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INSIDE: Sports Day is a huge hit with local kids P2

Football: Sylvester’s duo add junior title to honours Page 32

Rugby: Malahide turn over Tallaght in Spencer Cup Page 30

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS ................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

September 15, 2011

LOW ROCK: Cllrs defer decision on seating for swimmers See Page 5

€37,000 in funds for vital slipway repairs Q MIMI MURRAY

IT’S plain sailing ahead for the Malahide Scout Den who have been awarded €37k of funding to carry out vitally needed repairs on the slipway they use at St James’ Terrace.

Fingal County Council had previously lost out on €56k worth of funding because they failed to draw it down from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries

on time.

Speaking to the Gazette last April, the council said they had not been given enough time “to prepare anything in terms of a reasonable proposal” for the upgrading of the slipway.

“We had one week to sort out issues with the OPW and the Department raised issues over the foreshore licence,” a spokesperson said.

Full Story on Page 6

A model occasion: Top agent John Compton ties the knot ONE of Ireland’s top model agents,

John Compton, recently tied the knot with Marlon Jimenez, his partner of seven years. The pair celebrated this momentous event in their lives with family and friends.

The guest list included plenty of stars from the world of modelling, ensuring that the occasion had plenty of glitz and glamour.

Picture: Una Williams

Full Gallery on Pages 8 & 9

2 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 15 September 2011

FastNews

IT’S YOUR STORY A well-rounded camp for children

Fine Gael Councillor Joan Maher

Improving visibility of directional signs THE visibility of road signs will be improved in Malahide now that the nesting season has ended, the council told the elected members at a Howth/Malahide area committee meeting last week.

Fine Gael Councillor Joan Maher said that drivers could not see the signs until they were on top of them, thus posing a danger to motorists.

“Directional signs were recently erected in the Howth/Malahide Area as part of the Regional Road Signage Scheme Phase 4. These signs are erected in accordance with the Department of the Environment/Department of Transport guidelines and specifications. In a small number of cases, the edge clearance from the carriageway was limited and, as a consequence, some of these signs have reduced visibility due to adjacent trees and hedges.

“Now that the nesting season has ended, arrangements will be made to improve the visibility of these signs,” the council said.

Traffic measures adequate TRAFFIC-calming measures along Estuary Road are adequate, according to Fingal County Council.

Fianna Fail Councillor Eoghan O’Brien asked the council to consider the placing of speed readers on both sides of the Estuary Road, Seabury, to help combat the issue of speeding. He asked the council would it be possible to place

them in the vicinity of the Church and also opposite the housing scheme for the elderly.

In its response the council said: “Extensive traffic calming was installed along Estuary Road to limit speeding at many of the junctions along the road. These ramps were repaired during 2011. In addition pedestrian signals are in place as part of the traffic signals at the Yellow Walls junction.

These measures are considered to be adequate.”

James Moran and Abby Fitzpatrick

Conor Moran, Abby Fitzpatrick, Jake Fitzpatrick, Amy Amy Moran and Jake Fitzpatrick are ready to race!

Moran and James Moran

Links Childcare Sports Day a huge hit with kids Q ALICIA DOLAN

A SPORTS Day held in Portmarnock towards the end of August added the finishing touch to a very successful and wellrounded Summer Camp held by Links Childcare.

Traditional events such as the three-legged race, sack race, sprints and relays were followed by a BBQ, face-painting and award ceremony.

The Links Childcare

2011 Summer Camp Programme exposed children to as many different activities as possible. The camp focused on three main areas – sport, music and cultural development.

Sport activities were designed to improve coordination, dexterity and general aptitude, encouraging children to keep fit and be active. Activities included soccer, Gaelic football, basketball,

hockey, golf, horse-riding, badminton, tennis and cricket.

Opportunity

The Music Workshop provided children exposure to various instruments. Children were given the opportunity to try out the piano, violin, clarinet, bassoon, flute amongst others. Children also had the opportunity to learn Hip-Hop and Irish Dancing.

Links Childcare understands that a child’s cultural development and appreciation of nature is extremely important.

During Camp 2011 children were afforded the opportunity to explore the rich cultural and wonderful nature that Dublin has to offer.

Trips to the Botanic Gardens, Phoenix Park, beach, Book of Kells, National History Museum, and National Art

Gallery were a few of the sites visited during the camp.

Links Childcare Camps cater for children aged between four and 12 and are operated during all breaks from school and summer holidays.

For further information, or to register your child in the October MidTerm Camp, please contact their head office at 01 8548014 or visit www. linkschildcare.ie

15 September 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 3

EVENT

Council report reveals 20,000 attended

Increase in grant for roads

Prince concert hailed as a big success Q MIMI MURRAY

malahide@gazettegroup.com

THE much-publicised and hugely entertaining visit of his Royal Purpleness, Prince, to Malahide Demesne last July was deemed to be a huge success, a report from Fingal County council revealed this week.

It is estimated that approximately 20,000 people attended the concert, which went off without a hitch.

The council could not disclose the fee agreed with the promoter because it is considered to be commercially sensitive information. “It could prejudice future income to the council for future events,” the council said.

Submissions to the council were very positive, they said.

“There have been two submissions received since the concert from a member of a community

group and the Malahide Chamber of Commerce.

Both submissions praised the council and promoter of the concert for the excellent organisation of the event, including traffic management, and both submissions looked forward to future events at Malahide Council.”

In relation to ticket allocation, 170 tickets were allocated to the council and 122 tickets were allocated to residents of Malahide, the report said. Another 48 tickets were allocated to staff involved in the preparations for the concert and staff who worked on a voluntary basis at the event.

Free tickets were given out through a lottery process. Following receipt of applications for these tickets, each entrant was entered onto a database and given an ID number. Numbers were then drawn from a raffle

His Royal Purpleness, Prince, at his concert in Malahide Demesne last July

box. Public notice of the holding of a draw for residents was advertised in the Malahide Gazette on July 14 and entry could be made phone or email.

A toal of 78 tickets were allocated to residents living closest to the event and, therefore, most inconvenienced by

road closures and traffic, the council said.

These tickets were issued to raffle winners in The Hill, Kinsealy Lane, Seamount, The Bawn, The Bawn Grove, Parnell Cottages, Dublin Road, Oak Hall, Mountfield, Parnell Cottages, and Back Road.

Forty-four tickets were allocated to raffle winners living in the general Malahide area in the Moorings, Seabury, Robswall, Chalfont, St Margaret’s Road, Grove Road, Hanlon’s Lane, Texas Lane, Church Road, Ibhir Ide, Yellow Walls Road, Milford.

Tackling fly-tipping near Bridge Club Q MIMI MURRAY

IN recent weeks, the Gazette reported that flytipping of rubbish bags had caused an infestation of vermin in a development close to the Bridge Club.

Fianna Fail Councillor Eoghan O’Brien asked the county manager to outline what steps were being taken to deal with the problem of fly-tipping.

In a reply, the council said: “The ditch at the

rear of the Bridge Club has been cleaned four times this year, the last cleanup was carried out on Friday, August 26.

The type of litter found, including cans and bottles, would indicate that the location is sometimes used as a drinking area. It is proposed to carry out a further clean up in the near future and to block off the particular location to avoiding further dumping.”

“The bottle bank is operated by a company

WINTER

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‘From May 12 to August 30, the bottle bank was emptied and the area cleaned on nine occasions’

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on behalf of the council.

The bottle bank is emptied on a fortnightly basis by the company and the area around it cleaned of dumped items. From May 12 to August 30, the bottle bank was emptied and the area cleaned on nine occasions. The council’s Waste Enforcement Sec-

tion is monitoring the location to try and identify the fly-tippers,” the council said.

“All littering offences can be reported on the council’s FreeFone number 1800 20 10 93.

We can be contacted between 9am and 5pm Mon – Thurs and 9am –

4.30pm or members of the public may e-mail: envserv@fingalcoco.ie “Should a member of the public witness a littering or dumping incident and provide details to the council, where possible, a litter fine will be issued on foot of the report. Should the fine remain unpaid, we will pursue the matter in the District Court. In order to obtain a prosecution in court, the witness will be requested to attend court,” the council said.

AN increase in the winter maintenance grant for local authorities to keep roads clear during severe weather has been welcomed.

Fingal councillor, and Deputy Mayor, Patrick Nulty, welcomed the increased allocation for the winter maintenance grant from €10 million to €11.25 million. According to Mayor Nulty, this money will assist local authorities with winter maintenance and to keep important roads clear.

“The extra €1.25 million, along with the direct purchase of some 60,000 tonnes of salt, means that local authorities will have access to some 60,000 tonnes of salt, on top of the supplies purchased separately by the National Roads Authority,” Cllr Nulty said.

“The funding will help to cover the cost of purchasing, transporting, storing and spreading salt, and other works associated with extreme weather conditions. As someone who relies on public transport to get around, I remember the horrific road conditions when the snow fell over the last few years.”

4 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 15 September 2011

FastNews

Music: Aoife and her harp win big

Application for change of use GERARD Gannon Properties have applied to Fingal County Council’s Planning Department for a change of use at Fragrance House in Malahide Marina Village.

They wish to change a factory and retail unit into a food market with restaurant/cafe, including a hot food takeaway, off-licence, external seating section and an outdoor area for seasonal market stalls.

The application includes changes to the internal layout and the external elevations.

AOIFE Ni Argain, from Sutton, was the winner of the 2011 All-Ireland Senior Harp Competition at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Cavan recently.

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was hosted in Cavan Town for the second year running when an estimated 320,000 people enjoyed the musical event In October, Aoife will be performing at various venues across Ireland for two weeks with ComhaltAs Ceoltoiri Eireann on its annual Macalla na hEireann tour and will be performing in concert in the Ulster Hall, Belfast, in November.

The spectacle of the Liffey Cruise on the way THE Liffey Cruise, organised by the Cruising Association of Ireland, will be run on September 24 and 25 this year. Members congregate at Poolbeg yacht club and then, at an agreed time, the East Link bridge will be raised, and the Samuel Beckett bridge swung aside, and they sail through and up the Liffey.

“It’s a fantastic thing to do and such a great view of our city that you rarely get to see. The boats usually are dressed with flags and it’s quite a spectacle.

It was a brilliant event last year – we had about 40 boats moored beside the Jeanie Johnston, and a big dinner in the Clarion Hotel. We’re running the same thing this year on September 24-25,” said Brenda Kearns, from Malahide Yacht Club.

There are lots of details on www.cruising.ie and spectators are very welcome.

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TRAVEL: VISIT ORGANISED BY TOURISM IRELAND TO PROMOTE IRELAND

Belgian tour operators explore Malahide village Q MIMI MURRAY

the travel agents to know exactly what we have to offer potential Belgian holidaymakers; the aim is that when they return to their offices they are better equipped to advise their clients on future travel plans and trip bookings.”

malahide@gazettegroup.com

A GROUP of travel agents, who sell the holiday programmes of leading Belgian tour operator, Gallia, were in Ireland last week to check out some of the many things to see and do on a short break or holiday here.

Their visit, organised

by Tourism Ireland in conjunction with Failte Ireland, included a tour of Malahide Castle, lunch at the Grand Hotel, an evening at the Abbey Tavern in Howth and some free time to explore the village of Malahide.

Danielle Neyts, Tourism Ireland’s manager in

Highlight

Travel agents from tour operator, Gallia, visit Malahide Castle

Belgium, said: “We are delighted these travel agents took time out of their busy schedules to come and visit Ireland this week. For many, it

was their first time here and they were extremely impressed by our wonderful scenery, the wealth of historic and cultural attractions, as

well as by the hospitality and friendliness of the people they met. Familiarisation visits such as these are extremely important, as they help

Tourism Ireland has a busy promotional programme in place in the Benelux region throughout 2011, highlighting compelling reasons to visit the island of Ireland and the good value available here. The organisation is working flat out to win business and to keep Ireland “top

of mind”with potential visitors.

Numbers

Danielle Neyts said: “The recently announced growth in visitor numbers from the Benelux region of +27% for the first half of the year is welcome news indeed, and is an encouraging basis on which Tourism Ireland, together with our industry partners, will build in 2012.”

Approximately 6.7 million overseas visitors came to Ireland in 2010, delivering revenue of approximately €3 billion.

Overseas tourism business accounts for 59% of all tourism revenue.

15 September 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5

COUNCIL Consent was neither sought nor granted to owner for mooring

Request for owner to remove dredger REQUESTS have been made to the owner of a dredger moored in Malahide Estuary for its removal, Fingal County Council told elected members this week.

The council said that they may well need to go down the “legal route” at this stage if the vessel is not removed.

The vessel has been moored there since 2010, having com-

pleted a subcontract in association with a new marine outfall for the Portrane Treatment Plant.

Fingal County Council said the dredger moored in the estuary was engaged on the Eirgrid works at Rush North beach. The council has been informed by the owner that he has temporarily moored the dredger in the

lower estuary pending a return to dry dock for maintenance.

However, the council said consent was neither sought nor granted by them for the mooring of this vessel at this location.

“The Operations Department have requested the owners to remove the dredger as soon as practicable,” the council said.

Fine Gael Councillor Antho-

ny Lavin said: “I am looking forward to its removal. It disappeared and then reappeared.

A more appropriate location should be sought.”

The council said they were trying to resolve the issue without going down the “legal route”.

However, they are now checking out the legal position in relation to the matter.

The dredger moored in Malahide Estuary

Clubs enter agreement to use pavilions changing rooms THREE local clubs have entered into an arrangement with Fingal County Council to use the pavilions changing rooms at Malahide Demesne.

Since an on site meeting in June, the Parks and Heritage Properties Division has entered into arrangements with three local clubs to use the dressing rooms for the coming season.

Fingal County Council said:“Through this arrangement, a total of eight dressing rooms and

two storage rooms will be allocated to these clubs. The council will continue to meet with other local clubs who wish to use the dressing rooms throughout the season.

“These discussions have also included the removal of containers from the Demesne and substantial progress has also being made here. It is envisaged that a number of these containers will be removed from the Demesne in the near future.”

Fingal councillors have decided to defer a decision on seating for swimmers at Low Rock

WATER SAFETY: COUNCILLORS WAITING ON REPORT

Decision deferred on Low Rock seating malahide@gazettegroup.com

FINGAL councillors have decided to defer a decision on seating for swimmers at Low Rock, pending a report from the Water Safety Authority.

Last week, Labour councilor Peter Coyle called for sturdy seating to be built at the popular swimming location.

However, the council said it would not recommend the move as Low Rock is considered to be a dangerous place to swim.

“Malahide is likely to get a Blue Flag next year and this is where people swim,” Cllr Coyle said.

The council, in its

report, said: “As reported to the Area Committee in December 2008, the Council’s Designated Water Safety Development Officer has reported that the waters are tidal at this location and can be very rough at times. It is also not a designated beach.

Safe

“A report is awaited from Irish Water Safety, which will address the issue of safety for swimming at this location.

The provision of seating would be an endorsement by the council that swimming at this location is safe. In the absence of the report, this cannot be

recommended.”

Fianna Fail Councillor Eoghan O’Brien said: “People swim there every day of the year and it is the most used stretch of beach on a year-round basis and I don’t think anywhere else compares to it. We need to start getting behind these groups and the Water Safety Report will shed light on this.”

Fine Gael’s Anthony Lavin said: “On occasion, I have put myself into the water there and I wouldn’t have considered it to be unsafe.”

However, the council reiterated that most people who use the area are strong swimmers and to

provide the seating may attract other swimmers who are not as capable.

They asked that councillors postpone the issue until the water safety report was made available to the council.

In relation to cost, the council said that, due to difficulty of access, the provision of such seating would cost in the region of €10,000, excluding staff costs, for which no financial provision exists.

Cllr Coyle had requested that the seating be built via a small concrete wall with a wooden top that would withstand both the coastal location and be vandal-proof.

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Q MIMI MURRAY

6 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 15 September 2011

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HOUSING Independent experts to help resolve issues

Group to help those affected by pyrite Q MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com

AN independent working group that will facilitate owners affected by pyrite has been set up by the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan.

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell, and Labour TD, Brendan Ryan, have welcomed the announcement this week as many north Dublin homes, including Deputy Farrell’s own, have been affected by the problem.

“Having experienced the issue with my own home, I have been through almost five years of strife and worry that came with the discovery of pyrite.

Along with hundreds of households in Dublin North, I know first-hand

that dealing with the significant amount of misinformation and misleading advice that seems to surround the issue is very difficult for anyone in this situation to contend with.

“I welcome the formation of an independent expert group that will have the interests of the homeowners in mind, and that despite the Government having no legal liability in this matter, it is committed to acting as a facilitator to find a resolution for the issue,” Deputy Farrell said.

Proposal

L a b o u r D e p u t y, Brendan Ryan said: “I am encouraged by Minister Hogan’s move to establish a working group to facilitate homeowners affected by pyrite, as I was the first TD who raised this proposal with the Minister in the Dail in April. I secured a special Dail Adjournment debate on April 19, during which I called on the Minister for Environment to establish a working group to examine all aspects of the pyrite problem.

“I called on this working group to be led by the Government, but to also include all relevant stakeholders in the pyrite issue. Although the exact composition of this working group is not yet clear, it has been stated that it will include all relevant bodies’ including Homebond and the Construction Industry Federation.

“The working group will consist of an independent chairperson alongside appropriate experts, who will call in all relevant bodies involved,

Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan (above) and Fine Gael TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell

including Homebond, developers, quarries and the Construction Industry Federation. However, the group will also be instructed to engage with affected homeowners and associations.”

Deputy Farrell said: “I would urge all resident groups in Dublin North to engage fully and positively with the new work-

ing group. Although I do believe that this is a positive step forward, I am also aware that very serious questions need to be asked by this group to determine how this can

resolved. However, I am committed to ensuring that representatives from Dublin North will have the opportunity to fully engage with the process.”

www.gazette group.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away

GETTING A NEW START AND A NEW CAREER The FSI CareerStart programme, funded under the Springboard initiative, offers participants a

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15 September 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 7

combination of industry relevant professional qualifications SEE BUSINESS, PAGE 20

MALAHIDE-DONABATE: ASSESSMENT TO BE SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL

Council update walkway report

A sum of €37,500 has been made available for much-needed repairs to the slipway at Malahide Scout Den

COUNCIL: ASSURANCE WORKS WILL BE COMPLETED BY NOVEMBER

€37k to repair slipway to Malahide Scout Den Q MIMI MURRAY

malahide@gazettegroup.com

A SUM of €37,500 has been made available to Fingal County Council for much-needed repairs to the slipway at Malahide Scout Den. The sum has been made available by the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food under the Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme 2011.

Fianna Fail Councillor Eoghan O’Brien said he was delighted with the news, as a previous sum made available to the council had not been

drawn down on time and the money was lost.

In April, the Gazette reported that there was an element of “mission impossible” to the upgrading of the slipway last time round.

At the time, Fingal County Council officials said they were given one week to put together a proposal for funding for the slipway.

The council lost out on €56K because they didn’t draw down funds on time, which were allocated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.

The council said they weren’t given enough

time “to prepare anything in terms of a reasonable proposal” for the upgrading of the slipway.

“We had one week to sort out issues with the OPW and the Department raised issues over the Foreshore licence.

“In October of 2010, the Department of Agriculture Food and Fisheries contacted local authorities, including Fingal County Council, indicating that some limited finance was available for Fishery and Coastal Development programmes. This funding is derived from the National Development

Plan 2007 to 2013. A very short time-span was allowed for the applications to the Department to avail of this funding.

“It was decided to examine the possibility of making an application to fund minor repairs to the public slipway at the Malahide Estuary (lower estuary).

Condition

“A number of factors were taken in to account in preparing this application: It was a condition of the grant that all works be completed and claims be lodged by December 1, 2010. Approval was granted on October 4,

2010 for assistance up to 75% of the cost, with the upper limit capped; the number of low water daylight hours was limited generating approximately the equivalent of seven working days in a calendar month; it was a condition of the grant that all necessary licences be obtained prior to commencement of all civil and maritime works; a suitably qualified and competent contractor had to be appointed to execute the repairs.”

However, this time, the council have given an assurance works will be completed by November.

Q MIMI MURRAY

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news@gazettegroup.com

‘A critical link within this objective is the development of a proposal to link Malahide with Donabate, via a walkway crossing the Broadmeadow Estuary, parallel and adjacent to the railway viaduct’

THE preparation of an assessment of a Malahide-Donabate walkway is underway and is expected to be submitted to the National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) for approval.

Fingal County Council gave an updated report of the provision of a walkway/cycleway across the Malahide Estuary at a recent Malahide/Howth area committee meeting.

The council said the provision of a coastal walk within the county has been a long-standing objective. A critical link within this objective is the development of a proposal to link Malahide with Donabate, via a walkway crossing the Broadmeadow Estuary, parallel and adjacent to the railway viaduct.

“Works carried out

by Iarnrod Eireann to restore the viaduct, following the collapse of a pier in 2009, were extended to include the provision of foundation works for such a walkway, should the provision of a walkway be approved in due course.

“Approval for Malahide-Donabate walkway is required from the National Parks and Wildlife Services in the first instance. The preparation of the required Appropriate Assessment is underway and is expected to be

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submitted to the NPWS in the coming months.

To enable this work to be progressed, a route options report has been completed for the council and a preliminary evaluation of this report has been carried out by the council.

“In the event of this approval being granted, the scheme will be assessed with a view to determining its engineering feasibility, the evaluation of the lands required to be acquired for its provision and the preparation of a cost estimate for the works. Completion of these studies will enable an objective view to be taken of the likely timescale for the provision of this scheme.”

8 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 15 September 2011

EVENT One of Ireland’s top model agents, John Compton,

Enjoying a model occasion OP model agent John Compton and his Venezuela-born partner of seven years, Marlon Jimenez, celebrated their civil partnership with family and friends recently.

Local photographer Una Williams captured the joy of the happy day beautifully, and was kind enough to share these images with us.

Guests included model Gail Kaneswaran, USbased TV presenter Emma Buckley and “best woman” Vivienne Connolly.

After the ceremony, the happy couple moved on to the Angler’s Rest in Castleknock where they held a lavish reception that proved a very memorable occasion. And, when all the partying and celebrations were done, the pair headed off to Marbella in southern Spain for their honeymoon.

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Marlon Jimenez, Vivienne Connolly, John and Mark Compton Pictures: Una Willams

John Compton and Debbie Compton Higgins

The happy couple

Alan Geoghegan, Richard Kavanagh and Pj Gibbons

15 September 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 9

ties the knot with Marlon partner of seven years

Sean and Pauline Compton with John and Marlon

Outside the Registrar’s Office

Cutting the cake Jane Carpenter, John Compton and Holly Carpenter

Alan, Paul, John and Mark Compton

Happy together

Emma Buckley

John, Marlon, Mark Compton and Vivienne Connolly

10 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 15 September 2011

BUSINESS Launching this year’s Fingal Enterprise Week

Oisin Geoghegan, CEO, Fingal County Enterprise Board; David O’Connor, county manager, Fingal County Council; Bobby Kerr; Cllr Gerry McGuire, Mayor of Fingal County Council; Ben Dunne; Nicola Byrne; Joe Harford, chairman, Fingal County Enterprise Board; Paddy Lonergan, Bank of Ireland and Siobhan Kinsella, Fingal Chamber

David O’Connor, county manager, Fingal County Council; Oisin Geoghegan, CEO, Fingal County Enterprise Board; Joe Harford, chairman, Fingal County Enterprise Board; Siobhan Kinsella, Fingal Chamber; Cllr Gerry

Fingal Enterprise Week sounds like a bright idea for Oisin Geoghegan, CEO, Fingal County Enterprise Board; Nicola

McGuire, Mayor of Fingal County Council and Paddy Lonergan, BOI

Byrne; Bobby Kerr and Ben Dunne, who came together at the Europa Academy, Swords to help launch the initiative

Pitching in to mark a key Fingal event HREE of Ireland’s best-known entrepreneurs were on hand to launch a jam-packed programme of events for the upcoming Fingal Enterprise Week.

Ben Dunne, Bobby Kerr and Nicola Byrne came together to mark Fingal Enterprise week, which takes place from September 26 to September 30.

More than 800 businesses are expected to take part in the week’s events, which includes a pop-up bank, social media seminars, open days and business networking, mentoring clinics, a food forum and an export seminar, as well as talks around how to improve branding and client pitches for small business owners.

The highlight of the week is when four selected small businesses get to

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pitch to Ben Dunne, Bobby Kerr and Nicola Byrne in front of a live audience at the Fingal Enterprise Awards on Thursday, September 29, at the Europa Academy.

One of the four businesses has a chance to go through to the National Enterprise Awards in November. This event is hosted by Richard Curran, from RTE’s Dragon’s Den series.

Speaking at the programme launch in Swords, Oisin Geoghegan, CEO of the Fingal County Enterprise Board, said that owner/managers of small businesses, and those looking to set up a new enterprise, need even greater access to information, advice and supports.

“During Fingal Enterprise Week, small businesses and new start-ups can meet industry experts, seek busi-

Oisin Geoghegan, Bobby Kerr, Ben Dunne and Nicola Byrne

ness advice, hear from experienced entrepreneurs and attend free mentor clinics.

“The events are designed to help visitors identify new business opportunities and markets, to encourage them to make new business contacts through networking, and to match them with experienced mentors to tackle their business queries.

“These are all vital issues for small business owners, to help them decide how to better develop their enterprise,” he said.

Most of the events during Fingal Enterprise Week are free of charge, and bookings can be made online through www.fingalenterpiseweek.ie.

Fingal Enterprise Week is supported by Fingal County Council, Bank of Ireland and Newstalk.

Oisin Geoghegan, Ben Dunne, Nicola Byrne and Bobby Kerr

Oisin Geoghegan, Nicola Byrne, Bobby Kerr and Ben Dunne point out Fingal’s strengths for business

The business and entreprenurial figures were happy to line up and extol Fingal’s virtues for enterprise

15 September 2011 GAZETTE 11

MILESTONE

MEASLES: WARNING TO HAVE YOUR CHILDREN’S VACCINES UP-TO-DATE

Ten years for Go for Life

HSE call to have kids vaccinated Q STAFF REPORTER

THE HSE is calling on parents to protect their children from measles by having them vaccinated this September.

Measles is highly infectious and is spread by coughs and sneezes.

The only way to protect against measles is to get the MMR vaccine. Children need two doses of MMR vaccine at 12 months and again at 4 to 5 years of age.

“Any child or young adult in Ireland who has not been vaccinated is at risk of measles. Since the beginning of this year there have been over 160 cases of measles and, over the summer, there has been a rapid increase.

These have occurred mainly in children less than four years of age

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‘Any child or young adult in Ireland who has not been vaccinated is at risk of measles’

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who were never vaccinated and most of the cases were in north Dublin City,” a spokesperson for the HSE said.

“As normal routine kicks in, children are going back to creche, pre-school and primary school this week. This is a time when more children are mixing together and so the risk of spreading measles is increased.

“Make sure that your children are protected against infectious dis-

eases by ensuring they are up-to-date with their vaccines. If your child is starting school (aged 4 or 5 years) and has never had an MMR vaccine, they need to get it now. They should get it from their GP. MMR vaccine is free.

“Children who have had one dose of MMR, will get their second dose of MMR vaccine either at school or from their GP. “Any child between 6-12 years of age should already have had two doses of MMR vaccine. If they have not they need it now. Go to your GP for the vaccine. If your child has only had one dose, they should go for their second dose to the GP. MMR vaccine is free,” the spokesperson said.

For more information see www.immunisation. ie or www.hpsc.ie

Welcome home: Dubliner whiskey planning to take over the country GOLDEN Goddesses Holly Carpenter and Roz Purcell were on hand to welcome The Dubliner home as First Ireland Spirits announce that new Dubliner Irish Whiskey Liqueur, one of Ireland’s most exciting new exports, is now available in Dublin after seizing a golden opportunity in Australia and tasting success in the US. As well as Dublin Airport, Dubliner is also stocked in the Irish Celtic Whiskey shop on Dawson Street with plans to go nationwide over the next 12 months at a recommended retail price from €22 to €25. It is now sold in the US, Ireland, Britain, Germany, Holland, Ukraine, Israel and Australia.

OVER 1,000 volunteers of a national programme for sport and physical activity for older people – Go for Life – helped celebrate its 10th anniversary in The Helix in Dublin last week.

Go for Life is an Age and Opportunity initiative funded by the Irish Sports Council. The volunteers have trained as Physical Activity Leaders (PALs) and lead elderly people in their local community group in sport or physical activity.

Speaking at the event Minister of State for Tourism and Spor t, Michael Ring TD said: “Older people play such an important role in our society and in this, the European Year of Volunteering, I’m delighted to be there to support so many older volunteers who make being physically active easier for their peers all over the country.”

12 GAZETTE 15 September 2011

MEDIATE, OR NO? Exploring Alternative Dispute Resolution

Mediation – it’s the new kid on the block FOR THOSE considering going to court to solve a dispute, be it a business, family, or just the ordinary disputes that occur in day-to-day life, Alternative Dispute Resolution

(ADR) is now an alternative to court.

Until recently, people felt that their only recourse to justice, in dealing with civil/commercial or family issues was to “have their

day in court”.

This can often prove more of a hindrance than a problem solver.

Sometimes it resulted in the failure of viable companies and the destruction of good business relationships. This, in turn, caused a lot of stress resulting in marital problems, breakdown and, again, more court proceedings.

Under these circumstances, mediation is fast becoming the “light at the end of the tunnel”.

It is now mandatory in civil and commercial courts that parties considering going to court must be given the option of mediation and informed of its advantages prior to their court appearance.

The courts can take a “poor view” of parties who refuse to undertake mediation, and final decisions can be swayed by the reluctance of the parties to undertake same.

Mediation is equally as important in Family Law cases, where the cost of court may be very high,

Mediation is becoming a popular alternative to the courts when it comes to dispute resolution

both on an emotional and financial level.

Therefore the Family Law Courts are now in the process of advocating mediation as the least painful and most costeffective form of dispute resolution.

Mediation is becoming very popular in Ireland as both the judiciary and the disputing parties see the advantages of its flexibility, problem-solving and its ability in time-saving, both for the disputing parties and courts viewpoint.

Process of mediation

Mediation begins with either of the parties in dispute contacting the mediator directly or it may be a solicitor referral to mediation in order to comply with legal requirements.

Initially, a meeting is set up during which the mediator explains the process, the rules and role of the mediator. At this time the parties are informed that Mediation is voluntary,

confidential and its aim is to come up with an agreement satisfactory to all.

Clients are encouraged to have independent legal advice at all stages. However, they are obliged to refrain from litigation during the course of mediation. An agreement to mediate is signed and then the process can be continued in both joint/ single sessions. The mediator’s role is to guide the discussion and to remain impartial. Mediators do, of course, act as “devil’s advocate”, ask difficult questions and prompt replies that initiate solutions. Upon conclusion a “Memorandum of Understanding” is drawn up, signed by the parties and taken to their respective solicitors to make it legally binding. By this process the parties themselves have resolved their own issues.

Going to court to solve disputes, whether they arise in the course of someone’s business or pri-

vate lives, is an arduous, time-consuming, expensive and often traumatic process.

In court, judgments and adjournments can be time-consuming and, when a ruling is finally reached, it is often impossible to adhere to, due to the lack of input from the disputing parties.

From once you enter court there is little or no confidentiality. When your case is being heard anybody can walk into the courtroom, can hear all your business, and report on their findings.

When compared to the mediation process, it is obvious that many of the disadvantages of court are eliminated.

As a rule, mediation costs are substantially lower than those of court proceedings. Mediation can resolve complex disputes in as little as a day.

There are no waiting lists or adjournments.

The parties in the mediation control the process,

and the outcome. No agreement or solution will be imposed. This in itself helps to maintain friendships – mediation is a lot less destructive to private and commercial relationships as parties enter mediation in good faith and with the intention to settle.

Mediation items discussed, and their outcome, are completely confidential between the mediator and the parties concerned.

Another advantage is that parties come to a mutually beneficial solution that can become legally binding. This happens when parties have agreed some or, hopefully, all of the items on the agenda.

For instance, an accredited mediator has the authority to create with the parties a document called a Memorandum of Understanding. This document is then given to a solicitor who will take it to court on your behalf, to have it “rubber stamped”.

It then becomes legally binding, therefore, you personally never need to attend court.

In conclusion, it was asked at the start of the article should you “mediate or not”? It seems clear we would all agree to definitely mediate.

For further information, contact Citywide Consultants & Mediators, Rosie Gallagher FCPA, C Dip. AF, telephone: 01 219 4444, mobile: 087 666 9887, email: rosie@cwcm ie or visit www.cwcm.ie

15 September 2011 GAZETTE 13

VOLUNTEER

SUPPORT: APPEAL TO HELP PAY FOR YOUNG CANCER PATIENT’S TREATMENT

10 years on for Go for Life

Fundraiser is cabaret crazy A FANTASTIC night of vintage-inspired entertainment has been arranged for the upcoming fundraiser for the Marc Owens Medical Fund.

On September 22 at the Sugar Club, Fab Cabaret will take to the stage.

Headlining the night will be chanteuse Jeannette Byrne, with her 10-piece band performing classic French chansons a la Piaf, Aznavour and Brel.

On the bill also will be Liza Minnelli Tribute act, Sharon Sexton, and magician/comedian Jack Wise.

If you’re looking for an evening of classic romantic music, with some amazing magic tricks thrown in, then look no further.

Tickets, priced €15, are available from Shane

Lynch – 087 8317677, Paul Collins 087 2591508; or email marcowensmedicalfund@gmail.com.

At the age of just 18, Marc Owens was just about to embark on his final year in Belvedere College when he was diagnosed with a rare and very aggressive form of cancer.

There were no warning signs, just an acute stomach ache and, suddenly, this happy, sports-mad teenage was a cancer patient with very poor prospects.

His doctors sent him to the MD Anderson Cancer Care Clinic in Houston for cutting-edge, life-saving surgery last February.

After many complications, set-backs and not a little pain, Marc returned home in May and, for the moment, he is continu-

ing his treatment in the Mater Hospital.

To help fund the enormous cost of Marc’s ongoing treatment, a fund has been set up – the Marc Owens Medical Fund - to raise €1 million over the next three years.

In less than four months, €250,000 has already been raised through various fundraising activities.

Cathy Herbert, who is on the fundraising committee, said: “Marc is facing the kind of challenge that puts all other challenges into perspective. We all need to rally around him to ensure he can get the best medical care in the world.”

For more information about Marc, call Cathy Herbert, 087 2395393, or see website www.marcowensmedicalfund.com

Showdown: Turn the Aviva Blue for first RaboDirect Pro12 encounter LEINSTER RUGBY players Eoin O’Malley, left, and Dominic Ryan want to see the Blue Army descend on Landsdowne Road to support the Heineken Cup champions as they take on arch rivals, Munster, in November.

Following pre-sales, which incorporated a special Hour of Power reduced-price window last week, over 21,000 tickets for the match, dubbed Fever in Aviva 2, have been sold for the November 4 showdown.

The Leinster team are calling on all Dublin supporters to come and support the team. For more information, log on to www.leinsterrugby.ie

OVER 1,000 volunteers of a national programme for sport and physical activity for older people – Go for Life – helped celebrate its 10th anniversary in The Helix in Dublin last week.

Go for Life is an Age & Opportunity initiative funded by the Irish Sports Council. The volunteers have trained as Physical Activity Leaders (PALs) and lead elderly people in their local community group in sport or physical activity. Last year, more than 40,000 elderly people took part.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD said: “Older people play such an important role in our society and in this, the European Year of Volunteering, I’m delighted to be there to support so many older volunteers who make being physically active easier for their peers all over the country,” he said.

14 GAZETTE 15 September 2011

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC Jay and Silent Bob strike Vicar Street for a live show FILMMAKER, comic-book author, actor and internet pioneer Kevin Smith, together with his longtime partner-in-crime, Jason Mewes, are coming to Vicar Street next February 21 to record a special Dublin edition of their internet radio show, Jay and Silent Bob Get Old. The iconic duo’s show is part of a catalogue of programming on the SModcast internet radio network that Smith has developed in recent years, that tours the US recording in theatres, comic-book conventions and comedy clubs.

The SIR network, available through iTunes, features podcasts and shows with many faces and voices familiar to fans of the Jersey boy’s movies, including Ralph Garman, and comedian and actor Jay Mohr.

Anyone who has seen Kevin Smith’s spoken word shows will know to expect the hilarious and the irreverent in equal measure.

For more information, see thesirmon.com

REVIEW: A CELEBRATION OF SURVIVAL AND COMMITMENT

Twenty years on and Pearl Jam still endure Q ROB HEIGH

A FRIEND tells a story of when he was working in the US as a roadie and tech for a few big-name bands. There was this kid who used to hang out, and then work with the crew he was with, an unassuming, quiet and polite lad with long hair and a love of surfing.

One day, he gave my friend a tape with demos of some songs he’d written, and asked what he thought. My friend listened, liked what he heard, and said he should stick at it. The kid was pleased, and they continued working together until my friend moved back to Britain.

One night, a few years later, he recognised a song by a new band making their television debut on BBC’s Late Show. It was

Pearl Jam are celebrating their anniversary with a series of events, including the release of Pearl Jam 20

one of the songs the kid he’d worked with in the US gave him, and he was singing with the band. The kid was Eddie Vedder, and the band was Pearl Jam, playing a blistering version of Alive.

Since 1991, Pearl Jam have been a constant force of rock nature, and 20 years on from the

release of Ten, they are celebrating their anniversary with a series of major events — a mini-festival in Wisconsin last weekend that featured The Strokes, Queens of the Stone Age and Soundgarden, as well as two epic closing sets

by PJ, a double album retrospective and PJ20, a motion picture documen-

tary by filmmaker and long-term friend of the band, Cameron Crowe (who cast them in his movie, Singles, in 1992).

The movie had its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival last weekend, and I was lucky enough to catch a special screening this week.

The movie is a tribute to the enduring power of friendship, creativity and music that has seen the individuals go through some immensely tough times in their history, that shaped their work, themselves as people and as a band of brothers.

The movie goes right back through the history of Pearl Jam, to their genesis as Mookie Blaylock from the ashes of Mother Love Bone in Seattle in 1990, right through to the present day, where they are rightly regarded as one of the best live acts in the world, proven time and again through the archive and specially-filmed concert footage from the 2010 tour.

Individual interviews with the band members, both archive and recent, are interspersed with personal, TV and backstage

material, and contributions from their contemporaries, like Chis Cornell.

Cameron Crowe and his editors have made their way through an epic amount of archive footage to come up with the two hours of material that make up the movie, and if I had one quibble, it would simply by that it is not long enough. I left the cinema hoping that there will be a director’s cut.

But Cameron Crowe has told the story of Pearl Jam with sympathy and narrative flair, showing a group of very different people growing up and making the choice to stay committed to their project when most other bands would have broken up.

PJ20 shows across Dublin next week on September 20 for one day only at Vue Liffey Valley, the IFI, the Dun Laoghaire IMC and the Rathmines Omniplex.

If you are even a passing fan, or a rabid devotee, I urge you to go along. This illuminating and heartfelt salute to an enduring and important rock band is a great film in it’s own right.

15 September 2011 GAZETTE 15

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Edited by Dawn Love

Winter months are coming soon and moisturising is key WITH the winter months almost upon us, it’s time to start taking extra-special care of your complexion, particularly if you are prone to dry, flaky and tight skin.

With ingredients that are almost good enough to eat, skin savvy shoppers are sure to love The Handmade Soap Co’s Body Butters. The Irish company’s highlyrestorative handmade body butters are effective on even the most dried out and parched skin. Perfect for putting on after the shower or bath, the thick, rich

butters are particularly great for elbows, knees and heels.

When the solid butters come into contact with the skin, they literally melt, providing a luxurious hydrating layer that locks in moisture. And, along with keeping your skin in tip-top shape, their delicious range of body butters are also ideal for massage.

Packed with natural goodness of whipped shea butter and cocoa butter, they get to work quickly to soften, moisturise and encourage skin restructuring and

rehydration. Meanwhile, sweet almond oil deeply moisturises, restoring elasticity to the skin, leaving it feeling fabulously silky and soft.

And, the best part for me is they are free from parabens, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and artificial colours or fragrances.

The Handmade Soap Company was founded by couple Donagh Quigley and Gemma McGowan in 2009 when, as a result of the recession, Donagh’s thatching business was left struggling. Looking for a new

50 years for Peter Mark

The Handmade Soap Co’s aloe vera, sweet almond and shea butter body butter

and exciting career, the couple were on holiday in the Australian rainforest when they seized upon the idea of creating a handmade soap company.

The couple set out with a passionate vision – that even seriously good skincare should be fun. And, in a short space of time, the couple’s company has an order book with

shoppers from as farflung as Japan and Brazil, that would make even a skincare giant green.

It’s no wonder then that the company is fast becoming an industry leader, winning a rake of awards for its range of skincare products and gorgeous, quirky, retropackaging.

Av a i l a b l e i n t wo yummy scents – Grape-

fruit, scented with citrus tones of grapefruit and may chang and Aloe Vera, scented with floral tones of palmorosa, ylang ylang and bergamot.

The Handmade Soap Co Body Butter range is priced at €22.95 for 200ml and is available from The Organic Supermarket in Blackrock, Skerries Mills in Fingal and The Kilkenny Shop.

IT’S 50 years now since Peter and Mark Keaveney opened their first salon on Dublin’s Grafton Street and, since then, 73 more salons have opened nationwide. To celebrate, Peter Mark has joined forces with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to ‘Support 50 Wishes’ with two weeks of activities in salons throughout the country, from September 18 to October 2.

From fancy dress days, to bargain blowdries, cross-training sessions to 80’s theme days – there’s plenty going on!

There’s also a €10 gift card for every client who avails of hairdressing services in any Peter Mark Salon during this time.

16 GAZETTE 15 September 2011

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day from around the capital

Getting interactive at Dublin Contemporary Pictured is Hugh O’Neill, age 3, enjoying artist Liam O’Callaghan’s installation, Tales from the Inside Out On Repeat, at Dublin Contemporary 2011 in Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2

Toast time for Arthur THE DIARY has been keeping its ear to the ground to find some good Dublin venues to enjoy this year’s Arthur’s Day celebrations, and it appears The Glenside in Churchtown is set for a rollicking good session this year.

At 17.59 on September

DIARY 22, the famous Dublin pub will be bouncing to the sounds of the Christy Moore Tribute Show as well as Dublin’s finest balladeers, The Freewheelers.

Gazette Contacts

Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251 Managing Director: Liam Holland email: lholland@gazettegroup.com General Manager: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com 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.

The Glenside is one of south Dublin’s finest Pubs. Owned by the Mangan Brothers it has a warm and friendly atmosphere.

From the outside, the pub looks like what you would have imagined a pub in times gone by, with its authentic thatch roof. The venue hosts traditional music every Sunday and live bands on Saturdays.

Contact Glenside on 01-2985932 for further information on event options.

And time to toddle...

THE Meningitis Trust is appealing for toddlers to take part in the annual Toddle Waddle throughout next month to raise vital funds and awareness about meningitis.

The national charity is hoping to raise €60,000 this year.

The Toddle Waddle has seen up to 32,000 toddlers waddle their way around Ireland, raising more than €560,000. It is a fun, sponsored walk for young children and their carers, and the sponsorship money they raise will help to provide on-going support to individuals and families who have been affected by meningitis.

To order a free Toddle Waddle organiser’s pack, call The Meningitis Trust on 01 2764269 or visit www.meningitis-trust.ie

15 September 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: DOGS DON’T ‘SWEAT,’ OR PERSPIRE LIKE HUMANS DO TO KEEP COOL

Do dogs sweat, and can they become smelly?

WAS asked an interesting question by a student during the week. “Do dogs sweat, and can they become smelly?” My answer was, er, yes and no.

Dogs don’t “sweat”, or perspire the way we humans do but they can overheat and, yes, they can produce body odour.

As humans, when our body temperature builds up due to vigorous exercise, etc., we perspire and it becomes quite obvious – damp patches under the arm pits, moisture droplets on the skin and unpleasant body odour, because our sweat glands are all over our bodies.

However, a dog’s body is different. His sweat glands are located around his foot pads (merocrine glands), so, when he overheats due to hot weather or too much exercise, you will notice little wet pawshaped patches where he’s been walking.

When your pet overheats, in order to control his body temperature, he will pant quite a bit. This

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action makes the moisture on his tongue evaporate, and the heavy breathing that accompanies it allows the moist lining of his lungs to become a surface from which excess moisture can also evaporate. Hence, his body cools effectively.

A tip for those who own bulldogs and pugs.

These are breeds with a compromised respiration system, so are at a higher risk of overheating because they are unable to pant efficiently, so please keep this in mind when exercising.

However, sometimes, along with your pet’s panting, comes doggie body odour, which can be unpleasant for some pet owners.

It’s up to you to help alleviate his discomfort; this depends on the cause of his body odour and if you are unsure that it’s simply due to overheating, then it’s always best to contact your vet. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you help him remain a cool canine.

If you believe the odour was caused by your dog being in contact with something unpleasant like fox poo, then give him a bath with a normal dog shampoo, but clean and rinse him thoroughly.

If you believe it’s his diet then alter it. Some dog food can cause a build up of oils on his skin and a lower fat diet may help with this.

Always consult your vet before you change your dog’s diet.

Make sure you feed your pet a high-quality dog food. Some low-quality foods may not contain the essential vitamins your dog requires to maintain proper health and vitality.

Read the label.

Prevent your dog from eating dog faeces. One of my Jack Russells has a fascination with other dogs’ faeces. No, she’s not strange, many dogs do this, but you must watch them carefully and prevent it happening.

Here’s another tip! If your dog eats his own poo, add a tin of pineap-

ple chunks to his food.

Once the pineapple is absorbed, the dog goes to the toilet and then decides to eat it, the taste of the added pineapple will make his poo taste bitter and your dog should eventually stop.

Sorry, I’ve no tips for preventing him eating other dogs’ poo other than to keep him away from it.

Finally, If you’re uncertain as to what is causing your dog’s body odour, (as in you know it’s not over-heating or any of the above) then please take him to the vet for a full health check because serious health conditions need to be ruled out.

Conditions, such as an infection, mange, dental problems and cancer, can all cause unpleasant doggie odours, so it’s always best to get an expert opinion, and who better to provide this than your local vet.

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

A dog’s sweat glands are located around his foot pads to keep him cool and he will also pant, which allows moisture to evaporate from his tongue and lungs

18 GAZETTE 15 September 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS Warning – being towed can be scary AN AA survey of 2,500 Dublin motorists who have had their car towed on one or more occasions reveals that, while the majority of motorists had a reasonably satisfactory experience, a number reported a range of problems and bad experiences, from exorbitant onthe-spot charges by local garages, to white-knuckle fear while being towed on a rope by a friend or family member.

“Motorists stranded on the side of the road are in a highly vulnerable and dangerous situation, particularly if it’s on a motorway or at night,” said Conor Faughnan, director of policy, AA Ireland.

“While not the rule, we did hear from a regrettable number of drivers across the country who were left stranded for hours waiting for assistance to arrive. Others indicated they had difficulty getting through to their insurance provider on the phone. This is particularly worrying when it involves more vulnerable road users, such as an elderly motorist, a lone female or someone travelling with children.”

Exorbitant

While the AA reports that a driver who does not have roadside rescue cover such as AA Membership can expect to pay an average of €105 for a 50km tow (equivalent of Skerries to Rathcoole), and information which is readily available on AA Routeplanner, some motorists reported paying local garages exorbitant amounts for relatively short recoveries.

“One motorist, for example, told us that for

a miniscule two-mile tow, they were charged an astronomical €150,” said Faughnan.

“And this was far from an isolated incident, according to the feedback that we’ve received.

It seems that some local garages, are prepared to chance their arms and take advantage of the situation.”

Accepting a tow from family/friends – a cautionary message

Another concern the AA raises is well-meaning friends and family taking on a towing job without the correct equipment or knowledge.

“It’s not as intuitive as you’d imagine and we certainly wouldn’t recommend providing a tow if you’re ill-equipped and unsure of best practices. During the poll, we heard of bumpers --------------------------

‘Being towed on a rope by a friend or family member was a hair-raising and very scary experience’

--------------------------

being pulled off, a thirdparty vehicle unwittingly ploughing through an unseen towing line and motorists being towed in terror for miles as they couldn’t afford the ad hoc services of a local towing provider,” said Faughnan.

“A lot of people also said that being towed on a rope by a friend or family member was a hairraising and very scary experience.”

Mercedes Benz has a new M-Class on the way for 2012 with a smaller, more fuel-efficient engine that will deliver more pace for a lower running cost. Prices have not been confirmed but expect it to be marginally cheaper than the current edition and with lots more features.

M-Class SUV luxury MICHAEL MORONEY went to Germany and drove into Austria to test the new M-Class and give it his appraisal MERCEDES Benz considers the 4x4 market very important and aims to get a bigger share of the premium end with its upgraded new M-Class.

The new model has claims of being more fuel-efficient and better equipped. Mercedes Benz has downsized the entry engine from a 3.0- litre to 2.2-litre in its quest for better fuel economy.

We drove two versions of the car during the recent European launch, driving out of Munich.

The first one was the petrol-powered M-Class, followed by the equivalent engine in diesel power, and the far more interesting ML 250, with 2.2-litre diesel engine under the bonnet.

Called the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, this SUV delivers a combined fuel economy figure of 16.6km per litre (6l/100km or 47mpg).

That’s an impressive economy figure for a heavy 4x4 vehicle that

SPECS: MERCEDES BENZ ML 250 BLUETEC 4MATIC Top speed: 210 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 9.0 sec Economy: 16.6 km/litre (6.0 l/100km) CO2 emissions: 158g/km Road Tax Band: D (€447) Euro NCAP Rating: NA Warranty: 2 years Entry Price: NA

runs on a permanent four-wheel-drive arrangement.

Relative to the current model, that delivers about a 25% reduction in fuel consumption from the new model when pitched against the older, bigger engine version. There are few SUVs in this power and weight category that can come near to these new lower running-cost figures.

The M-Class with this entry-level diesel engine is also claimed to give an unmatched driving range on a full tank of diesel. The basic tank has a capacity of 70 litres giving a range of 1,170km.

You can opt for a bigger 93-litre tank and this will then give a range of 1,500km.

With low fuel usage comes lower CO2 emissions. The new entry-level M-Class delivers a figure of 158g/km provided by Mercedes Benz. This will put the new M-Class in the Band D for motor tax purposes, meaning a drop in rate to €447 from close to €2,000 for the current model. That alone is a significant saving, before you even venture near the pumps.

Mercedes Benz has opted for a smaller engine with lower levels of fuel consumption to develop similar power to the bigger engine of the past.

The new technology also ensures that the car’s torque is at its best, with a figure of 500Nm being quoted.

Taking the M-Class on the road gives a very pleasant driving experience. The car is smooth to accelerate and the controls are logical and

well-placed.

But despite its relatively high price, somewhere above the €60,000 mark, this 4x4 is not particularly big on the inside. The front seating is good with lots of adjustment, but those in the rear seem to get a slightly poorer result.

The safety package is impressive with nine airbags on board. The new M-Class uses improved Assistance Systems that are already available on the E-Class models. The standard buyer gets the drowsiness detection system, called Attention Assist, the anticipatory safety system, called PreSafe and a tyre pressure loss warning system, as well as adaptive brake lights and Brake Assist (BAS). There is also an extensive range of optional Assistance Systems.

With a high towing rating of almost 3.5 tonnes, if fitted with a factory hitch, the Mercedes Benz may be recruited for work, as

well as for pleasure. The ground clearance under the heavy-duty chassis is better than many others, at 191mm.

The M-Class will sport the Mercedes badge that always adds to the price.

But overall, it’s not a very big SUV, even if it is expensive.

For many existing M-Class drivers the change is good in terms of the running-cost value.

The comfort is enhanced and the car drives very well, even if the acceleration poke is a little slower than anticipated from the 2.2-litre engine.

The final part of the new M-Class story is that it will be reasonably competitive, not that this is a word often linked with Mercedes Benz prices.

While the final prices have not yet been agreed for the Irish market, it is expected that, with a higher specification, the new M-Class will be cheaper than the current model when it arrives in Ireland early in 2012.

15 September 2011 GAZETTE 19

Tubik is Citroen’s new comfort MPV

CITROEN will show off its new, highly innovative concept van-type vehicle at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Called Tubik, this is designed to be a high-tech executive shuttle based on one key idea – that travel should be fun.

The Tubik design has been inspired by Citroen’s Type H or ‘TUB’ van, but with all the styling and characteristics of modern Citroen design, Tubik is a nine-seater packed with entertaining technology.

This striking van design boasts offbeat, distinctive styling with colours and materials designed to meet the highest standards of sophistication and comfort.

To make travel enjoyable for its passengers, Tubik incorporates a lounge-style cocoon dedicated to comfort and relaxation. The modular seats are designed to be arranged in many

different ways (semireclined, face-to-face, etc.). Citroen claims that the onboard technology, which includes a giant semi-circular screen and high-definition surround sound, turns the cabin into an area that is perfect for sharing over long distances.

Nissan will be offering a new 1.6 litre turbo-diesel in the Qashqai models to improve fuel economy with a Stop/Start option due in 2012

A Pure Drive with the latest Qashqai option

Aerodynamics

This Tubik concept is powered by Citroen’s new Hybrid4 technology.

With this full-hybrid diesel drive and optimised aerodynamics, Citroen claims that the Tubik maintains CO2 emissions at a level comparable to a conventional saloon.

The full-hybrid diesel drive also offers more range than a stand-alone internal combustion engine and maximises traction in four wheeldrive mode. The front wheels are driven by the diesel engine and the rear wheels by the elec-

The new Citroen Tubik concept car shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show is designed as the ultimate in terms of people carrier design

tric motor. The 22-inch wheels feature deep, narrow, very low-rolling resistance tyres to further help optimise fuel consumption.

At 4.80m long, 2.08m wide and 2.05m tall, Tubik is big enough to carry up to nine passengers. The front end, which stands

apart from the main body, brings to mind the corrugated metal of the Type H van with its distinctive ribbing, while the windscreen pillars are reminiscent of the Type H’s two characteristic ridges.

To make the Tubik look even more protective,

Citroen’s designers have combined two contrasting colours. The metallic grey of the body shell enveloping the pearlescent white at either end marks the position of the diesel engine (at the front) and electric motor (at the rear) used by the full-hybrid diesel drive.

Peugeot teams up with IFA THE IFA Member Services and Peugeot will launch a new partnership on the occasion of the 80th National Ploughing Championships, Athy on September 20-22.

To celebrate the new venture, the IFA is launching a Peugeot 508 giveaway, to the value of €24,850, at the Ploughing Championships, details of which can be sought at both the IFA and the Peugeot stand.

T h e I FA / P e u g e o t partnership will bring to fruition many motoring benefits to IFA members, of which there are currently 87,000 in Ireland.

Effective from November 1, 2011, IFA members will enjoy excellent value service offers from Peugeot. They will be eligible to join the IFA Peugeot Service Club, offering

John Bryan, President of the Irish Farmers’ Association, Des Cannon, Peugeot Sales & Marketing Director, JJ Kavanagh, IFA National Treasurer and George Harbourne, Peugeot Managing Director.

every fourth service for free. A €250 rebate will be paid to IFA members on new Peugeot vehicle registration.

George Harbourne, Peugeot managing director said: “Peugeot has a very natural affiliation with Ireland’s farming

community and the IFA, thanks to our strong diesel heritage.

“We are very excited about this partnership and we very much look forward to working with the IFA in the coming years to make sure it is a success for Peugeot Ire-

land, The IFA and IFA members.”

John Bryan, president of the Irish Farmers’ Association said: “IFA is delighted to announce this partnership with Peugeot.

“We are committed to delivering the best range

of deals through our Member Services division, and the tie-up with Peugeot will bring added benefits to the existing package.

“I expect there will be strong interest at Ploughing, given the superb prize on offer.”

NISSAN has developed a new Pure Drive version of the top-selling Qashqai, which produces just 129g/km of CO2 with a fuel consumption of 20.km/litre (4.9l/100km).

This latest Qashqai is powered by a new 1.6litre diesel engine that claims to deliver strong fuel economy and low emissions, but which has the same levels of torque and top speed as the 2.0-litre dCi engine it replaces.

Peak power from the new engine is 130bhp, which is backed by a torque figure of 320Nm, available from as low as 1,750 rpm. And this is just the start. Early next year, a version of the model will be launched with Nissan’s Stop/Start System, which will help to reduce CO2 emissions still further to a 119 g/km and 22km/ litre (4.5l/100km) of fuel consumption.

To add to the new items of equipment including, for the first time on a C-segment car, Nissan will be offering the Around View Monitor (AVM) system. More usually found on luxury cars, AVM uses a series of small cameras located on the exterior of the vehicle to make parking and manoeuvring as safe as possible by giving the driver a real-time bird’s eye view of the environment around the car.

A new CVT gearbox

will also be available on 1.6-litre petrol models to bring further drive options to the range.

The Pure Drive designation is given to every Nissan product that emits 130g/km of CO2 or less.

On its introduction, the “cut off” point was 140g, but, as part of the Nissan Green Programme, membership of this exclusive club gets tougher all the time. The programme calls for a further drop to 120g in 2013.

20 GAZETTE 15 September 2011

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS EXHIBITION: OFFICIAL OPENING

Condren wins 2nd photo award THE AIB Photojournalism Exhibition 2011, a collection of some of the most remarkable press photographs from the past year, was officially opened in AIB Bank, Dame Street, last week,

by Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister forArts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

The opening was marked by a reception hosted by Padraig McGowan, branch manager, AIB Bank, Dame Street.

This year, over 2,010 images were entered by 123 photographers from around the country, across nine categories - news, daily life, sports action, sports portfolio, portrait, environment, politics, arts and entertainment and reportage.

The overall AIB Photojournalist of the Year 2011 title was awarded to Mark Condren, for the second year in a row.

Opening the Exhibition, Minister Deenihan said: “This exhibition offers us a picture diary of life during 2010 covering everything from hard news stories, sporting events, politics and everyday life. The photography on display acts as a visual snapshot of public and private life during 2010, covering all aspects of life in Ireland and abroad during this time. The Awards help portray the craft of press photography and showcase the photographer’s skills for timing and preparation. I would like to offer my congratulations to Mark Condren for winning the AIB Photojournalist of the Year Award for the second year in succession.”

The images from this year’s Exhibition can be viewed by logging on to www.ppai.ie.

The Springboard programme offers new skills to those who wish to enter the fast-growing world of international financial services

EMPLOYMENT: NEW SKILLS FOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES

Get a new start with FSI CareerStart programme WHILE the shock of unemployment is hitting thousands of people who never thought it could happen to them, however, there is some good news.

Speaking at the launch of the Springboard programme, earlier this year, Education and Skills Minister Ruairi Quinn said: “The Government put together the Springboard programme as part of our overall Jobs Initiative. Springboard aims to upskill and reskill unemployed people in order to allow them to change career and give them a real chance of re-entering the workforce” The FSI CareerStart programme, one of the programmes funded under the Springboard initiative, offers participants a combination of industry relevant professional qualifications, management training and work placements or mentoring while

still retaining their social welfare benefits. Whether switching to an entirely new career path or starting out in your career, FSI CareerStart could be the key to a range of employment opportunities in the growing financial services sector in Ireland.

Programme Over the course of six to 12 months (depending on your preferred option), the programme offers new skills to those who wish to enter the fast-growing world of international financial services, and provides an in-depth knowledge of the industry, the IFSC companies and the job opportunities in the sector. The places are offered free of charge to eligible jobseekers. One of the main attractions of the financial services sector is the diversity of skill sets and backgrounds that

can be accommodated.

Whether your strength is in numeracy, languages, science, technology or creative thinking, a career in the international financial services sector may be the perfect fit for you.

The course is industryled, so the education and skills that candidates will develop during the course are those identified as desirable by IFSC employers. “Much of the challenge for employers involves finding workers with the specialised skills and backgrounds they need,” says Brendan Bruen, director of Financial Services Ireland.

“FSI CareerStart is giving a real solution to employers and employees alike – identifying what each needs from the other, and getting the balance right and there are career opportunities in this sector.”

The programme

presents participants with a choice of four options.

Option 1: Certificate Stream – International Financial Services + Certificate in Management Option 2: Certificate Stream - Investment Funds Services + Certificate in Management Option 3A: Diploma Stream – International Financial Services + Certificate in Management Option 3B: Diploma Stream – Investment Funds Services + Certificate in Management You are not restricted to choosing one option, you may apply for more than one of these courses as availability may be limited on your first choice All of the courses are Level 7 higher education awards, which are highly valued by employers and considered core qualifications for working in the sector. The courses are delivered by IBEC Man-

agement Academy and the Institute of Bankers, a recognised college of University College Dublin and the leading education provider for those working in banking and financial services.

Opportunities Throughout the programme, participants will be offered either work experience opportunities in world-class IFSC companies, or mentoring by industry professionals. The placement and mentoring opportunities offer participants a great opportunity to gain extensive knowledge on employers and their requirements, and places participants in an ideal position to demonstrate their new skills and impress a prospective employer.

This is the second year of the programme.

According to Brian

McMahon, Programme Manager for the Careerstart programme, of those who undertook the programme last year, almost two-thirds of the participants are now working, more than half of them employed by the company in which they completed their work placement. “This encouraged us to expand the 2011 programme, which offers 160 places.”

To be eligible to take up a place on the FSI Careerstart programme, applicants must meet one of the following criteria – be on the live register and claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Benefit, or signing for credits, or claiming One Parent Family Payment.

To apply for FSI CareerStart 2011, visit www.fsicareerstart.ie. For more information, contact 0818 333113or email info@fsicareerstart.ie

15 September 2011 GAZETTE 21

Supported by AIB

Interview: Rosie Gallagher (F.C.P.A. C.Dip. A.F.) Accredited Mediator

Rosie rises to the top in mediation ROSIE Gallagher is an accredited mediator with her own accountancy business, Citywide Consultants and Mediators (CWCM), which she set up in 2001.

During the last ten years, she has built up her expertise as a mediator through her involvement with conciliation between people seeking loan deals and also working as a consultant for the banking industry.

In this role she acted as a mediator/conciliator between the banks and their clients.

She also worked with the Free Legal Advice Centre and (FLAC) and Money Advice Bureau Services (MABS).

She is also a Family Law Mediator and has expanded her service to cater this area.

She has many years of experience dealing in conflict situations, varying from issues in civil and commercial matters, such as business break-up, insurance and employee issues, right through to family matters such as separation and divorce, children’s issues and solutions for looking

after the elderly.

Prior to setting up her own business, she worked in banking, both domestic (TSB, where she was assistant manager) and in corporate banking as senior lending executive with ICC Bank.

While working as a senior lending executive with ICC Bank, she was head-hunted by the IDA --------------------------

‘This training was so successful that the staff were awarded Banking Diplomas bringing them up to European standards’ --------------------------

and was selected from a large number of nations to set up the lending arm of The Development Bank of the Seychelles.

Here she trained a staff of 250 people, through lectures and on-the-job training.

This training was so successful that the staff

were awarded Banking Diplomas, bringing them up to European standards.

During this time, she developed her mediation skills, as she managed international mediation between foreign banks.

Working in the Indian Ocean region, she was on the welcoming committee for diplomats arriving in the Seychelles.

She also attended business meetings in the various Embassies where she mediated on behalf of the Development Bank of the Seychelles, with heads of state and finance ministers of visiting countries.

Her company, CWCM, provides a confidential service, using experienced staff, to help those who are in dispute or experiencing conflict.

Citywide Consultants and Mediators boasts a team of professionals that include accredited mediators, accountants, barristers and social workers.

It also offers a choice of solicitors in order to legalise the agreements reached after a successful mediation.

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS

HAVE AN ARF Q – Recently retired, I have just taken out an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) and have been told I must take this “imputed distribution” of 5% of the fund each year. Is this true – I don’t really want to touch the fund as I am still relatively solvent and don’t want to touch this fund ? John – Gormanstown A - Unfortunately, whether you take this income or not, you will be liable for income tax, PRSI and Universal Social Charge on the 5% of the fund in the same way as if an actual ARF withdrawal or imputed distribution had been made. When you retire, depending on the scheme and the fund value, you have three choices of execution.

1. Annuity – basically a fixed deposit interest rate set at the time of retirement and that never changes. The insurance company gets to keep the fund when you pass away. So the idea is to outlive the interest e.g. € 200k fund at 5% will give a pension of € 10k. Live beyond 20 years and you have taken over €200k from the fund.

2. Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) – more choice with your investment options plus you MUST take 5% of the fund each year BUT when you die, the ARF goes into your estate for redistribution.

3. Cash – there are certain rules with this e.g. you MUST have € 120k in a Approved Minimum Retirement Fund (AMRF) until age 75 over which amount you can encash at your marginal rate of tax AFTER you have taken your 25% tax-free lump sum ( maximum now € 200k). Therefore, I would take the imputed distribution and either invest the money in a medium-term deposit account ( best rate 4.29% AER for an 18-month account ) or spend it.

CREDIT CARD MESS Q – I have three credit cards, all of them maxed out. I am still able to pay the minimum amount each month for each card but it is getting more difficult as other debts are mounting. I have tried transferring them, but no credit card company will allow the transfer. I am at my wits end – any suggestions ? Rob - Adamstowns Rosie Gallagher

A - Most of the credit card companies offering credit card balances transfers have both relatively low limits and strict credit guidelines. The Irish

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

A: A Hairdresser Q: What was your first job?

A: Ansbacher bank Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: £30 per week Q: When did you start your present job?

A: 2000 Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Working with people. It is always challenging

Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’?

Credit Bureau (ICB) in Clonskeagh Dublin 14 is their

A: The long hours Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Horse racing Q: What sport can you play?

A: Cycling Q: What is your guilty music/TV or movie pleasure?

A: Quiz programmes Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward?

A: Neither Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: All of the above

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Nobody, don’t believe in it

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: Fashion, food and enter-

Q: What was your last Tweet/status update?

A: Do not know, probably

tainment

first port of call to check your credit history.

Any blemishes, a missed payment and the refusal is guaranteed. Your debts are starting to mount so now is the time to communicate and negotiate with your creditors. Speak to them individually and try and come to an agreed arrangement. You will

business promotion

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: 30+

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: On the French Riviera,

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Travel across Australia for

all your assets, liabilities, income and whether your

lots of wine with two good friends

2-5 years

Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna?

A: Neither, could I swap for Bob Geldof?

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: Mediation Q: What do you plan to do when you retire?

A: Travel

need a fully detailed income and expenditure analysis plus a certified statement of affairs showing tax affairs are in order. For further information or a consultation, email me.

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 15 September 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Breaking up the DublinWest Cork highway!

Great deals on offer on top beach holiday destinations like the Maldives, St Lucia and Cuba

TRAILFINDERS is offering a complimentary upgrade to full-board at Olhuveli Beach and Spa Resort in the Maldives from €1,629 per person (saving over €140 per person), based on two sharing. Available for selected departures from October 4 to 24, the price includes return flights from Dublin (via London Heathrow and Doha) with Qatar Airways, seven nights’ accommodation in a deluxe room on a full-board basis, resort speedboat transfers, taxes and surcharges.

A beautiful and romantic island retreat located on the tip of South Malé Atoll, Olhuveli Beach and Spa Resort offers stunning beaches, abundant sandbanks and superb recreational activities. Facilities include a selection of restaurants and bars, two large pools and an excellent watersports centre, with kite-surfing, wake boarding, big game fishing and dolphin safaris, to name but a few. A large, shallow blue lagoon surrounds the whole island, which also makes it great for snorkelling. For more information, see www.trailfind ers.ie or phone 01 677 7888 / 021 464 8800.

Tropical Sky

Tropical Sky is offering seven nights on an allinclusive basis at the four-star Coconut Bay Resort and Spa in St Lucia from €1,169 per person (save €410 per person). Valid for selected departures in September and October, the price includes flights from Dublin (via Gatwick) with British Airways, accommodation with a complimentary room upgrade, resort transfers, taxes and surcharges. Set along the exotic Savannes Bay, facilities include an on-site water park, three pools, four floodlit tennis courts, fitness room, spa with 12 treatment rooms, steam room, sauna and a selection of fine restaurants The same tour operator is offering a 10-night city and beach getaway to Cuba from €1,199 per person (save €390 per person). Available for selected departures in September and October, the price includes flights from Dublin (via Gatwick) with Virgin Atlantic, accommodation split between three nights at Hotel Sevilla in Havana on a bed-and-breakfast basis, and seven nights at Breezes Varadero on an all-inclusive basis, resort transfers, taxes and surcharges. The Hotel Sevilla is the ideal base for those wanting to explore Havana and offers a gym, swimming pool and rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city. Breezes Varadero is located on the worldfamous Varadero Beach and offers a selection of watersports, jacuzzis and golf course. For more information, see www.tropicalsky.ie or phone 01 8077996 / 068 56800.

CORMAC CURTIS

After years, nay, decades, of complaining about the various bottlenecks on the Dublin-Cork road – Kildare, Monastervin, Abbeyleix, Mitchelstown etc. – the long-awaited motorway between the capital and the so-called ‘real’ capital of Ireland is now very much a reality.

So, the seven-hour drive to west Cork, for instance, has now been assigned to the “tell us about driving to Baltimore in the old days, granddad” category.

This is, in itself, a huge relief, but, along with satnav and GPS, the convenience of the non-stop drive has taken a little of the mystery out of holidaymaking at home.

In an effort to break up my family’s annual pilgrimage to West Cork for two weeks in August, we decided to stop off somewhere around Cork city for a night or two before descending on my mother-in-law’s house in the country.

As family attractions go, it’s hard to look past Fota Wildlife Park when it comes to getting kids excited.

The idea of seeing exotic animals from Go Diego Go up close and personal conjured up some magical anticipation in my four and fiveyear-old daughters.

Finding somewhere to stay was pretty straightforward; Cork city is not short of quality accommodation.

Instead of staying in the city itself, we decided to try the Radisson SAS on Little Island – it’s just off the Ring Road that brings you around the city and on to West Cork and Kerry, which meant we wouldn’t have to deal with any city traffic.

As usual, a few lastminute hiccups meant I was travelling with the kids while their mother took care of some business-related issues before catching up with us – translation: daddy brings the kids to the swimming pool at the hotel for an hour or two to use up some of their pent-up energy!

As I mentioned – the road to Cork is a good one these days, so after about two-and-a-half hours we pulled up at the hotel.

The Radisson SAS in Cork cannot be accused of boasting a scenic location – but that really isn’t the point.

Its neighbours may include Harvey Norman and KFC, but the hotel itself has a modern, contemporary design and, once inside, marble, glass and dark wood finishes complement each other and suggest a far more

CHILLING OUT AS well as a very child-friendly swimming area for the kids to enjoy, the Radisson SAS Hotel in Cork also offers a variety of beauty and spa treatments.

The spa offers a secure, unique environment of warmth, comfort and peace.

It features nine treatment rooms with a range of luxurious Elemis treatments and relaxation suites.

There is also a selection of packages available at the Retreat Spa, from oneday to two-night options.

For details, visit www.radissonblu.ie/ cork luxurious setting.

The staff, in true Cork fashion, couldn’t have been more welcoming, and the check-in only took moments; a real bonus when two little girls have just escaped from a car after a long drive!

As a family, it’s always nice to be booked in to a ground-floor room in a hotel, and that’s exactly what happened here – nice touch.

We were given a tworoom family suite, giving the kids the chance to

bounce on their double bed and eat the complimentary frosted cupcakes (like they needed any more energy!) while I unpacked and looked up the swimming pool information.

Bingo! The pool was open until six(ish) for the kids so it was swimming time.

A family changing room would have been nice – but the pool area was so close to our room it was no big deal.

The kids can’t get enough of bubbles and

waterfalls, so they had a blast. It was also nice to see a lifeguard on duty.

Thankfully, it wasn’t too long before Mama arrived, so we all got ready for dinner.

A good deal of thought has gone in to the design of the dining room, even if it has begun to look a touch worn here and there – the seats had lost some of their bounce, for instance.

This is easily overlooked, as our French waiter was charm personified, and the menu

15 September 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs

Becky, Sarah and dad, Cormac, go wild at Fota Wildlife Park, left, and, above, the kids tuck into cupcakes at the Radisson SAS in Little Island, Cork

GETTING BACK TO NATURE FOTA Wildlife Park is set on 70 acres on the scenic Fota Island in the heart of Cork Harbour only 15 minutes from Cork City (top 10 in the best cities to visit in the Lonely Planet guide’s ‘Best in Travel 2010’).

The park is not like an ordinary zoo; here you can come face-to-face with free-roaming animals and birds from all parts of the world. So, whether it’s a kangaroo that hops in front of you, or a ring-tailed lemur that jumps down from a tree, each visit is sure to bring its own fantastic memories.

For more, visit www.fotawildlife.ie, or call (021) 481 267

had a great selection of kids’ options – not just smaller portions of the main menu.

As for the grown-ups, starters of crispy duck leg confit with sautéed savoy cabbage, smoked bacon and a port wine reduction, along with a baked goat’s cheese salad with mixed grapes, fig and lime chutney and cherry balsamic dressing were delicious.

When it came to the main course I went for a slow braised shank of lamb with colcannon,

roast root vegetables and red wine gravy, while the other side of the table opted for roast breast of corn-fed chicken and confit leg with parsnip puree, broad beans and jus roti. To say we finished our meal completely satisfied would be a gross understatement to say the least.

The only distraction during our meal was the swing-and-slide set just outside that the kids had spotted – a very nice touch to have such a simple activity for the

little ones to burn off the ice-cream they devoured after dinner!

Parents and kids retired to our rooms, ready for a good night’s sleep.

I’m a big fan of blackout blinds and our rooms didn’t let in the slightest chink of light, so we all slept soundly and woke just in time for breakfast.

After a terrific feed, we set off to Fota Wildlife Park – and what an experience that was.

From the meerkats as you enter the park, to the cheetahs chasing their

lunch at feeding time, this was a huge success.

As I mentioned – a good grounding in Go Diego Go in recent years has made my daughters expert in everything from baby jaguars and penguins, to sloths and baboons; I was truly impressed with how much the kids recognised.

A family could spend a whole day here enjoying the wildlife, as well as the various arts and crafts that the kids can dip and out of along the way – there’s even a train if it gets a bit

much for the little ones.

After our long and busy day, including a family visit along the way, we all enjoyed another great night’s sleep, another great breakfast, and another great swim before we headed on to West Cork for the rest of the holiday.

It has to be said that, even though there were weddings on both nights at the hotel, it didn’t interrupt our visit in the slightest, and we’ll be hearing about the zoo for a long time to come!

Plan a getaway to the beautifully plush surroundings of Tankardstown House in Meath STAY in the plush surroundings of Tankardstown House in Meath any Wednesday and Thursday, and visit Newgrange followed by the battle of the Boyne site with the hotel’s compliments.

Immerse yourself in archaeology and history for the day and discuss what has been, and what might have been, over dinner in their A la Carte Restaurant that night, which is located in the Garden Village at Tankardstown. In keeping with the battlefields, sip a glass of Warres Warrior Special Reserve before a sumptuous sleep in one of their plush Main House Heritage bedrooms. Beautifully decorated and extremely spacious, they make for a relaxing night’s sleep.

It costs €180 per person sharing and this rate includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner to the value of €35 per person, followed by a nightcap before bed.

Contact Details: info@ tankardstown. ie or call 0419824621.

The Radisson BLU is turning pink for breast cancer awareness THE Radisson BLU is turning pink for breast cancer awareness month this October . The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin city centre is encouraging everyone to stop, relax and turn their lunch break into a charitable bite for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Radisson Blu Royals are making a donation of €1 to the Irish Cancer Society for every person who orders food, tea or coffee in the hotel’s much-loved Sure Bar during Pink Month.

During last October, Sure Bar served 1,922 customers and, this year, they are hoping even more peckish people stop by to help put a stop to breast cancer.

The hotel will also be selling the famous pink ribbons at reception throughout the month and holding special staff events to give the fundraising a boost on Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 7.

24 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 15 September 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1

GoingOUT GoingOUT MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340

Andrew Linnie and his Swing Orchestra WITH the help of his live jazz band, Andrew promises to bring the very best of Big Band, Broadway, Buble and beyond to the popular south Dublin venue, celebrating a wide range of crooner classics, Big Band standards, and much more, with music from samba to Sinatra sure to provide something for everyoone. The music starts at 8pm on Saturday, September 17, with admission costing €18.

PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Ger Carey Live

THE workings of the teenage brain are a lost mystery ... unless you’re either A) a teenager, or B) Ger Carey, whose latest comic show is set to prove beyond a doubt that he knows what it’s like to be a teenager. Aimed at young people between the ages of 15 and 18, his one-man comic show is set to help teenagers laugh at themselves and the complexities of their lives, as well as seeing their place in the bigger picture of society. Ger also says that grown-ups are welcome. Catch Ger’s show on Monday, September 19; to make a booking, call the box office on 01 231 2929.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Stones in his Pockets

THE award-winning comic tale of a quiet Irish community turned upside down by the arrival of a Hollywood movie shoot is sure to entertain, with two actors cleverly playing all 15 memorable characters in what guarantees to be a great night out. See Stones in his Pockets on Friday, September 16 and Saturday, September 17 at 8.15pm in Draiocht Studio, with admission costing €15/€13 conc.

Gary Oldman is back on top form as a cool-headed, somewhat ruthless intelligence agency figure in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

A deadly game of I-Spy Although something of an ironically-named character, Smiler is an intelligence agency’s best hope of finding a secret Soviet spy Q KATE CROWLEY

DISH du jour, Ryan Reynolds, returns to our screens this week with a new film. Or perhaps I’m mixing him, and that term, up with Ozzy Osbourne, who also graces our cinema screens with an equally Oscar-worthy film.

Reynolds, Osbourne ... you can see how a stunning cinema reviewer might get a little confused and mix them up, with a mind that has to remember ever y thing from reminding Mr Crowley to get going on clearing away autumn leaves in the back garden, to what one was doing back in the 1970s.

Fortunately, here’s something to give me – and a number of other old codgers (or codgerettes?)

– a mental blast from the past, with the release of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (based on the 1974 novel

by John Le Carre).

While younger readers

FILM OF THE WEEK: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy +++++ (15A) 127 mins Director: Tomas Alfredson Starring: MGary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, John Hurt and some of the chilling aspects of life in the 1970s

OUR VERDICT: KATE’S summary note says that this film “has a refreshing reminder that the ’70s also had a lot of menace, in addition to the memorable wallpaper styles and flares”. And who are we to argue? Top marks from The Gazette’s reviewer for what she also describes as “a surprisingly cracking tale” which she also notes treats the audience as intelligent observers, who will enjoy its complexities.

may associate the decade, and the era, with amusing hairstyles and lots and lots – and lots – of orange and brown wallpaper, older readers (and gracefully maturing cinema reviewers) will associate the era with global paranoia.

Amongst other things, it was a time of frosty international relations, and the clinical, deadly Cold War that Soviet agents seemed to be embroiled in on a number of fronts (matched by counterpart British and American agents).

It’s in this icily cold setting of global chess

against Moscow spymasters that Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is set, as the film opens with British spy agency, Circus, in disarray, following a bloody mission in Budapest.

Its head, Control (Hurt) is forced to retire, along with Smiley (Oldman) ... except, of course, that one never retires from one’s duties, and the British government is quick to seek discreet help in uncovering a spy, with Smiley her crumpled choice of agentdetective, of sorts.

The unsmiling Smiley is set to work, one

of the few men to know that the Soviets have a deadly and highly-placed agent at work near the top of Circus, with all of the potentially disastrous and double-crossed consequences that implies.

It’s down to the slightly shabby, yet ruthless Smiley to find the mole, and eliminate him, with a small pool of suspects to monitor and investigate.

However, all the while, the Soviets and Circus continue plotting their next moves in their neverending game of chess, with deadly results for any players that cross paths ...

It’s been a long time indeed since the Cold War seemed like such a hot topic, with wisps of frosty air practically tumbling down from the screen.

Still, although mistrust in governments never quite goes out of fashion, perhaps it’s a timely release for this tale, as its group of shabby and shady pro-

tagonists somehow stepping through events with, potentially, international consequences has some resonance with current economic and political affairs.

As for the film’s 1970s setting, I remember only too well the “joys” of re-threading typewriter ribbons, whacking my fingers with metal keys, shouting into discoloured plastic phones, and creating barely-legible copies of documents using fluttering sheets of blue carbon paper – all of which is brought to life in this surprisingly cracking tale.

I also half-remember the late ’70s television version of Le Carre’s spy novel, but this reimagined version seems to be truer to the tale.

And so, although we now seem to live in a modern world of iPads and Apps, this lost world of I-Spy is certainly worth applying oneself to, given the chance ...

15 September 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING An interesting case to follow Another weebyte game took place in a standard (if meticulously researched and recreated late-1940s) open-world setting, the game’s main characters, played by a variety of real actors – in some cases, famous ones – were filmed with MotionScan, a proprietory system that digitally recorded and recreated every last little muscle tick, gesture and expression of the actor’s.

This created many scenes where, at last, game characters really emoted, on a par with television, theatre and cinema performances.

This enabled gamers to investigate several crimes, ranging from arson to a serial killer’s handiwork, all the while attempting to judge whether characters were being truthful, evasive or downright lying.

Zombie’s dead silly mistake

From boarding houses to shabby bars, old dears to tough gh dames (inset), the downbeat world of LA Noire was a far cry from then Hollywoodland’s heights

Released mere months ago to near universal critical acclaim, one could be forgiven for assuming the developer behind it, Team Bondi, would be riding high on the crest of glorious critical – and financial – waves. Not so.

While not dead, the company has been placed into administration after

incurring significant costs from spending several years developing the title.

However, perhaps more damaging to the company are the very vocal criticisms that have emerged, post-release, of various working practices and management styles at the studio, with significant numbers of complaints

by former staff members, and spouses, creating lots of negative stories in the specialised gaming press.

It will be ironic indeed if a company that developed a game primarily focused on complex investigations is, itself, the subject of a number of investigations, leaving this as an open case to keep an eye on ...

IN KEEPING with the open-world theme of o this week’s main artith cle, many were looking cl forward to the recent fo release of Dead Island re – a luxury hotel island turned deathtrap, filled tu with hungry zombies. w Unfortunately, many PC owners got a shock when the wrong version of the game was released online via Steam, the popular digital distribution service, complete with gamedestroying problems.

The game’s red-faced developers were quick to apologise for what, in hindsight, was a dead silly mistake to make.

gazette

group All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away

.com

IF A week is a long time in politics, six months is, well, a long time for everybody, but can bookend a games company’s most triumphant moment, followed by its unexpectedly rapid decline.

Given the costs of games’ development, and their quarterly importance to parent companies, there is, usually, a tremendous amount of pressure behind the scenes of what may look like a solild-gold hit.

While not a brand-new release, there’s been a surge of renewed interest in the recently-released (and very high-profile) multiplatform title, LA Noire , thanks to the developer behind it entering administration, mere months after rolling out

what was a hit in most global gaming markets.

Set in a post-World War II Los Angeles, and, as the title suggests, LA Noire took part almost exclusively on the wrong side of the tracks in the starstruck city.

It tasked the player with investigating all manner of murders and crimes as a lowly cop, gradually rising through the ranks to uncover far-reaching, rotten conspiracies.

Played out as a very straight-faced title, free of the mischievous adult humour found in similar “sandbox” titles, such as the Grand Theft Auto series, LA Noire was a fascinating (if slightly dull) title, with a look at some superb new technologies that are likely to reappear in gaming.

While much of the

www.

SHANE DILLON

GAZETTE

26 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 15 September 2011

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GazetteSPORT

ORIENT EXPRESS: Local racer blazing trail on Japanese F3 circuit Page 29

COACHING SKILLS: LEGENDARY EXPERT COMING TO PORTMARNOCK FOR CLINIC

Soccer coaching gets a Horst boost next week sport@gazettegroup.com

THE White Sands Hotel in Portmarnock will host a special soccer clinic event from Friday, September 20 to Sunday, October 2, when they host renowned soccer coach, Horst Wein, who will give his unique take on coaching and mentoring young players.

The sessions are designed to help coaches help young players to reach their full potential

and even develop some future stars, while contributing to the playing of the beautiful game.

Horst Wein’s model promotes development over winning at all costs, so that creative, intelligent players flourish and all young footballers get a fair chance to develop to their full potential. It differs from traditional coaching methods in style, substance and in the structure of the competitions that the kids

play. Many of the key elements of the model have been in place in countries like Spain and Holland for many years and more recently in England, Germany, Scotland, Denmark, much of South America and even Australia.

In 1985, when Horst was a master hockey coach, he was invited

by Carles Reixach (who went on to serve as assistant coach to Johan Cruyff) to demonstrate his

Internationally renowned coach Horst Wein will be giving a masterclass in Portmarnock

methods at FC Barcelona.

They liked them so much that they purchased his hockey books, presumably to adapt some games and exercises for football.

The club then encouraged Horst to move from hockey to football where he created the youth football development model and he has never looked

back. To this day the youth coaches at Barcelona still use Horst’s football books.

A coach from Portmarnock, who undertook the course recently, said: “Horst gave a very interesting talk that focused on learning the game well, rather than just about winning the

game. If only all six-yearolds began their career this way then maybe they would reach teenage years loving and appreciating the skills needed, rather than checking their trophy cupboard.

And the same could be said for us coaches, too, if truth be told. Horst was a breath of very fresh and

invigorating air.”

Practical outdoor coaching sessions are at Portmarnock AFC, which is close to the hotel, and full-day attendees on either Saturday or Sunday will receive a certificate.

Prices start at €30 and more information on the event can be found at www.beautifulgame.ie

28 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 15 September 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

RUGBY: SPENCER CUP ROUT SEES MALAHIDE INTO LAST 4

Season ends on defeat for Malahide thirds MALAHIDE cricket club’s third team brought the curtain down on the adult 2011 season with a three-wicket loss at the hands of Railway Union’s seconds.

Railway won the toss and put the village into bat, a task they struggled with and lost wickets early. However, skipper Hamish Manks (42) and Kevin McPhilemy (31) put together a 56-run partnership to stabilise the innings.

Little else, though, was offered in the way of resistance to excellent bowling by Timothy Townend (5-34) and Greg Lambert (3-12) Malahide set a low 121 to win.

In response, Railway had similar struggles with the late season conditions, losing early wickets too. Furqan Ul-Haq (29) and Simon Grehan (29) salvaged the innings and Mukund Ghavre, with an unbeaten 27, helped Railway to their target.

It came a day after the club’s seconds fell to a heavy defeat to Leinster, the division three champions, at Observatory Lane, to leave them still in the relegation mire.

Batting first, Malahide began brightly. A 90-run partnership between Brian Gilmore (69) and Damian Ryan (43) powered them before wickets began to fall.

Michael O’Brien hit a quick 29 and Hamish Manks topped up the runs with an unbeaten 34 to set a very respectable target of 259 to win.

In response Leinster were ruthless with the bat. Joe Byrne hit an unbeaten 141 and, coupled with Peter Johnston’s 51, they set an opening partnership of 146.

Hugh McDonnell’s unbeaten 39 kept Byrne company until the target was reached inside 42 overs. Malahide now require a huge favour from Balbriggan in their match against Civil Service next week to avoid the drop.

Malahide RFC’s prop Darren Morrin on his way to scoring his try that aided his side into the semi-final of the Spencer Cup

Tallaght get ’Hiding SPENCER CUP Malahide RFC Tallaght

56 5

sport@gazettegroup.com

MALAHIDE repeated their good form of the season so far in the Spencer Cup and cruised into the semifinal of the competition with a comprehensive win over their Group 1 rivals. Tallaght, at Estuary Road last week.

Malahide came into the game knowing that a victory would guarantee them a place in the last four.

Conditions were dry but strong, gusting winds threatened to make it a very difficult day to establish any continuity in either sides game.

Malahide suffered an early blow when they lost centre Brian Geraghty to injury inside

the first ten minutes.

However, they were starting to get the upper hand and, when quick ball was recycled in the Tallaght 22, full-back Rory O’Driscoll put left wing Eoin Barber clear to run in in the corner for the game’s opening score on 12 minutes.

Malahide continued to dominate, but i t w a s n ’t u n t i l t h e 25th minute that right w i n g D ave Mu r p hy made a telling incursion in into the line to put O’Driscoll over for Malahide’s second try.

The difficult conditions forced a number of handling errors from the home side during the remainder of the half, but tries from Eoin Barber and flyhalf Mat Barnes moved the home team into a 20-0 lead at the break.

The second half saw

far more accuracy in the home team’s play and they were very quickly on the scoresheet again after a spell of interplay between replacement full back, Colin Corkery, and centre, Richie Forbes, allowed Mick Fitzmaurice to crash over for the try.

Forbes then quickly grabbed a try of his own with a smart blind-side break.

With the score now at 34-0, Malahide started to cut loose and any time Tallaght cleared their lines the Malahide back three returned the ball with interest.

Fur ther tries from scrum half Neal O’Keeffe, two more f r o m D ave Mu r p hy and, the highlight of the scores, a great thirty metre burst from prop Darren Morrin moved

Malahide into a 56-0 lead.

Ta l l a g h t , t o t h e i r credit, were rewarded just on full time when great hands saw them outflank the Malahide defence to get a consolation try. This will be Malahide’s last run-out before they face Clane at home in their opening Leinster League game on Sunday, September 25.

15 September 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29

in association with

From Mondello to Motegi, Japan Making a huge name for himself in F3 is local motor racing star, Gary Thompson. ROB HEIGH spoke to the prodigy on a recent trip back home WE’RE getting used to our talented sportsmen and women going abroad to achieve the success they deserve on a world stage. The opportunities to make a huge mark in your sport often requires you to leave the comforts of home and the limited facilities available to those with the skills to make their mark globally.

One man who has made that jump, and at a very young age, is Malahide motor racing wunderkind, Gary Thompson. The 19-yearold has gone from watching racing at Mondello to flying around the tracks of Japan in their F3 series.

GazetteSport spoke to Gary just after he claimed his first first-place podium finish he has been chasing

since he started racing in Japanese Forumla 3, and he was delighted with the win.

“It’s been a long time coming, for sure. It feels like a long time since the

sport in 2002, when he began to show his promise in the Irish and international cadet class. Even before that, he was desined to make his mark in motor racing.

--------------------------------------------------------

‘In Japan, the racing is at a high level, but it has very little exposure in Europe. You need to let everyone know how well you are doing’

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last win, so it was great to get that. Everyone’s been working really hard for the last few years, and it’s great for it all to finally come together.”

The young driver has shown immense talent since his debut in the

“My dad used to race at Mondello Park in the Formula Opel. I remember from a young age being there, being around the cars and watching racing, sitting in the car and asking if I could drive them when I was about five.

Gary Thompson celebrates his success at the Motegi race track in Japan

Then when I was nine, one day my dad came back from a motor show in Britain, and he had been talking to someone about racing cars, and he realised that was an opening for me to start racing at that age.

“I started driving cadet carts from age 8 to 12, which were 60cc or so. I did one year in Ireland. I ended up in England for races the next year, and I was doing really well, so we decided to keep racing over there as the standard and opportunities were much higher. I raced over there for about four years, before doing two years racing in Europe before I moved to Asia.”

Connections in Asia, through his father and the motor racing fraternity, meant that Gary was able to capitalise on the promise of his form in Europe.

“I started driving in Asia in 2009. Before that, my dad was managing a driver out there. From being out there, my dad had a lot of contacts, and ended up part-owning a team out there, racing Formula BMW Pacific cars. The plan was that I was going to go out there and drive for them in 2009, but, unfortunately, the team folded before the season began. I had all of the contacts, and that seemed to be the best place to develop my career.

“The Japanese part came about after my first

car race in 2009, in a support race to the Asian Grand Prix. I qualified on pole and won the main race. After that, the owner of the KPMG team that I drive for now approached me and offered me a place with their team in Japan, and I accepted.”

Gary is very clear about his ambitions, and how he will achieve them.

“The ultimate goal is to be F1 world champion.

In an ideal world, I would graduate to Formula Nippon next year, which is a place where a lot of drivers come through - Eddie Irvine drove there before he moved on to F1. It’s one step below F1, but it is not really considered on the ladder, from a European point of view.

It’s only solely based in Japan, but GP2 is classed as the main feeder for F1.

“In Nippon, the cars are slightly quicker, the drivers are getting paid. In GP2, you need to put in about €1.5m every year.

“From Nippon, you can progress straight to F1, but there would be a lot of work involved. It is in Japan, it is a high level, but it has very little exposure in Europe. You need to let everyone know how well you are doing. It also helps that the head of the KPMG team is really enthusiastic about motor racing, and he has dreams of putting together an F1 team. So this would seem to be the best road to go down at the moment.”

FastSport

Solheim excitement rises as teams are announced WITH the recent announcements of both the European and American teams, it is now all systems go for The 2011 Solheim Cup, which will be staged for the first time in Ireland on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Killeen Castle this September 23 to 25.

Up to 80,000 people are expected to attend over the six days – three practise days on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and the three days of competition, Friday through Sunday.

Solheim Cup Director, Roddy Carr said: “The Solheim Cup is a truly great golfing spectacle and, with players like Laura Davies and Michelle Wie competing, this unique event is a must-see for sports and entertainment fans.”

A range of anyday and season tickets are available on www.solheimcup.com, www.ticketmaster.ie or by calling with 0818719309.

HQ hosting unique prefinal night bash CROKE Park is hosting a prefootball final bash, FeverPitch, this Saturday, September 17.

Headquarters is opening its doors on the eve of the final to capture the unique atmosphere and offer supporters from Dublin, Kerry and Tipperary a focal point to gather in friendly rivalry on the eve of the final with the cream of

Irish entertainment.

The line-up for the night includes live music from Ryan Sheridan, The Inishturkbeg Collective and The Cuban All Stars, ,along with Dublin bands Royseven and The Riptide Movement, as well as comedy stand-up with Neil Delamere, Fred Cooke and Colm O’Regan, and insight from sporting legends Jimmy Magee and Peter Canavan.

The show begins at 7pm and, for more information, see gaa.ie

30 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 15 September 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

SOCCER: HARRIS DOUBLE HANDS LOCALS FIRST LEAGUE LOSS

Fingal back in action after summer recess FINGAL hockey club have made a series of key signings over the summer month as they look to reclaim a place in the Irish Hockey League via a fifth-place finish in the Leinster league this term.

Ken Treacy returns to the club after a successful stint with Pembroke, which saw him win the IHL, Irish Senior and Junior Cups and help the club to the last 16 of the EuroHockey League.

Former Irish underage internationals, Derek O’Gorman and Brian Gray, also return while Tom Manning, a senior club hurler in his native Kilkenny, has also freed himself up to play a more prominent role.

They begin their campaign against Pembroke at ALSAA on Saturday.

Summerfest set for next weekend THE 2011 Tesco mobile SARI Summerfest, the largest intercultural soccer tournament in Ireland, is set to take part this year at the Garda and Camogie Sports Grounds, in Phoenix Park on September 10 and 11 from 11am to 5pm each day.

The Summerfest will also coinciude with the CONCERN kitefest, where kite flyers from around the world will display their kites and give kite workshops for children.

The two-day festival also includes a wide array of entertainment for all the family.

For more information, see www. facebook.com/sarireland.

Castleknock Celtic seeking ladies talent CASTLEKNOCK Celtic FC’s ladies and girls section are recruiting new talent to the cllub for the soccer season starting later this month.

If you were born in 1996 or earlier, visit the club’s website at www.castleknockceltic.com, and pass on your name and contact details in the How To Join section provided on the site.

The club are also looking to recruit girls born in 2001/2002 to play soccer in the DubliGirls Soccer League.

Portmarnock AFC were stunned by Cabinteely’s second-half brace which ended their perfect start to the season

Port’ stormed by Cabo DDSL U-17 MAJOR 2 Cabinteely FC Portmarnick AFC

2 1

sport@gazettegroup.com

DAVID Harris’ secondhalf double extended Cabinteely’s perfect start to the DDSL U-17 Major 2 season at Kilbogget Park last Sunday, inflicting a first defeat of the campaign on Portmarnock.

The goals capped a superb personal performance for Harris roaming from the right flank to the centre on a day when the remnants of hurricane Katya brought tough conditions, with a strong, swirling and persistent wind.

His second, on the 90th minute, came from the penalty spot and secured the points despite a sublimely whipped Jordan Briggs’ free-kick deep into injury time that gave the Ports some consolation for a battling performance.

Indeed, early on they took the game to the hosts, with Andy Killeen’s cross causing havoc at both front and back posts, while Luke Kavanagh’s pile-driver took a wicked deflection before skipping out for a corner.

Kavanagh, once again, applied a sharp snap-shot to a dropping ball soon after that Cabo keeper Neil Costello did well to

A big shout: Malahide host their Rugby World Cup breakfast MALAHIDE Rugby Club hailed the start of Ireland’s Rugby World Cup campaign with an early-morning breakfast at the club, when the boys in green opened their campaign against the USA at Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth last weekend.

Though the match had it’s ups and downs, the supporters were delighted to be able to cheer on the team in the clubhouse and have a hearty meal on hand to fuel the cheers.

Full gallery next week

catch on the dive.

His defence of Ger Hartigan and Ross Miller were certainly the busier at this stage as the hosts took their time to grow into the game.

Initially limited to potshots, which regularly succumbed to the breeze, range was found and right full-back Paul Murray produced the pick of the efforts, stinging the palms of Mark O’Connor.

The rebound fell the way of Ciaran McDermott but he could not get enough on it and O’Connor mopped up the double save.

But Cabinteely carried that momentum into the second half and hit the

front in the 57th minute when a right-wing corner found its way to Harris 12 yards out and he swivelled smartly to fire across O’Connor’s bows and into the bottom left of the net.

It came during the Whites’ golden patch and they would have been a couple clear but for O’Connor’s agility, keeping out Jack Kelly and Harris with a pair of brilliant saves with his legs.

Comfort is a rare thing on a one-goal lead and the Ports stormed back into contention. Aaron Mulvey almost nipped in from a loose kick-out but floated his effort inches over, while a couple of

goal-mouth scrambles saw sub Darragh Scanlon’s volley dip over.

On the counter, Harris’ superb run and cross went just beyond Sean Allen but they got the decisive strike when Harris again ghosted into the area and turned on a sixpence to draw a foul on the baseline and the key penalty.

He sent O’Connor the wrong way as the clocked ticked past 90 minutes.

Briggs, an excellent scheming presence for Portmarnock all through, did find the net from 30 yards soon after but it was too late to have an impact on the destination of the points.

15 September 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31

in association with

LADIES’ FOOTBALL: 2010 DEMONS DISPELLED

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST SYLVESTER’S The ladies’ team won the junior

The intermediate hurlers had a

championship final over St Maur’s,

fantastic victory over Peregrine’s

going one step further than last

to progress to the semi-final of the

year in what was a tremendous

championship. The junior hurlers

achievement for everyone con-

also made it their championship

cerned in this vibrant section of

semi-final with victory over Naomh

the club. They start their Leinster

Olaf.

campaign against St Anne’s of Wexford this week.

There was no joy for the intermediate football team who were

We wish our inter-county foot-

defeated in the Joy Cup final by

ballers, Micheal McCarthy, Conor

Na Fianna. They play Ballyboughal

Meaney and Eoghan Boyne, every

next weekend and a win would put

success next weekend. We are all

them in with a chance of making the

proud of their achievements.

league play-offs.

The juvenile section will be out in force next Saturday fundraising with their All-Ireland forecast.

Please support them.

The nursery is back in action this week and help is always welcome.

The lotto numbers were 20, 5, 14 and 6. There was no winner.

FINGAL RAVENS St Sylvester’s junior ladies were on top form as they claimed the Junior A championship title. Picture: GAApics.com

LOTTO: Numbers drawn were 14,

will take place on Sunday, Septem-

28, 33 and 40. There was no jackpot

ber 25 at 2pm at Kinsella’s Bridge ,

winner.

Lispopple. Please get your sponsor-

The following each receive €20:

Syl’s juniors claim championship title JUNIOR A C’SHIP FINAL St Sylvester’s St Maur’s

6-9 4-6

sport@gazettegroup.com

LIVING up to the epic 2010 junior A final was always going to take somthing extra, but the 2011 vintage is likely to live on just as long in the memory as Fingal neighbours, St Sylvester’s and St Maur’s, served up a shoot-out for the ages.

Having fallen 7-9 to 5-9 a year ago to Raheny, the Malahide women came back with a vengeance, aided by an inspirational 4-6 from Dublin star Sinead Aherne, to overturn the painful memories in some style.

They scarcely had it their own way, though, as the ever-graceful Olivia Leonard and Jane Butterly regularly pegged Syl’s back to within three points, the former’s pair of goals making it a roller-coaster finish.

But a late surge carried the night, with Kim

White - one of a number of the Syl’s U-16 side that won their Division Two title on Sunday evening - flying forward to finally close out the tie.

The Malahide women got off to a dream start when Aherne’s deflected left-foot effort handed them an early goal and, when she added another powerful major, despite the close attentions of Gemma Thorne, the writing looked on the wall at 2-2 to no score with just nine minutes gone.

But Maur’s worked their way back into the tie, Leonard registering a pair of frees that sandwiched a Butterly point.

Aherne calmly stroked home a penalty but Butterly’s oppor tunism showed Maur’s also had a goal threat in them and, while Niamh McEvoy’s thunderbolt left ten in the difference at the break, belief was high that they could threaten.

Only for some superb Syl’s defence, Niamh

Harney to the fore, were they not closer but they started the comeback trail early in the second half.

Pulling the strings in midfield, the McGuinness’s, Shauna and Eadaoin, laid on a razorsharp attack that saw Leonard’s shot blocked superbly by Lisa McIntyre but only fell as far as Butterly to poach another goal.

In range And they were in range when Roisin O’Mahony’s penalty rebounded kindly to Leonard, allied to an earlier pair of points, made it 4-6 to 3-6 with 20 minutes left.

Sylvester’s response was immediate, Treacy providing an inviting pass for Aherne and the All-Star showed some delightful ground skills to round the last defender and fire home.

Amid a scramble, Leonard punched in her second goal, en route to a

personal total of 2-5, and the game was back in the melting pot.

But Syl’s finished the stronger. McEvoy – who only returned from a stint in the US football and camogie championships at 6am on the morning of the match – showed her light feet to flit into space off Aherne’s shoulder to point.

L u c k , m e a nw h i l e , was deserting Maur’s as Leonard cracked the bar while Walls smothered Niamh Conway’s rebound.

Aherne’s raw pace causes problems at all levels and it helped set her up for an insurance point from a free before sub Diane McIlhagga smacked the bar once more.

It proved a sighter for the corner-forward as she popped over her second effort for 5-9 to 4-6 on the hour before White got an injury-time goal to add an extra gloss to the scoreboard.

Brian Duffy, Pat Norton, Damien McGovern.

Next week’s jackpot now stands at €2,526.

Committee meeting on Thursday in Kettle’s Hotel at 8pm.

ship cards from your mentors.

Due to the large volume of requests that we have received, and the number of tickets that we have been advised that we will be allocated for the All-Ireland final, the committee have decided that

Congratulations to our U-12 and

only members who have ordered

U-14 girls’ teams who both won

tickets through the club so far this

their championship matches last

year will be entered into the draw

Sunday. Well done to all the girls

for the tickets that we do receive.

and their mentors.

The draw will take place on Fri-

Annual duck-race and crosscountry challenge for all age groups

day evening in the clubrooms at 7.30pm.

FINGALLIANS THE final countdown: the club would

membership application form on

like to wish Paul Flynn and the Dub-

www.fingallians.ie

lin senior and minor teams the very

All-Ireland Football Final Tickets

best of luck next Sunday in Croke

will be distributed to members on

Park.

Thursday night from 9.30pm in the

Congratulations to Catherine

club. The lucky members must pick

Walsh who won a bronze medal at

up and pay for their ticket on the

the Paracycling World Champion-

night. Follow the club on twitter for

ship in Denmark last Friday.

up to date ticket information this

The sun was shining on The Fingal-

week.

lians Family Funday on Saturday.

Fingallians’ Colours Night takes

There was a great festival atmos-

place on this Saturday, Septem-

phere of sport, music, entertain-

ber 17. This is one of the best social

ment and fun. The club would like

occasions in the club calendar.

to thank the volunteers and staff

Bia, Craic agus ceol. There will be

that made the day a great success.

a barbecue on the night and a live

Thanks also to all the members and

band followed by DJ Shay. Warm-up

non members who attended. If you

for the big game at Fingallians and

attended as a guest and would like

wear your county or club colours

to join the club, please download a

with pride.

Follow GazetteSport on Facebook and Twitter and at www.gazettegroup.com

ALL OF YOUR MALAHIDE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

SUPER SPENCER: Malahide complete group stages of cup with huge victory P28

NEED FOR SPEED Making waves in Japanese F3 P29

GazetteSPORT

St Sylvester’s claimed the junior A football title with victory over St Maur’s. PIcture: GAApics.com

SEPTEMBER 15, 2011

Syl’s pair propel side to championship final Malahide duo add junior final place to their autumn achievements after international cup victory in Australia STEPHEN FINDLATER malahidesport@gazettegroup.com

IT’S shaping up to be quite the month for Malahide pair Aimee Hazley and Sinead Treacy. Just ten days since helping Ireland to the first-ever women’s Aussie Rules International Cup, the duo produced a midfield masterclass to power their club St Sylvester’s to the Junior A ladies’ football championship title.

It is quite an achievement for the Broomfield side, reaching back-to-back finals since reforming as a single entity after a couple of seasons working in tandem with Naomh Mearnog.

Twelve months ago, Syl’s fell in a classic to Raheny and last week’s battle with Naomh Maur was of similarly epic proporations, Sinead Aherne’s player-of-the-match performance helping the side to a 6-9 to 4-6 victory.

It left Hazley the honour of raising the cham-

pionship trophy but, speaking afterwards, she was quick to praise the Rush opposition, who played their part in making this a thrilling night at Lawless Memorial Park in Swords.

“It just happened on the night for us,” she said. “We were in this position twelve months ago and, more or less, it was about the same score when Raheny beat us and it was heartbreaking.

“But there has to be a winner on the night.

Maur’s are a great young side, like a lot of our own girls, but it is a really good win for Sylvester’s and we have a great number of girls coming up.”

Victorious For Hazley, as well as midfield partner Sinead Treacy, it was a second trophy in two weeks as they were part of the Irish Aussie Rules side who claimed the inaugural women’s International Cup in Australia.

Both could also play a strong role in the Aisling McGing Senior B championship final in a fortnight’s time with Dublin, making this an extra-special moment for the pair, but the importance of club is always close to Hazley’s heart.

“Being out in Australia and winning a world championship, that’s something else. But to come back home, where it all began and where the heart is — that’s how we get the breaks that we get.

“We have Dublin in two weeks for the AllIreland against Cork and, please God, we can get another trophy in the bag. May luck stay on our side but, like I say, it starts here with Sylvester’s.”

A Leinster championship campaign is in the offing now for Sylvester’s, providing yet another avenue for Hazley and Treacy – as well as the rest of their clubmates – to possibly add more silverware to the club’s trophy cabinet.