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INSIDE: A Wright rocking global celebration P10
Football: Sylvester’s set for return of championship Page 32
Sports Awards: September nominees are announced Page 29
GALLERIES ....................10 MOTORS ........................19 BUSINESS .................... 21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
ENTERPRISE WEEK: The inaugural
Dublin Food Forum See Pages 8 & 9
Local groups get big funding boost Q MIMI MURRAY
ALSOINSIDE:
September 29, 2011
LOCAL charities and voluntary groups in north Dublin got a major boost this week when they were awarded funding through Dublin Bus’ Community Support Programme. The grants ranged between €1,000 and €5,000. Amongst those who received funding was the Malahide Justice
and Peace Group, which was awarded €2,000, as was Malahide United Football Club. Meanwhile, Balbriggan North Youth Club was awarded €1,000 while the Dublin All Stars Marching Band was given €2,000 and the Balbriggan Youth Service was awarded €5,000. Full Story on Page 6
On yer bike: Star Brendan lends support for local charity cycle IRISH actor Brendan Gleeson may be a global star but he still makes time to support local charities. The Malahide resident waved off 130 gardai from different stations as they set off on a charity cycle in aid
of St Francis Hospice. He wished all the cyclists the best of luck in the event, which started at the new St Francis Hospice in Dublin 15 and then on to Kilkenny in one day. Full Story on Page 7
A PERFECT SETTING FOR FAMILY FUN
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2 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29 September 2011
With a setting in rolling countryside and with views of a spectacular golf course, the five-star Heritage Golf and Spa Resort in Laois is a huge hit with families. Dawn Love reports. TRAVEL, PAGES 22-23
COUNCIL: PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
KINSEALY: WORKS
No funds to extend footpath A much-needed footpath will not be laid in Kinsealy due to lack of funds. Fianna Fail Cllr Eoghan O’Brien asked that the council extend the footpath around the corner of the church at the junction of Chapel Lane and Malahide Road, Kinsealy, in the interest of safety. “These works have been included on the works programme, which is funded by the National Disability Strategy Fund. However, no funding was received from this fund for 2011. The works will be carried out as soon as funding becomes available,” the council told a Malahide/Howth area committee meeting recently.
No-go for Holywell school crossing
Members of Irish Transplant Team with RTE’s Vivienne Traynor and husband Justin Treacy from Skerries (centre) with Lenny Ryan (Tallaght), Peter Heffernan (Skerries) Ben Gaughran (Skerries), Owen Kelleher, Colin White, Race Organiser, Irish Kidney Association (Balbriggan), Harry Ward (Baldoyle), John Moran (Glasnevin) and Allsun Henderson (Castleknock)
DONOR AWARENESS: IRISH KIDNEY ASSOCIATION’S RUN FOR A LIFE
Husband and co-workers help Vivienne support run Q MIMI MURRAY
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RTE Courts reporter Vivienne Traynor, from Skerries, had planned to take part in this year’s Irish Kidney Association’s Run for a Life to highlight organ donor awareness. But Vivienne, who donated a kidney to
her nephew just over two years ago, found the date of this year’s run – Sunday, October 23 – clashes with another important event. It is the same day she is due to give birth to her baby. Keen to support the event however, she enlisted the help of her husband, RTE Sports News presenter Justin Treacy. Justin is planning to take part in the Fun Run, if he is not needed in the labour ward that day. Vivienne and Justin met athletes from the Irish Transplant Team at the ALSAA Sports Complex, Dublin Airport, this week where Justin hoped to pick up a few tips on training for the run.
He hopes to be joined in the Run for A Life by colleagues from RTE who, along with other journalists who work with Vivienne in the courts, have promised to do the run on her behalf. Donating a kidney two years ago has proved no barrier to having a fourth child for Vivienne. “One additional check up with my nephrologist was the only requirement,” she said. The transplant of her kidney to her nephew, Martin, has been a huge success for both donor and recipient, she said. “Justin was hugely supportive around the time of the kidney donation and he had no hesitation in stepping in
for me to take part in the run,” she said. The TV duo are used to working as a team, having previously presented news bulletins together on RTÉ Two both before and after their marriage seven years ago. Run for A Life coincides with the European Day for Organ Donation and Transplantation, held in Geneva on the previous day. The European campaign aims to highlight the increasing need for organ transplants all across Europe. Those participating in the Fun Run will have the option of walking, jogging or running competitively in either a 3.4km, 6.7km or 10km event in Park
West, Dublin 12, commencing 12 noon. The day is open to all members of the general public. There will also be an option to enter a team of three in a 3 x 3.3km Team Relay Race. Registration (to include t-shirt and participant medal) will be €15 for adults and €10 per child, and a family of two adults and up to four children can register for €35. Teams (three participants) entering for the relay can register for €40. For registration and further details, log on to www.runforalife.ie For organ donor cards Freetext DONOR to 50050 or LoCall 1890 543639.
THERE is no funding available for a pedestrian crossing at the school in Holywell estate, Fingal County Council said recently. Fianna Fail Cllr Eoghan O’Brien asked that a pedestrian crossing be placed at the location in the interest of safety for both school-going children and for parents. “The Traffic section has been liaising with the principal of the Educate Together School in Holywell in order to determine the most appropriate measures necessary to ensure pedestrian safety. It is reported that currently there are 90 pupils attending this school, the majority dropped by car. “The principal was very interested in the Walking Bus Scheme and has undertaken to establish travel routes of pupils and will liaise with the recently formed Parents’ Association with a view to determining the level of interest in establishing a Walking Bus Scheme. “Work is due to commence on the permanent school building in January 2012, with a completion date of September 2012. When the new school building has opened, this matter can be revisited,” the council said.
29 September 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 3
PHOTOGRAPHY ‘Fear of it All’ takes third place
Malahide native snaps up big win in contest A MALAHIDE man has taken home one of the top prizes in the global epilepsy photography competition that took place on September 21, 2011. Twenty-year-old James Leahy, a native of Malahide and a student at the Dublin Institute of Technology, brought home the third prize in the prestigious international photography competition that raises awareness of epilepsy. James’s photo, entitled Fear of it All, finished ahead of over 300 entries from all corners of the world in the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) photo competition Epilepsy Without Words. “I have always been interested in design and photography. Since I was diagnosed with epilepsy at 13, it has helped me to express my feeling when I am angry or upset about having epilepsy. “When I found out about the photo competition through Brainwave – The Irish Epilepsy Association, I knew that I had to enter. I had just finished a project for my course at DIT and my mum recommended that I enter one of the photos I did for that called ‘Fear of it All’,” James said. The photo expresses the feeling of anger and fear of having to go back to hospital because of epilepsy. The photo includes James’s MRI scan and some of his hospital identification wristbands. It also includes a photo of James himself laid over the brain scan. “I didn’t expect to win
of course, so, when I heard that I had finished third, I was overjoyed,” says James. Peter Murphy, from Brainwave – The Irish Epilepsy Association, was one of seven judges in the competition. “We’re delighted to have an Irish winner in the competition and we hope that James’s photo, as well as many of the others submitted, will be useful in helping to raise awareness of epilepsy, which is an often misunderstood condition.” Over 37,000 people in Ireland have epilepsy, making it the most common serious neurological condition. Epilepsy is characterised by unprovoked seizures involving abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures take many forms, differing from one person to another, and are usually dependent on which part of the brain the discharge of electricity originates. Some of the more common causes of epilepsy include head injuries, strokes, brain infections and birth defects. However, in up to half of all cases, no cause can be found. Epilepsy is a treatable condition and up to 70% of people can become seizure-free through medication or, in some cases, surgery. However, Brainwave estimates that a minimum of 10,000 people still have uncontrolled epilepsy in Ireland. For this group in particular, the condition is a source of major longterm, yet often hidden disability, and one that
James Leahy brought home the third prize in the prestigious international photography competition that raises awareness of epilepsy.
can lead to stigma and discrimination. James’s photo was recently displayed at the International Epilepsy Congress in Rome, an event attended by over 4,500 doctors and epilepsy advocates from around the world. His artistic skills with the camera have earned James a welldeserved $500. Having just returned from working in the US for the summer, he now plans to continue with his studies in visual communications at DIT and
to hopes to become seizure-free. All the photographs submitted to the competition, including the prizewinners are available to view on the IBE website, www.ibe-epilepsy.org. The IBE is an international organisation of laypersons and professionals interested in the medical and non-medical aspects of epilepsy. For more information on epilepsy, see www. epilepsy.ie the website of Brainwave – The Irish Epilepsy Association.
COUNCIL: COMMITTEE MEETING Detailed list of local flower bed locations FINGAL County Council gave a detailed list of its flower bed locations in Malahide at a recent area committee meeting. In Malahide, they planted in Ard na Mara, Sylvesters Villas, The Green, the Grand Hotel, adjacent to the Tennis Club, Island View and Biscayne. In Portmarnock, they planted in Martello estate and in Baldoyle Church, Dublin Street and Burrowfield Road in Baldoyle. The council also provides bedding plants, fer tiliser and waterretaining gel for containers and flower beds to residents groups and to Tidy Towns groups in Sutton, Baldoyle and Malahide.
4 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29 September 2011
FOOD: INEXPENSIVE, TASTY AND GREAT MEALS
Local duo offering top cooking tips T WO e n t e r p r i s i n g Fingal residents, Tony O’Reilly and Lorcan O’Toole have teamed up to show aspiring home chefs how to cook inexpensive, tasty and enjoyable meals. Tony is a professional chef and presenter with over 20 years experience while Lorcan has a lot of experience, both behind and in front of the camera, but not a lot of cookery skills.
Challenge Tony has taken on the challenge of teaching Lorcan how to cook and they are videoing the whole thing. Each week they present a different dish using readily avail-
able ingredients, locally sourced where possible.
Inviting What’s more, they are inviting anyone who wants to have a meal prepared in their home to contact them. “We’ll be only too happy to come to anyone’s home and show them how to prepare a tasty meal. “All they have to do is provide the main ingredients and let us video the event. “ We d o n ’t c h a r g e anything for the lesson,” said Tony. All their videos and many other recipes are available online on w w w.oreillysrecipes. com
Flights of fancy: Local airmen’s new skills IT WAS certainly a busy week for north county Dublin aviators, as some of our very own, home-grown pilots brought their flight and command skills to impressive new heights. Pictured this week after completing the Aer Arann
Command Development Course at the airline’s Santry headquarters were (from left) Captain Mark Lowry, from Kinsealy, Ross Concannon, from Malahide, Aer Arann’s chief executive, Paul Schütz, and Captain John Broy, from Clontarf.
HSE: COUNCILLOR CALLS FOR REPORT
Mental health service challenge Q MIMI MURRAY
malahide@gazettegroup.com
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THERE are going to be challenges to managing acute mental health admissions in north Dublin following the permanent closure of St Ita’s, the Health Service Executive (HSE) said this week. Neither are there plans for a Crisis Intervention Unit within the Mental Health Services in north Dublin, the HSE told a Regional Health Forum. Mayor of Fingal, and Labour Councillor Gerry McGuire, asked the HSE to report on the acute mental health services for north Dublin, having regard to the 50% reduction in the number of acute psychiatric beds from the current 48 beds to 24.
“With this in mind, will the HSE outline where persons who are seeking psychiatric inpatient treatment be accommodated and where emergency psychiatric beds will be provided, noting that all the other mental health facilities are operating to maximum capacity,” he said in a motion he had tabled at the Forum. In its response, the HSE said: “The Mental Health Commission (MHC) imposed… the permanent closure of Acute Unit Male and Acute Unit Female in St Ita’s Hospital – Mental Health Services by no later than September 18, 2011.” Following the closure, “the NDMHS is using a vacant 25-bed unit and day service space at the Community Nursing
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‘The NDMHS will reapply to the MHC to have the newly refurbished acute admissions unit, re-registered as an Approved Centre’ --------------------------------------------------------
Unit, St Vincent’s Hospital, Fairview, and use a six-bed Psychiatry of Old Age Unit in Connolly Hospital for a period of six months. “It is accepted that the NDMHS will have to manage within the allocation of 30 acute beds - 24 general and six Psychiatry of Old Age – and that there will be challenges to manage the acute admissions for north Dublin, with this reduction in acute beds. “To assist with this reduction in beds, the RDO has written to all
area managers in Dublin north-east and requested that all mental health teams have access to all acute beds in HSE Dublin north-east in emergency situations. This is but a reinforcement of current practice whereby consultants contact each other when an acute bed is not available in their own approved centre. “The Executive Clinical Directors have been requested to engage rapidly to develop a protocol which should be followed in such situations. The Executive Clinical Direc-
tor North Dublin will convene this group. “A new out-of-hours nursing service has also been put in place. This will operate from Swords and Coolock and will be available from 5pm to 8pm, Monday to Friday and from 10am to 6pm Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. “It is further proposed to refurbish the existing Admissions Unit at St Ita’s Hospital to meet the standards set out by the Mental Health Commission. The NDMHS will re-apply to the MHC to have the newly refurbished acute admissions unit, re-registered as an Approved Centre. “This will result in a unit containing 38 beds, 32 for General Adult Psychiatry and six for Psychiatry of Old Age.”
29 September 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5
BUSINESS Website for local Chamber
HEALTH LighterLife counsellor changing lives
Taking the stress out of weight management Q MIMI MURRAY
MALAHIDE-based woman, Jacquie Hanson, owner and qualified counsellor of LighterLife Malahide and Maynooth, has helped the people of north County Dublin, Kildare and surrounding areas shed over 1,173 stone in four years. Before opening her LighterLife practice, Jacquie was a personal assistant and qualified aromatherapist. Jacquie discovered LighterLife through a friend in the UK and, after some research five years ago, found there were no LighterLife counsellors in the Republic. Jacquie travelled each week to Lisburn, a turnaround travel time of nine hours
to attend the programme. After completing her own we i g h t- m a n a g e m e n t journey and achieving her goal weight, she was so impressed with the programme and the business model, that she made the life-changing decision to acquire the first franchise in Ireland and set up in Kildare and then Dublin. Jacquie has expanded her business to north Dublin and has introduced an sssociate counsellor, Helen CreeganWalsh into the business. A business woman and former proprietor of four fitness clubs, Helen has been involved in the healthcare arena for the last six years. After her own LighterLife journey, not only was Helen
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very impressed with the business module, she was so delighted with her weight-loss and inspired by the programme that she trained to become a LighterLife counsellor. Helen holds her weekly morning and evening group meetings at Orchard House, Swords Road, Malahide. The meetings consist of counselling in small, singlegender groups designed to help clients discover, address and understand the reasons behind weight gain, whilst developing a new relationship with food. “I’m delighted that, alongside Helen, we are bringing LighterLife to north Dublin. We are living proof that the programme works and both
Helen and I are looking forward to showing the people of north Dublin how they can reach their healthy weight-loss goals, thereafter manage their weight, and change their lives for the better,” Jacquie says. LighterLife takes the stress out of weight management for clients, providing two programmes – LighterLife LITE for those with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 and Lighterlife TOTAL for those with a BMI over 30. Clients are happy once they have made their personal commitment and even happier when they have reached their own personal goal, with the help of the weekly support sessions and ease of the plan.
All Wright: The Global Part takes over local venue LIZ DUNNE and Natalie Rossiter look lovely in white at The Global Party at the Wright Venue recently. The event was just one of the world’s biggest parties that took place in 80 exclusive hand-picked clubs and venues around the world with the elite on the guest list. The Wright Venue was selected as the only venue in Ireland, with all proceeds on the night going to a selection of charities. See Gallery on Page 10
MALAHIDE Chamber of Commerce is developing its new website and one of its main priorities is to ensure that all Malahide businesses are visible on the web. “While we will highlight those who are members of the Chamber, we wish to list all businesses. Eamon Porter, John Byrne and other committee members are currently canvassing businesses to ensure we include your correct data on the new site. If you want to submit data directly, please do so to president@malahidechamber.ie “In addition to collecting information, the survey crew are soliciting your views on what the Chamber can do for you and what your priorities for business going into 2012 are,” Chamber President Al Ryan said.
Family Friendly food and fun at Itsa Malahide
ITSA Malahide is a fantastic family friendly bagel store & coffee shop located right in the centre of Malahide on New Street. They have designed a spacious store with customers in mind and in the process have created a really great local meeting place with a friendly vibe. A selection of signature bagels, salads, soups, smoothies and homemade goodies is on offer, made to itsa own recipes. All their own food is produced in their central kitchen in Sandyford, so soups are extra tasty, goodies and cakes are made with natural ingredients and bagel fillings are always fresh and full of flavour. Chat away in comfort as you sample fair-trade barista coffees and quality teas or even a glass of wine. Visitors to the Malahide store should be sure glance upwards during their visit to
ensure they catch a glimpse of some of the other quirky touches that have been included in the funky, retro store design.
Kids are not forgotten at itsa, - they get their own special bagel selection, kid size treats & juices. A small kids play and activity area has also just been introduced recently - right outside in a covered patio area which is in full view of the main building. The play area is stocked with a play mat and plenty of toys to keep young kids busy
while their parents can sit and enjoy a break and watch their children play. An area close by is allocated as a buggy park and there are baby changing facilities within the café. Customers can also enjoy the added bonus of the free wifi available on site. Non-techies are provided with a fully stocked bookcase with plenty of interesting tomes to read in a quaint little reading nook within the store. Customers are encouraged to bring along their own favourite book to swap with one from the shelves. There will be free face painting in itsa Malahide for the Halloween mid-term with a Fun Day on Saturday 29th October. itsa look forward to welcoming lots of new young customers on the day. www.itsa.ie. Tel: 01 8456744.
6 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29 September 2011
TOURISM: TRAINING WINNERS
Travel agents visit Ireland Q MIMI MURRAY
FIF TEEN top travel agents from around Italy enjoyed a visit to north Dublin recently. Their fact-finding trip was the grand finale of Tourism Ireland’s Irlanda online training programme for Italian travel agents, designed to help them sell holidays to the island of Ireland. Each year, the top-performing ‘VIPS’ (Very Irish People) are selected to visit Ireland on completion of their training. Invited here by Tourism Ireland in Milan, the travel agents got to sample some of what north county Dublin has to offer, including a tour of Malahide Castle and lunch in The Bloody Stream in Howth. Niamh Kinsella, Tourism Ireland’s manager in Italy, said: “As a reward for excelling in their training on selling the island of Ireland, this group of travel agents got to visit north county Dublin. Familiarisation trips such as this are vital as influential travel agents get to experience at first-hand the superb tourism product on offer in this part of Ireland; our aim is that when they return home, the travel agents will be better equipped to advise their clients when planning and booking their holidays. “Italy is an important market for tourism to Ireland and Tourism Ireland has a busy promotional programme in place to grow tourism from this market for 2011, highlighting the island of Ireland as a fantastic holiday destination. The recently announced growth in visitor numbers from Italy of over plus13% 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.”
RETAIL First newly-designed concept store to open in Ireland
River Island opens store in Pavilions
LOCAL shoppers revelled in the new River Island store that opened its doors in the Pavilions shopping centre last Friday. This is an exciting step for the chain of clothing stores, as it is the first newly-designed concept store to open in Ireland. The store will stock women’s, men’s and
kidswear clothing and accessories, as well as the fantastic footwear range and all within a contemporary fashion environment. The store interior is designed in a “rough luxe” style with wooden floors, exposed ceilings, chandeliers and a new LED fascia. Commenting on the new store, Ian Hunter,
centre director: “We are delighted about the arrival of River Island, which brings an added dimension to the wide choice of fashion and other stores available to the consumer at Swords Pavilions. River Island is a strong retailer that consistently delivers the latest trends in fashion, great service and stand-
ards, and is constantly evolving its offer and look as the market place changes” A number of jobs have also been created by River Island and this will add to the 100 new jobs already created in the last year within the centre. This letting will further strengthen the line-up of key national and interna-
tional fashion traders at Swords Pavilions which includes Next, Zara, H&M, Mango, TK Maxx, AWear, Jack & Jones,Vero Moda, Tommy Hilfiger, Pamela Scott, Mego and Best Menswear. Since its acquisition in 2006 by property company Chartered Land, Swords Pavilions has become one of Dublin’s
most successful shopping centres. Located adjacent to the M1 at Swords, the centre comprises over 80 stores and boasts an 11 – screen cinema complex. The centre attracted over 11 million customers last year and continues to show growth this year. Swords Pavilions employs around 1,600 staff across all retail units.
Clean-cut: Youths get stuck in MEMBERS of JCI (Junior Chamber International) took part in a beach cleanup on Saturday, September 17 in the Burrow Beach in Sutton as part of JCI Ireland Active Citizenship Week. JCI Fingal is a leadership development organisation for people in their 20s and 30s and meet every month in The Grand Hotel Malahide. Pictured (back row l-r) are Katie Ryan, Aideen O’Rourke, Cormac Spencer, Eoghan Dockrell, Sinead Behan, Brian Smyth; (front row l-r) Jessica Ferguson, Philip Farmer, Joanna Michalski (President), Lizanne Kelly and John Sheridan. For more information visit www.jcifingal.com
EVENT: OVER 100 CHARITIES AND COMMUNITY GROUPS GET GRANTS
Local charities benefit from Dublin Bus funding Q MIMI MURRAY
malahide@gazettegroup.com
SEVERAL north Dublin charities and voluntary groups have been awarded with funding by Dublin Bus. D u b l i n B u s g i ve s grants to over 100 charities and community groups in the Greater Dublin Area, ranging from €1,000 to €5,000, under its Community Support Programme. Malahide Justice and Peace Group was awarded €2,000, Malahide United Football C l u b w a s aw a r d e d
€2,000, Balbriggan North Youth Club was awarded €1,000, Dublin All Stars Marching Band was given €2,000 while Balbriggan Youth Service was awarded €5,000. A special recognition ceremony held in Croke Park was hosted by RTE Personality, Mary Kennedy, with special guests, Minister of State with responsibility for Public and Commuter Transport, Alan Kelly and chairman of Sunderland FC, Niall Quinn, who honoured the shortlisted groups
for all their hard work and their valuable contribution to their local communities. Now in its eighth year, the event saw a wide variety of charities in the Greater Dublin Area receive funding under the scheme, including a Glenageary GAA club, a youth marching band from Swords and gospel choir in Dublin 1. To date over 1,100 various local community groups and charities have benefited through grants from this initiative. Speaking at the event, Minister Kelly paid trib-
ute to all of this year’s winners saying: “I am truly delighted to support the Dublin Bus Community Suppor t Programme. Those who are being honoured today deserve the highest praise for the work they have done for their community, which of ten goes unrecognised. They are the real heroes of Ireland and I sincerely hope that we always maintain a very strong community spirit and togetherness in our urban communities. This programme can help foster this.”
Commenting on the award winners, chairman of Sunderland FC and Patron of the Community Support Programme, Niall Quinn, said: “It is evident from the winning groups p r e s e n t h e r e t o d ay that the recession has not dampened Dublin’s tradition of community spirit. I have been involved with the Dublin Bus CSP programme as its patron since it began over eight years ago, and I have seen first-hand the difference these grants can make to local commu-
nity groups whose work, though so important, often goes unnoticed. I want to congratulate all the grant recipients and commend them on all their hard work. This day is for you, you deserve it.” Under the terms of the programme entrants submit a proposal with details about their organisation and the project they wish to have funded. Each application is then judged independently and grants ranging from €5,000, €2,000 and €1,000 are awarded.
29 September 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 7
BEST WISHES Funds raised will go to St Francis Hospice
Brendan Gleeson with Sr Margaret Cashman and Ethel McKenna CEO, St Francis Hospice
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‘There is brightness, and a homely feel, there is no sense of doom and gloom, it is just embracing life the way it always does and it is making death a part of life instead of the way we kind of remove it at times; the whole building is crying out in that kind of way. When you know the people who are going to be staffing it, it is an absolute jewel ’ ------------------------------------------------------Hollywood actor Brendan Gleeson cheered on men and women from different Garda Stations, including Blanchardstown
Brendan Gleeson, actor
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Gleeson cheers on 130 gardai in charity cycle Q LAURA WEBB malahide@gazettegroup.com
HE may be one of the biggest A-list actors to ever come out of Ireland, but Brendan Gleeson still makes time to support local charities, and waved off 130 gardai participating in a charity cycle in aid of St Francis Hospice, a charity very close to his heart. Brendan cheered on men and women from different garda stations, including Blanchardstown, when they set off last Wednesday, September 21, to begin a char-
ity cycle from the new St Francis Hospice in Dublin 15 to Kilkenny in one day. Now in its seventh year, the garda cycle is fundraising for St Francis Hospices, with proceeds going to St Francis Hospice in Raheny and its new complex in Blanchardstown, beside Connolly Hospital. Speaking to the Gazette this week, Brendan, actor and Malahide resident, talked of his admiration for the work the team in St Francis Hospice have done for many families, including his own, and
the work they continue to do. Wishing all the cyclists all the best of luck, he said: “Fair play to them, there is 130 of them with wind right in their faces all along the way, it looks gorgeous, but it’s actually kind of blustery out there, so I wish them the best of luck. It is brilliant what they are doing,” the gentle giant said. Vital
St Francis Hospice is very close to Brendan’s heart, as both Brendan’s father and mother were cared for by the team at
hospice in Raheny. He says he admires the work that is done and believes fundraising, like the cycle to Kilkenny, is vital to help run much needed facilities like the hospice. “It was a transformation for me. I remember saying that it renewed my faith in human kindness, and that is absolutely true, because when my folks were going through it, they completely took the burden and they [the team at St Francis Hospice] are a remarkable group of people, they really are. “Everything about the whole ethos of the place
is life-affirming, which is kind of odd when they are dealing with death all the time, but it puts out a new context, it is just pure kindness. They are brilliant professionals in terms of the expertise and how to allow people to pass through, it is unbelievable. I have nothing but admiration for them,” he said. Visiting the new stateof-the-art hospice in Blanchardstown, he said he was amazed to see how it looks. “It is phenomenal, light, air and space, I was staggered by it. I have been trying to
get out during the summer and I haven’t been able to, but being here today I couldn’t believe it, its phenomenal. Embracing
“There is brightness, and a homely feel, there is no sense of doom and gloom, it is just embracing life the way it always does and it is making death a part of life instead of the way we kind of remove it at times; the whole building is crying out in that kind of way. When you know the people who are going to be staffing it, it is an absolute jewel,”
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he added. Finglas Garda Inspector Colm Murphy said fundraising for the dayto-day running of the hospices is vital and, over the years, the cycle has raised money for the Raheny hospice and now it is helping the D15 hospice. “It [fundraising] is vital. The facilities are second-to-none and it is nothing more than they deserve to have, but obviously it takes a lot of money to keep it running so this is just, in some way, giving a little back to help with that process.”
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MATTERS
8 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29 September 2011
EVENT Two hundred guests from the food and agri-food
Fingal Enterprise Week Q MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com
FINGAL Enter prise Week got off to a flying start this week with the first ever Dublin Food Forum. Hosted by Country Crest at their headquarters in Lusk, 200 guests from the food and agrifood sectors across the capital attended the inaugural meeting, organised by the Fingal County Enterprise Board and the Dublin Food Chain to mark Fingal Enterprise Week. Michael Hoey, founder of Country Crest, was one of four key industry speakers alongside Conor Hyde, from the Dublin Food Chain, William Linnane, from Te s c o a n d M i c h a e l Lauhoff, from Bank of Ireland. The Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly, gave the opening address, with the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, Shane McEntee, giving the closing address. According to Oisin Geoghegan, CEO of Fingal County Enterprise Board, the event appealed to both established and emerging food sector businesses. “The Dublin Food For um was the first and largest event of its kind for the food sector in the capital and it was one of the biggest events of Fingal Enterprise Week. “It gave start-up companies and more established businesses an ideal platform to share ideas, exchange information and build contacts with each other through networking.” Country Crest, one of Fingal’s biggest success stories, is a major supplier of fresh and chilled foods to supermarket groups. Hoey, who co-founded the company with his brother, Gabriel, high-
lighted the importance of the Irish food sector to the overall economy. “The growing export market for Irish food demonstrates the crucial role that the sector plays in our overall economic recovery. “Initiatives such as the Dublin Food Forum supports the development of the food industry, which in turn, will reap rewards for Dublin and Ireland,” he said. --------------------------
‘The growing export market for Irish food demonstrates the crucial role that the sector plays in our overall economic recovery. Initiatives such as the Dublin Food Forum supports the development of the food industry, which in turn, will reap rewards for Dublin and Ireland’
Joe Harford, chairperson Fingal County Enterprise Board; PJ Howell, Fingal CoCo; Paddy Lonergan, Bank Of Ireland; Oisin Geoghegan, CEO, Fingal County Enterprise Board and Paschal McGuire, regional director, Enterprise Ireland
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Michael Hoey, founder of Country Crest --------------------------
The Dublin Food Chain is run in conjunction with the Irish Exporters Association and is supported by the four County and City Enterprise Boards in Dublin. Fingal Enterprise Week, which is supported by Fingal County Council, Bank of Ireland and Newstalk and organised by Fingal County Enterprise Board, continues until Friday, September 30.
Caroline Keeling, Keelings Group managing director; Michael Hoey, Country Crest
Fingal County Council Lord Mayor, Gerry McGuire
and David Keeling
welcomes Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly TD
29 September 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 9
sectors attend first ever Dublin Food Forum
gets off to a flying start
Michael Hoey, Country Crest; Joe Harford, chairperson Fingal County Enterprise Board; Oisin Geoghegan, CEO, Fingal County Enterprise Board; William Linnane, Tesco and Gabriel Hoey, Country Crest
Lisa Murphy and Gerald Kean, chairman of Country Crest
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Ed Spellman, Dunhill Cuisine and
Ryan
Rena O’Donavan, Cully & Scully
Conor Hyde, Bullseye Food Marketing; Ciaran O’Connor, Bullseye Food Marketing and Bryan Hynes, Irish Farmers Journal
Ross McMahon, food consultant and Yvonne Neeson, Country Crest
Anne Flynn and Colm Flynn, P&C Flynn
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Cllr Ken Farrell, Cllr May McKeon, Paddy Mulligan and Deputy Brendan
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10 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29 September 2011
EVENT Celebrities party in style for a great cause
Claudine Van Den Bergh and Ali Flood
Nicole Gallagher, Katie Harbison and Aisling Glynn
A Wright rocking global celebration N September 16 and 17 one of the world’s biggest parties took place in 80 exclusive handpicked clubs and venues around the world with the elite on the guest list, The Global Party. The Wright Venue was selected as the
O
only venue in Ireland, with all proceeds on the night going to a selection of charities. Super Star DJ Roger Sanchez performed to a capacity crowd on the night, which was highly anticipated with a host of socialites and celebrities arriving in their finery.
Kate McCormack and Holly Carpenter
Dylan McGrath, master chef; Holly Carpenter, Miss Ireland; Alison Canavan, super model; Rosanna Davison, Wesley Quirke, actor Liam Cunningham,and model and DJ Nadia Forde, were those attending the amazing event.
Jamelia Gaynor, Aisling Dolan and Jesse Brennan
Elodie Richard, Guoda Merksaityte, Gerard Beshoff and Lisa Vickers
Joanne and Nicola Pollard
Lisa Nolan and Faye Rooney
29 September 2011 GAZETTE 11
12 GAZETTE 29 September 2011
GazetteFITNESS FITNESS
Brought to you by Derry Temple personal trainer and pilates instructor
NUTRITION: LOW-CALORIE DIETS
Eating right food helps weight loss Low-calorie diets (LCD) encourage you to eat less and to starve yourself, which has some major drawbacks
THERE are approximately 3,500 calories in one pound of fat. Taking this into account the National Institute of Health has recommended that to
lose one to two pounds per week, a weight loss programme should create a deficit of 500 to 1,000 calories per day. Traditionally, we are
taught that, if you take in fewer calories than you burn, you will lose weight, and while this can be true, often there is little consideration given to the nutritional value of those foods. L ow- c a l o r i e d i e t s (LCD) encourage you to eat less and to starve yourself – this has some major drawbacks. It often encourages the body to store extra fat and break down muscle tissue; also the body quickly adapts slowing the metabolism to match your caloric intake. Effective
These diets often focus on low-fat foods, but the truth is that it is not the fat in your diet that is making you fat! In fact, you need fats for a number of metabolic processes, including fat-burning. The good news is you can actually turn your body into a more effective fat-burning machine without the need to go hungry by simply eating the right foods in the right quantities. When participating in a LCD, people are often advised to eat more carbohydrates (carbs), which are low in calories. A lot of carbs are termed high Glycaemic Index (GI). Eating high GI carbs causes a spike in your blood sugar levels and, when your blood sugar rises, this causes the pancreas to respond by secreting insulin. Insulin is the sugarregulating hormone that works to store sugar in cells as fat. When insulin does its job well, sugars are quickly stored as fat, causing your blood sugar levels to plummet and leaving you hungry and tired. Ingested fats and proteins, however, do not
cause this same insulin response and so are more likely to keep your blood sugar levels balanced. On a LCD, people will often tend to avoid proteins because of their higher calorie content. This means overlooking the fact that, to digest and absorb protein, your body has to use 25% more energy to break it down than it does for simple carbs. This is known as the thermo-genic effect. Protein is also vital for building muscle and, if you want to stay lean and fat-free, then you want to keep the body “anabolic” or building muscle. Your body is naturally designed to be lean – it’s not designed to be overweight, sick and unhealthy and, if you eat the right foods, your body will tell you when you are full so you won’t have to go hungry. Optimum
Your diet should constitute a reasonable mix of proteins, fats and low GI carbs. Real foods that will keep your blood sugars in balance, and provide you with optimum nutrition, are those foods that can be found in nature. They can be either picked, gathered, milked, hunted or caught from the sea. In short, if it doesn’t run in a field, swim in water, fly in the sky or grow in nature then you probably shouldn’t be eating it! Derry Temple is a qualified nutritionist and provides free nutritional guidance to his fitness clients. This month, Derry is offering readers of The Gazette the opportunity to Bring a Friend along for Free to any of the DT Fitness Bootcamp courses. Visit www.dtfitness.ie for more info.
29 September 2011 GAZETTE 13
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC REVIEW: A DYNAMIC AND INVENTIVE BREAKOUT ALBUM FROM NEW YORK-BASED SINGER
Veneration is due for Clark’s third album Q ROB HEIGH
It’s not often that you come across an act on the basis of a cover version. But when that act is brave enough to cover one of the most abrasive and angular songs from one of the most abrasive and influential underground acts of the last 30 years and nail it, you know there is something special about them, especially when that act is St Vincent. Steve Albini’s Big Black were a corner-
stone of industrial hardcore before it became fashionable in the early Eighties, setting off an incendiary device built on melody, grinding rhythms and ferocious attitude. Their standout track from 1986’s Atomizer was Kero sene, with its uncompromising subject matter and interpretation, was underpinned with a propulsive beat and guitars like a chandelier shattering on marble. For anyone to attempt to cover it is brave
enough, but to capture its essence of ennui and fury is hugely impressive. Played out live in New York in may, Kerosene in Annie Clark’s hands was as direct and bludgeoning as it was in Albini’s, and it provided an insight into the direction her music was going. Clark has been a member of the euphoric psychedelic rockers, Polyphonic Spree, as well as being a touring par t of Sur f jan
St Vincent’s Annie Clark on stage earlier this year
Stephen’s band. Emo types will have heard her work with Bon Iver on a track that appeared on the recent Twilight soundtrack, but don’t let that put you off (the Twilight connection, of course, not Bon Iver, who is responsible for easily the best record of the year so far).
St Vincent are Clark’s individual presence on record, and Strange Mercy is as individual and unique a record as you are likely to find. Previous records, Marry Me and Actor, have illustrated Clark’s talent as a multi-instrumentalist, bringing woodwind and baroque
arrangements to the playing field, but her new record, Strange Mercy, meshes all the best elements of her previous work while simultaneously peeling the wallpaper with squalling guitar and synth figures that utterly surprise and delight. There is a beauty in
the arrangements and a sometimes symphonic pop sensibility that is shifted sideways by the uncompromising accompaniments and production. T here is so much going on in every track that you are always on your toes while listening, waiting for the next twist, and it’s an immense pleasure to say that of any release, especially faced with a selection of cookiecutter one-note acts one has the pleasure of reviewing in any given week. This is work of some immense imagination and skill, easily the best of St Vincent’s three records to date, and should give Clark some breakout success, especially if you go and buy Strange Mercy now, which you really should.
14 GAZETTE 29 September 2011
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: TEACHING ANIMAL WELFARE IN SCHOOLS
Is having a classroom pet a good idea? WE’RE only a couple of weeks back into the new school term, and I’m inundated with calls from teachers asking my opinion on classroom pets. And, while it’s to their eternal credit that these lovely educators are interested in ensuring their students see them as a model of responsible pet care and are willing to ask advice – my opinion is, and always will remain, the same when it comes to this subject: I strongly discourage classroom pets for many reasons. And here is why: Classrooms can be noisy and frightening places for animals and it’s difficult to look after any pet’s needs in this type of environment. This applies to all animals, including goldfish. While pets are an excellent way to add enrich-
ment to a young child/ teen’s education and development, I believe responsible pet care and animal welfare can be taught in schools without keeping animals captive. Studying an animal in its natural environment should aim to cause minimal disturbance whilst maximising educational opportunity. So, why not set up bird houses and feeding stations around the school yard, but please continue the feeding programme throughout the year. In my humble opinion, there needs to be an explicit animal welfare education rationale for using animals in education – and legislation relating to animals must be considered in the development of all programmes of study. Where animals are kept
in schools, proper provision should be made for their physical and mental wellbeing. I would strongly disagree with any school or college that may decide to use a classroom pet to increase their attendance figures with the understanding that, if students don’t attend, the animal will not be fed or taken care of. And yes, this scenario is hard to believe, but a teacher did suggest this to me as a way of bumping up attendance. I absolutely believe this to be an inappropriate approach because it gives a negative impression of how the school/college views its responsibility for the welfare of animals within its care, which may have a detrimental effect on the students’ attitudes toward their duties in later life.
Schools have a duty of care to ensure proper provision is made for the welfare needs of any animals for which they are responsible. This applies not only during school term, but also during the holidays. However, I will say that, when giving an education talk or workshop, I often bring along my experienced and trained dog Belle, but only when she is completely happy to accompany me and when the situation/environment permits it. I do this because, as an animal welfare officer, I’m trained in observing a dog’s behaviour and recognising its specific needs and requirements. I also always adhere to an animal’s five freedoms at all times. If I feel one, any or all of these five freedoms are in danger of being
Classrooms can be noisy and frightening places for any animal
compromised/breached, I do not allow Belle, or any animal, accompany me on an education talk. Considering a classroom pet? Ask yourself these questions: • Why do I want a classroom pet? • Can I meet my educational objectives without using a live animal in my classroom? • Am I willing and able to take this pet home? (It’s important to under-
stand that your responsibility does not end when the school day ends. You must continue to take care of the animal outside of school hours, including weekends and holidays). • Are my students mature enough to safely and humanely handle this animal? • Does anyone have allergies that may become aggravated by the presence of this pet? • What will I do if
health concerns arise in the future? • Am I willing to provide routine/emergency veterinary care? • Am I prepared to deal with students’ questions should this animal die? • Does my classroom provide adequate space for housing this pet? • If there’s an accident involving this pet will my school accept liability? • In the event of a school evacuation/emer-
29 September 2011 GAZETTE 15
REVIEW Bord Gais Energy Book Club and Other People’s Money
Bad bank yarn a familiar tale in these times BANKERS behaving badly is a sore subject in the current economic climate, but it’s one that is only beginning to attract the literary attentions of novelists. One of the best such novels has just been published by the prize-winning, London-based South African writer, Justin Cartwright. Other People’s Money tells the story of an upper-crust, family-owned private bank, Tubal & Co, which gets into trouble when it
gency, am I prepared to rescue this pet? So, if your school thinks a classroom pet is still a great idea, then staff need to know their personal responsibility exists, irrespective of whether the animal was purchased by the school or is owned by one of the pupils, teachers or parents. If an animal’s needs are not being met whilst at school and beyond, criminal prosecutions could, in theory, be brought against all persons over the age of 16 who had responsibility for that animal(s), including school staff. My advice would be to contact the Dublin SPCA and check out our free humane education programmes and find out how you can help your students support us in our battle to save animals’ lives. The operation of the country’s oldest and largest animal rescue shelter requires lots of help and, if you feel you can offer it, please email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie For more info log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie
deviates from its ageold mission of looking after the toff’s money and diversifies into the murkier world of investment banking. Family patriarch, Sir Harry, has suffered a stroke and is recovering in his villa in Antibes. This leaves his son and new chairman, Julian Trevelyan-Tubal, free to take the sort of liberties Sir Harry would never have countenanced. Julian has lost the bank a packet on a dodgy hedge fund and now, in
an effort to sell the bank behind Sir Harry’s back, he needs to pad the balance sheet, moving money around to make it look more saleable to the Americans poised to purchase the house of Tubal. Sound familiar? Things begin to go awry when a regular endowment to Artair MacLeod, the first husband of Sir Harry’s wife, Fleur, becomes one of the first casualties in the makeover of the bank’s finances. A local paper takes up the story
and attracts the attention of a whistle-blower eager to dish the dirt on Julian and his nefarious scheming. With Sir Harry near death, the urgency to sell the bank and resolve the succession brings out the worst in a memorable cast of characters, which includes the trophy wife, the black sheep, the scorned but faithful secretary and the memorable Artair who, however buffoonish, represents the enduring
ing Flann O’Brien and Daniel Day-Lewis. This is a cracking satire on a topical subject and it’s beautifully observed. Enjoy!
values of art while the barbarians are at the gate. There’s also an intriguing Irish theme involv-
For lots more book reviews and to keep upto-date with the latest literary news, become a member of the Bord Gais Energ y online book club, bordgaisenergybookclub.ie where you’ll find great recommendations for hours of entertainment in a good book!
16 GAZETTE 29 September 2011
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY
Essential make-up I
Lancôme’s Maison Lancôme blusher (top left) and Yves Saint Laurent’s Blush Radiance
T’S a magic ingredient that can lift a complexion, leaving you with healthy, flushed cheeks and, this autumn, there is an array of beautiful blushers out their to suit every skin type. One of the prettiest is by Lancôme’s Global Make-up Director, Aaron de Mey, who says that, when he set about creating the classic skincare company’s new autumn essential make-up collection, he wanted it to represent the staples of a chic, sophisticated women’s make-up arsenal – red lips; brown-lined sculptures, defined eyes, groomed brows and fluffy lashes, neutral-coloured
make-up with metallic hints layered over matt sculpting, defining powders. A return to simplicity and sophistication ... “It allows me to show a glamorous, graphic, sophisticated make-up style: Brown-lined eyes with shades of taupe, red-painted lips and red or sparkly, black nails... very femme fatale,” says de May. The collection’s blusher Maison Lancôme is so pretty, you will almost be afraid to use it. Designed like a vintage postcard, the very essence of Paris has been captured in this season’s blush palette. The silhouette of the Eif-
fel Tower, the typically Parisian Art Nouveau streetlamp lighting, the cobbled pavement outside the historical House of Lancôme at 29, rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, make this palette a true work of art. Aaron’s top tip: “Use as an overall cheek blush with a large, soft, fluffy brush, keeping it high and central on the cheekbones. It adds soft, sheer colour and definition to the face by illuminating the cheekbones.” Maison Lancôme Blush €45.00 Meanwhile, from Yves Saint Laurent, their Blush Radiance will leave you with a half-matte, half-
satin blush that captures the light and transforms it into colour. There are six delicious shades to choose from including Impetuous Beige, Celestial Mauve, Brazen Plum, Incandescent Orange, Mysterious Red and Spellbinding Violet. All about Blunt
She almost stole the show in The Devil Wears Prada and now British actress, Emily Blunt, has been announced as the new face and ambassadress of Yves Saint Laurent’s Opium fragrance. Blunt has become one of the most popular and respected young actresses working today. From the unforgettable, careerminded secretary in the award-winning comedy, The Devil Wears Prada, to her dramatic portrayal of the young queen in the biopic, The Young Victoria, it’s easy to see why her performances have earned her a ream of fans throughout the globe. Both perform-
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29 September 2011 GAZETTE 17
Edited by Dawn Love
for autumn season
British actress, Emily Blunt, has been announced as the new face and ambassadress of Yves Saint Laurent’s Opium fragrance
ances earned her Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations. TV gave her one of her finest roles, playing Natasha in Gideon’s Daughter, for which she won a Golden Globe award for
best supporting actress. Blunt has starred alongside such prestigious actors as Meryl Streep, Benicio del Toro, Matt Damon, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Anthony Hop-
kins. And, in the next 12 months, she will be seen alongside Ewan McGregor in Salmon Fishing In The Yemen, opposite Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis, in Looper, and
with Jason Segel in Five Year Engagement. Speaking about her new role with Yves Saint Laurent she said: “I am very honoured to have been chosen to be the face of Opium by Yves Saint Laurent. “I have huge admiration for the House of Yves Saint Laurent and feel that this House has always truly understood the expression of elegance – its mystique and its indescribable power. “It is a really exciting experience to embody this legendary fragrance, which has stood the test of time without its allure ever being diminished. Being a part of this new campaign and being able to tell the story of this very evocative fragrance is a real thrill.”
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18 GAZETTE 29 September 2011
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OPINION Candidate’s Presidential vision
Mary to ‘campaign with passion’ THIS is my first week as a formal candidate for the Presidency, thanks to the support of a range of councils across the country. The fact that this endorsement came from a huge crosssection of society, including councillors of almost all parties and none, was deeply gratifying. Anyone aspiring to the Office of President must be a unifying force. Deciding to run for President is a major decision for any citizen to take. Deciding to seek that job in succession to one of the most admired and respected holders of the office, President Mary McAleese, was an even tougher one. As someone who has served since 2004 on President McAleese’s Council of State, I have seen up close the passion, energy and conviction she has brought to the office. She has set the bar high for her successor. She has shown how the Presidency can reflect and embody all that is good and noble about our people. Over the past months I have been developing my vision of how my Presidency could work to rebuilding pride at home and restoring respect for Ireland internationally. It reinforces the reality that I come to this campaign as a truly independent candidate: an independent candidate with no party political affiliations or political baggage. I have no political background or celebrity status. Instead, I come to this campaign with a
Mary Davis
strong record of getting things done and working with ministers and public representatives from all parties and none – not only here at home, but also across the EU. My career as an advocate for those who have been excluded and marginalised has been about quietly and effectively building coalitions and alliances to achieve our goals.
Now, that I have secured that place on the Presidential ballot paper, I will spend the next six weeks campaigning with passion and vigour to bring my message to every village, townland and community across this land, from Aughrim Street to Ahascragh and from Malin Head to Mahon. We have had something of a phony campaign over recent months, focusing more on celebrity and the fortunes of political parties than on the role of the Office of the President. The Presidency is much more important than that. Now that the closing date for nominations has passed and the choices we have to make emerge, I believe the time has arrived for the real debate to begin. That debate should be about the type of Presidency our people need today. It should be about the values we wish to see reflected in Áras an Uachtaráin, and about the way in which the Presidency can work to repair Ireland’s reputation on the international stage. The message I take into this debate is clear and straightforward – as President I will take a role in restoring pride in our country at home whilst rebuilding respect for Ireland on the world stage.
Mary Davis Presidential Candidate
29 September 2011 GAZETTE 19
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs
NEW ELECTRIC VEHICLE AMBASSADOR:
The new Hyundai i40 has a good size and solid feel to it, with the benefit of a full-size spare wheel and a high specification on the entry model at a competitive price
Hyundai’s new gem in i40 The i40 combines stunning good looks with impressive economy, as MICHAEL MORONEY found out when he took it for a recent test drive HERE is new competition for the D segment of the car market, with the arrival in recent weeks of the high-specification and keenly priced Hyundai i40. Given the specification and the performance of the car, it’s sure to be a real challenger for the current segment market leader, the Toyota Avensis. The specification of the new i40 is impressive. There are some useful features on board, all at a much more affordable price that should put the entry 115bhp model on the road for a competitive €24,950, before delivery
T
SPECS: HYUNDAI I40 1.7D Top speed: 180 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 12.9 sec Economy: 23.2 km/litre (4.3l/100km) CO2 emissions: 113g/km Road Tax Band: A (€104) Warranty: 5 years Entry Price: €24,995
charges. I drove an early edition of the new Hyundai i40 at a dealer launch last May. Recently, I’ve had time to give the new i40 a longer test drive and get a feel for the car’s features, economy and performance.
There are two engine options for the new i40, both of which are based on the 1.7-litre turbodiesel engine. There’s a choice of 115bhp or 136bhp and they each give reasonable driving power. I had the more powerful 136bhp version on the road in the higher priced Executive specification. That meant that I had the full specification package, with little left from the option sheet. The higher-power car delivers more in terms of acceleration pace, but there is as always a compromise in fuel economy and CO2 rating. The
entry model has a more sluggish pace with a 0 to 100km/hr rating of 12.9 seconds. The more powerful 136bhp version shaves about two seconds from this while only marginally affecting the fuel economy figures. Hyundai claims that this car’s value is hugely about running costs. T he rated economy figure is 18.1km/litre (5.5l/100km) for this higher-power car. That should mean getting over 1,250km from a full 70litre tank of diesel. I didn’t achieve that level of economy, but was close to 1,100 km. That’s
still a good performance for a lively and comfortable big car that weighs in almost as heavy as a Ford Mondeo estate. Irrespective of engine choice, the cars have a low CO2 rating, 115gr (€104 annual tax) for the lower-power version and 135gr (€302 annual tax) for the more powerful car. Add that to the economy performance and running costs will be low. The interior of the new i40 is modern, while remaining functional and easy to use. Setting radio stations and the car’s Bluetooth mobile phone system is easy – I like that
ease of use feature. The car looks and drives very well. It’s easy to drive and get comfortable, with good seating and easy adjustment. The entry price for the Hyundai i40 at €24,995 is very keen. That gives you good value, with modern styling and a five-year unlimited mileage warranty that alone is worth a lot. Moving up to the Executive option adds just €1,500 to the price. You get more features and more power, while the economy difference is minimal, and that’s why I believe this will be the most popular model.
Over 1,000 journalists gather to assess new Opel Ampera AT THE Opel Ampera’s international media presentation in The Hague, Netherlands, last month, more than 1,000 journalists had an opportunity to assess the vehicle prior to its launch at the end of the year. One of the tests in the event’s Eco Drive Contest involved optimising the Ampera’s driving range in pure battery-powered mode by using an energy-efficient driving style. According to the car’s technical specifications, it is possible to cover a distance of up to 80 kilometres in pure
electric drive mode on a single charge of the 16 kWh lithium ion battery. The results achieved in normal road traffic conditions were extremely convincing. Journalists who tackled the Eco Drive challenge successfully completed the 73 km test route on battery power and nearly a quarter had sufficient power left to cover at least a further 10 kilometres, according to the vehicle’s range indicator. The most efficient driver could have driven a total distance of 95.3 kilome-
tres on battery power alone – roughly 15 kilometres more than the Ampera’s stated maximum battery-powered range. None of the participants risked running out of battery power en route because the Ampera’s range-extender, a 1.4-litre gasoline engine, is used to generate power for the 111 kW/150 hp main electric motor if the battery becomes depleted. In this way, the fourpassenger vehicle is the first electric car from a European manufacturer that is entirely suitable for everyday use due to
a total driving range of more than 500 kilometres.
The Opel Ampera. © GM Corp
FOLLOWING a nationwide recruitment campaign in July to find a number of electric vehicle ambassadors, Renault has announced seven new recruits, including Ciaran O’Mahony, who will be based at Bill Cullen Motor Group Airside. Ciaran will be dedicated to the Renault range of electric vehicles and will help to build awareness and assist customers in making informed choices. While the seven new EV Ambassadors will be experts in their field, the entire Renault network will be fully trained to sell electric vehicles. Based in key dealerships around the country, these ambassadors will play a crucial part in the launch of Renault electric range of vehicles, which will see the Kangoo ZE arriving in November, followed by Fluence ZE in early 2012. Also in 2012, Renault will launch the Twizy, an urban two-seater quadricycle and the ZOE, a stylish compact hatch. “Interest in the roles was very high and a huge number of applications were received,” said Sandra Rea, Electric Vehicle Project Manager at Renault Ireland. “These new recruits will be responsible for a number of tasks in the electric vehicle area.”
20 GAZETTE 29 September 2011
GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY CASTLEKNOCK: A FOUR-BEDROOM DETACHED BUNGALOW FOR €395,000 IN D15
A Rose Cottage by any other name SHERRY Fitzgerald, Castleknock, are bringing Rose Cottage, Porterstown, Dublin 15, a four-bedroom detatched bungalow, to the market for the asking price of €395,000. Located off the P o r t e r s t ow n R o a d , this bungalow, which extends to 1,700 sq ft, lies on .33 acre and offers enormous potential to extend further, subject to planning permission. A l t h o u g h r e q u i ring modernisation, the accommodation is both bright and spacious. The accommodation comprises an entrance hall with a wooden floor, alarm panel and
large storage cupboard, a living room, which overlooks the front of the property, and which has a cast-iron fireplace, a kitchen with fitted wooden units, a dining room with a patio door to the garden and an utility room with a tiled floor, and is plumbed for washing machine and dryer. The bedrooms in the property are all double rooms, and the master bedroom has a walkin closet, with feature cast-iron fireplace and wooden floors, as well as an en suite that contains a shower unit, whb and wc. The bathroom suite comprises a free-stand-
Rose Cottage, Porterstown is on the market for the asking price of €395,000
ing bath, whb and wc.
Exterior appeal Outside, The gardens are well maintained and benefit from a westerly orientation, and it also
offers a high degree of privacy. There is a dual access driveway to the front, which provides ample off-street parking. The property has an
alarm and oil-fired central heating. Rose Cottage’s location is convenient to local schools, shops and restaurants in Clonsilla and Castleknock villag-
es. It is within a short distance of Castleknock Golf Club and the Phoenix Park. Viewing is recommended and can be arranged by contacting
Carol Anne Galvin of Sherry FitzGerald, in Ashleigh Retail Centre, Main Street, Castleknock, on 01 820 1800, or via e-mail on castleknock@sherryfitz.ie
RATHCOOLE: SEMI-DETACHED LIVING IN VILLAGE
Peyton is still the place to be in Rathcoole THE Peyton development in Rathcoole village is presenting to the market a new set of large three- and four-bedroom semidetached houses, available from only €255,000. There is a range of house layouts and sizes from 128 to 190 sq m, suitable for first-time buyers, trading up or down, and large family homes. Constructed by Blackchurch Homes, these exclusive houses have a top-quality finish at a very affordable price in a convenient village location. All of the houses have large bedrooms, spacious living rooms, generous bathrooms and en-suites, decent sized gardens, and private driveways for two cars.
The fine interior design at Peyton is reflected across the range of house types
Local amenities on their doorstep include Rathcoole Park, and there are primary and secondary schools within walking distance. Some of the excellent Peyton house features include B1 energy ratings, no manage-
ment fees, a choice of Nolan fitted kitchens with granite worktops, and central vacuum systems. There are 9ft ceilings in living areas and kitchen appliances are included if the sale closes on time. Viewing is recom-
mended and the show houses are open on Saturdays and Sundays from 2.30 to 5pm. For further details, contact Glenn Burrell in Finnegan Menton, on (01) 614 7900 or Redmond Auctioneers at (01) 4589833.
29 September 2011 GAZETTE 21
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
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HEALTH: CELTIC HEALING OPEN DUBLIN TREATMENT CENTRE
ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS
ENERGY BILLS Q – I am thinking of revamping my home to avail of some of the energy grants available. My energy bills are huge and upgrading now can save me money, both in the short-term through these grants and the long-term from the savings on monthly energy costs. Can you let me know what grants precisely are available and how do I go about applying for them ? Paul - Wicklow A - “Better Energy Options” is the new recently launched revamped energy grant scheme and replaced three different grant schemes – Home Energy Savings Scheme, Warmer Home schemes and the Greener Homes scheme. Here are some of the grants available. • Solar panel water heating system - € 800 • Heating control upgrades - €400 • Upgrading to a high-efficiency boiler – € 560 • Cavity wall insulation - € 320 • Building Energy Rating (BER) grant - €80 ( you must get a BER rating as part of the application ) You apply to the Department of Energy via the Sustainable Peter Woods, former Minister for Health, Dr Michael Woods, and Paddy Dalton at the launch
Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) who administer the grant
Unlock positive energy with bio-energy healing ON Thursday, September 22, bio-energy experts, Celtic Healing, opened their Dublin treatment centre at the Sands Hotel in Portmarnock. The centre will now be open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8am until late. Bio-energy healers have been unlocking positive energy and clearing energy systems for scores of celebrities and sports people all over the world. Firm devotees include Kylie Minogue, Liz Hurley, Donna Karan, the Duchess of York and her daughters and, of course, Michael Flatley is Ireland’s best known bio-energy success story. After being plagued by a mystery virus for two years, Irish dancing supremo, Michael Flatley, was completely cured. Not because of a good dose of vitamin C, yoga or osteopathy, but, intriguingly, thanks to a bio-energy healer. Bio-energy healing has also been winning a big following among sports people plagued by injuries. “Having seen the wide variety of ailments that have been healed with Bio-energy
therapy, I am delighted to be opening this healing centre in Dublin. “Healing without drugs, surgery or painful manipulation is something that most people want,” said Peter Woods of Celtic Healing. Bio-energy healing is an effective, holistic technique for the treatment of physical illness, emotional blocks, mental obstacles and spiritual issues. It is based on the understanding that each of us is a complex, interactive energy system. Historical records document energy healing over 3,500 years ago and Bio-energy is what the life force in humans is referred to as. When we get a blockage in our energy system, the energy stagnates and this leads to illness and/or discomfort. Guests at the launch included former Minister for Health Dr Michael Woods, acclaimed author Bernadette Bohan, Today FM DJ Tony Fenton, personal trainer to the stars Paul Byrne and wife Siobhan, beauty guru Triona McCarthy and Miss North County Dublin, Rebecca Maher. A standard course of treat-
ments with Celtic Healing is five sessions and this is effective for 95% of clients. Treatment takes place in a relaxed environment, on a one-to-one basis, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes. A client record is taken, including medical history. Treatment is non-invasive, with minimal physical contact. Clients remain fully clothed, except for their shoes. The therapist may give advice on energy balancing techniques, diet and exercise. Bio-energy can help with all ailments - arthritis, asthma, ADHD, migraine, insomnia, back pain, stress, ME, eczema, psoriasis, acne, IBS and bowel problems, acid reflux and digestive problems. Bio-energy has also been very effective as a complementary therapy for people suffering from cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. An ailment is a symptom. The energy blockage is the root of the problem. The therapist will clear the blockage and the body will start to heal itself. Bio-energy is a complementary therapy and works
in conjunction with conventional medicine but it can speed up healing time on all injuries, sports, accidents, minor and major. It is especially effective after operations and procedures in hospital and can help lessen pain and discomfort pre- and post-medical intervention. “The body has very powerful healing abilities. The doctor puts a cast on a broken limb but the body heals the bone. A cut scabs up and heals of its own accord. “These are just a couple of obvious examples of the body’s own ability to heal itself but by clearing blockages from the energy system, it allows the body to begin the healing process,” said Paddy Dalton of Celtic Healing about his bioenergy technique. Celtic Healing Clinics are now taking place at the Sands Hotel in Portmarnock, Co Dublin on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 8am until late. Call 01 8390344 for appointments or see www.celtichealing.ie.
schemes. You must also use a registered SEAI contractor to do the work and complete a declaration of works, while all payments are paid after completion of the works not before. Contact details are hes@seai.ie or www.seai.ie/ betterenergyhomes or Lo-call 1850 927 000
SUB PRIME LOANS Q – I have a € 240,000 loan with a sub-prime lender taken out six years ago. At that time, I had missed a couple of repayments on my car loan and my adviser said the mainstream lenders would not consider me for a loan. I did not really understand the consequences – all I wanted was a home for my family. I have maintained the repayments every month but am now beginning to feel the pinch – my interest rate is 7.5% and I am paying €1,678 per month at the moment. I could save over € 600 a month by moving to a high street lender. What are my chances ? David - Clontarf A - The Irish Credit Bureau (ICB) in Clonskeagh Dublin 14 is a lender’s first port of call to check your credit history. Missed payments stay on record for 5 years but if you have kept the nose clean these past five years, then you may have a case to swap back to a normal lender. The whole idea of sub-prime was a kind of purgatory – you did your penance but after a while, you were allowed to come back into the fold. Here is your checklist to see if you qualify with a high street lender : 1. Check with the ICB to see if your credit record is now clear 2. Ensure the loan-to-value is less than 80% - so the valuation of your home should be in excess of € 300,000 based on your € 240,000 mortgage 3. Your joint income should be between € 53,000 to € 60,000 or the same amount if the only earner in the home. 4. You will need P 60, pay slips and status enquiry form along with 12 months current account bank statements AND your sub-prime loan statements plus any other current loan statement 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 29 September 2011
GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel A perfect setting for family fun at Heritage Virginia Pumpkin Festival to attract festival fans from all over Ireland over the Bank Holiday
TAKING place over the October Bank Holiday Weekend, October 28 to 31, the fifth-annual Virginia Pumpkin Festival is Ireland’s most unique and quirkiest event, attracting festival fans and pumpkin growers from Ireland and overseas to celebrate pumpkin season. Visitors will be kept entertained by the Pumpkin Weigh-in Competition, Ireland’s largest fancy dress party, a sensational samba band, artisan arts and crafts, and music from headline act, The Waterboys, on Saturday night. Hotels.com has some great deals on offer in and around Virginia, so get pumped and make sure not to miss out the festivities. WHERE TO STAY Lakeside Manor Hotel (three-star) – Virginia
Prices start from €100 per room per night from October 28 – 31 on hotels.com Situated on the shores of Lough Ramor, the Lakeside Manor Hotel is the perfect haven for a relaxing family break. If you have time to spare after the festival, you can go horseback riding, catch a play at the local theatre or relax in the walled garden hotel bar.
DAWN LOVE
THERE were two main highlights for me when it came to the five star Heritage Golf and Spa Resort in Laois. Set amidst rolling countryside and a spectacular golf course, it’s easy to see why it has become a huge hit with families. Quite simply, there is plenty to do and something for every member of the family to enjoy. Firstly, for the golfing enthusiasts, there is a spectacular Steve Ballestero’s golf course. And, if teeing off isn’t your cup of tea, then the 5km private walking track, which encircles the championship course, is ideal for everything from a fast-paced run, to a gentle stroll after dinner. The accommodation
(we stayed in a family suite) was also spacious and comfortable, while the health club comes with a 15m leisure pool (a little on the cool side for my taste) and fullyequipped fitness studio. But for me, the ultimate treat was the Heritage’s stunning and award-winning spa. Using products from the luxurious and organic Pevonia Botanica range, loved by Hollywood big names such as Sharon Stone and Susan Sarandon, there is a multitude of treatments to choose from. My therapist was Grace, and I’d highly recommend asking for her if you do happen to visit the spa. After chatting to me and taking a good look at my skin (which is combination, to be exact), Grace decided on
Headfort Arms (three-star) - Kells
Prices start from €120 per room per night, from October 28 – 31 on hotels.com Located just a short drive from Virginia, this hotel is complete with a spa and golf course. A family run property, the Headfort Arms is an intimate property perfect for a relaxing weekend away. Cabra Castle Hotel (four-star) - Kingscourt
Prices start from €110 per room per night, from October 28 – 31 on hotels.com This beautiful four-star manor property is complete with a golf course, tennis courts, spa, restaurant and lounge. A babysitting service is available on request and guests can avail of complimentary breakfast every morning. All prices are subject to availability at the time of booking.
One of the large, sumptuous suites
a Pevonia Prescription Facial (€85) which lasts for one hour. This can be tailor-made to suit your skin type and, to be frank, it was divine. Along with using products that were tailored to suit my complexion, she also concentrated on stimulating my lymph system. After this, I enjoyed a total Back Ritual (€85), which also lasts for one hour. Essentially this is a specialised back ‘facial’, which cleanses, polishes and thoroughly massages the back muscles. Floated
I literally floated back up to our room afterwards and, I must admit, I have become a firm fan of the Pevonia range, in particular its De-Aging Saltimousse PapayaPineapple scrub and the
De-Aging Body BalmPapaya Pineapple, since our break at the Heritage. But, as I said, there were two main highlights for me when it came to our stay and, after a thoroughly relaxing spell in the spa, dinner at Sol Oriens Italian Restaurant & Steakhouse was next up. I’d heard about Sol Oriens before went down to the Heritage for our stay. Friends had said it was perfect for dining out with a toddler in tow and, indeed, it is the ideal venue for more relaxed dining, with its open kitchen and classical Italian theme. My husband and I are big fans of Bruchetta Al Pomodoro (€6.25) so we both opted for this as a starter. It came on crispy, sourdough bread and was topped with delicious, fresh tomatoes, fresh basil, red onion and extra virgin oil. Next up, Dylan chose the Grilled Sea Bass Fillet served with Beurre Blanc (€22). This comprised a fillet of sea bass, topped with fresh tomatoes, red onion, coriander and extra-virgin olive oil served on a bed of mashed potato, and he loved it. I chose the Filleto Manzo (€26) – a 10oz Irish fillet steak grilled and served with sautéed mushrooms and onions, all of which also came
With a setting in the rolling
with creamy mashed potato. For dessert, we both had Panna Cotta, the classic Italian desert that completed a perfect evening. Breakfast was also delicious. We had just walked the 5km track around the golf course and were more than ready for a hearty feed. I opted for a croissant and porridge, while Dylan had a full Irish. Our toddler, Harry, had a mixture of both and was clearly in his element as the restaurant staff fussed over him. All in all, it was a relaxing family stay with the advantage of just being within an hour of Dublin city centre. For further details on special offers and prices at The Heritage Golf and Spa Resort, Killenard, County Laois, you can call 057 864 5500 or visit www.theheritage.com
29 September 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23
Edited by Mimi Murray
TravelBriefs
Relax and unwind the night before your flight from Dublin Airport at the Hilton at Clare Hall MIMI MURRAY
countryside and views of the spectacular golf course, the five-star Heritage Golf and Spa Resort in Laois is a huge hit with families
The pool area
ON a recent trip abroad we decided to be ultraindulgent, or very sensible, whichever way you choose to look at it, and spend the night before our flight in an airport hotel. The Hilton is situated just minutes away from Dublin Airport in Clare Hall. The hotel has underground parking, so we decided to leave our car there for the duration of our trip at a reasonable rate. The hotel is really comfortable and boasts a bar and restaurant, which seems to be filled with locals, as well as transient guests. Our bedroom was really comfortable and quite spacious with a very comfy bed. We dined in the hotel and were very pleasantly surprised to see that the menu was quite adventurous and to our liking. After a smoked salmon starter and lots of delicious homemade breads, we chose from the grill – a fillet steak with bearnaise for me and a striploin for my husband. Both were very well cooked and came with loads of delicious extras. The wine list was very good with plenty of choice and we retired to the bar for an after dinner drink. Staff were ultra-attentive and really pleasant. The manageress said they are very much like a big family, and that includes a lot of the regular business guests who spend weeks at a time at the hotel. After a very restful night, we had a scrummy breakfast with loads of delicious breads, pastries, fruit and coffee on offer, as well as a decent selection of cooked breakfast. We checked out and waited for our minibus, which had us at the airport terminal within minutes. After a fun-filled four days in Spain, we returned home and our minibus was waiting for us at the designated spot. It was just a case of hopping in our car and making the journey home, relaxed and far less exasperated than normal.
The spa experience
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24 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29 September 2011
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1
GoingOUT GoingOUT MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Ger Carey Live THE workings of the teenage brain are a mystery – unless you’re Ger Carey, whose comic show proves 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 show is set to help teenagers laugh at themselves and the complexities of their lives. Ger also says that grown-ups are welcome. Catch Ger’s show at 11.20am on Thursday, September 29, with admission costing €10 (teachers free).
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Brian Kennedy FOR Brian’s many fans of his singular voice and singing style, this is a show not to be missed, as he can be relied on to croon through some of his many hits. Well-known as a leading singer, he is, perhaps, lesser-known as an author, proving that he’s a man of many talents – however, his singing skills will be to the fore at 8pm on Thursday, September 29 in Driaocht’s Main Auditorium, with tickets priced at €22/€18 conc.
PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Faith Healer BRIAN Friel’s striking play, Faith Healer, takes to the Pavilion stage, ready to bring the audience on a journey across Scotland and Wales with a faith healer and his companions, as he meets the sick by forests and mountains. But are Frank’s miraculous cures real, and what is the price the afflicted must pay? See this dramatic production of Faith Healer on Friday, September 30 or Saturday, October 1, at 8pm, with tickets priced at €21/€19.
Sally (Bailee Madison) has just what every child needs – a creepy old house, malignant imps living in its secret basement, and a camera to help prove they’re real (with a flash that might keep the light-senstive creatures at bay) in this interesting new horror
An impishly creepy tale There’s not much light relief in this tale of basement-dwelling creatures trying to get a child to let them out to play with her Q KATE CROWLEY
WHERE is it? It’s around here somewhere, I just know it ... Readers! (Yes, both of you.) Have either of you seen my Gone Fishin’ sign? Frankly, despite the soft, gentle arctic winds of autumn gusting across Dublin at the moment, I’ve never felt more like hangin’ my Gone Fishin’ sign on the back of my Gazette Towers’ throne, grabbing a jar of wigglin’ earthworms and sittin’ down at the banks of the Liffey, thanks to the decidedly poor offerings marchin’ up to our screens, this week. Faced with the likes of Cane Toads: The Conquest, and Shark Night 3D – not to mention the return of Katie Holmes – this has never seemed like a better week for me to master my Sudoku skills. Still, for the purpose of this week’s review, there’s no place like Holmes, so
FILM OF THE WEEK: Don’t be Afraid of the Dark +++ (16) 97 mins Director: Troy Nixey Starring: Guy Pearce, Katie Holmes, Bailee Madison, a grizzled groundskeeper, a creepy house, and murderous goblin things
OUR VERDICT: WHO would have thought that a long-abandoned house could be full of creepy secrets? With famed intellectual-horror director, Guillermo del Toto, having a helping hand in the film, this feels more like a scaled-down Pan’s Basement rather than Pan’s Labyrinth, but that’s no bad thing. We’ve all seen this kind of film before, and yet, it’s an enjoyable enough creepy tale to follow.
let’s take a look at her latest film, Don’t be Afraid of the Dark. Here, presented under the guiding hands of producer, Guillermo del Toro – the filmmakers have turned in a creepy horror. (Personally, I tend to think that most films with Ms Holmes turn out to be a horror, but I digress.) Following a gruesome, scene-setting intro, we flash forward to the present day, where a down-on-his luck architect, Alex (Pearce) moves into a creaking, crumbling, gothic pile with his girlfriend Kim (Holmes)
and his daughter, Sally (a terrific performance by Madison). In time-honoured fashion, the long abandoned house has a gruesome, if forgotten past – remember the intro, folks? – but all Alex can see is the chance to do a nice refurb job on the house, and get back on his feet, while at the same time the gals can bond. Because, of course, where better to hole up with a withdrawn child and a new girlfriend for some quality family time together than in a creepy old house?
It’s not long before curious Sally discovers that the house is full with the kind of mysteries that you tend not to see listed on property websites – including a secret, sealedup basement, and a mysterious fireplace that Sally seems to think has some... things... living in it being chief among such points. Of course, if a bright kid tells you that there are tiny, creepy monsters living in the fireplace she found in a secret basement, all set in the kind of house that Norman Bates would pass by to stay in a motel instead, you should probably believe them. Also, of course, Alex doesn’t believe Sally, who can not only hear the mysterious, tiny creatures in the fireplace endlessly whispering and calling to her to let them out and “play”, but can glimpse them, and see their malicious handiwork, which they revel in – as long as there’s plenty of darkness
around to hide in. It’s not long before the creatures have escaped and are loose around in the house, where – crucially – it’s perfectly clear that, yes, the creatures are very real, and dangerous, and that a crunchy, delicioussss child would be jusssst lovely, thank you. Oh, if only the family had listened to the grizzled groundskeeper, who warned them about the house! With Kim gradually coming around to believing Sally, yet Alex dismissing their fears, the scene is set for a showdown: house versus humans. The only problem is, they should all be very afraid of the dark ... Sure, we’ve all seen house-of-horror shows before – I used to have to review Changing Rooms, after all – but this is a creepily enjoyable addition to the genre. Maybe next week I’ll be Gone Fishin’ instead.
29 September 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING Gears guns for the top Bytesandpieces SHANE DILLON
I HOPE that the zombies found at the top of the charts recently enjoyed their brief time in the sun, because one thing’s for sure – once Gears of War 3 was released on XBox 360, Dead Island (see panel, right) had about as much chance of staying in place as a Locust footsoldier facing Marcus Fenix. For those who don’t know what either a Locust footsoldier (or a Marcus Fenix) is, the Gears of War (GoW) series follows a dwindling band of desperate human survivors on Sera, a world that’s quite similar to our own. It’s similar, except for the fact that humanity’s facing extinction, with a mass horde of Locusts (a subterranean race of
Another weebyte Market needs more Vita-lity WITH Sony’s handheld gaming division now firmly locked in a pincer movement with Nintendo on one side, and Apple on the other, the stakes have never been higher for its revamped PSP – the Vita – to kickstart its handheld fortunes. Despite the PSP having decent power, my own experience has been that they’re rarer than hen’s teeth around Dublin, and, indeed, with it proving tough to find an okay range of PSP games in most Dublin stores, it remains to be seen how well Sony can hit back with the Vita. With even Nintendo’s recently launched 3DS slumping in the markets, Sony isn’t the only player praying for some Vita-lity to return to the struggling handheld console sector.
murderous creatures) having overrun most of the planet, leaving behind ruined cities, utter devastation – and millions of happy gamers, all following a supersoldier, Marcus, in his footsteps, band of brothers in tow. An XBox-exclusive title, Gears has established itself as a key franchise for Microsoft’s gaming fans, and this latest addition, while not exactly a revolution, certainly builds upon many of the already highly-polished strengths that fans relish in the series. A day before it hit the shelves on its world-wide launch date, I called in to the GoW3 launch party in the centre of Dublin, where hordes of Gears fans were entranced by the hordes of Locusts filling the screens, with
Dead Island is found to be a hit
Tipperary Hurler, Padraic Maher, and Leinster and Irish Rugby Player, Shane Horgan, fight their way past merchandising to be among the first to play Gears of War 3
single-player and multiplayer missions playing out across the venue. GoW3 certainly looked terrific (which gameplay videos on social platforms are already ably proving), while, away from the busy singleplayer storyline screens, the multiplayer rounds
were providing plenty of concentration amongst Gears fans – and occasional laughter, too. This, claimed as the third and final part in the Gears trilogy, has been hailed as an emotional way to end the series, packed with punchy setpieces, spectacular vis-
tas, intense action and, as always, Gears’ striking world of “destroyed beauty”, as ravaged cities and foul landscapes are traversed. So far, so Gears, so great. I’ll be returning to Gears soon, with a more detailed look at its single and multiplayer modes.
SEEING as I briefly mentioned it recently, there’s no harm in adding that Techland’s multi-platform title, Dead Island, promptly shuffled its way to the top of games’ charts in many markets, marking, perhaps, an unexpectedly strong success for the adult title. Its flaws are many, including being a game that very much merits its Cert 18 rating; some quite unsavoury character designs and scripting; ng; a particularly badly developed and executed plot; simply dreadful voice-over work; some teeth-grindingly infuriating control issues and broken game logic, and – Well, despite all of the many things wrong with the title, it also seems to get a lot of things right, with its gory graphics, frequently frenetic action, and occasionally very pretty scene setting (with beautiful beaches and jungles that surpass both of the Far Cry and Crysis series) proving a hit with gamers, hungry for something a little different. Certainly not a title for children, its open-world setting and multi-mission, RPG-like tactics show that there’s still plenty of life in the zombie genre ...
GAZETTE
26 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29 September 2011
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29 September 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 27
GazetteSPORT
SEPTEMBER STARS: This month’s Dublin Sport Awards nominees announced Page 29
LIFFEY DESCENT: ICONIC ANNUAL CANOEING EVENT RESCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER
Descent back on track for 2011’s vintage races sport@gazettegroup. com
UP to 1,000 canoeists from Ireland and abroad will take part in the Great Outdoors Liffey Descent on Saturday, October 8. Originally due to take place in mid-September, the event was postponed due to low water levels. The Great Outdoors Liffey Descent is one of the biggest events of its kind in the world and is
not for the faint-hearted. The 28km course combines long, flat water sections, swift currents, 10 weirs and numerous rapids, a heavily wooded section and a long portage around Leixlip dam. Paddlers will need skill, stamina and courage to complete the race. The ESB will release 30 tonnes of water from the Poulaphouca Reservoir to coincide with the race. This brings the river up to flood level
and transforms small rapids and gentle weirs into foaming white water. Started back in 1960 as an inter-club event, the illustrious Great Outdoors Liffey Descent k ay a k i n g r a c e n ow attracts paddlers from many parts of the world and is a major event on the international calendar. The race will play host to some serious marathon competitors, but the majority of par-
The Liffey Descent will hit the water on October 8 with over 1,000 participants picking up their paddles
ticipants are recreational paddlers whose main aim is to complete the course. Speaking this week, Karl Dunne, of the Canoe Union said: “This event is one-of-a-kind. T he atmosphere on the day as competitors
approach the start line at Straffan is second-tonone. “A mixture of nervous anticipation and friendly banter is abundant. It is a brilliant event to have on the Irish kayaking calendar and we hope that the success of pre-
vious years will continue for the 2011 event.” The event is renowned for its Irish party atmosphere but also guaranteed good conditions. That’s thanks to the ESB which releases 30 tonnes of water from the Poulaphouca Res-
ervoir to coincide with the race. This brings the river up to flood level and transforms small rapids and gentle weirs into furious torrents and foaming white water walls. To register, visit www. liffeydescent.com
28 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29 September 2011
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
RUGBY: MALAHIDE OPEN CAMPAIGN WITH CONVINCING WIN
Local team loses out in final of national contest LOCAL softball team, Batpak, from Swords, were defeated in the final of the National Club Softball Championships that took place at ALSAA sports grounds last weekend. In the competition by virtue of their success in the Brian Walsh Cup, Batpak have also represented Ireland in the European Club Championships in the past and brought a lot of experience to bear in the competition. They met Dodder Dynamoes in the final, and Dodder had built up momentum from their earlier games that proved too much for Batpak in the end, who didn’t bat as well as they had done in their matches to that point, and won out 17-7. Dodder Dynamoes will now have the opportunity to represent Ireland in the European Co-Ed Slow Pitch Softball Championships in 2012 and will be hoping to repeat their success in the European Club Championships in 2009.
Malahide host special camp for Halloween MALAHIDE United are hosting a special Halloween soccer camp between November 1 and 4. The camp, which costs €65 for participants, will train attendees in soccer skills as the new season gets into full swing between
10.30am and 3pm. Attendees who book before October 7 can order tickets for Ireland’s match against Armenia for only €35 for one adult and one child ticket, and everyone who attends will receive an FAI soccer ball. Spaces are limited to 100 only, and for more information, see www. malahideunited. com.
Malahide were on top form once they had moved through the gears in the first half of their Leinster League match against Clane
A Hide-flying start LEINSTER LEAGUE 2A Malahide RFC Clane
38 10
sport@gazettegroup.com
MALAHIDE opened their Leinster League campaign last Sunday with a tough home fixture against a Clane side who finished fifth in the division last year and proved to be a feisty opponent to break down, in spite of the tale that the final score may appear to tell. After an early shower had passed, conditions were pretty much ideal for a good open game of rugby, and Malahide set about the task of starting the campaign on a high. Clane seemed to settle first and had the better of the opening exchanges but the early part of the match saw
both defences on top. Malahide started to work their way into the game and, eventually, managed to gain some controlled possession in the visitor’s territory. When Clane were caught offside, full back Rory O’Driscoll stepped up to give the home side the lead. Clane fought back immediately and, when Malahide were penalised for a breakdown infringement in front of the posts, the scores were levelled. As the game started to open up a little, the home side held the upper hand, but a number of soft turnovers never allowed them to keep the pressure required to earn the game’s opening try. However, two further penalties from
O’Driscoll did push the home side into a 9-3 lead. As the half drew to a close, Malahide attacked once more, with scrum-half Neal O’Keeffe breaking from the base of the ruck. As the ball was moved through the hands, centre Mick Fitzmaurice found the space to force his way over and, after O’Driscoll’s conversion, Malahide now held a 16-3 lead. Clane responded by spending the remainder of the half pressing the Malahide line, but the host’s defence held firm and they managed to maintain their lead until half-time.
Dream start Malahide made a dream start to the second half when, almost
straight from the kickoff, flanker Eoin Crowley came into the line to create the extra man and his pass put Rory O’Driscoll away to score the try of the match. Clane, to their credit, had not given up and they responded quickly when Malahide lost control of their own scrum five metres out. The Clane back row forced their way over, and the conversion brought the score to 21-10. However, with the help of a strengthening breeze at their backs, Malahide were able to keep the game in the Clane half. The pressure told on the 60-minute mark when hooker Anthony Colbert touched down after a well-controlled
maul from a lineout. Shortly after, No 8 Keith Harrell pounced on a loose ball over the Clane line to secure the bonus point for the home team. With the score now at 33-10, Malahide continued to play some good r ugby, with centres Mick Fitzmaurice and Richie Forbes combining, for Forbes to touch down for the game’s final score. While the home team scored some great tries it was the defensive work of the likes of skipper Eamonn Gleeson, Niall Crookes and Wayne Hilder in the first half that really laid the platform for the win. Next up for Malahide is a trip to Ferbane next Sunday to face West Offaly Lions.
29 September 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29
in association with
2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - SEPTEMBER NOMINEES
FastSport
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
+ STARof the
Schools learn opponents in Development Cup
MONTH
DEIRDRE RYAN
MOSES IKPEFUA
NICOLA RYAN
DUNDRUM South Dublin athlete Ryan secured her berth at the 2012 London Olympics, jumping the A standard in Daegu when she claimed the sixth place in the high jump world championships this month.
KNOCKMITTEN runner Moses won the Under8 boys’ 60m title at Athlone in the national Community Games’ finals early in September, defeating opponents from around the country in style.
LUCAN resident Ryan became an Australian Rules’ world champion when she helped Ireland to claim the inaugural women’s International Cup in Melbourne with a 39-8 victory over Canada.
+ TEAMof the MONTH
ST BRIGID’S
DUBLIN FOOTBALLERS
ST SYLVESTER’S
A LAST-gasp free finally put St Brigid’s junior B footballers into seventh heaven when they claimed the championship title against St Finian’s of Newcastle following an epic final earlier this month.
THE sons of Dublin football finally achieved their potential on the national stage when they put 16 years of hurt behind them to lift the Sam Maguire trophy at Croke Park in front of a jubilant home support.
ST SYLVESTER’S celebrated their first All-Ireland hurling title a little over 18 months after claiming the Leinster Junior championship title when they won the St Jude’s Junior 7s Shield in midSeptember.
WELCOME to the 2011 Dublin Sports Awards, as we mark our local sportsmen and women’s September sporting achievements across the capital and, indeed, across the nation. We’re delighted to once again be able to celebrate the finest achievements in Dub-
lin sport, with some huge efforts at local levels coming to our attention in a variety of well-known, and some, less prominent, sports. Ever y form of sporting achievement, at any level and in any sport, is valuable and gives an indication of the diversity of sporting commit-
ment there is around our fair city at all times of the year.
Let us know! Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin — and give you, or your team, a chance of being one of our monthly stars.
Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ gazettesport. You can also check out the latest stories from GazetteSport at our new website, www.gazettegroup.com
FORMER St Columba’s student Ian McKinley drew his alma mater in a couple of tough draws as he and Shane Horgan conducted the Leinster Senior and Junior Development Cup and Shield draws last weekend. The Rathfarnham school will face upand-coming St Fintan’s HS, Sutton in the second round of the McMullen Cup, while their Junior side will face St Patrick’s Classical School, Navan, in round one of the Duff Cup. In the senior development cup, Lucan CC have been pitted against Firhouse CS in the second round, which will be played on October 12. On the same date, Castleknock CS will face Celbridge’s Salesians College while Oatlands play Portmarnock and Malahide CS face Drogheda Grammar. At Junior level, Castleknock CS face Colaiste Choilm, Swords on October 10.
Ford offer top travelling prize for Ireland fans FORD, official vehicle supplier to the FAI, are offering football fans in Dublin the chance to win an exclusive VIP package to the Republic of Ireland’s eagerly anticipated European Championship crunch qualifier against Armenia at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, October 11. Ford will look after the transport to and from the game for the winner and his/her friend by supplying a Ford
vehicle and personal chauffeur to pick them up on the day of the big match. The prize also includes a night’s accommodation in a Dublin hotel with pre-match dinner included, a pair of tickets to the game, and a chance to meet the players in the players’ lounge following the final whistle, as well as chauffeur-driven transport back home the following day. To enter, fans just need to email fordfootball@whpr. ie and let Ford know of a great journey they’ve experienced to a previous football match.
30 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29 September 2011
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
MOTOR RACING: LOCAL DRIVER ENDS SEASON IN SUGO RACES
Fingal fall to league defeat to Glenanne A DEPLETED Fingal were unable to build on their Neville Cup victory as they fell to a second successive defeat in the Leinster league campaign as reigning champions Glenanne took a 2-0 victory from Tallaght last Saturday, Gary Shaw striking twice in the second half. It was a dogged tussle, with the Glens enjoying lots of possession in the first half, running up 19 circle entries on the stats sheet but were not able to sully Eoin Connelly’s clean sheet. For Fingal, Gary Sharman was added to their long-term injury list when he dislocated his shoulder last Sunday and it meant Fingal were down to the bare bones, with skipper Nigel Grothier, Tom Manning and Derek O’Gorman all out. Shaw confirmed the win on the final whistle when he got his second.
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.
Local driver Gary Thompson managed a podium place in the last races of the season at Sugo in Japan
Thompson rolls to end sport@gazettegroup.com
LOCAL motor-racing rising star, Gary Thompson, brought the curtain down on his Japanese Formula 3 season with another National Class podium finish at Sportsland, Sugo, last weekend, before experiencing a day of frustration and bad luck on Sunday. The up-and-coming local racer had high hopes for one of his best events of the year before travelling to the fast and flowing Sugo circuit, which topped off a season of racing in Japan. Qualifying suggested
just as much, even if a small mistake on his final run left him fifth in a top six covered by a mere 0.2 seconds. Fortunately, Thompson’s lightning fast star ts have become something of a speciality this season and he was once again quick to react when the lights went out for race one on Saturday, vaulting from fifth to challenging for second by the first corner. Although unable to make the move stick, he slotted cleanly into third from where he kept the leaders honest throughout at a circuit shor t on over taking
Sam on his travels: AllIreland trophy visits school THE students of St Michael’s
House Special National school got a rare treat last week when their school was visited by Dublin captain, Bryan Cullen, and the Sam Maguire trophy. The school, in Golflinks Road, Hacketstown, has 29 children with intellectual disabilties in the school.
opportunities. But, in a weekend that perhaps characterised his season as a whole, the 19-year-old endured a day to forget less than 24 hours later.
Sunday’s race Sunday morning’s race once again witnessed another of Thompson’s stellar getaways, this time the Aviation Display and Cebu Pacific Air-backed Dubliner making second his own before being blocked by an accident ahead. Having lost a position in the confusion, and keen to quickly make amends, a slight mis-
take was all it took to pitch the car into retirement. At least the final race of the weekend would offer Gary an opportunity to end his season on a high note, especially after qualifying third courtesy of his best lap in race one. Frustratingly though, his race would ultimately start from the pit lane after the car’s starter motor failed en route to the grid, leaving Thompson to finish sixth. Speaking after the race, Gary said: “I’m happy to have added another podium to my tally for the year but, overall, it wasn’t the
weekend I’d hoped for. “Once again our strong pace has gone unrewarded and I’m obviously gutted about what happened in race two. “I don’t make many mistakes like that – it was a result of just pushing too hard to make up for losing the place gained at the start. “Now it’s a case of going away over the winter, working hard and coming back recharged. “ F i n a l l y, I ’d l i ke to thank the SGC by KCMG team and my sponsors for all their efforts throughout 2011.”
29 September 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31
in association with
HURLING: STRONG PROGRESS AT INTER LEVEL
CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST SYLVESTER’S SYLVESTER’S ladies move on to the
Ballyboden.
Leinster semi final against Mullina-
The minor hurlers play O’Toole’s
vat, next Sunday, October 2, in
in the championship next Sunday at
Broomfield after their fantastic
11am in Blunden Park.
eight-point victory over St Anne’s of Wexford.
The entrance to the club was looking great in beautiful blue and just
The ladies section also put in their
in time for last week’s celebrations
annual best foot forward with
thanks to club chairman Eddie Sul-
another very successful ladies 7s
livan who provided the hard labour,
competition on Saturday in a sunny,
and the generous sponsors who
fun-filled Broomfield.
provided the hard cash. Well done on
The intermediate hurlers lost their
great job and leading by example.
championship semi-final match by
Next Saturday and Sunday are the
four points to a very good Naomh
dates for the sponsored cycle for the
Barrog side.
great Nicky Cleere.
The junior hurlers won their semi-
Lotto: Numbers drawn were 9, 11, 16
final against Raheny after extra time
and 22. Patsy McGuirk was a Match-
by one point in an absolute cracker.
3 winner.
The minor A football team drew their championship match against
The jackpot is now €3,700. Enter at www.stsylvesters.ie.
FINGALLIANS St Sylvester’s impressive run in the Intermediate hurling championship came to an end against Naomh Barrog
Syl’s depart inter after great run INTER HURLING C’SHIP St Sylvester’s Naomh Barrog
2-8 0-18
sport@gazettegroup.com
S T S Y LV E S T E R ’ S bowed out at the semifinal stage to Naomh Barrog in Lawless Park last Saturday evening to end their impressive run in the competition, Coming just 18 months since they progressed from the Junior grade, the Malahide men pushed hard for another promotion this term, especially in the wake of their AllIreland 7s’ success in the build-up to the tie. But they found Barrogs too classy in the final four tie and never truly got out of the blocks. Starting slowly, the Kilbarrack men built a 0-5 to 0-3 lead before pulling clear by halftime, building an eightpoint advantage as their half-forward line aligned their sights on the posts. Syl’s improved after
the break, getting a goal back through Tom Reddy while Martin Ormonde and Russy Cleere also got on the mark as the half-back line became more prominent. But not enough scores were taken during this time and, while a second goal accrued from a free, time was not on their side as Barrogs held out for a four-point success. The club’s minor footballers, though, produced a decent showing against a fancied Ballyboden St Enda’s in the first series of games in their A championship, drawing nine points a piece. It sets up a tough, fourteam group to progress with St Jude’s running up a comfortable victory over Ballinteer St John’s in the day’s other game. It was entertaining fare, though, as the lead swapped from side to side as Boden came back from a two-point deficit with some high-quality scores against a blustery
wind. Syl’s initially struggled to use that wind and, following a missed free, went into the break down by a point. However, going against the conditions seemed to work for the Malahide side as they took control for much of the second half. The half-forward line of Conor Meaney, Conor Mullarkey and Fionn Cahill seemed to drop back a little and bolster the midfield to good effect. Conor Quinn rose to prominence in the halfback line to help out the energetic Kevin O’Flynn
and John Peacock. Finishing off moves, though, proved an issue and Boden capitalised on the lack of scoring to almost nick the tie, clocking up four points in a row to edge ahead at 0-9 to 0-8. But Cahill held his nerve to kick a confident late free and tie up the game. Next on the agenda is a trip around the M50 to Ballinteer on October 8 where a win would see the side advance their chances of reaching the knock-out stage. The group concludes with a home tie against St Jude’s.
THE Sam Ma guire will make an
10 to 11.30am in the club.
appearance in Fingallians on Friday,
Well done to the Fingallians senior
October 7. Further details to follow.
ladies who were narrowly beaten in
Our football and hurling academy
the quarter-finals of the All-Ireland
recommenced on September 10,
Senior 7s. The club wish to thank
with over 150 children attending.
Naomh Mearnog, who hosted the
Our academy sees both boys and
Senior 7s.
girls of four- to six-years-old par-
The second annual coaching forum
ticipate in 45 mins of hurling, fol-
will take place on October 29 (Bank
lowed by 45mins of Gaelic football.
Holiday weekend). Following the
We currently have over 25 parents
huge success of last year’s pro-
actively involved in assisting in the
gramme we have secured the serv-
implementation of the clubs acad-
ices of Paudie Butler, Philip Kerr and
emy and a number of whom have
Barry Horgan. Further details to
recently commenced the Foundation
follow.
Award Programme that provides
The latest race in the Dublin cross-
parents with the essential tools to
country league took place in New-
assist with academy sessions.
bridge House and well done to the
Fingallians’ GAA academy takes place every Saturday morning from
competitors who represented the club.
FINGAL RAVENS DUBLIN County chairman, Andy Kettle,
beaten in their championship game
will have Sam Maguire and, hopefully,
against Fingallians.
some Dublin players at our clubhouse this week. Our duck race and cross-country challenge was postponed last Sunday due to the weather, this will be rearranged at a later date. Well done to our minor team, who had a good win over Castleknock in the championship on Sunday morning. The U-14s were unlucky to lose by a point to Round Towers, and a speedy recovery to Matt Garrigan who fractured his wrist. Hard luck to our U-15 team who were
Also hard luck to our ladies team who were beaten by Clontarf in the cup. Senior team play championship next Sunday at 4pm next Sunday. Junior A team play Parnells at 11am next Sunday in St David’s. Junior D team play Cuala in Rolestown, time to be confirmed. Anyone who would like to receive club text alerts please text your name and number to 086-1765932. Well done to the New York Dublin team who won the intermediate championship on Saturday evening.
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ALL OF YOUR MALAHIDE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
CLANE SAILING: Malahide rugby club
register impressive win in Leinster League P28
SEPTEMBER STARS Sports Awards nominees announced P29
GazetteSPORT
St Sylvester’s senior footballers are set for the next phase of the senior championship against Parnells of Raheny
SEPTEMBER 29, 2011
Bannigan certain of Syl’s readiness St Sylvester’s senior football manager ready for thirdround challenge when championship resumes next week STEPHEN FINDLATER malahidesport@gazettegroup.com
ST SYLVESTER’S manager Gabriel Bannigan says that his side is in good shape to peak for their Dublin senior football championship third-round date. The competition has been in abeyance since May as the Dubs’ All-Ireland success left the club scene on hold until its epic conclusion. But now Syl’s are a fortnight away from a huge north Dublin clash with either Raheny or Parnells the next in line in the next fortnight, a tough battle no matter who makes it through. The Malahide side must take on the battle without the services of Shane O’Connor and Dave Galvin who have been ruled out for the season, but the return of Michael McCarthy is a major boon as Bannigan explains. “There’s an extra pep in [McCarthy’s] step with an All-Ireland medal in his pocket,” Ban-
nigan told the Gazette. “It’s great to have him around; the whole squad were thrilled for him to have been part of the Dublin setup and to have won the All-Ireland. He’s certainly added to training since he’s come back in.” As for the preparations, Brannigan’s side has not played a competitive match since meeting Trinity Gaels in mid-August but, after four high-level challenge matches against top sides from outside the county, he is in upbeat form. “It’s the way we planned it, looking to maintain our form throughout the summer without training too hard. In the last few weeks, we’ve been stepping it up for the championship and I’m happy with how we’re coming along.” Taking the direct route through the championship, Syl’s have already defeated Parnells this term but Bannigan says they are still a threat with plenty of top stars like MJ Tierney, Colm Begley and Stephen Cluxton in the mix.
That level of quality means that they will be a challenge and so the Syl’s boss is wary to pick a favoured next round opponent. “I’ve no preference at all. I know that’s what every manager will tell you but whoever it is, we’ll take them on their merits. “We beat Parnells earlier but their league form has been significantly better than earlier in the season. Apparently, they have added a few more inter-county players from outside Dublin but, whatever they have, they have to beat Raheny and I expect them to put it up to them. “Whichever one comes through, hopefully we’ll be ready for them. Since playing out last league game against Trinity Gaels, we’ve played four challenge games against top teams from outside Dublin. “They are only friendly games but we would have performed well. Certainly I would be happy with our form.”