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April 28, 2011

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Football: St Sylvester’s set for SFC tie with Kickhams Page 32

Sports Awards: April stars and team nominees are announced Page 29

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES .....8, 9 and 10 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS .................... 21 TRAVEL......................... 23 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Council beach cleanup efforts praised Q MIMI MURRAY

A MASSIVE cleanup operation got underway over the Bank Holiday weekend after hundreds of beach goers enjoying sun-splitting skies left their litter behind them.

Labour Councillor Peter Coyle said Fingal County Council was to be commended for the cleanup it undertook on the Portmarnock and Malahide beaches over the holiday

weekend.

The council was also joined by local residents, including the Portmarnock Community Association, who rolled up their sleeves and took part in a huge beach and dune cleanup on Saturday, April 16, as part of an overall Spring Clean. This was in conjunction with the council, while the Portmarnock Hotel organised refreshments for the volunteers.

Full Story on Page 2

All smiles: Teachers enjoy a launch night for fundraiser MALAHIDE Community School

teachers, Martha McNamara and Rachel Corcoran, took part in an exciting launch night for a special Who Wants To Be A Millionaire fundraising night being held in The

Grand Hotel Malahide. The event will raise money for the school’s Kilimanjaro Trek as well as for some local charities.

Full Story on Page 5, full Gallery on Page 10

2 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 28 April 2011

BANK HOLIDAY: HUGE MESS LEFT ON BEACHES

Council is praised for beach cleanup Q MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com

FINGAL County Council is to be commended f o r t h e cl e a n - u p i t under took on Por tmarnock and Malahide beaches over the bank holiday weekend.

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‘I got a couple of calls on Saturday morning from regular beachgoers from the village and Strandmill estate. They said that they had never seen such a mess being made in the area’

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This is according to Labour Councillor Peter Coyle, who said the council did a good job cleaning up the huge mess that was left on the beach, particularly after Thursday and Friday’s good weather.

Clean-up Cllr Coyle said residents in Portmarnock, including the Por tmarnock Community Association, organised a huge beach and dune cleanup on Saturday, April 16, as part of an overall Spring Clean.

This was in conjunction with the council, w h i l e t h e P o r t m a rnock Hotel organised refreshments for the volunteers.

“This cleanup was very successful so the beach and dunes were spotless going into Holy Week,” Cllr Coyle said.

However, with the fine weather and school holidays, there were large crowds on the beach, particularly on Thursday and Friday and there was a lot of litter strewn around on the beach, grass and dunes area he said.

“On top of that, a huge party was held further down the beach, in the dunes near the beach entrance from the Golf Links Road.

“I got a couple of calls on Saturday morning from regular beach goers from the village and Strandmill estate.

“They said that they had never seen such a mess being made in the area, and was dangerous for children and visitors with broken bottles.

“They tried to gather a lot of the litter together, but asked if the council could come and help to clear it up.

“As it happened a council crew was working clearing up the litter on the beach, grassed areas, and dunes near the seafront. “ I s p o ke t o t h e m directly and advised them of the situation at the other end of the beach and they undertook to go there.”

Cllr Coyle said there were not huge crowds on the beaches on Sunday or Bank Holiday Monday.

“T he work carried out by the small council crew was commendable, and even the worst spots on Friday night were very presentable since then,” he said.

French Connection: Leading conference and meeting planners visit the Grand Hotel MATT RYAN, owner of the Grand Hotel in Malahide (second from right) welcomed leading French conference organisers and Catherine Bertin, Tourism Ireland France (right) - during a recent fact-finding visit to Dublin.

The influential conference and meeting planners were in Dublin to see for themselves some of our new

world-class conference and hotel facilities, including The Convention Centre Dublin.

They also had the chance to sample some of our iconic visitor experiences during their visit, including a fun Viking Splash Tour and a whiskey-tasting session at the Old Jameson Distillery.

BURST PIPES: LACK OF UPDATED INFORMATION IS CRITICISED

Residents angry at water shortages Q MIMI MURRAY

malahide@gazettegroup.com

ANGRY residents in Kinsealy village have complained about bursting pipes and water shortages over the bank holiday weekend.

Labour Councillor, Peter Coyle said: “I have had repeated complaints about this. They had a couple of bursts last week and, on Friday, there was no water, although a crew did get to that area on Friday afternoon.”

To compound the issue, he said that residents were not happy with the public information either.

A resident who spoke to Cllr Coyle said: “It is disgraceful that we have to contact you (Cllr Coyle) to find out the situation because the information was not posted on Aertel or Fingalcoco.ie. I did get water back eventually but my neighbours upstairs, both of whom have babies did not. I filled kettles and bottles for them so that they could feed the babies and wash bottles.

“On Saturday, the water looked as if it is on its way

off again. It is a nightmare living here. I lived in Malahide from 1972 to 2006 and I had fewer water problems in all that time than I have had in each of the four years here. I know times have changed but it makes me absolutely mad to see €10 million being spent on updating facilities in Malahide Castle when, only one mile away, the people are living in thirdworld conditions with no water and a sewage system that is questionable.

It is also surprising that the pipes on Chapel Road and Kinsealy Lane know when it is a bank holiday weekend.”

Another angry resident spoke of the continued water disruption: “Myself, my husband and six-month-old baby are owners and residents in St Olave’s, Chapel Road, Kinsealy. While I understand this can happen from time to time, since moving into this area in 2007, we are often without water and the situation has rapidly been getting worse and more frequent.

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‘We cannot wash or feed our baby, or wash baby clothes, let alone our own. This is totally unacceptable’ --------------------------------------------------------

“Before our baby arrived we were most unhappy with the water supply. However, we tolerated it, and hoped the burst water pipes would be repaired and that the situation would resolve.

However, we simply cannot continue in these conditions with a small baby.

“There seems to be a pattern to this disruption, with weekend periods, Christmas morning and any bank holiday or public holiday meaning we are without any water We cannot wash or feed our baby, or wash baby clothes, let alone our own.

This is totally unacceptable and cannot go on.

“Baby bottles cannot be made from nearly all bottled waters due to the high salt content in bottled water, and obviously we also need water to sterilise bottles.

“The most recent water

outage was the Easter weekend. Water stopped on Thursday afternoon, without warning, and did not resume until late Saturday. I was successful in speaking to someone on the Fingal emergency number, however on each occasion I was told something different by various operators.

“On one occasion we were told that it would be fixed that evening, a couple of hours later I was told that it was our pump that was the problem and that it was air-locked.

We followed the instructions on Fingal’s website to check if this was the case. We only succeeded in emptying what was left in our tank, to find out that it was not air-locked.

This is so frustrating in an already ridiculous situation. I hope this will be treated as an urgent matter as the need for fresh water for drinking and

washing is a most basic human need.”

A spokesperson for Fingal County Council said: “I understand that the burst in Kinsealy was one of three burst watermains in the county on Friday.

The burst watermain on Chapel Lane, Kinsealy on Friday morning was repaired by the emergency crew in the afternoon.

“The water was turned back on shortly after 4pm and would have been back to all areas within a few hours. There may have been pressure issues for a time, hence the upstairs occupiers not having water but this would only happen if they had a higher storage tank.

“T he website and Aertel were updated on Friday with the first update posted at 9am.

Further updates were posted throughout the day, together with regular updates to Voxpro (emergency line) and the public representatives. There were server issues with the website for a period but, at all times, I believe there was a message dated for Good Friday.”

28 April 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 3

EVENT Enjoying some sporting fun in the sun

IRISH TIMES: POSITION

Taylor a good bet for editor

Tennis coach, Gary Purcell says the Easter Camp was great fun for the large number of kids who attended . Picture: Peter Doyle

Local kids have a ball at tennis camp Q MIMI MURRAY

malahide@gazettegroup.com

IT was a case of game, set and match when over 50 children took part in an Easter Camp at Malahide Tennis Club under gloriously sunny skies last week.

Tennis coach, Gary Purcell, said it was great for the kids to take part and to get outside in the fine weather.

Purcell has coached for 10 years, on and off, and played for the club’s first team.

“I grew up and did all my coaching here as a Junior. I played through college, travelled a little bit as a tennis coach in Australia and America

and then came back five or six years ago and have been full-time in the club ever since,” he says.

Two separate groups t o o k p a r t ove r t h e course of the week, with younger children aged between six to eight years and older children aged between nine to 12 years.

“The six to eightyear-olds come down at 10am and they do a lot of co-ordination and skills development, games and technique.

“T hey head off at 12pm and the older crew, who are nine to 12 years, come at 1pm for a little bit more technical stuff. They play

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‘It is important, so many kids are inside all the time on their computers, and they really enjoy it, and especially when the weather is good, they love it. We would like to give tips on food and would encourage them to bring down healthy snacks as opposed to bringing fizzy drinks and crisps’ --------------------------------------------------------

tournaments, and stuff like that.”

According to Purcell there are a number of children at the club who are showing champion potential.

“We have a good

bunch who are not doing so much of the camp stuff with us this week because they are out playing tournaments around Dublin.

“Our under-14 boys a n d u n d e r-1 2 s a r e

very strong and Neil O’Connor finished number one in the rankings there in the match play, and there are a couple of other boys all off playing tournaments round Dublin.

“They coach with us throughout the year and, on weeks like this, they go out playing tournaments.”

Purcell says it’s vital to get children out and about and taking part in sports clubs. “It is important, so many kids are inside all the time on their computers, and they really enjoy it, and especially when the weather is good, they love it. We would like to give tips on food and

would encourage them to bring down healthy snacks as opposed to bringing fizzy drinks and crisps.

“We only have a little break here, so water and a piece of fruit is what we would encourage, and we wouldn’t encourage too much sugar.”

P u r c e l l s ay s t e n nis coaching has been down a little bit but the Malahide Tennis Club is still maintaining a pretty good number in their programme, between 250 and 300 on their year-round junior coaching programme which, Purcell says, fares pretty well in comparison to other clubs.

Full Gallery next week

MALAHIDE’S very own Cliff Taylor has emerged as the new favourite to take over from Geraldine Kennedy as editor of The Irish Times when she steps down later this year.

Paddy Power make the Sunday Business Post editor their 5/2 favourite to return to The Irish Times after formerly spending 17 years there as their Economics Editor.

Other potential replacements on the bookmakers list include irishtimes. com editor Hugh Linehan at 11/4, political correspondent Stephen Collins and deputy editor Paul O’Neill, both at 4/1.

Irish Times columnist, assistant editor and drama critic, Fintan O’Toole, is considered a 6/1 shot ahead of recently jobless Sunday Tribune editor, Noirin Hegarty, at 16/1.

Sharon McHugh, spokesperson for Paddy Power said: “If the betting is anything to go by we could see Cliff Taylor return to the Times but, at the moment, there’s not much between both Linehan and Taylor, indicating that the decision could still be up in the air.”

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FastNews

EVENT Ready, steady, go for fun run and family day at Malahide Castle

Gaelscoil gets permission for an extension GAELSCOIL an Duinnigh in Feltrim has been granted planning permission by Fingal County Council for an extension at the school.

The development will consist of the construction of a 169m² single -storey two-classroom pre-school building including external play areas, fencing, pavements and soft landscaping, as well as modification of a parking area approved to provide two additional standard parking spaces and one additional disabled parking space on the site.

Malahide Railway Station upgrade on the cards IARNROD Eireann is seeking planning permission from Fingal County Council for the upgrade of Malahide Railway Station located on the Dublin Road.

The development will consist of the demolition of an existing structure adjacent to the existing station signal box on the Western Platform and for the existing sloped landscape to be extended and re-graded in place of the removed structure.

It is also looking for permission for the erection of a fence to match the existing one along the west side of platform in place of the demolished structure and all landscape and associated works.

In a separate application, Iarnrod Eireann is seeking planning permission for the relocation of an existing timber-frame waiting shelter adjacent to the existing pedestrian bridge on the western platform and position it further west to align with the new approved ticket validating building with existing ground surface to platform, and existing timber fence to be extended to meet the new position of the waiting shelter. Malahide Railway Station is a protected structure.

Cian Healy with models Vogue Williams, Nadia Forde, Katie Lamour and kids Josh Roe Flannelly, Adam Bolger, Ethan Bolger, Emma Flynn and Aoife Keane

Work up a sweat for Barretstown MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com

IRISH rugby ace Cian Healy set the pace for the Barretstow n 5K Fun Run and an actionpacked family day to be held at Malahide Castle on May 14.

Healy was joined by models Vogue Williams, Nadia Forde, Katie Lamour and fun run kids Josh Roe Flannelly (9), Adam Bolger (9), Ethan Bolger (7), Emma Fly nn (9) and Aoife Keane (7) , in fancy dress at the launch of the event recently.

Everyone, from firsttimers to serious athletes, young and old are encouraged to join in the fun and work up a sweat for Barretstown, a specially designed camp that provides therapeutic recreation programmes for children with serious illnesses and their families.

On Saturday, May 14, thousands of fun seekers will flock to Malahide Castle and a festival atmosphere will fill the air with an action packed day featuring a children’s village, football tournament, outdoor step class, strongest

man competition, horse and carriage trips, face painters, magic show, Puffing Billy train trips, inflatables for kids, balloon artist and Laser storm arena.

A Marquee will house a bandstand, with music performances from L A PD a n d G e r m a n Polizia.

Food and drink will be served and there will be stalls selling cakes, breads and pies.

There will also be Egg ‘n Spoon races, threelegged race and wheelbarrow races designed to attract kids and big kids alike.

There will also be a monster raffle on the day with a first prize of a brand new Nissan Pixo, second prize is €1,000, third prize is a luxury spa break at Galgorm resort and spa, with a further 27 prizes of gourmet dinners, hampers, weekend breaks and bumper prizes.

Each fun run competitor will get a free ticket, and further tickets are now on sale at €5 on www.barretstownfunrun.org.

Event organisers are now issuing sponsorship cards to take part

in the fun r un and hope to attract a record number of participants to raise €100,000 for Barretstown.

Set up by Paul Newman in 1994 and modelled on his renowned Hole-in-the-Wall gang camp in Connecticut USA, Barretstown provides excellent, unobtrusive medical supervision to help children with cancer and other

diseases to forget their illness, learn to have fun and rebuild their confidence and self-esteem.

Funds raised from the 5K fun r un will help children and their families discover the courage they need to undertake the difficult journey of illness and its treatments at a fairytale castle in the beautiful foothills of Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains.

Rugby ace Cian Healy leads the way for models Nadia, Katie and Vogue

28 April 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5

EVENT

Who Wants to be a Thousandaire?

Malahide quiz night to raise funds for charities Q MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com

MALAHIDE Community School is getting set to bring the hugely popular, Who Wants to be a Thousandaire event to The Grand Hotel this May, with all proceeds from the fun event going to charity.

The show has attracted huge audiences all over Ireland over the past seven years and is fast becoming the most popular source of fundraising for schools and clubs.

Contestants are drawn from ticket sales and

each contestant will play for €1,000.

The show is fully computerised with 50/50, Ask the Audience and a brilliant video-linked Phone a Friend.

The questions and four possible answers are displayed on two 8ft x 6ft screens, one at each side of the stage.

This show, which is provided by Pallas Marketing Ltd., is being run

by Malahide Community School to assist in fundraising for The Kilimanjaro Trek for Charity.

The charities benefiting are Ross Nugent Foundation, The Laura

Brennan Charitable Trust, The Parkinson’s Association of Ireland and the Light of Maasai.

The launch night for the show was held in The Grand Hotel on April 18 and a large attendance included their six major sponsors and Tom Shanhan from Pallas Marketing.

The first ticket for the event was purchased by Anna Courtney.

“We have been in contact with several others groups who ran W ho Wants to be a Thousandaire shows around the countr y with great success.

EVENT: FLEADH ATHA CLIATH

Plenty of craic agus ceoil at fleadh

Teachers Martha McNamara and Rachel Corcoran

“We are all looking forward to a great night on May 18 as the show is really hi-tech and offers a superb night’s entertainment.

“The show is timed

“We would also like to say a particular word of thanks to our major sponsors, Axa Insurance Malahide, One for All, Dolans Master Butchers, McCabe’s Pharmacy,

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‘We are all looking forward to a great night on May 18 as the show is really hi-tech and offers a superb night’s entertainment’

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to start at 8pm and we would encourage people to come early to ensure a seat,” said one of the organisers, Sandra O’Reilly.

Eurospar Malahide, Cruzzo Restaurant and to all of those who have taken out advertising at the show.

“We have several sur-

prise celebrities coming along on the night with items for the auction so a great night will be had by all,” she said.

“There is still some large screen digital advertising space available for the show, so people should contact me at sandraor@eircom.net for further information.”

Tickets for Who wants to be a Thousandaire, which is on May 18, are available from any member of the fundraising committee, any of the major sponsors, Malahide Community School or at the door on the night.

Full Gallery on Page 10

FLEADH Atha Cliath 2011 will take place from May 3 to 8 in Malahide.

The official opening of the fleadh will take place in Oscar Taylor’s on May 3, with a special presentation and opening address followed by a finger buffet provided

by Oscar Taylor’s and an opening Session.

On May 4, there will be a ceili and set dancing competition with sean-nos and figure dancing entertainment in Pobal Scoil Iosa.

An uilleann piping recital will take place on May 5 downstairs in St Sylvester’s GAA club, commencing at 9.00 pm.

On May 6, a youth seisiun takes place upstairs in St Sylvester’s GAA club from 7.30pm On May 7, a ceili band and grupai cheoil competitions takes place in Pobal Scoil Iosa, Malahide from 10.00am.

Solo, duet and trio competitions take place in Pobal Scoil Iosa from 10.00am on Sunday, May 8.

Informal young adult sessions take place in Gibney’s from 12.30pm and a Fleadh Ceili is in Naomh Mearnog GAA Club from 8.30pm – 11.30 pm.

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6 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 28 April 2011

DEALS: SPECIAL DISCOUNTS

Woodie’s DIY celebrate 21 years WOODIE’S DIY and Garden Centres all over Dublin, including the Malahide Road and nearby Swords, is celebrating its 21st Birthday with superb deals for DIY and gardening enthusiasts.

Customers can avail of great discounts on paint, powertools, BBQs, garden furniture, lawnmowers, plants and compost.

There is 21% off all interior coloured emulsion, excluding white, until Sunday, May 2.

There are ‘Early Bird’ Door Buster offers on the May Bank Holiday weekend and there is the chance for 100 lucky customers to ‘Win the Value of their Receipt on a Gift Card’ with a text and online competition www.woodiesdiy.com.

Ray Colman, chief executive said: “Our customers have tackled a lot of DIY, decorating, painting, home improvement and gardening over the years and during our 21st birthday celebrations we would like to thank them for their loyal support.

“Woodie’s DIY began its long-standing history in Ireland in 1990 with the first store opening in Walkinstown.

“Today we stand with 41 Woodie’s DIY stores nationwide, employing over 1,000 people and still looking for new locations.”

With summer on the doorstop, Woodie’s DIY is also offering great value on a variety of garden furniture and BBQs. The St Lucia 8-Piece Hardwood Patio Set, along with the Omaha 3 Burner Gas Barbecue and Side Burner, is now only €649.99, a saving of €129.99.

The three-seater Textoline Hammock was €129.99 and is now reduced to €99.99.

The Chimenea Burner in Antique gold and silver is perfect for heating patios and is reduced from €84.99 to €69.99.

EVENT Fundraising to help give support to children in India

Yacht Club’s fundraising night for Kiran Village Q MIMI MURRAY

malahide@gazettegroup.com

AN exciting fundraiser will be held in Malahide Yacht Club in May in aid of Kiran village in India.

Kiran founder, Promila Charan, will give a talk on the night and guests will be treated to a delicious meal from Kajall restaurant.

O r g a n i s e r, A n n Dinan, says the event has completely sold out and already over €2,000 has been raised from the ticket sales alone.

S h e s ay s t h e r e i s huge support locally for Kiran Village, which is located in one of the poorest areas in India.

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‘Their first efforts were swept away by floods. They managed to get enough funds together to finally build Kiran Village which is a centre for children with polio’

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“Twenty years ago a woman called Sangeeta was working in the slums in Varanasi. It is on the Ganges and is a sacred city where people go to cremate their dead and f loat them down the river.

“People who had not got a penny heard about her and took their

ill children to her convent.

“The place was overflowing with children who were extremely ill and people started to give them rooms where children could be taught. A lot of children who were brought to Sangeeta were suffering with polio.

“They had no education either and she wanted to give them the basics in education.

“It must have been chaotic as there is a population of 11 million in Varanasi and when she started to be heard of as someone who could help, you can imagine how busy she got. It was only a basic convent that they were working from.

“A benefactor, who remains nameless, gave Sangeeta a piece of land that is 20km away from the city. That might not sound far but it takes an hour to get there over rough terrain.

“She and a group of friends began to build the centre with their bare hands.

“Their first efforts were swept away with floods.

They managed to get enough funds together to finally build Kiran Village, which is a centre for children with polio.

“A doctor from Italy gave up his job and moved there to help.

“When young people come in, he assesses them and decides if they can be treated.

“They are put in a bed and their limbs are stretched. It is very basic, with something tied around their legs and a brick at the end, but it works.”

Kiran Village is located in one of the poorest areas of India

The Village aims to give local children the basics in education

Dinan says she first met Sangeeta three years ago: “Sangeeta came here three years ago after she was invited by Leoni Lynch, a young woman who went and worked in Kiran Village 10 years ago.

“That’s how I heard

about K iran Village.

My parents used to live in India and I always wanted to go there, but not as a tourist, so I contacted Sangeeta and said I’d like to teach English.

“It was amazing, and you see that all of the

money goes directly to help people. I had to sleep on a hard bed with stone floors, but you wouldn’t want it any other way.”

With €2,000 raised already Dinan says she is hopeful they will make lots more on the night

through raffle prizes.

Sangeeta will also speak at most Masses in St Sylvester’s on Sunday May 8, after the event in Malahide Yacht Club the previous night.

For more details on K iran Village go to www.kiranvillage.org.

28 April 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 7

EVENT Local children’s hairdresser adds shark egg to its aquarium AGM Tidy Towns meeting

Eggciting time for Sharkey’s -------------------------------------------------------

malahide@gazettegroup.com

SHARKEY’S Cut for Kids, Malahide, is awaiting a ver y eggciting arrival this Easter break after welcoming a shark egg into its aquarium.

The egg, which will start its life in Sharkey’s measuring around 10 to 15 cm in length, will grow over the coming weeks in the aquarium.

It will be monitored by a live webcam on www. sharkeyscutsforkids. com with customers and kids being invited to guess the birth date of the shark in order to be in with a chance to win their very own aquarium and a selection of fish.

The winner will also have the honour of naming the new-born shark.

It’s hoped the installation of the shark egg in Sharkey’s aquarium will encourage children to get excited about marine

It’s hoped the installation of the shark egg in Sharkey’s aquarium will encourage children to get excited about marine life and to remind them about the wealth of sea life on our shores, including some types of sharks, and the need for conservation of these fish.’

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life and to remind them about the wealth of sea life on our shores, including some types of sharks, and the need for conservation of these fish.

The shark pup is currently very active in the egg and is wriggling, trying to break free of the large yolk that is feeding it.

Once the pup is strong enough it will break away from the yolk and break through the wall of the egg.

It will take a few days for the pup shark to get used to the outside world and it should start feeding within a week.

Eager shark lovers will be more than welcome to pop in over the coming weeks to take a look at the progress of the shark egg as it grows.

Competition entries can be made via the website, in the salon or on the Facebook page.

The webcam will go live on Wednesday, April 27, 2011.

Two local children check out the new addition to the aquarium

MALAHIDE Tidy Towns AGM will be held in the Grand Hotel on May 4.

“There’s a lot of work to be done and they need as much support as possible.

“Everyone is welcome to the AGM, so bring friends or make sure a representative is there from your organisation,” Malahide Chamber of Commerce president, Al Ryan said.

The following Saturday, May 7 is the annual Malahide Cleanup Day. “With your support, it’s hoped we can tackle some of the graffiti around our village.

“We’ll need everyone out that day and all ages are welcome. People should meet at Malahide DART station car park at 10.30am and bring gloves and any gardening or painting equipment you think would be helpful,” he said.

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8 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 28 April 2011

EVENT New restaurant offering Indian and Eastern cuisine

Mixing it up at Mirchi HERE was good news recently for those who like a bit of spice in their life as new restaurant, Mirchi, held its opening night to give locals a taste of their delicious Indian and Eastern cuisine. Located on Townyard Lane, off the main street in Malahide Village, the new venue will serve authentic Indian food of high quality prepared by their chef who has worked in Ireland for over 20 years. There was a great atmosphere in the restaurant for the opening night as friends and family joined owner Hosnara Nasrin to support her on her new venture. Everybody was impressed by the delicious range of food on offer and by the very friendly staff.

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Lilian Foley, Hosnara Nasrin, owner and, Kieran Foley. Pictures: Peter Doyle

Atish Juggoo, Chef

Emmet and Rachel Brady

Yvonne Costello, Dee Hughes and Paula McEvoy

28 April 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 9

is packed with locals for its opening night celebrations

Mary Ellard, Deirdre Dunphy, Evelyn Dunne and Alogue Halpin

Aoibheann Brady, Mustafa Shirzi and Caoimhe Reid

Ridoy Rahman and Hosnara Nasrin, owner

Trishna Chumroo, Caoimhe Reid and Ridoy Joe Clarke, Trishna Chumroo, Liz Harford and Declan Harford

Nischal Ghimire with some of the delicious food on offer

Rahman

David Delaney and Catherine Behan

Sandra Nugent, Nasrin Hosnara, owner, and Emma Nugent

10 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 28 April 2011

EVENT

Who Wants To Be A Thousandaire at Grand Hotel

Adam Fanning

Question of raising funds N exciting, fun-filled night is in store for all at The Grand Hotel in Malahide with a Who Wants To Be A Thousandaire fundraising night. Based around the popular TV show, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, the night features a fully computerised show with 50/50, Phone a Friend and Ask the Audience.

Five 8ft x 6ft screens will display all the action as contestants are given their choice of four answers to a question and the amount of money increases as the correct answers are given.

The event, which promises to be very popular with participants, will raise funds in aid of Malahide Community School Kilimanjaro Trek, The Ross Nugent Foundation, The Laura Brennan Charitable Trust, The Parkinson’s Association of Ireland and The Light of Maasai.

Ellen Fitzpatrick and Cora Bannigan. Full Story on Page 5. Picture: Peter Doyle

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Committee members: Back row, Robert Conlon, Colm McGrath, Austin Doyle, Andy Byrne, Sandra O’Reilly, Sandra O’Connor, Angela Ward, Nigel Ward and Tom Shanahan from Pallas.

Elizabeth Doyle

Front, Peter Rooney, Susan Caprani, Brid Hennessey and Linda Conlon

Teachers Martha McNamara and Rachel Corcoran with Adam Fanning, Sarah Rooney, Eoin Costello, Alex Conlon, Elizabeth Doyle, Jonathan Robert Conlon, Michael Dawson and Sandra O’Reilly

Fanning, Kevin O’Connor, James Keely, Dearbhla Ward, Jordan Byrne and Eoin McGrath

28 April 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 28 April 2011

FETAC

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

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National Framework of Qualifications

Great employers know… there are over one million reasons to choose FETAC! EVERY business aims for highly skilled flexible employees who can not just do the job in hand, but who can take one new learning and challenges too.

You want to choose the best person for the job and then make sure they stay ahead.

Choose applicants who have quality assured FETAC awards that are part of the National Framework of Qualifications.

The National Framework of Qualifications is a ten level Framework that makes it easier to understand awards in education and training in Ireland. FETAC, the Further education and training Awards Council, makes awards at levels 1-6 of the National Framework of Qualifications.

The National Framework of Qualifications allows for different award types which ensure that achievement in learning can be appropriately recognised and understood, step by step.

Major awards recognise a large amount of learning, resulting in the achievement of Certificates. Certificate titles include the level of the award, for example, Level 5 Certificate Business Studies.

Minor awards recognise smaller amounts of learning and are coherent in their own right. Minor awards are the essential building block for FETAC awards.

Minor awards lead to

Component Certificates.

Special purpose awards recognise a narrow range of learning that is typically specifically focused on employment, for example Level 5 Road Winter Maintenance. Special Purpose Awards lead to Specific Purpose Certificates.

Supplemental awards, leading to Supplemental Certificates, recognise the learning that follows other awards. They update prior learning, and help employees stay ahead of the curve or to comply with new leg-

islative requirements.

For more information on the Framework, view www.nqai.ie .

Making recruitment easy When you choose a FETAC award, you can be confident that the skills are relevant to today’s employment standards.

Applicants will have a knowledge base that enables them to keep on learning and to up-skill as required to help your

business stay ahead. Key competences valued by employers such as communications, team working and interpersonal skills are built into award structures.

Awards requirements and standards are published on www.fetac.ie in the Awards Directory so you can check for yourself what lies

behind the certificate.

If you are recruiting staff, check out our Employers page on www.fetac.ie. It provides advice on how to frame advertisements so as you get the best information from potential employees.

For example, many employers now frame recruitment requirements according to the Framework: ‘Successful applicants will have a level 4 qualification or equivalent.’

You may also want to

understand how qualifications achieved outside of Ireland relate to Irish qualifications. The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) provides a free service to employers to assist with this. View www.nqai.ie A FETAC award is generally achieved through further education and training provision and is quality assured.

FETAC awards can be achieved following programmes offered through VECs, FÁS, Fáilte Ireland, Teagasc, a wide variety of private providers / training companies, including in the workplace or in a community setting.

Further education and training in Ireland is known for its dynamism and innovation, but also because it is genuinely accessible to learners nationwide, in over 1,500 centres.

One Million reasons…

In 2010 FETAC celebrated over one million people achieving a FETAC award. This means that roughly one in three people of working age have a FETAC award.

Most are adults, who have taken the time and

made that commitment to continuously learning, tackling gaps in experience, stretching ability, engaging with new ideas and knowledge. FETAC people with this kind of energy are just what your business needs.

President McAleese described FETAC learners as people who take ‘control, adjusting to the changing economic conditions, getting ready for the new labour market requirements, using their time well and investing in the optimism that comes from doing something positive. It is people with that cool mixture of realism and optimism and ‘can do’ attitude that will help Ireland become a stable and prosperous economy in the months and years ahead.’

A unique celebration was hosted in Dublin, among the audience were some leading employers who found that providing training on site as part of the workplace not only increased staff commitment to quality, but also increased compliance with essential health and safety requirements.

Learners themselves give the FETAC system the ‘thumbs up’; Timothy Forde completed his Level 6 Supplemental Certificate Domestic Gas Installation with FÁS so as to be fully equipped to start his own business in a niche market.

Timothy saw learning and awards as ‘stepping stones to future suc-

Over one million people have a FETAC award. Enrico Jennings, Tsvetolina Tonova, Timothy Forde and

cess…It is very important that I undertake learning in my relevant expert field.’ Yaoweii Sun achieved the Level 5 Certificate Information Technology while working as part of the management team at Dominos Pizza. ‘Education opens doors and opportunities. It gives you options and helps you think differently.

Completing my FETAC course helped me develop both career and life skills. It has given me perspective and helped me improve my ability to communicate effectively.’

FETAC - taking people further….

FETAC provides an important route into higher education for many learners, including those in the workforce. In 2010, almost one in five learners applying through CAO to Higher Education indicated that they had a FETAC award.

Institutes of Technology and Universities continue to expand entry routes for FETAC award holders. Michael Cloo-

nan from Inishbofin built on the local rich tradition of hospitality by taking a Fáilte Ireland programme in the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology first in Bar Skills at level 5.

Now Michael has progressed and is studying for his Bachelor in Business in Bar Management. Participating in ‘programmes and awards give me a great foundation not only for industry but for life’ said Michael.

Employers such as Monaghan Mushrooms use programmes leading to FETAC awards to ensure consistency across work practices and to provide structured career paths within the industry. If you think this is what your staff or organisation needs, consult the Employers Page on www.fetac.ie. FETAC is glad to work with employers to ensure Ireland is ready and skilled to shape and make opportunities for all of us.

There are one million reasons to choose FETAC. Are you one?

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Mulcahy, Michael Cloonan, Carmel Boylan, Seรกn Walsh, Ann Marie BrettJoseph Barry celebrate.

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

28 April 2011 GAZETTE 13

14 GAZETTE 28 April 2011

FastNews PROGRAMME A total of 300 placements available Don’t miss your chance ONE lucky Dublin couple could have their dream wedding as goldenpages.ie are offering a Gold Wedding worth €30,000.

Voting is about to close for couples who have entered the competition on goldenpages.ie.

The three couples with the most votes will go through to the final where one very lucky couple will be crowned the winner.

The winning couple will receive a Gold Wedding worth €30,000 on two conditions: 1, they must get married on Saturday, September 10 this year, and 2, they must accept a second “mystery condition”, which will be revealed when the winning couple is announced. Voting deadline is Friday, April 29.

Getting back to work with beginagain.ie Q STAFF REPORTER

EXPERIENCED and professional individuals in Dublin, who are eager to rejoin the workforce, have the opportunity to take up some 300 work placements provided

by Begin Again (www. beginagain.ie), a career advancement programme developed by the Irish Centre for Business Excellence (ICBE).

The programme, which was launched in 2010, has already placed over 400 unemployed people in work placements throughout Ireland.

Over 240 of these have now returned to employment, providing the

exchequer with an additional estimated €4.8m on an annualised basis.

The programme is a mix of certified training, internship and mentoring, with four central themes; employment and employability, resilience and wellbeing, innovation and enterprise and life-long learning and training.

Having recently completed the programme, Dubliner Clare Curtin said: “The Begin Again programme has not only helped me secure employment, it has also very professionally blended my expertise with the company’s requirements.

Begin Again is the only programme that has

offered me anything concrete in terms of employment opportunities.’’

Over 300 Companies have taken part in the programme to date, with established companies such as Supermacs, Boston Scientific and Bewleys all providing work placements and full-time employment opportunities.

Funded by the Labour Market Activation Fund, the Begin Again programme has enabled people who were experiencing both short-term and long-term unemployment to gain that crucial foothold back into the workforce. To date, 41% of participants

Mike Gaffney, of Begin Again, and programme supporter, Mark Fielding of ISME

have obtained employment, 19% have gained self-employment or contracts, with a further 5% re-entering the education system. A further 21% are currently in workplaces with real job prospects.

Begin Again participants retain all of their social welfare benefits during the work placement programme.

Explaining the impact of Begin Again, Pat

O’Connor, CEO of the ICBE said: “We have seen participants come from a broad range of backgrounds and educational levels, including engineers, accountants, quantity surveyors, sales and administration professionals and operational level people. Having had a successful outcome for over three-quarters of our 400 participants, 49% of whom were long-term

unemployed, we believe we are providing a valuable service for the Irish public and the Irish State.

We estimate that Begin Again is costing less than 50% of any previous government-sponsored labour market activation programme.”

For further information on the Begin Again programme go to www. beginagain.ie or call 061 371753.

28 April 2011 GAZETTE 15

FESTIVALS Foodies, rejoice – Taste of Dublin is coming up

Vogue Wilson

Sheana, Eabha and Molly Lewis can’t resist following Ross Lewis’s fruity fare

Tempting event to tickle taste buds ...

HE sixth annual Taste of Dublin is set to once again tickle taste buds, when the outdoor food and drink festival takes place from June 9 to June 12 in the serene surrounds of the Iveagh Gardens in Dublin 2.

The festival will feature al-fresco dining, wine tastings, live chef demonstrations and the chance to meet more than 100 artisan food producers, as well as a number of well-known

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foodie faces and celebrities, including Gino D’Acampo, Derry Clarke, Conrad Gallagher, Catherine Fulvio, Ross Lewis and Neven Maguire, to name but a few.

With Superquinn once again on board as headline sponsor, tickets are now on sale from the ticket line at 0818 300 030. For further information on the delightful, delicious festival, see www.tasteofdublin.ie.

Eabha Lewis

Vogue Wilson was helping to promote the event

Top foodies, Ross Lewis and Catherine Fulvio

Molly Lewis

16 GAZETTE 28 April 2011

Gazette Contacts

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day

Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251

Managing Director: Liam Holland email: lholland@gazettegroup.com Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com General Manager: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com

Every little face...

PICTURED launching the Face of Tesco – a competition to find three staff members to model in the company’s 2011 Autumn Winter Clothing Campaign, are the judges - model agency boss Rebecca Morgan, fashion editor Bairbre Power and fashion expert Darren Kennedy along with models Ellie Murphy and Carl Shaaban. Prizes for the winner include modelling in the Autumn Winter Clothing photo shoot, a Tesco wardrobe, a professional hair and make-up consultation, and more.

Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

Get your hats out for a right royal Dublin do WHY NOT celebrate Prince William’s marriage to Kate Middleton, this Friday, April 29, at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney, with an afternoon to remember?

Guests can enjoy a glass of Prosecco on arrival, then sit back, relax and view the royal wedding on screen, while enjoying a delicious three-course lunch. Come along with friends and watch as history is made, when the heir to the British throne marries his college sweetheart.

Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel is located just a stone’s throw from Dalkey, and enjoys stunning views over Dublin Bay. The Royal Wedding Lunch Package costs €29.95.

To make an enquiry, or booking, please contact reservations on (01) 2305556 or email reservations@ fitzpatricks.com

Acting for beginners AN Acting for Absolute Beginners course starts on May 15 and runs for 10 weeks in Dublin city centre.

With students from Lucan and Swords already signed up for the course, tutor Ronnie McCann says he is looking for students from all over the city to take part.

DIARY The course introduces students to the basics of acting and offers a hands-on practical approach that will get the creative juices flowing and explores new and inventive ways to become the next De Niro or Winslet.

Ronnie McCann has been a professional director and actor for 20 years and, as an actor, he has been in many television dramas and is also a regular in Casualty.

He has also been in several feature films and has worked on camera and stage in Europe as well.

He trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and Lee Strasberg in New York.

He also teaches acting for camera and directing at several leading drama colleges, including the Gaiety School.

“There will be lots of laughter, excitement and fun. If you think ‘I wouldn’t have the talent’, but your instincts tell you differently, this is the course for you. It is a great way to meet new people, explore new ways to communicate and develop new skills that you can use in life,” Ronnie says.

The course takes place on Sun-

days from 2pm - 4.30pm in the church just off Frances Street. It costs €140 for 10 weeks. Contact 086 7838619 / 01 6293976 to book.

Support Norris and Aware A QUIZ night will be held in aid of AWARE and Senator David Norris in the Grand Hotel in Malahide this Friday, April 29.

Sheila Byrne, who is a fundraiser for Senator Norris’s presidential campaign said: “I have met with the CEO of AWARE and he is delighted that they will be part of this fundraising night. A lot of charities are finding it difficult to get funds due to the downturn of this wonderful island of ours. Fortunately, with positive thinking and helping each other it won’t be long before we get this country up and running again.

“During the course of his election campaign, and if he is elected as the next President of Ireland, Senator Norris will focus on three key areas in our society and will shine a light on the key issues associated with these three areas: Mental Health and Wellbeing, Culture, and Enterprise,” Sheila said.

The quiz night kicks off at 8pm.

All are welcome.

28 April 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: IT’S IMPORTANT TO RESPECT A DOG’S INSTINCTS AND ITS FEARS

Keep your child safe around strange dogs E all know that man’s (and woman’s) best friend is the dog! Dogs love us unconditionally and their level of gorgeousness goes right off the, well, the gorgeousness scale. You can tell I’m a doggie kinda gal?

However, even the nicest doggie has been known to bare his gnashers and, quite often, it’s a small child who bears the brunt of his anger.

All parents know that kids go off the rails when they spot a dog. Their natural instinct is to run up and pet the animal, try to hug it, pick it up and scream and squeal with excitement, often upsetting the poor pooch, albeit unintentionally.

Now, to a small child and even an adult, this

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type of adulation is a normal reaction and appears cute – to a dog it spells something entirely different. Sudden movements and loud, ear-splitting screams often cause the poor dog to feel fear and could promote an aggressive response in the friendliest and most easygoing of canines.

So, as a parent, what can you do to protect your child from strange dogs?

Well, here are a few tips I hope will come in handy.

• Teach your child to respect a dog’s instincts and most importantly, its fears. When around a strange dog, ask your child to speak quietly and to move slowly – no running around making mad flapping movements.

• Never allow your child

to ride a bike, a flicker scooter or skate too close to a strange dog. Some dogs feel scared because they are not normally used to these things, and may even chase the moving object because such behaviour can trigger a dog’s natural prey instinct.

• If a strange dog gets too frisky or excited around your child, then teach the child to behave like a statue. Your child will need to drop any food or toy they’re holding and stand still, like a statue or a tree. Statues are boring for dogs – they will usually come over, sniff and go away. Practise this with your kids, so they know exactly what to do if a dog rushes at them.

• Teach your child to

Even friendly dogs can be aggressive when provoked

never, never, and again I stress, NEVER pat a dog without the owner’s permission. I’ve lost count of the times kids have rushed up to me in the park to try and grab hold of my dogs’ heads and attempt to rub them and, when I pull my

dogs away, the parents get stroppy. There is a reason why you must seek the owners’ permission. Some dogs, two of mine included, do not like strangers patting them and may become aggressive due to nervousness. Teach your

child to respect a dog’s personal space and his right to refuse to be patted by strangers.

• If the owner gives permission, teach your child to approach the dog slowly and quietly and allow the dog to sniff the back of the child’s hand – then gently pat the dog’s chest, sides or back. Dogs don’t generally like to be rubbed on their heads. Keep your face away from the dog and never stare into its eyes. For very small dogs, your child may need to kneel down, keeping the top half of the child’s body straight and not bend over the dog.

• Tell your child it’s a big no-no to sneak up on a dog that is eating or sleeping. If a dog is eating, your child must wait until he has moved away

from the feed area before approaching him. If the dog is sleeping, your child needs to stand back and call the dog out of his bed if they wish to give him a cuddle.

• Puppies! Never allow your child pick up a puppy. Mummy dogs are very protective of their babies, just as humans are, and may bite the child if she thinks they will hurt them.

•Make sure your child doesn’t approach or pat a dog that has his head sticking out of a car window. It’s likely the animal is protecting and defending what he perceives as his space.

For more information, log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie

18 GAZETTE 28 April 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs VW GROUP GROWS TO RIVAL TOYOTA:

V O L K S WA G E N has reported that its first quarter delivery of new cars rose by 13.7% to a record 1.97 million vehicles. VW also reported record deliveries for March, with sales of more than 767,200 cars, up 8.1% from a year ago.

VW aims to pass Toyota as the world’s best-selling car brand by 2018.

In 2010, VW group sold a record 7.14 million units, ranking it third behind General Motors with 8.39 million and Toyota with 8.42 million.

The Germanbased company has reported that car sales growth in regions such as China, India or Russia produced a strong performance.

The company’s core VW brand sold 1.23 million cars between January and March, a rise of 10.4%.

The new BMW X1 xDrive28i uses the first of the new generation four-cylinder petrol engines to give improved acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, taking just 6.1 seconds, as well as a 16% improvement in fuel economy. Inset: The BMW-designed electric motor, which will be used in BMW electric cars in the future. The motor is claimed to be over 90% efficient and produces in excess of 160bhp for fast acceleration

Impressive engines MICHAEL MORONEY visits the BMW headquarters in

Munich, where he got a glimpse of things to come MWhas set a name for itself with its Efficient Dynamics technology that has boosted diesel engine performance far ahead of where people would have believed possible 10 years ago.

I was in Munich last week to hear and discuss with BMW engineers where the next move will be.

There were three areas where BWM focused on during what they call their annual Innovation Day. These were new engine designs, the development of the electric car and new lightweight car components.

The target remains the same – giving enhanced driving pleasure in quality cars consistent with reduced fuel consumption. That’s the basis of the Efficient Dynamics concept and development director at BMW, Dr Klaus Draeger, said that this remains true as

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the core principle of the company.

The big news was the announcement of a complete new line-up of engines that will be fitted to BMW cars in three to four years time. BMW has invested €300 million in this new enginedesign concept that will give them huge savings through new economies of scale.

BMW expects that, while the move to electric cars will accelerate, the sales of electric or even hybrid cars will not be more than 20% of the total market.

That’s why the company continues to put a lot of effort into to increasing the lead that the Efficient Dynamics approach to conventional car engine design has given them. That has been confirmed by the fact that, in 2010, and for the sixth time in a row, the BMW Group was named the most sustain-

able automobile manufacturer in the world by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.

There will be a new family of three, four and six-cylinder engines in diesel and petrol format, all using the same basic design. This will mean common parts, such as engine structures and fittings, even pistons and camshafts, making engine assembly easier, and bringing big savings in terms of economies of scale.

But the changes are not big enough to expect a drop in prices, according to the company; it will be more of a situation where they will give better economy and performance without increasing the prices into the future.

These new engines will feature a new BMW TwinPower turbo-charging system that ensures more power and lower fuel consumption in both

petrol- and diesel-fuelled cars. We had an opportunity to take a short test drive in the first of these new engines, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was fitted to the new X1. In the new BMW X1 xDrive28i, this engine has improved the acceleration of the vehicle from zero to 100 km/h, taking just 6.1 seconds. The new engine delivers 245bhp.

This is over 70bhp more powerful than BMW’s previously most powerful four-cylinder engine.

The engine produced a huge level of torque for a petrol engine and even more impressive is the fact that it does so at a low 1250rpm engine speed.

BMW claims that the new TwinPower Turbo engine even surpasses a BMW six-cylinder engine in terms of response and pulling power.

On the electric car front BMW has created

what it calls a new subbrand, called the Megacity vehicle. The company will have two models on offer in 2013, a full electric car, the i3, and a plug-in hybrid petrol car, the i8x.

BMW told us that they are developing their own electric motors, voltage invertors and high voltage storage systems. The aim is to develop a system that achieves flexibility for future hybrid and electric vehicles.

Each battery storage unit of the future BMW hybrid or electric vehicle comprises a different number of modules, which in turn, each consists of a specific number of battery cells.

These are interconnected in series in order to match the power and energy capacity needs of each vehicle.

The new lightweight technology being planned for future BMW cars aims to cut the over-

all weight of the cars.

That, too, will improve fuel economy. Plastics are going to be used to a greater extent, along with carbon fibres, some developed from agricultural crops, to produce vehicle body panels and insulation materials that incorporate new types of resins that make them strong, yet light.

BMW is researching every aspect of the cars for the future to make them more sustainable in terms of economy and easier to build in a process that causes less lasting damage to the environment.

T hat means using products in their manufacture that can be grown within Europe.

These of their own accord can mean new opportunities for farm crops and some of the materials show during the Innovation Day provided real evidence of this.

28 April 2011 GAZETTE 19

20 GAZETTE 28 April 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs Skoda sponsors Tipperary GAA SKODA is the new GAA sponsor of Tipperary GAA. The three-year sponsorship agreement, which begins following the 2011 National Leagues, will see Skoda Ireland invest approximately €200,000 into the Premier County per annum. As part of this sponsorship agreement, Skoda and Tipperary GAA officially unveiled the new 2011 Jersey at Croke Park on April 19. AllIreland Hurling Champions Eoin Kelly, Brendan Cummins, Padraic Maher and Conor O’Mahony were on hand to showcase the new strip and discuss Tipperary hurler’s prospects of defending theirAll Ireland crowns as the 2011 championship season approaches. The full sponsorship of Tipperary GAA covers both the hurling and football codes and includes all grades from minor to senior inter-county teams over the next three years. As part of the sponsorship agreement, the new-lookTipperary jersey was unveiled displaying the Skoda brand name.

Pictured at the announcement is Ray Leddy, marketing manager of Skoda Ireland, centre, with Tipperary hurling manager Declan Ryan, left, and Tipperary football manager John Evans

MERCEDES BENZ IN TALKS ON FUEL CELLS: MERCEDES BENZ is involved in a partnership with Renault and Nissan to develop new fuel cell technology for cars for the future. This comes a year after both companies formed a global alliance in which both companies swapped stakes in each other to co-operate on the development of small cars, commercial vehicles and future engine systems.

FIAT WANTS A CROSS-OVER NOT A GOLF: FIAT hopes that reshaping the Bravo hatchback

into a crossover will lead to a surge in European sales.

Fiat has decided to replace its slowselling Bravo compact hatchback with an all-new high-roof cross-over inspired by the popular Nissan Qashqai.

Fiat had originally planned to relaunch the Bravo as a rival the Volkswagen Golf, which is Europe’s bestselling car. The current Bravo and Qashqai were both launched in Europe in 2007. Their sales results were close at first but last year the Qashqai outsold the Bravo by a 5-to-1 margin (216,091 to 44,850).

The new Volkswagen Beetle is built to be one of the safest cars on the road, thanks to features such as standard ESP and six airbags

New VW Beetle goes back to its roots VOL K S WAGE N unveiled the latest generation Beetle at the Shanghai Motor Show in a style that moves away from design of the New Beetle of 1998.

This latest generation Beetle draws on cues from the original.

This new Beetle, due here later this summer, is longer, wider and lower, giving a more masculine and dynamic appearance.

The Beetle now measures 4,278 mm in length (+152 mm), 1,808 mm in width (+84 mm) and 1,486 in height (-12 mm).

The track width front and rear, as well as the wheelbase at 2,537 mm, is also increased.

The car’s new proportions mean the roof extends back further, the windscreen is shifted back and the rear section is now more akin to that of the origi-

nal Beetle.

The boot capacity is a practical 310 litres, up from 209 litres in the 1998 model. The Beetle has four seats, with a split-fold rear seat for added versatility.

Inside the cabin, the Beetle’s designers created a modern, practical and distinctive appearance with easy to identify and ergonomic controls.

Certain features, such

as the glove box and colour accent panels, hark back to the original.

Three trim levels will be available – Beetle, Design and Sport – and each will have its own individual character and features. There will be a wide range of optional equipment available.

It is expected that, in Ireland, there will be a choice of four engines: three petrol – a 1.2-litre TSI 105bhp,

a 1.4-litre TSI 160bhp and a 2.0-litre TSI 200bhp; and one diesel – a 1.6-litre 105bhp with BlueMotion Technology. Thanks to the addition of Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems, the Beetle 1.6-litre 105bhp is estimated to have a combined fuel consumption of 23.8 km/litre (4.2l/100km) and a low CO2 emissions rating of 112 g/km.

Porsche returns to southside of the city PORSCHE has long been one of the most prestigious brands in the world and Porsche Centre Dublin is delighted to announce its return to South County Dublin, introducing some exceptional cars that are exclusive to this centre in Ireland.

Whether window-shopping or otherwise, you don’t even necessarily need to be a Porsche obsessive to appreciate the Porsche Boxster Spyder

PDK. This is the first and only car of its kind in the country, and now on display at Porsche Centre Dublin, Rochestown Avenue.

This new Porsche Service Centre retails the full range of Porsche Approved used cars and provides customers in the Republic of Ireland with the only authorised facility that caters for all Porsche aftersales requirements.

All Porsche-approved used

cars are inspected using a 111-point checklist and come with a 24-month, manufacturer-backed Porsche Approved Warranty, with no mileage limit, and a 24-month Porsche Assistance policy, offering Europe-wide breakdown assistance.

Experience Brand manager Ryan O’Connell, has a wealth of experience with the Porsche brand and

is one of the most experienced Porsche experts in Ireland having overseen an impressive 350 deliveries to Porsche customers across the country.

Porsche Ser vice Centre Dublin is located at Joe Duffy Ltd, just off exit 16 of the M50 at Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

Customers can contact the Porsche Centre Dublin on 01 2353375 or by email at info@ porschedublin.ie.

28 April 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Graham Costigan, general manager, Room To Room

Furnishing what customers want DUCA Furniture, trading as Room To Room, started business more than 10 years ago as a furniture wholesaler.

Given the tough economic conditions prevailing in the country, the company decided to take their furniture directly to the public, with a benefit for the customer being the excellent value the company says it offers all year long.

Talking to the Gazette this week, general manager Graham Costigan told us about his career and the company.

“I was born what seems like an eternity ago in Dublin, I spent seven years living in Germany, and came back to Ireland 12 years ago.

“Since leaving school (Joey’s in Fairview) I’ve run pubs, an accounts department and a freight company before joining Duca Furniture about a year ago.

“I enjoy work, golf, travel, a couple of drinks now and then and relaxing with [partner] Karen, but not necessarily in that order!” Graham says.

“Duca Furniture started business over 10 years ago as a furniture wholesaler.

Based on the outskirts of Dundalk, we have a state-of-the-art 75,000 sq ft warehouse facility. Our showrooms in Santry, Fonthill and Leopardstown are decked out in the best of furniture.

“We sell quality and pride ourselves on this. There are plenty of furniture retailers, but we feel we have some of the

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS DECIDING ON PAYING PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS Q – My new employer will pay 5% into my defined contribution pension if I match it. I am only 26 – do I have to agree to this, or can I put it off until I am at least in my thirties? Mary – Stillorgan A - THERE are currently more than 420,000 Irish citizens over the age of 65 and, by the year 2050, there will be 1.8 million citizens over this age.

By 2026, a total of 767,300 such citizens are expected, meaning that 16 years from now, more than 16% of the population will be in retirement.

Another fact is that half of the current earning population of Ireland does not have a pension. They are obviously hoping that the State Pension (which is currently €230.30 per week) will be enough to tide them over at that stage, AND that the Government will still have

Graham Costigan, general manager at Room To Room

the funds to be able to pay it when they reach retirement age.

best furniture out there. And, as we’re a wholesaler by trade, the price is fair as there is no middle man.

“We stock most of the floor items and have a wide range of customised furniture. Why not slip by if you’re in the market?”

According to Graham, Room To Room don’t mark up prices to enable them to mark down in a fake sale.

The company is keen to promote its core belief of providing the customer

with an excellent level of service and quality at a fair price.

Room To Room carries stocks of leather, bedroom, dining and occasional furniture, with most of these items available for immediate delivery.

Added to the its extensive range of custom-made fabric suites, the company believes it has something to suit every taste and every pocket.

Customers can find all of the company’s details at www.roomtoroom.ie

With the pension funds being decimated over the last few years, and the ageing population ambivalent about saving for their retirement, something had to give.

The Government, through the recent National Pension Framework plan, has addressed this issue and, by 2014, all employees and employers will eventually have to contribute to a pension fund of some sort, plus the retirement age will be raised gradually to age 68 in 2026, with one uniform standard rate of tax relief applied to all contributions – 20%, by 2014.

So, if you are currently on the higher rate of tax, it will certainly be worth your while making that 5% contribution, as your employer is also making a 5% contribution.

This is a win-win situation for you, while you are never

Q&A

too young to start a pension!

Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be?

A: I wanted to be a foot-

Q: What part of your job do you dislike the most?

A: Doing the accounts –

baller.

boring.

Q: What was your first job?

A: I worked in Dunnes in the northside, stacking shelves and sweeping floors.

Oh, how I miss those days ...

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: It was from the same place.

Q: How many people do you have to talk with every day?

A: Loads. Sometimes too many, sometimes not enough.

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: The greatest thrill is getting things organised and not having any problems with deliveries.

Q: What air carrier do you use when going on holidays?

A: Generally Aer Lingus or Ryanair, whichever is best value.

Q: What car do you drive?

A: I drive an old Audi.

Q: Can you swim?

A: I can, and try to, as much as possible.

Q: Would you ever bungee jump?

A: Nope; I don’t like heights.

Q: Do you play any sport?

A: I play golf.

Q: What is your favourite food and drink?

A: My favourite food is stew;

my favourite drink is coffee.

Q: Who would you like to have dinner with – Brian O’Driscoll or Brian Cowen?

A: Brian Cowen. I’d love to give him a slap up the side of the head.

Q: How many times a week do you go to the ‘hole in the wall’?

A: Way too often.

Q: How many times each year do you shop for clothes?

A: As seldom as possible. I don’t like shopping.

Q: What is the name of your favourite shop?

A: Room to Room, of course! But, really, it’s Macy’s in New York.

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: About 15, I think.

Q: Where is your favourite holiday destination?

A: Portugal.

Q: Have you ever met Brian Cowen?

A: Nope.

Q: What other job in the whole world would you really like to have?

A: A professional golfer; otherwise, I’m very happy with my work.

Q: When do you wish to retire?

A: As soon as I have the means to do so, comfortably.

Q: What will you do then?

A: I haven’t got a clue. I will read books and take it easy for a while, and just spend some time smelling the flowers – I don’t get a chance now.

Even at 20% tax relief, the full 10% contribution (5% from you and 5% from the employer) is only costing you a net 4% of your income.

Ask for a report each year from the trustees to ensure the fund is on course to pay you what the original estimates hope to.

Quite simply put, a pension is a must. It is a savings plan which attracts three specific tax breaks.

Firstly, tax relief on the contribution that you make to your pension at your marginal rate –in 2014, it reduces to 20%.

Secondly, tax-free growth in the pension fund.

And, thirdly, the availability of a tax-free lump sum, currently 25% of the fund, on retirement age, with a cap of €200,000.

Independent, authorised and experienced advice is essential, and it would be preferable to pay for it, to ensure that independence. Do it!

Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@ moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

22 GAZETTE 28 April 2011

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY CLONEE: RANGE OF APARTMENTS NOW ON SALE NEAR BLANCH

Ard Cluain hits the market

Allendale Glade offers three-bed living in D15

CLONSILLA: ASKING PRICE OF €204,950

Allendale is cosy in Clonsilla WILSON Moore have made a final reduction to encourage an immediate sale on No. 4, Allendale Glade, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, a stunning three-bedroom mid-terrace home in immaculate condition throughout and very well maintained by its present owners.

The accommodation consists of entrance hallway, living room, kitchen/dining area, guest wc /utility room, three-bedrooms (of which the master is en-suite) and a family bathroom.

To the rear is a good size garden with seeded lawn and conservatory.

Special features include a feature fireplace and coving in the living room with double doors leading to the dining area, cream-fitted kitchen with tiled splash-back and doors leading to a large conservatory; Egyptian Travertine flooring in the conservatory and semi-solid wood flooring throughout the ground floor. There are fitted wardrobes in all bedrooms, and the attic is fully floored with Stira stairs.

The property features a south-facing rear garden with outdoor tap and outdoor electricity sockets and is wired for outdoor lighting; gas heating, PVC windows and new PVC guttering and fascias, an alarm system and offstreet parking.

This property is conveniently close to the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre with all its amenities – schools, shops, N3 and M50 motorway, Clonsilla Train Station and, well serviced with an excellent bus route to the city centre. Viewings are by appointment only and can be arranged via Wilson Moore on 1890 808080.

THE ARD Cluain apartment complex in Clonee is now available for viewing by appointment through Wilson Moore Estate and Letting Agents.

The apartments feature professional, landscaped open areas and courtyard; high-speed lifts serve all floors from ground floor car parks, and there is an intercom entry system.

There is a a good electric specification, including each apartment has at least two telephone and TV points and an ample number of double sockets throughout. Smoke and heat detectors are fitted in each apartment and all units are wired for security alarms and downlighters in living room and

Ard Cluain apartments are on sale now

kitchen.

The bedrooms have high-quality fitted wardrobes, and the majority of the two-bedroom apartments will have en-suites off the main bedroom.

Bathrooms feature high-quality, white sani-

tary ware, as well as floor and wall tiles to dado rail height throughout all the bathrooms and en-suites as per show apartments.

Chrome towel rail, toilet roll holder and large fitted vanity mirrors, as per the show apartments,

and thermostatically controlled high-pressure showers. All apartments are covered by a ten-year Homebond scheme.

This apartment development is situated just off the N3, within easy access of the M50 motorway, with Dublin city centre only a short distance away.

The selection of amenities within walking distance include various restaurants, pubs and a wide choice of shops. A variety of sporting facilities are available in the vicinity, including the conveniently situated Clonee Tennis club right next door.

There is a choice of local golf courses as well as horse-riding facilities

close by and numerous sport clubs.

The Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, with its own multiplex cinema and extensive range of retail outlets, is only a short drive away.

This impressive development has two attractive courtyards with designer-landscaped open spaces.

Ard Cluain is a onestop-shop and offers first-time buyers and investors an opportunity to secure both real value and top-class quality in one simple step.

Viewings are by appointment and can be arranged via Wilson Moore on 1890 808080.

RATHMORE, MEATH: FIVE-BEDROOM LUXURY HOME FOR €595,000

A designer home at a price to dream on CARTY Properties have brought Carraig Rua, Rathmore, in Co Meath, to the market once again with a significant reduction to the price, making what is already an elegant spacious home even more attractive to potential buyers.

Carraig Rua, on the market for an asking proce of €595,000, is a detached, dormer-style residence standing on approximately 0.6 acre of landscaped grounds w i t h a n i m p r e s s i ve entrance. The property itself is nestled in scenic surroundings.

This designer home extends to c 3,200 sq ft and offers generous proportions, an abundance of natural light with attention to quality and detail.

The kitchen, living and dining rooms are interconnected and all

have French doors leading onto patio areas.

The property comprises entrance hall with a double hardwood front door with leaded glass panels, recessed lighting and porcelain-tiled flooring, a lounge with a nine-foot ceiling, a raised feature fireplace with granite hearth, a large, bow-style window, and solid oak timber flooring.

T he dining/family room has a mahogany fireplace, large bowstyle window and steps down to the kitchen/ living room, which features built-in wall and floor cherry units, complete with stainless steel sink, pull-out larder, built-in double oven, electric hob, integrated dishwasher and fridge freezer, with a large centre island.

There is also a utility

Carraig Rua in Rathmore, Co Meath is on the market for €595,000

room and shower room.

There are five wellproportioned bedrooms, the main being en suite, with a mixture of carpeted and wooden floors, and built-in wardrobes. The family bathroom has a jacuzzi bath, with velux window and recessed lighting.

The location is second

to none as it is within walking distance of Rathmore church and school while Athboy, Kells and Navan towns are only minutes away with their wide choice of educational, leisure and shopping amenities. The property is less than 10 minutes to the new M3 access point. This pro-

vides an easy commute to Dublin making this an ideal home for families looking for a serene, idyllic country location while offering a wealth of amenities close at hand.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Carty on 046-9486860, or see www.carty.ie.

28 April 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel

The impressive cliffs of Moher are only one of the many attractions in Co Clare

HOLIDAYS AT HOME: A VAST OFFERING IN ENNIS BEYOND THE BURREN

Much Moher than just cliffs in Ennis BARRY HARTIGAN

T’S only when you get to see the Cliffs of Moher for yourself do you truly realise how breathtaking they really are.

The famous tourist attraction has featured in a number of films, including The Princess Bride, and has even made an appearance on the small screen in an episode of Father Ted, but you really should try to see them for yourself.

The cliffs are in the final 28 of the New Seven Wonders of Nature competition and, once you view them, it’s not hard to see why.

The reason for my trip to Co Clare was an invitation from the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis to visit the hotel on the 50th anniversary of its opening and to sample the delights of the town and surrounding county.

Ennis is the very definition of the term “picture postcard” and it’s not

I

hard to see why it won the Tidy Towns competition in 2005 and placing second in 2008. It’s very picturesque, with narrow winding streets and it still maintains the feel of the market town it once was.

There is still a market in operation each Saturday, albeit somewhat reduced in size, and there was quite a range of stalls on offer the weekend I visited.

Saturday morning was spent on a walking tour of Ennis, and a very pleasant spot it is to amble around. The centre, made up of medieval streets and laneways, give it a small town feel.

However, Ennis actually has a population of around 25,000 making it the largest town in Munster and the sixth largest town in Ireland.

I found several fine book stores to browse in while the women on the trip were more than happy with the number of shoe and clothing stores that Ennis has to offer.

The Old Ground Hotel

itself dates back to the early part of the 18th Century when it was built as a private dwelling and, in 1895, it was transformed into a hotel.

It has had a very chequered past and Sinn Fein used the premises as their campaign headquaters from 1917 onwards.

One of the more interesting parts of its history is the fact that, in 1936, famed pilot Charles Lindberg stayed at the hotel while scouting for locations to open a transatlantic gateway.

Today the hotel has a wonderful combination of both old and new and, while the public areas have a pleasant ‘olde world’ feel, it also boasts all mod cons.

The hotel’s Town Hall restaurant is clearly one of the most popular in Ennis as it was packed the night we dined there.

Without going into elaborate details about the food all I will say was that I enjoyed one of the finer meals there that I have eaten in recent years.

I f y o u f a n c y g e tting some exercise and fresh air this spring the hotel is offering walking weekend breaks around the Burren. The Saturday consists of a full day guided walk from Black Head to the Burren Coast taking in stunning vistas of Galway Bay, Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands and the majestic, rocky Burren itself.

Sunday is a gentle halfday walk in the Burren National Park, one of the last great uncontaminated landscapes in Ireland, and includes the ascent of one of the country’s most eccentrically shaped hills, Mullaghmore, as well as interestesting sights off a famine relief ef road, herds of feral goats,, and the seasonal Tu r l o u g h lake. The weekends also coincide de with the world-famous rld-famous wildflower season in

the Burren so there will be beautiful blooms all around.

There are three walking weekends to choose from, taking place on April 29, May 6 or May 13.

The two-night break, including two nights luxurious accommodation with full Irish breakfast both mornings, a fivecourse dinner on the evening of your choice, a packed lunch and the guided walks (including transfers) is just €195 per person sharing, subject to availability.

For further information check http://www. flynnhotels.com/Old_ Ground_Hotel_Ennis/ Welcome .

A killer of a night out in Louth at murder weekend in Darver Castle DARVER Castle, Ardee, Co Louth, is hosting A Knight of Murder by Murder Mysteries Ireland on Saturday, May 7. This entertaining medieval murder dinner show starts with budding detectives being greeted by the show’s shady cast at the welcome reception.

Keeping their eyes peeled for clues, guests will then enjoy a sumptuous four-course dinner with wine as a murder is played out in the castle’s banqueting hall.

After the killer is caught everyone can dance the evening away and enjoy the late bar.

Tickets for A Knight of Murder are €65 per person, there is a group booking discount available for bookings of 10 seats and over. Fancy dress is not essential but preferred to help you get into the spirit of things.

Sleuths can also stay in the Castle’s guesthouses for €100 for two sharing, including breakfast.

Contact info@darvercastle.ie for more details, and, to book your medieval murder mystery dinner show tickets, please call 085 2828 420 or book online at www.murdermystreriesireland.com.

US and Canadian tourism agents see Ireland’s offering first-hand OVER 30 top American and Canadian travel agents arrived in Galway last week to meet with representatives of the Irish tourism trade to discuss business opportunities for the season ahead and looking beyond into 2012.

The agents represent high-end travel groups from across North America and Canada and have delivered significant amounts of business to Ireland over recent years.

Speaking after the event, Gillian Binchy, trade marketing manager at Fáilte Ireland said: “Events like these provide wonderful opportunities for overseas agents to come and taste the culture and heritage of Ireland for themselves, and has such a key role in encouraging these agents to consider Ireland as a holiday destination and promote Ireland to their customers.”

The workshop, which took place at the Ardilaun Hotel, provided valuable business and networking opportunities for the Irish trade at a fraction of the cost of an individual sales trip.

24 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 28 April 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

1

GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 Little Gem Love, sex, birth, death, dildos and salsa classes: Little Gem sees three generations of Dublin women on a wild and constantly surprising journey.

April 29 and 30 at 8pm. Tickets: €15.20/€16.80/€19/€21.

The Pride of Parnell Street In a series of intercutting monologues, Janet and Joe chart the intimacies of their love and the rupturing of their relationship, as well as their enduring love affair with Dublin city itself. This is an intimate, heroic tale of ordinary and extraordinary life on the streets of Dublin.

May 3 to 7. Tickets from €15 to €23.

SEAMUS ENNIS CULTURAL CENTRE 01 802 0898 T with the Maggies Triona, Maighread, Mairéad and Moya, T with the Maggies, all come from the same corner of County Donegal and all have illustrious career histories. Each individual brings a unique and varied interpretation of their musical heritage.

April 29. Commences at 8:30pm. Admission: €25.

Ger Wolfe In the company of a new line-up of top-class players Edel Sullivan (violin), Paul Frost (double bass) and Richard Lucey (button accordion), the man who brought us The Curra Road will take us on an unforgettable musical adventure from older gems such as The Lark of Mayfield and No Bird Sang, to exciting new songs inspired by his time as writer in residence listening to the stories of the older members of the Muscrai Gaeltacht in Cork.

April 30 at 8:30pm. Admission: €16.

THE HELIX 01 700 7000 The Not So Grimm Fairytales All your favourite Grimm characters... Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Tom Thumb, a handful of princesses, a whirlwind of witches and one weally, weally wicked wolf... are all brought to life in this energetic, colourful, laugh-aminute show, with music, surprises, a touch of magic and lots of fun for all the family.

April 30 and May 1. Tickets: €12.50.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 The Pajama Game The story deals with labour troubles in a pyjama factory, where worker demands for a seven-and-a-half cents raise are going unheeded. In the midst of this ordeal, love blossoms between Babe, the grievance committee head, and Sid, the new factory superintendent.

May 3 to 7. Admission: €18/€15

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Hot Mikado This hilarious musical comedy is a 1940’s style update of Gilbert and Sullivan’s, The Mikado, and features highenergy dance routines with great vocal arrangements of blues, swing, hot gospel and scorching torch songs.

April 28 to 30 at 8pm. Tickets €21.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 4627477 Vladimir and Classical Twist Vladimir’s main musical focus at the moment is his small ensemble, Classical Twist, (two violins, viola, double bass, piano and drums) and their wonderful fusion of classical music, jazz, pop & rock. From Bach to Bowie and from Mozart to the Rolling Stones via Lynard Skynyrd, Classical Twist puts a fresh, contemporary spin on some of the greatest melodies ever written. Classical Twist’s inventive and dazzling musicianship and rhythmic arrangements are delivered with verve in an accessible and approachable style.

May 5 at 8pm. Admission: €18 and €16 concession.

Fred (James Marsden) finds himself looking out for EB (Russell Brand); the runaway son of the Easter Bunny who’d rather be a drummer in LA than take over his father’s job of running Easter each year. But Easter Island needs EB to come home, quick – or a coup d’egg-tat could occur ...

A bunny awful film ...

Another week, and another sub-standard CG film leaves Kate hopping mad, thinking ‘Up’ never seemed so far away

Q KATE CROWLEY

WELL folks, as the month of April prepares to dash out the door, quickly grabbing its coat and chucking a Gone Fishin’ sign in the window, it’s fair to say that the film industry has done pretty much the same thing.

Oh, sure, there are plenty of films trundling along towards Dublin’s screens, but not many of them are much cop, as April/May is traditionally the annual time for Gone Fishin’ fever to hit Hollywood’s head honchos, who start to hold back their bigger, “better” films until the summer season.

Why, just consider some of these films – “The Joy of Wicker”, “Go, Donkey, Go!”, “Escape from Luton”,“Charlie and the Lost Slinky”, “Grandma’s Got A Gramaphone”, “My Favourite Cheese” and “Too Many Bow Ties”.

I just made ’em all up, but they still sound like

FILM OF THE WEEK: Hop ++ (G) 94 mins Director: Tim Hill Starring: Kaley Cuoco, James Marsden, Russell Brand, Hugh Laurie, David “The Hoff” Hasslefhoff

OUR VERDICT: DIRECTOR Tim Hill was responsible for “Alvin And The Chipmunks” – four words designed to strike fear/rage into the soul of parents everywhere. And it shows, as Hop takes more-or-less the same formula of “adorable” cute CG animals having “zany” adventures with “goofy” adults to “hilarious” effect. The film is likely to feel like all stick, and no carrot, for viewers wishing to hop away ...

oddly plausible titles, compared to some of the Easter offerings rolling around out there.

Still, one such deliberate (and very real) Easter-related film is Hop; a family-friendly film that’s been on release for a couple of weeks now, yet which I thought would be better served by reviewing now.

After all, who isn’t filled with the joys of just-passed Easter at the moment?

Which, in Hollywood’s eyes, is nothing to do with anything vaguely religionconnected, but is all about cute ickle wabbits and

CG-enhanced romps, of course. Well, duh. And duh-at’s eggs-actly what Hop’s directors are keen for you to swallow, along with your gulps of chocolate, this Easter season.

The Easter Bunny (Hugh Laurie) has spent his life preparing his son, EB (Russell Brand) to step into his shoes, and carry on the family business of bringing the joy of Christm– err, Easter to the world, with lovely Easter baskets made at their busy Easter Island factory (where else).

However, once EB has all growed up a little

bit, the appeal of being the Easter Bunny versus, say, a rock drummer, has peeled away like the thin wrapping around an Easter egg, and he runs away from Easter Island to Los Angeles (again, where else), where a talking, drum-playing rabbit isn’t going to raise many eyebrows.

It isn’t long before EB crosses paths with Fred (James Marsden), who’s a bit of a shmuck, and yet is soon an unwilling minder of sorts for the wascally wabbit, who knows very well that dad has dispatched an elite ninja rabbit squad to find his son, and drag him back home.

Of course, if EB doesn’t come home, someone else will have to step into making sure that Easter runs smoothly, and a long-suffering Easter Chick, Carlos (Hank Azaria) may finally have the chance to take over running Easter.

Actually, by this point it all starts to get a little

convoluted, as the likes of Hugh Hefner, David “The Hoff” Hasslehoff and Brand, in a live-action cameo, start adding to the mix.

They, and the Easter Bunny, rabbit ninjas, cunning chicks and a coup d’egg-tat all combine to create what’s probably supposed to be a sweetly charming film, yet is, perhaps, more than many viewers can stomach.

Sure, the animation is pretty nice, but the story is flat, flat, flatter’n tin foil, and Marsden’s mugging, coupled with a film that’s even less convincing of being anything to do with the meaning of Easter than the sight of a certain stunning cinema reviewer wearing rabbit ears, all combine to create a colourful mess.

Hop could be a perfect punishment to pack off older children to see, with younger siblings in tow, but otherwise, it’s more or less a bunny awful film.

28 April 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 25

Household fee instead of TV licence ADAM MAGUIRE

IN THE past, anyone who wanted to watch RTE One needed a television set and some kind of signal coming into the house, either via aerial, cable or satellite.

Today, all you need is a computer – or phone – and a half-decent internet connection.

This massive shift is causing a lot of problems for a lot of people, not least programme makers, who are finding it harder to sell adverts and bring in big audiences.

The effect of the trend is also being felt by the Irish Government, which is now trying to understand how it will impact on the TV licence fee.

If a household has a device capable of receiving television signals, the

though it does not require a licence to do so.

residents are obliged to pay the annual licence fee of €160.

This is the case even if they do not use the television, or watch public service broadcaster channels such as RTE on it.

How new technology gets around this As the definition of a “television” requires the device to pick up signals via an aerial, most types of computer and phone are excluded.

They can allow a user to watch TV in other ways – generally, over an internet connection – even

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Doomsday scenario At the moment, only a tiny minority of users have completely replaced their TVs for computer screens. However, it is a growing number.

If left ignored, there is a very real possibility that the amount of money being taken in via the licence fee will eventually become dangerously low, even though the number of television watchers has not dropped at all.

The solution ... ?

No decision has been made as to how this problem is to be solved, but the Government has suggested the introduction of a household charge instead of the licence fee, which will see every

house pay an annual rate, no matter what devices they do or do not own

The argument for This system would make the process cheaper for the Government, as there will be no need to have inspectors trying to prove a person has a TV set but no licence.

The argument against Some people do not have televisions, and this will unfairly force them to pay for something they get no benefit from.

When a decision will be made A review is currently under way to try to find a workable solution, and full recommendations are expected within the next few months.

HTC Desire S As the latest in a growing range of HTC’s “Desire” phones, the Desire S takes the best of its predecessor and makes t h e m even better.

With t h e original Desire being a really great phone, t h i s follow-up has a lot to live up to, but promises much in its specifications.

With a lighter, slimmer but stronger body, the phone looks and

feels great, while its 3.7inch screen is stunningly bright to look at.

It runs on Android, and is layered in HTC’s o w n “Sense” interf a c e , which is really easy to use and gives a user loads of information in a small space.

All of the features you would expect are there, and they are done extremely well – the phone also feels great to use, and its touchscreen is responsive and quick.

If there is a downside to the device, it would have to be its battery, which can struggle to last as long as you would like.

This can be put down to that super-bright screen, for a start, not to mention all the other bells and whistles stored within.

However, the battery is not so bad as to ruin the phone, and HTC have again come up trumps, showing they are the masters of Android.

The Desire S is a powerful competitor to anything its rivals have to offer.

The HTC Desire S is available on O2 and Meteor from €39.99.

Visit teic.ie for the latest tech news, reviews and views.

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GAZETTE

26 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 28 April 2011

28 April 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

SPORT AWARDS:

GazetteSport’s April nominees are announced: Page 29

HOCKEY: LOCAL PLAYER SET TO TAKE PART IN EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Gormley gets real as Madrid side get ready STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

CLONSKEA man Ronan Gormley will become one of a rare breed next month when the Irish men’s hockey captain will contest the semi-finals of the EuroHockey League – the sport’s equivalent to the Champion’s League.

Gormley switched from Dublin-side Pembroke Wanderers last summer to play on a semi-professional basis in Madrid

with Club de Campo.

And last weekend they won both their last 16 and quarter-finals ties in the competition at the EHL’s KO16 stages in Amsterdam.

Ironically, he ended up facing his former club last Friday and swept to an 11-0 victory against the Dubliners, who had lost several Irish internationals to European clubs in the close season, as well as enduring injuries to Scottish star Paddy Conlon

and former Irish striker Gordon Elliott.

For Gormley, it was bittersweet. “It was tough playing against my old side. I played for them for 13 or 14 years but you come out to win. We’ve got objectives in the tournament and you have to think of it as another team.

“They’ve had a very tough year with the players that have left the club, eight or nine of the starting eleven, and a coach,

Ronan Gormley will be representing Club De Campo when they take their place in last four of the EHL

so they’ve done very well to push an Irish team into the last 16, so fair play to them “We aimed to start well, we didn’t quite achieve that and I think they won the first short corner but, once we got into our game,

we played some good hockey, put good moves together and played some three-touch stuff at a high tempo and managed to stick some goals in.”

That victory set up a quarter-final tie with Spanish rivals, Atletic Ter-

rassa, on Easter Sunday. A cagey affair, normal time ended 1-1, as did extratime leading to a penalty shoot-out, which was won 2-0.

It sets up a semi-final date in June with English club, Reading, who

feature Irish player Chris Cargo and is a challenge Gormley cannot wait to meet: “Every match now is do-or-die, there’s top teams involved so it will be tight margins. We’ll fight for every ball and see where it takes us.”

28 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 28 April 2011

GazetteSport Sport Rugby

FastRugby

SWORDS RFC: VICTORY AT MALAHIDE SEES CLUB ELEVATED

Locals play huge role as Ireland claim title BLACKROCK College’s Conor McEllin, Gavin Thornbury and Mark Roche helped Ireland’s schools team to European glory last weekend when they got the better of England in the FIRA AER international tournament in France.

Indeed, McEllin got the boys in green on top early on in Saturday’s final in Tarbes, when he crossed for a 26th-minute try.

Talismanic captain Luke McGrath was hugely influential again, distributing well and keeping the English defence on its toes. He kicked two early penalties, settling early nerves and the Irish were 11-3 ahead at half-time.

England’s heavier pack had an advantage in the scrum but Ireland were sharper in most other facets of the game. Their decisionmaking, composure in possession and ability to take the right option time and again helped them maintain their lead in muggy conditions at Stade Maurice Trelut.

McGrath struck two more penalties to stretch the margin to 14 points and, although English prop Alec Hepburn got over for a late unconverted try, nothing could take the gloss off what was an accomplished display from these young Irish players.

The victory avenged a 29-12 qualifier loss to England at Donnybrook back in December, and saw Terry McMaster’s charges follow up on their terrific semi-final win over tournament hosts, France.

It was Ireland’s fourth time to reach the final (they lost to France in 2007, 2008 and last year), but this was the first year that the Schools’ team competed in the championships instead of the club’s fifteen.

Swords celebrate at Estuary Road after defeating Railway Union in the Division 2B play-off last week

Swords claim promotion LEINSTER LEAGUE Swords RFC Railway Union

24 3

sport@gazettegroup.com

S WOR D S ’ f i r s t X V played Railway Union last week at Malahide RFC’s ground, with an eye on the ultimate prize for the season, a place in the Leinster League Division 2B for the victors, and the losers playing in the third division.

Both teams started this promotion/relegation play-off with all of the intensity you would expect from two sides well aware of the importance of the match to their respective clubs, and that importance showed as well on the sideline, with a massive crowd cheering their

teams on.

From the kick-off, both sides looked wellmatched, with neither giving an inch.

It took 20 minutes before the scoreboard turned over, when Railway opened the scoring with a deftly-kicked penalty to bring the scores to 3-0.

Swords finally opened their account 10 minutes later with a wellworked backs’ move, which saw scrum-half Gary Hynes cross the line in the corner. However, the conversion drifted to the left of the posts and the scores remained 3-5 going into the break.

Second half In the second half, Swords kept up the

p r e s s u r e t h e y we r e bringing to bear on Railway Union up, and five minutes in, Max Sorenson crossed the whitewash to touch down under the posts, a score that he easily converted.

Railway Union fought back, and pushed Swords back into their half for the next few minutes, but the Swords backs countered and, af ter some fantastic handling skills, Sorenson once again crossed the line. T his time, however, he was unable to convert and add the extras to put Swords further out in front.

S wo r d s ke p t t h e intensity up and were rewarded with a scrum just inside Railway’s 22.

Number 8 Larry Faifua picked from the back of the scrum, ran to the right of the mass of bodies, only to be stopped just short of the try line.

From the ensuing ruck, Hynes hit number 7 Shane Walsh’s pass at pace, and he dived for the line to touch down, capping what was a man-of-the-match per formance with a deserved score.

Sorenson’s successful conversion was to be the last score of the game, although Railway Union upped their game for the remaining 15 minutes.

Swords found themselves camped in their own half but, despite some desperate attacking moves, Railway

could not penetrate the Swords’ defence.

Swords took possession with two minutes to go, and proceeded to run down the clock.

The game finished when replacement scrum half Fran McKevitt kicked the ball to touch, to see Swords as the winners, to the delight of clubmates and supporters alike, who will be looking forward to competing in next season’s Leinster League Division 2B. The match saw what has been a gruelling season come to an end, and the challenge of next year’s competition will, hopefully, inspire Swords to seek another promotion play-off place in the seasons to come.

28 April 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29

in association with

FastSport

ASDFASDF: SASDF ASDFASD FDSAF SDA

2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - APRIL NOMINEES IN ASSOCIATION WITH

+ STARof the

2011 Matchplay entry now available to golfers

MONTH

ENTRIES for the 2011/2012 City Matchplay Championship, played throughout winXxx yyll xxyyl zxyxzz zz x xxylyx.

Xxx yyllthe xxyyl zxyxzz at Castle Golf Club, are now available. zzter x xxylyx.

Picture: Xxxxx Zzzzzz

PETER CARR

JAMES CLUSKEY

DAVID MALONE

CARR has been in stellar form for both Swords RFC and for the Dublin Eagles rugby league side at local level, and has represented Ireland in league colours at several levels, being picked for RLI’s Four Nations campaign in Scotland this month

SWORDS tennis star Cluskey has been on a roll this month, his outstanding performances on the ITF Futures tour netting doubles victories in Liechtenstein and Switzerland with playing partner, Frenchman, Fabrice Martin

PARALYMPIC pool legend Malone received another Olympic accolade to add to his medal haul this month when he was named as the team manager for Ireland’s swimmers for their London 2012 Paralympic Games campaign.

+ TEAMof the

The Mens’ Championship is open to men with a handicap of 18-or-under, and the Ladies’ Championship to ladies with a handicap of 28-or-under.

Entry costs just €55 to cover competition fees and green fees for the entire tournament.

The first round will be played in August through the following months to a final in April.

Entry can be made by sending the entrance fee, name, address, mobile phone number, e-mail address, club and handicap to Castle Golf Club, or via e-mail at info@ castlegc.ie. For more information, contact Castle Golf Club on 4904207

asdf asdf sa dfdsasd fdas fdasf dasdfd Softball Ireland call for new recruits

MONTH

COLAISTE IOSAGAIN

CLONDALKIN RFC

DUBLIN LIONS

COLAISTE Iosagain’s young footballers claimed the first All-Ireland title for a Dublin school at this level when they defeated Holy Rosary College of Galway to be crowned the Senior B Second Level Colleges champions in Roscommon

CLONDALKIN ladies’ rugby team made history when they defeated a tough Edenderry outfit to claim the club’s first ever womens’ trophy at the home of nearby rivals, Barnhall, in the Leinster championship

DUBLIN Lions’ basketball club made club history this month when all three of their senior mens’ teams became champions in the Men’s Top 4s competition at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght

WELCOME to the 2011 Dublin Sports Awards, as we mark our local sportsmen and women’s April sporting achievements across the capital and, indeed, across the nation.

With spring’s awakenings making way for summer sun, we’re delighted to once again

be able to celebrate the finest achievements in Dublin sport, with some huge efforts at local levels coming to our attention in a variety of wellknown, and some less prominent sports.

Ever y form of sporting achievement, at any level and in any sport, is valuable and

gives an impression of the diversity of sporting commitment there is around our fair city at all times of the year.

Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin — and give you, or your team, a chance of being one of our monthly stars.

Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes in the month of May, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/gazettesport.

You can also check out the latest stories from GazetteSport at our new website, www.gazettegroup.com

for the sport, and they are keen to recruit new players to this burgeoning, inclusive sport.

Softball is a unique and social sport for players of all ages, genders and abilities. It caters for every level and standard of player from those wanting a recreational knockaround to those wishing to compete at the highest level of international competition.

There are some 30 teams playing across Dublin at present, and for those who are interested in finding out more information about the sport, and about joining a club in their local areas, can do so at Softball Ireland’s website, http:// www.softball.ie

300 wds

THE softball season for 2011 commenced recently with an allday start-of-season blitz held at ALSAA Sports Grounds.

All money raised on the day was to assist the National Squad in their fundraising for attending the European Championships later this year.

For anyone interested in playing softball, teams are looking for new recruits at any time.

Please check out www.softball.ie for information.

Softball Ireland is the national governing body

30 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 28 April 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Thompson bidding for a prosperous 2011 in Japan LOCAL racing driver Gary Thompson is set to start his 2011 season from the front of the grid when he lines out for the SGC

by KCMG team at Suzuka on May 14 in the Japanese F3 National Class.

The 18-year-old, who will continue to receive backing from Aviation Display and Cebu Pacific, as well as Bam Motorsport and team sponsor SGC this season, finished fifth in his rookie year in 2010, having graduated to the prestigious single-seater series from Formula BMW Pacific, where he was runner-up in 2009.

After opting to stay with the Hong Kongbased KCMG squad for the new campaign, Thompson, who scored two podium finishes driving the team’s Dallara-Toyota last season, is planning a title assault this year in the hotly-contested National Class.

Thompson, who ended last year ranked as Ireland’s best driver on the Castrol Edge rankings, is eager to get back to racing as he looks to follow in the footsteps of fellow Japanese F3 graduates, Pedro de la Rosa and Adrian Sutil, on the road to Formula One. “I’m very happy to have re-signed with KCMG for my return to the Japanese F3 Championship in 2011. The team and I worked well together in my rookie season last year and I think we’ve made some real progress.

“Since the terrible earthquake and tsunami, our plans have been a little bit up in the air and my thoughts and best wishes have been with all those people affected by the disaster as they look to rebuild and recover.

“The National Class is very competitive again, in fact it looks like being the most hotly-contested category this year, but we’ve been quick in testing so far and we think we’ve got a good base set-up on the car. My aim is to be challenging for wins right from the first race and then to maintain a title push throughout the year.”

As well as the opening round at Suzuka next month, the Japanese F3 Championship will visit Fuji, Motegi, Okayama and Sugo in 2011.

DANONE NATIONS CUP: UNITED MISS OUT ON SPOT TO KNOCKLYON

Malahide United’s Under-11 side were denied a place in the national finals of the Danone Nations Cup last week

Malahide denied place DANONE NATIONS CUP Malahide United Knocklyon United

0 2

Q STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

MALAHIDE United reached the DDSL playoff stages of the U-11 Danone Nations Cup, but just missed out on the chance to represent the league in the national finals later this year when Knocklyon United got the breaks last Wednesday evening.

In the nine-a-side competition, initially played in a blitz format three days earlier, the Gannon Park club advanced to the play-offs in some style,

played at Crumlin United’s Pearse Park home.

The play-off game, though, was an unlucky affair, United playing some great stuff in midfield, but unable to find the final touches.

Goalkeeper Daniel Brennan did well to parry an early Knocklyon volley, but he was unable to stop Darragh Jones pot-shot in the seventh minute.

Charles Ethammu dinged the bar with the other major chance of the half, before Malahide stormed back into contention in the second period.

Thomas Byrne’s rightwing machinations

It’s coming home: Platini hands over cup ahead of final THE handover of the UEFA Europa

league trophy took place in Dublin recently, when the prestigious cup was passed on from soccer legend and UEFA president, Michel Platini, to Lord Mayor of Dublin, Gerry Breen and FAI president Paddy McCaul at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham.

The Europa Cup final takes place at the Aviva Stadium on May 18.

Picture: Ben Ryan

were creating plenty of chances, one of which came sharply to Peter Kioso who hit his shot just over.

But, again, they were stung on the break when a nice move saw Knocklyon’s Joey O’Sullivan pull the ball into the centre and Luke Devlin completed the move for 2-0.

Sean Ryan drew a fine save from the impressive Ethan Farrell between the Knocklyon posts while K ioso slipped just wide from another Byrne pass.

The win put Knocklyon through to the final round of playoffs where they were undone

b y B e l ve d e r e w h i l e Mountview United’s U-11s took the other place in the National Finals.

They edged a cracker on the adjacent pitch following their 3-2 victory over Cabinteely.

It was a superb performance from the Blanch side, with midf i e l d m a e s t r o M i ke Mzingo pulling the strings from midfield as they held the lead three times but were twice pegged back.

Mzingo broke the deadlock inside a minute when he stole the ball in the centre of the park, drifted to the right of goal before

calmly slotting in low for a great start to the tie.

Cabo’s Alan Cusack levelled before Mzingo restored the lead with a screaming half-volley in the second half.

Jim Kennedy levelled for a second time but Alex Carr made it 3-2 almost instantly when he delicately nudged home from close range from Mzingo’s header through.

Malahide United: Daniel Brennan, Mikey Dowling, Jack Whelan, Aaron Molloy, Tom McCarthy, Sam Ennis, Thoms Byrne, Sean Ryan, Jason Condon, Peter Kioso, Josh Scully, Conor Farrelly, Dion Agzombe.

28 April 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31

in association with

LADIES FOOTBALL: RETURN TO ACTION FOR LOCALS

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST SYLVESTER’S THE club AGM takes place on Thurs-

We had a great day out despite the

day, April 28 at 8.30 pm. A large

result.

at t e n d a n ce at t h i s i m p o r t a n t

There will be a bus leaving the

meeting is desirable and we are

club next Sunday for Croke Park to

asking members to make a special

support the Dublin hurlers in their

effort to attend.

National League Final with Kilkenny.

The senior football team pla y Ballymun Kickhams on Friday at

Contact John Drumm on 087 2737108 for availability.

Other upcoming fixtures are:

6.45pm in Parnell Park. The players and management have put in a

AFL6: St Sylvester’s V St James’

massive effort in preparation and

Gaels in Broomfield on Tuesday,

deserve your support next Friday.

May 3 at 7:15pm.

We thank Dublin Bus for the fan-

AFL9: St Sylvester’s V St Colm-

tastic prize of tickets and trans-

cille’s in Malahide Castle on Thurs-

port to the National League Final.

day 5th May at 19.15

ST FINIAN’S (SWORDS) THE intermediate Football Championship first-round match has been St Sylvester’s Sinead Aherne in action for Sylvester’s combined side with Naomh Mearnog

Syl’s ladies set for championship STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

ST SYLVESTER’s ladies footballers have been drawn to play Thomas Davis, Man O War and Lucan Sarsfields in Group B of the ladies’ football Junior Championship draw, which took place recently.

Following the reintroduction of the code as a single club – after a couple of successful years working in tandem with their near neighbours, Naomh Mearnog – Sylvester’s will be looking to build on what was a successful 2010 season.

T hey reached the final of the Junior A championship, just falling to a 7-9 to 5-9 defeat against Raheny, while they also finished in second place in the league.

Led by the inspirational Sinead Aherne and Jackies’ star, Niamh McEvoy, the 2010 season proved to be a fine return to competition in their own right after

reaching the senior final as a joint entity in 2009 with Naomh Mearnog.

The competition kicks off in a fortnight’s time, and will be run on a round-robin basis.

The rounds will be played between May 11 and 25, with the semifinals pencilled in for July 6, and the final set to be played on the weekend of July 22/23, though these dates could change depending on how the Jackies perform in their bid to retain the All-Ireland title.

Under-16s Meanwhile, the county’s Under-16 and minor footballers were busy in Leinster championship action over the weekend.

O n S a t u r d ay, t h e Dublin Under-16 side took on Wexford in the second round tie in Pairc Ui Murchu, the home of Ballyboden St Enda’s.

This was a very competitive game played in

glorious weather and in front of a large crowd.

The young Dubs proved to be too strong for a spirited Wexford outfit, eventually running out convincing winners, on a full-time score of Dublin (4-13) v Wexford (2-4).

Westmeath were the visitors to the superb Clann Mhuire grounds in the Naul, a picturesque setting of north County Dublin on Easter Monday.

Last year, the midlanders caused an upset by defeating the Dubs in the first round of the

Leinster competition, a feat that had not been achieved for a long time by any side.

However, history was never going to repeat itself, and Dublin, who employed a good workrate throughout the performance, booked their place in the Leinster final on a 4-21 to 1-10 score line.

Dublin Under-16s now take on Laois this coming Saturday in their last round-robin game, while the minor team have a Leinster final to look forward to on May 14.

switched to Parnell Park on Thursday evening. Throw–in is at the earlier time of 6.45pm.

The Easter Camps are running to Thursday, April 28. A lot of children

ticket costs as little as €2.

If every member bought a ticket, it would make a huge difference.

Standing orders are available from the club office.

You will be helping the club and also be in with a chance to win.

have enrolled already but it’s not

The club lotto numbers drawn

too late. Come along on the day and

were 5, 13, 19 and 24. There was no

come a bit earlier to enrol if you

winner of the jackpot worth €4,300.

can.

The €50 winners were Marie Bren-

The weekly club lotto draw is a vital fund raiser for the day-to-day operation of the club. The weekly

nan and Clare O’Brien.

Next week, the jackpot will be €4,500.

FINGALLIANS CONGRATULATIONS to Padraig Dur-

team are in this division, with Vincent’s

kan and his team that helped out and

B, Scoil ui Chonaill and Clontarf B on

attended a most successful and sunny

the weekend of April 30. Our A team

Easter Camp last week. There were

will be playing away in St Mark’s: The

nearly 300 kids in attendance, making

big travelling support last year played

it our most successful camp to date.

a part in the club winning the Feile, so

Plans are now in place for the Summer

please show your support again this

Camp.

year.

Our minor footballers had an

Fingallians’ Golf Classic in aid of

impressive league victory over St Fin-

ladies’ and gents’ adult section, Fri-

ian’s, 2-10 to 1-9 to move to the top of

day, May 6 at Donabate Golf Club. Team

the table.

of four - €200 (€180 prepay, 14 days in

Championship Week: Senior Football

advance). Early bird: 6.30 to 10.30am -

Championship, Saturday, April 30: Fin-

€180 (€160 prepay, 14 days in advance)

gallians v St Maurs in The Naul at 4pm.

Sponsor a hole: €50. Tees available

Intermediate Football Championship

from 6.30am to 4pm and includes din-

- Friday, April 29: Fingallians v Skerries Harps in The Naul at 7pm.

The club will this year be hosting the Div 7 of the football Feile. Our U-14B

ner in Donabate GC clubhouse There is also an opportunity to win two three-year tickets for Croke Park for a hole in one.

WILD GEESE JUNIOR footballers’ training is on every Thursday evening at 7pm.

There is no juvenile hurling training this week.

Ladies’ football is on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7.30pm.

U-12 hurlers play away vs St Jude’s on April 30 at 12.15pm. U-11 hurlers play at home vs St Finian’s at 11am on April 30. Both are leagure games.

Lotto: Numbers were 3, 16, 23 and 35. There was no winner.

ALL OF YOUR MALAHIDE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

DANONE CUP: Malahide United reach final stages of Nations Cup in Crumlin:P30

APRIL 28, 2011

SPORTS AWARDS: April nominees are announced: P29

Bannigan upbeat for Kickhams tie

GazetteSPORT

St Sylvester’s will hope they can turn the tables on Ballymun Kickhams after their narrow defeat in 2009 against the same opposition

Syl’s manager Gabriel Bannigan is pleased with how his squad is shaping up ahead of their SFC first-round date STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

ST SYLVESTER’S boss Gabriel Bannigan admits he is pleased with how his side is shaping up ahead of their crunch Dublin senior football championship match on Friday against Ballymun Kickhams (6.45pm, Parnell Park).

His side have seen their panel trimmed by emigration and injury since their last outing in the competition last autumn, but Bannigan is upbeat with how the winter and spring has gone.

Unbeaten after four rounds of the league, just the long-term absentees John Murphy and Aidan Relihan remain on the sidelines despite rigourous preparations in recent weeks.

“I’m pretty happy with how we’re going into it and our form. League form has been good, training has gone well.

“The squad is a bit tighter than last year;

we’ll probably have 24 players togged out and that’s probably it.

“There’s not much to come back into that bar Aidan, who is out injured; he’ll definitely miss the first two championship games, and John Murphy who did his cruciate last summer.

“I’m hoping he’ll be back training on the pitch shortly but he’s a couple of months away.

That’s the two injuries. There are a few niggly injuries but I’m happy enough they’ll clear up and we’ll have a reasonably strong side in Parnell on Friday evening.

“League results have been gained at a time when we’ve been training hard. We didn’t compromise on our championship training with the league games and still got the results.

For all of those league games, we were understrength. The younger players have done well, form and training have gone well. Hopefully, we’ll carry that form into Friday evening.”

As for the challenge of Ballymun, it is one

of two stand-out fixtures this week between potential challengers for the overall crown, giving the tie central billing at the Dublin County Board home.

Two years ago, Kickhams edged out Syl’s at this stage in the competition at Balgriffin but the Malahide side had the edge in the league play-offs the last time they met.

“There’s no doubt our match with Ballymun, and the Vincent’s against Plunkett’s game, are the two big ones of this round. It’s always close between us and Ballymun so we’re reasonably familiar with one another, and I’d say Ballymun are expecting just as tough a game as I’m expecting. All you can hope for in any big championship game is that preparations have gone well and then it’s all on the night.

“I’m happy with how things have gone and now it’s all about getting that bit of luck on the night, which this team has probably not got in the last year or two in the championships, so hopefully, things will go well for us.”