Sandyford InformerNovember/December 2012 • Unit 26, Western Parkway Business Centre, Ballymount, Dublin 12 • Tel: 01 813 8786 • Email: info@informer.ie • Web: www.informer.ie

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DLR residents most compliant with

household chargeDun Laoghaire Rathdown residents are among the most compliant house-holders at paying the household charge.

By martin flanagan

Compliance rate for Dun Laoghaire Rathdown is 84 per cent

Figures provided by Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan have shown that the compliance rate for residents in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council’s catchment area is 84 per cent.

So far, householders have paid out €105m on the charge. Overall, the compliance rate nationwide stands at 66 per cent.

Meanwhile, figures provide by Minister Hogan show that the ‘sec-ond home’ tax has proven to be a major money spinner for the Government.

According to Minister Hogan, the Government has amassed €288m since the tax was introduced in 2009.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that

south Dublin suffers from the ghost estate problem too. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has 60 unfinished developments and South Dublin County Council has 50.

Council of the yearIn another good news story for

local residents Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council was named ‘Local Authority of the Year’ at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards.

DLR also collected one of the individual awards having been shortlisted in 10 separate award

categories. The winning individual project ‘Higher Education Grants’ – A Portal to a Brighter Future’, which resulted in improved service levels and efficiencies in the processing of Higher Educations Grants within 13 different Local Authorities, was awarded the ‘Innovation in Technology Award’.

Speaking at the awards ceremo-ny, An Cathaoirleach Councillor Tom Joyce said: “ This award is all the more merited in view of the severe reduction in staff numbers and also because of the difficult financial constraints that currently prevail in this County Council. I would also like to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the Council’s management team."

Bernard o'Sheainterview page 10

yer man from the 'telly'

win 2 tickets to the opening night of

9 to 5 - the musicalDolly Parton's 9 TO 5 is heading for Dublin at the Bord Gais Energy

Theatre in January and you can be there on the

opening night of this fabulous production.

See page 2

cut tobacco duty

forest eireann - page 2 www.informer.ie

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we're working 9 to 5...

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2 The Informer

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Dublin InformerEditor: Niall Gormley

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Dublin by

NumbersThis is the number of teenagers who gave birth in Ireland in 2011. The good news here is that the rate of teenagers giving birth has been falling. In 2001 the number was 3,087.

The reasons for this fall are varied but greater use of contraception is a big fac-tor. Research shows that teenagers who received sex education were 1.5 times more likely to use contraceptives.

Comment BoxBy John Mallon, Forest Eireann

Cut tobacco dutyThe story of our low Corporate Tax rate and how it came about is odd to say the least. It was one single individual who suggested the rate should be lowered, not increased, in order to bring in more rev-enue.

This counter intuitive proposal was met with hostility from the Department of Finance at the time but it was eventually done anyway, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Today, all of the big names in the I.T. industry and many of the biggest Pharmaceutical Industries also have their european headquarters in Ireland because of the bold move to lower taxation rather than increase it. The truth for these companies is that they would have simply set up elsewhere had our tax rate remained so high relative to other countries, and Ireland would have lost out on much needed revenue.

Today, the average price of twenty cigarettes in Ireland is the high-est in the eU and there are calls from the usual quarters to increase it even more. Unfortunately, smokers have a choice, in fact two choic-es. They can legally purchase their tobacco from any of the other eU countries and save significantly that way. Or, they can buy the smug-gled variety almost anywhere in this country for even less again. And before the moral majority point the finger of blame, many good citi-zens avail of laundered diesel whenever they can find it or purchase pharmaceutical products abroad because the prices are so artificially high here.

On the issue of smoking prevalence, in 2005, the Office of Tobacco Control announced that the rate had fallen to 23.5% but last year, the eurobarometer report put smoking prevalence at 31%. In the six years that tobacco prices were raised, the numbers smoking also increased. This would suggest that high prices do not fulfill their stated function.

Forest eireann believe that the counter-intuitive move to lower taxation on tobacco products, would actually increase revenue to the State, at a time when it is most needed. While benefitting from huge savings by buying smuggled products, there is a distasteful angle for the smoker in so doing and the uneasy feeling that the proceeds of the sale may go to criminality. It is well known also, that the dealers in smuggled tobacco products will think nothing of selling to children also.

A move to lower taxation on legally purchased tobacco products will hurt nobody except the criminals, whose sole motivation is the profits to be made from our artificially high pricing.

www.foresteireann.org

The winners of the tickets for the American Idiot

competition Steve Brennan, Leopardstown.Robert McWilliams, Malahide.

1,720

To win two pairs of tickets to the Opening Night of the show on Monday 21st January 2012 answer the

following question:Who wrote the music for 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL? Answers by e-mail only to competition@informer.ie

Please include your contact number Closing date for entries 10th January 2013.

opening night 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is coming to the Bord

Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin in January 2013. 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is written by Patricia Resnick, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. This a hilarious new

musical comedy, based on the hit movie and centres on three office workers who

turn the tables on their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot of a boss

3

By John Mallon, Forest Eireann

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4 The Informer

By Kathy Marsh, SonairteGreen SceneInformer Eco Christmas 2012SO it’s that time of year again. All of us have a little less in our pockets than we did last year or the year before, but that need not stop us enjoying Christmas with our friends and relations, giving gifts and sharing in the traditional joy of the season. But like it or not we’ve had to cut our budgets, whether it is less to spend on Christmas dinner or less to spend the children’s toys.

So let’s have fun saving money and let’s keep it green.

Christmas card ideasI’ll start with Christmas cards. how much do you usu-ally spend on them? how many trees get cut down to provide them? how much diesel gets burned delivering them?

I’ve got two suggestions here. One is for those who live close to you or who you see regularly, and the other for those who live far away.

For those nearby just make your own and hand deliver them – turn the children loose with card and paintbrushes or markers, glue and glitter. Sit down and help them – you’ll all have a great time and the cards will be original.

For those who live further away it’s time to go virtual and this is where you really save a lot of money. You can design and send your own e-cards – there are lots of sites to tell you how – but to really make a difference go to one of the charity e-card sites such as that of the Society of St Vincent de Paul (svp.ie/help-us/e-cards).

And don’t throw away cards after Christmas – you can use them to make next year’s cards, gift tags, Christmas decorations and gift boxes. There are a host of sugges-tions for these and for home made gifts using recycled materials for both children and adults to make at www.familycrafts.about.com.

Christmas wrapped up!YOU didn’t throw away last year’s wrapping paper did you? You did? Oh dear. Well you’ve got two options (besides buying new of course).

For small objects you can use pretty pages from maga-zines, or you can use brown paper and decorate with motifs cut from those magazines or junk mail. This year tie your parcels carefully with string or pretty ribbon so that the wrappings are easy to recycle next year. It is also easy to make pretty and unusual gift bags with those same pages – there are lots of patterns on line.

Prezzies, prezzies...When it comes to presents I’m not suggesting that you deprive the children of toys – but I am suggesting you think hard about how long they are going to play with them.

One young lady of my acquaintance says she 'depises' most tv and movie themed toys once she’s had them for a week – so don’t give them to her in the first place. Buy something that will grow with the child – every youngster needs more construction equipment – and then help them learn to expand its possibilities.

Give them the gift of the great outdoors – buy them binoculars and birdbooks and then go out with them to look at birds.

Or buy a bike for every member of the family – buy second hand if you can’t afford new – and get out together. You’ll be so warm when you get home, especially if you are wrapped up in that new Christmas sweater, that you’ll be able to turn down the thermostat a couple of degrees – 18C is fine.

There are great outdoor gifts from IPCC (www.ipcc.ie/nature-shop) and BirdWatch Ireland (www.birdwatchire-land.ie). In fact if you join the latter you can have fun taking part in their annual garden bird survey.

The power of ChristmasIF you buy presents with batteries, buy rechargeable bat-teries and a charger – and make sure they are charged up for Christmas morning. And toys that aren’t being played with can be cleaned, tidied, and given to a local charity, or indeed to a friend’s children.

The same goes for that toiletry set someone gave you that isn’t what you would actually use. If you are buying cosmetics and perfumes make sure they made from sus-tainable ingredients without animal cruelty. Maybe you can sit down as a family and decide you will only give each other token gifts and instead you will give an animal to a needy family - www.bothar.ie.

Surviving the festive feastWhen it comes to celebrating Christmas perhaps it would be a good idea to think about the weight we all put on, only to go on a diet on new Years Day.

It is possible (hard I know, but pos-sible) to plan Christmas so you don’t need to go on that diet. Think about all the lovely locally grown seasonal foods there are – expand the fresh vegetable part of the dinner and cut back on the meat and potatoes – and you won’t have as much room for pudding and cake.

I’m not saying don’t eat the fattening foods – just try to eat more fresh food so you won’t have as much room for the fattening ones and think about portion sizes to avoid waste – I’m horrified every year by friends who tell me they got tired of leftover turkey and threw the rest out for the birds, or dumped it in the bin. If that is what happens in your house buy a smaller bird, or if you don’t like dark meat just buy the breast.

In our house December 27th is when I turn leftovers into ready meals that can go into the freezer to come out in January. It only takes a few minutes and I’m so glad of them later. I freeze them in takeaway containers.

And if you don’t like rich fruit cake don’t buy it – if you want a pretty Christmas cake base it on a type of cake you do like – it won’t keep as long so make a smaller one, or make two and store the second in the freezer.

The same goes for Christmas pudding – only get one that is the right size for the number of people who will eat it and if people don’t like it make a fruity dessert. Keep what you offer your guests light – you don’t try to stuff them like the turkey the rest of the year, why do you do it at Christmas? Include good long walks in you holiday schedule to work all the food off.

Looking like ChristmasAnD how about decorations. This year it has been good to see that all the shops have leD Christmas lights – that should cut down considerably on national electricity usage.

Door wreaths and garlands are easy to make too. Willow twists easily into a frame and ivy will wrap around to make the base. Then you just need to tuck sprigs of other greenery and holly into it. likewise long strands of ivy will loop gracefully all over the house and you can twine the leD lights into it.

At the end of the season rescue the lights and compost the rest. These make great gifts too and the kids will enjoy helping you make them. We buy a new Christmas tree every four or five years – the potted kind. OK, it is pretty small the first year but each year we move it up a pot size until it gets too heavy to carry and we have to plant it out in the garden (you may need a friend with a big garden for that bit – but remember you can give them the tree as a Christmas present).

and lights out.FInAllY, don’t forget to turn off the Christmas lights when you go to bed at night – Santa will have no problem finding your chimney in the dark.

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6 The Informer

A long time ago, astronomy and astrology were interlinked with each other, with reli-gious clerics often studying the movements of stars and planets to link astronomy into prophecies and so forth. one such link between the two is the Star of Bethlehem, which led the Three Wise Men to the birth-place of Christ.

So what was the Star of Bethlehem? one school of thought suggests that it was a con-junction of Jupiter and Saturn (where they were both placed very close together in the sky) occurring in the constellation Pisces. Jupiter symbolised a king, Saturn was the star of the Jewish people, and Pisces symbolised the end of an age and the beginning of a new one. Indeed, in the year 7BC this con-junction took several times – something that occurs every 800 years. In this case, the two planets and Pisces were visible in the east just before sunrise, and before they were made invisible again by day-light. It has been sug-gested, as a result, that Jesus was born in november, 7BC.

of course, there were other events around that time that

may have been interpreted as the Star of Bethlehem. In 5BC, Chinese astronomers doc-umented a new star that was visible for sev-enty days. This is consistent with a nova or supernova (massive stellar explosions). Comets can often look like 'arrows' pointing in a cer-tain direction, possibly leading the Three Wise Men to Bethlehem. However, comets were considered bad omens, even though Halley's Comet was visible in 12BC.

The Moon and Jupiter are in conjunction on november 28th and will look spectacular, but the best view will be on Christmas Day, when the Moon and Jupiter will for their own 'Christmas Star' in the night sky!

Clear skies and Happy Christmas!

The sky over Dublinwith Conor Farrell, Astronomy Ireland

Once upon a time in Bethlehem

n Adapted from Stellarium (www.stellarium.org)

with Keith McDonnell

Angler's AnglesIn Ireland we are extremely lucky to have popula-tions of Wild Atlantic salmon in our river systems. This majestic fish annually migrates from Ireland all the way to its feeding grounds off the coast of Greenland and then miraculously finds its way back to the very stream where it was born in order to reproduce.

It is one of the great migrations on Earth. The Irish salmon is also one of the greatest game angling species. Salmon anglers are among the most passionate about this fish and have gone to great lengths to conserve and protect it. The Atlantic Salmon is under serious threat and in recent years stocks have become critically low to the extent that many rivers in Ireland have been closed to angling. Anglers also fought hard to limit the amount of commercial netting for this species in our coastal waters.

now, one of the greatest threats to the species is the ever increasing salmon farming Industry. One might think that farmed salmon would take

the pressure off the wild salmon but unfortunately the opposite is true. Many of the wild salmon return-ing to our rivers to spawn are being infested with concentrations of sea lice emanating from the salmon farms dotted around our coast.

Ireland’s Fisheries Department ‘Inland Fisheries Ireland’ took

part in a recent international study and it con-cluded that 39% of deaths among wild salmon are attributable to sea lice in areas where salmon farming takes place.

Our current Government have recently decided to expand the salmon farming industry in Ireland. One of the first additions will be a ‘Mega’ salmon farm in Galway Bay. This farm will produce 300 times more farmed salmon than we currently produce in the entire country.

Bord Iascaigh Mhara are leading this project and have carried out an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the location of this farm but according to Inland Fisheries Ireland (the state body in charge of protecting our valuable natural resources) this EIS has failed to address the poten-tial impact on wild Atlantic salmon populations. It has been scientifically proven commercial salmon farms decimate wild salmon and cause serious pollution to the environment.

Apart from the potential decimation of our salmon stocks, our tourism industry is likely to suffer job losses when visiting anglers stop com-ing here. It has been said that a visiting angler spends an average of e300 euros in Ireland in order to catch one wild Salmon. We have a world class sport fishery here in Ireland and I believe our environment is one of our greatest assets.

However it is fragile and could very easily be destroyed in pursuit of a quick buck.

Keith McDonnell is a fly fishing guide and instructor and big trout nut based in Dublin.

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8 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 requirements from set-up organ-ic vegetable plots to restoration of neglected gardens, design, planting and maintenance. no charge for initial visit and I will travel within reason.

AS we enter the final month of the year and our gardens start to settle down for the winter, it’s always worthwhile to have a good think about what worked in the last year and what didn’t.

The past year was a very chal-lenging one for all gardeners with amazing growth due to an abundance of rain combined with warmth yet very poor yield due to a serious lack of sun.

The tomatoes, for example, were a total disaster as were strawberries and other soft fruits. however, as we are not in control of whatever the weather throws at us we will probably make the same mistakes next year. I’m sure I’ll try the same varieties of tomatoes and fruits next year and hope the sun does us a few favours.

Last chanceDecember is your last chance

to settle your garden down for winter as very little will be done in January and February of

A year of amazing growth and poor yeild

and Joe offer their customers a really good cup of coffee free of charge.

Cut down dead growthApart from the usual end of

year tidy up of leaves and shrubs, etc, it's also important to continue to cut down dead growth on her-baceous perennials and continue

to tidy up borders. There will be little or no growth of weeds dur-ing the winter months so the more you tidy now the better your garden will look in a few months time.

December is also your last chance to gather seeds from this years spent perennials. Always

remember that by doing this you get free plants for next year.

Germinating your own seeds is easy and a cheap way to get new plants for the new season. Most seeds can be germinated on a sunny inside window sill or by using a heated propagator which are widely available at a reason-able cost.

If you have a pond make sure to disconnect the pump as it may be damaged if we have serious frosts.

Have a good oneFinally as the year is about to

leave us, I would like to thank you for reading my monthly Informer gardening articles and many thanks to readers who have contacted me during 2012 for advice or to offer invaluable sug-gestions to other readers.

I wish all Informer readers a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous and green 2013.

n Germinating your own seeds is easy - a cheap way to get new plants

2013. It’s very important to keep removing leaves from your lawn and tidy up overgrown shrubs and bushes. having done this pruning and tidying up you will need to dispose of the green waste.

New MulchWhich brings me nicely to

mention a fairly new green waste company located in Coolock Industrial estate, Dublin 17 called ‘Mulch’. They set out to replace the St. Anne’s Park gar-den waste depot that closed in 2007. Since Mulch opened about two years ago they have gained an excellent reputation with domestic as well as commercial customers.

Mulch also sells a variety of soil improvers, peat free com-post, kiln dried firewood and bark. This new exciting company also operate a loyalty card dis-count scheme at their indoor drive through facility which is a first in Dublin. In addition the kind guys at Mulch, John, Aengus

Garden Growing With Gerry Norton

The Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire is the ideal venue to enjoy the Christmas Festivities or to relax and unwind in the build-up to the New Year.

Situated in an elevated site on 4 acres of beauti-fully landscaped gardens overlooking Dublin Bay, the ‘old world’ Royal Marine Hotel will ensure you leave 2012 behind and concentrate on yourself…Leave the worries of 2012 behind…Relax and unwind throughout Christmas 2012 at the Royal Marine Hotel

Choices during the Christmas Season include Royal Christmas Stay, Christmas Day Royal Buffet, Christmas Party Nights, Christmas Party Spa Packages, New Years Eve Celebrations and of course Booker Rewards.

Whatever your requirements this Christmas Season, we are sure that Dun Laoghaire and the Royal Marine Hotel will be able to meet with them.

Call the Team on +353 (0)1 2300030 or Email events@royalmarine.ieFor Christmas & New Years 2012: http://www.royalmarine.ie/christmas_parties

The Royal Marine Hotel includes: 228 well-ap-pointed bedrooms, 14 Dedicated Meeting Rooms, Carlisle Conference Centre, Martello Banqueting Suite, The Pier Health Club & sansanaSPA and various Food & Beverage facilities include the Bay Lounge, Hardy’s Bar, Laurels Bar, Pavilion Bar, Dún Steak & Seafood Restaurant

Transportation: Dublin City is accessible via the DART, which is within 2 minutes walking distance from the Royal Marine Hotel. A coach service is avail-able at the door of the Royal Marine Hotel, to/from Dublin Airport, taking 40 minutes via the Port Tunnel and costs only €8 single or €14 return journey.

Coach and Car parking is complimentary for all Hotel residents, in our underground car-park.

Leisure Facilities: The Pier Health Club features State-of-the-art Cardio & Resistance Equipment, Luxury 18 Metre Pool, Steam Room, Sauna & Hydro Pool

Our luxurious sansanaSPA features Nine Treatment Room, Thermals Suites, Unique Waterbed Relaxation Room, Rock Sauna, Mud Room, Experience Showers, Aroma Steam Room, Manicure & Pedicure Suite.

All Hotel residents have Complimentary use of The Pier Health Club.

Things To Do: Dun Laoghaire is a busy coastal town with lots to do. Whether it’s shopping, eating, drinking, going to the cinema or theatre, walking, water sports, hiking or horse riding, you will find it all within easy reach whilst staying in Dun Laoghaire. For more information on the area, please click on the link: www.visitdublin.com/dlr

Previous guests of the Hotel include Frank Sinatra, Laurel & Hardy and Charlie Chaplin. Queen Victoria had a 16 course breakfast when she arrived off the boat at Dun Laoghaire and even Michael Collins is believed to have hidden out in Room 210 with Kitty Kiernan.

For more information:Call the Team on: +353 (0)1 2300030Email: events@royalmarine.ieWebsite: www.royalmarine.ie/christmas_partiesFacebook: www.facebook.com/RoyalMarineHotelTwitter: http://twitter.com/royalmarine

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10 The Informer

Where did you grow up?Durrow in Co laois.

Married, children?Married no Kids yet

Fondest childhood memory, good or bad, what was it?Myself and my sister hiding in the boot of the car when my mother was driving up to Dublin. She found us in naas and went ballistic.

What made you want to become a comedian?A friend of mine ran a comedy competition in col-lege and I was the only one who entered. I won a support slot at a bigger gig and it went from there.

Do you remember your first gig, were you nerv-ous?It was in college in front if all my class mates and I was very nervous.

You have performed all around the world, what is your most memorable gig?Kavanaghs in Portlaoise. One night my mam walked in while she waiting outside for me (I was on crutches at the time) and said "I've been waiting outside for ages... Is this what you do?

What’s the best heckle someone has thrown at you and what was your response?Again mother related. I was in Bruges years ago

doing a college gig and the audience had little to no english it was going horribly wrong. I said "thank god no one knows me" and this voice from the back of the room went "I went to school with your mother".

Do you enjoy TV work or gigging most?When I'm doing Telly I love doing live stand-up and when I'm just doing stand-up I wish I was doing telly.

How do you rate Irish humour to that of other countries?It's very story driven and not as harsh maybe as english humour but it’s very similar to most of the english speaking world.

Has the recession had an effect on you person-ally? Yeah, I lost a radio job. It's harder to get work same - as everybody else really.

Do you care how critics judge you?no matter what a critic says I'm always harder on myself than anybody. You have to remember as well, nobody but the people involved reads the reviews. The public (your audience) don't read them or don't care.

What’s the funniest thing to have ever happened to you?I have a terrible sense of direction. Once in

Germany I got on the wrong train and ended up in France. When I woke I just presumed I was in Germany (Cologne) for a few hours until I couldn't find the pub I was playing music in and realised I was in Strasbourg. I went around trying to talk German to French people for hours - they hated me.

Do you watch what you eat or can you simply eat and not pack on the pounds?I've lost four stone this year by basically exercis-ing. I track all my calories on the iPhone but I eat like a horse.

I have to learn how to chew. I normally gobble stuff down then feel really guilty so I go for a walk or swim.

If you were to appear in a Hollywood block-buster, what type of character would you like to play and who would you like to co-star with?I would love to play a leading man alongside Angelina Jolie where we try and set up and car parts garage on the long mile road.

Who would be your own favourite comedian or all time and why?Jason Byrne. Is an epic incredible stand-up.

You are playing Vicar Street this December , how does this show differ to anything you have done before?It's more expansive. When you have an edinburgh

show it's less Irish driven or on TV it's such tight writing.

In Vicar Street on the 7th it's an hour of stand-up that has been developed over the last two years and it’s by far the most personal stuff I've ever writ-ten.

OK, finally, you are about to enter the jungle in 'I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here', Name six people you would like to go into the jungle. But here's the snag. Two of them have to be Irish politicians, two singer/musicians and two other comedians. Tell us why for each?Richard Dunne (he could stop anything), Rachel Allen (to make the dinner), The Green Party (because I think they know about Jungles), lady Ga Ga (for shelter), Jamie Cullen (to see him carry a piano around a rain forest). And, I suppose, Dermot and Jen.

What does the coming year hold for Bernard O’Shea?hopefully, 365 days, a decent summer and eh... Global Domination.

Bernard plays Vicar Street on Friday the 7th December and tickets are on sale NOW priced €23 (including booking fee) from www.ticketmaster.ie. He is definitely worth the look as he’s not your typical, predicable comedian.

Yer man from the 'Telly'

The Informer Interview

Funny man, Bernard O’Shea

is all set to bring Vicar Street to

life this Christmas as he takes to

the stage on Friday 7th

December 2012. When he is not

making us laugh on the Republic

of Telly, the Laois man takes to

the live stage to show his unique

humour, guaranteed to make you

laugh out loud. Bernard chats to

Kevin O’Brien about his life as a

comedian and the upcoming

Vicar Street gig.

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Yer man from the 'Telly'

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12 The Informer

LOCATED on the sea front in Benalmadena, Costa del Sol, Sunset Beach Club is the per-fect setting for a relaxing winter sun break. This fabulous resort is just a short 20 minute drive from Malaga airport and combines the convenience of apartment accommodation with all the facilities and services of a 4 star hotel.

This FBD owned hotel is open all year round, and is as popular for great value Winter breaks as it is for family holidays in the Summer. Their friendly animation team also provides daily organised activities in the Winter, including cooking lessons, exercise classes, petanca, darts, bingo and much more. The promenade in front of the hotel is ideal for a stroll by the sea, or you can just lie by the pool and soak up the winter sun with a good book!

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, the hotel’s leisure desk can help you to book car hire and excursions which will allow you to discover and explore the beautiful towns and cities which this part of Spain is famous for. Some of the most popular day trips

Winter Sun Breaks at Sunset Beach Club

include a cultural tour of Malaga with its Picasso Museum, historical buildings, churches and monuments; a trip to the world famous Alhambra Palace in Granada and a day in the Andalucian capital city, Seville.

After a busy day of sightseeing it’s time to relax. The Panorama Bar on the 6th floor of the hotel commands spectacular views over the Mediterranean and has a popular evening Happy Hour. Dinner is served every evening in the Oasis Restaurant; with an extensive a la carte menu and live music entertainment it’s the perfect place to wind down and taste some delicious Mediter-ranean cuisine.

Prices start at just €29 per person per night (based on 2 people sharing) for an exterior apart-ment with full buffet breakfast included.

For more information, please visit www.sunsetbeachclub.com or call +34 952 579400.

Arts AngleIT is always nice to come back to a place you enjoy. Spacious, luminous and quiet, the Royal Hibernian Academy can offer a place of heaven right in the centre of our busy capital while offering a wide variety of exhibiting works.

For this month and next, they have succeeded again in providing both. Between Eithne Jordan’s exhibiting work, John Beattie’s beautifully crafted HD film projection, Michael Warren’s chairs and Sean Keating’s oils, watercolours and mixed media paintings art lovers will feel like going for a treat right until before Christmas.

Eithne Jordan is one of the most respected painters of her generation and this series follows her interrogation of the urban of European cities

A Christmas treat at the RHA

With LA

Speedwing

Women’s fiction and children’ s stories available for 0.99 cts on Smashwords from L.A. Speedwing

and specifically in Dublin. Sean Keating’s exhibition shows his artistic

approach towards structural engineering while working at Ardnacrusha and at Poulaphouca; The exhibition features work from the ESB collection and is sponsored by the company.

John’s Beattie films explore the relationship between traditional academic ideas of the artist and their practice and contemporary approaches to art making.

Michael Warren worked on a series of eight chairs in an attempt to refine their horizontal supports to greater accentuate and mimic the architecture of Renaissance compositions

All four exhibitions represent the essence of Irish contemporary art in its many forms and diversity. These artists have developed platforms which represent the breadth and quality of Irish art over the last two centuries. And if these exhibitions fail in providing a sense of depth to the Irish art, I’m sure RHA is hoping to provide pride in showing how art has been and will keep on being a part of Ireland to its citizens.

Where: 15 Ely Place, Dublin 2. When: Until the 21th December. Opening Times: 11am – 5pm- Except Wednesday – Saturday until 7pm. Sunday 2 – 5pm

Women’s fiction and children’s stories available for 99 cents on Smashwords from this author.

with Fionnuala Rogers, DSPCAAnimal Tracks

THE DSPCA are urging the public to “Adopt Don’t Buy” a pet this Christmas as part of a campaign to prevent trafficking and to provide a second chance to many of the pets in its res-cue centre.

Christmas sees thousands of pets given as presents, many of which are bought online from unscrupulous breeders. The DSPCA is asking people to give pets in rescue centres such as the DSPCA a second chance by adopt-ing as gifts rather than purchasing.

Many of the pets bought come from sources who have no respect for the animals or their welfare. Unfortunately many people buy pets on line, in good faith, not realising that in the many of cases these animals are being bred to order in appalling and stressful conditions. We are asking the public to consider adoption as a way of giving a healthy pet a second chance.

The pets at our rescue centre have had the full care of the DSPCA including vet checks and vaccinations. Furthermore, we can advise families on breeds and pets that best suit their family home life.

The DSPCA dealt with 3319 cases of report-ed animal cruelty and took in over 4400 ani-mals. We hear upsetting stories reported to us in the DSPCA every week and the public can help in many ways.

If you can’t adopt an animal then consider fostering an animal short term. If you can’t

foster, volunteer, if you can’t volunteer donate and if you can’t donate educate to end animal cruelty.

Get the Santa Experience

The DSPCA is also running the Santa Experience again at its centre in Rathfarnham. Children and their families can visit Santa, sur-rounded by animals, in the picturesque setting of the Dublin Mountains.

A visit to Santa at the DSPCA will create a cherished new memory for families while sup-porting a good cause that children will love. We sell out every year so be sure to book your place early! There are no queues and every child is guaranteed a present from Santa. Space is limited and you must book in advance.

To visit Santa at the DSPCA book online at www.dspca.ie

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Arts AngleIT is always nice to come back to a place you enjoy. Spacious, luminous and quiet, the Royal Hibernian Academy can offer a place of heaven right in the centre of our busy capital while offering a wide variety of exhibiting works.

For this month and next, they have succeeded again in providing both. Between Eithne Jordan’s exhibiting work, John Beattie’s beautifully crafted HD film projection, Michael Warren’s chairs and Sean Keating’s oils, watercolours and mixed media paintings art lovers will feel like going for a treat right until before Christmas.

Eithne Jordan is one of the most respected painters of her generation and this series follows her interrogation of the urban of European cities

A Christmas treat at the RHA

With LA

Speedwing

Women’s fiction and children’ s stories available for 0.99 cts on Smashwords from L.A. Speedwing

and specifically in Dublin. Sean Keating’s exhibition shows his artistic

approach towards structural engineering while working at Ardnacrusha and at Poulaphouca; The exhibition features work from the ESB collection and is sponsored by the company.

John’s Beattie films explore the relationship between traditional academic ideas of the artist and their practice and contemporary approaches to art making.

Michael Warren worked on a series of eight chairs in an attempt to refine their horizontal supports to greater accentuate and mimic the architecture of Renaissance compositions

All four exhibitions represent the essence of Irish contemporary art in its many forms and diversity. These artists have developed platforms which represent the breadth and quality of Irish art over the last two centuries. And if these exhibitions fail in providing a sense of depth to the Irish art, I’m sure RHA is hoping to provide pride in showing how art has been and will keep on being a part of Ireland to its citizens.

Where: 15 Ely Place, Dublin 2. When: Until the 21th December. Opening Times: 11am – 5pm- Except Wednesday – Saturday until 7pm. Sunday 2 – 5pm

Women’s fiction and children’s stories available for 99 cents on Smashwords from this author.

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Dublin GAA FOllOWInG the frenzy of the inter county

championships the focus over the last few months has been on the club champion-ships. In Dublin we have new champions in senior football, hurling and ladies foot-ball with only Ballyboden St.Endas in camogie, who won their third consecutive title, retaining their crown.

The senior men’s football championship provided an excellent Dublin final with Ballymun Kickhams winning their first title since 1985 with a one point victory over Kilmacud Crokes. In a cracking game Ballymun played some of the best football seen at club level in the first half with Kilmacud Crokes coming back in the sec-ond period to reduce the deficit to just one single point at the end.

Ballymun Kickhams have also been the form team in the league all year and after a few days celebrations they knuckled down to the serious preparations for their leinster club campaign under the guid-ance of former Dublin great Paul Curran. Again they proved what a good side they are by dismissing Mullingar Shamrocks on a score line of 2-13 to 0-7. Can they win leinster? Well let’s hope so.

Kimacud Crokes had been on course for a Dublin senior double after their hurl-ers won their first title since 1985 with victory over Cuala in an all Southside final. Goals were the difference here with Barry O’Rourke and Ryan O’Dwyer hitting the net in a 2-10 to 0-9 victory. Unfortunately for Crokes, their journey in leinster was thwarted by Wexford champions Oulart- the-Ballagh who defeated them by one point in Parnell Park.

like Ballymun Kichams in football and Kilmacud Crokes in hurling the ladies

footballers of Foxrock Cabinteely became the new kids on the block in their senior championship. Drawn in the group stages with the reigning champions na Fianna and the Queen’s of ladies football Ballyboden St Endas, the young Foxrock Cabinteely girls' displays brought a fresh-ness to the championships.

Coming through the group at the expense of Ballyboden, they went on to defeat na Fianna in the Dublin final by three points 0-12 to 0-9. Driven by Dublin star Sinead McGoldrick, who won a TG4 ladies football All-Star, they went on to contest the leinster club final but lost out to Wexford champions Shelmalier on a score line of 0-10 to 3-2.

In camogie Ballyboden St. Endas were the only senior champions to retain their crown. In fact, they went one better by winning their third consecutive title by beating St. Vincents. Another great achievement for the Firhouse Road team. Unfortunately their leinster campaign was halted by Oulart the Ballagh.

Special mention to the Cuala Intermediate footballers on their promo-tion to the senior ranks after their third consecutive attempt to win the Intermediate final. What made their win special was the fact that many of the play-ers were on the senior hurling team beat-en in the Dublin final a week before.

The inter county scene may be more glamorous to the watching public but the club scene is the heart of the GAA. We have had many great club games in all codes in recent months and the more sup-port they get the better all round. So as the new Year approaches put this resolu-tion on your to do list for 2013.

New Champions in 2012

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Have yourself a very Merry Christmas

IT's not everyday that you arrive at a farm deco-rated with thousands of twinkling lights, meet santa & his deer Dancer & Prancer or see a crib with a live cow & donkey, except of course when you visit Ireland’s Lapland at Glendeer Pet Farm. Glendeer Farm, which is just outside Athlone off the M6 (Tuam/Monksland Exit 13, follow Drum signs) has all facilities undercover.

There are Christmas themed cabins with scenes like ‘ The Night Before Christmas’, an animated snow scene, santa’s Workshop & a real ‘Winter Wonderland’ where the kids can run around as the snowflakes fall down around them. A variety of animals await your arrival also, including our cheeky monkeys George & Gina.

Ireland’s Lapland has something for everyone, young & old alike. The children get their little bag of food to feed the animals as they make their way over to see santa, have a chat with him & receive a gift, & adults can treat themselves to fresh coffee/cap-pucino & homemade snacks in the warm surroundings of the cosy coffee shop.

There is plenty to entertain the kids with the new INDOOR skywalk play area with lots of slides & bridges so Glendeer is perfect even on those wet or snowy days, just remember to wrap up warm!

Don’t forget to bring along a cam-era so you can take plenty of memo-rable pictures of your lapland experi-

ence. This year santa arrives by sleigh on sat 1st Dec at 5pm & will be at the farm every evening until the 23rd Dec. special rates for groups of 20 & over, catered for by appointment during the day.

Admission: Adults € 8, Children € 16 (includes visit to santa & gift)

Opening times for Ireland’s Lapland : Mon to Fri 4pm – 7pm, sat & sun 3pm – 7pm

There is no need to pre-book tickets, they can be purchased on arrival. It is a queuing sytem for santa, but it moves quite quickly & children can feed the animals while they wait. No one will be turned away!

For more info. or directions on Ireland’s Lapland @ Glendeer Farm, Curryroe, Drum, Athlone visit www.glendeerpetfarm.ie or contact us on 090 6437147.

Visit Santa & his real live deer Dancer & Prancer at Ireland’s Lapland, Glendeer Pet Farm

Christmas Blessings and Sincere Thanks to all who help with our work with people in need. May the Infant Jesus fill you heart and homes with peace and joy.

Bro. Kevin Crowley ofm capCapuchin Day Centre for Homeless People,29 Bow Street, Dublin 7.Phone: 01-8720770Email: capuchindaycentre@eircom.netwww.homeless.ie

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Have yourself a very Merry Christmas

Beauty Noteswith Kathleen Rowley

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Skyfall HHHHHDirected by Sam Mendes. Starring Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem and Judi Dench

JAMES Bond, nearly killed in the line of duty, comes to M’s rescue, charged with recovering a list of active undercover agents she has lost. Soon Bond finds himself facing his greatest opponent in a battle to save MI6.

Daniel Craig as Bond suffered serious ‘second album syndrome’ with Quantum of Solace. He needed Skyfall to be more than a return to form, he needed it to be magnificent. Thank God Sam Mendes had the same idea - Skyfall is a fabulous film, certainly one of the greatest Bonds ever made.

Craig makes Bond human, giving him hopes and fears. Gone is the suave Bond; Craig brings the rock hard Bond that Fleming wrote and it is brilliant to see. Javier Bardem is a wonderfully manic villain, the villain that Bond films have been crying out for – dark, malevolent and insane. Judi Dench is given something to do with M in this film and the dynamic between her and Bond is beautifully played out.

Skyfall is not just a fabulous Bond film, but a great action thriller in it’s own right and deserves to be seen.

Advice: Not to be missed!

Argo HHHHHDirected by Ben Affleck. Starring Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston and Tate Donovan.

IT is 1979 and six Americans have been caught up in the Iranian hostage crisis. CIA tasks ‘extraction specialist’ Tony Mendes with rescuing these six people anyway he can.

It should be noted now that Argo is a true story – what happens in this film actually happened to actual people, the plan that Mendes devised was real. That then makes this film all the more unbelievable, yes unbelievable, as how he goes about it is just amazing.

Enough about the plot though, the less said the better. like The Town, for me Argo is one of the best films of the year and another fabulous directorial effort from Ben Affleck. like The Town, Affleck has surrounded himself by the right actors, not big name stars. Cranston is brilliant as a CIA chief who has to fight for Mendez’s mission and Tate Donovan is warmly welcomed back to the big screen.

One of the major successes of Argo is how real it feels, how Affleck has captured the tone of the 1970’s perfectly, from the music of the era right down to how films were shot in the 1970’s.

Argo proves that there is life in American filmmaking, a testament that films from Hollywood can be made without the use of mega money.

Advice: See ASAP.

Graham Connor's Movie Advice

17The Informer

WHIlE wandering around A-Wear in the vain hope of finding the perfect top that would make me look both slimmer and taller my ears were assaulted by an unusual sound, WHAM’s ‘last Christmas’. Yes it is only mid-november but looks like the season of good-will is upon us whether we like it or not! If you want to avoid the last minute stress of Christmas Eve panic shopping and oompa loompa tan then start now.

l’Occitane is a fantastic spot for present ideas and they have two new gorgeous additions, Magical leaves and Marvellous Flowers. Marvellous Flowers is a personal favourite as it boasts a delicate rose fragrance accompanied by a burst of red berries. The body cream in this range would also be great for

post-tan moisturising as it light and non-greasy. In terms of fake tan/Christmas party preparation the Almond Shower Scrub is enriched with almond oil and crushed shells and will gently cleanse and exfoliate your skin without being too harsh.

Green Angel’s product range continues to offer up high quality creams, lotions and scrubs at excellent prices. This Christmas they have a beautiful skincare set for €39, it comprises of the Seaweed night Cream which contains six essential oils and the Seaweed and Collagen Face Cream. The Face Cream really boosts the complexion and is great as a face mask before a night out.

no Christmas party dress would be complete without a bit of fake tan. St.Tropez remains the leader in all things tan related and they have a number of gift sets on offer. Runway Radiance (€37.99) includes the self-tan lotion along with tan optimiser products to ensure a long lasting colour. Red Carpet Ready (€49.99) includes the self-tan mousse which provides a deeper colour along with optimiser and body polish.

Beauty Noteswith Kathleen Rowley

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21The Informer

Dublin AdviceAge-ing or Sage-ing? Getting older positivelyIn our youth-orientated culture, disempowering attitudes towards ageing are pervasive. Getting older is associated with slowing down, becoming unattractive, isolated, lonely and ill, and with losing our engagement in and enjoyment of life.

These negative associations are reinforced by the endless marketing of “anti-ageing” products, diets and medical procedures that promise to stave off the seemingly inevitable decline into marginalisation, depression and loss.

Such stereotypes of ageing are outdated, inaccurate and do not reflect the reality of life for the vast majority of older people. not only do we have control over many aspects of ageing, but there are numerous positive dimensions to ageing that get lost in the barrage of negativity.

Well-being in older age.Far from being depressed, the over-55's report the highest level of life

satisfaction of all age groups. A number of factors contribute to this enhanced level of well-being. Relieved of the pressures and responsibilities of childrearing, older people often enjoy better relationships with their adult children, and can gain great satisfaction from their relationships with their grandchildren. They are less constricted by the roles that they had to fulfill in their earlier years, whether at home, socially or in the workplace, and become more “their own person”.

Ageing brings a depth of wisdom, insight and understanding that can only come through life experience. People tend to become more compas-sionate and less judgemental of both themselves and others as they age, realising that making mistakes is an inevitable, and indeed essential, part of life. Getting older can bring greater confidence and release people from concerns about what other people think, allowing them more personal freedom. They worry less, partly due to having fewer responsibilities, but also through discovering that allowing things to unfold without interference often leads to the best results. They stress less about small things, and are able to see a bigger picture.

Demographic factors Populations are ageing and the birth rate continues to decrease. For the

first time in history, married couples have more living parents than chil-dren. Sociologists refer to this as the “demographic time bomb”, asserting that a country top-heavy with older people will create a “social burden” for the shrinking younger population to carry.

In reality, only a tiny percentage of older people require expensive, long-term care. The vast majority of seniors are healthy, active and productive members of society. Far from being receivers of social care, they are net providers, through the help they give to their families, their local communi-ties and through volunteering and other civic activities. They offer a grow-ing market for providers of adult education, sporting and cultural activities, and are free to contribute their time and experience to political, spiritual and charitable causes.

An older population will engage in less crime and create greater social capital, i.e. more interconnectness through informal networks which pro-vide the “social glue” that keeps communities together.

Staying healthy as we age The “baby boomer” generation will be the healthiest, wealthiest and

most active group to ever enter the “third age”, as life post-retirement is now called. Advances in medical science, as well as increased awareness about the importance of diet, exercise and other lifestyle factors, means that physical health and ability does not have to decline significantly as we age.

Keeping mentally and physically active, not smoking, drinking in mod-eration, exercising regularly and eating fresh, unprocessed food have all been shown to have measurable effects in maintaining cognitive abilities and physical health. Access to information and communication through the

By Maeve Halpin,Registered Counselling Psychologist

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Flowerhill win best decor awardFlOWeRhIll Furniture showcased their Amberwood range at the recent Ideal homes exhibition in the RDS, coming away the the award for “Best Décor” for their stand

Introduced in 2012 The Amberwood range of handpainted kitchen and dining room furniture has gone from strength to strength , with orders coming in from all, over Ireland. This award winning furniture includes dressers, cabinets, book-cases, showcases and dining sets in a wide variety of environmentally friendly colours and finishes. Furthermore, all pieces can be made to measure with nation-wide delivery available.

Amberwood, produced in regular, distressed or an antique finish, is hand-painted in a one-colour or two-colour finish, with up to 30 shades to choose from.

To complement this beautifully crafted furniture, designed with a little more than a nod to nostalgia, Flowerhill Furniture stocks a popular range of vintage-

inspired kitchen and homeware accessories.These country-style products, functional but beautiful,

have character and are readily adoptive to most home styles.

The range is unique to Flowerhill Furniture, where its rustic look, combined with a fresh and stylish approach to today’s customer demands, can be readily appreciated. The knowledgeable and experienced staff are ideally equipped to afford the best possible service and advice to quality-seeking shoppers.

internet and mobile phones breaks down isolation and empowers older people to develop new skills and interests.

By keeping a positive attitude and seeing ageing as an opportunity to exercise a new-found freedom, we can ensure that our options and possibilities expand rather than shrink as we age.

© Maeve Halpin Nov 2012, Registered Counselling Psychologist, Appletree Health and Wellness, No. 126, Ranelagh, Dublin 6. Tel: 087-2877837

www.maevehalpincounselling.com • www.appletreehealthandwellness.com

20 The Informer

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The Informer 24

Sandyford in Brief... with Graham Connors

New funding for youth projects

During events to mark the recent national recreation Week, Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs announced that €2.25 million will be made available in capital funding for the development and upkeep of youth projects and play and recreation initiatives.

Dun Laoghaire Fine gael Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor has encouraged local youth groups to avail of the new funding. “i would encourage local groups, clubs and organisations in Dun Laoghaire - rathdown to apply for funding so that local children and young people can be given the chance to avail of a suitable place to play and an environment that facilitates growth, development and physical activity,” Deputy Mitchell said of the announcement.

The breakdown of the funding will see €500,000 allotted for youth cafes this year, applications for which are being assessed at present. €1.5m is earmarked for youth capital projects for 2013, including further youth cafes; while the remaining €250,000 has been desig-nated for play and recreation initiatives.

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs will announce further details on how to access this funding in the coming weeks but it is understood that the fund-ing will be partly accessible through local authorities. A spokesperson for Dun Laoghaire-rathdown County Council said the council: “welcomes Minister Fitzgerald’s announcement for capital funding to sup-port recreational facilities. The council will assess the criteria for applications once full details are released”.

Emma Campbell, of the Dun Laoghaire Youth Service, has also supported the initiative, saying: “it’s a very positive development, as youth cafes are a great facility, especially for the 15- to 18-year age group.”

The Dun Laoghaire Youth cafe, which is a joint venture between Dun Laoghaire Youth Service and the VEC, is located on Eblana Avenue and it services a wide cohort of young people all across the county.

Businesses invited to Outdoor Activity Tourism Seminar

ThE Outdoor Tourism Project, an event supported by Dun Laoghaire rathdown County Enterprise Board, is a seminar for outdoor activity providers, café/restau-rant businesses and all relevant retailers.

it will take place on november 28th in the Stillorgan Park hotel and is aimed at providing people with the opportunity to network with other service providers in the industry, gain valuable business support and advice, acquire an insight into the activity tourism industry, obtain funding information and listen to some inspira-tional guest speakers.

Anyone interested in attending this free seminar should rSVP to Elaine Carroll at Dun Laoghaire rathdown County Council by 23rd november.

DLR named Local Authority of the Year

AT the 9th Annual Chambers ireland Excellence in Local government Awards, Dún Laoghaire-rathdown County Council was named ‘Local Authority of the Year.’

in presenting the award, Jan O’Sullivan, TD, Minister for State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local government, paid tribute to those working in local authorities who continue to meet the needs of irelands changing communities.

DLr also collected one of the individual awards having been shortlisted in 10 separate award catego-ries. The winning individual project ‘higher Education grants’ – A Portal to a Brighter Future,’ was awarded the ‘innovation in Technology Award’.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, An Cathaoirleach Councillor Tom Joyce said: “i am honoured to collect this award on behalf of Dún Laoghaire-rathdown County Council and would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff for their continued hard work during what has been a very tough time for the Public Service.”

New shelter proposed for Sandycove swimmers

DLr County Council are proposing the construction of a shelter for swimmers at the existing lifeguard shelter at Sandycove harbour at Scotsman’s Bay, within the Sandycove Architectural Conservation Area. This will be similar to the changing facilities located around The Forty Foot bathing area.

Plans for the proposed development are available for inspection from until Wednesday 19th December 2012, at the Planning Department, County hall, Marine road, Dún Laoghaire.

Bernard O'SheaInterview Page 10

Yer man from the 'Telly'

Win 2 Tickets to the Opening Night of

9 TO 5 - The MusicalDolly Parton's 9 TO 5 is heading for Dublin at the Bord Gais Energy

Theatre in January and you can be there on the

opening night of this fabulous production.

See Page 2