

These additions and develop-ments have been met with general enthusiasm but Cllr Neale richmond is looking for the UCD Gateway Project to address the issues of transport and access to one of the biggest educational institutes in the country.

Cllr richmond is quoted as say-ing “As a recent graduate of UCD I fully understand that the numbers of students relying on driving to UCD is far too high, the stress and cost of this form of commuting is further compounded by a chronic shortage of free parking which in turn sees local housing estates used as ancillary car parks.”

The Gateway Project aims to address the issues of transport and

access, looking to promote public transport, cycling and walking while actively trying to reduce the dependency on car usage. These initiatives seem targeted at trans-forming the Belfield campus into a more efficient campus, trying to optimise the free flow of traffic into and out of Belfield.

Cllr richmond, while welcom-ing these proposals, also states: “I’d like to see UCD be proactive on this front and assess the feasibil-ity and licensing mechanics of a private bus service to the college

By graham connors

News Feature page 14

New Charity 25 fundraising

concept

why i'm looking for a man

having a BaBy in ireland

comment - page 3win a copy of duBlin informer columnist

lucy taylor's new Book - page 18

20% Off with this Coupon for

OCtOber & NOvember(terms aNd CONditiONs apply)

Page 2: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

2 The Informer

The Drift

Dublin by

Numbers 39%This is the fall in house prices from their peak value during the boom years, according myhome.ie. This is an average fall across the city and some of the wealth-ier areas have experienced steeper declines.

Prices are still falling, with a 4% annual decline in the last quarter. But some areas of Dublin, particularly in the south have actually shown a rise.

The average price in Dublin is now e325,000.

Dublin Informer

Dublin Informer175,000 copies Citywide

in 10 local editionsSwords Informer

20,000

Lucan Informer15,000

Rathfarnham Informer15,000

Rathmines Informer15,000

Sandyford Informer20,000

Dún Laoghaire Informer20,000

Blanch Informer25,000 Raheny Informer

15,000

Dundrum Informer15,000

Santry Informer15,000

Dublin Informer

175,000 copies Citywide in 10 local editionsFaCtS aBoUt tHe InForMer4 We have the highest circulation of any

paper in Dublin!

4 We distribute ALL our papers through the letterbox!

4 You can place an 84mm x 84mm full colour display ad in all our 10 papers for just e250+vat!

4 Our featured articles on health, beauty, family and personal finance are highly valued by our readers!

IN THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE, CIRCULATION IS EVERYTHING!

YOU WILL REACH 175,000 DUBLIN HOMES WITH THE INFORMER

For advertising enquiries, please contactGerard: Mobile: 086 021 9625 • Email: [email protected]

Michael: Mobile: 086 044 4037 • Email: [email protected]

Lucan Informer 15,000 Lucan, PalmerstownBlanch Informer 25,000 Blanchardstown, Castleknock,

Carpenterstown, Ongar, Littlepace, Huntstown, Mulhuddart

Santry Informer 15,000 Santry, Kilmore, Beaumont, Whitehall Raheny Informer 15,000 Raheny, Kilbarrack, Edenmore, Clontarf-

Dollymount, KillesterSwords Informer 20,000 Swords, Malahide Rathmines Informer 15,000 Rathmines, Ranelagh, Rathgar, TerenureRathfarnham Informer 15,000 Rathfarnham, Nutgrove, Churchtown,

Ballyboden, Knocklyon, Edmonstown Sandyford Informer 20,000 Balally, Sandyford, Leopardstown, Foxrock,

Stepaside, Stillorgan, Dundrum Informer 15,000 Dundrum, Clonskeagh, Windy Arbour,

Goatstown, CabinteelyDún Laoghaire Informer 20,000 Dún Laoghaire, Dalkey, Killiney, Monkstown,

BlackrockTOTAL 175,000

Editor: Niall Gormley Unit 38, Northwood Court, Santry, Dublin 9 • [email protected]

01 813 8786 • [email protected] • www.informer.ie

Sales Director: Declan Keane • Mobile: 087 9145073

For Advertising Enquiries, please contact: Gerard: Mobile: 086 021 9625 • Email: [email protected]: Mobile: 086 044 4037 • Email: [email protected]

Survey carried out on Monday 4th & Tuesday 5th October 2010. This is a “door step” survey. Total number of people interviewed is 200 with 20 residents being interviewed in their homes in each of the areas shown by Informer Newspapers Ltd. Results published

do not reflect the views or the opinions of The Informer Newspapers or any of its employees

YES NOShould the Greens

pull out of the Government?

Do you believe the HSE and

SIPTU have been open about their

expenses?

The Informer Poll

Santry

84% 16%

Dublin Total

83% 17% Dublin Total

14% 84%

Lucan

74% 26%

Blanchardstown

88% 12%

Raheny

86% 14%

Swords

78% 22%

Rathmines

92% 8%

Rathfarnham

76% 24%

Dún Laoghaire

90% 10%

Dundrum

86% 14%

Sandyford

78% 22%

Santry

20% 80%

Lucan

18% 82%

Blanchardstown

10% 90%

Raheny

14% 86%

Swords

12% 88%

Rathmines

12% 88%

Rathfarnham

8% 92%

Dún Laoghaire

6% 94%

Dundrum

18% 82%

Sandyford

24% 76 %

New Dublin...

Page 3: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

The Informer

Comment & Debate3

I’m looking for a man. The ideal candidate will preferably like music, have a good sense of humour and in general be up for a laugh.

It would be a bonus if he could bust a few moves, but I won’t push my luck. Actually, I’m looking for numerous men of the above description, and no, I’m not trying to play matchmaker for friends and female relatives. No, my rationale for this manhunt stems from entirely more innocent and practical reasons.

As winter descends upon us, so too does the beginning of the busi-est time in the amateur musical theatre season, and the recurring quandary of where to get men to fill the multitude of fantastic male roles in any given show. With some shows already rehearsing, and others conducting auditions for springtime productions, it may be wishful thinking to believe that Glee will have had a profound influ-ence on Irish men to get up off the sofa and spend two evenings a week singing and dancing.

Incredible male rolesAs any female will tell you, men interested in musicals have it

made. With the majority of musicals dominated by incredible male roles, but with most musical societies struggling to fill said roles, the girls are itching to explore their lower vocal range and become a man for the week of the show. Ladies who attended convent school and played males in the school musical look back on those roles as the best of their lives. Even I got to play several fabulous male characters during my years in a junior musical society that never had enough boys.

So why should men reading this consider joining a musical society? Besides the chance to tread the boards, it is also one of the best ways to meet new people. The social scene is active, with most societies engaging in weekly drinks after rehearsals, fundraising activities, and legendary after-show parties. If being in the limelight really isn’t your thing, there is always a need for set builders, stage man-agers and backstage crew. If you are good with your hands and need a new project, creating a set could be right up your alley.

A veritable babe magnetAs if that wasn’t enough, the

prospect of scantily clad girls on stage should be enough to tempt many red-blooded males. You will be surrounded by a crowd of gor-geous girls, probably getting to do love scenes, pick them up during dances and generally get to play manly and tough characters. many a marriage has begun on the musical circuit – look at Lee mead, the former winner of the BBC’s programme Any Dream Will Do. He went on to marry judge and musical star Denise Van Outen. A man who can sing, and dance (in a manly way) is a veritable babe mag-net.

I do have a proposal that may solve the problem. When I was in school and we were short on guys for our produc-tion of Calamity Jane, our headmaster came up with a novel way of dealing out pun-ishments to troublemakers –

Why I'm looking for a manhe made them take part in the production instead of detention. Now I’m not sure if this would be a feasible alternative to prison for law offenders - but it may makes numbers such as ‘Jailhouse Rock’ in All Shook Up all that more authentic.

men of Dublin, if you find yourself with free evenings, if you are desperately on the hunt for mrs Right, if you need to lose some weight without braving the winter elements, then get yourself down to your local musical society – you won’t regret it. But if you do, this dating

agency does not come with a money back guarantee! For details on how to find your local musical society, check out the

website of Amateur Irish musical Societies (A.I.m.S.) at www.aims.ie. You can find a list of societies, contact,s upcoming auditions and shows.

Kirstin Smith is a member of Portmarnock Musical and Dramatic Society

Spring Awakening Competition WinnerThe winner of two tickets to see Spring Awakening at the

Grand Canal Theatre was Emer Breen, Goatstown, Dublin 14.

(or: how to dress up, make a lot of noise, indulge your ego, sing at the top of your voice and sweep gorgeous girls off their feet)

n It's tough on the guys!

Page 4: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

Green Scene4 The Informer

Green shoots... ...with Kathy MarshHarvest time at Sonairte

By Kathy Marsh, Sonairte

Getting the factsThis column has often com-plained about how difficult it can be for members of the pub-lic to access environmental infor-mation that has been gathered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other bodies – even though we are the ones paying to have it collected.

hopefully a new EPA provided website will sort out that prob-lem. Called Environment in Focus it presents information as a dashboard of key environmental indicators arranged under seven themes – climate change, air, water, waste, land, nature and socio-economics.

speaking at the launch, Dr Mary Kelly, Director General, EPA, said that Environment in Focus had been designed to pro-vide concise, up-to-date informa-tion about the irish environment for the general public and policy makers.

Presented in an accessible for-mat the website is a clear advance on paper-based indica-

tor reporting.in relation to the environmen-

tal indicators, Dr Kelly said: “The indicators demonstrate that ireland faces particular challeng-es in meeting international obli-gations in relation to climate change, water quality, biodiver-sity protection and waste man-agement.

"These indicators should pro-vide valuable information for policy makers both in develop-ing new policies and in evaluat-ing existing ones. We also hope that they will allow for a more informed wider debate on the steps required to protect ireland’s environment.”

The informer checked out the site and discovered that nitrous oxide levels in central Dublin are twice those in the rest of the country, that levels of tree cover are still very low by international standards and that Dublin has granite based soils in Tallaght and limestone in santry.

You can access Environment in Focus via the EPA website: www.epa.ie/environmentinfocus

North Dublin Schools make room for natureFOREST Friends Ireland is teaming up with schools in North East Dublin to plant trees and create wildlife/nature gardens in local schools.

Several schools are working on ‘hands-on’ projects where students ,teachers and members of Forest Friends plant for the benefit of community and wildlife creating habitats for maximum diversity. Wildflowers, berry and seed plants pro-vide food for insects, birds and other animals throughout.

You can see an inspirational short video of the new biodi-versity garden at Santa Sabina School, and some of the exciting wild plants found in the Sutton area at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yed5lmcm4Rm.

Forest Friends are starting workshops where local com-munities and individuals can take part in practical hands-on demonstrations in all aspects of wildlife. They are also inter-ested in involving the business community in developing these and other projects over the next five years.

Green Training for JobSeekersGrEEn Works is a national programme pro-viding an opportunity to develop new skills as well as work placement in the high-growth area in the economy. Courses include Green Entrepreneur, sustainable Tourism, sustainable Construction Technology, sustainable Architectural Technology, and sustainable Land use.

All courses are fully FETAC Level 5 or 6 accredited and places are available free to those who have been on the jobseekers reg-ister for three months or more. Work place-ment opportunities are likely to include areas such as new areas of growth such as green procurement and energy manage-ment

The Dublin hub is based at The Greenhouse in st Andrews street, Tel 01 674 5773. A full training brochure can be downloaded via www.cultivate.ie

Those with questions about their welfare entitlements and income support while on courses should contact their nearest Department of social Protection Office.

IT has been a bumper year for apples and other fruit, the hedgerows are drip-ping with wild berries and we are all hoping that the old wives' tales aren’t true and we aren’t in for a bitter winter.

At Sonairte the cafe staff are dipping into their recipe books for interesting ways of using and storing the bounty, and celebrating the new fashions in frugality but not too frugal.

Fruit pies and crumbles are one obvi-ous way of celebrating autumn fruits – not just apple but blackberry or elder-berry and apple. And the blackberries and elderberries make great wines and syrups as well. For the adventurous there are pickles and chutneys, and you can always make cider. It's a good year for hazelnuts and sloes so foragers can make this traditional Hedgerow Jam.

Ingredients: 250 gm rose hips, 250 gm haws, 250 gm rowan berries, 250 gm sloes, 250 gm crab apples, 500 gm blackberries, 500g elderberries, 125g oz

shelled fresh hazelnuts, Sugar (see reci-pe for quantity)Equipment: Large pan, sieve, bowl, wooden spoon, small jug, jars, lids

Wash fruit well. Put rose hips, haws, rowanberries, sloes & chopped crab apples into a large pan, add water to half way up, simmer gently until tender (gentle simmering gives much better flavour than boiling).

Sieve the pulp, pushing it through the sieve with the wooden spoon and weigh it. Write down the weight. Put the pulp back into the pan and add the blackber-ries, elderberries, and chopped nuts. Simmer, stirring regularly to make sure it doesn’t burn, for 15 minutes. Add 1kg sugar plus the weight of the pulp (the amount you wrote down) in sugar. Cook over a low heat until sugar has dis-solved, then boil rapidly until setting point is reach. Pot in sterilized jars.

Look for more seasonal and wild food recipes on the Sonairte website http://sonairte.ie/about/blog

Page 5: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010
Page 6: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

Garden Growing6 The Informer

Gerry Norton, Living Landescapes, 97 Church Avenue,

Drumcondra, Dublin 9Tel: 087-2462724

or [email protected]

Finally folks, if you need any information on gardening or if you have any tips or suggestions which I can pass on, please send them to me at [email protected].

I would be delighted to quote for any/all of your garden require-ments from set-up organic vege-table plots to restoration of neglected gardens, design, plant-ing and maintenance. No charge for initial visit and I will travel within reason.

EVEN though the evenings are getting shorter and the mornings darker, October can be a lovely month as nature prepares us for what’s ahead.

The colours in the October garden, Virginia Creeper for example, are stunning just before the leaves drop. In addition the shrubs and trees that have berries such as Pyracantha, Skimmia and Rowan are at there best now.

The National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin is worth a visit now as the colours are beautiful and don’t forget 'The Bots' has free admission. There is also an out-door sculpture exhibition on at the moment with wonderful pieces to be found amidst nature’s best.

There is a huge amount of work to be done in the October garden so get your gloves on and work to a plan. Don’t half clean out the greenhouse and then move on to something else. Its a good idea to make a list of what’s

to be done and work to this plan.

The veg plot has given us all we’re going to get so clear it out completely and compost all the old plants. Its not necessary to start digging yet for next year, this can wait until November.

If you have a greenhouse or small polytunnel this should be sorted out now as well. You may have started clearing up leaves from your lawn. This isn’t much fun but must be done for the next 6 to 8 weeks.

Bare patches on lawns should be seeded now and its also a good time to lay roll up turf. Continue getting rid of moss, but January next is the month to really get stuck into this job which isn’t easy but is essential if you want a nice lawn. The moss will always come back so scarifying is a yearly chore.

A lot of gardens have ever-green hedge like Leyland Cypress. This should be trimmed lightly now as there will have

Colours change to autumn

tIP oF tHe MontHCLEAn out or get new bird feeders as our feathered friends really need addi-tional food as the weather gets colder.

Over wintering birds such as the Blackcap will arrive in our gardens short-ly. Make sure they have a good supply of nuts and seeds and some fresh water. They will reward you with song and colour.

been some re growth after the summer trim.

Don’t go too hard and never cut into the old wood.

If you have a pond, take out and store the pump. You can keep feeding the fish for a few more months but start to reduce the amount they are given.

As I said in last months article, now is a great time to plant trees, shrubs and climbers as their roots will establish during the winter. Dig up and store gladioli,dahlias and summer flowering bulbs. Continue to plant spring bulbs for

next year but get a move on if you haven’t already started.

The midlands has already had the first taste of frost so make sure any delicate plants get pro-tection.

A vast amount of plants and shrubs were lost last winter. Hopefully this coming winter will not be so severe. Horticultural fleece is fine for protection in a ‘normal’ winter but you may need to bring some less hardy plants into your house if the frost is severe.

With Gerry Norton

Page 7: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

Dermo health is a non-invasive scientifically researched treat-ment, offering an effective solution to fight cellulite in all its stages, reshaping the body and reducing volume.

it mobilises the different skin tissues and stimulates microcircu-lation, which generates lymphatic drainage to eliminate fluids accu-mulated in the areas that have been treated.

The innovative light therapy (Dermoleds) activates the cell receptors producing and stimulat-ing collagen and elastin. in this way, the skin becomes more elas-tic and has a smooth and youthful appearance.

For a free consultation or to find out more call (01) 293 2969, email [email protected] or drop into our clinic in sandyford.

Special Launch Offer – SAVE €195!

single session €75 - Course of 10

New Vacuum Therapy Combat cellulite, reduce localised

fat and reshape your bodynow only €555 (normal price €750). Bodysuit purchased sepa-rately.

To avail of this offer mention promo code “informer” when booking your appointment. This

offer is valid until 15th November 2010. Terms & Conditions apply.

Avail now and get a head start on your holiday figure: Christmas and New Year’s are just around the corner!

Page 8: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

?? The Informer

Health FeatureMore than an energy supplement:

When you take coenzyme Q10 you get more than increased energy levels. It has a positive effect on your heart, your blood pressure, your gums, and even fertility.When you drink a cup of coffee it perks you up. The effect is short-lived, however. The same is the case with popular energy boosters like ginseng and guarana. With coenzyme Q10, it is entirely different. Unlike the other substances which are essentially stimulants, Q10 is a compound – a vitamin-like nutrient – which the body needs in order to make its own energy. When you take a supplement of Q10, you give every single cell in your body a boost, including cells in your heart tissue and cells in your gums.

Energy controls your healthQ10 is part of your biochemistry. Your liver produces it, and it is found in different types of food. Levels of Q10 are relatively high until you reach an age of 20-25 years, and from that point on they decrease. It may take several decades before it becomes noticeable to you, but at some point your body’s Q10 levels are that low it may interfere with normal body functions.

Important for the heartThe heart is one of the organs that is most dependent of Q10. After all, the heart muscle requires enormous amounts of energy in order to keep pumping around the clock. Science has actually found that people with heart failure benefit from taking supplements of Q10, not only because it increases their energy levels and general well-being but also because it actually improves their cardiac output. The cells of the heart muscle get a much needed boost and can perform better.

Gum diseaseInterestingly, Q10 also seems to play a role in gum health. People who suffer from bleeding, infected gums often show visible signs of improvement when treated with Q10. The bleeding stops, and there are even reported cases of patients with advanced periodon-tal disease whose loose teeth have become firmly attached again after weeks or months of supplementation.

Male fertilityLiterally all cells, with a few exceptions, need this vital compound to be able to make energy. Sperm cells are good examples of human cells that have to generate vast amounts of energy in order to carry out their tasks. Studies have shown that infertile men may benefit from supplementing with Q10. It powers up sluggish sperm cells and even seems to counteract damaged sperm cells that are deformed because of DNA damage. The damage occurs when so-called free radicals (reactive oxygen species) attack the cells and destroy their DNA. Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that is able to defend cells against such attacks.

Q10 gives yourhealth a natural boost

If you go the local pharmacy or health food store, you will find dozens of different Q10 brands on the shelves. It is tempting to let the price tag determine your choice, but that is one mistake you should definitely avoid. The quality differences from one Q10 supplement to another are vast and if you make the wrong choice you end up with a product that is worthless. It may be cheaper, but every penny spent is a waste because you end up with a Q10 supplement that does not get absorbed. The formula that seems to be the most effective for optimal absorption and which has managed to document its efficacy to the point that international Q10 research has chosen this as their scientific reference is featured by: l Q10 dissolved in a palm oil matrixl A special heating of the mixture that allows the Q10 molecules to dissolve completely (in the body) at room temperaturel Encapsulation in soft, light-protected gel capsules

How to find the right Q10 preparation

Q10 which is available in pharmacy’s and health food stores,is of particular importance to people who take statin drugs to lower their cholesterol.

Statins do not only lower synthesis of choles-terol, but at the same time they inhibit the

production of Q10. Since the role of Q10 in regulation of energetic metabolism and muscle metabolism is so vital, a deficit of Q10 is asso-ciated with increased risk of myopathy and other adverse effects.

Several clinical studies have shown the ben-

efits of Q10 supplementation in prevention or therapy of these adverse effects - especially in patients using higher doses of statins for long-er period or in patients presenting with symp-toms of statin associated myopathy (muscle pain, fatigue etc.)

Statin users benefit from Q10

Useful for AthletesA study conducted on Finnish top-level cross-country skiers showed that daily sup-plementation with Q10 for 12 weeks led to significant improvements. Their endurance increased, they recovered faster, and they were able to train for longer periods at a time. Similar studies have been conducted in fields like cycling and martial arts.

The cholesterol/Q10 relationStatin use may cause a 49 % reduction inblood Q10 levels after 30 days of therapy.

Arch Neurol. 2004 Jun;61(6):889-92. Atorva-statin decreases the coenzyme Q10 level in the blood of patients at risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Rundek T, Naini A, Sacco R, Coates K, DiMauro S.

Page 9: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

The Informer

More than an energy supplement:

Page 10: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

All About Dublin (1)10 The Informer

Edited by Zoz

Phoenix Park:-IN February 1867 my sister, brother and I contracted measles, and were sent out to the "Lodge" to avoid spreading infection.

We were already convalescent, when one evening a mysterious stranger arrived from the Castle, and had an interview with the governess. As a result of that interview, the kindly old lady began clucking like a scared hen, fussed quite prodigiously, and told us to collect our things at once, as we were to start for the Castle in a quarter of an hour.

After frantically hurried packing, we were bustled into the carriage, the mysterious stranger taking his seat on the box. To our surprise we saw some thirty mounted Hussars at the door. As we moved off, to our unspeakable delight, the Hussars drew their sword and closed in on the carriage, one rid-ing at either window.

And so we drove through Dublin. We had never had an escort before, and felt immensely elated and digni-fied. At the Castle there seemed to be come confusion. I heard doors bang-ing and people moving about all through the night.

Long afterwards I learnt that the

great Fenian rising was fixed for the night. The authorities had heard that part of the Fenian plan was to capture the Viceregal Lodge, and to hold the Lord-Lieutenant's children as hostag-es, which explains the arrival at the Lodge of Chief Inspector Dunn, the frantic haste, and the escort of Hussars with drawn swords.

That night an engagement, or it might more justly be called a skir-mish, did take place between the Fenians and the troops at Tallagh (sic), some twenty miles from Dublin. my brothers and most of my father's staff had been present, which explained the mysterious noises during the night.

As a result of this fight, some 300 prisoners were taken, and Lord Strathnairn, then Commander-in-Chief, was very hard put to it to find sufficient men (who, of course, would have to be detached from his force) to escort the prisoners into Dublin. Lord Strathnairn suddenly got an inspira-tion. He had every single button, brace buttons and all, cut off all the prison-ers trousers. Then the men had per-force, for decency's sake, to hold their trousers together with their hands, and I defy anyone similarly situated to run more than a yard or two.

The prisoners were all paraded in the Castle yard next day, and I walked out amongst them. As they had been up all night in very heavy rain, they all looked very forlorn and miserable. The Castle gates were shut that day, for the first time in the memory of the oldest inhabitant, and they remained shut for four days.

Dublin was seething with unrest, so on that very afternoon my father and mother drove very slowly, quite alone, without an Aide-de-Camp or escort, in a carriage-and-four with outriders through all the poorest quarters of Dublin. They were well received and there was no hostile demonstration whatever.

The idea of the slow drive through the slums was my mother's. She wished to show that though the Castle gates were closed, she and my father were not afraid. I saw her on her return, when she was looking very pale and drawn, but I was too young to realise what the strain must have been.

(An excerpt from 'The Days before Yesterday', by Frederick Spencer Hamilton, published in 1920.)

TroUbLED TIMES 1867GeORGe Bryan was born in Dublin in 1731. He emigrated to Philadelphia in 1752 and in time became a successful businessman, before going bankrupt in 1771.

He was involved in local politics from the early 1750s - and was active in opposing a move to make Pennsylvania a royal colony.

Bad health kept Bryan for some years after his bankruptcy, but after Pennsylvania drafted and adopted a new state constitution in 1776, he served from 1777-1779 as Vice-President of the Supreme executive Council (the equivalent of lieuten-ant-governor).

During this period, he focused much of his effort on mobilising the state's resources to combat har-assment of settlers on the frontier. He also pushed for emancipation of all slaves in Pennsylvania, which subsequently served as a model for gradual emancipation in all the northern colonies. He felt that in a new nation devoted to personal freedoms, slavery was a moral dis-grace.

In 1780 Bryan was appointed a

judge on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. He also served in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

George Bryan died in 1791. His burial site is in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia

Lesser known DubsGeorge Bryan

This page was researched with the help of

Page 11: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

• FrEE QuoTaTioNS • • FrEE MEaSuriNG • FrEE FiTTiNG •

North Dublin BlindsWe supply & fit all types of Window Blinds

Roller • Vertical • Venetian • Wood • Roman • Velux

30% Sale

all Year round

all BlIndS at FaCtorY PrICeS

www.northdublinblinds.comEmail: [email protected]

Call us 7 days a week on

083 3303131

It's as easy as this:1. Arrange an appointment for

us to visit your home, at your convenience.

2. Browse our full range of blinds while we measure your windows.

3. Get a no-obligation quote for your favourite blinds

4. Pay a deposit

5. Then we return and fit your blinds to perfection

Page 12: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

All About Dublin (2)12 The Informer

Edited by Zoz

(From The Dublin Weekly Journal, printed by James Carson in Coghill's Court, Dame Street, opposite the Castle Market.)

n On Thursday, the 29th Instant, being michaelmas Day, a large Fat Ox, will be run for betwixt Santry and Swords, by Six Bullocks, or as many as will put in, to be rid without Bridle, or Halter, and to be guided by Goads. They are to start by 11 a clock in the forenoon. And after the Race a Roll of Tobacco will be given to be grinned for at the market Cross of the said Borough of Swords. (September 24, 1726)n On Wednesday last between the hours of four and five in the morning, several officers had a quarrel with the Watch, after some time the Watchmen took one of them Prisoner, the rest went and

brought the Castle Guard to demand the prisoner, but could not obtain him, By this time the next parish watch came to assist the other, and drove the soldiers into the castle. Soon after there came a greater number (of soldiers) and forced them over Essex Bridge, and retired into the Watch House, where they fired upon them, one man was shot into the belly, of which wound he instantly died. Two of the Officers are taken and Committed to the Black Dog, and four of the soldiers to Newgate. The next day the Government met, and sent for the Captain of the Guard, and demanded his Commission, which he was obliged to lay down. (October 1)n In our last Journal we committed a mistake in out account of the unhappy affair of the Watch-man in Capelstreet, in relation to the Captain of the Guards, the whole account of which has since

appeared to be groundless, for which we humbly beg the Gentleman's pardon. The two Gentlemen committed to the Black Dog on account of his business have been, we hear, admitted to bail. (October 8)n Yesterday about two of the clock in the morning 10 persons were seized on the North Bull as they were going on board, being (as 'tis said) enlisted for Foreign Service, and were committed to Newgate. (December 5)n On Thursday night, one Patrick murphy in Pill Lane, was appre-hended, for coining Pistoles, one of which was found in his pocket, and a half Pistole not quite finished, there were also found in the house, the Stamps, Crucibles etc.

News from 1726/7...

$

Win 1000 litres of Home

Heating oil!To be in with a chance

to win this amazing prize, simply fill out the

coupon below. Then post the coupon, give it to one of our drivers or drop it into the office.

Post to: M50 Oil, Ratoath Rd, Ashbourne, Co Meath

Your Friendly Local Home Heating Oil Company

CLOnLiFFE road and Jones road are names familiar to every GAA fan who has attended a match in Croke Park.

The other well-known feature on Clonliffe road is Clonliffe College. Over the past 150 years most of the priests who have served in the Dublin diocese have trained in Clonliffe College.

The original name for Clonliffe road was Fortick road in honour of Tristram Fortick, a landlord here in the early 1700s. During that period it was a rough narrow road.

There have been religious affiliations with the area for almost 1,000 years. Circa 1150 the White Monks of saint Mary's Abbey took possession of the lands of Clonliffe and established a monastery there. The reign of the reli-gious continued until 1536 when King henry Viii, with the dissolution of the monasteries, exiled the monks. Their lands eventually transferred to John Bathe, the big-gest landowner in Drumcondra.

Over the next two centuries the property changed hands on a number of occasions. The Earl of Desmond was one of those who leased the land.

Early in the nineteenth century one of the most famous owners of the property, Magistrate Frederick Jones, pur-chased the house. Due to his notorious reputation over his treatment of rebels of the 1798 rebellion his house was under constant guard. Despite his reputation, nearby Jones road was named after him. When Jones died in poverty the house became a barracks for the revenue Police.

in 1858 Archbishop Cullen purchased Clonliffe house, also known as the red house, and its grounds of twelve acres as a seminary for the archdiocese. The following year Clonliffe house became the newly established holy Cross College.

The seminary has had quite a colourful history with most of the country's leading prelates passing through its hallowed halls. Over the intervening years the college has turned out thousands of priests for the Dublin diocese.

Due to a lack of young men for the priesthood the holy Cross College at Clonliffe was recently closed as a semi-nary. students now attend Maynooth College.

An excerpt from "Dublin's north Coast - Drumcondra, Clontarf, howth, Malahide", , with text by Arthur Flynn, and paintings by Margaret Flynn. Published by Cottage Publications, Price €24.95.

A Place in the City

Clonliffe College

n On Saturday last three men were executed at St. Stephen's Green for theft. (December 10)n On Tuesday last a ship from Sweden, laden with Hemp, Iron and Flax, was stranded on the South Bull, part of the gods were lost, but the men were all (by the providence of God) saved. n Last week one James Conner and his wife drinking at a public house in Thomas Court, where some disagreeable words happened between them, but as they were going home, he stabbed her in the back with a knife, of which she instantly died. He was immedi-ately committed to Newgate. (December 31, 1726)

Page 13: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010
Page 14: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

Informer Feature14 The Informer

25 Irish charities unite to raise vital funds

THE CHARITY PARTNERS

CHARITY 25 is a strategic, operational element of the A & C Foundation which itself has been set up as a registered Irish charity foundation to raise money for 25 member charities based here in Ireland. Founded by Irish businessman Kevin O’Brien (pictured below) the key premise of the entire Charity 25 initiative is that all fund-raising by charities must be accountable to the people donat-ing money.

All of us have been touched in some way by the loss of a friend or family member to illness. Founder of the A & C Foundation, Kevin O’Brien is no differ-ent. He is, however, con-cerned that due to the cur-rent downturn in our econ-omy, awareness of and support for charities which carry out vital work in our society and on which many people rely for day to day survival, will suffer and a number may go into demise. Kevin was also horrified to learn that some of Ireland’s most recog-nised charities receive little or no funding at all from the government and he decided to rally sup-port in order to remedy, as far as possible, this situ-ation.

Playing your partHe strongly believes that everyone in Ireland can

and must play their part in helping to raise money for charity organisations as “none of us can ever know when we will be seeking their assistance, either directly or indirectly, for ourselves or a loved one. Where do we go if these organisations have ceased to exist due to the want of funding?" he says.

The foundation’s main distinct objective which combine to deliver much needed funds to those charities with which the A&C Foundation will work.

The first objective shall be achieved through Charity 25 and it is to raise over €2.2 million annu-ally from the Irish public. While working on a 10% operational cost, it guarantees that 90% of text rev-enue will be distributed equally and in an account-able manner, between 25 Irish registered charity partners. This means that from every €2.00 text you donate to the '2willdo' campaign that €1.73 will be delivered equally between of our 25 Irish charities.

A&C Foundation is the principal company within which Charity 25 has been established as key mar-keting initiative of the foundation. Negotiations have already been instigated with many leading figures, popular personalities and strategic partners in various countries to launch the A&C Foundation across Europe and in the US to assist in raising funds for charities in their own countries utilising the A&C model.

Kevin has already spent 18 months researching and setting up the A & C Foundation and with the

kind help of his business partner Sean mcEvoy and their group of companies, Leaflet Company Ireland, Informer Newspaper Group and the Business Standard newspaper have pledged over €1.2 mil-lion worth of free services annually to Charity 25 , to ensure that the €2WILLDO text fund-raising campaign can be on-going.

Kevin is married to Ger and they have three chil-dren, Angela & Ciara, for whom the foundation is named and who helped design the organisation’s logo, and his young son Niall who is named after one of his closest friends, Niall mcCrudden, who passed way earlier in 2010. The birth of his children and the unexpected nature of the death of Niall have done much to focus Kevin’s thoughts on the breadth of charities relevant within Irish society today and how they can be most effectively assisted in helping the Irish population

"I am very passionate and committed to raising money for people of my country who rely on these charity partners for support and a better way of life. None of us know when or if we will ever rely on these charities for support but it is comforting to know that if we do need them that they will be there for us or our loved ones!.

"I will ensure that all of my charity partners show 100% transparency and are held accountable for any money they receive through your funding and again this will be published on-line so you, the donor, are confident that your donation is going to help those less fortunate than ourselves.

FOr anyone who wishes to donate to the 25 charities - it’s simple.

Just text 2willdo plus your county to 57802.You can sub-scribe to the €2 per month Charity Appeal. You can opt out at any time.

Go on, text and DOnATe nOw!

n Brian Ormond and Ronnie Whelan want you to get texting

n Kevin O'Brien

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the mobile phone operators who have kindly agreed to waive their normal text fees to ensure that Charity 25 receives maximum revenue from its €2WILLDO campaign and, of course, to thank you the donor for making this venture possi-ble."

Page 15: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010
Page 16: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

Personal Finance16 The Informer

Andrew russell is a Qualified Financial Adviser and managing Director of squaremile Financial Consultants Ltd. he provides financial advice to private sector employees and the self employed. in addition to this he specialises in assisting public sector employees improve their retirement benefits.

Contact:Andrew russell, managing Director, squaremile Financial Consultants. T: 087 287 5256 • E: [email protected] • W: www.squaremile.ie

Would you stake your financial future on the roll of a dice?I Am often asked by clients what the most important financial product anyone can have is. I reply by asking them to consider how long they could cope without an income. Up until the economic downturn few of my clients had considered this, but the reality is the average savings per person in Ireland amounts to just 18 days income (moneyguideire-land.com 2010).

If you are unable to work due to ill-health or disability your employ-er will usually pay you sick pay for a short period (if you don’t know how long ask your Human Resource Department). Once this expires

you are taken off the payroll and you may qualify for State benefits of €196 a week. If you are self-employed you won’t receive a penny from the State.

That makes grim reading. Would your family be able to cope with this? If not then consider ways of protecting your income.

I know that most of us think we are ‘bullet proof’ but statistics show otherwise. For example if you are aged 35, according to the Central Statistics Office (2007) there’s a one in six chance that you will be out of work for over six months at some stage in your working life.

That’s the same odds as rolling a dice. How many people do you know would stake their financial future on the throw of a dice?

There are five companies in Ireland that offer the opportunity to protect up to 75% of your salary in the event of ill-health or disability. The fact that premiums are eligible for tax relief at your marginal rate demonstrates the importance of this product. The policy is designed to provide you with a monthly income to replace your salary.

Premiums depend on age, occupation, length of cover and the deferred period (the time between your sick pay ending and your policy starting to pay out). You can tailor premiums to suit affordabil-ity.

Any existing policyholders should review their policy immediately as there have been substantial improvements in prices and benefits on offer. For example there is now the option of a deferred period of 4 weeks.

When you consider that we are happy to insure our car, mobile phone, pets, wedding, washing machine, television etc, then surely it makes sense to insure the income that has enabled you to accumulate these assets.

If you would like further information on these policies or would like to review your existing arrangements, a free consultation in your home can be arranged by contacting me on 087 287 5256 or by email at [email protected].

Page 17: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

That’s the same odds as rolling a dice. How many people do you know would stake their financial future on the throw of a dice?

There are five companies in Ireland that offer the opportunity to protect up to 75% of your salary in the event of ill-health or disability. The fact that premiums are eligible for tax relief at your marginal rate demonstrates the importance of this product. The policy is designed to provide you with a monthly income to replace your salary.

Premiums depend on age, occupation, length of cover and the deferred period (the time between your sick pay ending and your policy starting to pay out). You can tailor premiums to suit affordabil-ity.

Any existing policyholders should review their policy immediately as there have been substantial improvements in prices and benefits on offer. For example there is now the option of a deferred period of 4 weeks.

When you consider that we are happy to insure our car, mobile phone, pets, wedding, washing machine, television etc, then surely it makes sense to insure the income that has enabled you to accumulate these assets.

If you would like further information on these policies or would like to review your existing arrangements, a free consultation in your home can be arranged by contacting me on 087 287 5256 or by email at [email protected].

Page 18: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

18 The Informer

Family Focus

YOU would think that working in women’s maga-zines for 10 years would make me an expert on all aspects of women’s lives including pregnancy, childbirth and parenting. But being in an office for long hours meant that I was actually pretty cut off from this reality and rarely met pregnant women or new mums.

When I became pregnant with my daughter I found that I didn’t really know what would happen to me and my baby during the next nine months, and that a subject that hadn’t seemed that crucial to me before was now the most important thing on my mind. I needed information, and fast.

I went off in search of a book written by a woman who had experienced it for herself that would tell me how the Irish maternity system worked, what my options were and talk to me in a friendly and understanding way. What I found were some huge American tomes that seemed to just feed into my anxieties about pregnancy and labour, and left me with an illogical fear that there must be something wrong. The other drawback was that the informa-tion in these books wasn’t tailored to a woman’s experience in Ireland.

What I really wanted was for someone to sit me down in a café and explain in a friendly tone the difference between community midwives, Domino schemes, midwifery led units, early transfer home

Having your baby in IrelandA new book, by

Dublin Informer journalist Lucy TAyLor details what every prospective

mother should know about having a baby in Ireland.

schemes, public, semi-private and private maternity care options. Plus I had a whole host of questions I wanted answering – how could I apply for mater-nity benefit, would I qualify for any when I was self-employed, when should I tell other members of the family, how should I tell my clients (for most women this is their employer), what were my maternity rights, what should I do if I was accosted by strangers with terrifying ‘old wives tales’, what to eat, what to wear, what to pack for the hospital, and where to get more information on problems should I need it. And of course I wanted to know what might happen during labour and to be reas-sured that it doesn’t have to be as terrifying as it is portrayed on TV.

I also worried that every other pregnant woman was simply sailing through their pregnancy and was jealous of anyone who seemed to be proudly taking it in their stride. I suffered from sore teeth, leg

cramps in the night, developed a dark line down my expanded belly and sore ribs put me in hospital a fortnight before my daughter was born. I didn’t really appreciate that I had no morning sickness or stretch marks, the bane of many pregnant women’s lives.

The day I couldn’t see my feet in the shower I cried and in the last trimester I bumped into things as I constantly underesti-mated my size. What I also found is that you can’t be in denial when your stomach is sticking out right in front of you, and women I barely knew offered me maternity clothes and baby gear – my circle of friends started to broaden.

The result of all this uncertainty was that I started to gather information, wrote notes at the back of antenatal classes and checked out mums-to-be forums on parenting websites. I started to write for pregnancy and parenting magazines, I talked to women about their pregnancy and birthing experi-ences and contacted Irish support organisations. Some time later I was thrilled to be asked to write my new book The mum’s Guide to Having Your Baby in Ireland. my book is one that I wish I could

have bought during my own preg-nancy and I hope other women enjoy it too.

Lucy Taylor is the author of The Mum’s Guide to having Your Baby in Ireland, published by Gill and Macmillan. E16.99 from bookshops, E13.59 on www.gillmacmillan.ie plus free P&P.

The Informer has three copies of The Mum's Guide to Having A Baby in

Ireland to be won. For your chance to win, simply answer the following question and email your

answer and contact details to:

[email protected]

Does Ireland have:A. The highest birth rate in europeB. The lowest birth rate in europe

WIn a CoPY!

Page 19: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010
Page 20: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

Health Issues20 The Informer

ask the Pharmacist

With eoin Meanyeoin Meany works as a pharmacist in McCabe's Pharmacy, Ridgewood

Avenue, Swords. If you have a question you would like answered for next issue, please send it by email to

[email protected] or by post to McCabe's Pharmacy, Ridgewood,

Swords, Co. Dublin.

Q: My six year old son has recently developed an itchy scalp and I'm worried that he may have picked up head lice. I'm not sure how since I wash his hair regu-larly. What is the best way to get rid of them?

A: The words “head lice” will send a shiver down the spine of most parents, although head lice infestation is very common in children and most children will get them once or twice. Head lice are not a sign of poor scalp hygiene as the lice have no preference for either clean or dirty hair. You mention that your son has an itchy scalp, but this does not necessarily mean that he has lice. There can be many causes of an itchy scalp, so the first thing that you need to do is check to see if he actually does have head lice.

The only way to check for a head lice infestation is by thorough fine combing with a white fine tooth comb which you can get in a pharmacy. Do this after washing and conditioning the hair while it is still wet. Comb the hair over white paper, making sure to begin where the hair meets the scalp and paying particular attention to the nape of the neck and behind the ears. This should take about 10 – 15 minutes. You will be looking for live lice either in the teeth of the comb or falling onto the sheet of paper. Lice are about the size of a sesame seed and are grey to reddish-brown in colour.

If you find live lice infecting the scalp, you will need to treat your child. It is not generally recommended to treat unless you find live lice, so the whole family will need to be checked in the same manner and if anyone else is found to have lice, they will need to be treated at the

same time.Over the past few years there has been a move away

from treating with products based on insecticides to other treatments based on a chemical that disrupts the water balance of the lice causing them to dehydrate and die. One such product is Hedrin which is available as a spray or as a solution. It is recommended that it is left on for 10 minutes before being washed out, although I think that the guidelines for contact times on packs should be regarded as a bare minimum and it is probably beneficial to leave it on for somewhat longer. Other more tradi-tional products include Lyclear Cream Rinse and Derbac m Liquid. Whatever method is used, it is vital that the whole head is thoroughly covered in the treatment.

All head lice treatments are more effective at eliminat-ing live insects than they are at killing unhatched eggs. For this reason, I generally recommend re-treating with the same product after 7 days to kill any remaining insects that may have hatched in the meantime. Any eggs that have already hatched will probably remain stuck to the hair even after treatment. These are nothing to be concerned about and it should be possible to remove these by further fine combing.

Due to problems with resistance, no one product will be effective 100% of the time. However, the likelihood of a treatment being successful is greatly enhanced by fol-lowing the product instructions carefully. However, if you still find live lice after the second treatment, you should switch to another product containing a different active ingredient. Your pharmacist will be able to advise you if you are not sure.

After treatment, or even for all school-going children, you may wish to consider using a repellent product such as Lane's Tea Tree Shampoo and Conditioner to help prevent future infestations.

Disclaimer: The advice you have been given by the pharmacist should not be regarded as a clinically accurate diagnosis of any disease or a guarantee that a particular medicine is safe for you to take. The advice given is based solely on the limited amount of information provided and so should not be regarded as a substitute for a face to face consultation with a pharmacist, doctor or other health professional who is personally familiar with your medical history.

What you should do about head lice

Diazepam quandaryQ: I suffer from frequent anxiety and have been prescribed diazepam by my doctor. I don't like tak-ing them as they make me very groggy and I know they can be addictive. Are there any alternatives?

A: Diazepam (better known as Valium) is a sedative from a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. They are very effective at treating anxiety although side effects include drowsiness, poor co-ordination and impaired memory. They can also be addictive and so are gener-ally only used for short periods (i.e. a few weeks).

If you suffer from regular anxiety or panic attacks, there are some antidepressants that may help, even if you are not depressed. These generally have fewer side effects than diazepam and are more suitable for long term use. A range of herbal medications are also avail-able without prescription which many people find help-ful in combating anxiety. Kalms Tablets are a popular and effective remedy.

Your GP may also be able to refer you to a counsellor or therapist who could help you develop relaxation skills and cope better with anxiety. I would suggest that you return to your GP who will help you determine which course of action is best for you.

Page 21: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010
Page 22: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

Beauty Ideas With Linda Mullenof Oceana Health & Beauty

Phone: 01-8283901

Call oceana today for our special for informer readers on Microdermabrasion and Pigmentation removal. 01 828 3901.

3 Week Manicure – the New Sensation and the Real Truth and the Celebs that like it!

AS I am sure every girl has heard throughout Ireland – there is now nail applications that lasts three weeks or more – without damaging the nails. No they are not acrylic and not gel and are suppose to be easy to take off. Well I have investigated them, and here is the real truth.

There are several different products out there. At the moment – Shellac and Gelish seem to be all the rage. So I went for a manicure or two and then went to their training courses.

Shellac contends that it will last three weeks or more. It has about 18 colours – and to be honest I wasn’t mad about the colour range. The application was similar to gel nails – those no filing on the natural – just buffing. It is not a manicure – its just applying the product to the nail and go. It lasted 10 days tops – and that is with me taking good care of my nails.

Also I have great natural nails – not oily, no gel or acrylic, no dam-age – so the perfect candidate. It does last longer than nail varnish – and defo on the toes will last six weeks. You are tempted to peel it off – and that will damage the nails.

Next I went to try the Gelish product – now they had 48 colours – albeit too many sparkles and glitter ones. I have to say I liked these colours.

The application process was the same as Shellac but faster as they use a LED light and cures in seconds. It too is not a manicure so NO massage or pampering. It is not a gel and soaks off in 10 minutes. I found it lasted longer with the colour than the French look – averag-ing about two and a half weeks.

Now at the end, it looked like it needed re-doing but that is natural. I loved the colours – and can see the value. Oh yeah – I also found out that Katie Perry, J Lo, and most of the stars at the Emmys this year were wearing Gelish. OHHhh Victoria Beckham is wearing Bella from Gelish on the August Vogue cover – so this product has the fol-lowing!

my recommendation with both is the person who applies it makes all the difference. French will not last as long as one or two colours, and you need to use the cuticle oil. It will not make your nails strong-er nor weaker. You can get an extension (gel or acrylic) with it too. I highly recommend getting it on the toes as it will last and last and last.

I highlighted these two products – as the others I tried were gel and were not worth talking about. Gelish gets my vote - for the colour selection is a helluva lot better – and did find it lasted a little longer

– but I truly believe that was down to the technican. If you have the perfect nails, you will get three weeks or more.

However if you have short nail bed, damaged nails, are a nail picker, have a skin condition – NO it won't last the three weeks. You are talk-ing two weeks tops – but I still feel its worth it.

Also you cannot get a bottle to top up.. you have to go to your salon. Both cost €30-38 and you can contact me to find out a salon near you!

PS. YES! Oceana will be stocking Gelish by mid September – call and mention this article for a discount on mani/pedi from Gelish.

22 The Informer

Health & Beauty

Beauty this Autumn

Microdermabrasion €70 (save €29)

Full set of Foil nail wraps Fingers & Toes €50 (save €10)

Dermalogica Prescriptive Facial €50 (save €10)

01 4976434

www.rathgarlaserandbeauty.ie4-6 Orwell road, rathgar, Dublin 6

Offers valid until 15/11/10

See Directory of Drivers on our web site

www.angelcabs.ieCall our Drivers Direct!

Female Taxi Drivers

Page 23: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

Taxi Tax returns

Phone: 01 8314316 • 087 9637564

Page 24: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

24 The Informer

Dublin Advice

LIFE can be difficult. It all goes smoothly it goes for a while, but then something knocks us back, sometimes out of the blue. Or maybe there are underlying issues that affect our confidence and self-esteem. Counselling can be a great help at times of stress, anxiety or uncertainty.

Typical sources of stressThe major sources of stress in life can

broadly be categorised in four ways:• Expected life events: e.g. exams, buying

a house, marriage, new baby, new job.• Unexpected life events: sudden death of

a loved one, diagnosis of illness, being involved in an accident or a victim of crime, losing your job.

• Progressive accumulating events: ongoing conflict with spouse or children, cumulative job-related issues, boredom with career, general sense of frustration.

• Personal trait stress: insecurity, lack of self-confidence/low self esteem, fear of change, unsubstantiated worrying, perfectionism.

When confronted with a life problem, it helps to have someone to talk to, a trusted person you can confide in. Unfortunately this isn't always possible. Usually there are at

least some people who are there to listen, but often they respond by giving advice, judging, getting anxious and worried, or trying to intervene. In complex situations, everyone has a different angle, and talking to people can be more confusing than helpful.

Why counselling?What makes counselling unique is that the

counsellor has no agenda for the person who attends. The counsellor is not trying to give answers, make the person feel better or get them to change. The counsellor simply facil-itates the person to tell their story in their own way, at their own pace, without criticis-ing, judging or questioning it.

The process of sharing the story can be healing in itself. Having the opportunity to discuss the problem calmly and in depth, with an objective outsider, can greatly relieve the stress of trying to carry it alone.

Counselling helps the person develop the tools that they can use again when confronted with difficulties. These include the ability to name and articulate feelings, to deal with conflict, to keep perspective and to know when to look for a listening ear.

Typically, people attend weekly for one-hour sessions, and average attendance is 5-8 sessions. Counselling is totally confidential,

and the counsellor does not prescribe or change medication. It is “talk therapy”, which relies on our ability to heal and grow through the experience of a caring, respectful and attentive interaction with another person.

Fears about counselling Unfortunately, many people who would

benefit from attending counselling do not do so due to misconceptions about what it entails. Seeing a counsellor does not mean that you are not able to cope, nor is it a sign of weakness. There are no tests or question-naires to complete, or forms to fill out.

Often just a few sessions are enough to gain some new insight into how to deal with a problematic situation, or to relieve the bur-den of negative feelings. Recognising that we have choices, and that changing how we respond to people and situations can change everything, can lay the foundation for new and creative ways of dealing with difficulties in the future.

Maeve Halpin is a Registered Counselling Psychologist.

Appletree Health and Wellness, No 122. Ranelagh Village, Dublin 6.

Contact: 087-2877837Email: [email protected]

www.maevehalpincounselling.com

What is counselling?

CARERS REQUIRED IN THIS AREA

• Are you caring, honest and reliable person who is looking for a rewarding career?

• No Experience required as full training provided.

We have the following positions available.

LIVE IN (7 day on and 7 day off roster) you can claim all

your benefits on your week off

PART TIME (You tell us the hours you can work)

If you are interested in these positions, then contact Louise on 01 8178617 to find out more

or send your CV to us at Comfort Keepers, Deverell Place, Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin 1.

Or via email to [email protected]

www.comfortkeepers.ie

CAReRS ReQUIReD IN THIS AReA• Are you caring, honest and reliable person who is

looking for a rewarding career?• No Experience required as full training provided.

We have the following positions available.

LIVe IN(7 day on and 7 day off roster) you can claim all your

benefits on your week off

PART TIMe(You tell us the hours you can work)

If you are interested in these positions, then contact Louise on 01 8178617 to find out more or send your CV to us at Comfort

Keepers, Deverell Place, Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin 1.

Or via email to: [email protected]

www.comfortkeepers.ie

Dublin InformerSpecial Offerfor business10,000 leaflets designed,

printed and deliveredplus

1/4 page advert in all 10 Informer editions

ALL FOR

e850 pLus VAT

Your 10,000 leaflets delivered alongside the Informer newspapersYour 1/4 page advert to appear in all 10 editions of the Informer newspapers

Tel: 01-8138786The Informer newspapers are delivered directly to 175,000 homes across Dublin each month.

Email: [email protected] • Web: www.informer.ie

Read your local Informer edition online at

our revamped websiteThe paper opens online the same way it does in your hand

www.informer.ie

Page 25: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010
Page 26: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

27 The Informer

Dublin GAA

Outside of the boot

with Mick Hanley

IT has taken a while but the wait was worth it as Dublin ladies captain Denise masterson lifted the Brendan martin Cup aloft in Croke Park on the 26th September. All-Ireland senior ladies football champions 2010, it has a nice ring to it. Even better was the fact that the ‘Jackies’ did it in style with a convincing victory over Tyrone.

It was a strange season for the team. Beaten in last year’s championship final to Cork, they drew the Rebels in their first league encounter overturning the champion-ship defeat. But things turned out differently during their following matches and at the end they were relegated to Division 2.

In hindsight it was probably a good thing as the league allowed manager Gerry mcGill the chance to blood new players. This proved useful during the championship campaign as Dublin had a very strong bench. It also refo-cused the squad coming into the champion-ship.

Dublin retained their Leinster crown defeating Laois in the final but they were to meet the O’moore girls again in the All-

Ireland semi-final which proved to be a tougher game for the ‘Jackies’, but a Lydnsey Davey goal ensured a place in Croke Park. Before that they had overcome a spirited challenge by Clare in the quarter-finals but managed to use their experience to push on.

And so to All-Ireland final day. In the lead up to the game the girls appeared to be relaxed but very focused. From the throw in, they immediately took the game to Tyrone who were appearing in their first final. Early points settled Dublin but Tyrone replied to narrow the gap.

Dublin had been pressing hard on the Tyrone goal so it was inevitable that a goal would come soon. After two blocks from the Tyrone defence, up stepped Amy mcGuinness to fire to the net. This was the turning point for Dublin, as from here to the end of the game they dominated all sectors of the park.

There were inspirational performances all round but the player of the match went to Sinead Aherne who was in the form of her life scoring a total of 2-7. Twelve months

previously Sinead had missed a penalty in the defeat to Cork but this year she tor-mented the Tyrone defence with her skill and pace to richly deserve her award and win-ners' medal.

The victory must have been a relief too for some of the more experienced players who had witnessed defeat in three All-Ireland finals already in this decade. Their dedica-tion in continuing the hard slog finally pay-ing dividends. For manager Gerry mcGill, his decision to stay on after last year’s defeat was vindicated. The question now is that after finally breaking their duck, will they all be on board in the quest for two-in-a-row? However, there is the small matter of cele-brations first.

In other ladies football news, congratula-tions go to Ballyboden St. Endas on winning the Dublin senior football title and to Clanna Gael/Fontenoy on winning the intermediate crown.

And in camogie, Ballyboden St. Endas completed the double by defeating Erin’s Isle in the Dublin senior final.

‘Jackies’ rejoice as Dublin finally win the Brendan Martin Cup

n Captain Denise Masterson finally lifts the All-Ireland Cup for Dublin. Image from GAApics.com by Peter Hickey.

Dublin Distractions...

Proof that Men Have Better Friends...

Friendship among Women:A woman didn't come home one night. The next morning she told her husband that she had slept over at a friend's house. The man called his wife's 10 best friends. None of them knew anything about it..

Friendship among Men:A man didn't come home one night. The next morning he told his wife that he had slept over at a friend's house. The woman called her husband's 10 best friends. Eight confirmed that he had slept over, and two said he was still there.

The Postman

ONE monday morning the Postman is riding through the neighbourhood when he sees Derek, a homeowner, coming out with a load of empty beer and liquor bottles for the recycling bin.

"Wow Derek, looks like you guys had one hell of a party last night," the Postman comments.

Derek, in obvious pain, replies: "Actually we had it Saturday night. We had about 15 couples from around the neighbourhood over for some weekend fun and it got a bit wild. We all got so drunk around midnight that we started playing WHO Am I."

The Postman thinks a moment and says: "How do you play WHO Am I?"

"Well, all the guys go in the bedroom and we come out one at a time with a sheet covering us,

with only our 'family jewels' showing through a hole in the sheet. Then the women try to guess who it is."

The Postman laughs and says: "Sounds like fun, I'm sorry I missed it."

"Probably a good thing you did," Derek responded. "Your name came up seven times."

Italian Confession

AN elderly Italian man who lived on the outskirts of Rimini, Italy went to the local church for con-fession. When the priest slid open the panel in the confessional, the man said:

"Father.... During World War II, a beautiful Jewish woman from our neighbourhood knocked urgently on my door and asked me to hide her from the Nazis. So I hid her in my attic."

The priest replied: "That was a wonderful thing and you have no need to confess."

"There is more to tell, Father.. She started to repay me with sexual favours. This happened several times a week, and sometimes twice on Sundays."

The priest said: "That was a long time ago and two people under those circumstances can easily succumb to the weakness of the flesh. However, if you are truly sorry for your actions, you are indeed forgiven."

"Thank you, Father. That's a great load off my mind. I do have one more question."

"And what is that?" asked the priest."Should I tell her the war is over?''

Ya Havin' A Laff? Graham Connor's Movie AdviceThe Town HHHHHstarring Ben Affleck, Jeremy renner, rebecca hall, Jon hamm.

EvERy generation has a film that changes how the crime genre is made, The Godfather, Goodfella’s and Heat have all revolutionised and revitalised the genre. The Town, Ben Affleck’s second directorial effort can now join that list.

The plot follows that of Doug McRay, the leader of a hardened criminal gang in Boston. A witness to one of their heists has started to talk to the FBI so McRay and his lieutenant James Coughlan decide to silence her but McRay falls for her. All the while the FBI are just around the corner and closing in fast.

The film moves along at break neck pace, using the Boston locations to the max. The scripting is tight and the acting is understated. As good as Affleck is, this film belongs to Renner who is exceptional. It doesn’t pack the same emotional impact of its predecessor Heat but it can proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with it as one of the finer crime drama’s of recent years. A triumph..Advice: Don’t miss it.

The Other Guys HHHHHstarring Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Michael Keaton, Eva Mendez

Another Will Ferrell comedy. He’s one of those comic actors that when he’s good he’s great and when he’s bad, you wonder how he has a job in the film industry at all.

The Other Guys, I am happy to say, falls into the former. This is a great comic turn from Ferrell, one of his best since Anchorman. The plot follows two police men, Ferrell and Wahlberg, who are continuously overlooked for the top investiga-tions. Ferrell is a bookworm and Wahlberg a muscle man – instant comedy gold! The plot is threadbare and lightweight but seeing Wahlberg play the straightman against Ferrell is worth the price of admission alone.

It’s also great to see Michael Keaton back on the big screen.Advice: Go see it, now!!!

Page 27: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010
Page 28: Dun Laoghaire Informer Oct 2010

28 The Informer

Dún Laoghaire News

email us: [email protected]

dún laoghaire in Brief...Relocation of Rosemont School.Dun laoghaire/ rathdown County Council has granted planning per-mission for construction of the rosemont School, which is to be relocated on the Grasslands/Balgara site off the Enniskerry road.

This development, as part of the County Development Plan, will see the enrolment numbers jump by nearly 200 pupils, from its current 102 to 300. 50 of these pupils will come from a school in Spain.

With only one secondary school in the Glencullen/Sandyford ward, the project will bring rosemont closer to its sister school of rockbrook College in rathfarnham. Under the Community Use Management Plan, the building of an astro-turf hockey pitch, tennis courts, assem-bly hall and sports hall will benefit the wider community.

2010 Community AwardsDUN laoghaire rathdown County Council has started accepting submissions for the 2010 Community Awards Scheme. The Awards scheme is the Councils way of recognising the vast and varied wealth of projects organised across Dun laoghaire rathdown by volunteer and community groups, culminating in an Awards ceremony on Thursday November 25th in the County Hall.

There are seven categories open in which community groups can enter. As part of the scheme, entrants prepare an exhibition that will be displayed in the County Hall from Monday November 22nd to Friday November 26th. Included in the Awards ceremony is a special volun-teer prize will also be presented to the group who have excelled in their chosen field.

Previous entrants in the Community Awards scheme include sports clubs, youth groups, dance schools, Tidy Towns committees and groups working with youths with disabilities. Dun laoghaire rathdown County Council invites all interested parties to make submissions to the scheme. Completed applications must be received by Friday 29th October so don’t delay.

DLR students draw their way to schoolDUN laoghaire rathdown County Council has announced a new art competition for all local primary schools pupils dedicated to how they travel to and from school. This follows in the wake of the Council's popular programme of events that marked the recent European Mobility Week.

The theme of the competition is “Travel Smarter, live Better” and wishes to promote the benefits of using sustainable travel modes such as walking and cycling and their implications for a healthy active lifestyle. Gerry Flaherty, the Council's Sustainable Travel Officer, says the competition is designed to highlight numerous issues: “Even walk-ing and cycling to school one day a week on all of or part of the school journey can have many health benefits for pupils and can help reduce the negative traffic impacts near schools over time.”

Pupils will be encouraged to create a poster, which details the daily trip to school along with a sustainable travel slogan to accompany the images.

IN response to Conor lenihan's recent confir-mation that the Government is drafting a Geothermal Energy Development Bill, leading Irish geothermal company GT Energy has lodged a planning application with South Dublin County Council to construct Ireland's first geothermal electricity generation plant.

The development, which will cost in the region of e30 million, has earmarked the facilities proposed location as Newcastle in South County Dublin.

Energy for 8,000 homesGT Energy estimates that the plant could

generate up to four megawatts of electricity. This translates into enough electricity to power

8,000 3-bedroom homes.The process of geothermal energy involves

utilising hot water and steam generated from deep within the earth’s core. Test drilling started in 2007 at the proposed site in Newcastle and, if the project secures planning and licences, wells will be dug with the generation of usable electricity starting in 2012.

The proposed plant at Newcastle would feed into the national grid and provide base load electricity as geothermal energy is a constant, ongoing process and does not need to be switched on for it to generate electricity. This is due to the unique process of geothermal energy as it is unaffected by the seasons or variances in weather conditions.

Managing Director of GT Energy, Padraig Hanly, said: "This plant represents a historic milestone both for Ireland and for our company, as it will be the first facility of its kind in Ireland and will bring on stream a new renew-able energy source, which can contribute sig-nificantly to Ireland's renewable Action Plan and energy targets."

A thriving industryCommenting on the proposal, Minister

lenihan said he believed geothermal energy could develop into a thriving industry for Ireland, adding: "The government are fully committed to facilitating the dynamic progres-sion of this exciting technology in the future."

Plans for Ireland's first geothermal generator