lucan informer january 2013

20
Lucan Informer January 2013 • Unit 26, Western Parkway Business Centre, Ballymount, Dublin 12 • Tel: 01 813 8786 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.informer.ie lucan and palmerstown 15,000 copies delivered monthly will be given. Pauline Crowley, Rehab’s Head of Fundraising, added, “The HeadsUp Five Peaks Challenge is a fantastic adventure which pushes both mind and body to the limit, but in return, offers a real sense of achievement and the prospect of making some lifelong friends. Funds raised go to HeadsUp, which uses a positive mental health approach to help prevent youth sui- cides by intervening with 15-24 year olds before they reach a point of cri- sis. It is estimated that one in four peo- ple will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives. HeadsUp works to help prevent youth suicides using a mental health promo- tion approach by intervening with the target group of 15-24 year olds before they reach a point of crisis. Places are limited, so get your boots on and register your place now. Registration closes on 24th February (€150 deposit required) and more information is available on www. rehabfundraising.ie or by calling Mary on 01 2100 521. Lucan adventurers needed for charity challenge ARE you looking for the ultimate endurance test and the adventure of a life- time? Does climbing 17,373-foot in five countries in just three days sound appealing? Dublin suicide prevention charity Headsup is calling on all Dublin walk- ers, trekkers and thrill-seekers to take part in the HeadsUp Five Peaks Challenge which takes place from 2 - 4 August 2013. Participants will climb the five highest peaks in Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales on one bank holiday weekend, while at the same time raising money for HeadsUp, Rehab’s youth suicide pre- vention project! Lucan native Donal Crowley com- pleted the challenge in 2012, and he is very enthusiastic when speaking about the whole experience. “I would tell anyone who is looking for a challenge to take on the HeadsUp Five Peaks Challenge. When I signed up last year, I had no idea what lay ahead. Yes, you have to put in the training hours, but meeting the other participants at the training weekends really spurred me on and I got to know the hills and mountains in my own area really well.” Donal explained that whilst the challenge itself was tough, with a reasonable level of fitness and lots of determination anyone can do it. “The sense of satisfaction at the end is really was worth it. And there aren’t too many people who can say they have climbed the five highest peaks in Britain and Ireland!” He said. The three-day adventure will begin in Kerry with participants climbing Carrauntoohil before travelling north to scale Slieve Donard in Northern Ireland. Ben Nevis in Scotland and Scafell Pike in England will also be conquered before the final challenge of Mount Snowdon in Wales. A full training plan will be provided and a reasonable level of fitness and endurance is required. Each person is asked to raise €1,875 and advice and support on running fundraising events By Paul O'Connell Climb the five highest peaks in Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland & Wales Ph: 01 4242067 www.dkwindows.ie Winter Deal Triple Glazing uPVC Special - 7 Windows, Front Door & French Doors Only 5,950! *Terms and Conditions Apply See our ad on Page 3! Nationwide Tiles and Bathrooms AUTUMN/WINTER SPECIAL OFFER. TILE YOUR KITCHEN FLOOR from €249 TILE YOUR BATHROOM from €399 See our add on Page 3 www.nationwidetiles.ie Rasher interview page 10 colouring in every day win tickets to high society and a celebration of abba and the Bee gees We have loads of chances for you to win tickets this month. From Cole Porter's High Society to the RTE Concert Orchestra's celebration of the work of Abba and the Bee Gees. see page 2 a musical spring season... no to nursing on the cheap! opinion - liam doran - page 2 don't burn your christmas tree green scene page 6 Flash Fiction new - Fiction in 500 words - page 15 Servicing Lucan and Dublin West area avail of our recession busting rate of 27 per hour. Discount for 5 lessons or more. Special discount for the new EDT Scheme €275 DG School of Motoring Contact Paul Mobile 087-9450064 Landline 01-5221569 Email: [email protected]

Upload: niall-gormley

Post on 10-Mar-2016

230 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

DESCRIPTION

 

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Lucan Informer January 2013

Lucan InformerJanuary 2013 • Unit 26, Western Parkway Business Centre, Ballymount, Dublin 12 • Tel: 01 813 8786 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.informer.ie

lucan and palmerstown

15,000 copies delivered monthly

will be given. Pauline Crowley, Rehab’s Head of

Fundraising, added, “The Headsup Five Peaks Challenge is a fantastic adventure which pushes both mind and body to the limit, but in return, offers a real sense of achievement and the prospect of making some lifelong friends. Funds raised go to Headsup, which uses a positive mental health approach to help prevent youth sui-cides by intervening with 15-24 year olds before they reach a point of cri-sis.

it is estimated that one in four peo-ple will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives. Headsup works to help prevent youth suicides using a mental health promo-tion approach by intervening with the target group of 15-24 year olds before they reach a point of crisis.

Places are limited, so get your boots on and register your place now. Registration closes on 24th February (€150 deposit required) and more information is available on www.rehabfundraising.ie or by calling Mary on 01 2100 521.

Lucan adventurers needed for charity challenge

ARE you looking for the ultimate endurance test and the adventure of a life-time? Does climbing 17,373-foot in five countries in just three days sound appealing?

Dublin suicide prevention charity Headsup is calling on all Dublin walk-ers, trekkers and thrill-seekers to take part in the Headsup Five Peaks Challenge which takes place from 2 - 4 August 2013.

Participants will climb the five highest peaks in ireland, northern ireland, England, Scotland and Wales on one bank holiday weekend, while at the same time raising money for Headsup, Rehab’s youth suicide pre-vention project!

lucan native Donal Crowley com-pleted the challenge in 2012, and he is very enthusiastic when speaking about the whole experience.

“i would tell anyone who is looking for a challenge to take on the Headsup Five Peaks Challenge. When i signed up last year, i had no idea what lay ahead. yes, you have to put in the training hours, but meeting the other participants at the training weekends really spurred me on and i got to know the hills and mountains in my own

area really well.” Donal explained that whilst the

challenge itself was tough, with a reasonable level of fitness and lots of determination anyone can do it.

“The sense of satisfaction at the end is really was worth it. And there aren’t too many people who can say they have climbed the five highest peaks in britain and ireland!” He said.

The three-day adventure will begin in Kerry with participants climbing Carrauntoohil before travelling north to scale Slieve Donard in northern ireland. ben nevis in Scotland and Scafell Pike in England will also be conquered before the final challenge of Mount Snowdon in Wales.

A full training plan will be provided and a reasonable level of fitness and endurance is required. Each person is asked to raise €1,875 and advice and support on running fundraising events

By Paul O'Connell

Climb the five highest peaks in Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland & Wales

Ph: 01 4242067www.dkwindows.ie

Winter DealTriple Glazing uPVC Special -

7 Windows, Front Door & French DoorsOnly 5,950! *Terms and

Conditions Apply

See our ad on

Page 3!

Nationwide Tiles and BathroomsAUTUMN/WINTER SPECIAL OFFER.TILE YOUR KITCHEN FLOOR

from €249 TILE YOUR BATHROOM

from €399See our add on Page 3

www.nationwidetiles.ie

Rasherinterview page 10

colouring in every day

win tickets to high society and a

celebration of abba and the Bee gees

We have loads of chances for you to win tickets this month. From Cole Porter's

High Society to the RTE Concert Orchestra's

celebration of the work of Abba and the Bee Gees.

see page 2

a musical spring season...

no to nursing on the cheap!

opinion - liam doran - page 2

don't burn your christmas tree

green scene page 6Flash Fiction

new - Fiction in 500 words - page 15

Servicing Lucan and Dublin West area avail of our recession busting rate of 27 per hour. Discount for 5 lessons or more.

Special discount for the new EDT Scheme €275

DG School of Motoring

Contact PaulMobile 087-9450064Landline 01-5221569Email: [email protected]

Page 2: Lucan Informer January 2013

2 The Informer

The Drift

Dublin InformerEditor: Niall Gormley

Unit 38, Northwood Court, Santry, Dublin 901 813 8786 • [email protected] • www.informer.ie

Sales Director: Declan Keane • Mobile: 087 9145073

For Advertising Enquiries, please contact: [email protected]

Telephone: 01 813 8786

Dublin by

Numbers

This is the percentage of payments which are more than 30 days late according to a survey by the Small Firms Association. Late payments are a vicious spiral. Firms waiting for cash slow down their payments to other firms and so on. The state has made some attempt to change the balance but in a situ-ation where companies don't have money they simply can't pay others.

Comment BoxBy Liam Doran, Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation

No to nursing on the cheap

The INMO has always supported the commencement of a nursing graduate initiative, aimed at retaining new Irish graduates in this country, as a solid investment in the future of our healthcare sys-tem.

however, the proposal by the Government, on this potentially very good idea, has been tarnished and sullied by the proposed pay-ment of 80% of the public sector pay rate for new graduates taking up the programme.

The simple conversion from employment through an agency to direct employment, while placing the new graduate on the mini-mum of the agreed public sector scale (already reduced by 10% for new entrants), would have saved the hSe over 54% per annum. however, this very significant saving was not sufficient and the government now appears intent upon imposing this 80% rate even though the new graduate, as a registered nurse/midwife, will carry the full duties and responsibilities of a registered and regulated health professional.

The new graduate scheme, which was announced by the Department of health without any consultation or discussion, would see 2012 graduates, while performing the full range of duties, responsibilities and obligations of all registered nurses and midwives, paid at 80% of the minimum of the staff nurse scale.

The INMO condemns this exploitative approach to these young, registered and regulated nurses and midwives as opportunistic and greedy.

Against this background the IMNO has decided to commence a campaign of opposition to the scheme including a call for all 2012 graduates to boycott the scheme. We will also explore the possibil-ity of a legal challenge under the employment equality Acts.

This scheme does not involve the recruitment of 1,000 nurses/midwives as suggested by the Department of health and the hSe. There are no new posts and no additional posts and to suggest oth-erwise is blatantly misleading. In reality this is just the displace-ment of agency and temporary staff and their replacement, by new graduates, at 80% of the proper scale.

The proposal is exploitative and seeks to undermine the value of every nurse and midwife in the country, in addition to the 2012 graduates

The winners of the tickets for the

9-5 competition Paula A. Maher, Leitrim.

Christina C Anderson, Sandyford.73%

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS

To be in with a chance to win a pair of tickets to see High

Society on the opening night in Tuesday February 5th answer

the following question:What year was the original

film of High Society released? Answers by e-mail only to [email protected]

Please include your contact number

Closing date for entries 1st February 2013.

From the producers of the recently nominated tour of The King and I (UK Theatre

Awards 2012) comes a dazzling new production of Cole Porter’s timeless

classic, High Society. Adapted from the hit 1956 film, High

Society fizzes with a host of beautiful Cole Porter

ballads including ‘True Love’, ‘You’re Sensational’ and the

unforgettable ’Did You Evah!’.

YOU SHOULD BE DANCING! A TRIBUTE TO THE BEE GEESand SUPER TROUPERS: THE MUSIC OF ABBA

The RTÉ Concert Orchestra is bringing disco back!!! Following a sell-out performance last year, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra returns with YOU

SHOULD BE DANCING! A TRIBUTE TO THE BEE GEES, Thursday February 7th, National Concert Hall.

Then, on Thursday February 28th, the same team return with another 70s concert, SUPER TROUPERS: THE MUSIC OF ABBA.

Tickets for YOU SHOULD BE DANCING! A TRIBUTE TO THE BEE GEES and SUPER TROUPERS: THE MUSIC OF ABBA are on sale from only 11.

Booking: 01 417 0000 or nch.ie

WIN TICKETS: ABBA AND THE BEE GEES

To win a pair of tickets to BOTH concerts, simply answer the

following question:The Bee Gees brothers were

Barry, Robin and......a) Ben, b) Maurice, c) Mike

Answers by e-mail only to [email protected]

Please include your contact number Closing date for entries 1st February 2013.

Page 3: Lucan Informer January 2013

3

Comment BoxBy Liam Doran, Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation

No to nursing on the cheap

The INMO has always supported the commencement of a nursing graduate initiative, aimed at retaining new Irish graduates in this country, as a solid investment in the future of our healthcare sys-tem.

however, the proposal by the Government, on this potentially very good idea, has been tarnished and sullied by the proposed pay-ment of 80% of the public sector pay rate for new graduates taking up the programme.

The simple conversion from employment through an agency to direct employment, while placing the new graduate on the mini-mum of the agreed public sector scale (already reduced by 10% for new entrants), would have saved the hSe over 54% per annum. however, this very significant saving was not sufficient and the government now appears intent upon imposing this 80% rate even though the new graduate, as a registered nurse/midwife, will carry the full duties and responsibilities of a registered and regulated health professional.

The new graduate scheme, which was announced by the Department of health without any consultation or discussion, would see 2012 graduates, while performing the full range of duties, responsibilities and obligations of all registered nurses and midwives, paid at 80% of the minimum of the staff nurse scale.

The INMO condemns this exploitative approach to these young, registered and regulated nurses and midwives as opportunistic and greedy.

Against this background the IMNO has decided to commence a campaign of opposition to the scheme including a call for all 2012 graduates to boycott the scheme. We will also explore the possibil-ity of a legal challenge under the employment equality Acts.

This scheme does not involve the recruitment of 1,000 nurses/midwives as suggested by the Department of health and the hSe. There are no new posts and no additional posts and to suggest oth-erwise is blatantly misleading. In reality this is just the displace-ment of agency and temporary staff and their replacement, by new graduates, at 80% of the proper scale.

The proposal is exploitative and seeks to undermine the value of every nurse and midwife in the country, in addition to the 2012 graduates

BLANCH, AIRSIDE, SANDYFORD & BALLYFERMOT: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm | Sun: 1pm - 5pmNAAS: Monday - Thursday: 9am - 5.30pm | Friday: 9am - 4.30pm | Saturday: 10am - 4pm

299

Showrooms now open in Blanchardstown, Swords, Sandyford, Naas & Ballyfermot

Complete BathroomFitting from 1200

Ph: 01 4242067Visit our showroom at Unit C, Westland Business Park, Willow Road(off Nangor Road), Dublin 12

Fax:01 45 08 250 • Email:[email protected]

Composite Door SpecialTriple Glazed Special • Includes 10 point locking system

• PVC • TIMBER • ALUCLAD • ALUMINIUM •

Keep WARM all Year!with quality windows and doors

Your home is the biggest investment you will ever

make. There is nothing you will put more time and

money into, so when it comes to taking care of it, only

the best will do.

At DK Windows and Doors we recognize your

desire for windows and doors that are not only

aesthetically pleasing but also have all the quality and

insulation properties to ensure that your home stays

warm, thereby lowering your energy bills and reducing

heat loss from your home.

Winter Deal:Triple Glazing uPVC Special - 7 Windows, Front Doorand French Doors - Only 5,950!

www.dkwindows.ie

*Terms and Conditions Apply 1,400 Supplied & Fitted

T&C's ApplyQuality German Design

Mention Informer Advert

Page 4: Lucan Informer January 2013

4 The Informer

lucan in Brief... with Paul O'Connell

Council increases burial costsTHE price of burial plots in South Dublin have risen by a third this year, with the cost of cremations rising by 80 per cent.

The increases came after the council decided to increase the costs last month, despite increases the previous year. The price for a single plot for up to three burials has risen to €2,400, up €600 since January 1. The cost of a double burial plot has increased by a third from €3,600 to €4,800.

in addition, the cost of a cremation plot has increased from €550 to €1,000. The council said the cost of an islamic plot has not been increased.

The maintenance of graveyards resulted in the council experiencing a deficit of €850,000 last year.

it is now expected that the increase in the costs of burial plots will reduce the deficit to €590,000 this year. There were 600 burials in council cemeteries last year.

Possible rent increases for South Dublin council tenantsTEnAnTS living in accommodation provided by South Dublin County Council could face increases in rent fees due to a proposal by the government to charge local authority tax on local authority hous-ing.

if the increases get the go ahead, tenants will endure increases of between 12 and 26 per cent from July 2013.

Currently, tenants living in housing provided by the council pay 10 per cent of the property's income.

However, it is understood that the council has drawn up a new plan that would see rent rates of between 12 and 16 per cent for low income tenants.

Middle income tenants would experience increases

of 17 to 21 percent, while high earners would be hit with increases between 22 to 26 per cent.

Mayor Cathal King said the council is waiting to find out if local authority tenants or the council will be subject to the charge.

"i'm against the property tax anyway for a number of reasons - for one the household charge was sup-posed to fund local services but yet South Dublin County's local government Fund was reduced this year. if the council does have to pay the property tax on each of its homes. which would probably average between €250 and €300 per property, that is an awful lot of money."

However, Mayor King said he also believes that the tax is a huge amount of money to pay for people who don't have it.

The council is set to access all of the tenants in its catchment area in the coming months to ascertain how much extra they would have to pay.

Lucan Sarsfields FundraiserluCAn Sarsfields gAA Club have announced their forthcoming main event fundraiser.

The ‘12th lock FigHT nigHT' is a White Collar boxing event, where 36 club members (including All-ireland winning former Dublin footballer Paul Casey and former TD Paul gogarty) will take part in a boxing extravaganza. Each of the boxers is fighting on behalf of a Club Team(s).

The event will be taking place in a circus-style big top tent on Saturday, 9th March in lucan Sarsfields, kicking off at 7.30pm, followed by a DJ. There will also be special guests to make the event one ‘not to miss' so make sure you purchase your tickets early. Hot food, an auction and much, much more on the night.

A precentage of the profits will also go to Pieta House, lions Club, lucan Hedgehogs and nagarhope.

ultimately, the ‘12th lock FigHT nigHT' is a lucan Sarsfields initiative to help raise critically needed funds to support the running of your local gAA club.

Standard seating tickets cost €25. There are also a limited number of ringside seats available for €30.

Tickets are available on line through the lucan Sarsfields website or through the link below:

http://regonline.activeeurope.com/lucansarsfield-s12thlockfightnight

Levy reduction welcomedWilliAM lavelle, Fine gael councillor for lucan, has welcomed the recent vote by South Dublin

County Council to significantly reduce development levies.

Commenting on the newly-adopted scheme lavelle stated: “i warmly welcome the decision to reduce these levies, in particular the reversal of the 2009 increase in levies on commercial development. i have consistently argued that commercial development levies act as an unfair burden on local businesses, in particular small businesses, who despite the reces-sion seek to expand their operations and premises.”

He added:“i believe that in reducing these levies we are sending out a strong message that South Dublin County is open for business and invest-ment!”

n The wonderful thing about Tiggers... In January, Ussuri, a two year old male Amur tiger joined Zeya and Shilka, two eleven year old sisters, in their habitat located in the Fringes of the Arctic at Dublin Zoo.

Page 5: Lucan Informer January 2013

Spring Specials

Two nights Bed & Breakfast & four course evening meal

89 pps weekend 79 pps midweek

Something for Everyone

Email: [email protected] • Telephone: 062 33333 • Web: www.ballykisteenhotel.com

Page 6: Lucan Informer January 2013

6 The Informer

By Kathy Marsh, SonairteGreen SceneAS I write I’ve just finished arranging roses in a vase on the table – roses picked from my garden in late January.

There are always a few battered blossoms that stagger along but this year we’ve had fresh healthy flowers opening every few days with cold spells not lasting long enough to persuade them that the depths of winter have arrived. I’m hoping winter won’t be in May again, as it was last year.

Whither the weather?We seem to be seeing a lot of unusual weather events. It is a waxwing winter, when flocks of these lovely birds arrive from Scandinavia because they’ve had a very successful breeding season and they are looking for the extra berries that are normally to be found on Irish hedges.

But they’ve moved on quickly, because this year the ber-ries had all been eaten long before they got here. The miser-able conditions last summer killed pollinating insects and the crop was very poor – the worst I’ve ever seen. Only where householders had put food such as chopped apple on bird tables was there anything for them to eat. Perhaps by the time you read this winter will have finally arrived and sum-mer flowers will have given up.

But it isn’t only here in Ireland that we are having yet another extraordinary season – in Australia temperatures have hit a record high, while friends in California are shiv-ering in many degrees of frost. Another friend in Alabama is gardening in bare feet because the soil is so warm. And the winter ice at the North Pole may be the lowest ever, with unknown knock-on effects on our climate.

Climate change - just add frackingBy now there are very few who don’t believe that the dra-matic swings in climate that make meteorologists tear their hair out are related to the recent release back into the atmos-phere of carbon our planet has spent billions of years collect-ing and storing.

Yet we go on doing it and our response to diminishing

sources of oil and gas is to go looking for new reserves we can burn, increasing those atmospheric carbon levels.

The favourite new method is the so-called fracking – or fraccing, or fracing – take your pick. This involves pumping water and other liquids at high pressure into rocks below the surface, believed to contain natural gas, which makes them split. The fluid contains sand which keeps the fractures open – hence the name, and the gas is taken up to the surface.

Across the water in the UK the government has not only lifted its ban on exploring for shale gas – despite the fact that at least one localised earthquake has been triggered by fracking there – but has announced its intention of subsidising its extraction. In the US it has been associated with the pollution of water sup-plies and with other environmental problems.

The estimates of potential reserves seem to vary enor-mously with oil companies promising to meet energy needs for generations and some but not all neutral observers saying that they will only meet power needs for a year or two. The eU was asked by environmental groups to ban fracking but has instead said that environmental safety must be priori-tized, but some european governments, notably France and Bulgaria, have decided to ban it anyway.

EPA to the rescue?happily here in Ireland fracking has been put on hold while the ePA investigates its safety. Several companies have permission to explore for shale gas here in Ireland, but they cannot go ahead unless they can prove that what they are doing will be safe.

how does the ePA decide what is safe? On this occasion you can help to make the decision. The studies are still being designed and the public can have their say on how to design them via a dedicated email address [email protected], until March 8th.

Full details are on the ePA website but impacts on rock structure and groundwater will be key, along with the risk of seismic damage, other environmental damage and the risk of

contaminants coming back up to the surface through the wells. You can check up on all ePA research at http://www.epa.ie

Flogging the tar sandsAt the same time the Canadian government is lobbying the Irish Presidency to try to persuade the eU to reclassify the bitumen now being mined in Canada as a clean fuel. The eU has strong regulations that are gradually limiting the use of so called “dirty fuels” such as coal and bitumen, which have a particularly bad effect on air quality.

Canada has huge reserves of bituminous shale oil and would like to be able to sell those on the world market without restric-tions on its burning and Ireland is seen as a country that can be pressured into lobbying for its use. So far the government is resisting pressure – I hope that by the time you read this they won’t have changed sides.

Volunteer to plant treesMeanwhile there is still time to do something for Ireland’s future fuel security by planting bare rooted trees, and if they are native varieties so much the better since these will continue to support our wildlife.

Opportunities to get up close and per-sonal with trees include a Spring Tree Planting Day with the Native Woodland Trust at their Wicklow Mountain Woodland Reserve in Laragh. Thousands of native oak, hazel, birch and scots pine seedlings are being planted in the reserve so plenty of mus-cle power is needed.

The meeting point is the Brockagh Centre car park in Laragh at 11am on Saturday 16th February and children are just as welcome as adults to come and plant their very own tree. And because the reserve is open all around the year you can drop in and check how your tree is growing any time you like.

You can see what happened at last year’s planting day and check on how the trees are growing at https://www.face-book.com/nativewoodlandtrust. For those who can’t make it on the day there will be a second chance at the trust’s reserve in Waterford – details on their website.

Look after your fruit treeIf you’ve already planted fruit trees in your own garden and want to know more about how to look after them there’s an opportunity on the same day at Sonairte, where Pat O’Mara of Irish Seedsavers will be giving a hands on pruning course in the organic orchard.

And on Thursday March 7th Dale Treadwell will be showing primary school students exactly what lives in and around the trees at Sonairte. To book call 041 982 7572 or email [email protected]

Don't burn your Christmas TreeAnd a final note on timber as fuel. I was horrified while listening to a recent Liveline phone in to hear people suggesting cutting up their dead Christmas trees to burn on home fires, cutting green wood from hedges to mix in with coal to stretch it, and burning old window frames.

The first two will deposit very high levels of tar in your chimney and practically guarantee a chimney fire – wood for burning should always be non-bituminous and very well seasoned – native hardwoods like oak, beech and ash are perfect.

As for old window frames, these are likely to be soaked in arsenic based wood preservatives and then covered in varnish or paint – not good things to either release in your garden via the chimney, or in your living room where dioxins can remain in the carpet for years.

Don’t be tempted into risking your life by making bad choices about home heating.

✔ Free to air satellite✔ Saorsat installation✔ Saorview installation

Online shop www.swordssatellites.ie

Best prices in IrelandPlease call 087-9145461Email: [email protected]

Sky satellite adjustment, installation (20% cheaper than Sky service)

Installation only

40

HANDYMANFROM A LEAKING TAP TO A DREAM BATHROOM We carry out all aspects of household maintenance inside and out.

No Jobs Too Small. Fully insured and registered with 35 years experience.

For more information call Joe 086-8256004

€ €

Pop into our showroom to see our doors, floors and beds on display

today or call 8836666In association with The Malahide Flooring Company

New Showroom, Main Street, Donabate

(Next door to Keeling’s Pub. Tel: 01 8836666)

MH CarpentryCall Mark on 087-6885634

25 to Must be seen.

Page 7: Lucan Informer January 2013

By Kathy Marsh, Sonairte

HANDYMANFROM A LEAKING TAP TO A DREAM BATHROOM We carry out all aspects of household maintenance inside and out.

No Jobs Too Small. Fully insured and registered with 35 years experience.

For more information call Joe 086-8256004

Call for FREE consultation4510092/4516315

SPECIAL OFFERon 6 Month Braces adult short term orthodontics -

straight teeth in 6 months!Upper and lower teeth €2500,

Upper or lower €1600 includes retainers and free teeth whitening

Full Comprehensive

Orthodontic Treatments

also available for children & adults

CLAIM 20% Tax Reliefon Med 2 Form

NOW ALSO AVAILABLE Hidden (Lingual) Bracescall us for more details

Old Bawn Dental Practice70 Old Bawn Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24

LOW COST SKIP HIREMIDI 4CYD ............ €145STD 6CYD ............. €189MAXI 8CYD ........... €20920 CYD ............ from €370Depending on Application

We don't talk Rubbish - We move it!

www.conroyrecycling.ie

CALLSAVE: 1850 200 696MOBILE: 087 125 2489

ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTEDLICENCED & PERMITTED COMPANY

CONROY SKIPSCONROY RECYCLING COMPANY

Town Centre,Portlaoise,County Laois,Ireland.

T: +353 (0)57 867 8588F: +353 (0)57 867 8577

E: [email protected]: www.theheritagehotel.com

All hotel residents can enjoy complimentary use of the award winningHeritage Health & Fitness Club and up to 25% off pamper treatments at Ealu Medi Spa Therapy.

Offer valid from – 01st January to 29th February 2013

Winter Warmerat the 4* Portlaoise Heritage Hotel

MIDWEEK SPECIAL€79.00 Bed & Full Irish Breakfast

For Two Adults SharingValid Sunday to Thursday Inclusive

Subject to Availability

Quote DI2012

Explore the Heart of Ireland....

Page 8: Lucan Informer January 2013

8 The Informer

BLINDS & INTERIORSSPECIALISTS IN ROLLERS, VENETIANS,VERTICALS, ROMAN AND CONSERVATORY BLINDS

We bring our showroom to you in the comfort of your own homeEvening Calls Catered For - All Areas Covered - Open 6 days a week

Value 200Call to book today

Terms & Conditions Apply

CHARGE

SALE

NOW ONAs seen

VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOMS

ALL OUR BLINDS ARE FITTED TO THE NEWEST CHILD SAFETY SPECAlso check out our website: www.samrod.ie

Visit our showrooms on Donabate Main Street

● Glass / Keys Cut while-u-wait● Coloured Glass Splashbacks Made-To-Measure

● Mirrors Made-To-Measure (domestic and gyms/showrooms etc)

● Shower Doors Made-To-Measure● Table Tops and Shelving

● Stained Glass Panels - New and Repairs● PVC Handle/Hinges & Double Glazed Unit Repairs

NO JOB TOO SMALL / FREE QUOTES

Call Today 01-453 2631 (4 Lines)

Capital Glass Co. Ltd. est 1981Glass And Mirror Specialists Full Fitting Service.

62 Lower Clanbrassil St (Leonards Corner) D8

Happy New year to all you skywatchers, and what a year it will be! 2013 will hopefully be a fantastic year for astronomy with two pos-sible 'Great Comets' this year, both visible from Dublin skies.

While there is no official definition of the term, a Great Comet is a comet that becomes exceptionally bright and bright enough to be noticed by the casual observer. The Great Comet of 1997 is one you may remember: known as Hale-Bopp, this object became bright enough to be seen with the naked eye early in 1997, and grew brighter and brighter and dominated the northern sky for months.

The first of the Great Comets of 2013 is expected to appear in mid-March, right on time for St patrick's Day. This was discovered using the paNSTaRRS 1 telescope in Hawaii and so is named Comet paNSTaRRS.

The second, Comet ISON (named after the International Scientific Optical Network), is a special kind of comet called a sungrazer. all comets orbit the Sun, but sungraz-ers pass extremely close to the star; in many cases the comet evaporates and is destroyed. While many com-ets make the trip from the outer Solar System to the Sun several times, sungrazers often just make a

single, one-way trip to their destruction. assuming ISON doesn't fizzle away during its close approach to the Sun, we may be treated to a spectacle 15 times brighter than a Full Moon with a vast tail, making it easily visible in broad daylight – something that hasn't been seen since the Great Comet of 1680.

In the meantime however, the planets con-tinue to put on a good show. Jupiter is visible high in the south-east in the evenings, and will be placed next to the Moon on February 17th. Early risers who venture outdoors while it's still dark may have noticed the brilliant Venus blazing brightly in the eastern sky just before sunrise.

The sky over Dublinwith Conor Farrell, Astronomy Ireland

2013 - the year of the comets

n Comet McNaught (Great Comet of 2007) Flagstaffotos

with Keith McDonnell

Angler's AnglesFly-tying is the process of binding fur, feathers and other materials to a hook with thread in order to create something that fools a fish into thinking it is food.

ireland has been a mecca for anglers for many years and with that there is a strong tradition and rich history in fly tying for trout and Salmon.

there is not much known about fly fishing in ireland before 1790 but it is thought that fly fish-ing was first introduced here by English army officers. Although prior to this the Monks would have "dapped" natural flies on the surface of the water using horse hair for line and sally sticks as rods.

irish flies are quite unique in both their style and colour which has been developed over hun-dreds of years to be effective in the prevailing conditions on our loughs and rivers. the availabil-ity of materials such as Seal and Hare's fur, Duck and Chicken feathers has also been a factor in the irish style of fly tying. Some of the colours used in our flies are amazing rich warm colours with names such as Fiery Brown and golden Olive.

And some of the stories about how the colours were originally achieved are equally interesting! For example the Fiery Brown colour is said to have been made by using very specific quantities of Donkey's urine in the dye mixture!

One of the most popular methods of fishing the trout loughs of ireland is drifting on a boat while casting and pulling bushy flies through the rolling waves. A well tied fly will move and pul-sate and give the appearance of something alive in the water.

Fly tying is almost as much fun as fishing and is not the dark art that some might have you believe. i think fishing flies are one of the few things these days that can't be produced by machine.

there are many excellent fly tying instructors in ireland who are more than willing to pass on their knowledge. Flies can be a simple or compli-cated as you like and it is most rewarding to catch fish on something that you have created your-self.

anglers and Conservationists are holding a protest against the mega salmon farm pro-posed for Galway Bay. This farm has the potential to destroy our fragile wild salmon and sea trout stocks as well as polluting the marine environment. The protest will take place on the 2nd of March. For more details please see www.nosalmonfarmsatsea.com.

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

www.fluffchucker.com

Fly Tying in Ireland

n T ypical Salmon fly tied in the Irish style to give maximum movement and reflection in the water.

Page 9: Lucan Informer January 2013

8 The Informer

✔ Triple glaze windows ✔ Composite doors✔ 10 point locking system✔ Very competitive rates✔ Low u value✔ Friendly service

Over 20 years experience in all aspects of building

01-621 [email protected]

KM WINDOWS AND DOORS

We will beat any quote

but will not compromise on quality

J.GUERINHeating & Plumbing

SPECIALISING IN CONDENSING BOILERS

Phone:087 946848601-8996494

www.guerinheating.ie

CALL FOR THE CHEAPEST

RATES IN DUBLIN!

Credited Installer

Complete Bathroom Service AvailableFree Quotations

24HR CALL OUT SERVICE

Irish Centre of Behavioural Support and Research (ICBSR)

• Blinds • Plantation Shutters • • Patio Awnings •

Free Home Consultation or Buy Online

LoCall 1890 200 800www.myblinds.ie

JANUARY SALE NOW ON!

93 Upper Georges Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

(National Sales Office)

Solid Six Panel Pine Door Fully Fitted With Fittings

135White Regency Door

Fully Fitted With Fittings 79

Oak Doors Fully Fitted With Contempory Handle

165Solid Oak Bannisters

Fully Fitted 999

Attic Ladder With New Frame & Hatch Door

(Similar To Stira), Fully Fitted 249

Premier Stairs & Doors Ireland(32 Years In Business)

Visit us at www.stairsanddoorsireland.comEmail: [email protected]

Mobile: 087-2319686

SPECIAL OFFERSPine Bannisters Fully Fitted

399SIDE ENTRANCE GATE & FRAME (Pressure Treated) Fully Fitted

175

Page 10: Lucan Informer January 2013

10 The Informer

Married, children?I am married the last six years. I have two children - Lucas and Mischa - and another one beingcooked as we speak May the force be with me.

Where did you grow up?I grew up in Oldcourt in Bray, Co Wicklow until I was 9. It's council estate. There was never a dull moment, always kids to play with and devilment to get up to. We learned how to make slings and go-carts, played conkers and mar-bles. Kids don’t play those games anymore.

What is your fondest childhood memory?heading down to Seagull's Rock down by the railway tracks near Bray head in the summer.Seagull's Rock is a 40-50 feet rock that we jumped off into the sea.... I loved it.

What is your favourite colour?I love all colours, I don’t have a favourite colour.

Where did the name Rasher come from?Where I grew up every body got a nick name. I was sun-burnt on my back and I had blonde hair and got branded 'Rasher'.

Were you academically good in school?I could have been if I tried. I didn't see the need for aca-demic subjects as I new early on that I wanted to be an artist.

At what age did you realise you had a talent for art?I didn’t relise I was good at art - people like family and friends did, as every time I would draw, mymother would tell me that’s a great drawing. So I drew a lot because I got praise, all kids lovepraise.

Can you remember the first piece of art that you did?No, I can’t remember, it is too long ago now. I have cre-

ated too many to remember.

How did you get your first break?I am still waiting for it and will let you know when it hap-pens.

What’s the best thing about being an artist?I get to colour in every day...

Do you express different feelings when painting or do you just paint for the sake of painting?I deal with all the emotion of a painting when I am think-ing and developing the idea in my head when I paint. It is just labour intensive work. I have some emotion when things go wrong like F.K, S.T frustrating emotion.

Do you work from life, or from photographs or from imagination?It varies and includes life, imagination and photographs.

What is your favourite piece of work you have done to date and why? Where is it now?I am still waiting to paint it.

How do you know when your artwork is finished and it's ready to be signed?As Picasso would say: 'a painting is never finished'.

Your painting and brand has grown extensively since its earliest beginnings and now is recognised and pur-chased worldwide by lots of celebrity superstars, why do you think this is?I am not a brand, I’m myself.

Do you think there is a brain drain going on in Ireland at the moment with so many young talented people living the county?I don’t know. I am stuck in a box all day using my imagi-nation and trying to free myself from the small confined

space of the box. All I know is that kids play too much two dimensional games which effects their reflexes....

What do you think we should be doing as a country to encourage our young people to stay?I am not qualified to answer that question. Just get stuck in doing something you like - it will lead somewhere.

What type of clothes do you like to wear, do you have a favourite piece of clothing?Fred Perry as they give me free stuff plus I like their designs, which helps.

Who in your opinion who would you say is the coolest dressed celebrity at the moment that you admire and why?I don't admire celebrity. I admire people who do extraor-dinary things.

If you weren’t an artist what job do you think you would be doing now?A bin man. As a kid I loved when the bin men came around and I would help them. Plus they would let me hang on the back of the truck - pure freedom.

Explain a typical working day of Rasher?Tormented by my creative mind - it never stops. This mixed in with family jobs.

You love your hats, what’s your favourite and where did you get it?My jazz looking hat. I don’t know what style it is and all I know is I got it in eager Beaver.

What type of music do you listen to, favourite bands?The Minutes, they are pure Rock N Roll.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of becoming an artist?

Accept poverty and a life of uncertainty and being on your own all day...

What does the future hold for Rasher, what projects do you have planned?I have just finished creating a egg for the Jack & Jill foun-dation, great project to work on. I’m also working on five commissions and a mural on a wall in a private residence in Barcelona.

To find out more about Rasher and see a collection of his work, go to www.rasher.ie

CONTRIBUTOR WRITERS REQUIRED

Ireland’s largest Fashion website www.fashion.ie are now looking for part-time fashion writers to contribute regular fashion related

articles for our new website coming February 2013

Do you have a keen interest in fashion and have good writing skills? If so we want to hear from you.

Email: [email protected]

Colouring in every dayThe Informer Interview

When people hear the word Art, they usually associate it as something for the rich and well-off. Not Mark Kavanagh who is known better for his nickname 'Rasher'.

He is not only one of the world’s most recognised young artists but is self-taught!. Owners of his paintings include Tom Cruise, The Royal

Family of Jordan and we don’t have room for all the celbs who have his work hanging on their walls nor will Mark reveal them either.

However, the 36 year old is probably one of Ireland’s rarest and most humble gems and is a true artist in the true sense of the word.

Kevin O’Brien caught up with Rasher to chat about his life and work.

Page 11: Lucan Informer January 2013

Colouring in every day

Lee BurnettPainter & DecoratorAll Domestic Internal and External Work Carried OutBest Available Quote

085-7287701 Free Quotation

Don't Delay: Call Today

✔ Whole House up to 3 bedrooms max (walls and ceilings) 500✔ Hall / Stairs & Landing (walls and ceilings) 130✔ Any Room walls ceilings and framework 95✔ Wallpapering from 20 a roll.

•PART TIME/FULL TIME••FULL TRAINING PROVIDED•(NO DOOR TO DOOR/CATALOGUE WORK)

Ph Hilary: 087 936 0204FOR MORE INFORMATION

WORK FROM HOME Repair service on windows &

doors available

CW ALUMINIUM & uPVC

35% DISCOUNT for February and March

MOBILE 087-6638233

Professionally Fitted A-Rated

Windows and Doors

New Year! New Deal!Look at these new offers...

Left at 2nd roundabout after Rosemount Business Park - Right at next roundabout - Millenium Business Park

111

Mill

eniu

m B

usines

s Par

k,

Bally

coolin

, Dublin

15

Phone:

01

864

9216

Em

ail: in

fo@ste

pindoors.ie

Web

: www.st

epindoors.

ie

95160Doors supplied and fitted to

include fittings, handles, locks and hinges

Page 12: Lucan Informer January 2013

Beauty Noteswith Kathleen Rowley

A new 12 months Plato Small BusinessDevelopment Programme is commencing in March2013. PLATO is a non-profit initiative supported bythe four Dublin Enterprise Boards and dedicated tothe successful development of the small and mediumenterprise (SME) sector in the Dublin region.

www.platodublin.ie

086 8234309

kingsburythe furniture studioThe High Street, Tallaght Retail Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24 http://www.kingsburyfurniture.ie Tel: 01 6579508

Sale Now On

Page 13: Lucan Informer January 2013

The Informer 13

Django Unchained HHHHHDirected by Quentin Tarrantino. Starring Jamie Foxx, Christophe Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio and Samuel L. Jackson.

BOunty hunter Dr. Schultz buys the freedom of captured slave Django to help him find the Brittle Brothers. their pursuit takes them to the plantation of Calvin Candie and to someone Django has been searching for.

With this, his seventh film, Quentin tarrantino has not deviated too much from a formula that has served him well. Django unchained is a clever film, peppered with sharp dialogue, fascinating characters and arresting camera work, each of which works as a homage to films the tarrantino grew up watching. While not his best work, Django unchained is a fabulous film and very entertaining, but be warned, it is a very violent film. As with his previous movies, tarrantino has cast Django unchained perfectly, with Jamie Foxx and leonardo DiCaprio excelling in their roles as Django and Candie respectively.

Don’t let the well publicised violence put you off, Django unchained is about far more than wanton bloodshed. An excellent film.Advice: Don’t miss it.

Les Miserables HHHHHDirected by Tom Hooper. Starring – Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and anne Hathaway

JEAn Valjean, when released from prison after 19 years, finds himself shadowed by inspector Javert. When he takes in the daughter of the tragic Fantine, he finds something worth living for.

tom Hooper is a very brave man. For his third feature film he decided to tackle one of the most beloved musicals of all time. though an Oscar winner for the King’s Speech, filming les Miserables was still a huge gamble. But some gambles pay off in spades and les Mis is one of those. it is a fabulous film, one of the best musicals in recent years, showcasing all the power and emotion of the stage original. the cast are uniformly excellent, each of them singing live on film, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway particularly surprising.

A wonderful cast really make les Miserables something beautiful to watch and a film that may need to be seen more than once.Advice: Fantastic!

Graham Connor's Movie Advice

SO maybe some of the new year’s resolutions have fallen by the wayside and the ‘only in emergency’ snack stash has been attacked but a little bit of pampering can help beat the January blues.

Shu uemura Art of Hair’s Essence Absolue, nourishing Fragrance with Oil Pearls holds the extraordinary benefits of the original Essence Absolue, in a beautiful hair fragrance. the precious, light mist captures the quintessence of Camellia Oil in a refined perfume, offering intense shine and nourishment, with the delicacy of a flower. Results: the delicate oil flawlessly perfects hairstyles with a subtle lingering scent and an intense radiance.

if you are suffering from dry lacklustre winter skin and post party self tan build up, take two effortless steps to radiance with KARORA’s skin renewing heroes:

Reveal a smoother, brighter, healthier looking complexion with KARORA’s revolutionary fruit enzyme based Micro-Peel (€14.99) - it’s unlike any other exfoliating product on the market. this is an ultra gentle micro-peel gel designed to resurface, smooth and renew dry, flaking and sensitised skin.

Containing cucumber extract, citrus and aloe leaf juice this little beauty removes dead skin cells effortlessly and in an extremely gentle way, dramatically improving skin tone and texture. it’s also perfect for removing resistant tan stains. Once the dead cells are removed, the gel stimulates the new cells in your skin to reactivate the renewal process.

give your skin an instant pick-me-up with a boost of sun kissed radiance using KARORA’s award winning Self Tan Mist Original 200ml (€24.99). this mist instantly ups your skins radiance factor with an instant shot of golden colour which develops into a long lasting natural bronzed glow. this super self tanner also detoxes the skin with a boost of the anti-oxidant botanical extract acai berry and some skin conditioning argan oil - so skin is immediately visibly renewed, more even toned and perfectly radiant.

Beauty Noteswith Kathleen Rowley

Beat the New Year Blues....

Value Matt or Silk Emulsion ■ 10L■ White

Value Matt or Silk Emulsion ■ 5L■ White

Value 9 x 1.5in Roller Set Parkhurst 400w Security Floodlight PIR■ Black, ■ Adjustable PIR sensor

Morgan Round Bowl and Drainer■ Stainless steel■ 900 x 480mm

1100w Oil Filled Radiator ■ White

3 Tier Concertina Airer

795 each

295 per set

€1.59 per litre

650 per m2

€16.25 per pack

1395 each

€1.40 per litre

Mains Voltage Downlight Set■ Chrome plated■ 3 pack

Digging Spade■ Ideal for breaking, digging and turning medium to heavy soil

1595 each 1000 each

Madrid Monobloc Tap

2995 4995

995 each

2995

795 per pack

For all products featured availability will vary by store. Contents and accessories are not included unless otherwise stated. Images are for illustrative purposes only.

Beech Effect Laminate Flooring ■ Coverage 2.50m2

PHONE01-8428744087-6793955

Page 14: Lucan Informer January 2013

Flash Fiction

Kevin Lawler - Ashleigh OilCastleknock

Same Day Delivery ServiceMon to Sat Delivery from 200

Check out our prices - Reliable & Prompt Service

DELIVERING ALL OVER DUBLIN AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Ph: 01-8026585Mob: 087-253 9707

EARLY Intervention and continuous parental involvement are among the key elements required to give individuals with developmental disabilities the opportunity to reach their full potential. The Irish Centre of Behavioural Support & Research advocates these key elements in the services they offer. The centre, located in Ballycoolin near Blanchardstown in Dublin, was set up by Behavioural Psychologists with the common goal “to provide a unique and holistic intervention support service to individuals with specific behavioural needs”.

The centre offers services in early intervention, behaviour support, home programs, parent education, and workshops for professionals. Other services include onsite workshops to teachers and Special Needs Assistants who require, or have an interest in, further training and support in behaviour management in the classroom. Transitioning, language and communication and social skills groups are also offered, as well as professional supervision for those seeking certification with the Behaviour Analysis Certification Board ©.

The centre also offers Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Psychological/Diagnostic assessment services. The mission of the centre is to provide “an all-round behavioural support system that encompasses input from a

‘Achieving potential, one step at a time’

multidisciplinary team, and involves the whole family as well as the individual".

The centre endeavours to provide behavioural support to the wider community that enables individuals to gain a better understanding of the behaviours they encounter on a daily basis. There is an extensive amount of research highlighting the benefits of early intervention with individuals with developmental disabilities. Realtaí early intervention preschool provides 1:1 intensive intervention for individual’s age 2 – 5 years. Each child’s program is individualised and designed to meet the individual’s needs. Monthly review meetings are held with parents and progress is monitored on a continual basis by the team of Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBA’s). Realtaí Early Intervention Preschool provides children with a setting that combines both one to one intervention and a social environment for children to develop and incorporate their social interaction and language skills to other natural environments.

For more information on the services offered within the centre or to book a free consultation then please contact [email protected] or alternatively you can find out more at www.icbsr.ie

■ From left to right: Louise Heffernan, Danielle Lyons, Nicole Rohrer

■ Realtaí Early Intervention Preschool

Irish Centre of Behavioural Support & Research

NOW that the wet dark evening are returning, maybe it is time to think about why Electric Gates are a good idea?

Most homes that you pass that have manual gates (the ones you have to open and close your self) tend to leave the gates open all the time – why? Because it is probably too much hassle to get out of the car to open or close them. If it raining, or cold and dark, or you have a crying child in the car, you are not going to walk back to close them. Where’s the point in having gates if you are not going to use them?

Automated gates make life that little bit easier. Just think of the other automated systems we have in our homes, the dishwasher (washes and dries the dishes) the heating controls (brings the heat on so our homes are nice and warm and we have hot water when we get home) Sky plus (though I’m not allowed it, makes sure we don’t miss our favourite soaps or other TV programs). Like any automated system in our homes, before you get it, you probably don’t appreciate how much easier it makes life, and once you have it for a couple of weeks, you wouldn’t be without it.

Electric or Automated gates are exactly the same. You

may say to your self “Now why would someone want automated gates?” I remember years ago, my father saying “why do we need a dish-washer? Sure it only takes a few minutes to wash them?” After a few nights washing up after the dinner he went and bought one (there was ten of us by the way!).

■ Electric gates mean that the gates are always closed,

keeping strangers away from your door. Unwanted callers can be dismissed at the gate rather than confronting them at your front door.

■ Closed gates keep children safe away from traffic on busy streets.

■ An open gate is an open invitation to a would-be intruder. A closed automated gate puts another line of defence around you home. A potential intruder would have to climb over a closed gate or wall to gain access – making them a little more obvious. It’s another deterrent.

■ A closed gate keeps your car safe in the drive. ■ High Quality automatic gate systems, professionally

installed by a friendly and reliable gate automation company add value to your home.

■ On coming home on a cold, wet, dark night you only have to push a button and the gates open ahead of you and once in the drive, they’ll close automatically.

So why call AutoGate Ireland? An Electric Gate Company you can Trust!

■ We only install high quality gate automation systems that are reliable, strong, secure and suited to the size of gate you have or want to have.

■ We will never compromise on quality for the sake of cost. Just look at our gates and see how heavy the steel is compared to our competitors who use the lightest steel available. We use heavy gauge solid steel for our gates which will still be in use for 20 years.

■ We are now offering a 3 year warranty with all our gate automation systems.

■ All our automation systems are professionally installed so that we guarantee you will be completely satisfied and really pleased with your new automated gates.

■ We provide a high quality service and excellent value for money.

■ We are really, really nice people to do business with. We treat our customers as we would like to be treated ourselves, as we would like our parents to be treated in fact. Honestly, give me, Adrian McGivern a call and find out for yourself.

■ Ask any of our past customers would they recommend us? Or how they found doing business with us? Have a read through some of the testimonials on our web site.

■ We also do Repairs to all existing systems – even ones we did not install.

Get a Great Deal!We provide a free quotation, free information, and since it is

September and you may have children going back to school or college, so anyone who sends an enquiry through the web-site contact page will receive a 10% discount on their gates and automation for the next 6 weeks. T’s & C’s apply but no tricky stuff.

Send us a message through the contact page or Adrian @AutoGateIreland.com and we will send you our Free Report on all you should know before you buy Electric Gates.

We will also send you a Free Home Security Report as a bonus as we are now getting back to the dark evenings and need to make our homes more secure.

Thanks for reading, Adrian.

Return of the dark evenings – time to think about Electric Gates?

www.AutoGateIreland.com3 CLANWILLIAM TERRACE. DUBLIN 2

086-8560063 / 01-6424214

Adrian McGivern, AutoGate Ireland

Page 15: Lucan Informer January 2013

COME VISIT OUR SHOWROOMS

GRANITE WORKTOPSStockists of

Kitchen Appliances

KITCHENSStarting from 2,500 (INCLUDING FITTING)

WARDROBESStarting from 2,500 (INCLUDING FITTING)

All plumbing, electrical & tiling

included.

We take away your old kitchen!

Free Laminate Flooring With any bedroom worth 2,000

ALL OUR WORK IS FULLY GUARANTEEDGlebe House Ind. Est., Crumlin Village, Dublin 12.

Free 90cm Rangewith every kitchen

purchased over 5,000

NEW! - We also supply and fit Laminate Flooring

The Informer 15

Gerry Norton, Living Landescapes, 97 Church Avenue, Drumcondra, Dublin 9

Tel: 087-2462724 or email [email protected]

A veRY happy and healthy new year to all Informer readers.even though January can often be one the worst months of the year in

terms of weather at least the days are starting to get longer by I’m told 2 minutes per day.

In addition because we’ve had such a mild winter so far, plant growth is well advanced for this time of year. The usual early spring delights such as Daffodils and Snowdrops are well up and will be in flower much earlier than normal.

If your January garden is looking a bit dull have a walk around your neigh-bourhood to see what’s going on. Near my house a neighbour has a stunning Mahonia covered in bright yellow flowers. Another garden has a variety of Cornus or Dogwood with their different coloured stems under planted with helleborus otherwise known as Christmas or Lenten rose. All these plants and others suitable for winter, heathers for example, are available now in your local garden centre or plant nursery.

There aren’t too many things to do in the garden in January except to keep things tidy. Cut down the last of any dead stems from Perennials and do a little weeding.

Wisterias should be pruned now. You do this by shortening all last year’s new shoots to two or three buds from the main stem. It’s very easy to do as there are no leaves so you can see exactly what you’re doing. This winter pruning will encourage the formation of flower buds so you will get a great show of colour in early summer.

All this year’s seed catalogues are now available. They are all free and

Things are growing early this springGarden Growing With Gerry Norton

each year the seed merchants offer us new and exciting varieties of familiar plants and vegetables to choose from.

I have decided this year when I pick this year’s vegetable seeds to be a little more adventurous than usual. I’m not a big fan of Courgettes, however I’m going to try a yellow variety called ‘Goldrush’ which is available from The Organic Centre in Leitrim. I will also try the yellow tomatoes variety called ‘Iidi’. Another great company for seeds are Seed Savers in Clare.

There isn’t a whole lot of work to be done just now in the vegetable plot other than to cover your plot with plastic sheeting to dry and warm up the soil.

January is the time when small over wintering birds such as Blackcap and Dunnock will be spotted in the suburban garden. however, I haven’t seen either so far this year and I’m at a loss to know why. I would be grateful if a reader

can explain their absence so far this year. While on the subject of birds don’t forget to keep your feeders clean and full.

In next month's Informer I will explain the process of chitting this year’s early Potatoes which gives this season’s seed Potatoes a marvelous head start. Until then take care and enjoy your labours.

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

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

Flash Fiction“CHICkEN! Bad chicken!” I said staring at the beast as if the chicken could be sorry. But the beast wouldn’t be sorry. although it was in a sorry state. It was dead for sure but the smell made it more alive than I wished it to be.

“How come?” I asked again more to myself than to the chicken who was obviously in no condition to answer me “It shouldn’t smell this bad.

I brought the chicken to my nose hoping I was wrong but…“Eww!” “Rotten! Completely rotten!” and the expiration date stated…“Tomorrow! No way! I’ll have

none of this!”I considered the chicken, considered the money I paid for it,

considered going back to the shop to get a refund and my shoulders sagged.

How many people ever returned bad products to their local shop? No one. Ever.

I lifted the dead, hairless slightly blue monstrosity. The whiff travelled to my nose and I gagged. I wrapped the damn thing in a plastic bag as fast as I could. as I did, it slipped out of my hands and did a little twirl on my worktop before I was able to control it and shove it in the bag with the packaging.

“yuk!” I said again as I cleaned my hands with soap.I considered throwing it in the bin and considered the image of a

perfect crisp ten euro falling into the bin.“No!” I said out loud. “you’re going back! Dead or alive!” I said to

the wrinkly monster.I stopped myself from gagging again at the sickening smell and

stuffed the chicken in yet another bag.“you might end up stuffed but I won’t!”I put my coat on and took the keys to my car. Five minutes later, I

was walking into my local shop. “Sorry, this chicken isn’t right!” I said after spotting a staff member.He looked at me, then he peered into the bag.“Gah. arh. Sorry. We usually have top choice meat.”“yes I know,” I said trying to sound diplomatic. “Can I get a refund

please?”“I don’t know why you bothered?” he said at last shaking his head.“What? Why?” I said losing the little confidence I had.“It could have crawled back by itself!” he replied with a smile.I laughed politely. “Sure thing.”He gave me my refund with more apologies and I walked back the

shop lighter and less smelly than I came in. “Who’s chicken is out now?” I said to myself with a triumphant

smile.

Back To Love, a very short collection of 4 Romantic Short Stories based in Ireland for 1 euro. 1 teenage love story (Unloving you), 1 dark romance (See Through Love), 1 first date romantic story, (Cup of Love ) 1 sexy romance (Like a Tide) and an E-book to bind them all. www.smashwords.com/books/view/140051

Who's a chicken now?With LA Speedwing

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

Page 16: Lucan Informer January 2013

16 The Informer

Shape up and slim down!

Page 17: Lucan Informer January 2013
Page 18: Lucan Informer January 2013

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 hErEe140PLuS VAT

or e300+ VAT For 3 MoNThSCall 01 813 8786

■ S.E.A.I. Approved Installer■ Domestic & Commercial■ All Work Guaranteed■ Solar Panels Supplied & Installed■ Gas Boilers Available with 5 Year Warranty

Brian O'TooleHeating & Plumbing Services Ltd

Fully Insured & C2 Registered

Tel: Brian 087 2232697Visit our web site for further information

www.brianotooleheatingandplumbing.ie

Complete Bathroom Renovations

start to finish, starting from 2600

MARCHITECTS

EFFICIENT INEXPENSIVE SERVICE

STEPHEN MOLLOYARCHITECTS

Wanted MotorcyclesTurn your unused motorcycles into cash!!

Anything from 1 year old to 100 years.Clear out those unused motorcycles from your shed

Phone 01 2830195 or 087-2331559

142mm x 99mm

AEC ElectricalSUPER REDUCTIONS!� 10% Off House Rewires � Extra Sockets and Lights� Free to Air Television (Best Prices Guaranteed)� Fuseboard from ... €250� Pumped Electric Shower Supplied & Fitted� Fire Alarms - Emergency Lighting� ALL ELECTRICAL WORK UNDERTAKEN� EMERGENCY CALL OUT SERVICE AVAILABLE

Free Electrical Safety Check with this AdvertCall for Free Estimate

Ph: 01 6208992 or 087 2760894Email: [email protected]

10%DISCOUNTFOR OAPS

The Best About ...Booklet Promotions

Unit D7, Bawnogue Enterprise Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Tel: 01 4570207

CHECK LISTPlease � box

Business Details �

Name �

Address �

Phone �

Email �

Website �

Advert ____________Booklet ___________Ad Size ___________Price _____________Payment Method__________________

Ad ContentText �

Logo �

Pictures �

Proof & Payment Procedure_________________

The Best About ... Promotion Booklets, The Best Way To Advertise Your Business!

Advertisement for inclusion in The Best About ... promotion bookletName ............................................................................... Business Name ............................................................................Address, tel. no. & email ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Special Instructions ..................................................................................................................................................................Advert Size ........................................ Price .................................Signature of approval of artwork ........................................................................................ Date .......................................Signature of receipt of payment .......................................................................................... Date .......................................

Receipted invoice to be posted immediately or with copy of booklet

MILITARIA AND

COLLECTABLES FAIRNorth Star Hotel,

Amiens Street, Dublin 1.

● Medals ● Badges ● Insignias● Uniforms ● helmets ● Caps● Hats ● Swords ● Bayonets● Stamps ● Postcards ● Models

Saturday February 23rd 201310am - 3pm. Admission 4

For details contact:Fran: 087 9615047 or Eddie: 086 3410159

If you are looking for Militaria this is where to find it!

Mowlds HeatingCentral Heating & Plumbing Specialist

Winter Special

Email: [email protected]

We offer a complete range of services for Gas & Oil central heating systems and all hot water & plumbing aspects of your home.

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL.

Replace your existing radiators with new high efficiency radiators with

thermostatic radiator valves.

Replace your old boiler with

a new high

From

Page 19: Lucan Informer January 2013

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

Adamas JewelleryBespoke Jewellry

We Buy Old Gold, Silver & Diamonds

PH: 01 4627422St Dominic's Shopping Centre,

St Dominic's Road, Tallaght

CAMDEN GASAuthorised Dealer

DELIVERING TO ALL DUBLIN SOUTH

Camden Gas have been in business for over 20 years, we deliver calor gas direct to your door. Call us today to arrange a

delivery 0876868734

Informer Newspaper Group

Leaflet DistributionFrom 30 per 1000

Tel: 01 813 8786Email: [email protected]

(Terms and Conditions Apply)

Delivered by Full-Time Teams

Gateway Rosemount Business Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

www.blanchardstownpatiocentre.com

Call us today for FREE Estimate

829 3283

JUST IN- CIRCLES

ON SPECIAL

120

WINTER MADNESS!MASSIVE

FUEL SALE LOGS,

BRIQUETTES, AND COAL

PROTECT YOUR HOME!All Types of Window and Door LocksUpgrade your locks today!!

FREE CALL

OUT!!

Call Brian: 086-6014188 • 01-8601546D15 Locksmiths, 2nd Floor, Unit 12, St Brigids Shopping Centre,

Main Street Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. (opposite Ryan's Garage)

molloyestates.ie 1% Sales Fee +vat

€399 Letting Fee +vat Now Open - Blanchardstown D15

www.molloyestates.ie • 8601777

SELLING OR RENTING? that looks fine can you make letters (molloyestates.ie) under the logo a bit thicker and ( selling or renting ?) without the shadow did you receive the cheque in thepost yet? regards patrick

ATTENTION: Dublin Homeowners Retains Heat, Saves YOU up to !1,300 a year in Heating Bills!

Revolutionary heating breakthrough, keeps heat in, rids your home of damp, mouldy rooms . . . YOU can soon be enjoying a toasty warm, comfortable and efficient home all day long.

FREE Heat Retention Test: We are offering to the first 27 Dublin Homeowners, our FREE Heat Retention Test, valued at !97 . . . which reveals at least 5 areas of your home, which cause 60% of your heat to escape. Call Insulex Insulation now on Lo Call 1850 885810. Offer Expires 16/02/13

WINTER IS HERE!

Have all your DIY needs completed by qualified Master craftsmen

NO JOB TOO BIG - NO JOB TOO SMALL

Contact Brian [email protected]

A.C WINDOW SYSTEMS

Phone Alan on 086-8788050

Back of 3 Bed

Standard House2,500

includes 3 windows +1 set French Doors and

fitted PVC energy rated windows

Cheapest Van Removals

Call Godwin: 089 406 8377

• Rooms, Flats, Houses, Offices• Removal & Delivery Service• Harvey Norman, Ikea, B&Q, Etc• Furniture Removals• Dublin – Ireland - Europe• Join 20k Of Our Happy Customers

New Year - New You!

01 4976434

www.mindandbodyclinic.ie

Mind & Body Clinic4-6 Orwell Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6.

Detox body Treatment Normally 99 Now 49

1 hour treatment - Body Brush, Detoxifying Mud Wrap & Coconut Melt Massage

Page 20: Lucan Informer January 2013

Contact Us Today For A Free Estimate.No Gimmicks.

When You Pay For Quality,You Expect Quality.

Call Us Now And We Will Provide It.

A great range of 'A Rated '

Composite Doors

Available

Secure and

Powerful Doors

Rasherinterview page 10

colouring in every day

win tickets to high society and a

celebration of abba and the Bee gees

We have loads of chances for you to win tickets this month. From Cole Porter's

High Society to the RTE Concert Orchestra's

celebration of the work of Abba and the Bee Gees.

see page 2

a musical spring season...