about ballinteer jan/feb '09

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MAGAZINES Ballinteer Your FREE Local Magazine & Independent Directory Plus local News & eveNts, tarot-scoPes, reciPes aNd much more! Issue 36: January / February 2009

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Free bi-monthly magazine for the residents and local businesses of Ballinteer, Dublin 16. Hand-delivered to 5,000 homes.

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Page 1: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

MAGAZINES

Ballinteer

Your FREE Local Magazine& Independent Directory

Plus local News & eveNts, tarot-scoPes, reciPes aNd much more!

Issue 36: January / February 2009

Page 2: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09
Page 3: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

ABOUT BALLINTEER | 3TO ADVERTISE TELEPHONE 499 3022

Page 4: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

4 | ABOUT BALLINTEER Please mention ABOUT BALLINTEER when responding to adverts

Welcome to the January / February issue of About Ballinteer

Happy New Year and Hello 2009! We may notknow what the year ahead will bring, but certainlyit will be a year with fresh challenges and newopportunities for everyone.

In this issue of About Ballinteer we have tips onhow to Save Money on IT; we find out about theBuilding Engery Rating Scheme; Mags takes alook at your first Tarotscopes for 2009; we havetips for those who may be engaged and planningto Buy a Wedding Dress and we take a look atProperty Trends for 2009.

But, it’s not all money and advice - there is a greatnew Word Ladder game to play; our Gifts.ieCompetition Crossword to enter; a SeasonalRecipe to try; we catch up with the BallinteerActive Retirement Association, speak with somegreat Local People and we have a packed list ofLocal Events which you can put in your new diary!

We may not have a crystal ball, but one thing wecan predict is that your local FREE About Ballinteermagazine will continue to deliver local news,localevents and local business through your door bi-monthly - all with your support of course!

Fiona

About Basement Contruction

- Going Underground!......................................6

Recipe - Scallops with Herb Butter..............10

About the Law - Making a Will .....................12

Crossword with www.gifts.ie.......................16

Highlighting Ballinteer

Active Retirement Association .....................18

Saving Money on IT for ‘09 .........................20

About Local People - Kieran Brennan ...........22

About Property - Trends for 2009.................24

The Building Energy Rating scheme ...........26

About Local Events - Ballinteer Banter.....28,29

About Acupuncture - Happy New You!........30

Wordsearch....................................................32

Tarot-scopes for 2009 by Mags .............36,37

About Mortgages

- Equity Release Schemes Part III.....................40

Buying Your Wedding Dress ........................42

About Fundraising for the Hospice .............44

Index ..............................................................46

Copy Deadline - March / April 0914th February 2009

Contact usT: 499 3022Email: [email protected]: www.aboutmagazines.ie

Published by: About MagazinesEditor: Fiona [email protected] Design: Colm Geoghegan,087 6430519, Email: [email protected]: Digiprint, Tel: 01 492 4460 www.digiprint.ie

Distribution5000 homes including: Acorn, Ashlawn, Ballinteer,Ballintyre, Clonlea, College Pk, Delbrook Manor, GrangeManor, Grangefield, Healther Lawn, Kingston, Ludford,Lynwood, Marley, Pine Valley and Woodpark.

Other Publications - About Rathfarnham, AboutKnocklyon & About Dundrum.

Contents

November/December Competition WinnersThe winner of the www.gifts.ie Nov/Dec Crossword Competition was Jane Joyce,Balally, Dublin 14. Another chance to win in this issue on page 16.

The Before You Sleep books winners were Sharon Bailey, Kilmacud; Corann Young,Knocklyon and Susan Albert, Ballinteer. Well done to all!

Page 5: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

ABOUT BALLINTEER | 5TO ADVERTISE TELEPHONE 499 3022

Page 6: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

6 | ABOUT BALLINTEER

ABOUT BASEMENT CONSTRUCTION

Going Underground with The Basement Specialists

When all talk on the property market isgloomy and you can’t afford to movehouse, what do you do if you need morespace and need it now? Perhaps you couldextend your house or convert the attic, ormaybe there is an altogether differentsolution: go underground!

One man who specialises in undergroundconstruction is, Michal Studzinski of The BasementSpecialists. With a Masters degree in Engineeringfrom the Poznan University of Technologyspecialising in Underground Structures and recentlyawarded the title of Chartered Engineer by the IrishInstitute of Engineers, Michal has delivered majorunderground projects in Poland and Irelandincluding mines, tunnels and, of course, residentialbasements.

But, why build a basement? I met up with Michalon site at Grand Canal Street, where he is currentlybuilding an enormous 90 sq metre (1000 sq ft)basement under a Victorian terraced house, to find out more.

Michal explained“Well, although not very common in Ireland,retrofitting basement is hugely popular in the UK. It dramatically increases the useable space of yourhome and it can be far more cost effective thanmoving house or building an extension. There is nostamp duty involved for a start and planningpermission is often more easily obtained for abasement than other additions to your house. Also, you don’t need to have an existing basementor cellar in your home, in most instances it ispossible to retrofit a basement under your house.”

Another question Michal is frequently asked byclients is whether their house will sag or worse withso much digging?

Michal said “In short, no. We work to careful plansand there is always a Structural Engineer involved.

That is how we can offer water tight guaranteesand secure insurance.” But, how much does thistype of specialist construction cost and how muchspace can be gained?

Michal explained, “We can normally build under allor part of the whole site including house, gardenand driveway so you get a huge amount of space atthe centre of your home. On average the cost is€3,000 per sq metre. But rock, water mains orother services can make the job more complex.The only way to find out is contact us for a freeplanning consultation.So, if you are looking to gain valuable, light filledspace in your home, perhaps the solution lies underyour feet?

Tel: The Basement Specialists on 443 3587 or Michal directly on 085 743 1316www.thebasementspecialists.ie

by Fiona Tuomey

Page 7: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

ABOUT BALLINTEER | 7TO ADVERTISE TELEPHONE 499 3022

Page 8: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

8 | ABOUT BALLINTEER Please mention ABOUT BALLINTEER when responding to adverts

ABOUT LOCAL BUSINESS

Unlike the banks, Dundrum Credit Union hasstated that there is no shortage of fundsavailable to provide creditworthy members withloans to meet their financial needs.

At Dundrum Credit Union’s Annual GeneralMeeting, recently held in the IMI ConferenceCentre, it was confirmed that all credit unionsare now also included in the GovernmentDeposit Guarantee Scheme, which guaranteesmembers savings up to €100,00 each. In linewith best practice, Dundrum Credit Union hascontinued to boost its reserves in order tostrengthen the financial position of the creditunion.

As it is a not for profit organisation, DundrumCredit Union has invested heavily in the localcommunity social infrastructure throughongoing financial support of more than€100,000 over the last four years, in local

schools, community projects and sports clubs. Aspart of its support for the community, DundrumCredit Union runs a very successful SchoolSavings Scheme in eight local National Schools,which encourages children to develop the habitof saving from an early age.

According to branch manager Gerry McConville“During the last year, many families of deceasedmembers have benefited considerably from LifeSavings and Loan Protection Insurance, which isa unique benefit only available to credit unionmembers. “

He went on to say “Dundrum Credit Union is apeople focused organisation, owned andcontrolled by its own members. We provideloans to members at a fair and reasonable rate ofinterest. We encourage our members to saveregularly and we educate our members in thewise use of money”.

Over €100,000 invested in Local Community

Page 9: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

ABOUT BALLINTEER | 9TO ADVERTISE TELEPHONE 499 3022

Main Street, DundrumBalally Shopping Centre, SandyfordBallinteer Shopping Centre, Ballinteer

FREEPHONE 1850 747 100www.dundrumcu.ie

loan rate

8.5%

(APR 8.87%)terms & conditions apply

MOTORLOANS

Dundrum Credit Union is regulated by the Financial Regulator

A Loan Interest rebate may be paid,helping you save even more money.

Page 10: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

10 | ABOUT BALLINTEER

Here’s an easy seasonal recipe,which will be a welcome changeafter all that turkey and ham! It willonly take a few minutes to make andis absolutely delicious.

Ingredients:12 large shelled scallops, cleanedSalt & Pepper1 tablespoon of vegetable oilCrusty bread, to serve

Herb Butter25g/1oz unsalted butter2 garlic cloves, finely chopped2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley

Method:Cut away any discoloured parts from thescallops. Dry and season with salt andpepper.

Heat a heavy-based frying pan or griddleand brush with the oil. When the oil issmoking, add the scallops and cook for 1minute, then turn and cook the other sidefor 1 minute.

It’s a good idea to cook the scallops in twobatches, because if you try to cook them allat once, you might end up with themstewing rather than frying.

The scallops should have a good goldencolour and a slight crust at the edges.Transfer to a warm plate and keep warm.

To make the herb butter, melt the butter ina saucepan and fry the garlic for a fewseconds. Add the parsley and, while stillfoaming, pour over the scallops. Serve atonce with plenty of bread top mop up thejuices.!

ABOUT RECIPE

Scallops with Herb Butter

Page 11: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

ABOUT BALLINTEER | 11TO ADVERTISE TELEPHONE 499 3022

Page 12: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

12 | ABOUT BALLINTEER Please mention ABOUT BALLINTEER when responding to adverts

ABOUT LEGAL MATTERS

The Importance of Making a Will

If you are married and die without making a will(intestate), leaving a spouse and children, yourspouse inherits two-thirds of everything youown (your estate). Your children will inherit theremaining one-third equally. If you die and thefamily home was in your sole name, yourchildren could ask for one-third of its value,leaving financial problems for your survivingspouse. If you are single and die withoutmaking a will, your estate is distributed amongyour next of kin, as set out in the Succession Act 1965.

By making a will you can achieve the following:express your wishes as regards your funeralarrangements save your next of kin/beneficiariesinheritance tax appoint guardians for your childrenunder the age of eighteen leave specific assets tospecific beneficiaries

In deciding to make a will there are a number ofthings which a solicitor will need to know aboutyou. These include your marital status and whetheryou have children. It can often be helpful for aperson to list the assets/liabilities they have in orderto clarify exactly what they wish to leave to differentbeneficiaries.

Legal Right Share:Under the Succession Act 1965, a surviving spouseis legally entitled to a specific share of the estate of adeceased spouse depending on whether thedeceased had any children. This right is known as alegal right share and this right will only arise wherethere is a will and the surviving spouse has neverwaived his/her right in relation to the legal rightshare. If the deceased had children, the survivingspouse is entitled to a one-third legal right share ofthe estate. If there are no children, the spouse isentitled to a one-half share of the estate. Incalculating the legal right share of a spouse it isimportant to realise that joint property is not takeninto account in calculating the legal right share. Forexample, if the family home is in the joint names of

the husband and wife and the husband died, theproperty would automatically pass to the wife. Inthat situation the wife would still be entitled (wherethere are children) to a one-third share of the valueof the reminder of the husband’s estate in additionto the value of the property.

If you previously made a will leaving your estate toyour spouse and have subsequently separated ordivorced it is vital that you make a new will.

We advise that everybody should have a Will. Ifyou have not made yours or wish to make a newWill due to changed circumstances we suggestthat you contact us TODAY at 296 0666 or [email protected] to make an appointment. We willdonate €25 to cancer research or a charity ofchoice for any will completed where instructionwas received as a result of this article.

by Ray Fitzpatrick, Dillon Solicitors

Page 13: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

ABOUT BALLINTEER | 13TO ADVERTISE TELEPHONE 499 3022

Page 14: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

ABOUT SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

14 | ABOUT BALLINTEER

MAKE A NEW YEAR’S RREESSOOLLUUTTIIOONNRENEWABLE ENERGY

HEATING SYSTEMS FORYOUR HOME

�Resolution

Improve Your FireplaceImprove your open fireplace with a Log Stove, Fireplace insert or a Wood Pellet Stove.It doesn’t cost the earth but it can help to save it!! Make your fireplace up to 90% efficient.

Capture the Sun’s EnergySolar panels DO work in Ireland, using sunlight and not heat. Even in January, you can get 51 degrees into your cylinder.

Are You Building?Whether it is an extension or new build, we can help with the entire home heating system. We provide Underfloor Heating, Heat Recovery Ventilation, Wood Pellet Boilers and Back Boilers

CONTACT: MAURICE RYANOR MORGAN FOX ON 1800

332 322 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

AND SITE VISIT.

EMAIL: [email protected]

CHECK OUT OUR FULL RANGE ON

www.resolutions.ie

Resolutions give you FREE advice toSAVE you money. How much did youspend on gas/ oil & electricity in2008? Did you think it was toomuch? Then we can help. We canlook at your home and offer asolution to your heating needs.

g The best way to start is to look at yourinsulation levels. Most homes are not insulated toa sufficient standard and by improving theinsulation levels you can maintain the heat inyour home rather than lose it straight away.

g Another way of going green and reducing yourfuel requirements is by installing solar panels, andbefore you ask, yes it does work in Ireland! Evenwith our poor climate, we still receive sufficientsunlight hours on average, to provide up to 75%

of your hot water requirements. This equates to asaving of up to 43% off your annual fuel bill!!!They are easily installed and require very littlemaintenance. Ideal orientation is between southeast and south west.

g Stop the warm air going out of your house byfilling the open fireplace with a pellet or logstove. With efficiencies of around 90%, thesestoves will make a huge difference to your homesheating and they look fantastic.

In our experience, we have found even themost sceptical to be amazed at the benefits ofthese simple systems. Whether you’re lookingto change the house a bit, building or are inthe trade, we have the solution for yourhome. Contact us on 1800 332 322 orwww.resolutions.ie.

Resolutions – Reducing Your Energy Bills for 2009

Page 15: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

ABOUT BALLINTEER | 15TO ADVERTISE TELEPHONE 499 3022

OLIVER BRADY ElEctrical

All Electrical Work UndertakenWiring - Immersion Heaters

Time Clocks - Security Lighting

Electrical Showers etc.

• Domestic •

• Commercial •

• Industrial •

Tel: 298 0506

Mob: 087 253 1410

72 Ludford Rd, Dundrum, Dublin 14.

Page 16: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

16 | ABOUT BALLINTEER Please mention ABOUT BALLINTEER when responding to adverts

ABOUT GAMES

Across7. Militia formed by males after just sixty

seconds (9)

8. Day segments belonging soundly

to us (5)

10. One of seven whose child has

far to go (8)

11. Following every night the dawn

precedes it (3,3)

12. Just a fraction of time, often said to

hang on for (1,3)

13. Small opening allowed a pure tear

through (8)

15. Top clue is solved to find the lines of

verse (7)

17. With time the boy achieves

an adult

state (7)

20. Cut short and place nut

into crate (8)

22. Small parasite is half heard

inside a timepiece (4)

25. Some animals are heard to

use them in a document (6)

26. Short breaks taken to send an item

to us (4,4)27. Send out publication to a son ordaughter (5)28. Said when ready to Mark begingoing on board (9)

Down

1. This thing happens in hours of

darkness (5)

2. Squat right over four parts of a

gallon (6)

3. Revealed each had Eastern temple

pain (8)

4 Seasonal beginning sees passing of old

father (3,4)

5. Keep an eye on rover during

the late shift (7)

6 No fake uprising causes great

excitement (1,4,4)

9. Cone cant be eaten a second time (4)

14. A rough lass maybe, but still has a

figure time can’t deny (9)

16. Nude lump swings at a measured

pace (8)

18. Of season that falls as the summer

fades (8)

19. Embed it correctly for

hours of rest (7)

21. High cards are kept in the special

case (4)

23. Notices the grandfathers and

grandmothers (6)

24. A note is scribbled to make amends

for a sound (5)

This month, win a fantasticChildren of Lir hamper worth €60 from www.gifts.ie.

Gifts.ie is Ireland’s leading originalgift delivery service, providing gifts,hamper, gift baskets and fine wines.

Just text the word that is made up from the shaded letters to085 749 0822 along with your name

and address before

31st Jan '09

Good luck!

Crossword Competition with

Page 17: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

ABOUT BALLINTEER | 17TO ADVERTISE TELEPHONE 499 3022

Yoga in Dundrum

Happy New Year to

all my past, present

& future students

www.sibylledallmann.com Sibylle DallmannYOGA

Hap y y N w w Yeeppp

a ll ll y y p as st st p, m m my my

& f ut utu tu re st stu tu

omylledallmann.c.sibwww YY

Sibylle

e ar r o o t tYYYe Ye

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u d e ttts en n

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e Dallman

Page 18: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

18 | ABOUT BALLINTEER

What have a doctor, dentist, butcher,civil servant, police officer and a psychi-atrist got in common? Well, they areamong the 150 members of theBallinteer Active Retirement Association(BARA). Set up in 2005, (BARA) meetsevery Wednesday morning in the warm,comfortable surroundings of BallinteerSt John’s GAA Pavilion.

I dropped up recently to speak withsome of the members. The day I arrived,there was a fantastic gathering in the club.While the fairer sex may have been in themajority, the male cohort was anxious totell me that that their involvement was noless important. In between solving thebanking crisis and other world issues, thegentlemen of the club told me that therewere particularly fond of the sportingactivities and club outings.

Committee member Peggy Carter told me why members enjoy the club;“The best thing about active retirement is that members can forget about thoseissues that have occupied their mindsbefore retirement and start this new phase

of their lives – their quality time. Nowthey can make new friends, take up newactivities and engage in pursuits whichwere previously only the subject ofdaydreams”.

So what kind of activities is on offer tomembers? Peggy explained “Our activitiesare varied and we continue to introducepeople to new experiences and topics.Currently members enjoy Artclasses;Bridge classes given by one of ourmembers ; there have been ChristmasCake Decoration demonstrations;Computer Classes; Craft Classes; Yoga , aCreative Writing Course (which producedtwo published authors from the group!)and a Drama course. We have also had aFirst Aid Course given by one of ourmembers; Flower Arranging; GardeningClasses; Irish Language Comhrá and aPhotography Course”.

So, why join? Well, it would seem to me,the question should be why not? Withsuch a broad range of interests, coursesand outings on offer, there is bound tosomething of interest to any potential newmember. Membership is open to all localretired people, there is no upper age limit!

If nothing else, the gentlemen of the clubcould always use fresh imput into theirdiscussions on global issues over coffee!

So, if you fancy starting the New Year witha new interest, why not drop into theclubhouse next Wednesday morning at10.15am? You can park in front of theclub and there will be a warm welcome,good company and a cup of tea or coffeewaiting for you.

by Fiona Tuomey

ABOUT LOCAL GROUPS

Highlighting - The Ballinteer Active Retirement Association

Back row:  Liam Acheson, Joe Fleming, Des Colman, Gerry Clarke, Sean Magee. Front row:  Sean Roche, Dermot Kavanagh, Jim Cooke

Page 19: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

ABOUT BALLINTEER | 19TO ADVERTISE TELEPHONE 499 3022

Brian McGarry

Plumber

Plumbing - Central HeatingGas and Oil Installations

Bathrooms - Electric ShowersTanks - Cylinders Radiators - TapsBoiler Servicing

Telephone

087 618 2500or 456 6623

B.K. Kitchens“Where Quality Counts”

3D Computerised Designs In TheComfort Of Your Own Home

Modern & Traditional StylesMade To Your Specification

Free Design & Quotation

• All Areas Covered •

Call: 087 2585908or 4069840

Page 20: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

20 | ABOUT BALLINTEER

Yes, it’s that time of the year again, whenwe all think about tightening the belts andsaving money. But, what about savingmoney on your computer needs?There are some great products availablewhich are relatively inexpensive, or evenfree. For antivirus there’s the likes of AolAntivirus Shield, AVG or Avast, all of whichare free. For free firewalls, there’s Comodoand Ashampoo, or ZoneAlarm which ischeap to buy but very effective.

What about backups? You turn on your pc tofind it totally dead, and you haven’t backed upany of your data! Not a nice situation to findyourself in. You can get a portable hard drive,about the size of a credit card, with more thanenough space to sort you out. External harddrives are getting cheaper by the day. Forbackup software, Windows has its own built in,but I would always recommend third partysoftware. There are some very good onesavailable like Norton Ghost which is not toocostly, or you can use Genie Backup Manager orNovaBackup - there’s lots to choose from.

Are you thinking of changing from Windows XPto Vista this year? If the thought of this is intimi-dating, someone in to help you by training youand your staff to work with Vista.

Perhaps you’ve looked at changing over fromOffice 2003 to Office 2007, but have been putoff by how different it all looks? It’s mostly justsmall changes to the way things are done, therearen’t actually all that many functional changes.There are however some cool new features tomake the job easier. Take the Ribbon forexample. Grouping in visual & functional areasmakes it so much easier to find things now,compared with the strictly textual menus we hadpreviously.

I run training courses starting from the verybasics up to ECDL courses with businesses as

well as private individuals in their own homes. Ifyou are thinking about changing job or careerand want to become more computer literate, Ican work with you. Or if you are retired andwant to do some armchair travelling, sendemails, or book flights or tickets I can teach youhow to do all this.

In addition, I am also a certified computertechnician, for repairs or fixes as you need them.So if you are an individual who wants to becomemore familiar with your computer, or a businessthat needs support and/or training, give me acall. I’m Paula Flanagan, I’m local and you canreach me on 494 3557 or 086 896 1721.

www.paulaflanagan.com and [email protected].

Saving Money on IT for 2009

ABOUT COMPUTERS

by Paula Flanagan

Page 21: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

ABOUT BALLINTEER | 21TO ADVERTISE TELEPHONE 499 3022

www.laser-computers.com TM

• Is your computer running a little slowly or unpredictably?

• Worried about viruses, even though you’vegot anti virus software?

• Worried about losing important information?

…You should be talking to us!

At Laser, we’ve been selling, installing and maintaining computers for 20 years.

Check out our walk-in workshop, or ask for our callout service.

Tel: 296 2330Email: [email protected]

1 Dundrum Road, Opposite Central Mental Hospital,Dundrum, Dublin 14.

Page 22: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

22 | ABOUT BALLINTEER

ABOUT LEGAL MATTERS

Kieran Brennan - Taking Care of the Community

Every community has hidden gems, but oftenthey go unnoticed and unfeted. So, when Iheard from a number of different sources aboutthe fantastic work of Kieran Breen, the caretakerof Ballinteer St John’s GAA Club, I decided to goand meet the man in question.

Kieran is a native of Co Laois and like many of hisfellow countymen, has had a life-long love forGaelic Football.

He played left-half back for his local club St Joseph’s,from 1966 to 1978, winning Leinster titles in 1969,1970 and 1976. His next step was management ofthe club team, seeing them promoted a total of 6times over a 10-year period. Then in 1984 Kierantook over management of the Laois County team,the pinnacle of which was their appearance in theLeinster Final in 1985.

Professionally, Kieran served with the An GardaSiochana for 38 years, retiring in 2003. Based in Dun Laoghaire, his career naturally sawhim facing a variety of difficult situations, but evenhe couldn’t predict the events of 1981, following anarmed robbery in Stillorgan.

Kieran and his colleague were on patrol when thecall came over their radio. They decided to try tohead off the raiders who had fled to the DublinMountains. En route, they passed a specail branchofficer who, with them formed a blockade acrossthe path of the oncoming armed robbers.

The armed garda took up his position pointing hisgun over the car door. Kieran and his colleaguepointed the aerial of their walkie-talkies, hopingthey could pass off as a gun to the oncomingarmed robbers.

The raiders fired opened fire on the gardai. Theraiders were apprehened and subsequently jailedand Kieran was awarded the Scott Medal forBravery, the highest honour for bravery and valour

which can be awarded to a member of the GardaSíochána.

Having hung up his playing boots at the age of 49, Kiernan stayed involved in the training andmanagement of numerous club teams in BallinteerSt John’s. Then following his retirement from theforce in 2003, Kieran took on the role of the club’scaretaker.

Now a grandfather, with three grown children, hislove of GAA has not diminished and the love of hisjob at Ballinteer St John’s is self-evident. By allaccounts, any person, club or group who utilise thefacilities of the club have nothing but a kind wordto say about him.

At a time when people are quick to criticise all thatis wrong with the world, it was a pleasure to meetsomeone who goes the extra mile, loves his job andis truly part of the community of Ballinteer.

by Fiona Tuomey

>

Page 23: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

ABOUT BALLINTEER | 23TO ADVERTISE TELEPHONE 499 3022

Colm’sLandscape Services

GARDEN RESTORATION &YEAR ROUND MAINTENANCE

Lawns Mowed & New Lawns Laid · Hedges TrimmedPlanting · Garden Tidying · Driveways Pebbled

Raised Beds & Railway Sleepers · Trellis · Bark MulchWeeding · Green Waste Taken Away

Professional & Clean ServiceFully Insured & Registered

Free Quotations

CALL COLM FLANAGAN ON085 158 0443 / 01 4524841

Page 24: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

24 | ABOUT BALLINTEER

ABOUT PROPERTY

Property Trends 2008/09

The goalposts have changed. For theprevious 10 years property has pretty muchsold itself. The successful estate agent wasgood at getting signs in gardens andnegotiating the highest selling price fromthe bidders that came flocking tobuy. Things started to change in2007. Rising interest rates, falling prices, anend to immigration, the credit crunch andsubsequent rise in the inter-bank ratewhich made it uneconomical for the banksto lend money, have resulted in a massiveslow-down in sales. By the end of 2008 it’swell and truly a buyer’s market.

The goalposts have changed. For the previous 10 yearsproperty has pretty much sold itself. The successfulestate agent was good at getting signs in gardens andnegotiating the highest selling price from the biddersthat came flocking to buy. Things started to change in2007. Rising interest rates, falling prices, an end toimmigration, the credit crunch and subsequent rise inthe inter-bank rate which made it uneconomical for thebanks to lend money, have resulted in a massive slow-down in sales. By the end of 2008 it’s well and truly abuyer’s market.

To sell your home in this environment you now need asalesperson rather than a negotiator. They need to beable to present houses in a way that attracts viewers.Sales skills are essential to turn these viewers intobidders and then committed buyers. If a buyer isn’tfully committed the sale is likely to fall through in theweeks it takes to get contracts signed. Vendors have been slow to adapt to these

changes. They are still engaging the agents with theflashy presentations which are so effective at gettingsigns in gardens. In the current market it is the recenttrack record which should carry the most weight. his iswhat shows if the agent can do the job or not.

www.myhome.ie gives you the option at the bottom ofeach listing to ‘View this Agents Available Properties’and ‘View Recently Sale Agreed Properties’ (if they haveany). If an agency sells 1/10th of their listings eachmonth, it will take an average of 10 months for themto sell your home. If they sell 1/3rd each month, it willtake an average of 3 months. If they’re not sellinganything it could take an eternity!

If your property isn’t getting any viewings it won’t sell. If an agent suggests price-adjusting your property itmeans that they have failed to sell it at what theystated was the correct asking price at the time it waslisted. If you change the price to reflect it’s new marketvalue without changing anything else you are likely toget the same result! When you are moving house in afalling market, you gain if you sell before you buy.Lower prices mean a lower cost to move up the ladder,and lower taxes too.

What will 2009 bring??? Building Energy Ratings…Low interest rates… Greater liquidity as rescuepackages kick in… A bottoming out of prices…People leaving rental properties to buy… Rental pricesdropping and some rental properties being sold off…The return of the property investor, as people see thestability of property compared to other investments…Government regulation of Estate Agencies… Increasedselling costs… An increase in activity…

Prices depend on supply and demand. With anincrease in demand prices should level off. I don’t havea crystal ball, and there are lots of possibilities – butthese are the best guesses from someone who’s intouch with the market, having sold 50% more housesin 2008 than 2007.

by Philip Thompson of RE/MAX Exclusive

Page 25: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

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PDF reator - PDF4Free v2.0 http://www.pdf4free.com

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ABOUT YOUR HOME

Do You Have A Building Energy Rating?

From 1st January 2009, a BER certificatewill be compulsory for all homes being soldor rented. If you are buying or renting anew house or apartment now, you mayalready be entitled to a BER – so ask theseller/landlord or their agent for it. A Building Energy Rating or BER is similarto the energy label on your fridge with ascale of A-G. A-rated homes are the mostenergy efficient and G the least efficient.

Who is entitled to a BER? A seller must provide a BER to prospective buyers ortenants when a home is constructed, sold or rentedunder the following circumstances: • New homes where planning permission was applied for on or after 1st January 2007; • All homes for sale or rent on or after 1st January 2009. There are exemptions for certain categories ofbuildings. There are fines of up to €5,000 for non-compliance.

How is a BER calculated? A BER is based on the characteristics of majorcomponents of the dwelling as well as theconstruction type and levels of insulation,ventilation and air tightness features, the systems for heat supply (including renewable energy),distribution and control, and the type of lighting. It covers annual energy use for space heating, water heating, ventilation, lighting and associated pumps and fans, calculated on the basis of a notional standard family with a standard pattern of occupancy.

A BER is only an indication of the energyperformance of a house. Actual energy usage willdepend on how the occupants operate the house. A BER does not cover electricity used for purposesother than heating, lighting, pumps and fans, i.e.does not include for cooking, refrigeration, laundry etc.

What are the benefits of a BER? A BER makes the energy performance of a homevisible to prospective buyers and tenants andenables them to take energy performance intoconsideration in their next house purchase or rentaldecision.

Who carries out a BER assessment? BER assessments are carried out by registered BERassessors who have been trained under theNational Framework of Qualifications and haveregistered with Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). Allregistered assessors must adhere to the BERAssessors Code of Conduct. A list of registered BERassessors is available on line at www.sei.ie/ber

How much does a BER cost? There is no set fee and the advice is to shop aroundfor the best price. Prices vary starting from €300.Make sure to confirm all fees prior to commis-sioning a BER assessment. Assessors are charged afee of €25 to submit a BER assessment to SEI forpublication on the National BER Register.

How long is a BER valid for? A BER is valid for up to 10 years provided that thereis no material change to the dwelling that couldaffect its energy performance. The maximum termof validity of a Provisional BER is 2 years.

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Sponsored by

Ballinteer Banter

Dundrum Library, Local HistoryWe are looking for information and items on thefollowing subjects:Taney Parish, Dundrum Railway, Dundrum Library,Yeats Sisters, Cuala Industries, St Naithi Church andMarlay Park. Any Items you might wish to donate tothe Local History would be very welcome, such asPhotographs, Historical Pamplets, Letters, Newspaperarticles, Books, Catologues etc. Contact: DundrumLibrary,Upper Churchtown Road, Dundrum. Tel: 01 2985000

Ballinteer St John’s GAA Club 9th Annual Race DaySunday 11th January 2009Join Ballinteer St John’s GAA Club for an entertainingsocial and sporting experience in the LeopardstownPavilion on the Pierse Hurdle Day, 11th January 2009.All funds raised will be dedicated to providing an all-weather floodlit playing facility at the club.Tickets€175 each or €1,750 for a table of 10. Contact: TomHayes on 086 826 6288 or PJ Dolan on 087 9066625.

Airfield EventsAirfield, Upper Kilmacud Road, Dundrum, Dublin14.Tickets: (01) 2984301 / [email protected]

AIRFIELD GARDENS Wednesday is gardening day atAirfield, 2pm every Wednesday.Each week we will givea short tour, a talk or a practical demonstration onwhat to do in the garden. Meet outside theglasshouse.

Sunday February 15th 3pm Garden Talk :‘PlantEvolution’ To celebrate the 200th Anniversary ofDarwin’s birth, Head Gardener Emer O’Reilly will givea talk on plant evolution.

Airfield ExhibitionsOpens Tuesday 27th January - Expressions (Free)Opens Tuesday 10th February at 6.30pm - In this City(Free)

PRINT STUDIO & DARKROOMPhotography Course (non-digital) WednesdayEvenings: 7.00- 9.30pmBeginners Black & White €150 from February 18th;February 25th; March 4th; March 11th.

CHILDREN AT AIRFIELDYoung Artists 11 - 14 years. €20 per session or €90

for season Saturdays from 28th February (10am-12.30)

Green Fingers, Airfield’s Young Gardeners’ Club (8-12 yrs)Saturday Mornings 10am-12 noon From 21stFebruary; 21st March; 18th April; 16th May; 13th June€15 per session, €65 for all 5 sessions. Working withAirfield’s Head Gardener Emer you will continuetending the Young Gardeners’ plot, grow flowers, fruitand vegetables from seed, learn how to compost,make a scarecrow, create a pumpkin patch andharvest your labours.

Green Wellies, Airfield’s Young Farmers’ Club (11-14 yrs)Saturday Mornings 10am- 12 noon from 28thFebruary; 28th March; 25th April; 23rd May; 20thJune €15 per session, €65 for all 5 sessions. Workingwith Farmer Eamon, this Spring you will learn to lookafter sheep, welcome new lambs to Airfield, plantcrops and learn about general farm management.

Meet The Animals Saturday Afternoons 2.30pm From 28th FebruaryJoin our farmer on a walk around Airfield and meetour new arrivals as well as all your old favourites.

Airfield Concerts Bookings: (01) 2984301Our walled garden will be open before each concert–enjoy a pre-concert drink, take a stroll and enjoy thegarden as it comes into bloom.

The Food of Love: Caroline MoreauSaturday 14th February 8pm €22.50 / €20 Concert & three-course meal €65French chanteuse Caroline Moreau and her musiciansGerman Lema (piano), Fintan Gilligan (guitar) andFrancesco Turrisi (accordion and percussion) withspecial guest Brazilian singer Sonia Esquivel.

Vyvienne LongFriday 20th February 8pm €22.50 / €20Vyvienne Long first achieved celebrity as a cellist incollaboration with singer-songwriter Damien Riceproducing the soaring melodies and distinctive soundassociated with his albums ‘O’ and ‘9’.

Seven Deadly Sins of Opera- Love, lust, pride, anger…Thursday 26th February 8pm €18 / €16Sylvia O’Brien, soprano and pianist Hanna Shybayevaperform a deliciously devilish selection of arias.

Marlay Guild ICAOn 22nd January Fran O'Brian, our local author, willupdate us on her latest venture into the theatre. If youwould like to join our Guild please contact us on 0879532352. We meet at 8.00pm on the 2nd and 4th

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Thursdays of the month in Marley Grange ParishCentre and New Members are always welcome.

CoCo MarketsEvery Saturday in Marlay Park 10am - 4pm Farmers and other food producers bring their freshfruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, flowers, ethnic fareand sweet and savoury treats each week to theCoCo Markets.

The Mill Gallery : 2969340 www.milltheatre.com

Michael O'Boyle THE LIFE OF SMALL THINGSDecember 13th-January 15th 2009O'Boyle's paintings explore how scientists translateinformation on a visual level, exporting graphs,microscopic based drawings and numbers into tightand wonderfully colourful compositional works.

Michael Stafford NEW PAINTINGSJanuary 17th-February 19th 2009Colourful explosions and compositions on a large-scale. First solo show for this Dundalk based artist.

The Mill Theatre Tel: 296 9340

WHAT THE DONKEY SAW Runs to Jan 17th€22.50/€19.50/Previews/Matinees €17.50/€15.00Chapter One of the greatest story ever told, as seenthrough the eyes of the only truly reliable witness,the donkey. This show is NOT suitable for childrenunder 12. Showtimes at 5pm and 8pm except on :Jan 6th 8pm, Jan 7th 8pm, Jan 8th 8pm, Jan 9th5pm/9pm, Jan 12th-15th 8pm, .

DAVID O'DOHERTYSunday 18th January 8pm Admission €18/€15Hang on to your minds, the viscount of rumpledwhimsy, the marble fawn of tiny keyboard basedmusical comedy is coming.

THE PYJAMA GAMEWeds 21st-Sat 24th Jan 8pm (Matinee 3pm)€18/€15Alexandra College are delighted to be back in theMill again with their production of the musical ThePyjama Game.

WAITING FOR IKEATues 27th-Sat 31st Jan 8pm €16/€14Back after its sell-out run when you couldn't gettickets for love nor money. Tis the wonderfullyhilarious Waiting For IKEA.

VIENNESE STRAUSS GALAMonday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd Feb 8pm €25/€23Strauss Gala Productions return with a stunning newshow. This picturesque presentation of romanticnostalgia recreates the romance of the VienneseFestive Season.

SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER METuesday 3rd-Saturday 7th Feb 8pm THE MILLTHEATRE STUDIO €16/€14Someone to Watch Over Me is a tenderly tragic,compassionate and sharply funny play by FrankMcGuinness.

STARSTRUCK STAGE SCHOOLSat 7th and Sun 8th Feb 2pm and 8pm €25The show will see performances by their studentsfrom 3-25 years and promises to be an excitingmixture of dance, drama and song.

THE TELEPHONE EXCHANGEWeds 11th Feb 8pm €18/€15A witty piece, acted with energy and gusto, thatfollows the lives and loves of four young friendsworking as phone operators in 1960s Dublin.

THE MOTOWN SHOW featuring THE JEWELETTESFriday 13th Feb 8pm €20/ €18Based around one character and his imaginary bandTHE JEWELETTES. This show is packed full ofentertainment with fantastic Motown music,nostalgia and laughter.

FREDDIE WHITESaturday 14th Feb 8pm €20Freddie White's popularity has endured for manyyears and there is a very good reason why- hedelivers!

TEECHERSMon 16th-Sat 21st Feb 8pm (preview Mon)

€18/€15 (preview €10)This play is a hilarious, fast-paced comedy in whichthe three actors play a multitude of roles.

THE ODD COUPLEMon 23rd-Sat 28th Feb 8pm €20/€18Back again due to numerous phonecalls fromdigruntled customers who couldn't get tickets lastsummer! Starring the even more hilarious SueCollins and Anne Gildea formerly of too hilarious forwords - THE NUALAS.

GOT AN EVENT COMING UP?LET US KNOW AND WE WILL PRINT IT HERE FOR FREE!TEL: 4993022 OR EMAIL DETAILS TO:

[email protected]

To book tickets please phone (01) 298 4301 or email [email protected]

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30 | ABOUT BALLINTEER

Happy New You for 2009

It is another new year and time for goodresolutions again : loose weight, stopsmoking, stop drinking etc. Basically in 2009you have decided you want to look afteryourself and this means looking after yourhealth.Everybody knows how hard it is to keep up withthose good resolution past the15th of January,but you can get help.Western medicine now accepts the fact thatcomplemetary therapies significantly help withthe side effects of cravings. Acupuncture is one ofthem.How does it work ?:Fine needles or seedlets are inserted into your ear(this is called auriculo-therapy) bringing thefollowing benefits :• It helps control cravings• It increases the production of endorphins (“feel good/ hormones”)

• Blood circulation is improved in the entirebody. The different organs are better oxigenatedand can recover/heal faster from the addiction.• It regulates breathing• It improves your sleep

Acupuncture is one of overall it helps reducingthe physical symptoms of quitting an addictionand gives you the tools to cope with the psychological effects.

Juliette trained with Dr Vincent Carroll MD at Lansdowne College of Acupuncture andComplementary Medicine. In addition to holding a Diploma in Acupuncture and Certification in ClinicalMedicine, Juliette is also a Reiki Master and an ITEC qualified massage therapist.

ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE

by Juliette O’Grady

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32 | ABOUT BALLINTEER Please mention ABOUT BALLINTEER when responding to adverts

ABOUT GAMES

Word Search

Burns NightCelebration

Chinese New YearColdDiet

Epiphany

FrostyHogmanayHolidayJanuaryKeep fitNew Year

ResolutionRecycleResumeSalesSkiing

Twelth night

Solution on page 38

Page 33: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

ABOUT BALLINTEER | 33TO ADVERTISE TELEPHONE 499 3022

The word in the shaded letters was “GHOSTS”

AtticFAnAtic

• Free Estimates & Design

• Architect’s certificate

of compliance

• Fully insured & Qualified

• References Available

tel: 459 9006

or 087 257 9070

Want an extra bedroom

or home office?

Page 34: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

34 | ABOUT BALLINTEER

SudokuHow to Play:

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column,and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through9, with no repetition! That’s all there is to it. Yousolve the puzzle with reasoning and logic -there’s no maths involved and no adding up.

solution on page 38

Progress Report:The building contractors pushed hard tocomplete as much work as possible beforethe Christmas break, including thecompletion of all the internal tiling of thepool tank, pool banks and walls andchanging areas.

Externally, the completion of the surfacedressing on the car park is in hands, theartificial surface on the five-a-side footballpitches is being laid and the renderingwork on Squash Building front wall is underway. Work is continuing in the SquashBuilding social area to extend the floor areafor a new fitness gym, with a view tocompletion of all work by mid- to lateJanuary 2009. The project is on schedule.

Dundrum Family Recreation Centre - Update

November/December

CrosswordSolution

The word in the shaded letters was “SANTA”

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Tarot-ScopesTarot-Scopesby Mags

FOR PRIVATE READINGS OR PARTY BOOKINGS TEL: 087 953 6881

ARIESThe new year brings welcome newsin the area of finance. Newbeginnings in all areas of your lifeAries, as you vow to make thenecessary changes to suit you andyour personal needs. Getting rid ofpast irritations is the key to openingdoors to success in 2009. Workneeds your absolute attention withno interference. Strong indication ofa change in job status. You reapwhat you sow, so, making the extraeffort brings desired results.

TAURUS2009 is a year to remember Taurus,as you believe in yourself, more andmore the good things in life areattracted to you. The workloadincreases and you must be attentiveto the lesser chores as these lead tothe bigger picture as the yearunfolds. Your partnership status is setto improve dramatically and the lovecards indicate a match pre-ordainedin the heavens. You take many tripsabroad in 2009. Unexpected cash iswending its way to you now.

GEMINISerious budgeting is called for thisyear Gemini. You need to get yourfinancial paperwork in good orderand then you are in a position tomake as many travel plans as youlittle heart desires. Romance featureswell in 2009. You must be open toreceiving and not push away whatyou really want deep down. Arebirth of relationship is forecast forsome. Following your heart is thebest option, lest you should live withregrets.

CANCERYour spirituality is leading you tolook towards the heavens for

guidance this year Cancer. Put out tothe universe exactly what you want,without the fears and negativethoughts and watch your dreamsunfold. The universe hates a vacuumand will fill your life with joy. Houseplans take a little longer to finalise,but you are in the position ofcorrectness to proceed and beginthe task of contented living. Youmust apply for money due to you.

LEOLove and life is not so much about apower struggle, rather you may needto take stock and begin to really seethe points of view of all concerned.Cards advise that you look deeperbeyond the veil of outer presen-tation. You may find emotional fearto be the predominant cause of anydisquiet. 2009 ushers in a higherlevel of love and quality living whichmay include plans to move houseand maybe welcome news of abirth?

VIRGOSigning up for that course is the bestgift you can give yourself this yearVirgo. You need to create anindependent self, which in turn,decreases your dependence,emotionally or otherwise on a lovedone. As 2009 unfolds, your powersof attraction increase and you are amuch like a magnet, where eachmoment is pure quality time spenttogether. You are very much lovedby the close one who has crossedover.

LIBRAA new resolution not to beat aroundthe bush or remain fixed at thecrossroads is making of the new you.Cards advise that you work ondeveloping your confidence levels.

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Page 37: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

The heavens are guiding you everystep of the way. The new year bringswelcome news of a newcomer intothe family circle. You are well lovedand need to allow yourself knowthis. A wedding you must go todominates this spread. You aremeant to find your destiny this year.

SCORPIOA special someone you may not haveseen for quite some time re-surfacesout of the blue. You may feel notinclined to get too close too soon,but cards advise that you, at the veryleast, listen! The new year sees youhaving a serious look at an old housein a beautiful country setting. If thisis your desired future abode, thenpull out all the stops to assure that itbecomes yours. Wheel of fortuneheralds a new and positive era wherefinance is concerned.

SAGITTARIUSSomething which is lost will now befound. You are advised to acquiremore vision and truly put it out tothe heavens what way you wouldlike to live and with whom. A chanceto make extra cash next year fromthe letting to students perhaps? Anew year trip to the west is a luckmaker for you Sagittarius. Make sureto say a big yes to an invitation ,especially if a wedding is to takeplace across the country. Turkey is anearly destination break for you.

CAPRICORNA special someone who perhapsworks in the banking or financialsector has a romantic interest in you.While it is prudent to appearcomplacent, do not allow this to bethe norm. a love which is for thepresent time kept simple anduncomplicated has the best chanceto grow to ultimate passion. A

business plan may have initialdifficulties, but stands a betterchance in the immediate future. Thetrick to success is to keep your headin this and not to panic.

AQUARIUSAt last you are beginning to trustyour gut instinct instead ofdismissing a potentially goodsituation as a non runner. Cardsadvise you to be a little more patientin a love dilemma and trust yourfeelings. Your spirit will not put youwrong. An emotionally traumaticpast experience has encouraged youto put a cloak around your heart.This is the time to remove such acloak and without fear, walk tall intoa new future with your head heldhigh. You will see your hard workpay dividends.

PISCESFeeling a little down is not the wayto begin the new year. Your are notgiving yourself enough credence forthe talent you have. Your learningexperiences has taught you much.Take these lessons into 2009 andyes! It is okay to explore the optionto work abroad. If you decide onemigrating, it is a temporarymeasure and will be quite good foryou. Your friend needs you now andalso needs to know that her dilemmawill pan out in her favour.

ABOUT BALLINTEER | 37TO ADVERTISE TELEPHONE 499 3022

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38 | ABOUT BALLINTEER

This month’sSudokuSolution

This month’sWord SearchSolution

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Page 40: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

It is essential to getindependent financialand legal advice andto be sure youunderstand fullythe terms of anyEquity ReleaseScheme you may beconsidering. Asmentioned in Part 1and Part 2, an EquityRelease Scheme ends when you die ormove permanently out of your home* orsell your home.

You may be concerned about what wouldhappen to your home after your death. Signingup to an Equity Release Scheme may meanthere is a lot less or perhaps nothing to leave toyour family particularly if you lead a long andhealthy life after signing up to the scheme. Youmay have bequeathed your home to someonein your family intending that they will own itoutright. You should be aware that if theycannot pay off the Lifetime Mortgage someother way or buy back the share owned by theHome Reversion company then your homemay have to be sold when you die and theywill get only what money is left over.

A Lifetime Mortgage (the money borrowed andthe accumulated interest) is secured againstyour home but if there are sufficient otherassets in your estate it could be paid back outof these without your home being sold.Similarly, other assets may possibly be used tobuy back the portion of your home owned bythe Home Reversion company. This may notbe possible, however, if for example, you haveleft your home to your son and your otherassets to your daughter. Your daughter wouldobviously not agree to her inheritance beingused to pay off the debt or buy back theportion of the house since she would have no

claim on the house which would then go to herbrother. If you live alone and sign up to anEquity Release Scheme and, for example, yoursister subsequently comes to live with you it isimportant to remember that your house mayhave to be sold when you die or move outpermanently* and she may have to move out.

With effect from 1st May 2008, Irish law hasbeen changed to provide better protection topeople signing up to Equity Release Schemes.Companies selling Home Equity Release areregulated by the Financial Regulator and aresubject to the Consumer Protection Code. TheCode obliges them to give you full details ofthe scheme including all costs, interest andcharges; to recommend the scheme that bestsuits your needs; to tell you about theimportance of getting independent legaladvice; warn you that buying an equity releaseproduct may make it difficult to meet the costof your needs in the future and to deal withcomplaints efficiently and fairly.

Sellers of Lifetime Mortgages are also subject toconsumer credit law but this does not apply toHome Reversion Schemes. If you have acomplaint about a Home Equity ReleaseScheme and are not satisfied with the way ithas been dealt with you can refer the matterfree of charge to the Financial ServicesOmbudsman. www.financialombudsman.ie Tel:1890 88 20 90

* or move out for a specified number ofmonths, depending on the scheme.

Alan Shatter TD represents Dublin South onbehalf of Fine Gael. Tel: 01 6183911 Email: [email protected]

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ABOUT MORTGAGES

Equity Release Schemes (Part 3)by Alan Shatter TD

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Joe ClancyS o l i C i t o r S

Main Street, Rathfarnham,Dublin 14.

Telephone

01 492 0464

• House Purchaseand Sales

• Motor Accidents

• Wills

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ABOUT THE DEBS

Choosing Your Wedding Dress

Congratulations you are engaged! Your nexttask is to choose the perfect wedding dress.

The process of shopping for a wedding dress canbe a fabulous adventure, but it can also bestressful and overwhelming--particularly becausea bride-to-be often starts shopping for her gownbefore many other details are determined. Youmight have had a clear mental picture of theperfect wedding dress ever since you were fiveyears old. On the other hand, you may have noidea what you are going to wear or feel strangeabout the idea of wearing white.

The important thing is to relax, and rememberthat there are as many different kinds of dressesout there as there are different kinds of brides.

Plan Ahead Take a few minutes to think aboutwhat you want. It will be helpful when you enterthe maze of wedding dresses out there to knowwhat your budget is, any details that areessential (i.e. I must have a full skirt, or my armsmust be covered), and an idea of how traditionalyou want your dress to be.

When to Start Shopping Give yourself ampletime to plan- generally the rule of thumb is thatyou need to order your gown at least six monthsbefore your wedding. So you should ideally startshopping for your gown nine months or morebefore your wedding.

Be Comfortable! On your wedding day, you'llwant to look great, but you'll also want to becomfortable- it will be hard to pose for all thosepictures, dance, laugh and more if you're

tugging your dress up or have boning juttinginto your ribs. First- consider which weddingdress is most appropriate to your day – forexample- consider a shorter tea-length orcocktail length dress for a beach wedding. Ifyou're the kinda girl who likes to dance with herhands in the air, and anticipates doing thelimbo, perhaps a strapless dress is not the onefor you!

Choose a Dress that Fits Your Body Well.Think about your body type and what kinds ofdresses generally look good on you. Take a lookat what you regularly wear that makes you feelconfident and beautiful, and then look for awedding dress with similar lines.

Most of all, remember- this is your wedding day.Wear whatever makes you comfortable and feelslike you. And have fun shopping for your dress.It should be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

by Jennifer Greene

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Wine MerchantsMITCHELL &SON

Tel: (01) 4933816Open 7 days a week

Monday-10.30am-7pm Tuesday-Saturday-10.30am-9pm Sunday-12.30pm-8pmGlobal Fine Wines T/A Mitchell and Son Wine Merchants - Proprietor: Donal Tuomey

Location: Marley Park Retail Centre (beside Lidl), Grange Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.

on Thursday 22nd January from 7pm to 9pm. In Mitchells Store on the Grange Road

We are delighted to showcase a selection of new wines to our store, that will help beat the winter blues in early 2009!

You will be able to sample a number of reds and whites from around the world!

Come down and meet our team, meet your neighbours and enjoy the evening.All wine purchased on the night will avail of a 20% discount

(Excluding champagnes & discounted wines).

This event is free, so numbers are limited!Book your place today and call Donal or Colm on 493 3816 or you can book by email on [email protected]

Looking forward to meeting you!

You are invited to a FREE New Year Wine Tasting!

Monday-10.30am-7pm Tuesday-Saturday-10.30am-9pm Sunday-12.30pm-8pm

Page 44: About Ballinteer Jan/Feb '09

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There was a great night in with adifference in Hemitage Park last month.Journalist and local resident, Pat Maddenhad the idea: if women can organiseCoffee Mornings in aid of Our Lady’sHospice, surely men can do somethingsimilar for such a worthy cause.

So, he had an open house and told theneighbours “Come one, come all.” Andcome they did and brought loads of presentsand copious quantities of wine. The wine wasraffled, but the more exotic items featured inan auction that raised more than €3,300 inunder three hours. Generous folk they are inHermitage!

It wasn’t just the neighbours. Pat hasdecades of experience in sports journalismand the guest list reflected this. Rugbylegend Tony Ward dropped in, and this mayhave accounted for the keen competition forsigned rugby jerseys of both the Munster andLeinster teams.

Auctioneer Colin Barrett showed great talentin making the evening into a friendlyfinancial grudge match. He normally runs awindow blind company in Camden Street,

but on the evidence of the night, he certainlyhas an alternative career available. The samecan be said of his two assistants, Tom andDeclan.

One particularly interesting item was aframed first-day envelope of the specialstamps issued by An Post for the Ryder Cup.This was the first time the special 3-Dprinting technique had been used on Irishstamps, and the item duly fetched well intothe hundreds.

There were also quite a few sports journalists in attendance: Ned Van Essbeck,who as rugby writer for the Irish Times often reported on Tony Ward; Adhamhnan O Sullivan, press officer for Dun LaoghaireGolf Club; Tom Keogh, former soccercorrespondent with the Daily Mirror. Therewere greetings from former Irish coach EddieO’Sullivan, now installed in his new job inSan Francisco.

Congratuations to Pat, his wife Catherine and all who supported the event. Roll on next year!

ABOUT LOCAL FUNDRAISING

Hospitality For The Hospice

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ABOUT INDEX

www.aboutmagazines.ie

Index - Where it’s at!

ABOUT BALLINTEER IS PUBLISHED BI- MONTHLY BY ABOUT MAGAZINES. TEL: 499 3022 EMAIL: [email protected] MATERIAL COPYRIGHT © ABOUT MAGAZINES 2009. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. DELIVERED FREE TO 5,000 HOMES AND BUSINESSES EVERY MONTH.

THE OPINIONS AND THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN ABOUT BALLINTEER ARE THOSE OF THE INDIVIDUAL AUTHORS OR CONTRIBUTORSAND ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE EDITOR OR OF ABOUT MAGAZINES. ABOUT MAGAZINES ASSUME NO LIABILITY FOR

ACCURACY, ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN EDITORIAL OR OFFER CONTENT. NO ADVICE OR INFORMATION GIVEN BY CONTRIBUTORS, ABOUTMAGAZINES OR ANY OTHER PARTY SHALL CREATE ANY WARRANTY OR LIABILITY. ABOUT MAGAZINES CANNOT ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY

FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE THAT MAY ARISE AS A RESULT OF ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR INACCURACIES IN THIS MAGAZINE.

Activities Act 3 Stage School (children)......................31Dance Parties (children) ..............................35Encore (Drama children) .............................35Wonderland Workshops (drama classes)......33ArchitectsAJ Whittaker ..................................................7Ballintyre Design .........................................15Baby & Toddler Care Classes ....................31Balloons .....................................................17Blinds & CurtainsAsta Fabric Design Studio............................25Ballinteer Blinds...........................................41BuildersAttic Fanatic (attic conversions)...................33CB Construction..........................................13Mission Construction ..................................25Noonan Construction..................................45The Basement Specialists...............................7CleaningChem Dry (Carpets/Upholstery) ..................12Oven Blitz (Oven Cleaning).........................10Pristine (House cleaning).............................11Computers/IT SolutionsDotcom.ie (web design)..............................39Hyperlynx (Internet Cafe)............................21Laser Computer Sales - (Repairs) .................21Paula Flanagan (Training) ............................20Creche/MontessoriBallinteer Montessori ...................................33Once Upon A Time .......................................2Designer Wear/Wedding DressesKolidi .........................................................42Dog Grooming (mobile)Little Paws...................................................23Double Glazing/GlassChurchtown Glass .........................................3Malplas Windows ........................................27

Driving LessonsDTS - Driving Training Services ...................31Environment DLRCC .......................................................39Estate AgentsLisney..........................................................30Remax.........................................................45ElectricanOliver Brady ................................................15FloristDundrum Blooms........................................17Financial ServicesDundrum Credit Union .................................9GardensColm’s Landscape Services ..........................23Sanderson - Garden Awnings ......................234Gardensales - Tools/Repairs .......................35Graphic DesignColm Geoghegan Designs...........................27Health & FitnessDanu Yoga Centre.......................................25Dundrum Acupuncture ...............................30Harmony Yoga Ireland.................................31Pilates - Anne Sexton ..............................17Yoga - Sibylle Dallmann ..............................17Insurance BrokersCronin Insurance Brokers Ltd ......................19Internet CafeHyperlynx....................................................26Kitchen DesignsBK Kitchens .................................................19Office SuppliesTerenure Office Supplies..............................13Painter & DecoratorDavid Verdon ..............................................15Paths, Paving, PatiosRegency Paving...........................................39PlumbingBrian McGarry.............................................19Renewable Energy SolutionsResolutions..................................................14Room for Rent ...........................................23SolicitorsDillon Solicitors ...........................................22Joe Clancy ..........................................41Wine MerchantMitchell & Son............................................43

DOn’T fOrgET TO sAy WhErEyOu sAW iT!

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