Rathfarnham InformerDecember 2010 • Unit 38, Northwood Court, Santry, Dublin 9 • Tel: 01 813 8786 • Email: info@informer.ie • Web: www.informer.ie

rathFarnham • nutgrove • churchtown • BallyBoden • knocklyon • edmonstown

15,000 copies delivered monthly

when Milo de Bret was granted the lands of Rathfarnham.

It then goes on to give a top five of Rathfarnham with topics such as the top five places of interest, top five children's activities, top five artists and writers, top five hidden Rathfarnham and top five villains and heroes, Robert Emmet being one of the heroes listed in the col-lective top five for the area.

The top five hidden Rathfarnham consists of five unknown visitor attractions which will be of interest to locals and visitors alike.

“This book is a wonderful resource for anyone researching Rathfarnham, its people and envi-rons. Whether it is for pleasure or as part of local history project, the book is a delightful gem!,” added Barbara.

The launch of Rathfarnham Top 5 will take place at Ballyroan Library at 4.30pm on December 16th. For more information, contact 01 4941900.

Pre-Christmas launch for Rathfarnham book

THE launch of a book on Rathfarnham, compiled by members of the local community, will take place this month on December 16th.

Entitled Rathfarnham Top 5, the book is a compilation of the top five of everything in the Rathfarnham area and was the brainchild of local children’s librar-ian, Barbara Coughlan.

“I just put up an advertisement for anyone who was interested in journalism and research as well as local history to come along,” she says.

The project, which took a total of fifteen weeks to compile, took place at Ballyroan library and was primarily aimed at bringing parents and their children together in the creative process.

“In compiling the book, the chil-dren did all the research and writ-ing while the parents and guardians did the pictures and drawings for the book.”

“Ciara Scott took up the chal-lenge of coordinating the project and she met with local children

every Saturday in the library. The commitment shown by all of the families was exceptional.

"A lot of kids gave up soccer practise and all the different leisure activities that they did on a Saturday and came along for the fifteen weeks to work together on the book, taking research trips to plac-es of interest instead," says Barbara.

"They did really good work and it’s a really beautiful book.

The book incorporates historical legends dating back as far as 1199

By Anne Sharkey

Book brings parents and children together in the creative process

n Ballyroan library

why the Bailoutwon't work

opinion page 3

Local Business Personal Ads on the Back Page

new this

month!

Simon Delaney interview

page 10

Bachelor Boy no more

NadiNe Tiepner and Jen-nifer donovan, from Kil-barrack, Co. dublin joined the Kristmas Karaoke wan-nabe’s who turned out on Grafton St. to sing 'Fairy-tale of New York' and help ZozzyTV launch the annual ‘Sing for Simon” Christmas campaign.

To find out more about 'Sing for Simon' or to make a donation visit www.dub-simon.ie. Or log onto www.zozzytv.com to grab some of the limelight. Pic Robbie Reynolds / CPR

christmas Fairytale!

2 The Informer

The Drift

Dublin by

Numbers 6,000This is the number of irish patients who have to re-ceive remedial work after having dental treatment abroad, according to The irish Dental Association. They say that three out of four dentists have car-ried out these type of treatments and warn irish pa-tients of the dangers of being treated abroad. They didn't mention that people seek treatment abroad to avoid the sky-high charges of dentists here.

Dublin Informer

Dublin Informer185,000 copies Citywide

in 10 local editionsSwords Informer

20,000

Lucan Informer15,000

Rathfarnham Informer15,000 Sandyford Informer

20,000

Dún Laoghaire Informer20,000

Blanch Informer25,000

Raheny Informer15,000

Dundrum Informer15,000

Santry Informer15,000

Dublin Informer

Tallaght Informer25,000

185,000 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: gerard@informer.ie

Michael: Mobile: 086 044 4037 • Email: michael@informer.ie

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

Ongar, Littlepace, Huntstown, MulhuddartSantry Informer 15,000 Santry, Kilmore, Beaumont, Whitehall Raheny Informer 15,000 Raheny, Kilbarrack, Edenmore, Clontarf-

Dollymount, KillesterSwords Informer 20,000 Swords, Malahide Tallaght Informer 25,000 Kilnamanagh, Tymon, Firhouse, Oldbawn,

Jobstown, BelgardRathfarnham 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 185,000

Editor: Niall Gormley Unit 38, Northwood Court, Santry, Dublin 9 • info@informer.ie

01 813 8786 • sales@informer.ie • www.informer.ie

Sales Director: Declan Keane • Mobile: 087 9145073

For Advertising Enquiries, please contact: Gerard: Mobile: 086 021 9625 • Email: gerard@informer.ieMichael: Mobile: 086 044 4037 • Email: michael@informer.ie

The month in Quotes"This country is not in a situation or position where it is required in any way to apply for assistance. It doesn’t seem to me to make any sense. It would send a signal to the markets that we are not in a position to manage our affairs ourselves.”Brian Lenihan says Ireland doesn't need a bailout

"I think it is important that people know that from a funding point of view for the State, we have adequate funding right up until July. There are other mechanisms available to us domestically and nationally after that.Brian Cowan says Ireland doesn't need a bailout

"Ireland faces an economic crisis without parallel in its recent history. The problems of low growth, doubts about fiscal sustainability, and a fragile banking sector are now feeding on each other, undermining confidence.Letter from Brian Lenihan and Patrick Honohan formally applying for support from EU and IMF

"I was hoping that I might see a World Cup in my lifetime in England. I wasn't born in '66. If we haven't got it this time, when are we ever going to get it?Alan Shearer, Newcastle legend and former England captain, is gutted by England's failure in its bid to host the 2018 World Cup

"In light of reduced demand for tickets across matches in the upcoming Guinness Series, the Irish Rugby Football Union acknowledges that it made an error in its ticketing strategy and is giving a commitment that it will review its policy at the conclusion of the November Test matches. The IRFU's contrition after acres of empty seats appeared during the autumn internationals at Lansdowne Road

"There is nothing more English than bad sex, so on behalf of the entire nation, I thank you.Rowan Somerville, Irish novelist, who won the Bad Sex in Fiction Prize, for a scene in his book The Shape of Her

"RIP, Leslie Nielsen. Shirley, he will be missed.Russell Brand pays tribute to the late Airplane! and Naked Gun actor.

Q

The Informer

Comment & Debate3

TASC Director Paula Clancy said: “This is not a good deal for Ireland and it is not a bailout for Ireland. It is a bailout for the European banking system by the Irish taxpayer. Responsibility for the crisis does not lie at the door of ordinary Irish peo-ple, but at the door of Irish and European policy-makers, particularly the ECB, which created the conditions that have created the current problem.

“Private institutions – both those in Ireland, and those lending to Irish financial institutions - fuelled the boom through their reckless lending and it is entirely appropriate that they take responsibility.

“The deal is inequitable, won’t work and will either lead to a sovereign default or will condemn the Irish people to a prolonged period of economic stagnation. It is in the interests of the Irish people that the deal be re-negotiated on more favourable terms, including a write-down of at least 50 per cent of the banking debt. This is crucial to economic recovery.

“The burden of the current crisis is bigger than Ireland can manage and can only be solved at European level. There are currently proposals at the EU level for creditors on loans issued after 2013 to absorb some of the losses on severe bank debts.

“The solution to the current crisis has to involve the banking debts being spread between Ireland, the ECB and the European banks themselves. One option would be a debt for equity swap. This would mean that the creditors would take on the banking debts in exchange for ownership of the banks. An alternative solution would be for the ECB to take over the banking debts itself, with Ireland then recompensing the ECB for part of the total amount at a fixed value per annum over a long time period. A third option is to simply insist that the creditors (the bondholders) absorb a portion of the bank

Why the bailout won't workdebts. This would be appropriate as the creditors must take responsibility for their reckless lending.

“TASC is particularly concerned at the decision to include NPRF funds in the deal. By removing the possibility of using the NPRF to fund strategic investments, the agreement concluded between the Government and the IMF-EU effectively shuts the door to economic recovery in the next few years”.

TASC’s analysis of the implications of the EU-IMF deal is summarised below.

Shutting the door to recovery

1. The EU-IMF agreement is a bailout for the banks and other institutions that lent to the Irish banking system, so as to prevent those banks taking losses on their loans

2. The decision to use the National Pension Reserve Fund to run down part of the debt will preclude the State from engaging in targeted growth enhancing stimulus measures and increases the likelihood of a period of economic stagnation.

3. TASC notes that, by extending the deficit reduction target to 2015, the EU-IMF have implic-itly accepted that the proposed austerity measures will dampen the economic growth.

4. The EU has already downgraded our growth prospects for 2011 to 0.9 per cent, implying that the 2014 targets are almost certain not to be met.

5. The bank recapitalisation is a strong signal that a debt-for-equity swap will not be forthcoming, because all of the recapitalisation money would subsequently be lost under a debt for equity swap.

6. The decision not to require the senior bond-holders to pay some of the price for their reckless lending has created a moral hazard.

Low income and vulnerable groups will pay the highest price

7. The agreement concluded between Ireland and the EU-IMF does not reflect European Union plans to eliminate inequality or social exclusion

8. The cut in the Minimum Wage will exacerbate poverty levels. TASC notes the findings of the most recent SILC report which shows that consistent poverty levels increased by 25 per cent in 2009.

9. From an equity point of view, the EU/IMF plan limits spending on social protection and services, effecting vulnerable groups and the economy.

10. The absence of a debt restructuring and the high interest rates imposed will lead to higher inter-est rates in the real economy.

Piling debt upon debt won’t work

11. Beyond a certain threshold, the rate of interest charged simply becomes unsustainable and there is a strong probability that the announced 5.83 per cent rate falls within the category of unsustainable.

12. The scale of the Irish banking debt crisis is so large it can only be resolved at the European level.

13. The four-year plan, and the inability to source funds for targeted investment due to the loss of the NPRF, ensures that Ireland will stagnate.

14. The interest rate charged, and the refusal by

Scrooge Competition WinnerThe winner of two tickets to see Scrooge at the Grand Canal Theatre was Mary Crawte, Woodlawn Drive, Santry, Dublin 9

experienced advertising Sales reps

requiredHigh Commission Rates • Work From Home

Call gerard on 086 021 9625 or email gerard@informer.ie

Dublin Informer

the ECB to countenance a debt write-down, will lead to an annual level of debt interest repayments between €8 billion and €10 billion. This is unsus-tainable given the projected low growth rates.

15. Losses in the banking system will grow as the personal debt/mortgage crisis worsens in 2011 and beyond. Increased losses may lead to more funding needs for banks and will lead to higher interest pay-ments, choking off investment even further.

16. In the absence of a different approach, a bank-ing default and eventually a sovereign default must be considered probable.

There is a way out17. Further lending will not by itself solve

Ireland’s problem: There needs to be a renegotia-tion of the agreement.

18. It is essential that the bank liabilities and the sovereign liabilities be separated.

19. A bank resolution scheme should be enacted as soon as possible.

20. Instead of proceeding with an agreement which will fail, the debt should be split three ways between Ireland, the ECB and the creditor institu-tions: part of the debt should be written down and part of the debt should be taken over by the ECB.

21. The key difficulty associated with forcing senior bondholders to share the burden is that the potential risk of contagion throughout the eurozone associated with such a shock is genuine. But even if the ECB is correct in this, the onus must be on the ECB itself to effect a genuine ‘bailout’ of Ireland, by taking on a portion of the banking debt.

22. The ECB can fund this strategy by placing a tax on European banks.

23. An alternative option would be to pursue a debt for equity swap mechanism. If such a mecha-nism is pursued the Government must take care to ensure a functioning credit system is retained. This may imply that a good bank be set up to take over an existing branch network and keep the payment systems functioning. This could be done with a por-tion of the money in the NPRF.

24. The remaining portion of the NPRF should be used to support an investment strategy.

There are routes out of this crisis. But they are all premised on renegotiating the EU-IMF package in the interests of the Irish people.

It is a bailout for the European

banking system by the Irish taxpayer

EqUALITy think-tank TASC issued its response to the €85 billion EU-IMF agreement with Ireland. Here is an edited version of their views:

Green Scene4 The Informer

Green shoots... Wind power generation hits 1200 MW Irish record an tSlí ghlas - the

green Way launchedIndustry, academic institutions and local authorities have joined forces to develop Ireland’s first Green Economic Zone, An tslí Ghlas - the Green Way.

An tslí Ghlas - the Green Way - which already has a number of enterprises and projects established - has been initiated by a powerful alliance of businesses, academic institutions and local authori-ties including Ballymun regeneration, dublin Airport Authority, dublin City university, dublin Institute of technology, Fingal County Council, dublin City Council and north dublin Chamber.

the goal of An tslí Ghlas - the Green Way is to position Ireland as a centre of Cleantech innovation and enterprise which will link business to investors and develop trade partnerships with other major international green corridors such as the us East Bay Green Corridor Partnership and Lahti Cleantech science Park in Finland.

An tslí Ghlas - the Green Way was conceived in response to the 2009 report of the Government’s High-Level Action Group on Green Enterprise which stated

that “Ireland needs to develop one or more green zones in order to create an environment that can support the devel-opment of green enterprise and be used to market Ireland overseas”.

tony Boyle, Chairman of the steering Committee for the An tslí Ghlas - the Green Way said: “We wish to create an internationally recognised green eco-nomic zone and position Ireland as a leader in the world’s most exciting and rapidly growing sector.

"the potential of this project, which builds on our existing assets and infra-structure, is that it can assist in the trans-formation of our economy.”

Boyle added: “Many projects are already underway. designated Wetlab space for Cleantech industries are at advanced planning stage, the dIt dublin Energy Lab with Ballymun regeneration Ltd is providing training and re-skilling of building trade workers for the clean tech industries.

"dAA are regenerating the airport central area as a hub for Cleantech FdI. dAA have also just launched t2 which will obviously assist in connecting An tslí Ghlas -the Green Way to emerging Cleantech centres in Europe, China, India and the u.s.

POWER generation data from EirGrid confirmed that Ireland’s wind farms hit a new power output record in October of 1196MW at 7.45pm, which accounted for 30.87 percent of total generation at that time.

Commenting on the achieve-ment of this significant milestone in the growth of power generation from Irish wind farms, IWEA Chief Executive, Michael Walsh, said:

Successfully incorporated"Ireland is leading the way in

demonstrating that high levels of power generation from wind are achievable, which can then be suc-cessfully incorporated into our overall power supply mix. Already this year, wind power generation has, on a number of occasions, delivered over half of the electric-ity in Ireland.”

Dr. Walsh added: “As the Irish wind sector grows, we are also developing the knowledge base and skills that the rest of the world

will need to harness renewable energy sources. This delivers major economic and energy secu-rity benefits, including much greater autonomy in setting our energy policies, moderating ener-gy costs as fossil fuels become more expensive, meeting our cli-mate change commitments and maximising sustainable jobs and exports to support Ireland’s eco-nomic renewal.”

Pipeline of wind farm projectsIreland currently has 1,459MW

of installed wind generation capac-ity across the Republic, with over 1,100MW of contracted genera-

tion and a further 3,900MW to receive grid connections in the next phase of the grid connection process known as “Gate 3”. Outside of the current connection process, a significant pipeline of wind farm projects exists with more than 11GW of wind energy projects awaiting grid connection.

Michael Walsh said that the scale and depth of the wind resource available in Ireland meant that if we harness this resource, Ireland would become one of the world’s leading exporters of renewable power.

He said: “In the simplest terms, the opportunity we face is that we should be exporting as much renewable energy in 2020 as we currently consume today. If planned generation capacity is met, we could export up to 5,000 MW of renewable power in ten years, equivalent to our total con-sumption in 2010.

"This will create a €20 billion wind power sector with massive export potential.”

All About Dublin (1)6 The Informer

Edited by Zoz

THERE were a lot of barracks in Dublin, but a surprisingly small number of permanent sol-diers, as this listing from 1835 shows (taken from 'The picture of Dublin: or, Stranger's guide to the Irish metropolis').

"There are within the city of Dublin, or its immediate precincts, seven barracks or military stations, which are capable of affording accom-modation to a garrison of 5500 men.

1. The largest is the Royal Barracks, which is constructed for one regiment of cavalry, and two of infantry; or 2,000 men, exclusive of accom-modation for one general, and numerous staff officers. Attached to this barrack is also an extensive general hospital, capable of receiving more than 200 patients. [now part of the National Museum of Ireland]

2. Richmond Barracks, which are built for two regiments of infantry, or 1,600 men. [Renamed Keogh Barracks after Independence, closed in 1927, the last remaining part is now used by St. Michael's C.B.S., Inchicore.]

3. Portobello Barracks, for one regiment of cavalry, and a detachment of infantry, or about 530 men. [Now Cathal Brugha Barracks.]

4. Island-bridge Barracks, which are appropri-ated to the Royal Artillery, with accommodation for upwards of 500 men. [Renamed Clancy Barracks in 1942, sold for development in 2001.]

5. The New Depot, situated at Beggar's Bush,

which is constructed for about 320 infantry. [Closed down in the 1920s, now housing and various government institutions.]

6. South Great George's-street Barrack, which is calculated for 300 infantry, and is the head quarters of the Recruiting Establishment. [One of several temporary barracks built during the risings of 1798 and 1803.]

7. Pigeon-house Fort, which accommodates a

detachment of the Royal Artillery and another of infantry, amounting together to 250 men. Here is also an armoury, and the principal depot for ordnance stores in this country. Considerable additions have been lately made to the defences of the Fort, and it is now considered perfect." [Closed in 1897 - little remains, part of the gate-way and a section of sea wall complete with gun loops.]

This page was researched with the help of

On the barracks of Dublin Lesser known DubsGarnet Wolseley

A Dub who was immortalised in a song from 1879 which is still performed today ... is completely unknown in his native city.

The song was Gilbert and Sullivan's 'Major-General's Song' in the 'Pirates of Penzance' - "I am the very model of a modern Major-General, I've information vegetable, animal, and mineral, etc., etc.", and the Dub who inspired it was a larger-than-life character, Field Marshal The Rt. Hon. Sir Garnet Joseph Wolseley, 1st Viscount Wolseley, KP, GCB, OM, GCMG, VD, PC.

The first son of a British General, Wolseley was born in 1833 at Golden Bridge. At age 19 he joined the British Army, a year later he was fighting in Burma, got injured and mentioned in dispatches, and was pro-moted to lieutenant.

Sent back to Dublin he joined the 90th Infantry, and in 1854 found himself in the Crimea - he was attached to the Royal Engineers during the during the Siege of Sevastopol and was wounded twice - losing an eye in August 1855.

Promoted to Captain, he was one of the last British >>> Continued on page 8

All About Dublin (2)8 The Informer

Edited by Zoz

HEuston station was built in the 1840s as the terminus and headquarters of the Great southern and Western railway Company. the reason, of course, that dublin doesn't have a Grand Central station but instead has several unconnected ones in various parts of the city is that they were built by com-peting private railway companies in the nineteenth century.

the station was originally called Kingsbridge. sean Heuston, who was shot at dawn on May 8th 1916 by the British authorities for his part in the Easter rising, worked at the station as a minor employee of the Great southern and Western railway Company.

the building was designed by sir John Macneill, who was engineer to the company. He came up with an early and rather fine example of a large Victorian iron and glass railway station in the form of a renaissance palace. It has recently been extensively refurbished and had a Luas tram station added on to the eastern side.

Beside the station is dr steevens' Hospital, an even finer building and much older. It dates from the early

eighteenth century. dr richard steevens was regius Professor of Physics in trinity College. When he died, in 1710, he left his estate to his sister Grizel with the stipulation that on her death the remaining money would be used to found a general hospital in the city. But Grizel didn't wait. she kept just £ 150 a year for her own upkeep and used the rest to start on the hospital immedi-ately.

It opened in 1733 and the architect was thomas Burgh. He was rather a good architect who also designed the Long Library in trinity College and Collins Barracks. the hospital is basically in the form of a courtyard surrounded by Italianate piazzas - the clock tower was added in 1736. It functioned as a hospital until 1987. It now houses Health service Executive administrators. the change from philanthropic health care to administration may say some-thing about the evolution of medicine in modern Ireland.

An excerpt from "The Liffey - Portrait of a River", with text by Dick Warner, and paint-ings by Rosemary Burns. Published by Cottage Publications.

A Place in the City

Heuston StationLesser known Dubs

Garnet Wolseley

soldiers to leave the Crimea (taking home several mentions in dispatches, and medals from the French and the Turks).

Next stop China - he was shipwrecked on the way - and on reaching Singapore was promptly sent to Calcutta to put down the Indian Mutiny. Again he found himself in the thick of it - at Bari, Sarsi, Nawabganj, the capture of Faizabad, the passage of the Gumti and the action of Sultanpur (etc., - simply put, wherever there was fighting, there you would find him). At the end of the rebellion he was promoted to a lieutenant-colo-nel (and again received a brace of medals).

Back to China - the capture of Tang-ku, the storming of the Taku Forts, the Occupation of Tientsin, and the entry into Peking - another two medals were in the bag.

Next stop was Canada where life proved uneventful for a while - luckily for him the American Civil War broke and he took time off to hang around the major players on the Confederate Side (Generals Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, and Stonewall Jackson among others.)

Back in Canada he was actively involved in

putting down the Fenian raids from the U.S., and commanded an expedition to establish Canadian authority over the Northwest Territories and Manitoba.

In 1873 he was in command of an expedition to Ashanti in West Africa - he com-pleted his mission after several battles in two months. He got pro-moted to major general, again got a medal or two, and received the Freedom of London.

Further campaigns followed - he ended up with yet more medals and was created Viscount Wolseley, of Wolseley in the County of Stafford, and a Knight of St Patrick.

In 1890 he was given command in Ireland and was promoted to be a field marshal in 1894. A year later he was appointed "com-mander-in-chief of the forces."

Lord Wolseley was appointed colonel-in-chief of the Royal Irish Regiment in 1898, and, in 1901, was made Gold Stick in Waiting to King Edward VII.

He died on March 26, 1913, at Menton on the French Riviera and was buried in the crypt of St Paul's Cathedral, London.

>>> Continued from page 6

CPC.iE, ireland’s CPC spe-cialists have now trained over 20,000 drivers in their “nation-ally acclaimed” Driver and Transport Management CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) Courses. CPC.iE has been delivering Transport Training Courses for 25 years at 30 venues throughout the country.

All professional Truck and Bus drivers must now attend a one day training course per year and according to Tony hynes of CPC.iE, whilst a lot of drivers were hesitant and sceptical about the course ini-tially, the feedback has been brilliant. The drivers who have attended the Driver CPC mod-ules with CPC.iE are extreme-ly enthusiastic about the course and have praised the practicality of the content. in the current economic environ-ment operators have been very impressed with the cost savings which can be applied to the bottom line. Others, because of the relevance of the subject matter, have even attended the course even though they are not obliged to. For example Orla Canton, who did a Transport Manager CPC course with CPC.iE,

attended the Driver CPC Module 1 training recently, even though she is not obliged to do this training. Orla enthused that “this course is brilliant and, even though i didn’t have to do it, i found it very useful, money saving, great value and totally practi-cal”.

Tony has been inundated with enquiries from the haul-age and passenger industry for the Driver CPC course and this should be seen an excel-lent reflection on the industry and on how positively the training is being received. “This training is a win/win situ-ation for everyone concerned and most importantly will pro-mote excellence in road safe-ty and accident prevention” according to Tony hynes of CPC.iE.

CPC.iE are offering a special Christmas Offer of €49 for the Driver CPC Course for all informer read-ers. You can also view their DVD (as seen on TV) on CPC.iE or you can contact 066-7185556; 087-6363003; or at tony@cpc.ie.

New driver CpC – 20,000 drivers trained

ROuTinE! The great and silent killer of ire-land’s household financial woes. “Ah sure I got a great quote off them five years ago so i never bother looking at it”... “Well it goes out by direct debit every month so i don’t need to worry about it”... “Well they usually give the best prices don’t they?”…

Like the film itself many Irish people are just as comfortable managing their bills as they would be in a cage with a T-Rex. Only difference being that a T-Rex would probably take the mind off pay cuts and levies and grab the attention more than any financial adviser.

99% of irish households have the same filing system – an armoured box full of re-

ceipts, statements and bills and only for use in the event of emergencies! it never fails to amaze me that nearly every household we deal with produces one these famous boxes and admits sheepishly that whilst they don’t look at their finances very often “everything you need is in here.

if you are one of these people, then breathe a sigh of relief because there is contagion (new buzz word) to this mad-ness. Thankfully help is at hand because at www.home-saver.ie we pride ourselves on being able to digest all of your finances and give you a straightforward path to financial freedom and regain control of your new World.

The Lost World: Irish Household Finances

read your local

Informer edition

online at our

revamped website

The paper opens online the same way it does in your hand

informer.ieCHeCk OuT THe neW InfOrMer PerSOnAl

ADS On THe bACk PAGeTo advertise your business directly to thousands of homes

locally email personal@informer.ie or call 813 8786

Informer Interview10 The Informer

A bachelor boy no moreWhere were you born and where did you grow up?Born and reared in Raheny, on the Sunny Northside of Dublin.

Fondest childhood memory?Walking home from school at the age of four, I’d had enough at that stage. Mind you, the look on my mothers face as I walked up the drive, now that was priceless!

Are you married, children?Married to Lisa, and we have two boys, Cameron is four and Elliot is two.

First paid job?Selling portraits (yes, portraits!) door to door. I made £4 in my first week.

How did you start your acting career, was it tough, explain?I started doing shows with my local musical society, Cameron musical and dramatic society in Edenmore. From there, I went on to guest with other groups, and went on doing plays, panto’s and musicals for ten years. Great training for what was to come!

Do you think it’s hard for people looking to get into acting now?I don't think it’s any more difficult than it was ten years ago, however, I think more and more people are going into the business for the wrong reasons, namely in search of fame. If that's your motivation for becoming an actor, you made the wrong choice of career I’m afraid!

What acting role would you really like to try?I would love to perform on Broadway, in a musical. I was lucky enough to make my West End debut in 2006, with ‘Stones in his pockets’, so Broadway is still left on my ‘to-do’ list!

Do prefer theatre or TV acting?I prefer the stage, but my bank manager prefers the screen!

Do you think that you have been pigeon-holed as a comedy actor now with the public?I don't think so. There’s no doubt I tend to get offered more comedic roles, and I suppose that’s because the majority of my screen work to date has been comedy dramas. Having said that, my latest part was in Sean Penn’s new movie ‘This must be the place’, which is most definitely not a com-edy!

Who are your acting heroes?My favourite actor is Jack Lemmon. His variety of roles, from comedy (Some Like It Hot) to drama (Glengarry Glenross) made him one of the most versatile and talented actors of all time.

What project have you been working on at the moment?Directing panto at the moment, ‘Beauty and the Beast’, at the Tivoli thea-tre, just finished directing the German premiere of ‘stones in his pockets’, and then after Christmas, we start filming the 2nd series of ‘Roy’ for BBC/RTE.

Plans for the future, do you have the bright lights of Hollywood in range?I’ve just landed my first job stateside, a movie called ‘Living Impaired’, which shoots next April in North Carolina, alongside Julia Ormond (Legends of the Fall).

Are you optimist or pessimistic on Ireland’s future?I’m always optimistic with regard to the Irish people, and their spirit, but alas I have no faith in the people who are driving the bus. I think they have wronged the people of this country, and in particular my generation, who for the second time in their lives, are being faced with the prospect of hav-ing to emigrate, in order to survive.

Simon DelaneyKevin O'Brien talks to actor

Simon Delaney about his

career and future plans

"I think more and more people are going into the

business for the wrong reasons,

namely in search of fame"

"Broadway is still left on my

‘to-do’ list"

"I’ve just landed my

first job stateside, a movie

called ‘Living Impaired’,"

"I’m always optimistic with regard to the

Irish people, and their spirit, but alas I have no

faith in the people who are driving

the bus"n Simon in his appearance in RTE's 'Who Do You Think You Are'?

11

Garden Growing12 The Informer

Gerry Norton, Living Landescapes, 97 Church Avenue,

Drumcondra, Dublin 9Tel: 087-2462724

or emaillivinglandescapes@eircom.net

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 livinglandes-capes@eircom.net.

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.

AS I write this month's article on the last day of November, the weather outside couldn’t be worse and it’s not even December yet!

I really hope that we don’t get a repeat of last winter's pro-longed snow and freezing tem-peratures. However, there is nothing we can do except be ready for whatever we get.

Protect those plantsLast winter taught us a lot of

hard lessons about protecting plants. We all lost supposedly ‘hardy’ plants and in order for this not to happen again an effi-cient and cheap way to protect shrubs etc., is to cover them with horticultural fleece. It is widely available in garden centres and DIY shops and it is still not too late to do this, but hurry!

In addition, if bigger shrubs and small trees get covered in snow and ice, it is vital that you use a brush or stick to shake it off as snow and ice will do huge damage if left on branches. Last

winter a vast amount of Cordylines died throughout the country as a result of ice and snow resting on their branches.

Feeding the birdsDue to the cold weather my

garden is full of birds. All the usual suspects are there except the ‘Blackcap’ who hasn’t shown up just yet.

I’m doing my utmost to keep the magpies and pigeons away as they will eat more in five min-utes than the smaller birds would in a day.

Speaking of feeding the birds, a regular reader of my column in the Informer has a problem with vermin, i.e. 'Rattus Norvegicus’, that’s rats to you and me. They are feasting on the crumbs which fall to the ground under the bird feeders.

I’ve suggested putting trays under the feeders and some other ideas. Has any reader a better solution? Email me please with any creative/innovative ways to get rid of these unwanted visitors

Dealing with the snow and ice

and I’ll gladly pass them on.

Keep off the lawn!During this cold weather it is

absolutely vital that you do not damage your lawn by walking on it or pushing a wheelbarrow over it. As the grass is frozen you will do serious damage.

If there is a break soon in the weather during December, you could give the lawn a last quick haircut but only if it needs it and only if we get reasonable, dry weather. Otherwise put the

mower away, or better still make a plan to have it serviced during January or February so it’s ready for next year.

Next year's vegOnce the frost has gone, think

seriously about growing your own vegetables next year.

Apart from the wonderful taste and freshness of your own vege-tables, you can save a small for-tune when it comes to shopping and now that the ‘IMF’ (Institute of Miserable Feckers) have come

With Gerry Norton

here to tell us how to live, the more we grow, the more we save.

Keep an eye outFinally, my tip of the month for

December is to please make sure to call into your elderly neigh-bours to check if they need milk or bread or whatever.

They are infinitely more impor-tant than the birds we love so much. Have a very happy and stress free Xmas.

14 The Informer

family focus

WITH only a few weeks left until Christmas, the sense of excitement in most family homes will be build-ing as children can’t wait for Santa’s visit and are oblivious to their parents’ household budgets. But there are ways to keep that festive cheer without break-ing the bank.

Set up a kriskindle or Secret Santa – put a spend-ing limit on adults’ presents in your extended family and pick names out of a hat. That way you only have to buy one adult present and everybody gets one present. Alternatively, don’t buy presents for adults and con-centrate on gifts for chil-

dren instead.Talk to other parents and

see if you can swap toys to make the most of what you already have. A toy that doesn’t appeal to one child may be a dream come true for another one.

Check out ebay, charity shops and school Christmas fairs in your area – often

Cut down the cost of Christmas

n BABIES ArE CuTE: And especially when decked out in cute Christmas outfits, like this reindeer faux fur pramsuit, approx 20 euro from Mamas and Papas (phone 1890 882 363 for stockists). We reckon your baby could wear this practical item all winter long.

people decide to declutter as Christmas gets nearer and you can pick up classic board games with all the pieces and the original box, a bag of bricks or construc-tion toys or a big toy some-one no longer has space for at home.

Re-gifting can be a win-win situation for everyone – if someone gave you something that you didn’t like last Christmas but you think someone else might like, why not pass it on – but not back to the same person obviously!

Write a list of everyone you have to buy for and allocate a set amount of money to each one, and then stick to it. Going out with a vague idea of what you want and a credit card allows shops to encourage you to impulse buy and spend more than you can afford.

Write a food and alcohol

budget too – some items could be bought in the weeks coming up to Christmas, spreading the cost. The shops are only closed for two days over Christmas, so there’s no need to go too crazy.

Use cash if you can – that way you won’t get a nasty surprise in January. Look back at last year’s January bills and try to leave that amount of money available for January 2011 so that can afford to pay your bills.

If you are on low income and are under pressure to borrow for Christmas con-tact your local Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) office to see what options for afford-able credit are available to you. Helpline number 1890 283 438. MABS have 62 drop-in offices throughout the country staffed by pro-fessional money advisors. Check out www.mabs.ie

A Pregnancy CompanionIF you’re looking for a gift for a preg-nant friend, check out Pregnancy Companion from Murdoch Books.

Written by no less than seven doc-tors, this is a factual ringbound book giving you some great information. What we like is the format – you can fill in your own notes on what it was like to be pregnant and what you did when, and then the book will become a diary of your experience.

Unfortunately the information inside is not written with an Irish experience in mind, but much of what’s included will be relevant. £12.99stg from bookshops.

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: andrew@squaremile.ie • W: www.squaremile.ie

Working on the four-Year PlanTHE Government has revealed its National Recover Plan and it is clear that no one will escape unscathed by the announcements. Reductions in tax bands and credits will bring more people into the tax system and the introduction of other cuts and charges will leave everyone worse off.

What can you do immediately to ease the pain? Well here are four steps that you can take immediately to put more money in your pocket.

Set up your tax credit certificate correctlyIt amazes me how many mistakes I find on these certificates. Your

net pay is determined by the information on this document. Within limits tax bands can be shared between spouses in order to pay less tax at the higher rate. If your salary has decreased recently or if you or your partner has become unemployed then your certificate may need to be amended to reflect this in order to reduce your tax liabili-ty.

Where relevant you should claim credits for your union subs, rent relief, service charges, dependent relative allowance, flat rate expens-es, medical expenses and so on. You could be wasting money year after year by not setting this certificate up properly.

review your health cover and get your children covered for freeThousands of customers will be renewing their insurance in

January. Therefore insurance companies will be competing like never before to attract new customers and keep hold of existing customers. At least two companies will be offering free cover for children on certain plans in December. This could save a family with two children €380 per year. You are free to change your insurance anytime so take advantage of these offers immediately.

Make your single premium pension contribution early

PRSI and Health Levy relief will disappear altogether in 2011 so if you wait until next year to make a single premium contribution to your pension you will miss out on this additional relief. Therefore, if you can afford to, it is prudent to make a single premium payment before 31st of December 2010 to avail of this relief before it disap-pears.

In addition to this, tax relief on pension planning will be decreased from a maximum of 41% to 20% by 2014. The first drop will not occur until 2012 so the sooner you make contributions to your pension the better in order to avail of the higher relief.

review your life cover arrangementsCompanies have reduced their premiums significantly as they chase

new business. You are free to change your policy at any time by replacing it with a new policy. You can get a quote to compare cover in matter of minutes so it’s easy to find out if you can substantial amounts here.

For further information on the health insurance offers mentioned above, a life cover quote or if you would like a free initial review of you tax credit certificate please contact me on 087 287 5256 or by email at andrew@squaremile.ie.

10 ways to save money in a recessionWiTh all the recent reports in the media relating to tax increas-es and spending cuts it is worth knowing that there are still a number of ways you can significantly reduce your monthly out-goings with very little effort.

4 switch your Gas and Electricity to Airtricty or Bord Gais Energy and save on average between 10% - 14% on your energy costs

4 Review your Mortgage Protection with smartQuotes.ie. Big savings on your monthly premium as well as 70% off for the first twelve months. Go online to smartQuotes.ie or call 01 6853813

4 switch from nTL/ sky to Freesat and have no monthly TV cable bill

4 switch to a monitored alarm from Knight security and save up to 20% every year on your home insurance. Go to www.smartquotes.ie/ks

4 Review the re-build cost of your home for home insurance. You may be over-insured. Go to www.scs.ie for further details

4 Ring your health insurance provider and ask to switch to the equivalent Corporate Plan. This applies to Vhi, Quinn and Aviva and can save up to 20% by making one phone call!

4 Claim all your tax credits and get a refund of any overpaid tax. Go to www.payroll.ie for further details

4 switch to e-mobile pay as you go and get unlimited calls from €10 per week. This may help you to also get rid of your home phone

4 no more late fees on DVD’s/Games. Join www.onlinedvd-rentals.ie and get 12 months for the price of 10 by entering the code sMART

4 Buy a Gosave.ie card, help your chosen charity and save money on a range of local and national services

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: info@informer.ie • Web: www.informer.ie

IT is billed as the quickest way to a 'non-surgical facelift', so it's no wonder beauty experts are waxing lyrical about it! The paraffin wax facial, a thermal mask painted on to the skin and then kept warm under infra-red light, is the latest A-list craze in the quest for more youthful skin.

Sophie Dahl, Denise Van Outen and Angelica Houston are big fans of the paraffin wax mask treatment which is said to keep the skin looking youthful.

The treatment begins with a half hour of intensive facial massage.

During the massage, which is known as the Lift & Sculpt Facial, moisturising oils are used to massage and stimulate the skin cells and a 'deep-tissue' kneading technique is used to give softer, plumper skin.

A specially formulated peach and lavender thermal paraffin wax mask is painted on to the skin while warm and left on for half an hour.

This helps the skin absorb the moisturising oils which soothes and relaxes the facial muscles to help release tension and leave the skin bright and glowing. The wax is kept warm under an infra-red light so that it doesn't solidify before it is peeled off.

This facial is a wonderful treat for a cold, winter's evenings. The warm wax helps you feel like you're in the tropics! The massage and wax helps boost circulation in the skin and relax the facial muscles.

The warmth of the mask helps penetrate the active ingredients used during the facial deep into the skin, leaving it ‘soft and smooth.'. Paraffin Wax is very softening and is very good as a skin treatment. There is an instant and noticeable result after one session!

For maximum benefits it advisable to have two to three treatments close together and then monthly.

However, this treatment is not suitable if your skin is sensitive to heat or wax. Those with dermatitis, burns, skin rashes, open wounds and any such skin condition should also avoid paraffin wax treat-ment

Linda, Senior TherapistRathgar Laser & Beauty Clinic 01-4976434

www.rathgarlaserandbeauty.ie

18 The Informer

Health & beautySay hello to Shellac

from Creative AcademyCND (Creative Nail Design), the leader in professional nail, hand and foot beauty, is delighted to introduce the first hybrid nail colour ever. Now you can say good-bye to chips, smudges, and dry time and say hello to Shellac™ Hybrid Nail Colour! This revolutionary product applies like polish, wears flawlessly for 14 days of high gloss shine, and is removed in minutes.

Shellac is applied directly to the natural nail, no filing or buffing of any kind is need-ed. It paints on like polish – base coat, colour, top coat – and is cured in a UV light so there is zero dry time. The application time is approximately 25 minutes so you can be in & out of the salon in half your lunchbreak! Shellac colours are hypo-allergenic, and

“3-Free” – no formaldehyde, toluene or DBP. The formula is thin and flexible like polish, so it not only looks natural, it provides strong natu-ral nail protection with a resilient mirror finish that resists dullness and chipping, even during the most rigorous activities.

As amazing as Shellac is on, removal is just as satisfying! No soak-ing, drilling or filing is necessary. Nails are wrapped in individual Shellac Remover Wraps – integrated cotton pads that limit finger and skin exposure to acetone by keeping it pinpointed on just the nail. 3 - 5 minutes of time in exchange for two weeks of perfect colour is all it takes. Say good-bye to manicure frustration and hello to pure mani-cure satisfaction.

CND will unveil 12 new Shellac shades in February 2011, with col-ours ranging from beige to black. This exciting addition expands the Shellac line to 24 chic shades plus countless layering options. Shellac addicts will now have more choices for the convenience of a 14-day manicure.

Shellac Salons nationwide can be viewed on our website www.crea-tiveacademy.ie or alternatively call us at 01 4295122 ext 2 to find a salon in your area.

The new non invasive lift and sculpt facial

Beauty this Winter

NEW Lift & Sculpt Facial see article above re details of this fabulous anti ageing facial

Microdermabrasion €50 (normally €99)

Fake Bake Spray Tan €25

01 4976434

www.rathgarlaserandbeauty.ie4-6 orwell road, rathgar, dublin 6

€75Normally e125

Lots of Account and Cash Work!Call 087 628 6901

DRIVERS URGENTLY REqUIRED

MY name is Lisa Keogh and I am a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI) with Baby Massage Ireland, the Irish chapter of the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM).

Baby massage has been used for thousands of years, as a way to bond with and care for babies. It enables the person massaging the baby to recognise what baby likes and dislikes. By learning your babies cues it makes it easier for your baby to com-municate his / her feelings, and for you to meet those needs.

Benefits of baby massage: • Baby massage has many benefits for both the

baby and the care giver. • Benefits for babies: • Supports the bonding process • Improves the blood circulation, digestion, and

balance • The baby learns how to relax and become

calmer • The baby feels respected that his/her needs are

cared for and respected • Can improve sleep patterns • May provide relief for colicky symptoms and

digestive problems

Benefits for parents: • Supports bonding and relaxation • Increased parental competence in relating to and

handling the baby • Increases prolactin / oxytocin (the hormone

which furthers "motherly instincts" and wellbeing)

• Baby massage class offers parents and care givers the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences, and also to meet new people

Classes are run for approx 1 hour, over 4 weeks, and are best suited for babies aged 6 weeks to pre-crawlers. Classes are designed to be small, with a maximum of 8 parents / caregivers.

It is important that both parents / care givers, and babies are relaxed, and are having an enjoyable experience. You are free to tend to your baby in any way throughout the class i.e. feed, change, or com-fort your baby. You know your baby best.

I am currently running classes in Slievemore Clinic, Stillorgan. Baby massage is also a reclaim-able maternity expense from most health care pro-viders, as they recognise the health benefits of baby massage.

VHI, Quinn, and Aviva refund €100 towards baby massage under most policies - please check with your health care provider. For more details on my classes, please see www.massagesbymummy.com, or you can contact me on 087-9903801.

Learn to massage baby

A Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year

to all our Readers and Advertisers

from everybody here at 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

eoin@mccabespharmacy.com or by post to McCabe's Pharmacy, Ridgewood,

Swords, Co. Dublin.

q: My doctor has suggested that I may have “white coat syndrome”. She says that it makes it difficult to get an accu-rate blood pressure reading but has put me on blood pressure medication any-way. I don't like taking these tablets as they make my ankles swell. I know it's important to take them if my blood pressure is high but I'm concerned that I may not really need them. Is there any way to overcome this white coat syn-drome?

A: “White coat syndrome” is a phenome-non where blood pressure increases in a clinical setting, such as when a doctor is measuring blood pressure in the surgery. It is thought that this temporary increase in blood pressure is primarily due to anxiety although other factors may be involved.

It can lead to difficulties in correctly diagnosing high blood pressure and can lead to people with otherwise normal blood pressure being needlessly treated. Although less common, the opposite can also occur. This is called “masked hyper-tension” where blood pressure is elevated during daily living, but not in a clinical setting.

A very useful alternative to blood pres-sure measurement in the surgery is

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM). This is a method whereby blood pressure is measured at regular intervals, usually over a 24 hour period.

It has a number of advantages over tradi-tional blood pressure checks. It can show how blood pressure varies over the course of the day and continue to measure blood pressure at night. If someone is taking blood pressure medication, it can show if the effect of the medicine wears off in the hours before the next dose is due. It can also eliminate white coat syndrome and can “unmask” masked hypertension.

McCabe's Pharmacy are now offering a 24 ABPM service. We offer this service using the dabl® ABPM Pharmacy System which is the product of evidence based medical research with the most up-to-date standards and knowledge available. A small monitor is attached to the waist, which is connected to cuff on the arm. This device will record blood pressure over a 24 hour period.

The data is then uploaded into a system which will instantly generate a report which you are then advised to take to your GP. This service is available for a modest charge at our branches in Pavillions, Clarehall and Dundrum Shopping Centres.

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.

Overcoming 'White Coat Syndrome'Q: I have been prescribed Dona Sachets to treat arthritis in my hip. I have been taking them for about 3 weeks but have not noticed any benefit. Is there any point continuing to take them? I still suffer from stiffness for about 30 minutes after getting up in the morning and my right hip joint goes stiff if I've been sitting down for a while.

A: Dona Sachets contain a medicine called glucosamine. Although Dona Sachets are only available on prescrip-tion, other glucosamine formulations are available without a prescription.

Glucosamine is a substance found naturally in cartilage and joint fluid and is used to treat osteoarthritis. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage (a sort of smooth covering of bones where they meet to form a joint) becomes worn and rough, leading to bones rubbing together at the joints, causing pain and stiffness.

Glucosamine helps in the produc-tion of smooth cartilage and healthy synovial (joint) fluid. It also has some

anti-inflammatory action.Glucosamine has been shown to be

effective in treating osteoarthritis, although its effect is quite a gradual one. Therefore 3 weeks is probably too early to notice much benefit from taking it. Unless your doctor has advised you otherwise, I would sug-gest that you continue to take it, and just bear in mind that any effect will be quite slow to take effect.

There are also other things you can do that may help with your arthritis. Heat can be effective for relieving stiff joints. Applying a heat pack to your hip in the morning or after sitting down for a while may be effective.

Paracetamol is generally regarded as the most effective painkiller for osteoarthritis. This should be taken at the maximum recommended dose, but remember to get your doctor's advice before starting any long term treatment.

Omega-3 oils are also beneficial in the treatment of arthritis, but check with your doctor first if you are dia-betic or taking aspirin or any other blood thinner.

20 The Informer

Dublin Advice

A COMMON theme that is emerging in my counselling practice is an increase in workplace stress. Salary cuts, redundancies and threats of closure have radically changed the work environment for managers and staff in the last couple of years. Many people are under pressure to work longer hours, meet tighter deadlines, carry a greater workload and manage with fewer resources and less support than ever.

The knock-on effect for individuals means increased occupational stress, which is more strongly associated with health complaints than

Maeve Halpin is a Registered Counselling Psychologist. Appletree Health and Wellness, No 122. Ranelagh Village, Dublin 6.

Contact: 087-2877837Email: maeve@maevehalpincounselling.com

www.maevehalpincounselling.com

learning to cope with workplace stress any other life stressor - more so than even financial or family prob-lems. Typical symptoms of workplace stress can include insomnia, constant fatigue, loss of interest in work, irritability, increased alcohol intake, unexplained illnesses like recurrent headaches or digestive problems, and inability to “switch off” outside work hours. If the stress continues, longer term problems can include heart problems, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and even suicide.

Though many of the causes of stress are outside the individual's control, there are steps that can be taken to ensure that stress is defused, rather than being allowed to build up into a health crisis. People differ in what they find stressful and, equally, in what they find relaxing, so a certain amount of experimentation may be necessary to find out what works best for each person.

Do you contribute to your own stress levels?Most of us do. By taking on too much, not confronting difficult

people and trying to please everybody, we can end up making impos-sible demands on ourselves. Begin to recognise your own unhelpful habits – especially those that haven't changed over time. They might be procrastination, feeling over-responsible, perfectionism, lateness, or an inability to say “no”.

These stress factors are within our “sphere of influence”, i.e. behav-iours over which we have control. They are related to individual personality, not to the job. Taking small steps to respond in new ways to everyday situations, like staying calm if you typically get angry, can greatly reduce stress levels and restore a feeling of empower-ment.

Taking care of the basics“Self-care” is a term that covers all the nourishing, strengthening

and supportive things we need to do regularly to maintain a healthy

body, mind and nervous system. It includes eating healthily, taking exercise, getting enough sleep, having quality time with family and friends, and having fun. Taking the opportunity to offload problems and discuss possible solutions, with a trusted colleague, friend or partner, can be invaluable. Try to make time for a daily relaxation habit: the deeply calming effects of practices such as yoga, tai chi, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation are now well docu-mented by the medical profession. Building in non-negotiable “me” time into your week will help ensure a good life/work balance and keep work problems in perspective.

When counselling can helpTalking through issues can provide a great sense of relief when we

are feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Many people not want to burden those close to them with their problems, or they may feel they need an outside opinion. This is when counselling can be useful. The counsel-lor provides a confidential, non-judgemental space to discuss difficul-ties and consider options. Unhelpful patterns of behaviour can be recognised and changed. New methods of responding to stressful situ-ations can be identified.

Often just a few sessions are enough to gain some new insight into how to deal with difficulties, or to relieve the burden of negative feel-ings. Developing new skills to respond to and alleviate stress can give you the skills and self-knowledge that can become a lifelong resource for healthy living and peace of mind.

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 recruitment@comfortkeepers.ie

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: recruitment@comfortkeepers.ie

www.comfortkeepers.ie

CHeCk OuT THe neW InfOrMer PerSOnAl ADS On THe bACk PAGeTo advertise your business directly to thousands of homes locally email personal@informer.ie or call 813 8786

Informer Classifieds... Informer Classifieds... Informer Classifieds...Plumber... Painter... Decorator... Cleaning... Drains... Windows... Gardening... Sheds... Catering... Decorating... Rubbish... Gates... Chimney... Repairs... Electrical... Blinds... Tiling...

advertISe YoUr trade or ServICe Heree120PlUS vat

reaCHIng 185,000 HoMeSCall 01-813 8786

Nak cLEaNiNg SErvicESCARPETS / UPHOLSTERY / MATTRESSES

OVENS / COBBLELOCK / DECKING / PATIO

Give Nigel a call 01-8226431 / 087-9872713nakwilliamson@gmail.com

Getting ready for Christmas?For all your

cleaning needs

n TV Presenter Lucy Kennedy and Alex Furey (10) Malahide, pictured with some skipping ropes from a Oxfam shop

Oxfam Ireland Dublin shops asks people to give presents that really mean something this ChristmasThis november and December, Oxfam ireland is urging locals to choose their Christmas presents from its alternative gifts catalogue unwrapped.

The Oxfam ireland unwrapped catalogue is chock full of inspiring gift ideas so you can avoid the mistake of buying someone a dull or uninspiring Christmas present. instead you can choose meaningful life-changing gifts like clean Drinking water, school books and animals for people living in developing countries throughout Eastern and southern Africa.

The Oxfam unwrapped gift goes to a family

or a community in the countries that Oxfam ireland works and who need it most. so when you choose an Oxfam unwrapped gift you make a real difference to people’s lives.

According to Oxfam's Peter Anderson, “Last year, between city and county, Dublin raised a staggering €138,000. if that figure can be matched again it would help hundreds of families in Africa. it’s not every day your shopping list includes an entire fruit and veg-etable garden or teacher training, it might well feature a turkey but not one whose job is to be a life changer.”

This year the Oxfam ireland unwrapped

range of gifts has increased again, with eight fantastic new gifts including: 3 bags of seeds (€7), Turkey (€20), Feed a family (€23), Mum and baby (€36), Teach a teacher (€45), Pair of rabbits (€25), Emergency kit for a family (€39) and, new and exclusive to the unwrapped range of gifts in 2010, the unwrapped Gift voucher.

You can purchase an unwrapped gift online at www.oxfamireland.org/unwrapped, over the phone by calling1850 30 40 55, or in Oxfam ireland shops, to find your nearest Oxfam shop in Dublin visit http://www.oxfamireland.org/shop/shop-branches

22 The Informer

Dublin GAAfuture bright on the Dublin GAA sceneALL in all 2010 wasn’t a bad year for Dublin inter-county teams. The Dublin senior ladies footballers finally reached the ‘holy grail’ in winning the Brendan Martin Cup while the Dublin Under-21 footballers also brought home the All-Ireland trophy after their victory over Donegal in Breffni Park, Cavan.

The Dublin senior footballers despite not reaching or winning the All-Ireland title had a success-ful year. They endured a dreadful championship start where they just narrowly beat Wexford after extra time in the Leinster quar-ter final and then bowed out of Leinster after a heavy defeat to Meath. However, manager Pat Gilroy lifted the players through the qualifiers beating Tipperary, Armagh, Louth and Tyrone to reach the All-Ireland semi-final where they eventually bowed out to eventual champions Cork.

Many positives came out of the championship run. Bernard Brogan showed what a true marksman he is. His all-round game improved immensely over

the last twelve months and it was no surprise that he was named footballer of the year. The performances of the newer players like Michael Darragh McAuley, Rory O’Carroll and Philip McMahon gave hope for the future. Along with the tal-ent coming through from the under 21’s, Dublin should be in a stronger position going into 2011.

On the hurling front the disap-pointment of losing out to Antrim in the All-Ireland qualifiers was felt by all. In a game that Dublin were completely controlling they somehow allowed Antrim to score seven unanswered points to pip them at the finish. Was it a case of 'second sea-son syndrome'? Well, that could be debated long into the night. Drawn against Kilkenny in the Leinster semi-final, life was going to be difficult. The ‘Cats’ were in no mood to be gener-ous and ran out easy winners. Beating Clare was a good scalp in the qualifiers but the Antrim loss cancelled this out.

Positives for Anthony Daly and his management team was the performances of the under 21’s who defeated Kilkenny and Wexford on their way to a Leinster title before succumb-ing to Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final.

In camogie, Dublin are going through a building process again following their good years in winning the All-Ireland junior title. But junior and senior are too different kettles of fish and the transition to the senior ranks has proved difficult. The year

wasn’t helped with the number of injuries the team sustained but the future looks bright with Denis Murphy now installed as manager for the coming year along with former All-Ireland winning captain Ann Colgan and coach David Needham.

On the juvenile front the under 16’s reached the Leinster final and Ballyboden St. Endas did the county proud in contesting the Leinster club final.

The Dublin plaudits of the year, though, go to the Dublin senior ladies footballers. Defeated in

last year’s final, to go along with final defeats in 2003 and 2004, the team garnished a new resolve to eventually bring the Brendan Martin Cup to the capital. They did it in style in the final play-ing excellent football to defeat Tyrone easily. However it was in matches in the lead up to the final that they showed their met-tle especially in the quarter-final and semi-final games against Clare and Laois respectively, where they had to dig deep for victory. Their success added to that of the All-Ireland winning under-16 and senior ‘B’ teams made it a special year for Dublin ladies football.

2010 is nearly gone but the action will begin again on December 27th as the ladies football and camogie Dubs Stars games take place in Kilmacud Crokes ground in Stillorgan and then on New Years day the men’s football and hurling Dub Stars will take place in St. Brigid's ground in Blanchardstown.

Here’s looking forward to 2011.

Outside of the boot

with Mick Hanley

GAA Sportsdesk on

103.2 Dublin City fM

Wednesdays @ 7pm

n Dublin ladies footballers Mary Nevin and Sinead Aherne alongside Mick Hanley and David O’Grady on their recent visit to Dublin City fm for an interview with the Brendan Martin cup

Dublin Distractions...

Ya Havin' A Laff? This month in History1882 John Curran, Dublin magistrate, opens a special

inquiry into the Phoenix Park murders, in which Parnell is falsely implicated.

1889 Michael Hayes, politician and professor of Irish is born in Dublin.

1890 Six days of Irish Parliamentary Party debates begin, only to end in a split, with the majority opposing Parnell.

1901 Fenian Thomas Clarke Luby dies in New York. Luby was born in Dublin in 1821. He was the son of a Church of Ireland minister and graduate of Trinity College. His first political experience was in the Young Ireland movement.

1921 Representatives of the Irish government appointed by President Eamon de Valera, and those negotiating for the Crown sign the Anglo-Irish Treaty, ending the Irish War of Independence against England. Michael Collins declares: "I have signed my own death warrant"

1922 The six counties of Northern Ireland opt out of the Free State

1946 Singer Gilbert (Richard) O'Sullivan is born in Waterford.

1956 Limerick-born runner Ronnie Delaney wins Olympic Gold in Melbourne.

1972 "Special position" of the Catholic Church is removed by referendum from Irish constitution.

1990 Inauguration of Mary Robinson as President of Ireland.

1999 The Good Friday Agreement comes into operation . 1999 President Mary McAleese is invited to lunch by

Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.

Material ManONE day, there was this lawyer who had just bought a new car, and he was eager to show it off to his colleagues, when all of a sudden an eighteen wheeler came out of nowhere and took of the driver's side door with him standing right there.

"NOOO!" he screamed, because he knew that no matter how good a mechanic tried to fix it, it never would be the same car again.

Finally, a cop came by, and the lawyer ran up to him yelling. "MY JAGUAR DOOR WAS JUST RUINED BY SOME FOOLISH DRIVER!!!" he exclaimed.

"You're a lawyer aren't you?" asked the policeman. "Yes, I am, but what does this have to do with my car?!?!" the lawyer asked.

"HA! You lawyers are always so material-istic. All you care about is your possessions. I bet you didn't even notice that your left arm is missing did you?" the cop said.

The lawyer looked down at his side and exclaimed "MY ROLEX!"

ShhhhhhA MAN and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each other the silent treatment.

The next week the man realized that he would need his wife to wake him at 5.00

am for an early morning business flight to London.

Not wanting to be the first to break the silence, he finally wrote a message down on a piece of paper, "Please wake me at 5.00am."

The next morning the man woke up, only to discover it was 9.00am, and that he had missed his flight.

Furious, he was about to go and see why his wife hadn't woken him when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed ... it said... "It is 5.00am; wake up."

Not to blameAN old farmer and his wife were leaning against the edge of their pig-pen when the old woman wistfully recalled that the next week would mark their golden wedding anniversary.

"Let's have a party, Seamus," she sug-gested. "Let's kill a pig."

The farmer scratched his grizzled head. "Jaysus, Mary," he finally answered, "I don't see why the pig should take the blame for something that happened fifty years ago."

Goal famineONE Sunday afternoon, a man walks into a pub with his pet dog. The barman said, "Sorry, pal. No pets allowed."

The man replied, "This is a special dog. Turn on the Kildare game and you'll see."

The bartender, anxious to see what would happen, turned on the game. The man said, "Watch. Whenever Kildare score a point, my dog does flips."

Kildare keep scoring points and the dog keeps flipping and jumping. "Wow! That's one hell of a dog you got there. What hap-pens when Kildare score a goal?" asked the barman.

The man replied, "I don't know. I've only had him for seven years."

The Faith HealerTWO women were sitting in the doctor's waiting room comparing notes on their various disorders.

"I want a baby more than anything in the world," said the first, "But I guess it is impossible."

"I used to feel just the same way," said the second. "But then everything changed. That's why I'm here. I'm going to have a baby in three months."

"You must tell me what you did.""I went to a faith healer.""But I've tried that. My husband and I

went to one for nearly a year and it didn't help a bit."

The other woman smiled and whispered, "Try going alone, next time, dearie."

24 The Informer

rathfarnham in Brief...Artzone hosts Children's workshopCHILDREN'S organisation, Artzone, will be hosting a Christmas Workshop on Sunday 19th December at Ballyroan Community Centre, Rathfarnham. Workshops will be aimed towards boys and girls aged 5 -12 years and will include art, games and stories. The sessions will tap into the creative and fun side of the season with Christmas decorations, Santa stops and stockings. Places are limited and booking is essential. Workshops take place from 2 - 4.30pm. Admission is €15 per child (includes all art equipment).

For more information contact 01 4063915 or visit www.artzone.ie

ISPCC Christmas CardsTHE ISPCC are appealing to all members of the community to think of children a little less fortunate this Christmas by supporting the Societies Christmas Card appeal this year. Cards are available at Debenham and Brown Thomas and come in a number of different designs in packs of 5, 10, 20 & 30.

The ISPCC will receive 20% of the selling price (excluding VAT) of each pack of cards sold. The cards will retail at €10 for a pack of three, with all proceeds going to the ISPCC. Christmas Cards can also be bought online on the newly launched www.debenhams.ie

Rathfarnham lights switched onRATHFARNHAM Village Business Network launched a new hard-ware store in line with the Winter Lights festival on the 20th of November. Highlights included an appearance from RTE’s Mary Kennedy who, with the help of Santa, switched on the Village Christmas lights. Music was provided by the Rathfarnham Concert Band, under the baton of Conor O Riordan.

RNLI's New Year’s Day SwimMEMBERS of the public are being called upon to take part in this years New Year’s Day Swim on January 1st 2011. The swim will take place at the Silver Strand Beach, Dugort, Achill and is being organised by Achill Tourism and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. This year’s swim over 100 people took a dip in the sea with the air tem-perature at -5 degrees. For more information contact 098 47353.

Concerts at the Pearse MuseumTHE Pearse Museum in Rathfarnham will host two concerts this month. The first will take place on Sunday 12th of December and will be performed by the Capellachoir, a mixed voice choir of 30 members established in 1998. The concert begins at 2.30 and while admission is free, advance booking is required.

Also performing this month in the Courtyard of the museum are Dublin Gospel Choir. Now a household name in Dublin, the choir have played in Arva, sang onstage with the legendary Stevie Wonder among others and have an annual slot at Ireland’s Electric Picnic. The choir can be seen on the 19th December at 2pm free of charge.

Also at the Pearse Museum this month, and exhibition will be taking place from December 17th featuring State Art consisting of collections of the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland executive.

For more information contact 01 4934208.

win a helicopter tour of DublinSOUTH Dublin County Council are taking part in a new initiative which gives two lucky members of the community the opportunity to win a helicopter tour of Dublin. Entitled 'Your Dublin, Your Voice', the project asks participants to share their experience of living, working or studying in Dublin. This scenic helicopter tour of Dublin is being provided by Irish Helicopters.

The prize draw is only open until 10th of December 2010 to resi-dents of Ireland who are over 18 years of age on the. For more infor-mation contact 01 222 3081.

Regular events at Ballyroan LibraryIrish Conversation Group meet Mondays at 6.45pm. Spanish

Conversation Group meets Wednesdays at 6.45pm. French Conversation Group meets Thursdays at 7pm. All welcome. The par-ent and toddler group meet every Friday from 10am. The knitting club invite members of the community to click their needles at Ballyroan library every fortnight! The Junior Chess Club invites those from the age of 7 years and up to play every Saturday at 10.30am.

For more information contact Ballyroan library on 01 4941900.

with Anne SharkeyRathfarnham PersonalREMI THE HANDYMAN.

Need a job done around the house but don't have the

time, skills or energy?

Let me take care of it for you.

086 8955342

www.D4Hotels.ie

01 43 73 444reservations@d4hotels.ie

2011 Room Sale2,011 Rooms available

for €39 room only

@ the D4 Ballsbridge Inn Hotel

Forget the Taxi home - spend less, live more!

Book Now on D4Hotels.ie

DoN'T BE LEFT ouT IN THE CoLD

Guaranteed low cost fuel Top quality coal logs and

briquettes for sale.

Prime polish coal e16.50 per 40kg bag

Smokeless coal e16.50 per 40kg bag

Economy coal e14.50 per 40kg bag

Briquettes e4 per bale logs e3 per bag

or 4 bags for e10

Free Delivery 7 days a week

Phone PJ now on 086-3933810 and heat your home

PuT YouR MoNEY BACk IN YouR PoCkET

Contact

www.home-saver.ie today

And get tax back from the

government

And save money on all your costs

Tel – 01-8102032 Email – info@home-saver.ie

GuITAR LESSoNS

Beginners Welcome! (all age groups)

Learn to play your favourite songs.

Gift tokens available.

Friendly and experienced teacher.

Phone Gordon at 086 8039153

ADvERTISE YouR BuSINESS

HERE• • • • • • •

Rathfarnham Personal ads

• • • • • • •e30 for

30-35 words(PLUS VAT)

• • • • • • •Send your ad to

personal@informer.ie with your contact details or phone

01 - 813 8786

NAk CLEANING SERvICES

Carpets / Upholstery / Matresses / Ovens / Cobblelock /

Decking / Patio

Getting ready for Christmas?

For all your cleaning needs

Give Nigel a call 01-8226431 / 087-9872713nakwilliamson@gmail.com

TwIxMAS SPECIALS!

Dec 26-31st (Kids Share Free)2BB, 1D only e199pps3BB, 2D only 189pps

Self Catering Suites (Sleep up to Four)

2 Nights from only e198*

Self Catering Lodges(Sleep up to 10)

4 Nights from only e198*

* Utility charges apply

Shannon Oaks Hotel & Country Club,Portumna, Co Galway.www.shannonoaks.iePhone: 090 974 1777

Email sales@ shannonoaks.ie

NEw YEAR'S EvE PACkAGE

for just €75 per person sharing

at the Green Isle Hotel, Newlands Cross.

Offer includes 1 Night B&B, a 3 Course Dinner in Sorrell's Restaurant with a 1/2 Bottle of

wine and entertainment with our house band.

For reservations, please call Gillian on (01) 4593406 or email reservations@greenislehotel.com

PRoFESSIoNAL CARPET CLEANING

Dry in 1 hour, safe for children/allergy sufferers.

Available Mon – Sat and evenings.

Book now for Christmas.

Call Paul 4 free quote on 085 158 1051

www.ultimate-floorcare.com

INFoRMER PERSoNALS

e30 for 35 words

Call 813 8786

4* PoRTLAoISE HERITAGE HoTEL

Only 1 hour from Dublin!

Fabulous Winter & Spring OfferValid Jan-Mar 2011

Enjoy 1BB&1D

with a bottle of house wine for only €59.00 pps

Town Centre locationFull Leisure Facilities

Subject to availabilityTerms & Conditions apply

Tel: 057 867 8588www.theheritagehotel.com

TILE AND BATHRooM CHRISTMAS CLEAR ouT

Trade prices to the public

www.discount-tiles.ie01 2939461

oFFER THE GIFT oF HEALTH

Body Elements – Physiofit ClinicSpecial Christmas Offers

8 ilipo Fat Reduction €4955 Cellulite Vacuum Therapy €295

3 Facial Microdermabrasion €275

Offers valid until 24th December 2010

Terms & Conditions Apply

Gift vouchers available from as little as €25!

Call us today on 012932969Visit www.bodyelements.ie

wEBSITE FRoM €97

Right now there's €100 off all websites

Get a professional website today for less than you expected.

Offer limited by time.

T: 01-4433841www.webdesignireland.biz

BuSINESS AND LIFECoACH Minerva Mentoring

Ask yourself who is responsible for your happiness?

Contact Kate Redmond 086 0847314

kate@minervamentoring.comwww.minervamentoring.com

CAR BoDY REPAIRS

Even careful motorists encounter minor damage,

scratches, scuffs and bumps.

With recent poor driving conditions these incidents

were all too frequent.

Leading automotive paintwork repair specialists ChipsAway

offer great value and convenience when faced with such repairs.

Call 1800 812 662

RIGHT PRICE FLooRING

New Shop Open in Portmarnock

Solid Semi Solids Laminates Engineered

Unique White OakDistressed White Oak

Free Underlay with selected floors

Phone Swords on 01-8409032

Phone Portmarnock on 01-8169945

THE MILL THEATRE DuNDRuM

Celebrate New Year’s EveFun for all the family

Sing - A- Long Sound of Music

Friday 31st Dec 1pm €17/€15

Family of 5 just €60

Fancy dress not obligatory buthighly recommended!!