Malahide GAZET TE FREE
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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER
INSIDE: Fashion and style advice at the Pavilions P8-9
October 20, 2011
INNOVATION: Local firm’s project takes top award in finals See Page 5
It’s party time: Enjoying Taste of Christmas IRENE Wills, Grace Hyland and
St Sylvester’s: Sides step up after seniors exit Dublin SFC Page 32
Annette Brophy, were at Malahide Rugby Club recently, to enjoy the launch of their Christmas party season in their awardwinning club house at their Taste of Christmas Event. The ladies, along with guests from the Malahide and Fingal business and community, were treated to an excellent display of Christmas menu choices, mulled wine and great live music. Picture: Una Williams
Full Gallery on Page 10
Rugby: Apprentice Under-21s lose out in Gale Cup Page 28
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ................. 8-9 MOTORS ........................19 BUSINESS .................... 21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
‘Water plant may be negative for beach’ TD urges locals to get involved in consultation
Q MIMI MURRAY
PROPOSALS for a major sewerage treatment plant could have a negative impact on Portmarnock Beach and its dunes, Dublin North East TD Sean Kenny, warned this week. The Labour TD is urging local residents to get involved
in the public consultation process on the treatment plant, which, it’s understood, will be developed over approximately 20 years. However, Peter O’Reilly, project engineer for the Greater Dublin Drainage Project, said the proposed new regional wastewater plant would have
a very positive impact on the environment. “The proposed new treatment plant will be approximately a quarter the size of the wastewater treatment works at Ringsend, and will provide a very high standard of wastewater treatment,” he said. Full Story on Page 7
2 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 20 October 2011
EXHIBITION TRANSPORT Byelection candidate urges Varadkar to dispel rumours
Georgian Society event Q MIMI MURRAY
A RECENT exhibition run by the Irish Georgian Society in Farmleigh on Traditional Building and Conser vation Skills may be brought to nor th Dublin, Fingal County Council has said. The hugely successful exhibition was organised by the Irish Georgian Society and sponsored by Fingal County Council. N ow t h e c o u n t y ’s conservation office is actively investigating the possibility of hosting a similar event at a north Dublin heritage property in the near future. The council made the comments in response to a query from Independent Councillor David O’Connor at a county council meeting last week.
Minister must give clarity on Metro link Q MIMI MURRAY
TRANSPORT Minister Leo Varadkar must give clarity on the multimillion euro light rail system Metro North, Green Party’s Dublin West byelection candidate Roderic O’Gorman said this week. The Green politician said that Metro North would not only give commuters in Swords a direct link to the city centre but would enhance Dublin as a destination for international investment and
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create thousands of jobs while it was being built. However, he said it was essential that clarity on the project be given by the Transport Minister following a summer of rumours that it is to be scrapped. “Over the summer, rumours have leaked out into the media that Metro North and the Dart Interconnector are to be cancelled. Minister Varadkar needs to take the opportunity of the Dublin West byelection campaign to give clarity on this issue,” he said. “Metro North is a particularly important issue for people living in Swords. “W hen I was canvassing there during the week, many people raised their concerns with me about whether the project would proceed. I have made it clear that, if I
Metro North map and Transport Minister, Leo Varadkar (inset)
am elected, I will be a strong voice in the Dail pressuring the Government to deliver on their promises to Swords and north Dublin. “While I accept that the Metro West project could not be afforded at this stage, Metro North and the interconnector are vital to Dublin
city’s future development and also that of the greater Dublin area. International companies want to see a city with a developed public transport infrastructure to cope with population increases. The number of people living in Fingal has grown by 14% over the last five years.
We must not make the mistakes of the Celtic Tiger years when we lost the opportunity to give Dublin the transport infrastructure it needs. “A sum of €4 billion was budgeted in the four-year plan for public transport, so the EU/IMF are satisfied to allow us undertake this
work. With Ireland’s bond yields decreasing, we will be able to borrow for some of the cost. The Government will also be able to attract private finance, as the Metro would be a regulated asset and therefore investors would be guaranteed a return,” he said.
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Fingal volunteers honoured for 20 years of service to community
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TWO Fingal citizens, who have given over 20 years of service to their communities, have been honoured at a special ceremony. Maureen Hickey, from Swords, and Eileen Allman, from Malahide, who are both volunteers of the Fingal Citizens Information Service, received a certificate and commemorative bowl at the event which was held at the EU Commission Office in Dublin. The ceremony was hosted by the Citizens Information Board (CIB) and the National Association of Citizens Information Services. The occasion was marked in this the European Year of the Volunteer by the attendance of
Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton. Speaking at the event, Tony McQuinn, chief executive, Citizens Information Board paid tribute to those who were being honoured saying: “Volunteers have played an essential part in the development of Citizens Information Services and continue to be integral to the delivery of this community based service. They bring commitment, life experience and a vast range of skills to their role. “This event, which is particularly appropriate in this the European Year of Volunteers, acknowledges the volunteers who have dedicated themselves for the past twenty years or more,
to ensuring that their local communities, especially the vulnerable or socially excluded, have access to information on entitlements and services and the assistance needed in securing them.” The Fingal Citizens Information Service now has 62 volunteers, with 10 volunteers with 20 years or more service. Nationwide there are 1,175 volunteers working. This is one of a number of events due to take place around the country to mark the contribution of volunteers to the Citizens Information Service. Meanwhile, Andrew McCann, development manager of the Fingal ser vice
said: “I am delighted with the recognition of the extensive commitment volunteers have given to their local centre. This is the second year of the National Volunteer Awards Programme, in addition to our local programme, that recognises volunteers who have been with the service for 5 years or more.” In 2010 the Fingal service dealt with 36,329 queries and 24,306 callers to the service. To date the service has seen a 20% increase in both queries and callers in 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, which is obviously due to the current economic difficulties encountered by many.
20 October 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 3
YOGA Pregnancy classes to keep you strong
Bringing balance to mum’s body Q MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com
NEW pregnancy yoga, baby massage and baby yoga classes are starting in Malahide this autumn. They will kick off in the Malahide Tennis Club on October 27 and in St Andrew’s Parish Centre on November 5. Pregnancy yoga costs €75 for five classes and runs from 7pm to 8pm. Each class starts with a short relaxation to centre the mind after a busy day, where participants focus on breathing, followed by some gentle warm ups. They then move into the poses which can be done seated, on all fours or in a standing position. All poses are done with the breath and focus on gently stretching and
strengthening the body. The baby massage classes run from 10.30am to 11.45am in St Andrews and costs €120 for four weeks. Baby Massage is a relaxing and fun class for babies of all ages, from birth to crawling,
going to sleep; premature babies; and babies who suffer from colic. Parents should bring a mat or blanket to lie baby on. Baby yoga will run from November 5 in St Andrew’s from 12pm to 1pm and costs €85 for a five-week course.
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‘Baby Massage is a relaxing and fun class for babies of all ages’
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but Mum and baby will get the most out of the course if baby is at least four weeks of age. Mums and dads are welcome to attend each week. The baby massage course is suitable for all babies, particularly those who suffer from tummy problems; are “fussy” babies; those who have difficulty settling and
A baby yoga class stimulates all the senses, because of the combination of handling, touching, singing and movement. It improves the function of all of the body’s systems, including digestive, circulatory, nervous, vestibular and excretory systems, as well as giving greater confidence to
mum or dad when handling and playing with their baby. As the brain is developing so quickly during the first few years of life, the stimulation of a baby yoga class will enhance the developmental process, strengthening all the functions of the nervous system through touch, song and movement. Doing yoga with a baby means playing, stretching, singing, having fun, interacting together and then relaxing together. Regular yoga practice with baby will help to tone muscles and also help to bring harmony to mum’s body, post-natally. For more details go to the new website, www.mumandbaby.ie, designed by Ambient Project for all details and to book a place.
Dressed to impress: Celebrating a birthday DEBORAH Veale and
Miss Ireland, Holly Carpenter, pictured at a fashion show in celebration of Divine Boutique Malahides’s fourth birthday. The event showcased the works of Irish designers, together with International and unknown quirky designers, and was full to capacity with devout followers, such as Lorraine Keane, Deborah Veale and Holly, who was there to pick her outfits for the Miss World competition. A wine reception was followed by a fashion show, where loyal customers took to the catwalk to strut their stuff in Divines latest collections. See Gallery next week
4 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 20 October 2011
COUNCIL ‘Halloween bonfires create fire risks, pose nuisance and incur costs’
Communities urged to help prevent costly fires Q MIMI MURRAY
malahide@gazettegroup.com
FINGAL County Council (FCC) is trying to avoid a €150,000 cleanup bill after the Halloween bonfires. This is the figure the council spent after last year’s festivities, which
creates burnt earth on parklands and open spaces, which take approximately 18 months to recover before the grass grows back. FCC said that the burning of tyres and other toxic materials that release pollutants into the atmosphere, which
are bad for people’s health, especially those with asthma or respiratory diseases. They said that children, adults and pets are at high risk of injury and trauma from both fireworks and bonfires. Communities, and especially older people, can
become afraid when they see a bonfire and hear the associated noise. A council spokesperson said: “The emergency fire and ambulance services have an important and very busy job to do fighting fires and saving lives, and bonfires are an unnecessary and avoida-
ble extra burden on these busy men and women.” The spokesperson said that there are things that the community can do to prevent such fire risks. “Contact FCC if you see a bonfire being built, or if you see materials such as pallets, tyres and old furniture being
hoarded in advance of Halloween. “Do not leave material lying around that may be taken for a bonfire. Many garage or garden shed items, such as petrol, white spirits, diesel, aerosols, batteries, tins of paint, bottles and tyres are extremely dangerous
if set on fire. “Explain the dangers of illegal fireworks and bonfires to children and teenagers. “In the event of an emergency, contact your local garda station, or the emergency services immediately,” said the spokesperson.
RETAIL
CHARITY: CHRISTMAS APPEAL
Fashion shows at Pavilions
Fill a shoebox with hope for a needy child
THIS weekend, Pavilions shoppers are in for another treat, following on from the success of last weekend’s event, Big on Fashion Satisfaction. Malahide’s TV3 style queen, Courtney Smith, will host a series of free fashion shows, as well as helping the glam shoppers of North County Dublin to choose their key winter pieces. Courtney says there will be something for all ages. “I will be covering a spectrum of looks, from casual to really dressy. For example, Mango do a lot of evening wear, or H&M will be showing a lot of their oversized coats,” she said. Most of the fashion stores will take part, and the event will run all day Saturday and Sunday. For further information, go to www.pavilions.ie. See Pages 8-9 for a full gallery of last week’s make-over event
With Sam and the lads: The All-Ireland victors’ civic reception
Q MIMI MURRAY
malahide@gazettegroup.com
COUNCILLOR Darragh Butler couldn’t resist holding aloft a certain well-known trophy when Fingal County Council hosted a civic reception for the 2011 All-Ireland football champions recently. The Fianna Fail councillor met “Sam” and local lad, and St Finian’s GAA player, Sean Ralph, at the reception, where they congratulated Dublin players, including Darren Daly, Barry Cahill and Paul Flynn.
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LAST year, North County Dublin sent 11,117 Christmas Shoeboxes to needy children in Africa and Eastern Europe, where many families live on €1 a day. There are 339,798 households/families in North County Dublin and, this year, Team Hope is calling on every family or household to fill one Christmas Shoebox. The county with the biggest percentage increase in Christmas shoeboxes will be awarded the Team Hope Cup of Hope. Carol Hennessey, Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal manager, said: “There are more than 1.4 million households in Ireland. “If every house did one shoebox, imagine the difference that would make to so many children, and that doesn’t even include if businesses around Ireland also filled some shoeboxes. “Many of these children will get nothing else but this shoebox gift this Christmas. “Our local coordinators have been so helpful over the years, and we are really looking forward to having a record number of shoeboxes this year. “It’s easy to take part,
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‘The gifts can be things like copy books or crayons – things we take for granted here, but which will mean so much to families who have to live on less than €1 a day’ --------------------------
Carol Hennessey, Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal --------------------------
yet the kindness of every Irish person who does, can make a needy child’s Christmas a Christmas of hope, and one they will never forget. “Filling a Team Hope Christmas Shoebox is a great way of teaching children the art of giving, and the gifts can be things like copy books or crayons – things we take for granted here, but which will mean so much to families who have to live on less than €1 a day,” she said. An Irish charity, Team Hope hopes that the numbers of shoeboxes will increase significantly, by at least 25%, this year.
There are just five weeks to do this. The experienced coordinating team, together with 50 local teams of more than 1,000 volunteers nationwide, have been organising the Christmas Shoebox Appeal for 12 years. Shoeboxes can be dropped off at more than 200 collection points around the countr y before Friday, November 11, for distribution to needy children. Team Hope will then deliver the gift-filled shoe boxes into the hands of a needy child in Africa or Eastern Europe. Shoeboxes should be wrapped in Christmas paper (with the lid wrapped separately), and it is up to the donor to choose who they’d like to receive the gift – either a boy or a girl – as well as the age group it is suited for. For further information, as well as all of the information about how to pack the box, suggestions as to suitable items, a sticker to mark the box (for a boy or girl, and the age), and an envelope for the €3 contribution towards transport etc, is available in a leaflet, which you can get from local co-ordinators, by phoning Team Hope at 01 294 0222, or via the website at www.teamhope.ie.
20 October 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5
SCIENCE Project’s boost for hip fractures
HOUSING: PRAISE FROM BRENDAN RYAN TD
Pyrite group submissions welcomed Representatives of Malahide-based company, SOTA Orthopaedics, were congratulated on being a finalist in the recent Fusion Project of the Year awards, held by InterTradeIreland, in recognition of the company’s novel expanding bolt device for hip fractures
Boning up to innovate Q MIMI MURRAY
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‘[The agency] has funded and supported 300 graduate projects to help SMEs across the island grow and thrive through allisland trade and innovation’
A N I N N OVA T I V E project – undertaken as part of InterTradeIreland’s Fusion programme, at Malahide-based company, SOTA Orthopaedics – was a finalist in the recent Fusion Project of the Year award, at an InterTradeIreland ceremony. With InterTradeIreland’s support, Dublin graduate Ross McDonald was appointed by SOTA Orthopaedics in 2010 to undertake a Fusion project to advance the design of the X-Bolt, and associated implants and instruments, for osteoporotic bone fixation in hip fractures. The novel expanding bolt device gives a stronger hold and rotational stability compared to a traditional bone screw device. Commenting on the project, Dr Brian Thornes, CEO, SOTA Orthopaedics, said: “We are delighted to have been a finalist in this project and by the resulting success, which has delivered far beyond our expectations. “This has been an exciting project, which has been in line with our approach to innovation and our company aspiration, which is to continuously look at ways to improve our products and processes,” he said. T his project also involved taking the product through from concept to testing and through to
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regulatory approval. SOTA Or thopaedics has recently been awarded the CE Mark as a result of the work it has carried out as part of its Fusion project. The company was also awarded the Silver award for Emerging Company of the Year from the Irish Medical Devices Association in 2010. McDonald said: “InterTradeIreland’s Fusion programme offered the perfect link between academia and business, and I was tasked to advance the design of this key product. “I have found the task both extremely beneficial to my own experience, but also am delighted by the overall outcome of the project, both for customers and the company itself. I look forward to further work in this area in the future. “As I was supported in-house and by Queens University Belfast, it pro-
vided invaluable support in the delivery of this project,” he said. Recognising the substantial business and economic contribution graduates can make to the economy, InterTradeIreland has funded and supported 300 graduate projects to help SMEs across the island grow and thrive through allisland trade and innovation. Liam Nellis, chief
executive, InterTradeIreland, said: “Graduates, such as Ross McDonald, are bright, well-educated, enthusiastic and eager to succeed, and they are the type of people we need working across the island, now more so than ever. “Companies such as SOTA Or thopaedics can really benefit from a programme like Fusion, because of their open approach to innovation. “More than 70% of
this year’s graduates who completed their projects have been offered employment by the participating businesses – a sign of the quality of the graduates recruited, and the success of the innovation and cross-border trade projects undertaken,” said Nellis.
SUBMISSIONS by the P yrite Action Group to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Transport, Culture and Gaeltacht have been praised by Labour TD for Dublin North, Brendan Ryan. “I have sat on many committees in my time as a senator, and now as a TD, but seldom have I witnessed a more engaging and well-presented submission such as that which came from the Pyrite Action Group. “Whilst the Government has announced the setting up of a working group to tackle the pyrite crisis in recent weeks, it was timely that the Pyrite Action Group presented the human cost of the pyrite issue
to members of both the Dail and the Seanad. “The group also set out its goals and expectations, primary amongst them the desire to have their pyriteaffected homes to be fully repaired and certified as ‘pyrite-free’.
Working group “This is the goal which needs to be achieved, and it must be the goal of the Government’s working group, too. “ I we l c o m e d t h e opportunity to meet and speak with the Pyrite Action Group in Leinster House, and I will continue to work with them in the weeks and months ahead on this most serious of issues,” he said.
6 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 20 October 2011
EVENT The Fingal Annual Writers Festival will include a songwriting course
Workshops and gigs during Writers Festival Q MIMI MURRAY
THERE are plenty of exciting events still to take place during the Fingal Annual Writers Festival, Writing 3.0 this month. Gibney’s pub will be the location for two of the events taking place during festival.
On Thursday, October 20, there will be an Open Mic with guest poets Catherine Walsh and Sarah Maria Griffin. It will be facilitated by avant garde poet, Christodoulus Makris, and will include performances by two poets. It is a chance to read to an audience
in the informal atmosphere of Gibney’s Pub in Malahide. This is the festival’s fringe event, featuring a showcase of poetry written wide of the mainstream and aims to celebrate the work of new writers by inviting a participant in the previous year’s open mic ses-
sion to feature. This will take place at 7.30pm. Meanwhile, on Saturday, October 22, Mick Hanly will host a showcase gig in Gibney’s as part of the Songwriting Course. The gig will feature the work of workshop participants and
a spot by the host. This event takes place at 8.30pm. Leading up to this, there will be a songwriting course with Mick Hanly in Malahide Library. The workshop is aimed at offering an insight into the approach and practical implications of becoming a
songwriter. Also in the library, there will be an introduction to comedy writing with Maureen Levy on October 22. Using a set of simple rules, combined with trigger exercises, people will be taught how to find their comic voice.
INCIDENTS: VANDALISM
Labour Councillor Peter Coyle
Lights are damaged Q MIMI MURRAY
LIGHTING that was severely damaged by vandals on a section of the popular coastal walkway between Malahide and Portmarnock is to be replaced. Fingal County Council told local politicians at a Council meeting last week that it has instructed a contractor to order and fit new light heads on unlit bollards on both sections of the walkway. The local authority was responding to Labour Councillor Peter Coyle, who had requested a report by FCC on efforts to repair and replace the lighting, which was damaged last April. Councillor Coyle said the damage had marred the enjoyment and safety of countless walkers in Malahide and Portmarnock who use the walkway. In its report, the Council said that, in April last, 11 out of 21 lighting heads were broken on the footpath adjacent to the Martello Tower at Portmarnock. Meanwhile, all 10 lighting heads near Biscayne were vandalised. Fingal Co Council removed the damaged heads at Biscayne. The remain-
ing lighting heads at the Martello Tower were redistributed to provide a reasonable level of light to night-time users. The council said that at Malahide, existing overhanging streetlights on the main road provided some light to replace the missing lights. The remaining lights at Portmarnock have continued to operate undamaged since April. However, the Council has instructed its contractor to order and fit new light heads on the unlit bollards on both sections of walkway. “It is considered that no modification of the units can protect against determined efforts to damage them as has been experienced. If the units fail to survive, the council proposes to replace these lights with a suitable reduced number of lighting columns appropriate to the locations,” the council said. This walkway is extensively used both day and night, according to Cllr Coyle. “All suspicious activity associated with the lights needs to be reported to the Gardai. The low level lights contribute to the enjoyment and safety of this popular walkway.”
Fingal County Council responded to questions about mussels harvesting in Skerries this week
FISHING: HARVESTING ISSUES IN SKERRIES
Questions over local harvesting of mussels Q MIMI MURRAY
THE Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Marine does not have to inform Fingal County Council or the general public of permits issued to those harvesting seed mussel off the Fingal Coast. At a Council meeting last week, Independent councillor May McKeown asked FCC that councillors be informed of the activity in future, following Mussel harvesting at Skerries Beach. However, the council said the issuing of permits for harvesting seed mussels by the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food is not subject to public consultation, and the permits usually
covers all Irish coastal waters for one year. Similarly, the seed mussel movement permits issued by the Marine Institute are not subject to public consultation. Furthermore, there is no legal obligation for the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food and the Marine Institute to notify Fingal County Council and/or the general public. Labour Councillor Ciaran Byrne also asked that the manager to clarify, in view of the use of JCBs and the stranding of a vessel on mussel beds adjacent to Shenick Island in Skerries at the end of September, the responsibilities and effective enforcement powers of various agencies,
including, if appropriate, Fingal County Council, in the protection of the environment below the high water mark, including, but not limited to, Special Protection Areas. In response the council said: “The Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food issues licenses to harvest seed mussels. These licenses are issued to individual vessels and usually cover the harvesting of seed mussels in all Irish waters, with the exception of certain areas listed in Statutory Instrument 347, 2008 as amended. “The Fish Health Unit in the Marine Institute issues movement licenses for the seed mussels from the harvest site to an aquaculture site.
“ T h e S e a F i s h e ries Protection Agency inspects whether the vessel owner carries out the harvesting of the seed mussels in accordance with the licenses issued by the Department of Agriculture Fisheries an Food and the Marine Institute. “In case of breaches of a license, the SFPA will take enforcement action. The Foreshore Unit of the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government normally issues licenses for structures and activities on the foreshore. “However, foreshore permits relating to aquaculture and sea fisheries activities are issued by the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and
Food. “The National Parks and Wildlife Services under the auspices of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is the regulatory authority for Special Protection Areas and is responsible for keeping these areas in a favorable ecological status. “The NPWS is lead agency in relation to enforcement of the Habitat and Birds Directive, and may take enforcement action where activities are deemed to have a direct or indirect impact on the birds for which the area is designated. It should be noted that any other licensing agency has to have cognizance of the SPA designation,” said the council.
20 October 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 7
ENVIRONMENT Water plant may be negative for Portmarnock Beach WEBSITE:
LOOKING FOR ONLINE FEEDBACK
Call for locals to get involved in plant Q MIMI MURRAY
news@gazettegroup.com
PROPOSALS for a major sewerage treatment plant could have a negative impact on Portmarnock Beach and its dunes, Dublin North East TD Sean Kenny warned this week. The Labour TD is urging local residents to get involved in the public consultation process on the treatment plant which, it’s understood, will be developed over approximately 20 years. Speaking to the Gazette, following a presentation by Fingal County Council last week, Deputy Kenny said: “It is important for residents to note that they can get involved with the public consultation for the plans for the project. “Fingal County Council has published a report identifying nine potential land parcels in the northern part of the Greater Dublin Area, for further investigation as possi-
ble locations for a new regional wastewater treatment works, associated marine outfall locations and routes for the orbital drainage system.” “The two sites locally are Cloghran and Clonshaugh. The coast at Portmarnock and Baldoyle is something that is being looked at, specifically at Baldoyle estuary and off the Velvet Strand. “I have had further clarification from the consultants about this. They have stated that (given the nature reserves and designations) such an outfall would have to be done via a tunnel under the Baldoyle Estuary and Portmarnock dunes a distance of 8km, beyond Ireland’s Eye,” Deputy Kenny said. Speaking to the Gazette, Peter O’Reilly, project engineer for the Greater Dublin Drainage Project, said the proposed new regional wastewater plant would have a very positive impact on the environment.
What’s going on in Malahide Q MIMI MURRAY news@gazettegroup.com
Nine potential land parcels have been designated as a potential location for water works
“The proposed new treatment plant will be approximately a quarter the size of the wastewater treatment works at Ringsend, and will provide a very high standard of wastewater treatment. It is needed, both to protect the environment and to meet the high water quality standards set by the EU Water Framework Directive,” he said. The new plant will be a regional plant, with most of the wastewater coming from the Fingal area. Nine potential land parcels in the northern part of the Greater Dublin Area have been identi-
fied for further study as a potential location for the new regional wastewater treatment works. It will be next year before a final location is chosen. Four Open Days will be held by Fingal County Council in its Swords headquarters on Saturday, October 22, from 11am to 4pm, Wednesday, October 26, from 2pm to 8pm, Thursday, November 3 from 2pm to 8pm, and Saturday, November 5, from 11am to 4pm. People can also send queries to info@greaterdublindrainage.ie and contact the Project Team at 1890 44 55 67.
COUNCIL: INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT
€1.9m contract signed on treatment scheme Q MIMI MURRAY
FINGAL County Council showed its continued determination to improve infrastructure in the county, by awarding a second contract in
the Portrane/Donabate/ Rush/Lusk (PDRL) Waste WaterTreatment Scheme, namely, Sandy Road/ Channel Road Sewer Upgrading. Fingal County Council signed a €1.9m contract with Wills Bros Ltd on
October 7 to upgrade almost 2Km of sewers in Rush. When construction is completed next summer, approximately one quarter of the town will be able to connect to the new Treatment Plant, which is
currently under construction in Portrane. This will be welcome news for locals who have supported the Council in securing approval from central government. Construction work will start early in November.
ENJOY Malahide, the website that tells you all about what’s going on in the village, re-launched this month. After many months in development, the new and exciting www. enjoymalahide.com is online. The creators of the online space are looking for feedback on the new site which has many of the 400 businesses/ services in Malahide listed on the site. “We would also like to give a big Thank You to all of you for your continued support of Enjoy Malahide as we continue to grow,” the creators said.
8 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 20 October 2011
EVENT Free fashion shows and beauty make-overs as TV3’s
Fashion fever hits the Pavilions
HE Pavilions Centre planned to indulge customers in fashion, beauty and giveaways recently when TV3’s Xpose stylist, Malahide native Courtney Smith, was at the centre bringing with her free fashion shows and styling advice. Local ladies were treated to free beauty makeovers from Courtney and her team over the weekend, which proved to be a very popular attraction at the centre. The Xpose star proved to be very popular with both younger and older ladies who left looking great and with some great new make-up tips.
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Bridgette Johnston and Danielle Keogh. Pictures: Annie King
Make-up artist Danielle Keogh attends to Bridgette Johnston
Una McDonald and Emma
Make-up artist Eleanor Magan
Emma Suits
20 October 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 9
Xpose stylist, Malahide’s Courtney Smith, visits Centre
Annemarie Kirwan and make-up artist Christine Geraghty
Nail artist Karen O’Brien and Lonela Enei
Make up artist Eleanor Magan works on Eleanor Friel
10 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 20 October 2011
EVENT Malahide Rugby Football Club launch festive season
Shauna Melvin and Breeda Melvin
Getting a taste for party season ALAHIDE Rugby Club, in association with Kyles Catering, launched their Christmas party season in style in their award-winning clubhouse at their Taste of Christmas event recently. Guests from Malahide and Fingal Business and Community were treated to an excellent display of Christmas menu choices and mulled wine. Christmas decor and live music from The Firm, created a superb festive atmosphere.
Debbie Aungier, Adrian Aungier and Lilian Foley
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Theresa Donaldson, Pamela and Willie Kehoe
Laura O’Neill and Carol McCaughey
Catherine Byrne and Bernadette Conners
Irene Wills, Grace Hyland and Annette Brophy
Aine Rogers and Marion Lyons
Sharon Quinn, Susan Lovatt, Sharon Cooke and Majory Sliney
Victoria Ivers and Paddy O’Neill
20 October 2011 GAZETTE 11
FESTIVE Tesco launches a choice selection of treats
Q STAFF REPORTER
THIS Christmas Tesco have everything on hand to take the hassle out of your family Christmas dinner or festive party celebrations, with an extensive range of food and drink in-store to suit every taste, and pocket. From festive fizz and canapes, to traditional Christmas favourites and meal accompaniments, Tesco has something to make this Christmas one to remember. Party Favourites/ Sophisticated Starters
No festive party is complete without the addition of some chic canapes to set the tone for the evening. Why not add a touch of class with some Tesco Finest canapes… the taste without the luxury price tag!
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‘From festive fizz and canapes, to traditional Christmas favourites’
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joint with honey and wholegrain mustard. For those looking for a different choice for the dinner table this Christmas, try Tesco’s Finest* Rib Roast Beef with Mixed Peppercorn Crumb or the Tesco Finest* Leg of Lamb. Every accompaniment to finish off Christmas dinner from Finest* Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts to Tesco’s Carrot and Parsnip Selection and Carrots all of which are Irish grown, are available this year.
Christmas Dinner
The main event of the day is sure to be a hassle-free show-stopper with the selection of traditional meats and alternatives on sale this year. Traditionalists will love the selection of fresh Irish turkeys and turkey crowns, which will be in stores from December. Look out for some real dinner table treats, such as the Tesco Finest Bronze Turkey and the Tesco Fresh Turkey Joint with Orange and Cranberry Stuffing Wrapped in Parma Ham from Grove Farm in Monaghan. Accompany the turkey with a choice of ham joints from Hilton Foods, Drogheda, such as smoked ham on the bone, dry cured loin ham joint with brown sugar, pear and bay leaf or dry cured premium ham
Delicious Desserts
There is also an extensive range of range of puddings, cakes and desserts, perfect for families and friends. For the traditional ending to Christmas dinner, try Tesco’s Finest* Christmas Pudding with Courvosier VS Cognac (908g) or Tesco Finest*’s Christmas Pudding (454g). For a dessert with a light European flavour, finish with Tesco Finest* Pannetone Pudding (227g). T h e e ve r- p o p u l a r mince pies are another family favourite, treat everyone with Tesco Finest* Deep Filled Mince Pies with Courvosier VS Cognac or Tesco Finest* 12 Mini Mince Pies with Courvosier VS Cognac, for a little bit of what you fancy!
Post Dinner treats
For those who still have room left after such an amazing feast, their is also an array of post-dinner delights to enjoy. Why not finish Christmas dinner with a choice of exquisite Irish farmhouse cheeses from suppliers across the country, including Cashel Irish Cheese Selection, the Old Irish Creamery, Carrigaline Farmhouse Cheese Gift Box selection, Ardsallagh Cranberry Roulade, Horgan’s Value Selection or Horgan’s Executive Selection. Tesco’s Finest* Irish Farmhouse Cheese Selection, will also impress family and friends.
Tesco launched their Christmas range of foods and fashion last week, Heather is pictured at the event, wearing a dress from the autumn/winter fashion range Festive Tipples
No Christmas would be complete without a touch of fizz, and, this year, no matter what your budget, there is something to suit all pockets. Tesco Finest* Premier Cru Champagne NV 75cl is the perfect addition to any party. For those looking for a
nice wine to accompany Christmas dinner, the Tesco Finest* Duorois, a medium-bodied red would go well with meat main dishes such as turkey and beef. There is also Tesco Finest* Picpoul de Pinet, a crisp French white from the Languedoc which partners fish start-
ers perfectly. So, whether you are looking for a stress free Christmas dinner with all the trimmings or a Christmas Party with all the festive accompaniments get down to your local Tesco store for an exciting range of treats, mains, desserts and nibbles for all the family.
Giving the X3 the M Factor: This is a powerful, 3.0 litre M Sport performance version of the machine, with all the style, safety and luxury features thrown in
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Make your Christmas a tasty and stylish one
MOTORING PAGE 19
12 GAZETTE 20 October 2011
SPORT: STAR PLAYER, ONLINE GAME
GASTRONOMY Food experiences in Ireland
Time to give us predictions MIMI MURRAY news@gazettegroup.com
This is the eighth consecutive year that Heineken, the world’s most international beer brand, has sponsored the prestigious UCL. Walter Drenth, marketing director at Heineken Ireland, said: “Star Player will really change the way in which Irish football fans interact with the UEFA Champions League; it has created a more social, ‘play and watch’ experience during matches. The appetite for UCL in Ireland continues to be huge and, with the introduction of Star Player, Heineken brings fans another truly premium, innovative experience.” The Heineken Star Player is available to play on Heineken.ie.
Celebrity Maitre‘D, John Healy at Ivan’s Oyster Bar and Grill in Howth
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HEINEKEN Star Player is back for another round of matches. Star Player is a world-first innovation online game that lets fans interact with realtime football matches on Heineken.ie while they watch UEFA Champions League matches on television. Star Player is transforming how fans watch the UEFA Champions League by allowing them to anticipate events unfolding on the pitch. By making second-bysecond predictions in realtime, UEFA Champions League fans build points by predicting goals, corner kicks and
free kicks. Using unique timedependent technology, with every correct forecast, fans gain points. Through the Interactive Champions League, fans can also compete and share Star player results with their friends via Facebook and with other players around the world. Irish fans will have a weekly chance to win a VIP trip to a UEFA Champions League match by topping the Star Player Irish league table. Soccer fans can log on to Heineken.ie and register for their chance to win. Each week the runnerup in the Star Player Irish league table will win a Heineken Fusball table.
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CELEBRITY Maitre‘D, John Healy was at Ivan’s Oyster Bar and Grill in Howth last week to demonstrate that there is no need to “make a meal” out of sourcing the best quality food experiences in Ireland, simply log onto www.discoverireland.ie/food. The website is a virtual haven for foodies and is a one-stop-shop for information on food festivals, food trails, cookery schools, farmer’s markets, food attractions, eating out and even Foodie TV. John is very familiar with demanding critics, having worked front of house in the food industry for the last 20 years, and is happy to give the website its own five-star rating! Commenting about what Ireland has to offer foodies throughout the country, John said:
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‘It’s a virtual haven for foodies and is a one-stop-shop for information’ --------------------------
“The Irish Food industry is currently thriving and it appears that the country’s palette has collectively woken up to the amazing range of foodie experiences available to both connoisseurs and novices alike. Ireland can compare very favourably with our European neighbours and anyone can try their hand at an afternoon in a cookery schools, uncover some hidden gems on a tasty food trail or meet the makers of some of the top artisan food. I want to encourage people to get out there and discover exactly what Ireland has to offer!” An example of some of the gastronomic high-
lights that are coming up this autumn include Savour Kilkenny Food Festival, which takes place over the October Bank Holiday Weekend and features a bustling open-air market against the spectacular backdrop of Kilkenny Castle; Slow Foods Ireland’s Wild & Slow Festival will take place in a winter fest style market at Macreddin Village, Co. Wicklow on November 19-20, and the Listowel Food Fair, which runs from the November 3-6 and showcases everything from cheese making to baking and beer tasting to beekeeping. If you would like to get some inspirational ideas on eating out, or find out where to go for the best markets to stock up on some home-made artisan goodies, or if you are simply interested in experiencing some of Ireland’s fantastic food festivals and events, check out www.discoverireland.ie/ food
20 October 2011 GAZETTE 13
GazetteNUTRITION NUTRITION Foods that will help you win! LEILA JOHARI
ON MONDAY, October 31, the Dublin City Marathon will take place. For those of you taking part this is the day that you have been working towards for weeks, even months, so the last thing you want to do is to miss out on that gold medal due to poor nutrition! In addition to physical training you need a nutritional plan to ensure you are meeting your body’s increased nutrient requirements to optimise your performance in competition. Needs of runners
Carbohydrates are the most important nutrient. Some marathon runners practise “carbohydrate loading”, an approach that maximises stores of glycogen, which is the first fuel to be used during intense exercise. To achieve this, you limit your intake of carbohydrates for a couple of weeks before the event. The initial reduction in carbohydrates makes the body extremely sensitive to them when they enter the body, allowing glycogen stores to be replenished. When competing for over 90 minutes normal glycogen stores will not be enough to maintain exercise so the goal of carbohydrate loading is to superload muscles with glycogen to delay fatigue and enable you to exercise for longer. It is best to eat a variety of food from each of the four major food groups each day so that you get a
good supply of the nutrients a marathon runner needs. These nutrients include carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, calcium and zinc.
drinks have similar benefits. Marathon runners should choose isotonic sports drinks as these quickly replace fluids lost by sweating and supply carbohydrates. Examples include Lucozade Sport.
Before the event
After the event
Exercising on a full stomach is not ideal. Food takes about 1-4 hours to fully digest, depending on how much you have eaten. On the day of the event it is best to eat a light breakfast, such as a cereal or toast and fruit juice. Drink water in small amounts after breakfast at regular intervals so that you start the race fully hydrated. You may also consider a liquid meal if you find it hard to eat solid meals before a competition as they are quickly emptied from the stomach. Fibre should be avoided precompetition as they can result in stomach upsets. Choose lower-fibre foods such as cornflakes, white bread and soft fruits with no skin.
Following the event, it is vital to ensure fast recovery. It is essential to replace lost fluids and replace sodium losses to ensure maximum fluid retention. You need to drink 1.5 times the amount of body weight you have lost from sweat and urination. Even if you are celebrating try to avoid drinks containing caffeine and alcohol after competing! A large, carbohydrate meal should be eaten within two hours of the finish. It should consist of high GI foods. Bananas and dried fruit are good immediately following a marathon. A main meal might consist of bread, pasta, potatoes and rice. It is also an opportunity for you to enjoy foods that you would usually avoid such cakes and sweets. Don’t go too crazy though! Combining protein and carbohydrate will enhance your recovery. Athletes who refuel with carbohydrate and protein have 100% greater muscle glycogen stores than those who ate only carbohydrates so try to include a good source of protein such as chicken or eggs. Remember that your nutritional plan is part of your first-place formula and will help ensure you bring home the gold!
Sheena Crotty, from Lucan, celebrates completing the Lifestyle Sports - adidas Dublin Marathon 2010
During the event
During the marathon you must prevent dehydration, prevent depletion of glycogen/energy stores, maintain blood glucose levels and electrolyte balance. Examples of suitable foods that can be consumed during the event include bananas and sports bars. Sports bars boost carbohydrate levels, help improve endurance levels, help maintain blood sugar levels and provide a sustained release of energy. Sports
14 GAZETTE 20 October 2011
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: WHETHER CATS, BATS OR RATS, SOME PEOPLE COLLECT TOO MANY ANIMALS
Horror animal hoarding signs to look out for Although it’s commonplace for many animal lovers to care for two or more pets, some people can accumulate far too many animals to properly tend to their needs, unintentionally creating a menagerie of ill, diseased and distressed creatures
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THE other night, whilst trawling through T V channels, I came across a programme dealing with compulsive hoarding. Now, it’s my understanding that “hoarding” is the acquisition of possessions – which a person fails to use or discard – and which are in excess of what would be deemed “normal” amounts. It‘s a serious, debilitating disorder for the sufferer. However, when the hoarding compulsion involves animals, then it‘s a very real concern – the effects of which are a mental health, animal health and public safety issue. At the DSPCA, we investigate and deal with incidents of animal hoarding. Here are just some of the markers that would give us cause for concern – more than the usual number of companion pets; an inability to provide even the minimum standards of nutrition, shelter, veterinary care and sanitary conditions for the animals, and a denial of this inability, and the impact that it has on the animals and the home environment for both them and the human occupants of the home. So, why hoard animals? From what I’ve studied, some research points toward a number of obsessive-compulsive disorders. Newer studies lead toward attachment disorders, in conjunction with personality disor-
ders, paranoia, delusional thinking, depression and other mental illnesses. For example, some animal hoarders began collecting following a traumatic loss or event; then again, others see themselves as “rescuers” Very often, hoarders appear to be intelligent people, believing they’re helping animals. Many even possess the ability to garner sympathy, and can even deceive others into thinking their situation is under control. They become ignorant to the fact they’re not helping the animals, but are inflicting extreme suffering upon them. How do you spot a hoarder? Animal hoarders range in age and gender. The elderly tend to be more at risk, and this is possibly due to their own deteriorating health, and isolation either from family, community or social groups. One common denominator between them is the lack of understanding of the pain and suffering they are inflicting upon the animals. They have many animals, and may not even know the total number in their care. Their homes are in a state of deterioration, (broken furniture, in need of repair, lots of clutter). A strong smell of ammonia is present, and floors may be covered in animal poo, urine, vomit, etc. Animals in their care are emaciated, poorly
groomed, and not properly socialised. Vermin are present. The person is isolated and has neglected themselves. Despite the signs of distress, the individual insists all is well, and the animals are well cared for. Do hoarders ever pass themselves off as rescue shelters? Unfortunately, sometimes they can set themselves up as “rescue” facilities, and may appear to be sensible individuals. They convey their love for those animals that have special needs. Lately, the internet has become a tool for such solicitation. How do you know if it’s a hoarder or a rescue shelter? The hoarder is unwilling to allow visitors to see the location where animals are kept. (The rescue shelter will have no such problem.) The hoarder will not disclose the number of animals in its care. (The rescue shelter will be able to provide facts and sta-
tistics.) Little or no effort is made by the hoarder to adopt animals out. (Rescue shelters actively seek to re-home animals in their care.) Legitimate rescue shelters are viewed as “the enemy” by hoarders. Animals may be picked up or handed over at a remote location, such as at a car park, field or street corner, rather than at the hoarder’s facilities. The legitimate rescue shelter will have a headquarters. Please bear in mind that not everyone who has multiple animals is a hoarder. An individual may have many animals, have them spayed/neutered, and provide them with regular veterinary care, a correct diet, proper living conditions and a sanitary environment. Such a person would not be considered a hoarder. For more info log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie
All these cats – and many more – were found swarming one small apartment in an extreme hoarding case
20 October 2011 GAZETTE 15
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY
Edited by Dawn Love
Transform your life, transform you hair JOHN Frieda is giving 15 Irish women the chance to commemorate a transformation in their life. On November 8, top stylist and Dublin native, Jake Davis, will travel to Dublin to host the John Frieda Transformation Day. From the 15 finalists, there will be one overall winner, who will travel to the John Frieda Salon in London for the ultimate hair transformation. Friends and family of the finalists will have a chance to vote on their makeovers, as the campaign will roll out on John Frieda Ireland facebook page from December until February 2012. Facebook votes will go towards the overall winner’s selection by a panel of judges from John Frieda and selected beauty media. John Frieda Transformation is a campaign to celebrate the achievements of women’s lives – how they have transformed the way they live, work or love. To enter women have to send the story of their life trans-
formation to John Frieda. From these stories, 15 finalists will be selected to attend the Dublin Transformation Day. The closing date for sending transformation stories to transformation@johnfrieda.ie is Wednesday, October 26, 2011. Stories must be based on one of the following three categories: 1) Business and Work Transformations Stories showing examples of entrepreneurial business ideas or opportunities seized to overcome financial difficulty or job loss, retraining or returning to study to transform your career. 2) Health Transformations Stories based on triumphs over personal ill health or caring for someone with ill health. 3) Life Transformations Stories based on a life event – from matters of the heart, helping a charity, lifestyle changes, inspirational encounters with groups or individuals – that have turned your life around for the better .
Transformation stories should be no longer than 300 words, and should include a recent portrait (head and shoulders only) emailable picture in jpeg format. Entrants must be available to attend the John Frieda Transformation Day on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, in Dublin. 80th Anniversary of Sudocrem It’s one of Ireland’s bestloved products, and this year, Sudocrem will celebrate its 80th anniversary. Developed as an antiseptic healing cream, it has been the first choice for generations of mums and healthcare professionals in its native Ireland and internationally since its formulation in 1931. Dublin pharmacist Thomas Smith’s Sudocrem fast became popular with Irish midwives and mothers for treating
nappy rash, becoming the market leader for soothing, healing and protecting the skin of babies’ sensitive bottoms. Clinically proven in this category, Sudocrem leads the market in over 30 countries all over the world. Sweetly scented with lavender, with a soft texture, the nostalgia inducing white cream has a water-repellent base which forms a protective barrier. Hypoallergenic lanolin provides its emollient effect and Peru Balsam its healing properties. And for 80 years, Thomas Smith’s original formulation has remained unchanged. Sudocrem is available from independent pharmacies, major pharmacy chains, supermarkets and selected children’s department stores nationwide.
John Frieda is giving 15 Irish women the chance to commemorate a transformation in their life
A comforted complexion THE changing seasons can play havoc with your complexion. Loved by celebrities, VOYA’s Maskerade is an intensely moisturising face mask with the hydrating power of hand harvested seaweed, Maskerade will rescue and replenish skin. Prepare your skin for winter by treating it to a hydrating and antioxidant-rich Maskerade face mask. Take 10 minutes to sit back and relax while VOYA’s Maskerade Mask sooths and repairs your skin. Price: €35.00 VOYA products can be purchased online at www.voya.ie. For stockist information, call VOYA on 071 9168956 & sales@ voya.ie.
16 GAZETTE 20 October 2011
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes High-flying Noel back on unclipped wings RECORD REVIEW: THE TALENT BEHIND OASIS RETURNS
TO THE abject horror of many, news emerges that the divisive figure of Skrillex is to work with the remaining members of The Doors to produce a new track as part of RE:Generation, a new movie project that teams up unexpected artists to create fresh collaborations. Ray Manzarek, John Densmore and Robbie Kreiger were teamed with the dubstep producer on a new track that is “hot as hell”, according to Manzarek. Other collaborations include rappers Nas and DJ Premier with the Berlklee College of Music Orchestra and the Crystal Method with Martha Reeves. Rock legend and officially the nicest bloke in the universe, Dave Grohl, added to his hero status last week when he stepped in to drum for Cage The Elephant when their regular drummer, Jared Champion, fell sick during the Foo Fighters’ US tour. Grohl approached Elephant’s management when he heard Champion had been admitted for surgery after suffering a burst appendix.
A bullet dodged or opportunity missed? Noel Gallagher last week revealed that he was approached, more than once, by Simon Cowell to take a place on the UK judging panel of this season’s X Factor. Noel turned the offer down, and the place was taken by Take That’s Gary Barlow. How Noel would have fared is undertain, but the man who once called Coldplay “music for bedwetters” would surely be well able to skewer the raging egos of some of this year’s contestants. Laughing Leonard Cohen, the buddhist monk of rock and roll, is to release a new record in 2012. He is currently in the studio with son, Adam, on a new body of work, which would be his first new set of songs since 2007’s Dear Heather. Earlier this year, Leonard Cohen was awarded Spain’s esteemed Prince Of Asturias Award for literature, joining previous winners of the prestigious prize such as the playwright Arthur Miller and naturalist Sir David Attenborough.
Leonard Cohen: Make em laugh...
Q ROB HEIGH
JUST after the fruit and guitars started flying in Paris, music lovers everywhere breathed a sigh of relief when Noel Gallagher called it a day on his career in Oasis. This act of humanitarian euthanasia brought to an end what had been a horrible period for all involved, most of all the fans who had watched as the fetid corpse of a formerly legendary band lumbered around the world for a decade. They had, at last, been put all of us out of their misery. Having seen Oasis at their peak at Earl’s Cour t in London in 1995, everything that came after was a massive disappointment. Had they imploded then, that would have been a fitting end and would have cemented them as one of the best bands of a generation. Unfortunately, they kept going on a cycle of ever-diminishing returns, dialling in facsimilies of former glories, ending with a fiasco at Slane, where the effort of even being
there at all seemed too much, and then the final nail in the coffin came at Rock En Seine in 2009. Liam insisted on keeping the horror show on the road, inflicting the Sixties’ zombie of Beady Eye on a public who ought to have known better, and now, after shying away from the limelight, Noel has returned to the fray with his first outing on record as Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. The question being... is it any good? I’m pleased to report that being out of the knuckle-dragging shadow of Oasis’ legacy has loosened Noel up somewhat, and the record features easily the best set of songs he has been responsible for in many, many years. Albeit featuring several songs written, and even two previously recorded but not released, for Oasis, the record is a stroll through the styles that have made Gallagher a folk hero throughout his career. There is the classic Britpop sensibilities of the opener, Every-
Competition time: Win tickets to see Brendan Grace Comedian Brendan Grace is bringing his comedy stylings to the Clarion Hotel Liffey Valley, and we have four pairs of tickets to give away. “The greatest family comedian of our generation” presents a show to celebrate 39 years in the business. To win one of the sets of tickets, simply answer the following question: What was the name of the drum and bass-loving priest Brendan played in Father Ted? Send your answer to competition@ gazettegroup.com, with the subject line “Grace”, before Friday, October 28.
Noel Gallgher back with familiar but welcome set of songs
body’s On The Run, the understated guitar of If I Had A Gun, and, for me the best moment on the record, the Chemical Brothers-esque What A Life, that recalls his contribution to the Chemicals’ classic album, Surrender, the perennial, Let Forever Be. Being Noel Gallagher, the record is wholly familiar, like a pair of old slippers, but so comfortably fresh that
the hints of new directions make you salivating to hear more from the young codger. Although even that will not be far off, as early next year will see the release of an album with Amorphous Androgynous, the techno-ambient pioneers formerly known as the Future Sound Of London - expect a psychf lavoured wig-out of some epic proportions.
For the moment, however, just settle back and enjoy one of the best songwriters of the past 20 years enjoying the freedom to be himself. You are getting exactly what it says on the tin - Noel and a set of songs that aim high and fly on their classic melodies and arrangements — but rather this tin than the tin-eared tedium of the other Gallagher’s gallumphers.
20 October 2011 GAZETTE 17
THEATRE A hilarious take on the top talk show host
Springer is not for the faint-hearted Q LAURA WEBB
THE TV show is known for its controversial guests and funny antics, so what better dialogue to get inspiration for a hilarious and contentious opera than the Jerry Springer show and it’s coming to Dublin with an all-Irish cast. He was one of the most talked about talk show hosts of this generation and, when it was transformed into an opera, that buzz was reignited when Jerry Springer the Opera took London’s West End by storm with over 600 performances. Not for the faint-hearted, the show has everything you would expect from the show itself, including men in diapers, tap-dancing Klu Klux Klan members, and all in
front of a wild audience. The Irish production of Jerry Springer the Opera is the first all-Irish production and cast at the Grand Canal Theatre. Dubliner Derek Collins, who plays a Klu Klux Klan member in the first act and Adam (Adam and Eve) in the second act, says the show is brilliantly funny. “One of my characters is a redneck hillbilly and I will have a big, bushy beard by then. I haven’t shaved in about six weeks,” he laughed. Shocking
“It will be great fun. He is not a very nice character, but he gets his just desserts – it has all of the shocking aspects of the show, and it really isn’t for the soft-hearted. It is recommended for mature audiences only,
there is extremely coarse language. But if we don’t offend you, we are doing something wrong. It is the funniest show I have ever been involved in,” Derek said. “When I heard about the show, I just wanted to get in there and get an audition. There are so many reasons why you would want to do it – it’s Jerry Springer,” he joked. “I worked with John Donnelly before. He is a landmark director in Ireland – this is the first 100% Irish show that is going to be in the Grand Canal Theatre, which is hard to believe. “It is very exciting, it’s my first opera and it’s on at the Grand Canal Theatre. It’s one hell of a show. We are doing the show on a big scale. We have got an epic sound,
two musical directors, Dermot O’Callaghan and Kevin Walsh. The music is incredible.” Before the Jerry Springer Show, Derek was in Michael Collins the Musical, and nd has made variious appearancess on stage over hiss acting and sing-ing career. He iss delighted to be part of the show among cast members like Simon Delaney, playing Jerr y Springer, and Eoin Canno. The cast also includes Joe Walsh Walsh, Emma Wigglesworth, Anthony Blake, Helene Hutchinson, Jean Wallace and a chorus of over 60 singers and dancers. “Apart from Simon, the
The Irish production of Jerry Springer the Opera is the Th firs first all- Irish production and cast at the Grand Canal The Theatre which includes Dubliner Derek Collins (left)
majority of the leads are split roles, we all have at least two roles to play. There is an incredibly diverse amount of material there for the audience,” he said.
The opening night of T Jerry Springer the Opera Jerr takes place Halloween tak night, October 31 and audiences can come in fancy dress. It runs from October 31 until November 5, with tickets priced €17.50, which can be
purchased through Ticketmaster. Log onto www. grandcanaltheatre.ie for further information. This show is recommended for mature audiences due to extremely coarse language and adult situations.
18 GAZETTE 20 October 2011
20 October 2011 GAZETTE 19
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs
FAMILIES CAN PARK AND CHARGE AT CLERYS:
Putting the M in X3 MICHAEL MORONEY took the powerful 3.0-litre M Sport Sport version version 3.0 litre M of the BMW X3 for a run in recent weeks – the exhilaration was palpable behind the wheel. Simply put, this is a performance machine with all of the safety and luxury features thrown in S THE extra power and money really worth it for the 3.0-litre M Sport version of the BMW X3, I asked myself after just one day behind the wheel of the powerful SUV? By the end of a few days driving the battle between my heart and my head remained unresolved. I enjoyed the drive, loved the power but would I feel that strongly to spend the extra money that this car commands? The M Sport styling from BMW is obviously distinctive. To a motorhead everything about this X3 is special, from the stronger, more powerful, look to the bigger wheels and tyres. The styling on its own might have been strong enough to convince
I
SPECS: BMW X3 M SPORT Top speed: 230 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 6.2 secs Economy: 16.6km/litre (6.0l/100km) CO2 emissions: 159g/km Road Tax Band: D (€447) Price: €61,480
me but some of my passengers were not as much in awe. I was impressed with the engine sound and performance; they looked at the creature fittings, and the road comfort, and were not as impressed. This X3 M Sport BMW is very powerful with its six cylin-
der 3.0-litre twin turbo-charged diesel engine under the bonnet. The engine has massive power at 258bhp to propel the car to 100km/hr in just six seconds. The diesel power torque is even more impressive at over 550Nm and that’s where the 6.2 seconds for a 0 to 100km/hr pace comes from. I wondered was there too much power on tap; there is limited application for such power, apart from over-taking acceleration at which I have to say, it excelled. But you’ll feel it when you get the chance to put the acceleration to the best. This is sports car performance in SUV clothing. It remains solid through the acceleration so you get the feeling of balance
in a modest size SUV that oozes with power and torque. This extra power means poorer economy, although relative to some of the bigger 4x4s the X3 3.0 M Sport figure is acceptable. The official economy figure is 16.6 km/litre (6.0l/100km or 47mpg) and that’s about 15% less economical than the entrylevel 2.0-litre version of the X3, which is rated with about 15% slower acceleration. In this sense the powerto-economy curve appears a straight line. Rising power and acceleration also means rising fuel usage. My test drive was a little less impressive in terms of economy as I returned an average figure of about 12km/ litre (8.5l/100km) on the car’s
computer. That was about 25% lower than the rated figure and I didn’t expect much more as I was driving across a range of road conditions. It was more noticeable as I refilled the 67-litre capacity tank and I soon realised that that 900km range on a full tank was going to be outside my reach. M Sport X3 was only marginally less economical than the entry-model, 2.0-litre turbodiesel version. The economy is helped by a stop/start system and brake energy regeneration. So, even with its massive power and impressive acceleration, and the €145 difference in annual road tax, it won’t cost you a whole more to run!
Drivers believe in dog restraints MORE than 60% of drivers believe it should be compulsory to restrain dogs in cars when driving. That’s the result of a new British poll on an issue that supports passenger and dog safety in cars. The poll was carried out by GEM Motoring Assist to find out driver’s views on dogs wearing seat belts/harnesses in cars, after the issue became a hot topic over the summer. Ex -Eastenders actor Todd Carty appeared on TV campaign-
ing for a new law to be introduced to make dog seatbelts compulsory after he had a near tragic accident with his Labrador. While it has been proven that unnecessary accidents are caused by unrestrained animals in the car, the consequences in a crash can be severe. If a motorist is travelling at just 50km/hr (30mph), in the case of impact, an unrestrained average sized dog weighing approximately 25kg (50lbs) would be projected
forward with a force equal to a baby elephant. The potential danger to both pets and passengers from driving with an unrestrained animal should not to be ignored and the company urges drivers to be aware of the consequences. Dog harnesses are available for dogs of all sizes. It is wise to consider the safety of the dog as well as the rest of the family when it comes to car safety.
Consider getting a dog harness to keep your dog safe during transport
ESB ecars now provides electric car charge points in Q-Park Clerys multistorey car park, in the heart of Dublin city centre. This will enable motorists to charge their car while they are shopping, dining or carrying out business in the city centre. The charge points are part of the ESB charging infrastructure network,which is being rolled out in retail parks, service stations as well as on-street and off-street car parks and in the homes of electric car motorists. Drivers can pre-book a designated electric car parking space online www.q-park.ie or call 01 8788957.
20 GAZETTE 20 October 2011
GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY LUCAN: NEW SHOWHOUSE ADDED TO RANGE OF HOMES ON OFFER
Offers galore at Adamstown Park
The Solace dining set from Belleek Living
CLASSIC HOMEWARES: FOR THE CHRISTMAS LIST
Belleek Living add style to interior design BELLEEK Living’s range of classy homewares has something for everyone, and here we have picked some of the top items from their range that might just appear on a Christmas list or two... Belleek’s Solace tableware is a distinctive square tableware design that will add a touch of style to any dining table. The 12-piece set includes 4 bowls, 4 dinner plates and 4 side plates and retails for €140. Designed to complement the Solace tableware is a 44-piece Solace cutlery set, for €99, comprising of six table forks, table knives, soup spoons, dessert forks, dessert knives, dessert spoons, teaspoons and two serving spoons Lighting has proven a highly popular recent addition to the Belleek Living Homeware and Christmas 2011 sees the introduction of a number of new lamp designs, including the Rose lamp and shade, which features a floral relief design on the ceramic base for €70, and the Eclipse lamp and shade for €75, which features a lined design which emerges from the bottom of the base. At 49 centimetres high, this lamp will create an impact in a living room or hallway. There is also the Elegance Frame and Lines Champagne Flutes gift set, a combination of an 8 x 10 Silver Elegance photo frame and a pair of Lines Champagne flutes for €140, The perfect gift for a special couple at Christmas The Belleek Living range is available from leading giftware and tableware retailers. For futher information, visit www.belleek.ie.
CASTLETHORN Homes have revealed their latest showhouse, a four-bedroom home at the Adamstown Park development in Lucan for the bargain price of £215,000. The development is a small cul-de-sac of just 16 four-bed houses, which are generously sized at over 1,550 sq ft and extend over three floors. To the front a featured wrought-iron gate leads through a landscaped front garden to an attractive hall door. The ground floor comprises a wellappointed kitchen with all appliances included, and a family room. The first floor is dominated by a spacious sit-
ting room with featured bay window. This floor also contains the main bedroom and en suite. The upper floor contains three further bedrooms and a large family bathroom. To the rear is a private garden and parking spaces. Competitively priced, the developers have also made buying easy by permitting no deposit to be paid until purchasers actually move in; very handy if you are currently renting, saving, or have a smaller house to sell. In addition, Castlethorn has reduced the prices of its remaining homes in Adamstown
One of the attractive kitchens at Adamstown Park
Castle and Adamstown Square. You can now buy a two-bedroom apartment from €135,000, a three-bedroom duplex home from €165,000, or a three-bedroom ground level duplex from
£185,000. All homes are designed to comply with Sustainable Energy Ireland’s House of Tomorrow in terms of their energy efficiency ratios. Viewing times are
daily from 10am to 5pm, and weekends from 3 to 5pm, and viewings can be arranged by contacting Martina Dillon at mdillon@leahyproperty. ie or by telephone on 01 601 1811.
CARRICKMINES: RANGE OF PROPERTIES FOR SALE IN DEVELOPMENT
All Manor of homes for sale in Carrick
DOUGLAS Newman Good are bringing to the market a selection of two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom duplexes and four-bedroom townhouses in Carrickmines Manor, on Glenamuck Road. T he proper ties on offer are in a highly sought after area that benefits from a multitude of amenities and facilities, sporting and leisure pursuits, numerous shopping centres and reknowned primary and secondary schools, as well as transpor t links to the city and beyond. T he proper ties on offer are at a range of price points, from €160,000 for the twobedroom apartments, from €257,500 for the three-bedroom duplexes and from €295,000 for the four-bedroom
townhouses. All of the units are built to a high standard and have a number of common features. The apartments have highgloss ivor y kitchens and there are cherrywood kitchens fitted in the duplexes, while both apartments and duplexes have black granite worktops and integrated appliances.
Fittings The townhouses feature fitted high-gloss units combined with frosted glass units, complemented by stylish brushed chrome handles and polished stone worktops. The bathrooms and en suites are all fitted with stylish white sanitary ware, with heated towel rails and extensive floor and wall tiling.
Heating in the properties range from energy-efficient electric storage heating in apartments, to natural gas-fired central heating in the houses and
duplexes. There is recessed lighting in the kitchens, bathrooms and ensuites, while the properties also come with a Premier Structural
Guarantee or Global Home Warranties. For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Gina Kennedy of Douglas Newman Good on 01 4912600.
A range of apartments, duplexes and townhouses are being brought to the market by Douglas Newman Good at Carrickmines Manor
20 October 2011 GAZETTE 21
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Aidan Mahon, Just Classes creator
Getting fit, one class at a time AIDAN Mahon is from a very old Malahide family, which had a newsagent, Maurice Mahons, in Malahide for many years. His grandmother even sold newspapers there at the turn of the century. The family closed Maurice Mahons in 2004. It was the same year that Aidan started doing personnel training in a studio in his home. Aidan recently brought a revolutionary diet system, the System 10
Plan, to his Malahide fitness studio, Just Classses. Aidan played football with St Sylvesters for 25 years, and he is currently doing a degree in strength and conditioning. He is also involved with a company that does GPS fitness testing, and has worked with Cork and Dublin hurlers, Munster and Connaught rugby and is currently monitoring Kilmacud Crokes senior footballers.
ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS SUB PRIME LOAN 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 five years, but, if you have kept the nose clean these past five Aidan Mahon of Malahide’s Just Classes
years, then you may have a case to swap back to a normal lender. The whole idea of sub-prime was a kind of
Q&A Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: A jockey Q: What was your first job? A: Delivering newspapers Q: And your first pay cheque? A: 2 and 6 Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed? A: no Q: When did you start your present job? A: 2004
purgatory – you did your penance but after a while, you were allowed to come back into the fold. Here is your
A: I don’t delegate
A: Beethovens 5th symphony,
A: Dame edna, no change that
checklist to see if you qualify with a high-street lender :
Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be? A: My dog
karaoke version
to enda, aussies very disingenuous when we beat them in rugby world cup
1. Check with the ICB to see if your credit record is now
Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? A: TK Maxx
valuation of your home should be in excess of €300,000
Q: Is there anything about yoursefl that you would like to set the record straight on? A: The money was resting in my account
Q: What sport do you follow? A: Gaelic football Q: What sport can you play? A: Gaelic football
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: Seeing and helping people
Q: What habits would you like to lose? A: Being untidy
achieve their weightloss goals
Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to? A: Dublin winning the all Ire-
Q: Have you ever achieved anything that you once thought you could not pull off? A: No Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’?
land again next year
Q: What is your guilty music, TV or movie pleasure?
Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward? A: Jedward, no one writes letters anymore
Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: Don’t have either Q: Who do you follow on twitter/facebook? A: Don’t do either Q: What was your last tweet/ facebook status? A: As above Q: Describe your dream meal? A: Burger and chips in the diamond burger bar malahide
Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna?
Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: Five Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: Joey the Lips’ stag
This offer aims to provide new AIB Business Start-up customers with the support and advice they need to help them get their business up and running by giving customers access to an established local business network to build sound business connections for the future. Local Chamber membership provides excellent networking and business development opportunities for AIB Business Start-up customers.
These start-ups will have the prospect to join a unique network focused on representing the interests of member businesses and growing sales opportunities for all members.
Support This support offer provided by the Chamber Network is one element of the AIB Business Start-up Package which has been specifically tailored to meet the needs of new and early stage businesses.
2. Ensure the loan to value is less than 80% - so the 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 P60, 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 statements.
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: A month in Argentina
ONE-YEAR INVESTMENT
Q: What would be your dream job? A: Racehorse trainer
you suggest – An Post, bank deposit or would I be
Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: Get fat
A – Unless your cash flow is poor, then you can certainly
Q – Where can I get the best return on € 15,000? I don’t need this sum for at least a year. What would better off putting a lump sum off my interest-only tracker mortgage ? Mollie – Lucan better the return on a deposit account than paying off your tracker mortgage (ECB is 1.5% currently – and going down too - and with your margin say 1%, a total of
AIB getting on board with start-ups AIB has announced details of a new initiative with the Chamber Network in Ireland. This initiative provides new AIB Business Start-Up customers with a 50% discount on their first year’s annual membership of their local affiliated Chamber. The affiliated Chamber Network is the largest Irish business network with 45 affiliated Chambers around the country, and 13,000 business members.
clear.
Other elements of the package include:
2.5%). Add the DIRT tax, and you would have to earn less than 3.42% for the year to justify paying off the mortgage. I would warn you though you should try and start capital repayments – interest-only payments only kick the can down the road. You will eventually have to pay the capital over a shorter period ( therefore greater repayments). Best one-year deposits in the meantime? AIB Bank and
Special two-year Current Account fee offer Online banking services -
Permanent TSB offer a 12 month fixed at 3.95%. After that at 3.75% is Investec Bank and Nationwide UK at 3,65%. Stretching it out for a further year to three-
two years free subscription
years investment would include An Post’s Savings
to iBusiness Banking or
Bond – 10% tax free, equivalent to 4.42% from a DIRT
registration to AIB Phone and
deducting deposit taker.
Internet Banking AIB Classic Visa Business Card
Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at
AIB Business Overdraft
www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the
SME Loan for Start-up
Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing
Businesses
director of Money Doctor
22 GAZETTE 20 October 2011
GazetteTTRAVEL What’sHappening
In October, Spain celebrates the Safron Rose Fiesta
October in Spain, a good time for festivals, parties, gastronomy and traditions AUTUMN is a fantastic time in Spain for fiestas, with many on offer. Choose from the Saffron Rose Fiesta, All SaintsHallowee’n or Festival of St Martin. Consuegra, in the province of Toledo, celebrates the Saffron Rose Fiesta at the end of October. It aims to promote the cultural essence of Castile-La Mancha through its gastronomy, crafts, history and traditions. The event offers a highly varied programme, starting with the proclamation by Dulcinea and the Maids of Honour. Especially outstanding during the celebrations are the Grinding of Peace and Love, where a 16th-century windmill grinds wheat to make flour; the traditional La Mancha gastronomy event; the Saffron Rose harvesting competition, where participants have to separate the saffron from the flower in the least time possible, and a Folk Festival with groups from all over the region. Saffronproducers are the main protagonists of this fiesta, which has been held since 1963. Exhibitions, cultural activities and sporting competitions complete the programme. On All Saints day, Spanish families visit the local cemeteries in order to remember their dead relatives and friends. Floral offerings, particularly chrysanthemums, are placed on the graves. It is a ritual to remembrance and homage the ancestors.
The Catholic Church believes that the holiday stems from the decision of Pope Boniface IV to enshrine the “Pantheon” the cult of the Virgin and the martyrs. “It commemorated the saints thus anonymous and unknown to most of Christendom”. The current celebration of Halloween has little to do with its origins. It has become the festival of the dead but with a totally different character and adding elements that have distorted the party. Among the additions is the tradition of dressing up, possibly born in France between the XIV and XV to celebrate the Feast of All Saints. Every November 11, Aller celebrates one of the most popular autumn folklore festivals in Asturias. The festival is organised by the San Martin Humanitarian Association and begins with the traditional sung Mass of San Martin, accompanied by the sound of the typical Asturian bagpipes. Then, the auction, known as the Puya del Ramu begins, where people are invited to bid for the emmer bread which has previously been blessed in the religious service. The high point of the festivity is the great communal feast of San Martin, which consists of fabada, typical Asturian white bean stew casadiellas, and panchon typical sweets from Aller.
Roving Gazette reporter, Hiromi Mooney, has just returned from a fact-finding mission to the island of Malta. In what turned out to be a most revealing visit, she experienced far more than just stunning blue sea, golden beaches and a balmy 300C. THE GREY clouds are well and truly gathering here in Ireland, but you can escape it all and enjoy some last-minute rays of sunshine in Malta. A stunning island, that’s only a three-and-a-half hour flight away, Malta has lots to offer in the way of beaches, culture and food. Malta, Gozo and Comino make up the Maltese islands in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. The islands are bursting with culture and are rooted with deep traditions – being ruled in the past by Normans, Roman Catholics and Arabs, to name but a few. Everywhere you look is another golden-beige building shimmering in the heat. Surrounded by a crystal clear, aqua-blue sea dotted with white sails of yachts, the Maltese islands are a sunshine paradise. For Irish holidaymakers, the added bonuses are that the currency is the euro and the official language is both English and Maltese. With 40% of the population working in the tourism sector, the Maltese are a friendly people and are extremely helpful and deliver excellent service to ensure that you enjoy all that the islands have to offer. The peak summer months in Malta reach 500C, so, for anyone looking for a warm but tolerable climate, anytime from late September is
Palazzo Parisio garden
ideal, as temperatures range between 20 and 300C. With more than 365 churches and chapels dotted around the islands, the Maltese islands offer a spiritual retreat away from the highpaced city life. The beaches and the sea are an obvious attraction in Malta, but the islands are also bursting with historical and cultural sites. A must-see place is Mdina. This town is set in a walled fort, and was Malta’s first capital city during the time of the Knights of Malta, and is often called The Silent City. Since only around 400 people live here, only residents are allowed to drive their cars inside the town, so you can enjoy a nice walk. Malta’s capital city, Valletta, has many tourist attractions, including St John’s Co-Cathedral. The Cathedral is known as Home of The Knights (Grand Masters) of Malta for a good reason. It was built in 1571 and there are almost 400 tombstones of the knights buried beneath its floors. The walls are gilded with 24-carat gold leaf, the ceilings are elaborately decorated and there are many carved statues. There are also two paintings here by Caravaggio – one of which is his only signed painting.
The island of Gozo is a 25-minute ferry ride from Malta. It is smaller and more rural, with most of the island’s inhabitants involved in farming or fishing
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Surrounded by a crystal clear, aqua blue sea dotted with white sails of yachts, the Maltese islands are a sunshine paradise.
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Also in Valletta is the Grand Master’s Palace, where the Maltese Parliament and President sit. The corridors are lined with knight armoury and portrait paintings. The Church of St. Mary in Mosta cannot be skipped, as it is considered to be home to a miracle. In 1942, during World War II, a German bomb fell through the dome ceiling and skidded across the floor. However, it did not explode, and although the church was crowded at the time, no one was killed or injured. The
bomb has been defused and is on display for visitors to see the potential damage it could have caused. For a beautiful view of the harbour, visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Exciting A new tourist attraction in Malta is the segway tours. It’s an exciting and unique to see the city, and are commonly seen used by police men in Malta. Full instructions, a practise run and helmets will be provided, and prices start from €60 for 90 minutes. For booking information, visit www.segwaymalta.com. The slogan, Once Seen, Never Forgotten, of Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar really says it all. It is a family-owned house and gardens that have been passed down through the generations, and the present owners have opened it up for the public to enjoy. The house has a captivating beauty about it, and is full
20 October 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23
Edited by Mimi Murray
The beauty and joy of Malta
TravelBriefs Super ski bundle deal for January getaway THIS offer from travel counsellor Dairine McGarrity includes return flights, seven nights accommodation, transfers, skis or snowboard, boots, lift pass and all taxes. Austria: Depart from Dublin or Cork on January 7, and spend a week skiing in the pretty village of Westendorf. Stay in the Angerer apartments on
contact the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on callsave 1850 230 230, or visit www.discovernorthernireland.com
Rail-y good breaks in Northern Ireland LEAVE the car at home this autumn and enjoy a relaxing break in Northern Ireland from only £75pps* and avail of 1st Plus rail travel on the Enter-
Special ski deals from Dairine McGarrity
Staying there: RADISSON Blu Resort at St Julians in Malta is a luxurious getaway suitable for families, couples or for business trips. The five-star hotel features rooms with balconies overlooking the Mediterranean Sea or the outdoor pool. The buffet breakfast gives you the option to sit indoors or in the sunshine at the poolside, and there are three restaurants and two bars to choose from. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk away from the nightlife in St Julians. Phoenicia Hotel Malta in Valletta is a beautiful five-star hotel for both business and pleasure. It is also a romantic spot for an unforgettable fairy-tale wedding experience.
of elaborate chandeliers and decorations. Outside is just as spectacular, with a walled garden full of hibiscus syriacus, bougainvillea and cascading geraniums. Cafe Luna delivers fine outdoor dining at its best. To try out a tranquil winetasting experience, a visit to Meridiana Wine Estate is per-
fect. Sitting on 47 acres of land with more than 90,000 vines, they produce “World Class Wines of Maltese Character”. The island of Gozo is just 25 minutes away from Cirkewwa in Malta by ferry, and the return trip costs only €4.65. The majority of the island’s inhabitants work in farming
and fishing as the island is smaller and more rural than Malta. The Ggantija Temple is a UNESCO protected world heritage site. It is made of large slabs of rock fitted together like a jigsaw, and is one of the oldest buildings in the world, dating from around 3,500BC.
A natural attraction is The Azure Window, which is a natural rock archway at the end of a cliff through which you can admire the dark blue sea. Ta Mena Wine Estate offers visitors a wine tasting experience under the Maltese sunshine. The Estate also offers accommodation, tours, local food and produce, and also caters for functions and weddings. For more information, visit www.tamena-gozo.com. In Mdina, the restaurant Ciappetti offers a peaceful atmosphere as you dine in the courtyard, under the shade of a variety of leaves and plants. In Vittoriosa, the Riviera Della Marina Restaurant allows you to dine at the waterfront overlooking countless numbers of yachts. On a hot sunny day, you can enjoy something light and refreshing, like a melon and parma ham salad. For more information about the Maltese islands, visit www. visitmalta.com
self-catering basis from €749pp based on four adults sharing. Italy: Depart on January 7 from Dublin and stay seven nights in the Livigno apartments on self-catering basis from €689pp based on three sharing Limited availability – call today to book. For other ski destinations, there is a three-day sale currently running with prices from €302, not including ski packs. Call Dairine McGarrity on 01 2915153 for more details, or visit www.travelcounsellors.ie/dairine.mcgarrity.
Enjoy an arty two-night break in Belfast AS PART of the 130th annual Royal Ulster Academy Exhibition a number of artists will arrive to the Ulster Museum to talk about their work. These free events include talks by Rosie McGurran, Mark Shields, Barbara Freeman, Hector McDonnell and Mick O’Dea. While visiting the museum why not turn your trip into a short break by taking advantage of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s (NITB) special accommodation offer at the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast, with two nights’ accommodation, breakfast and one evening meal from £89pps. For further information
prise. Sit back and relax on the Enterprise from Dublin Connolly to Belfast Central Station, enjoy accommodation in a selection of 3, 4 and 5-star hotels across Northern Ireland, including the Ramada Encore in Belfast and Armagh City Hotel, and three days unlimited Metro, Ulsterbus and NI Railways travel. To find out more information on these great value breaks, or for further information on things to see and do in Northern Ireland, check out the free booking and advice service and callsave 1850 230 230, visit Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s (NITB) Tourist Information Centre in Suffolk Street, Dublin 2 or click on www.discovernorthernireland.com. *Subject to availability.
Spa offer in Galway THE FIVE-star g Hotel is celebrating its 6th birthday as Galway’s leading designer hotel with an irresistible offer. Book two consecutive nights to avail of their birthday rate, including full Irish breakfast and receive one pass per person to ESPA at the g’s glorious thermal suite. Cost is from €60 per person sharing per night. Offer is subject to availability on selected dates from Sunday to Thursday. Visit www.theghotel.ie
24 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 20 October 2011
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 Shipwrecked
IRELAND’s role as a landscape for a fugitive Spanish captain from a shipwrecked Armada galleon is explored in this innovative musical theatre event at The Pavilion theatre in Dun Laoghaire, which fuses Spanish music of the 16th century with Irish music of the same period, alongside instrumental and vocal music from Elizabethan England. An unforgettable night of music will feature more than a dash of improvised creativity, creating a shipwreck for the audience to linger around. Catch Shipwrecked on Thursday, October 20 at 8pm, with tickets costing €17/€15.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 The Magic of Take That
TAKE That fans are in for a treat when “the band” take to the stage in Dundrum, promosing to bring some of “their” best-known hits to south Dublin fans. All of their hits will be played, as the performers run through many of Take That’s repertoire – backed up tracks from a certain Mr Williams. So, for a Take That band you’ll be delighted by, you’re invited to let them entertain you on Sunday, October 23, at 8pm, with tickets costing €15.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 My Way
GARVAN Gallagher’s commendable exhibition examines the “invisible” status of older citizens, with a diverse range of work examing the status and self-image of our elders. Whether personal texts, short films, or even fashion shoots replacing younger models with more mature citizens, My Way is an excellent, diverse project underlining how valuable our “invisible” citizens are. My Way runs at Driaocht’s ground floor gallery until Saturday, November 5.
These two sleeping sisters are a picture of domestic bliss in Paranormal Activity 3 - until you learn that there’s nobody else in the room so who, or what, is casting that impossible shadow on the wall? All will be revealed, thanks to video cameras around their home ...
Not a haunting film This latest addition to the franchise doesn’t leave Kate spooked, but has a ghost of a chance at Dublin cinemas Q KATE CROWLEY
THERE are many things in life that scare me. The Eurozone-wide fiscal malaise. Mr Crowley‘s idea of a tidy kitchen. But the Paranormal Activity films? Ah, no, no. Seemingly cooked up by Hollywood execs who thought that mixing Most Haunted with Amityville would be box office gold – well, actually, the previous films in the series have done well enough, now that I think of it. Deciding that “actual found video footage” scenes would be a plausible, engaging way to make a thoroughly modern ghost story, the filmmakers certainly did their best to exorcise audiences’ minds with the previous films in the series. The plots have been similar enough, to a certain degree: Couple/ family move into a new place, only for things to go bump in the night. Cue
FILM OF THE WEEK: Paranormal Activity 3 +++ (15A) 84 mins Directors: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman Starring: Christopher Nicholas Smith, Katie Featherston, Sprague Grayden, Lauren Bittner, one determined spook
OUR VERDICT: POSSESSED with an interesting idea for a prequel, the third addition to the popular series is an improvement over its predecessors. Paranormal Activity 3 is a diverting enough romp through a haunted house tale, proving that, as always, if you live by yourself but hear scratching on the other side of a door – whether it’s an empty room or a wardrobe – don‘t open it…
the use of video cameras to record what’s going on all around the house/ apartment. Cue footage of doors shutting by themselves in empty rooms, furniture moving around, impossible shadows in rooms, eerie noises from the attic/basement, and much more … Oh, if only they’d moved into the house where Casper The Friendly Ghost lived! (Or unlived, if The Gazette subs will let that one pass.) With this well-established template to work from, and following a
recent trend for trilogies, the filmmakers have decided that the third film should be a prequel. Linking two of the chief protagonists from the first two films, the film jumps back to the late 1980s, when they were both children, and to the start of the “fun” that would follow them into their adulthood. Dad, Dennis (Christopher Smith) is a wedding videographer living with his wife and their two little girls in a suburban house. His job gives a very plausible way for the film
to be set up, as, intrigued by the strange things that begin to happen around the house (such as the “trick” of knocking on a wardrobe door, only to hear a knock back from the inside a moment later), Dennis sets up video cameras around the home. He uses his videographer skills to film and document the ordinary family’s life – and the extraordinary things that seem to be happening. Of course, the girls’ new imaginary friend that they seem able to see, and with whom they play the knock-knock game and more, soon decides to leave the grown-ups (and, presumably, the audience) increasingly spooked. It isn’t long before it’s throwing a supernatural strop around the house, targeting them and the Inevitable Spirit Expert Guy they call in (who, presumably, had better rates than the Ghostbusters).
Seemingly possessed (geddit?) by the spirit of Shaggy and Scooby Doo, it’s not long before the freaked-out family decide that home sweet home ain’t all it’s cracked up to be – but, in a turn of events that you don’t have to be Derek Acorah to predict, things don’t end well … Actually, I have to admit a grudging admiration for the prequel’s set-up, as using a videographer in this way adds a certain level of credibility that the other films lacked, and there are plenty of interesting scenes throughout. Of course, as someone who has to face my bathroom’s weighing scales on a regular basis, I’m made of sterner stuff than most, so it‘s not a film to spook me out. However, if you’re looking for a ghost story with a difference, this one should leave you feeling chilled – in an appropriately unnerved way …
20 October 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING A dead certain hit for Capcom – again SHANE DILLON
IN WHAT has turned into a curious case of almost “Zombie of the Week” reviews — perhaps ahead of the upcoming “Shooter of the Week” battles due between a number of well-known titles — there seem to have been a whole range of zombie-related titles shuffling into sight, and around the charts, in recent times. As much as gamers like zombies, I think we’ve had just about enough of them by now, in a genre which, much like its subject matter, simply won‘t die – rest assured that this is the last zombiethemed anything to shuffle onto these pages for some time to come. Still, I couldn’t let this title pass, as there’s an interesting story behind this occasionally darkhearted, yet over-the-top and slightly comic franchise. Capcom’s multi-platform title, Dead Rising: Off the Record, is the latest in a series of openworld survival horror titles, yet defined with comic moments and, in this case, sees the return of goofball photojournalist, Frank West. Following a substantial zombie outbreak some years ago, Frank initially roamed around a giant shopping mall, snooping and scooping the news as he uncovered what was happening, while at the same time trying to rescue and save survivors, and avoid becoming lunch, himself. Frank – a slightly out of shape, not especially heroic character – ran around using everything in the mall to stay alive, with the menace of being eaten by zombies being substantially lightened
Bytesandpieces Nintendo hoping for a Wii push PERHAPS in a bid to make up for the surprisingly disappointing sales of the 3DS, Nintendo are soon to launch a redesigned Wii console, with the console expected to hit retailers next month. Still performing solidly enough, despite a relative drought in original or must-have titles, the “new” Wii will be largely similar to the existing model, save for some hardware reconfigurations that most purchasers most likely won’t notice. I certainly hope that a new Wii can help put a fair wind back behind the company’s sales sails once again – but, please, no more Zumba games...
While an entirely new Wii console is on the way, a slightly redesigned version is also set for release
Frank West (above, and right) returns to the Dead Rising series for his latest adventure, which sees the wrestler-cum-photojournalist attempt to y uncover the truth behind some zombie-related activities across Fortune City
by, say, slapping them in the face with frying pans, dropping traffic cones over their heads, making them fall over on scattered marbles – pure Tom And Jerry stuff.
Enclosed setting The inevitable sequel, Dead Rising 2, saw a new protagonist with a different back story running around an enclosed Las Vegas-style setting, with “Fortune City” providing a much larger, yet similar, world in which to
rescue survivors, uncover a major plot, and stay alive. However, fans had been clamouring for the cult figure of Frank to return, and now, following a couple of spin-off digital download episodes (and even guest roles in a number of other Capcom games) he returns as the star in a cheekily rejigged version of the preceding title, which, now, takes place at the same time, yet in a different, standalone
fashion. Still with me? And so, although the title is still very much an adult game (as facing down thousands of zombies is, inevitably, going to be a messy task), fans and gamers will welcome the paunchy character’s return. The wisecracking hack’s gameplay style sees him photographing key points of interest to earn him major PP, or experience, points to help level up – an entertainingly fun activity.
Off the Record is of greatest interest as something that’s almost a carbon copy of its predecessor title. While standing on its own merits, it’s curious that we’re seeing such a rejigged title being released like this, almost as a twin of the earlier title. Still, given gamers’ interest in Frank, and in the particular style of this franchise, it’s likely to be a dead-certain hit for Capcom, again.
GAZETTE
26 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 20 October 2011
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GazetteSPORT
BACK ON TRACK:
We catch up with former World Champ Bernard Dunne Page 29
MOTOR RACING: SWORDS DRIVER OPENS NEW CIRCUIT IN TAIWAN IN NEW F1 CAR
Thompson has the Formula for making history sport@gazettegroup.com
SWORDS man Gar y Thompson helped to officially open Taiwan’s all-new Penbay International Circuit in spectacular style last weekend when he got behind the wheel of a two-seater Formula 1 car. The 19-year-old driver, who has spent the 2011 season contesting the Japanese Formula 3 championship, became the youngest Irishman
in history to drive a modern grand prix car, as well as the first from any nation to pilot one in Taiwan, after accepting an invitation to offer distinguished guests passenger rides at the 3.5km circuit’s opening. It was also an opportunity for Thompson to catch up with team personnel from KCMG who, having overseen his 2011 single-seater campaign, were now
sampling their first taste of running Formula 1 machinery. It was also a new experience for the thousands of fans in attendance, many of whom had never witnessed a grand prix car in the flesh before. This was just another day at the office for T hompson who, despite the wet conditions, enjoyed his time behind the wheel of the Minardi F1x2, which
Local driver, Gary Thompson, was the youngest ever Irish driver to race an F1 car in Taiwan
produces in excess of 700bhp thanks to its r a c e - d e r i ve d 3 - l i t r e Cosworth V10 engine. “The car has a lot of power which can be difficult to exploit in the wet, but I know the cir-
cuit and KCMG CEOs enjoyed the wheelspin regardless. I’ve been racing in Asia for the past three seasons, so to be the first person to drive a Formula 1 car in Taiwan is personally
extremely rewarding,” said Thompson. “Penbay International Circuit is a great venue with a lot of potential in a part of the world that is really beginning to embrace motor sport.
Everyone at the track did a fantastic job to get it up to standard in time for the event. You never know, I might be back here one day putting my local knowledge to good use!”
28 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 20 October 2011
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
RUGBY: MALAHIDE LOSE OUT IN SPITE OF SOLID PERFORMANCE
Naomh Mearnog’s G4M team. Picture GAA pics.com
Gaelic 4Mothers have a fantastic blitz day Malahide RFC’s Under-21s failed to open their campaign with a win when they went away to Bective in the Gale Cup
OVER 900 women took part in the Gaelic4Mothers and Others national blitz day in Portmarnock last Saturday. Gaelic4Mothers & Others is a national development initiative of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) which has taken Ireland by storm in the last few years. The central aim of the initiative is to provide all Irish women with a pathway to play ladies’ Gaelic regardless of their age or ability. It is a recreational and non-competitive form of ladies’ football which is open to any woman over 18 who is not currently playing adult competitive football with a club. Despite the name, women do not have to be a mother to participate. One of the key elements of Gaelic4Mothers & Others is the community support network that it creates for women and the positive physical and mental impact that it has on the day-to-day lives of participants. The National Blitz Day is the biggest day on the Gaelic4Mothers & Others calendar. This year, 74 teams participated which resulted in approximately 900 women getting their football boots on for the day. Teams came from every province in Ireland. Participants had a fantastic day of football and also enjoyed strolling around the exhibitor marquees. For more information in Gaelic4Mothers & Others visit www.ladiesgaelic.ie. The event coincided with the first day of National Mental Health week, which the Ladies Gaelic Football Association celebrated with the announcement of a new partnership with Mental Health Ireland. For more information, visit www. mentalhealth.ie.
Gale Cup blow-out GALE CUP Bective Rangers Malahide RFC
16 3
sport@gazettegroup.com
MALAHIDE’S Under21 team got their league campaign underway last Sunday with a tough trip to Bective that saw the fledgling side miss out on an opening day win away from home. The Malahide team only came together at the end of last season, and a great effort has been made by both players and coaching staff to bring a competitive side together. A l t h o u g h B e c t i ve dominated possession in the early stages, Malahide’s defence held firm, with the back row of Ben O’Connor, Greg Offiah and Sean Halligan putting in some great tackles. When Bective looked to go through midfield, the
centre pairing of Cian Kelly and Mick Harte held firm. Eventually, though, the pressure told and, as Bective went through a number of phases close to the Malahide line, the visiting defence was caught offside, and the penalty in front of the posts was easily converted. Bective were quickly back in the Malahide half after a break down the right wing. As the home side again went through the phases, Malahide were guilty of some indiscipline at the breakdown, and the home side gratefully accepted the opportunity to increase their lead to six points. As the half progressed, Malahide started to dominate in the scrum and managed to gain some good possession in Bective territory. They very
nearly forced the game’s opening try, however, when Bective were penalised for handling the ball in a ruck, but Malahide had to settle for three points from the boot of outhalf Neal O’Keeffe. The half ended when another penalty attempt from O’Keeffe just drifted wide of the right upright, to leave the score at 6-3 in favour of the home team at the turn. An evenly-contested opening ten minutes to the second half culminated in the moment that defined the match, when Malahide wing Rory O’Farrell intercepted a Bective pass in his own 22. The wing took off down the length of the pitch and was hauled down just metres short of the Bective line. Although Malahide were unable to get the
quick ball needed to manufacture the try, they managed to retain possession and keep the pressure on. For the next ten minutes, Malahide laid siege to the Bective line, twice turning down kickable penalties in favour of the scrum option. Bective defended well and Malahide, despite being held up over the Bective line, came away with nothing. Malahide’s inability to control their own lineout possession opened the door for the home team to exert some pressure of their own and, when Malahide were caught off their feet at a ruck, Bective extended their lead to 9-3. As the match moved into the final ten minutes, a combination of fatigue and personnel changes in
the Malahide ranks saw Bective gain the upper hand, but some great last ditch tackling from full back Neal Dawson kept the home team out. With six minutes remaining, sheer weight of numbers told when the Bective right wing crossed for the game’s only try, with the successful conversion meaning the home team now held a 16-3 lead. Malahide continued to press and finished the game the stronger, but the organised Bective defence kept them at bay. Malahide will take heart from this performance and with continued effort, will improve over the course of the league campaign. Next up for the team is a home game against Guinness next Sunday, with the kick-off at 3pm at Estuary Road.
20 October 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29
in association with
Forza Bernard! Back on track Former world champion Bernard Dunne is relishing using his new celebrity status to impart his knowledge to a new generation STEPPING away from the sport that has defined you for the majority of your life is never a simple thing, especially when you have reached the pinnacle of that sport and been the champion of the world. But for former superbantamweight world champion, Bernard Dunne, the new lease of life away from the ring is very much agreeing with him, and opening up a whole new career path for the Neilstown man. GazetteSport caught up with the champ as he prepared to get behind the wheel at Mondello Park when he took part in the launch of the new XBox 360 game, Forza
Motorsport 4. “One of the privileges of being retired now means that I get to enjoy the things I want to do. Kieran Donaghy and I are heading down there
assimilate the defeat by top contender Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym, was the right one for him. “I’m adapting to life away from the fight game. Life is good and it has
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‘I want to get involved and do something that will influence kids for the better, give them some sort of belief in themselves’
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to play some games and maybe do some driving, so it’s another chance for a Dub to beat him today!” Dunne was also sure that his decision to retire, having taken time to
Formula 1 enthusiasts Kieran Donaghy, Kerry footballer, and Bernard Dunne, unveiled the latest installment of Forza Motorsport 4 at Mondello Park
changed, it was the right decision at the right time. And things are going well for me, I can’t complain. “I’ve not got back involved in boxing myself. My dad does a lot of coaching a couple of nights a week with the kids at Palmerstown, but I’m not rushing back into the sport. I’ll cover it for TV, but getting involved myself, other than getting training again soon, isn’t something that’ll happen overnight. I’m out of the ring long enough to know there’s no chance of a comeback!” Dunne is very much defined by the city he comes from, and his allegiance to the Neilstown area and Dublin as a whole is undeniable. He is also very much involved in using his celebrity for good, setting up bernarddunnecharities.com and adding his presence to raising monies for causes close to his heart in the city.
“I worked with Jimmy McGee last year, and this year we ran a soccer event and a gala dinner up at Citywest for Pieta House. That’s a charity close to ourselves in Lucan and close to myself. The basis of the event is to give them as much support as we can and give them as much awareness among the public as we can. “We had Packy Bonner, Paul McGrath, Ray Houghton and many more - Celtic’s Anthony Stokes took some time out to take part, and it was a brilliant day.” Always funny and ebullient, Dunne’s easy charm combined with his desire to give something back makes him an ideal person to appear in the media to promote causes and support young people, something that has led to an exciting upcoming project for the boxing hero. “I’ve been busy promoting things, public speaking and media work with radio and television. I’ve been working with RTE on a young people’s programme, on how to focus and push themselves, in order to achieve what they want to achieve, called Ultimate Street Challenge. “We took 10 teenagers from all over the country, set them up in Dublin, and I set them challenges they had to accomplish, whether they were physical, mental, working as a
team or working as individuals. It was about seeing how they adapted and how they applied themselves. There was a kid from Tallaght who takes place in the show - but you’ll need to wait until it’s on the air before you find out how they get on! “In the boxing club, my dad trains the kids, and he enjoys that a lot. For my dad, its’ about keeping the kids occupied, busy and off the street, as well as giving them something to work towards. “He’s teaching them as well how to behave, boxing instills that in kids. It gives them a discipline and a focus, as well as a belief that they can do something for themselves, that they can achieve, and that’s a part of what I brought to the TV show. “I’ve said for a long time now, that I do the media stuff, but there is a part of me that wants to get involved and do something that will influence kids for the better, give them some sort of belief in themselves. I’m just a kid from Neilstown made good, and if I can do it, then anyone can do it. “If you apply yourself and work hard, and never mind what anyone says about you or where you come from, if you believe in it and work had, things can really happen for you, and you can make what you want to achieve into a reality.”
FastSport
Egan to decide Olympic and World Series future NEILSTOWN hero Kenneth Egan may be fighting out of Germany in the next season of the World Series of Boxing, as he looks set to sign with the Leipzig Leopards after the collapse of the Miami Gallos franchise. With the next season of the WSB due to begin on November 11, Egan is expected to drop back down from heavyweight to the WSB light-heavy limit of 85kg for the new season. Egan’s decision is also contingent on his approach to qualification for the Olympic Games next year, following Joe Ward’s failure to qualify for London 2012 at the recent world championships. The light heavyweight berth is still vacant, and Egan has an opportunity to claim his place by claiming the senior title in the Irish National championships in April next year.
Celtic seeking new keeper Esker Celtic Over-35s are looking for a new goalkeeper. If you fancy having a laugh, and the occasional Saturday afternoon game of football, contact Ron on 087 974 8263, and for more information, see eskerceltic.ie.
Roche ends season on high NICOLAS Roche produced another excellent performance to add to his fine run of late season results in Gran Piemonte as he took fifth place, just
six days after winning stage three of the Tour of Beijing. The Dundrum man finished in the breakaway group of the 199km race, coming home in fifth in 14-rider sprint. Katusha’s Dani Moreno took the win from a high-quality group which included Paris-Tours winner Gerg van Avermaet and long-time Tour de France yellow jersey holder, Thomas Voeckler. Roche was the sole rider in the top places to have contested the Tour of Beijing, and provided another boost for Irish cycling ahead of the Tour of Lombardy.
30 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 20 October 2011
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
Local leisure centre gets White Flag award SUZANNE Byrne from the Arena Leisure Centre at The Grand Hotel, Malahide, was on hand to recieve the centre’s 2011/2012 White Flag award from Barry Walsh at the ILAM White Flag Awards in the Mount Wolseley Hotel and Country Club in Carlow last week. ILAM, the Irish leisure industry employers body which represents gyms, leisure centres, sports, fitness, aquatic and outdoor facilities, announced that 85 leisure facilities from across Ireland have been awarded White Flags for 2011/2012.
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.
SOCCER: CELTIC SIDES PROGRESS IN NATIONAL CONTESTS
Swords Celtic’s Under-17 Premier side were celebrating after defeating Woodlawn in the FAI Umbro Cup
Cup success for Swords sport@gazettegroup.com
SWORDS Celtic enjoyed another strong set of results in the SFAI Cup competitions last weekend when their Under-12 Premier and Under-16 Premier teams both progressed to the next rounds, enjoying impressive 7-2 and 6-2 wins respectively. For the latter, their success against Clonee United was enough to push them to the verge of the national draw of the competition, having made it through the first three rounds of the North Leinster section in fine fashion, netting
a total of 13 goals in the process. They were aided by the coaching of Neale Fenn, the former Bohemians and Tottenham Hotspur star, who took his first training session with the team on the Tuesday night before the game in Balheary, and their dedication – training at the same time as the Republic of Ireland vs Armenia match – paid off. The national competition, which features 281 sides from around the country, has just four places in the open draw for North Leinster, with Swords guaranteed a home draw for that
Social outing: Mearnog men at Croke Park event LAST week saw clubs from across Ireland gather in Croke Park to launch phase 2 of the GAA’s Social Initiative programme, and recognise and reward clubs who have been active in the initiative in the past year. Representing Naomh Mearnog from portmarnock at the event were Pat Tobin, Tony Owens, and Don Powell. For more on the intiative, see www. gaa.ie/clubzone/gaa-social-initiative/
impending tie. Swords are, effectively, down to the last 64 of the competition. The U-12s are a step further back, their victory over Clontarf putting them into third round of the regional stages, setting up a date with Kilbarrack United. T heir competition features 330 sides, with Swords now two games from reaching the last 32 in the open draw. It follows up the good work on the national stage by the club’s U-17 Premier side, who beat Woodlawn in the FAI Umbro Cup. Woodlawn scored first
before Celtic’s Tarim Elnemmawi equalised. This fiercely competitive match saw Swords fall behind for a second time, until Gary Forde knocked in a cracker of a shot to level the game at 2 - 2. With extra-time looming, and the strong gusting wind in the favour of the home team, Swords continued to pile on pressure on the visitors goal. T he pressure was rewarded when Gary Forde sent anunstoppable shot past the Woodlawn keeper to win the game. With the side already topping their
division, it is shaping up to be an encouraging season for the side. Elsewhere, the club’s Under-15s followed on from last week’s away draw against Clontarf with a home win, beating Dunboyne 4-3. Eoin Fagan scored the crucial fourth goal which gave the Under12s a 4 -3 win over Ratoath. Ian Scanlon was on the mark twice in the last five minutes of the 16A game away at Maynooth to give Celtic a 4-2 win. Conor McGrath in goal saved a Maynooth penalty and two rebound shots.
20 October 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31
in association with
FOOTBALL: SAINTS SET TO FOCUS ON PLAY-OFFS
CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST SYLVESTER’S Senior football championship: St
a big lead at half time but Finbarr’s
Sylvester’s 2-9, Parnell’s 1-18 (after
put in a great effort in the second
extra time). We had a nice three-
half.
point lead in the second half and we should have won it in normal time. Parnell’s got a goal and two points
lin side but battled right to the end
at the start of extra time and held
especially in defence. Bernard and
on for the win. It was a great per-
Mel have put their heart and soul
formance that deserved a win, and
into this team and well done to all
the players and management will be
concerned.
very disappointed not to progress.
Check the website for the venue
Intermediate football champion-
and time for next Sunday’s Leinster
ship: St Sylvester’s 2-7, Ballymun
junior ladies’ final and come along
Kickhams 1-6: This team is still
and support. The minor football
improving and will take some beat-
teams are both playing champion-
ing. They are on a roll, and roll on
ship next Sunday morning at 11am
the next round.
in Broomfield. Come out and sup-
Minor hurling championship: St
St Sylvester’s fell foul of Parnell’s intercounty experience as they went out of the senior championship
Bitter fruit for Syl’s as Parnell’s prosper DUBLIN SFC ROUND 4 St Sylvester’s Parnell’s (AET)
2-9 1-18
sport@gazettegroup.com
THE DIFFERENCE of a couple of months, and an injection of outside talent, saw Parnell’s reverse their springtime defeat at the hands of St Sylvester’s, snatching victory in extra-time. Syl’s had a definite edge in cohesion the first time round, but the Coolock side, powered by the likes of Armagh’s Johnny Murtagh, Laois man MJ Tierney and Wexford’s Rory Quinlivan, had an intercounty f lair that carried the day. It was a bitter defeat for Syl’s, who must now wait to contest the AFL1 play-offs when their championship hopes were left shattered. They did have their noses in front on a number of occasions in the second half, leading
at one stage by three points, and were helped on by David Glennon’s goal, but Murtagh and Tierney grabbed late scores to tie the game in normal time. And Parnell’s had the depth in their panel to emerge the stronger side in extra-time, running up a five-point lead at half-time of the additional spell. Niall Collins’ goal and a couple of Quinlivan points were key, along with a score from Mickey Gleeson, that build a 1-14 to 1-9 lead. And they continued to power forward, with fur ther points from Quinlivan, Darren Rooney and Murtagh putting the game beyond Syl’s reach. Gar y Sweeney did grab a late goal, but the damage was done, and Parnell’s finished off six-point winners. It was a hear twrenching loss for the Malahide men, who
fought hard all game. They fell behind 0-3 to 0-1 initially when a volley of frees cost them, but they still made it to half time level. Glennon’s goal stretched the lead out to three, but Parnells reeled in the deficit, and were grateful to Stephen Cluxton – the recently named international rules’ skipper – for pulling out a superb save from Darren Clarke to keep the tie in the mix. They got the score back to 1-6 to 0-9 with ten minutes to go and, while Syl’s nudged two
in front – Nigel Dunne and Michael McCarthy combined for 0-5 on the day – Murtagh landed a free from 40 yards after Quinlivan’s bulldozing run. McCarthy dropped a response just short before Tierney tied the game at 1-8 to 0-11 in injury time from a long-range free. And it broke the back of the tie, despite the breeze in the first half of extra time, when Syl’s never truly got going, as Collins’ scrappy goal gave Parnell’s a lead they were not to relinquish.
The U-15 hurlers lost their championship final to a very good crum-
port the future of the club.
Sylvester’s 2-14, Naomh Fionnbarra
The lotto jackpot was not won
1-2. This was a very good win in a
last week, and is €3,900 this week.
tough encounter and we remained
Brendan Bannigan was a match
committed throughout. We enjoyed
three numbers winner.
FINGAL RAVENS BEST of luck to our senior team who
We are having an award night for
play Ballyboden St Enda’s in a replay
our U-21s, who won the 2010 cham-
of the senior championship this
pionship, and our ladies’ team who
week in Parnell Park. The winners
won their 2010 league, on Sunday
will play St Peregrine’s at 3.45pm
October 30, in Kettle’s Hotel. All
next Sunday in Parnell Park.
members are welcome to come
Also, best of luck to our junior team who pla y Good Counsel at 11am next Sunday morning in their last game in the league; a win will see them promoted to Division 4 next year.
along celebrate the success of these teams. Committee meeting this Thursday at 8.30pm in Kettles Hotel. Lotto: Numbers drawn were 1, 21, 25 and 31.
Our duck race and cross coun-
€20 to Alan Reilly, Larry Fay and
try challenge has been refixed for
Maura Norton. Next week’s jacpot
Sunday, October 30, at 2pm at Kin-
is now worh €2,613, please support
sella’s Bridge.
your club lotto each week.
FINGALLIANS THANKS to all who contributed
The schools will receive a disc with
to the visit of Sam to Swords last
their pictures and the remaining
week. The cup made a visit to all 13
pictures can be ordered or col-
schools and over 6,000 pupils.
lected next Saturday morning in
On Frida y night, an estimated 1,700 people visited the Club to view
the club hall from 10 to 11.45am. Go raibh maith agat, Kryan.
Sam. It also made a guest appear-
Congratulations to Fins’ U-15
ance at the nursery on Saturday
footballers who had a convincing
morning.
2-11 to 0-06 win over St Maur’s in
A special thank-you to Paul Flynn
the championship semi-final. They
and Pat Gilroy, who brought the
have booked a place in the final in
whole Dublin squad to the club,
Parnell Park on November 6 against
making it a very memorable occa-
either Skerries or Naomh Olaf.
sion. Over 10,000 photographs were taken by Kryan O’Brien on Friday.
Wins also for the minor footballers in the championship and also the U-12 and U-14 girls.
Follow GazetteSport on Facebook, Twitter and at www.gazettegroup.com
ALL OF YOUR MALAHIDE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
THE BITTER END: St Sylvester’s SFC run comes to an end against Parnell’s P31
FORZA, BERNARD! Dunne on life after being the champ P29
GazetteSPORT
St Sylvester’s intermediate footballers registered a satisfying win over Ballymun Kickhams to reach the quarter-finals
OCTOBER 20, 2011
Inters and ladies lift St Sylvester’s Victories in championship and a Leinster final raise spirits at club after senior footballers bow out of Dublin SFC STEPHEN FINDLATER malahidesport@gazettegroup.com
ST SYLVESTER’S inters helped smooth over some of the heartache which accompanied their senior counterparts gut-wrenching extratime departure from the football championship when they got the better of Ballymun Kickhams in the Naul 2-8 to 1-7. The victory last Saturday was built around David Bannigan and Alan Sexton’s second-half goals, as the side converted a 0-4 to 0-3 lead at the break into a solid success. Ballymun had started the second half the stronger, but the goals saw Syl’s move five points clear and, despite a Kickhams’ goal, Derek Roche marshaled his defence well to make sure that the win was forthcoming on a dreary night in north Fingal.The victory sets up a quarterfinal date with St Jude’s on Sunday at 3pm in Balgriffin.
It provided an upbeat start to a big weekend for the club, a mood which was shattered in some respects by the senior side’s elimination in Swords at the hands of Parnells. Gabriel Bannigan’s team led at many points along the way, but were pegged back late in the day and forced into extra time by the Coolock club, whom they had beaten in the preliminary rounds of the championship. But an influx of intercounty talent from Wexford, Armagh and Laois in recent times has seen the club rise quickly, with Johnny Murtagh and MJ Tierney striking vital scores to send the game into overtime. And Parnell’s closed out the tie with a brilliant spell in extra-time, Niall Collins kicking the pivotal goal which all but sent Syl’s hurtling out of the competition, leaving their silverware hopes resting on the AFL1 play-offs once again. The upcoming weekend, though, does have the offer of another adult trophy on the horizon
when the club’s women travel to Newbridge to play in the Leinster Junior championship decider. Following two crushing wins in the quarter and semi-finals over Mullinavat and Clara – tagging on eight goals in the process – they face St Laurence’s, who have been equally impressive in their path to the final.The Kildare champions did for Longford’s Rathcline with a comprehensive 3-14 to 1-12 victory. However, Syl’s have been immaculate in the provincial championship, and have been bouyed by Aimee Hazley and Emer Treacy’s return to action after injury concerns. Sinead Aherne is among the best in the country and should she hit form, working in tandem with the lively Niamh McEvoy, the Malahide women could be celebrating their ascension to the inter ranks with a second major trophy to their name this term. Throw-in on Sunday is at 1.30pm.