Malahide

Malahide GAZET TE FREE

YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

INSIDE: Sam Maguire trophy comes to local schools P10

RECYCLE THIS COPY. KEEP DUBLIN TIDY.

November 17, 2011

FESTIVE FUN: Plenty of bargains at Annual Christmas Market See Page 3

Here come the girls: Enjoying a night of fun fashion shows Soccer: Stephen Ward the hero as Ireland succeed Page 32

MICHELLE Gregan, Sinead

Collins and Carmel Mooney were among the many guests who enjoyed the Girls’ Night Out event which featured an evening of fashion shows.

Local mums, dads and kids and teachers strutted their stuff on the catwalk to raise muchneeded funds for the schools of Malahide.

Full Gallery on Pages 8-9

Hurling: St Sylvester’s minors stake place in final Page 31

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS .................... 21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Fears for future of local garda station Concerns that it could be merged with Swords

Q MIMI MURRAY

CONCERNS have been raised about the future of Malahide Garda Station by Dublin North Fianna Fail Senator Darragh O’Brien.

With a review of the operation of Garda Stations by Justice Minister Alan Shatter

underway, Senator O’Brien said he feared it could lead to the station being merged with Swords or being put on restricted hours.

“I am concerned that Malahide Garda Station is part of this review, and the soundings I have been hearing are not good. Restricted hours

would mean Malahide Garda Station would cease to operate on a 24/7 basis. That would be totally unacceptable to me and the community. Likewise, any attempt to merge Malahide with Swords garda station would be very short-sighted and ill advised,” he said.

Full Story on Page 6

2 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 17 November 2011

A NO Metro Nor th should mean no to a waste water treatment plant or super dump for Dublin North.

That’s according to Fianna Fail councillor Darragh Butler, who told the Gazette that Fingal County Council should refuse to cooperate with plans for a super dump and sewage treatment facility.

“They expect to dump on Fingal and North County Dublin by giving us the rubbish projects whilst the south-side of Dublin continues to get the best of transport systems.

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

‘This is totally unacceptable and has the potential to significantly impact on the local economy and community environment’ --------------------------

“Fingal County Council must retaliate and say no and refuse to cooperate with plans for the super dump and the sewage treatment facility,” he said.

Dublin North Fianna Fail Senator Darragh O’Brien rowed in behind his Swords colleague saying: “I am extremely concerned about the agenda being pursued by the Government at the moment, which has rowed back on the significant job creation project that is Metro North and simultaneously push to have Fingal be the sewage treatment hub for the entire east coast.

“This is totally unacceptable and has the potential to significantly impact on the local economy and community environment.”

Alternatives Meanwhile, calls for the Minister for Environment, Phil Hogan to engage with the communities of north Dublin to seek alternatives to the proposal for a “monster” wastewater treatment plant were made in a special Dail debate by Brendan Ryan, Labour Party TD, for Dublin North.

“The communities of north County Dublin have mobilised in an unprecedented manner to voice their resounding opposition to the proposed monster waste water treatment plant planned for North County Dublin,” he said.

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Anger at ‘rubbish projects’ for Fingal

POLITICS Breakdowns on election spend

€6 Clare SP ,3 Daly 67 .74

METRO NORTH: PLAN PUT ON HOLD BY GOVT

Figures show the General Election campaign expenditure for candidates, with some drawing from public funds, as fully detailed below

General Election costs hit €9.28m Q LAURA WEBB

malahide@gazettegroup.com

DUBLIN North candidates spent over €163,000 in election expenses during this year’s General Election campaign.

Figures by the Standard in Public Office (SIPO) revealed a national total of €9.28m was expended by candidates and political parties in the 2011 campaign.

This is almost 16% less than the €11.08m figure reported during the 2007 General Election, even though 100 more candidates ran in 2011.

The nine candidates in the Dublin North constituency spent a total of €163,224.88 Of those elected, Labour Party’s Brendan Ryan, spent the highest at €22,064.98.

In his expenditure summary, Ryan’s election expenses include spend-

ing €9,825.90 on election posters and €8,037.96 on other election material such as newsletters and leaflets.

He also assigned €13,560 of his allowance to the party.

Fine Gael’s Alan Farrell spent a total of €19,814.24.

On election posters he spent €7,198.85 and €11,856.12 on other election material, such as canvass cards and flyers.

He assigned an allowance of €17,718 to his party, receiving €2,045 of that in return.

His party colleague, who topped the poll, Dr James Reilly, spent €19,786.88 and allocated €17,718, receiving €3,741 of that in return.

Included in his expenses was €9,303.55 for election posters and €6,009.83 on other election materials.

Clare Daly of the

Socialist Party spent the least out of those elected with a total of €6,367.74.

She also allocated €7,500 of her allowance to the party, receiving €6,841.14 in return.

Any expenditure originally met from public funds was reimbursed by all candidates, stated the SIPO report.

Of those not elected, Labour Par ty’s Tom Kelleher spent the most.

His total expenditure was €26,900. He also allocated €9,412.50 of his allowance to the party.

Fianna Fail’s Michael Kennedy’s overall total came to €22,778.42.

His allocation to his party was €14,860, receiving €1,823.88 of that in return.

His party colleague, Darragh O’Brien, spent €21,202 and allocated some €15,060 of his allowance to the party.

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

Nationally, Fine Gael and its candidates were reported to have the highest expenditure --------------------------------------------------------

Green Party candidate Trevor Sargent spent €20,493.64 and Independent candidate Dr Mark Harrold spent €3,816.98.

Nationally, Fine Gael and its candidates were reported to have the highest expenditure at €3,120,238.

Following them in second place were Fianna Fail with an expenditure cost of €2,138,793, the Labour Party in third with a total of 1,956,813 and then non-par ty occurred expenditure of €1,141,176.

Sinn Fein reported €496,928, The Green Party €241,789, Socialist Party €85,124, People Before Profit Alli-

ance €47,757, Christian S o l i d a r i t y € 2 0 ,114 , South Kerry Independent Alliance €15,347 and the lowest was the Workers Party at €11,987.

The election period began with the dissolution of the Dail on February 1, 2011, and ended on polling day February 25, 2011.

The figures represent expenditure on property, goods, or services used for election purposes during the election period.

Statutory expenditure limits in place for the recent General Election were €30,150 (3 seater), €37,650 (4-seater) and 45,200 (5-seater).

17 November 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 3

EVENT St Andrew’s Parish Centre to host Christmas market

Book shop up for award

Plenty to do at the festive market Q MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com

FORGET the doom and gloom and all thoughts of a budget, and make your way to Church Road in Malahide, and S t A n d r e w ’s P a r i s h Centre on Saturday, November 26, from 10am when the Annual Christmas Market will take place.

The festive atmosphere will be created by strolling musicians, and plenty of stalls selling goods at bargain prices.

Pretty antiques will b e av a i l a b l e a t t h e Curio stall, and it may be a chance to pick up a seasonal floral arrangement.

There will also be a book stall, Toy stall, Gift stall and a Bottle stall. For anyone who watched the Great British Bake Off, they will be delighted with the home-baked cakes and deli, made by the renowned “Ladies of M a l a h i d e ” ove r t h e years.

Food 4 Thought will serve tea or coffee, and scrumptious homebaked cakes and freshly

made sandwiches.

A bumper raffle has a first prize of €500, and other prizes include a Microsoft Xbox console, or a weekend away at the Galgorm Resort and Spa. While mums and dads are relaxing and spending, there are plenty of things for the children including kids corner with face-painting, children’s fancy dress completion, and Christmas picture completion.

Santa Claus will also be visiting, so bring along the children, from 1 to 99 years, and have a photograph taken with Santa by Sheldon Photographic.

For men who have not bought that special gift for the loved one in their lives, there is the Friends of St Doulagh’s stall and there are 16 and 18-inch chains with sterling silver crosses available for sale.

This unique gift is not available on the High Street and the price has been kept at the same price as 2010, in spite of the sharp rise in the price of silver over the past year.

Aideen Cashill

Pauline Hiney

Joyce Clegg

Anne Prior

PUBLISHING

Fiona De Buitler

IT will come as no surprise to locals that the popular local bookstore, Village Books, has found itself on the shortlist for the Bord Gais Energy Bookshop of the Year Award as voted for by the public.

Now in the running with nine other bookshops from around the country, Village Books will undergo a rigorous judging process by a panel of experts from the Irish book and publishing industry.

The winning bookshop will be announced on November 17 at the Bord Gais Energy Book Awards.

“Village Books is a charming, family-owned bookshop located on Tow ny a r d L a n e i n Malahide. With a staff of enthusiastic bookworms ready to assist your every request. We would like to sincerely thank all their loyal customers and everyone who voted for them as Ireland’s best bookshop,” a spokesperson for the shop said.

Keep updated with their progress in the competition on villagebooks.ie

4 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 17 November 2011

PROJECT Traffic and an impact on market gardens worrying locals

Concern over impact of proposed monster plant Continued from page 2

DEPUTY Ryan explained why the people of north County Dublin are opposed to such a project: “First of all, there are the very valid environmental considerations: The proposed monster plant would process up to 1,000 litres of sewage per

minute from Dublin and surrounding counties similar to the capacity of the Ringsend plant in Dublin.

“The negative impact the Ringsend plant has had on the environment of the surrounding landscape and seascape in Dublin Bay has been well documented.”

The Dublin North TD also

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

‘The negative impact the Ringsend plant has had on the environment has been well documented’ ------------------------------------------------------------------

cited traffic concerns relating to the proposed plant and the possible impact on the area’s market garden

industry saying: “To quote one constituent of mine, who wished to have her objection read into the pub-

lic record: ‘Who would buy food grown near a monster sewage plant?’

Minister Hogan was represented in the Dail by Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney, who said he recognised the conviction with which Deputy Ryan made his case on behalf of the people of north Dublin.

But, responding on the Minister’s behalf he said that it was inappropriate for the Minister Hogan to comment on this proposal at this stage, as it may prejudice the role of the Department of the Environment, when it will have a statutory role to play further along in the process.

METRO NORTH: MINISTER SAYS WE JUST CAN’T AFFORD IT

Postponement of rail project disappoints Q MIMI MURRAY

BIT TER disappointment has been expressed across the political spectrum this week over the Government’s decision to postpone the multimillion light rail system Metro North project.

The man who made the final decision on the project’s future, Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar, said he was “more disappointed than anyone about the deferral of Metro North and other projects”.

But, speaking to the Gazette, he said the decision had been “necessary”.

“We just can’t afford these projects in the current economic environment. The decision was taken with the unanimous support of all Fine Gael and Labour Ministers.”

And he warned that “further unpopular decisions will have to be made in coming months. All Government TDs must stay strong and stand together. Our country’s future depends on it”.

Meanwhile, Labour Party TD for Dublin North, Brendan Ryan, said he was not surprised that the project has been deferred, but he is “bitterly disappointed”.

“I strongly believe investment in key infra-

structural projects, which would have a long-term gain for communities and businesses, is vital at this time. Metro North is one such project.”

The Infrastructure and Capital Investment 20122016: Medium Term Exchequer Framework report articulates that Metro North has been postponed for consideration in advance of the next capital programme, which will be drawn up in 2015 and will cover the period from 2016 onwards.

“It is a disappointing day for the people of Swords who will remain bereft of a rail link for the foreseeable future and consigned to the heavy traffic along the M1 corridor. I will continue to support Metro North to ensure that this deferral is indeed just that, a deferral and not a cancellation. I am encouraged that the report does assure people that Metro North remains a key element of the overall integrated transport strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, and will be progressed when fiscal and market conditions improve,” he said.

Michael Kennedy, former TD, has also condemned the FG/Lab Govt for its decision to abandon the project.

“As a TD in the 30th Dail, I made a commitment to the people of

Labour Party TD for Dublin North, Brendan Ryan, said he was not surprised that the project has been deferred

Fine Gael has been accused of breaking pre-election promises in relation to the delivery of Metro North. In a letter written prior to the February General Election by now Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, he criticised Labour Party Leader Eamon Gilmore for saying the light rail system should be “shot back” adding: “This is less than wholehearted support for Swords and Metro North.”

Swords and north Dublin that I would do my utmost to ensure that this project would be completed. I secured a commitment of €28 million for the enabling works in the budget of 2011, bearing in mind that €200 million has

been spent to date.

“JAMES REILLY and his colleagues gave commitments in the 2011 General Election campaign that Metro North was a priority project - where is their promises now?”

However, Fine Gael’s

Alan Farrell blames the previous government for the Metro project being derailed.

“Unfortunately, the reality of what this Government has inherited is a severe cut in investment capital which is

vital for the delivery of a €4bn project such as Metro North.

“Capital for infrastructure has been significantly cut due to the incompetent budgetary planning of our predecessors, and, since the Minister took office in March of this year, the people of Dublin North have been given unprecedented honesty about the future of the project.

“This is a significant shift in direction from being hoodwinked for political gain by [former] government back-bench representatives who

will, no doubt, use this announcement as another opportunity to wash their hand of all that has gone wrong.

“It was clear from our first week in office that the previous government had no realistic means or resources to complete this €4bn project, yet proceeded to spend millions in the planning and development stages.

“It begs the question as to whether the Minister continued to proceed with expensive planning stages for reasons to do with incompetence or political gain.”

17 November 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5

COURTS Sentence adjourned on man’s campaign

Threatened friend for not going for drink Co Dublin.

Judge Martin Nolan said Rogers “got revenge with a good deal of irrationality” and noted he “was in the throes of an alcohol problem” and adjourned sentencing until February for a probation report to assess Rogers’ suitability for community service.

Garda Killian Lydon told Ms Roisin Lacey BL, prosecuting, that Rogers had planned to meet Mr Kelly for a drink one night but Mr Kelly met Ms Butler Kinsella instead.

“Rogers became annoyed at this as he had given up the opportunity to see his son and felt he had been let down by Mr Kelly,” said Gda Lydon.

He said Rogers sent messages including: “I am going to get you big time. I have to get you, it’s in my head to get you,” along with “watch out I haven’t started yet with her (Ms Butler Kinsella); let the games begin. It’s you I want to get.”

Rogers told gardai that he sent the messages in annoyance and that he was “sending the messages without meaning.”

“It was to frighten him,” Rogers, who had a significant alcohol problem at the time of the offences, told gardai.

He told gardai he damaged Ms Butler Kinsella’s car and slashed the four

tyres “out of annoyance.”

“Because Paul Kelly annoyed me, she did too,” Rogers told gardai.

He told gardai he managed to get into Ms Butler Kinsella’s apartment block over a back fence and apologised for damaging her car.

Rogers, who has 98 previous convictions, and has abstained from alcohol since May and is committed to a sober life, felt he “was let down” by Mr Kelly, said Mr Pieter Le Vert BL, defending.

Mr Le Vert told the court that the defendant and Mr Kelly had been friends for years and had worked together for a time.

“The defendant had an access gate to spend time with his son one night but cancelled it to go out for the evening for a few drinks with Mr Kelly,” said Mr Le Vert.

It was after Mr Kelly had met Ms Butler Kinsella that night instead that Rogers “started his campaign and things went from there”.

“It was very serious as he terrorised two people but he would not have done it if he wasn’t in the throes of drink at the time,” said Mr Le Vert.

Mr Le Vert said Rogers has €1,000 lodged in an account to pay to the injured parties as compensation if required.

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A REFORMED alcoholic, who felt he was let down by a friend and started sending him threatening and menacing text messages and slashed the four tyres of the victim’s friend’s car, is to be sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in February.

David Rogers sent his friend Paul Kelly threatening text messages stating that he was “going to get him” and “you are going to pay. I have my mind set on you like a target” after Mr Kelly did not show up to meet Rogers for a drink one night over the Christmas period of 2009.

Rogers also scraped the words “Slut” onto the bonnet of Mr Kelly’s friend, Ms Fiona Butler Kinsella’s car, and slashed the four tyres of her car in what was described as a “ridiculous and immature” manner.

D av i d R o g e r s , o f Block 12, Priory Hall, in Coolock, who is now residing at the Regency Hotel in Dublin, pleaded guilty to sending threatening text messages to Paul Kelly by phone on April 18, 2010.

The 38-year-old is also charged with damaging four car tyres belonging to Fiona Butler Kinsella between March 1, 2010 and March 2, 2010 at Castleheath in Malahide,

Getting the big picture Cormac Curtis test drives the Skoda Yeti

Man’s sentencing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Courthas been adjourned to February

MOTORING PAGE 19

6 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 17 November 2011

FastNews

VIPs for a night: Pair enjoy star treatment

Boutique set to host a styling day

DAVE and Ciara Moriarty,

CAMILLE Boutique is hosting a styling day with image consultant Maureen O’Halloran as featured on TV3’s Xpose.

Customers will be given styling tips and the evening will feature a range of special offers. This event takes place on November 17 from 3:30pm to 8:30pm and all are welcome.

Camille is no longer by appointment only, so customers can pop in any time of the day.

They stock some top labels, including Stop Staring, Mina, Ingenue, Lizzie Nolan.

Camille Boutique, 1st Floor, Number 6, St James Terrace. Opening hours are Tuesday and Wednesday 10am - 4pm and Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10am - 6pm.

For On-line shopping visit www. camilleboutique.com

from Malahide, pictured at the Carlsberg VIP Experience at the Premium Club at The O2.

Dave and Ciara upgraded their concert tickets through Carlsberg Ireland Facebook page and had the chance to bring up to five of their mates to The Premium Club at The O2 for a pre- and post- gig party.

A number of VIPS, including, Kathryn Thomas, DJ Mo Kelly and Siobhan O’Connor, 98FM, mingled with guests at the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ gig.

Upgraded guests had access to the club pre-gig where they chilled out with their friends and enjoyed party beats in the luxury surroundings of The Premium Club. After seeing their favourite act perform live on The O2 stage, upgraders returned to The Premium Club for the after-party and live set

by Irish DJ Mo Kelly.

The experience didn’t stop there, as all upgraders were picked up by complimentary taxi and brought back to the city centre at the end of the night.

It’s fight night for cystic fibrosis MALAHIDE Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Fight Night takes place on Friday, November 25, at the Wright Venue in Swords.

Baby TJ was diagnosed with CF at two months old, and at five months he was only nine pounds, which is a normal birth weight for some babies.

His CF is incurable and he has to take up to 20 meds a day but due to the care from his family and the CF team in Temple Street he is doing well.

All proceeds go to the CF Hopesource Foundation who are currently working to create isolation beds for cystic fibrosis patients in Temple Street.

Tickets are only €25 and the money could add to TJ’s life expectancy and the lives of many other kids.

La Sirena set for a taste of Mexico LA Sirena will hold its one-year anniversary with a Taste of Mexico event in conjunction with the Embassy of Mexico this month.

It will run from November 19 to November 25 and will include a variety of events, including all-day, two-for-one Tequila Sunrises on November 19 and €20 for a jug of La Sirena Margaritas and Live Latin Guitar with Jayro Gonzalez on November 20.

All evening from 5pm on November 21, there will be two-for-one margaritas whilst, on Tuesday, there will be All You Can Eat TACOMANIA for €15, and €20 for buckets of iced Mexican beers.

There will be a cookery demo by chef Claudio Hall Van Beuren, which is by invite only, as well as a Mezcal and Tequila Tasting afternoon, by Sergio Inurrigarro and Fernando Cano, which is also by invite only.

All night from 5pm on November 24 there will be a plate of nachos and a bottle of Mexican beer for €8.

On Friday all desserts cost €5.

FEARS: JUSTICE MINISTER REVIEWING GARDA STATIONS

Concerns for future of Malahide Garda Station Q MIMI MURRAY

malahide@gazettegroup.com

CONCERNS have been raised about the future of Malahide Garda Station by Dublin North Fianna Fail Senator Darragh O’Brien.

Senator O’Brien voiced his concerns this week amid a review of the operation of garda stations by Justice Minister Alan Shatter, which, O’Brien says, could lead to the station being merged with Swords or being put on restricted hours.

Speaking to the Gazette he said: “I am concerned that Malahide Garda Station is part of this review and the soundings I have been hearing are not good.

“It appears Malahide Garda Station could be put on restricted hours, or could be merged with Swords. Neither of these are an option.

Malahide, Portmarnock and Kinsealy need this garda station.

“There are 38 gardai based in Malahide station and there are genuine concerns about the future policing policy for Malahide, Portmarnock and Kinsealy.

“Restricted hours would mean Malahide Garda Station would cease to operate on a 24/7 basis. That would be totally unacceptable to me and the community.

“Likewise, any attempt to merge Malahide with Swords garda station would be very short-

sighted and ill-advised.

“I will be raising this issue in the Seanad this week and asking that Minister Shatter come into the House and deal with these concerns.

W hen I represented Dublin North in the Dail the only closure in the justice area was the well fought campaign to close the Headshop selling ‘illegal highs’ in Malahide.

“I hope the Fine Gael and Labour TDs, in particular, Minister James Reilly, are equally as determined as I was in ensuring the community of Malahide is safe and continues to have a full-time Garda Station in Malahide.”

When contacted by the Gazette, a spokesperson for the Depart-

ment for Justice said: “Under the Garda Siochana Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner must each year prepare a policing plan setting out the proposed arrangements for the policing of the State, including any proposal to cease stationing members in a Garda station.

“The policing plan, once it has been approved by the Minister, is laid before each House.

“The Garda Commissioner has been reviewing the Garda station network with the aim of identifying the scope for greater efficiencies in the delivery of a policing service.

“This review has included an examina-

tion of the case for the closure of some stations and for a reduction in opening hours of other stations.

“All relevant factors will have been taken into account in this examination, including the current status of stations, an activity analysis of stations, an impact assessment in each case of either closure or a reduction in opening hours, and the identification of an alternative model for delivering policing services.”

The Department said the Garda Commissioner would be consulted “as part of the statutory process of finalising the policing plan for 2012, which will be laid before each House upon approval”.

17 November 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 7

RESCUE: BOAT CAPSIZES

Tasty treats: Fantastic fudge

Coast guard save two men in estuary

THE popularity of Mella’s Butter Fudge continues to grow and the latest retailer to stock the brand is in Shiel’s Londis supermarket on Yellow Walls Road, Malahide.

Founded in the 1970s by well-known Fingal retailer Frank Shiel, who continues to play an active role in the business, the busy outlet is managed day-to-day by his son, John, and daughter, Rufina.

One of the most popular neighbourhood stores in the Londis chain, Shiel’s of Malahide has been building a reputation as an outlet for artisan food producers. Amongst their other well-established Irish brands is the Glen Ilen range of yoghurts and deserts.

DEVELOPMENT: MANOR PARK HOME BUILDERS ARE SEEKING MORE TIME

Planning extension sought for new hotel at Abbeyville Q MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com

PROPERT Y developers, Manor Park Home Builders, who are now in receivership, have sought an extension to the duration of their planning application for a new hotel at Abbeyville House and Demesne in Kinsaley.

T h e d e ve l o p m e n t would consist of an integrated tourism/ recreational facility on a site measuring 230 acres at Abbey ville House and Demesne, which is a protected structure.

The proposed development will consist of a two-storey, over-basement 70-bedroom hotel within a walled garden area, which would be erected in two phases.

Phase 1 would consist of 28 bedrooms, a spa/

leisure centre, bar areas, breakfast room, restaurant, lounge, three meeting rooms, kitchens, reception area, landscaped entrance court comprising landscaped parking area, service area, basement area, with the total area of Phase 1 at 5,931 sqm.

Phase 2 shall consist of 42 bedrooms erected around a central courtyard area to the west of Phase 1 with a total area of Phase 2 at 2,937 sq m.

The development will also involve the integration and restoration of the walled garden as part of the proposed hotel and the insertion of a vehicular /pedestrian access, four glazed windows through the wall structure and a projecting linear glazed bay first-f loor level

above the nor thern elevation of the wall structure; the demolition of sheds and late 20th-century structures, including the indoor riding arena within the walled garden.

Planning T he planning also includes an 18-hole championship golf course which shall include the construction of wetland areas and lakes; a bowling green; a golf practice area; a three-storey golf club house consisting of changing rooms, pro shop; spike bar; caddy masters room; kitchen; storage, committee and staff rooms; four accommodation rooms; restaurant; bar areas; patio and balcony areas and toilets.

The application also consists of 32 detached

two -storey 5/6 bed houses with garages in six different house ty pes; 14 cour tyard styled four-bed houses of 200 sq m each erected in three terraced rows each for use as tourist accommodation and 344 car parking spaces for the hotel/clubhouse and recreational uses.

There would be a single-storey golf course/ estate maintenance buildings with a gross floor area of 1,172 sq m to accommodate machine storage, yard and washbay, workshop, ancillary offices, toilets, storage areas and eight staff car parking spaces.

S i t e d e ve l o p m e n t works consist of foul and surface water drainage including relaying of a section of the existing public foul sewer along the southern boundary

and constructing new gravity foul sewer along the Malahide Road to the junction of the Feltrim Road surface water detention area, water supply which includes the construction of a new, six-inch water main along the Malahide Road to the connection of Chapel Road.

It also provides for a new temporary entrance off the Feltrim R o a d f o r c o n s t r u ction vehicles only during the construction phase and provision of maintenance vehicular entrance off the Feltrim Road in place of temporar y constr uction entrance during the operational phase of this development.

This entrance will ser ve for occasional maintenance vehicular movements pertaining

to the upkeep of the golf course only.

The upgrading of the existing main access road, off the Malahide Road, to serve the proposed development is also included.

This is the only access road to the hotel/residential areas/club house/ recreational facilities and Abbeville House.

It includes all associated site development works, including ESB substations, tree removal, landscaping, internal roads, the creation of lakes/ponds and water features, attenuation ponds, irrigation systems and associated pumping stations, boundary treatments, and lighting.

An Environmental Impact Statement will be submitted to the Planning Authority with the application.

TWO men had a lucky e s c a p e l a s t S u n d ay when they were rescued from Malahide Estuary by the Coast Guard after their boat capsized.

The alarm was raised after 5 o’clock when shouts for help were heard by members of the public coming from the estuary, which was covered in darkness.

Coast Guard search teams from Howth station and Coast Guard Rescue 116 helicopter were immediately tasked.

T h e How t h t e a m searched the shoreline with torches, while Rescue 116 searched the water.

The casualties were located by the helicopter and winched aboard.

Wearing lifejackets, they were able to stay afloat until assistance arrived.

They were treated by Coast Guard paramedics for exposure and transferred to Dublin Air por t. No fur ther hospital treatment was required. “ T h i s s e r ve s a s a reminder for water users to have a means of contact with the shoreline at all times.

“Gratitude goes to the quick acting members of the public who rang the Coast Guard on 999,” a spokesperson for the Howth Coast Guard said.

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8 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 17 November 2011

EVENT Local mums, dads and kids strut their stuff on the

Enjoying a girls night out IRLS Night Out with Giggles and Smiles Photography, an exciting evening of fashion shows and mini treatments, raised â‚Ź5,000 for the schools of Malahide. Local mums, dads and kids and teachers strutted their stuff on the catwalk to raise much-needed funds for the schools.

Nineteen lucky mums, dads, teachers and Communion girls were given a crash course in modelling

by Emma English, from Couleur Productions, before taking to the catwalk showing off the latest in fashion from Camille Boutique, Mischief, Bianco, Sans Souci and Gentlemen of Distinction. Sporting different hairstyles for each show by Malahide Hair Studio and Eclipse Hair Salon, they wowed the audience with their supermodel swagger. To make sure they looked their absolute best, make-up artists Rebecca Eustace and Susan Gibney worked diligently behind stage to create stunning looks only seen on the red carpet.

G

Michelle Gregan, Sinead Collins and Carmel Mooney

Hazel Manks

Anna Kavanagh and Maya Fattori-Ivers

17 November 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 9

catwalk to raise much-needed funds for Malahide schools

Fiona Duggan, Geraldine O’Rourke, Declan Colbert, Nora McCarthy, Linda Fleming and Marie O’Brien

Steven Prendergast

Camille Ingoldsby

Tanya Crosbie

Fiona, Malahide Hair Studio

David Greene

10 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 17 November 2011

SCHOOLS Local pupils’ delight at seeing famous GAA trophy

Miss Conlon’s First Class pupils show “Sam” and Dublin Senior Footballers, Michael McCarthy and Thomas Quinn, what a great St Sylverster’s welcome sounds like. Pictures: Una Williams

Great excitement when Sam called HE GAZETTE is delighted to present these large photographs of pupils greeting Sam Maguire, because the visit of the legendary trophy to their school was certainly a very big event for the pupils.

Escorted by Dublin Senior Football players Michael McCarthy and

T

Thomas Quinn, Sam was presented to pupils from Third Class, in St Oliver Plunkett’s, and to First Class pupils from St Sylvester’s, with the Malahide children very excited to see the trophy, meet the football stars, and hear about their thrilling experience in the All Ireland Senior Football final.

With such enthusiastic youngsters to talk to, the football stars were delighted to be able to answer their questions about their GAA training, commitment and experiences, as well as helping to share the lore and history of the Sam Maguire with the fine groups of young citizens.

Dublin Senior Football players Michael McCarthy and Thomas Quinn hoist the mighty cup

First Class pupils from St Oliver Plunkett’s were delighted to see Sam

Miss Conlon and Mia Keane are dwarfed by Sam

17 November 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs

Enjoy shopping and pampering in Carlow at a comfortable price CARLOW has never been more affordable for a pre-Christmas shopping break and, with the fourstar Talbot Hotel located just a short stroll from all the attractive shopping areas, it is convenient, too.

The Talbot Value Shopping Package includes attractive discounts for the best boutiques in Carlow, which includes an exclusive guide to the best shops in Carlow town.

After the day’s shopping, attentive staff will bring your shopping bags to your room, while you relax and enjoy a sumptuous meal in the cosy fourthfloor Liberty Tree restaurant. Pampering is also important, and the hotel is offering 50% off a facial or massage in its Pure Beauty spa.

Stay at the hotel mid-week for €149 for two nights’ bed and full Irish breakfast, and a fourcourse meal each evening. Winter weekend packages are available from €99 PPS. For further information, see www.talbotcarlow. ie, or telephone 059 915 3000.

any trip to Belfast, hundreds of media staff from all around the world were delighted to attend a day of music- and culture-driven events the fine setting of the Titanic Drawing Offices helped to engage the Belfast guests with local craic agus ceol

The iconic Titanic Signature Building’s exterior is another sign of the modern face of Belfast’s contemporary cityscape

24 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 17 November 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 Same Old Moon DALKEY-based St Patrick’s Dramatic Society are staging their latest memorable production, following the fortunes and family life of Brenda Barnes. Brenda’s life is anything but straightforward, as we see on her funny and sometimes dramatic journey from childhood to her 40s, thanks to her eccentric and sometimes fiery family. See the society’s production nightly at 8pm until Saturday, November 19, with admission costing €18/€15.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 A Skull in Connemara THE Mill presents the second play in the Leenane trilogy, by playwright Martin McDonagh. In a rural Connemara town, a gravedigger prepares for his annual autumnal task of disinterring old, forgotten bones in the graveyard to make room for new arrivals. However, with his late wife’s remains due to be moved, rumours about her sudden death begin to surface ... This play runs nightly at 8pm until Saturday, November 19, with admission costing €10.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Sweet Charity READY for another hit show from Coolmine Musical Society? Then come along to Draiocht, where the highlyskilled players are marking their 30th year in show-stopping style, thanks to their production of Sweet Charity. New York in the 1960s will blaze into life on stage, with such memorable songs as Hey Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me Now, and Rhythm of Life to enjoy, all in the name of following the ups and downs of lovelorn dancehall hostess, Charity Hope Valentine. Coolmine MS’s production runs nightly at 8pm until Saturday, November 19, with admission costing €20/€17.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it think that Cinema really needs this version of the timeless, and seemingly endlesslyreheated and reserved, tale, with this latest reimagining being a little too bodacious rather than gracious with the source material...

The Mess-keteers

It’s one for all, and all for one – edging towards the exit, that is, with an uninspired rehash of a timeless tale ...

Q KATE CROWLEY

EVEN unf lappable, battle-hardened cinema reviewers could be forgiven for shrieking and eeking when faced with the sight of not one, not three, but two Nicolas Cage films opening at the same time. Two! Why, the very thought of cuddling up with Nic for his latest offerings, Trespass, and Justice, is almost – almost – enough to send yours truly barrelling through the doors to see the latest Twilight film (as Twilight The Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1 opens this week).

I say “almost”, as even my darling, Emo-friendly daughter, Crowleyetta, knows that there’s only one way I’ll go to see, and review, another Twilight film – at gunpoint.

And so, shrieking and eeking away from angstdriven vampires (oooh, the angst, the angst!), and eeking equally loudly

FILM OF THE WEEK: The Three Musketeers ++ (12A) 110 mins Director: Paul S Anderson Starring: Logan Lerman, Matthew MacFayden, Ray Stevenson, Orlando Bloom, Milla Jovovich, unlikely shenanigans

OUR VERDICT: MANY cinemagoers will have had more Three Musketeer films that they’ve had hot dinners, with it being a timeless – but, perhaps, a little over-familiar – tale that needs something special, or different, to really stand out. Although the director, and cast, gamely have a go at modernising some aspects of Dumas’ tale, their efforts simply sit uncomfortably with the source material ...

away from Mr Cage, my dainty feet take me (and thee) directly to ...

Actually, I’m just popping on my time travel beret, and stepping back in time to the period commonly known as Approximately Three Weeks Ago, and the release of a film which I didn’t review at the time, but will do just fine, today.

After all, I can’t stand angst-driven vampires and werewolves, but I don’t mind a shaggy tale of musketeers, and one of cinema’s most revisited inspirations has been, errr, revisited, in this lat-

est version of Dumas’ The Three Musketeers.

Actually, there’s not much more that I need to say to explain the film, folks, as I doubt very much that very many of you aren’t fully aware of the timeless tale of derring-do and French heroics, with this version pretty much following the standard template, on which, more anon.

For now, it’s a “Non!” to following Dumas’ tale too closely from the very start, as director, Anderson, introduces the musketeers undergoing a heist, of sorts, before the ever-

treacherous Milady de Winter (Jovovich) does a runner with the goods.

Okay... so, they’re the three musketeers of the title – so, where’s the fourth guy, who everyone expects? Enter surferdude-esque D’Artagnan (Lerman), who soon annoys, impresses and joins the Three (Macfayden, Stevenson and Evans), just in time to be caught up in a plot by Cardinal Richelieu (Waltz).

The holy man has a wholly cunning plan to control Le King (Fox), with a nice little war with England being his grand plot, just grand, merci.

With Richelieu and Winter playing an icily cold game of politics, and wishing to rule the regal roost behind the scenes, The Thre- sorry, Fousorry, The Guys must thwart their cunning plans, and prevent war with England.

For zee King! For zee honour of France! For zee

probable sequel!

However, mein Gott!

The Three Musketeers veers wildly into French farce throughout, but never in the best way.

The characters are too ... modern; a tricky thing to pull off, and, frankly, Anderson fails.

I can’t quite knock the director with that tooeasy gibe of his being “best known as a videogame film maker”, as not every film made about a computer game is always awful. (I quite enjoyed the somewhat incoherent Silent Hill film-of-thesame-game, for example.)

Still, Anderson, probably best-known for his interminably awful Resident Evil films (also starring his wife, Jovovich, in equally interminably awful roles), has done it again – using his reverse Midas touch (the Sadim?), he’s turned literary gold into cinematic straw. More musketeers?

Zut alors, non!

17 November 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Games giant has to fight its corner SHANE DILLON

THESE are dark days for Nintendo. Once an unassailable giant in gaming, the company recently posted its first publiclyreported loss in decades.

Actually, although it reported a huge loss – almost mirroring the healthy profit it posted in the previous year – some industry analysts were expecting an even larger loss, with wild talk of 100-billion yen on the cards, for a while.

What on earth has taken Nintendo to this sorry state of affairs?

Well, the reasons have been many, and complex, all combining to hack away at the company’s economic fortunes.

For starters, an obvious problem has been its 3DS console, which has bled away profits on hardware and software losses.

Despite being a technological marvel – with nothing comparable to it on the market, or on the way – and despite impressing most, but not all, of those who’ve used it, sales have been much slower than expected.

This doesn’t come as a total surprise – Hollywood has noticed that 3D films at cinemas have significantly plateaued, while 3D-enabled televisions are virtually glued to the shelves, stubbornly

refusing to sell.

The “obvious next step forward in visual entertainment” seems to have been embraced instead as “an interesting, but passing fad” by consumers, as well as gamers.

In the face of it, despite the impressive hardware, but battling consumer interest, perhaps that’s why the 3DS hasn’t caught on, impacting on Nintendo’s fortunes with the losses that it incurs on hardware sales.

Despite being able to magic up such innovative tech and hardware, Nintendo’s also facing a perception that its hardware platforms are approaching the end of their life cycle, with the end of the Wii in sight, while its successor is in development.

This further weakens titles available for it, creating a dragging anchor effect on companies willing to develop for it.

This isn’t an entirely fair summary, as there’s still plenty of life in the “aging” console, but, with much of the world’s media focused on the cool new kid in class – Apple’s various IOS-driven gadgets – while the other gaming heavyweights – Sony and Microsoft – are much more publicly slugging it out between them on the main street, Nintendo’s been left to sink into the background.

Bytesandpieces Have a yen for original gameplay?

JAPANESE developer, Kairosoft, have enjoyed enormous success with their resolutely oldschool, pixel-led titles, with each of their “simple” games consuming days of gamers’ lives.

That sounds extreme, but, after all, behind the cutesy graphics in their games (whether running your own high school or managing a Formula One team) lies very compulsive gameplay, as the intricacies of managing financial systems, organising and planning layouts and so on make the time fly by – as I’ve found, by missing bus stops while engrossed d in i perfecting my shopping centre’s layout. Oops.

As such, for something a little different, why not consider Oh! Edo Towns for your IOS-driven gadget? Available for €2.99 on iTunes, this is the chance to design and maximise your very own Feudal Japan town. That probably sounds about as enticing as an omnibus edition of Eastenders on TV, but this very Eastern title, complete with addictive, good-humoured pick-up-and-play fun, is another absolute gem from Kairosoft.

The forthcoming Nintendo Wii title, Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, can be expected to generate healthy revenues for the company, as the games company faces into an unwelcome battle to reverse the shift in its fortunes

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

‘Currency issues have also proven to be major thorns in the company’s side, with the dollarto-yen rates across the past year having a particularly painful effect on Nintendo’s finances’ --------------------------------------------------------

As if these weren’t difficult enough problems, currency issues have also proven to be major thorns in the company’s side, with the dollar-toyen rates across the past year, having a particularly painful effect on Nintendo’s finances.

With such negative external factors for any company to deal with, it’s no wonder that the Kyoto-based company has revealed just how much its sales, and profits, have plunged.

It’s quite a turnaround from the previous fiscal year for Nintendo, when it posted its usual healthy profits, despite the challenges facing gaming’s

drift at physical makets at present. After all, for every Gears of War 3 (XBox 360), Uncharted 3 (PlayStation 3) or, even, Angry Birds (iPhone) success story, a hundred other titles on all platforms sink without trace.

That’s the bad news.

But, of course, Nintendo’s far from finished, just yet.

True, the 3DS has not taken off as expected, but the regular DS handheld is still doing okay, and, if sales of the Wii have also significiantly slowed down – with the negative impact of not having the same software range and products as its rivals – Nintendo still has key gaming aces up

its sleeve.

One of these is the forthcoming next installment in the long-running Zelda series, Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword; a title that’s a cornerstone product for Nintendo to remind rivals, and gamers, that it still has some outstanding cards in its hand.

Now 25-years-old, the Zelda series has a longevity, and pedigree, that few games can lay claim to, with the Wii Motion Plus proving an entirely natural fit for the protaganist, Link, and his adventures.

With this forthcoming title (and the help of a certain super plumber’s new release), Nintendo can remind gamers, and the wider industry, that it can deliver the goods when it needs to.

And Nintendo needs to. Now, more than ever, the gaming giant needs to start landing some wellaimed blows on its rivals, before it goes down for the count ...

GAZETTE

26 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 17 November 2011

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GazetteSPORT

NO BOUNDARIES:

Claire Shillington on her Ireland cricket journey so far Page 29

MOTOR RACING: FORMER WORLD CHAMPION TO RACE ON SPECIALLY-CREATED TRACK

Button presses Dublin into F1 action in summer sport@gazettegroup.com

FOR the first time, one of the leading F1 teams in the world will take to the streets of Dublin next year when Jensen Button will bring his Vodafone McLaren-Mercedes F1 car to the Bavaria City Racing Dublin event on June 3, 2012.

Former World Champion Button will treat race spectators to a Formula 1 masterclass on a specially designed track that starts

at the Convention Centre, continues along Custom House Quay before crossing Butt Bridge, chicanes at D’Olier Street, zips past College Green and the Central Bank on Dame Street before reaching the chequered flag on O’Connell Bridge.

Bavaria City Racing’s Dublin ambassador, Eddie Jordan, said: “I’m hugely excited about Bavaria City Racing Dublin; this is something spectacular, something

you’ve never witnessed before and I, for one, can’t wait.”

The City Racing extravaganza is a free public event, and over 150,000 people are expected to line the streets of the capital to enjoy the best the world of motor sport has to offer.

Gavin Collins, of Bavaria City Racing, said: “We are delighted that the Vodafone-McLaren F1 team is coming to Dublin. They are a premier F1

Keith O’Haire, from Gleeson, and Robert Hyland, of Vodafone Ireland, at the launch of this unique F1 event

team and Jenson is one of the leading drivers in world motorsport.”

Robert Hyland, Sponsorship Manager at Vodafone Ireland, said: “We are truly excited at the prospect of bringing the

Formula 1 experience to Dublin. Jenson is one of the sport’s great ambassadors, and we are delighted to be able to help showcase what he and the cars can do.

“It will be a massive

event for the city that will be remembered for years to come.”

For those who want to get closer to the action, there are three ticketed premium performance zones on the track at

Customs House Quay, O’Connell Bridge and at the Main F1 Paddock on North Wall Quay.

Tickets for these areas are priced from €75.90 and are available from Ticketmaster.

28 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 17 November 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

RUGBY: LEINSTER LEAGUE RETURN SEES MALAHIDE MISS OUT

Fingal’s Glen Shekleton

Fingal hockey tie for top in Division 2 chase FINGAL men’s second team maintained their share of top spot in Leinster hockey’s Division 3, but it could have been so much better for the ALSAA side after they gave up a 4-1 lead with 12 minutes remaining to tie with fellow contenders, Glenanne, last Sunday.

In a frantically-paced game, Fingal looked to have the points sewn up as Andrew Shekleton, Simon McKeever, Paul Maher and Glen Shekleton were all on the mark.

Indeed, they had managed to push on with two goals, despite being reduced to ten men for a sin-binning offence, which put them well clear having earlier cancelled out Stu Ronan’s opening effort for the visitors.

Glen Shekleton netted from the penalty spot and the home side took the lead midway through the first half with a fine deflection from a crash ball from the left-hand side and they pushed on with another pair in the second half.

But a second sin-binning for the northside team gave Glens a glimpse of a result though as Ronan grabbed his second when he deflected in a well-worked short corner, and Paul Fitzpatrick brought the deficit back to one when he flicked home from the next set piece.

Clive Kennedy deflected home at the righthand post to level before a late rally saw Fingal force a fine save from Karl Crosbie near the end.

Near neighbours Portrane, meanwhile, won out 6-4 against Suttonians in Division 2 maintaining their entertaining start to the campaign as this ten-goal battle brought it to 38 goals in six games they have played in since promotion.

Malahide RFC’s Division 2A side failed to take advantage of late penalties to claim a win over New Ross

’Hide spurn chances LEINSTER LEAGUE DIV 2 Malahide RFC New Ross

15 17

sport@gazettegroup.com

MALAHIDE got back into Leinster League action last week with a home fixture to New Ross.

T he visitors, lying fifth in the table, have a proud Leinster League tradition, and Malahide were expecting a tough fixture.

The visitors kicked off, and some clever kicking for the corners kept Malahide pinned in their 22.

Whenever Malahide gained any possession, they never took advantage to relieve the pressure and, with 15 minutes on the clock, it told when a well-rehearsed New Ross backline move found a gap in the

home defence to allow their left wing to cross untouched under the posts.

Malahide were finding it difficult to get out of their half, and things got worse for the home team on the half-hour mark when a missed tackle in midfield allowed the New Ross centre in for his team’s second try.

Eventually, a New Ross error from the kick-off allowed Malahide to establish a presence in the New Ross half. Malahide tried to release their wings Dave Murphy and Colin Corker y, while Mick Fitzmaurice and Richie Forbes looked for holes in midfield, but New Ross defended well and Malahide could not find a way through.

On the stroke of halftime, a well-directed

Malahide penalty took play to the New Ross line, and a great lineout take from Sean Power allowed the Malahide forwards to maul, with Wayne Hilder touching down for the try.

The conversion was missed, but Malahide had a vital score.

The second half kicked off with the home team at last showing some tactical awareness with the boot, forcing play into the visitor’s half.

Malahide made some decent inroads, with Anthony Colbert and Keith Harrell carrying well in the tight.

Another accurate kick took play to the New Ross line and, after a number of surges close in, Mick Fitzmaurice was able to find the smallest of gaps in mid-

field to just make it over for the try.

Brendan Carpenter’s conversion brought the score to 14-12 in favour of the visitors, and they were quickly back on the attack. The visitors were caught offside just outside their 22, and Carpenter was on hand to move the home team into a 15-14 lead.

New Ross lifted their efforts from the restart, and Malahide found themselves under pressure once more.

On three occasions, Malahide had opportunities to clear their lines but failed to do so, and they ultimately paid the price when they were caught offside within kicking distance.

A wonderfully struck penalty into the breeze saw the visitors reclaim the lead.

There were still 10 minutes remaining, and Malahide set about making their way toward the New Ross line.

As the minutes wore on, Malahide spurned three clear opportunities to take points from penalties, with Colin Corkery’s attempt just drifting to the left of the post.

Even in the dying seconds, Malahide got one more opportunity with a penalty in the New Ross 22 but again, the decision was made to tap and go. However, the New Ross defence again held firm and were able to turn over possession and kick to touch to sound the final whistle.

The loss albeit with a bonus point now makes next Saturday’s trip to Roscrea a crucial fixture for the side.

17 November 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29

in association with

No boundaries for Shillington

Malahide’s Clare Shillington has travelled to Bangladesh to try to help Ireland’s women cricketers to a World Cup in India next year

THE influx of youth is such that Clare Shillington made her international cricket debut the same year one of her team-mates was born.

Far from veteran status, it is more a statement on the prodigious talent that Ireland has to pick from, as the country’s women aim to make similar waves to those stirred up by the Irish men in the past four years.

They are bidding to qualify for the World Cup this week in Bangladesh, needing to upset the world rankings and win against Pakistan or West Indies – as well as the hosts and Japan – in the

initial group phase to take a direct route to the finals in India. Finish lower than the top two, and they go into the murky waters of a repechage round.

Taking on the chal-

turns 14 during the tournament.

Tice became the second youngest women’s international earlier this year and has since taken eight wickets in just four

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

‘It is a huge commitment, but I wouldn’t still be playing if I didn’t love it and think we have a realistic chance of qualifying for the World Cup’ --------------------------------------------------------

lenge, Irish cricket sought a special dispensation to allow two of their number to make the trip, 15-yearold Kim Garth and, most notably, Elena Tice, who

Clare Shillington in Ireland action

international games, catapulting her into the team.

She was born in 1997, the year Malahide cricket club member Shillington made her Irish debut. She was a precocious teenage batting talent at the time but told the Gazette just prior to flying out to the competition that selection runs along Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenet that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.

Asked how she feels about possibly having made her debut before Tice was born, Shillington laughs.

“We haven’t talked about it but that is an interesting one! That makes me feel very old.

Just hearing their date of births... It’s fantastic that Elena is able to do it physically at that age; her and Kim Garth.

“As a dynamic in the team, it’s incredible. I’m a good bit older but we do come together and age doesn’t really mat-

ter when you’re playing cricket.

“Everyone does look out for each other but I hope I can pass on some of the experience that I have built up over 14 years as a cricketer and the standards you should have. I’m highly competitive so I do my best to pass that on to anyone coming onto the squad.”

From a preparation perspective, the side has travelled in confident mood, with both Shillington and captain Isobel Joyce – sister of Irish men’s star Ed – labelling the group the best prepared side ever put together.

The squad signed up to a mantra of “unpaid professionalism”, replicating full-time training around their working or student lives with regular 6.30am fitness calls, similar to those employed by Dublin’s senior footballers last January prior to their AllIreland victory.

It is a necessary effort to be competitive against countries that have gone the full-time route in recent years. Shillington played against a touring Pakistan side in the early part of this decade, a side that were comfortably beaten by Ireland in what was their first season of the professional era.

Since then, they have risen to a place above Ireland in the rankings and won a Champion’s Challenge tie last summer in South Africa with plenty

to spare.

Speaking about playing full-time athletes, Shillington takes a pragmatic approach: “It’s a killer, but you have to play with what you’ve got. We all understand that money makes the world go round; cricket in Pakistan is part of their culture and everyday life, while it’s down the pecking order in Ireland.

“If we were professionals and it was our job, I’ve no doubt we’d pass the likes of Pakistan, the West Indies and higher because there is the talent there.

“Sometimes it is souldestroying to see how quickly a team like that can jump up, but we deal with what we can and made a commitment to be unpaid professionals.

“It is a huge commitment but I wouldn’t still be doing it if I didn’t love it and think we have a realistic chance of winning.

At this stage, I definitely think we can qualify. I started my international career in India and would like to finish it there in a World Cup. “It’s been quite a long preparation. I’ve been involved in quite a lot of these trips and it’s definitely the most prepared we’ve been from the amount of work, time and effort we have put in.

I’m glad to be getting out of an indoor training hall and getting on a cricket pitch.”

FastSport

World and Olympic champ helps Gymnastics launch THE national governing body for Gymnastics in Ireland re-launched their brand last week with the help of Olympic and World medallist gymnast, Louis Smith, last week.

Gymnastics Ireland’s brand transformation includes the launch of a new website (www. gymnasticsireland.com), Facebook Page (Gymnastics Ireland) and Twitter account (@Gymnasticsire).

Smith was joined by leading female gymnast, Emma Lunn and Irish Rhythmic athlete, Aisling McGovern, both from Maynooth. The 2008 Beijing Olympic Bronze medallist also coached a group of young Irish 2016 Olympic hopefuls on the morning of the launch.

Ciaran Gallagher, Gymnastics Ireland chief executive officer, said: “We are delighted that Louis could be here to help us launch the new Gymnastics Ireland brand. He is not only one of the best gymnasts in the world, but he is also a great personality and really conveys what Gymnastics Ireland is now all about.”

Ireland trio make the team of World Cup ’11 LEINSTER ‘S Brian O’Driscoll, Ronan O’Gara and Paul O’Connell were the Ireland players who made the official Rugby World Cup dream team, voted for by international fans of the New Zealand celebration of the sport’s Facebook page.

Ireland captain O’Driscoll took nearly 50% of the votes to make the Dream Team. A

consistent performer for Ireland, O’Driscoll added to his impressive tally of international tries with a well-taken try in the pool match against Italy.

Based on suggestions from the online community, a shortlist of names per position was created each day and put to the vote, with over 160,000 votes being cast along the way.

The other players in the XV were made up of players from the semi-finalists, Wales, New Zealand and France.

30 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 17 November 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

SOCCER: LOCAL PLAYERS HAVE EYE ON INTERNATIONAL PLACES

Thompson meets the legendary Stewart LOCAL motor racing star, Gary Thompson had the pleasure of meeting three-times Formula One World Champion Jackie Stewart last week when he attended the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Gary and his father, Noel, were guest of Bam Motorsport at Lotus Renault.

Both had a fantastic day which was capped off when Gary met one of his heroes, who spent time with Gary to talk about his racing career.

Noel said: “Our sport is missing people like Jackie Stewart. Other teams should take note of the benefit of having someone like Jackie involved with their team. He is a pure gentleman.”

Malahide host second business event MALAHIDE RFC are arranging a second Business Scrum event for next year after the huge success of the inaugural event at the club that took place last February.

The networking event will take place on February 1, 2012 at 7.30pm in the clubhouse at Estuary Road. Admission is free and entry is open to all local businesses.

More than 150 local business people attended the event this year, which was hailed as a great success with those who went along, as well as the Fingal Dublin Chamber of Commerce.

Full details of how

to register can be found on the club’s website at www. malahiderfc.ie

United denied by towering Castleknock MALAHIDE United’s Under-12 NDSL side were denied three valuable points when they were beaten 4-1 by Castleknock Celtic at Porterstown last weekend.

Malahide battled back through the first half to be on level pegging at 1-1 at half time after falling behind to a Ruairi McGonagle strike, before the strong wind and stronger opposition stifled their creativity in the second half to create a slightlyskewed scoreline of 4-1.

Leinster Under-15 schoolgirls managed to secure second-place in the interprovincial tournament held in Tullamore last weekend

Locals shine for Leinster sport@gazettegroup.com

ST FINIAN’S Community College’s Megan Lynch and Jamie Finn both played their part in helping Leinster claim second place in the U-15 schoolgirls’ interprovincial competition held in Tullamore last weekend.

Lynch was on target twice in victories over Connacht and Ulster but the tournament hinged on the very first game in which Munster nabbed the early initiative with a 2-0 victory.

The tournament itself doubles as an introduction to the selection proc-

ess for the Bob Docherty tournament, which gets underway in April for the Irish schools’ Under-15 squad.

For Leinster, they were undone by Megan Connolly and Sarah McKevitt strikes on the first day of competition at Leah Victoria Park, and were playing catch-up from there on in.

Ousting Connacht 3-0 was a good start, when Megan Lynch got the blues off to a fine start with St Joseph’s, Lucan student Eleanor Ryan Doyle and Kirsty Maher adding to the win.

With the westerners

Sylvester’s star: Aherne caps season with All-Star award SUPER-STRIKER Sinead Aherne was

one of the two Dublin recipients of the 2011 TG4/O’Neill’s All-Star awards at CityWest last week. She is pictured here with the other Jackies winner, Elaine Kelly of St Brigid’s, Maureen King, the chairperson of Dublin Ladies’ Gaelic Football and Helen O’Rourke, the CEO of Ladies’ Gaelic Football.

Picture: Gwen Kelly

having already beaten reigning champions Ulster on day one, it was an impressive comeback.

With Munster winning 4-0 against Ulster, though, it meant Leinster had to rely on outside results if they were going to win the title.

They fulfilled their side of the bargain when Lynch again was on the mark, while Shianne Swarres, Jenny Clifford, Courtney Higgins and another from Ryan Doyle notched a 5-1 success over the northern province.

It meant that any Connacht win in the tourna-

ment’s final game could have handed Leinster the title ahead of Munster.

But the southern side took the title with a gritty 0-0 draw in Athlone.

In the coming weeks, trialists will emerge from this competition with a mind on the Docherty international tournament, that will see the Republic take on nearneighbours Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the first major international underage competition for girls.

Elsewhere, Wayside Celtic continued their recent revival with a pair of wins in the past week

to advance to the second round of the Leinster Senior Cup before picking up a big away win over Mount Merrion in the Sunday Senior.

Goals from Ray Whelehan from the penalty spot and another from Darren Lacey saw Wayside home ahead of Bluebell United 2-0 in midweek.

Sunday’s success over Merrion lifted the Jackson Park club to eighth and away from any immediate danger at the bottom of the division.

For Merrion, they are stuck in second bottom but with games in hand on all their rivals.

17 November 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31

in association with

FOOTBALL: LADIES GO OUT AFTER FANTASTIC YEAR

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST SYLVESTER’S SINEAD Aherne received her third

Crokes 3-11: This team refuses to

All-Star award to add to the Golden

be beaten and stuck to their task

Boot award in what has been anoth-

manfully right to the end of the

er magnificent year for our magical

match.

Malahide maestro, who has been

Sean Kane’s late goal looked to

an inspiration to us, especially the

have secured victory but Kilma-

thriving girls’ section of the club.

cud struck back with a goal of their

Under-14 Division 2 girls’ football championship final: Templeogue SS

own, to lead by one point with time running out.

4-10, St Sylvester’s 3-7. This was

Kevin O’Flynn scored the equalis-

evidence of the great strides we

ing point to send the game to extra

are making with our Under-14 girls

time.

just failing to take the Division 2 championship title.

This is a young team, many of

The sheer will to win gave them a handsome victory in extra time.

Don’t miss the final.

whom will play at this age again

Most of this team will be in hurl-

next year. Pat Brennan and Shane

ing action for Pobal Scoil Iosa this

Cowley deserve great credit for the

week.

progress the team has made.

Minor hurling championship semifinal: St Sylvester’s 2-19, Kilmacud

Lotto: The jackpot this week will be €4,100.

Play at www.stsylvesters.ie

FINGALLIANS St Sylvester’s minor hurlers put on a late late show of strength to close out their semi-final against Kilmacud

Sylvester’s leave it late for push to final MINOR C HURLING S/F St Sylvester’s Kilmacud Crokes (AET)

2-19 3-11

sport@gazettegroup.com

A THRILLING endgame saw St Sylvester’s minor hurlers claim a final place in the C championship last weekend in Broomfield when they showed a clean pair of heels to K ilmacud Crokes in extra time.

In normal time, both sides looked to have the game sewn up at different stages, but Kevin O ’ F l y n n ’s l a t e f r e e earned Sylvester’s a late opportunity to turn the tide against their southside opponents.

And they took the chance with both hands w h e n C o l l i e By r n e kicked a goal, while O’Flynn helped the side move into a five-point winning margin.

It was some effort after a heart-stopping 70 minutes of regula-

tion time in which Syl’s grabbed a late lead through Sean Kane, the first time they had been in front, only for Andy Cullinane to score through a thicket of players, which put Kilmacud one up as injury time approached.

But Collie Byrne — who had just laid on the pass for Kane’s goal — was felled to earn a 21-yard free, which O’Flynn duly scored and levelled the scores once more.

It brought to an end a cracking period of normal time, which began with David Kennedy drawn into a pair of excellent saves as the visitors started their campaign for a place in the minor final in fine form.

Slowly, however, Syl’s got into the game, as the full-back line of Conor Quinn, Conor Ryan and Alan Kavanagh finally got to grips with very fast opposition.

Gareth McGrath added needed speed to the half-back line, while Meaney, O’Flynn, Maloughney and Sean Kane all scored points to make it 0-9 to 1-7 at half-time, Sylvester’s responding well to Conor O’Dw yer’s opportunistic goal with determination.

With Thomas Richardson and Syl’s Conor Dwyer winning plenty of ball and Kane proving a menace, the Malahide men eventually forged a leading margin that they thought might have been the decisive factor with six minutes to go.

Second half The second half saw a more competitive contest develop in the respective half-back lines — Crokes initially managing to stay ahead with a succession of Mark O’Loughlin frees — he ended with 1-9 to his name.

Once more the Crokes lads went to the well.

With a minute remaining on the clock, a long-range Daibhid Corish free was batted out to the side of the square, and Cullinane seized his opportunity with relish.

But it proved not to be the major twist it had initially appeared, when Syl’s kept their wits about them to launch one last attack, tying the match, and forcing time added on, with the scoreline reading 1-14 to 2-11.

Despite O’Loughlin’s goal at the end of the first half of extra time to the delight of a strong and delighted home support, St Sylvester’s forged ahead with a strong and determined display, and they held on to secure a date with Raheny in the decider, which will be played on the weekend of November 27.

THE club AGM is on this Thursday at

each Wednesday in the club bar at

9pm in the main hall.

9pm. Fun and free.

A great week for our senior foot-

22 moustachioed members of the

ballers as a draw v O’Toole’s and

Fingallians Movember team have

a victory on Sunday over Naomh

raised a total of €700 to date. We’re

Fionnbarra secured us a place

hoping for a target of €2,500 for

in the league play-offs. Fur ther

cancer charities.

details to follow on the semi play-

It’s not too late to register and

off. Pictures on Facebook, including

join our team or log in and donate.

an amazing cover picture on some

h t t p : // i e . m ove m b e r. c o m /m o s-

remarkable high fielding.

pace/1516526/

Check out our new revamped

The Mobile Bloodbank would like

Club Sports Shop every Saturday

to thank everyone for their sup-

morning from 10am to 12pm, and

port and interest last week, with

now stocking Where’s The Match?

a record 300+ donors attending,

for €5.

making it one of the most success-

Fins Grupa Comhra is ongoing

ful clinics in the country.

FINGAL RAVENS CLUB AGM will take place this Thurs-

Our children’s Christmas party

day, November 17, at 8pm in Roles-

will take place on Sunday, Decem-

town Hall, all welcome.

ber 11, from 3pm to 5pm in Kettle’s

Best of luck to our U-21s who

Hotel.

play Raheny in the championship in

We will also be holding a Christ-

Rolestown at 2.30pm this Saturday.

mas raffle on Saturday, December

Our senior team are now safe in

17, with some excellent prizes; tur-

the league after results last week

key, hampers, spirits, wine and lots

and will play Division 1 in 2012.

more, see any committee member

Pub quiz for our juvenile section

for tickets.

on Thursday, November 24 at 9pm

Don’t forget to text your name to

in Kettle’s Hotel, only €20 per table

086 858 7231 if you are interested in

of four.

competing in the white-collar box-

We are hosting a 60th birthday

ing fundraising next February.

party for Pat McDonagh on Satur-

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 9, 12,

day, December 3 at 8.30pm in Ket-

24 and 40. There was no winner. €20

tle’s Hotel, and all past and present

to Ann Daly, Derek Daly and Kenny

members of the club are asked to

McDonagh.

come along and wish Pat a happy 60th.

Next week’s jackpot is wor th €2,798.

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

ALL OF YOUR MALAHIDE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

FINAL COUNTDOWN: St Sylvester’s

minor hurlers reach championship final P31

NOVEMBER 17, 2011

NO BOUNDARIES Shillington on World Cup strike P29

GazetteSPORT

Stephen Ward was Ireland’s goal-scoring hero against Estonia last Tuesday evening at the Aviva Stadium. Picture: Fergus McNally

Ward’s reward is Euro 2012 place Portmarnock man nets for Ireland as they book their place in Poland/Ukraine championships next year STEPHEN FINDLATER malahidesport@gazettegroup.com

STEPHEN Ward served further notice that, after years of heroic service, Kevin Kilbane’s tenure in the left-back role for the Republic of Ireland could be one now confined to second choice.

The Portmarnock man enjoyed a superb performance last week in Talinn in the 4-0 win, before netting an extra insurance goal in Tuesday’s coronation in the Aviva Stadium in which a place at Euro 2012 in Ukraine and Poland was confirmed.

Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Estonia was played out in front of a jubilant and good-humoured crowd of over 51,000, all there to salute the heroes of the previous Friday night’s victory that made Tuesday’s encounter something of a sideshow.

That feeling was magnified when Ward net-

ted in the first half and while the former Soviet republic did bounce back to nab a draw, few will give too much mind to the way Ireland became somewhat way-laid.

It was an understandable situation given the circumstances, with the teamjust playing out the time in a respectful manner before the celebrations began in earnest.

The fans enjoyed the moment and the achievement – a first qualification for the Euro finals since 1988 and only the second in history.

They paid their respects in typically jubilant musical fashion and any disappointment they might have felt that Ireland had failed to record a win was swept away on a tide of celebration.

Barring injury, Ward looks set to be one of the first names on Trappatoni’s squad list for next summer’s jaunt to Ukraine and Poland, with Pat Fenlon suggesting the number three

jersey is now his to lose.

Advancing to the final was based on that incredible 4-0 victory in Talinn with Ward saying that once the Estonians were reduced in playing numbers, they made a collective decision to go for the jugular.

“I thought our discipline on Friday was excellent; ruthless, that’s what we were in Tallinn.

“We did have words at half-time, we had stepped off a little bit after they had a man sent off, we had to get back to what we were doing in the first 20 minutes, we had to play a bit better and keep the ball a bit better.

“We came out of the blocks in the secondhalf and did what was needed.

“It can be tough playing against 10 men sometimes, they played with a bit of freedom but we got together at half-time and said we have no better chance of putting a bit of space between us and them, which we went on to do.”

17 November 2011 GAZETTE 11

AWARDS Accepting their Oscar Wilde Gold Medals

W

It’s all about Belfast: For history buffs and all music lovers

Dublin students Roslyn Steer, Katie Hill, Laura Sinnott, Deasun O’Riain and Joan Redmond display their Oscar Wilde Gold Medals

Five Dubliners top the class Q STAFF REPORTER

FIVE Dublin students have each been named among the 23 winners of the Undergraduate Awards, an awards programme open to undergraduate students on the island of Ireland and, recently, the USA. They were each awarded the Oscar Wilde Gold Medal for academic excellence by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, at the Undergraduate Awards Ceremony held at Dublin Castle on Friday, October 28.

Trinity College Dublin graduate, Joan Redmond of Castleknock, Co Dublin, won the Historical Studies category for her essay, Religious Violence and the 1641 Rebellion:

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

They were each awarded the Oscar Wilde Gold Medal for Academic Excellence --------------------------

Divided Communities in Seventeenth-Century Cavan.

Originally from Killiney Co. Dublin, University College Cork graduate, Roslyn Steer, won the Modern Cultural Studies category for her essay, The Influence of Music on Modernist Literature.

University College Dublin graduate, Deasun O Riain, was the winner of the Celtic Studies &

Irish category for his essay, “An Dirbheathaisneis sa Ghaeilge: Mo Bhealach Fein.

Laura Sinnott, from Swords, Co Dublin, also a Trinity College Dublin graduate, won the Languages & Linguistics category for her essay, The audio-visual juxtaposition of Günter Grass’ Die Blechtrommel.

Katie Hill, from Monkstown, Dublin, won the Nursing & Midwifery category for her essay, Paediatric Palliative Care in Ireland. Katie is currently in her final year at Trinity College Dublin.

There were 2,381 submissions to the 2011 Undergraduate Awards programme of which 23 winners were selected.

SEE TRAVEL PAGES 22-23

12 GAZETTE 17 November 2011

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

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

Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com

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

DIARY

Stories from around the capital

Take care of your mind FORMER Dublin captain Paul Griffin will be at the Hilton Dublin Airport, Northern Cross, on November 22 and the Radisson Blue St Helen’s in Stillorgan on Wednesday, November 23, to promote positive mental health.

He will be discussing the role that mind management can have in enhancing performance and overcoming adversity. Paul will speak about the important role positive thinking played as he suffered setbacks in his playing career with serious injuries over the past two seasons.

With an estimated 400,000 people in Ireland experiencing depression at any one time, the Lean on Me campaign, supported by Lundbeck Ireland and Aware, was developed to encourage better understanding of the condition, encourage friends and family to provide support to those affected, and encourage them to seek treatment if necessary.

Paul will be joined by Caroline Currid, a performance coach and sports psychologist. She

Rugby star Alan Quinlan and sports psychologist Caroline Currid launch the Lean on Me campaign

will discuss some practical tools and techniques for managing a healthy mind, many of which are regularly used by professional sports people on and off the pitch.

“There are simple techniques that sports stars use which can be adopted by men and women of all ages to help them manage their thoughts and maintain a healthy, positive mind.

Alan Quinlan might look big and tough, but he has to work just as hard as everyone else to maintain a positive outlook,” she

said.

The events are free of charge but pre-registration is required.

Log on to www.leanonme.net for more information.

Beer matching at Siam Thai SIAM Thai, in Dundrum Town Centre, was the setting for an exciting evening of food, laughter and beers.

Heineken Ireland is bringing beer and food together in some

top restaurants in Dublin this November in an effort to show people the wonderful marriage that these two make.

With the global trend of beer and food matching arriving in restaurants across Ireland, beer is fast becoming a drink of choice when it comes to eating out.

Beer, with its natural ingredients of hops, barley and water is the perfect accompaniment to food, both savoury and sweet.

From banoffee pie with Paulaner to Thai Pork Curry with Birra Moretti and Affligem with crème brulee, beer and food really complement each other.

We sampled massaman curry with Sol and Sweet and Sour chicken with Zywiec. The event was hosted by a lovely lady who knew lots in the way of beer and food matching and taught all guests how to sample beer, much in the same way as wine.

Log on to thisisbeer.ie for beer and food matching opportunities at home and for details of the next beer and food matching event.

17 November 2011 GAZETTE 13

14 GAZETTE 17 November 2011

WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Taking good care of your CALL 60 10 240

and won’t harm or damage even the most irritable skin.

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Olive oil also promotes the elimination of toxins and protects the skin against free radicals.

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Why not try Ziaja’s Natural Olive Cream Light €5.99, an antioxidant-rich, light-weight formula combining natural olive oil and shea butter extract (a natural UV blocker) that leaves dry, tired skin feeling smooth,

Ziaja’s natural olive formulations soften and hydrate dehydrated skin

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For the ultimate body moisturiser, check out

Ziaja’s Natural Olive body Butter, €7.99, which is an ultra-nourishing body butter that specifically fits the bill for treating dry winter skin.

It can be used as a

daily care product, and when it is applied generously, it will leave the skin soft, supple and delicately scented. True moisturising alchemy, it slows down skin aging

SUPPORT

LOCAL BUSINESS

SHOP LOCALLY

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ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS

IT’S pretty much inconceivable to cook without olive oil in today’s world and, for thousands of years, olives have been used in skin care because of their incredible ability to increase moisture levels and improve skin elasticity.

Just as our Mediterranean counter par ts have used olives in their cooking for centuries, so too have they in their skincare, using this luscious oil to form the basis of many of their hair and skincare beauty rituals.

Ziaja’s natural olive formulations are a gentle and effective way to soften and hydrate dehydrated skin, even in the delicate eye and lip areas. This natural-based face and body range is suitable for all skin types,

CALL THE GAZETTE ON

60 10 240

17 November 2011 GAZETTE 15

Edited by Dawn Love

skin … even when shaving due to its high vitamin E content and antioxidant action. Use on the whole body, including elbows, knees and other areas that require intensive regeneration.

The total shave

Everyone loves stocking fillers, particularly thoughtful, useful pressies.

So, if you are on the look-out for something different to finish off dad’s, or your other half’s stocking, then check out Total Shaving Solution.

This cult shaving oil is Irish and 100% natural, and will radically enhance his daily shaving experience.

With Total Shaving Solution, he can say goodbye to painful nicks, cuts, razor rash and even in-grown hairs. This one-

step shaving oil preps skin before shaving and also provides a highly protective and lubricating barrier during shaving, enabling the closest shave possible without cutting the skin, leaving skin supple, moisturised and soothed.

Total Shaving Solution combines a careful blend of natural essential oils chosen for their therapeutic and antiinflammatory properties, including sesame seed, soya bean, grape seed, clove bud, lavender and menthol.

Founded by Tom Murphy in 1994 after he was made redundant, the County Mayo native, who enjoyed a successful 20-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, decided to take the plunge and set up a new

business.

Like millions of men, Tom loathed shaving and the inevitable daily nicks, cuts and razor rashes.

He wanted to create a breakthrough shaving solution that put an end to the chores and sores of having to shave each day.

The result was Total Shaving Solution – a 100% natural and breakthrough shaving oil, which dramatically prevents dry skin, rashes, nicks, cuts and ingrown hairs.

Total Shaving Solution is priced €5.39 for 10ml and 10.99 for €25 ml and is available from pharmacies and groceries nationwide and is also available to purchase online too. Visit www. totalshave.com

Cowshed’s new ranges for mother and baby COWSHED’S Udderly Gorgeous Maternity range and Baby Cow Organics range are now available on the Irish market. Since its launch in 1998, Cowshed’s philosophy has been to create a complete range of honest, natural and therapeutic products, using the best organic and wild crafted plants.

The Udderly Gorgeous range is 100% natural and made from wild-crafted Sea Buckthorn Oil and rich in vitamins, carotenes, minerals and fatty acids, to provide your skin with all the nourishment it needs.

The Baby Cow Organics range is made from Meadowfoam Oil and is specially formulated to pamper, protect and soothe baby’s delicate skin.

The Udderly Gorgeous Maternity Range includes products such as Udderly Gorgeous Stretch-mark Oil €19.95 (a must for any mumto-be), Udderly Gorgeous Bath and Shower Gel €15.95, Udderly Gorgeous Stretch-mark Balm €23.95 and Udderly Gorgeous Cooling Leg and Foot Treatment €17.95 (this is simply great for any fluid retention you might develop during

Total Shaving Solution shaving oil is 100% natural and preps skin before shaving

pregnancy).

16 GAZETTE 17 November 2011

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC Competition: U2 can win Achtung Baby special edition ANOTHER 20-year anniversary comes this month with the celebration of U2’s reinvention and opening of the second age of their career with the release in 1991 of Achtung Baby, and we have five copies to give away.

Simply answer the following question: What was the name of the studio in Berlin where the album was recorded?

Send your answer to competition@ gazettegroup.com, with the subject line “Achtung”, before Friday, November 25, or log on to our Facebook page at www. facebook.com/gazettenews, and like and share the U2 post on your wall.

REVIEW: FIRST WHOLE-CAREER COMPILATION FOR REM

End of the world arrives

Q ROB HEIGH

THERE comes a moment in every band’s career when it is right to let go of the reins and call time on what has been a good run.

REM announced last month that the time has come to close the book on what has been an epic, three-decade career.

Having been there for a good part of that journey, listening to the full-stop that is Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage, a 40-track compilation of the band’s greatest hits from their 15 studio albums, is a rollercoaster ride of memories of the good times, and the less-good times, spent with a band who redefined American indie

music, inspired a whole generation, and deservedly sold millions of records around the world.

The two-disc set is a fascinating ride down memory lane, as well as an insight into REM’s progression as a band.

From the Byrds-ian, Glen Campbell-esque opening run of Gardening At Night to Life And How To Live It, to the point where they hit their stride in the feedback-driven intro to Begin The Begin, through the bubblegum pop of Shiny Happy People and Man On The Moon, the record chimes and chimes again what a great band REM were in their prime.

Aguably, they were never the same after the departure of founder member, Bill Berry, in

1997, but among what were sometimes patchy, sometimes inspired, albums that came after their best, New Adventures In Hi-Fi, are some pretty incredible songs.

Their decision to quit is undeniably sad, but this collection shows their ability to turn their hands to a variety of styles, and one of the joys is reading the liner notes, as each band member recalls the times, circumstances and inspirations that led to such an impressive oevre.

Their ability to merge the influences of their Southern youth with the inflections of the great guitar bands of the late Sixties and early Seventies, and their understanding of what makes a timeless pop song will be their

REM call time on 31 years with compilation album

legacy, something other acts should aspire to.

A 40-track run through of 15 albums will inevitably miss some of their finest moments, so I heartily recommend catching up with the extended edi-

tions of the IRS releases, Out Of Time, the aforementioned Adventures, and their swansong, Collapse Into Now, which meant that REM will exit the stage on a deserved high.

17 November 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: IT’S IMPORTANT TO KEEP OUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS PROTECTED

Keeping pets safe during extreme cold IT’S winter time folks, oh yes, the frigid air is barreling towards us and we’re busily raiding the garden sheds for shovels and salt in preparation for winter; so, in the spirit of Jack Frost, let me ask you a few questions.

Do you don your winter woollies, break out the old Ugg boots and add a trendy scarf to your daily wardrobe? Yes! Ooh, then you’re probably like me and love the unique seasonal quality that comes with the fact you can layer up and no longer feel the need to wax your legs. Bliss.

However, let’s hope you also paws, (sorry) to take precautions when it comes to your pet’s seasonal requirements because it’s important

to keep our four-legged friends warm and protected during the cold snap.

Below are some of my top tips. Read them, you never know, they may come in handy.

Dog and cats • Make sure your pet has access to fresh drinking water and food.

• If walking your dog, wear warm, reflective clothing and get Fido a reflective collar and lead also.

• Watch for dogs’ and cats’ paws becoming impacted with snow – this can cause discomfort.

• Make sure your cat wears a reflective, safety collar.

• Make sure your pet sleeps indoors, especially during extreme tempera-

• Keep a close eye on pets sleeping by the fire; they could burn if they get too close.

Pet birds • Birds should be placed in a draught-free spot and well away from a heater.

• Make sure your bird has access to fresh drinking water.

Make sure your dogs paws don’t become impacted with snow

tures and raise their bedding off the ground so they don’t catch a chill from the cold, damp floor.

• Cats prefer to be snuggled up indoors and a comfortable chair or basket can make the perfect bed for your feline friend.

• Watch out for hypothermia or a body temperature that falls below nor-

mal for your pet. Cats in particular are at risk here, especially if they already suffer with poor circulation or are exposed to cold conditions. If Kitty shows signs of depression, weakness, lethargy, begins to shiver and stops responding to you, wrap her up, keep her warm and ring your vet immediately.

Outdoor pets If you have a rabbit or guinea pig it’s important you move the hutch to a sheltered area like a shed or garage. Better still, move to a downstairs loo or cloak room.

• Make sure they have plenty of warm, fresh bedding to snuggle down in and change it regularly. Do not, under any circumstances, use cut

grass as a form of bedding as moulds and fungi can build up and create a toxic atmosphere that can prove fatal for your pet.

• Rabbits and guinea pigs will naturally eat more in the winter so they have extra fat to help them stay warm; make sure you give them plenty of food, fresh vegetables and fresh water.

Make sure the water doesn’t freeze in the water bottle.

Feeding birds In sub-zero temperatures, wild birds have difficulty finding food. An extra bit of care from you will see them through the winter. Wild bird seed, peanuts and suet slabs are widely available in shops and garden centres.

Frozen Ponds If you have a pond in your garden, check it each day for ice. Toxic gases can build up in the water when it’s frozen. This may kill fish or frogs hibernating at the bottom of it.

• Dog owners must keep pets well away from ponds and lakes that have frozen over. Thin ice may break under your dog’s weight. If you must allow your dog near open water, then stay with him at all times.

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

18 GAZETTE 17 November 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs INTEREST-FREE OPTION ON OPEL PASSENGER CARS OPEL Ireland has announced a very attractive finance offer for all new Opel passenger cars.

Financed through Credit Opel and underwritten by permanent tsb Finance Ltd., Opel’s 0% Flexible Finance offer gives customers the chance to buy a car without paying one cent of interest.

Customers choose the Opel car they want, and then select their deposit range from between 30 – 50%, with the term ranging from 12–48 months.

New Opel customers will also reap the benefits of Opel’s new four-year/100,000km Full Warranty plan.

Customers can choose their new Opel Astra, Corsa, Insignia or Meriva in tax band A (in diesel and/or petrol models); with annual road tax of just €104.

The best Skoda Yeti?

The practical, yet charming, Skoda Yeti brought out the inner boy racer in CORMAC CURTIS, who got more drive than he was expecting HEN it comes to cars that are designed to carry a combination of people, luggage, cargo and/or recreational equipment – it rarely transpires that the result is something that is a heap of fun to drive and has a boot-load of character in the looks department!

But, I must admit, the latest 4x4 incarnation of the Skoda Yeti comes dangerously close to achieving both.

I recently had a long weekend to put the Yeti 4x4 Ambition through its paces in the not-too-extreme environment of Dublin City. But, let’s face it, most people who buy any kind of SUV will only need to test its off-road mettle when they get dangerously lost at the Ploughing Championships, or spend too long at the beach to find the tide getting perilously close

W

SPECS: SKODA YETI 4X4 AMBITION, 2.0 TDI Top speed: 201km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 8.4 secs Economy: 5.9l/100km CO2 emissions: 155g/km Annual Road Tax: €302 Price: €29,545

where they parked.

Any way, let’s talk first impressions.

The Yeti is a really attractive, but not a stunning-looking car.

In the same way the Suzuki Swift stole envious glances from MINI owners when it first hit the streets, the Yeti has its own charm. So much so, in fact, that my six-year old asked me: “Is he a happy car? ‘Cos I think he’s smiling!”

You can’t really argue with that kind of affection, can you?

The model I tested was the 2.0TDI 170bhp six-speed manual version – I can’t tell you if the car was happy or not, but I certainly was.

This car has a throaty exhaust note that just begs your inner boy racer to come out for a joyride.

Some clever guy in some secret research laboratory somewhere in car-making land has clearly figured out a way to make modern diesel engines sound like a cross between a Porsche and a Harley-Davidson. That, coupled with the fact that the engine produces 170bhp, means you get a level of fun behind the wheel that you just don’t expect from an SUV such as this.

Moving on to more practical

matters – after all, this car has an awful lot to offer in practical terms – the cabin is a very comfortable affair indeed.

The front passengers enjoy plenty of room, with seats that are incredibly supportive, without being completely rigid.

There was enough space in the back for my two kids in their child seats, but I wouldn’t be too keen on a long journey back there myself.

Having said that, the three rear seats, using Skoda’s VARIOFlex Seating Solution, can be rearranged in an almost endless set of configurations to allow for any combination of passengers and luggage – they can even be removed completely.

Returning to the front, some might consider the dashboard in the Yeti bland, but I found it simple, uncluttered and I liked

the matt finish and brushed aluminium-style accents.

The console boasts an impressive touch-screen interface that controls everything from the Bluetooth connectivity of your mobile phone, to the impressive Columbus satellite navigation that is fitted as standard on all Yeti 4x4 vehicles from 2012.

There are some little letdowns in the Yeti. Anyone shorter than about 5’ 10” will find the visors completely useless when the sun is low in the sky - as my wife was at pains to point out.

And, if I was to really start splitting hairs, I would ask why the ‘ticking’ sound of the indicator is so quiet!

In short, this is a great car from a company that is making huge strides in build-quality, design and value. The model I drove costs €29,545.

New dealer in Dublin for Suzuki SUZUKI Ireland has announced the appointment of Paschal Kennedy Motors Ltd in Dun Laoghaire as a new Suzuki dealership.

The appointment increases the number of Suzuki dealerships in Ireland to 19.

Commenting on the appointment, Wayne Doolan, general manager of Suzuki Ireland said: “We are very happy to be associated with Paschal Kennedy Motors. They have been successfully serving customers in the Dun Laoghaire area

since 1969 and have gone from strength to strength.”

Dealer Principal, David Kennedy, is pleased about this latest development within his business. “This third-generation family business was originally established in the 1920s by my grandfather. Due to fuel shortages, the business was sold during WWII, and was bought back again in 1969. At that time, we concentrated on service and repairs before moving into the sales area,” he said.

“Business grew beyond our expectations, leading to expansion in 1995 in both our site size along with our sales and after-sales facility.”

Paschal will be stocking the complete range of Suzuki vehicles, which includes the Alto, the Splash, the Swift, the SX4 Crossover Range and the Grand Vitara.

Paschal Kennedy Motors is situated on Library Road in Dun Laoghaire – see www.kennedymotors.ie for more details.

David Kennedy and Paschal Kennedy, of Paschal Kennedy Motors, with Michael McBarron (standing) and Wayne Doolan of Suzuki Ireland

17 November 2011 GAZETTE 19

20 GAZETTE 17 November 2011

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY DUBLIN 15: RECENTLY UPGRADED PROPERTY FOR €290,000

Four-bedroom peace in the Glade

A mix of classic and contemporary decorations

INTERIORS: CHRISTMAS TIME IS A-COMING

Delectable decorations BELLEEK Living have designed an exclusive Christmas Collection, full of unique gift ideas.

Whether it is surprising that special someone or adding a contemporary touch to your home, the Christmas Collection holds the perfect solution.

Among their special range of decorations, they have a variety of styles, both contemporary and classic, including a Contemporary Nativity Set for €45, a Classic Three Kings Set for €45, and a selection of snowman and snowflake ornaments.

For more information, see www.belleek.ie

SHERRY Fitzgerald, Castleknock, are bringing No. 14, Castleknock G l a d e , a f o u r- b e d semi-detached home that benefits from an upgraded kitchen, bathroom and double glazed windows, to the market for the asking price of €290,000.

T he proper ty also features a 88f t-long rear garden that offers wonderful potential to extend.

The accommodation comprises entrance hall with glazed ceramic floor tiles, a guest WC comprising WHB and WC with a ceramic, tiled floor.

The living room benefits from excellent proportions and a tiled fireplace with a back boiler, and it leads into the dining room, an open plan space with the living room, with access to

the kitchen, with views from a picture window overlooking the long rear garden.

The kitchen features an upgraded solid wood-fitted Shakerstyle kitchen, which is plumbed for a washing machine. The ceramic floor tiling has a feature centre piece, and there is a door to the rear garden.

The master bedroom is a double room to the front of the house and has built-in wardrobes and dressing table, which, along with the other three bedrooms, is well-sized and features built-in wardrobes.

The main bathroom was recently reappointed to comprise a wc, a bath with a shower screen and an electric shower. A wash-hand basin sits above a contemporary style storage

Number 14, Castleknock Glade, is on the market for €290,000

unit.

To t h e f r o n t , t h e driveway is bordered to one side by a neat lawn and it is fully walled.

Side access leads to the phenomenal 88-ft long rear garden laid in lawn. This garden affords obvious potential to extend subject to

planning permission.

The property is located within a five-minute walk of Castleknock Train Station. Castleknock Glade is just a short stroll from Scoil Thomas Primary School and a good selection of local shops.

Castleknock Com-

munity College, Mount Sackville girls’ school and Castleknock College boys’ school are all within close proximity of the property.

To arrange a viewing, contact Michelle Currana at Sherry FitzGerald, Ashleigh Retail Centre on 01 820 1800.

CASTLEKNOCK: FOUR-BEDROOM SEMI-DETACHED FOR €375,000

Secluded living at Brompton Lawn

SHERRY FitzGerald, Castleknock, are also bringing No. 23, Brompton Lawn, Castleknock, Dublin 15, a four-bedroom semi detatched property, to the market, with an asking price of €375,000.

This family home in exceptional condition, having clearly been well maintained by its owners.

Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac, this immaculately presented home benefits from a large back garden and ample off-street parking to the front.

The property benefits from well-proportioned accommodation which is designed with comfortable living in mind.

Number 23, Brompton Lawn, Castleknock, is on the market for €375,000

It comprises a large welcoming entrance hallway, an open-plan living/dining room, study, a bright modern open plan kitchen/breakfast room, which features Italian black granite floor tiles. The kitchen is fitted

with an excellent range of white high-gloss units, integrated oven, hob, hob, dishwasher and washing machine. Double doors from the breakfast area lead to the garden and a guest WC. Upstairs, there are four

bedrooms and a family bathroom.

The back garden measures 65ft (approx), it offers a high degree of privacy and is filled with an array of trees, bushes and flowers. There is also a large brick shed. The front

driveway provides excellent off-street parking.

Local facilities are in abundance and include a variety of shops, restaurants, pubs, schools and leisure amenities. It is ideally located within minute’s walk of Roselawn Shopping Centre, Coolmine Train Station and numerous bus routes.

Castleknock, Blanchardstown Village and Town Centre, the Phoenix Park, various golf courses and, most importantly, the M3 and M50 are all in close proximity. There is also an good choice of national and secondary schools locally.

For information, contact Carol Anne Galvin on 01 8201800.

17 November 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Susan O’Dwyer – Chief executive, Make-A-Wish Ireland

Making a difference is dream job for Susan

THE BEST BANK TO HAVE A CURRENT ACCOUNT Q – I have just opened a Bank of Ireland current account and received a 24-page booklet on fees and charges. You would nearly need a degree in Banking to understand all the terms and conditions plus, of course, time.

Where is the best bank to have a current

SUSAN joined Make-A-Wish in October 2006 as development and fundraising manager, and was appointed chief executive in 2009. Since then, she has worked tirelessly with the Foundation in Ireland, helping grant wishes to children across the country.

Make-A-Wish Ireland grants wishes to children between the ages of three and 18 years living with life-threatening medical conditions. Make-AWish receives no Government funding, so totally relies on the generosity of the general public, corporates, groups and associations.

Every wish granted is unique and extremely special to the family involved, allowing them to forget hospitals, treatments, injections and even the illness itself, ensuring that the family creates fantastic memories that will last a lifetime.

Wishes fall into four categories: I wish to have, I wish to go, I wish to meet and I wish to be, with wishes only being limited by the child’s imagination. A wish brings a smile to a child’s face and gives them something to look forward to.

Look out for all of their great Christmas gift ideas this year, which will all be helping to raise money for Make-A-Wish Ireland, from limited edition scarves at Pamela Scott and Candles from the Disney store to music downloads from some of our Celebrity Ambassadors and great MakeA-Wish Merchandise... there is something for everyone.

account and how do you minimise the exorbitant costs ? Alan - Milltown A - Welcome to the real world!

Current accounts are really loss leaders to the banks that operate them but it is a way of reeling you in so that other more profitable products and services can be offered to you.

Even though it is a loss leader, the charges can still be costly – 28c for every transaction or € 11.40 per quarter up to 90 transactions thereafter 28c per transaction.

These costs are outside other charges once overdrafts (€ 25 application fee ), referral fees (€4.44 per day) or unpaids (€ 12.70 for each item sent back) come into the reckoning.

Avoid overdrafts at all costs – they are just not worth it. As regards free banking though, Bank of Ireland DOES offer free banking if - You lodge over € 3,000 per quarter over that three-month period - You MUST make 9 debit payments from the account using Banking 365 and/or go online OR - Maintain € 3,000 in the current account at all times during the quarter AIB Bank at €4.50 per quarter, plus 20c for most other transactions bar cheque and branch transactions (which cost 30c each – they would prefer

Susan O’Dwyer

you using their online facilities) while Permanent

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

A: Believe it or not, I wanted to be a Montessori teacher, and now I am the chief executive of a children’s charity

TSB require lodgements of € 3,000 plus 18 card purchases and 1 online transaction to qualify for

When you receive a letter from a wish parent expressing their thanks, you cannot help but be passionate for what we do and want to do more

Q: What was your first job?

A: My very first job was a hol-

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

A: I am lucky to work with a

iday job working behind the counter in the local delicatessen. My first full-time job was working as a secretary for a small firm of accountants

great team at Make-A-Wish and we all work together very closely on a day-to-day basis to ensure we grant as many wishes as possible

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: Too long ago to remember

Q: What sport can you play?

A: I love playing tennis, for

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: I have been working with

me it’s a complete switch-off and a fabulous way to reduce stress. Pilates is my new focus and I try not to miss a class, I also enjoy walking with family, friends and my dogs

Make-A-Wish Ireland since 2006 where I started as fundraising manager and in 2009 I was appointed chief executive

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Knowing that we are making a difference to very special sick children nationwide is what keeps us motivated.

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

A: I have a few guilty pleasures: (1) curling up on the couch with a mug of tea, bar of chocolate and an oldfashioned movie such as an

Audrey Hepburn film and (2) at Christmas time sitting down for hours at a time doing a Wasjig jigsaw

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: I am an avid follower of @ MakeAWish_ie and Make A Wish Ireland on facebook; I also follow numerous other Irish charities and all of our Make-A-Wish Ambassadors to follow what they are up to

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: I am a cautious spender,

where would be good

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: I am lucky to be working in my dream job. Making a difference in the lives of sick children and their families makes my work so rewarding and is a huge motivator, especially as I am a mother myself.

If I had to choose something else as a dream job, maybe to own my own greeting card shop or run my own Montessori School

but when I shop some of my favourite haunts are Ashanti Gold in Greystones, Peter O’Brien’s collections in Arnotts, Carl Scarpa, Cinders and Dundrum Shopping Centre

Q: Any advice for budding business women out there?

A: Ensure that you have a

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: As long as there is sun-

Staying close to family and friends is imperative as you need time out to keep your focus. Keep positive, and learn to juggle.

shine and I am relaxing with my family and friends, any-

balanced lifestyle, a good support system and, where possible, someone that you can trust as a mentor.

the free banking.

Ulster Bank probably have the best deal currently and you can check for comparisons through the Financial Regulator’s web site - http://www. itsyourmoney.ie/costcomparisons/cs_tab_personal_current_account.htm Don’t forget if you have an aversion to current accounts, you can always pay your bills for free through An Post’s BillPay service – 120 different bills and payable on the drip if necessary in any of the 1,250 post offices ( e.g. pay your € 200 two-monthly ESB bill over 8 weeks at € 25 per week ) Finally, surplus funds should not be left in a current account – the interest rate is 0% ! Better in your pocket.

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

146,000* PEOPLE IN DUBLIN READ OUR PAPERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

TO ADVERTISE CALL 60 10 240

22 GAZETTE 17 November 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Belfast bliss for history buffs and all music lovers Leave the winter woes at home with a great Algarve holiday, with a range of options to choose from

A FAVOURITE spot for Irish people, the Algarve is the ideal year-round sun destination.

Concorde Travel feature packages to the idyllic resorts of Albufeira, Alvor, Carvoeiro, Lagos, Portimao/Praia da Rocha, Vale do Lobo/Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura.

Whatever your budget, Concorde Travel has a range of two-star to five-star hotel and apartment options to suit you. With flexible departure dates and holiday durations, as well as departures from Dublin, Cork and Knock to Faro, Concorde Travel now make it even easier to travel to this beautiful holiday hotspot.

The three-star Hotel Praia Sol (Vilamoura), on a bed and breakfast basis, costs from €299, whilst the four-star Vila Gale Ampalius (Vilamoura) costs from €419.

The five-star Hilton Vilamoura, As Cascatas Golf Resort and Spa (Vilamoura) on a bed and breakfast basis, costs from €519.

Prices are per person, based on two sharing, and include flights from Dublin, transfers, sevennight’s accommodation, airport tax and baggage.

Visit www.concordetravel.ie, or telephone 01 775 9300 to find out more.

Norway’s the way to go and see what’s described as the greatest Northern Lights show in 50 years PREPARE for the most spectacular show on earth this winter with a trip to Norway to see the Northern Lights.

With NASA predicting the brightest and most active Northern Lights display for 50 years, now is the time to book this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Four nights in a three-star hotel costs €689, or €759 for four-star accommodation.

The package includes return flights from Dublin to Tromso via Oslo, four nights’ accommodation in a three- or four-star hotel on a bed and breakfast basis, and airline taxes.

Travel between Thursday, December 1 and Thursday, February 28, using the reference: H014-3396.

For further information, or to book this trip, see www.gohop.ie/3396/Cheap-Holidays/NorwayNorthern-Lights-/holiday.html.

MICHAEL HANNAN

AS A regular visitor to Belfast, I thought I had seen much of what the city had to offer, but a stay there during its Music Week, with the MTV Awards in town, gave me a completely new perspective.

After checking in at the luxurious Europa Hotel, and lunch at the nearby Made in Belfast restaurant, our group gathered at the famous Ulster Hall in Bedford Street to begin the Oh Yeah music tour.

The tour is run by the Oh Yeah Music Centre, which was set up in 2005 to help promote talented musicians and rock bands from Northern Ireland.

The Ulster Hall is where, in 1971, Led Zeppelin gave Stairway to Heaven its world premiere.

Our tour took us past the street where Ruby Murray lived. While most people, sadly, only think of her name as the cockney rhyming slang for curry, the 1950s’ singer was the only entertainer to have five singles in British Top20 charts simultaneously.

We went past the Maritime Hotel where, in 1964, a 19-year-old Van Morrison and his band, Them, brought the house down with their classic, Gloria.

We saw his humble origins as we drove past 125 Hynford Street, where he grew up.

A trip past the famous Limelight Bar was next, where, in 1994, Oasis played a gig and, when told their Definitely Maybe album had reached No 1, famously threw off their guitars and, in the guide’s words, “got a wee bit drunk”.

After a visit to the Oh Yeah Music Centre itself, we quenched our thirst at the elegant Duke of York pub, where Gerry Adams previously worked as a

perfection.

Back at the Ulster Hall later that evening for the Benefit Gig for the Alzheimer’s Society, we were treated to more than three hours of timeless punk and rock classics by Divine Comedy, Ash and The Undertones.

Two highlights were the double rendition of The Undertones’ classic, Teenage Kicks, which the late DJ, John Peel, famously played twice in succes-

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

The Titanic Walking Tour guide was witty, engaging and full of ‘useless’ information [about the ship and its building] that a history anorak like myself thrives on --------------------------------------------------------

barman, and stopped to admire the mural in an alleyway across the road depicting many famous Northern Irish personalities.

T he mural was a cross-community effort, between Danny Devenny, an ex- member of the IRA and Maze prisoner, and Mark Ervine, son of the late Progressive Unionist Party leader, David Ervine.

Dinner at The Bar and Grill at James Street South proved to be a great choice, with both the seafood and steaks ordered by our group cooked to

sion on BBC Radio 1.

As if to mirror this, at the end of the concert, all three bands came onstage again to perform the song together. The sight of men in their 50s pogoing wildly to this punk anthem was as memorable as it was humorous.

No trip to Belfast can be complete without taking part in the Titanic Walking Tour.

This takes in the famous Thompson dry-dock and pump house, as well as the berth where the ship had its final fit-out before being launched.

The tour guide was witty,

engaging and full of “useless” information that a history anorak like myself thrives on. For example, the docking berth where the ship would be brought in for repairs would have contained 21 million gallons of water (85 million litres).

This took about 100 minutes to pump out, or the equivalent of two Olympic-sized swimming pools every 60 seconds.

Not bad, for 1912!

After a browse around the St George’s Markets, lunch in the Galley at Belfast Barge was excellent, with my companions’ risotto earning particular plaudits.

A hugely entertaining alternative walking tour of the city, by Terri Hooley, the godfather of the Belfast punk scene, rounded off my trip.

Hooley is a peace campaigner, band promoter and opened the Good Vibrations record shop in 1978, launching such bands as The Undertones, Rudi, and The Outcasts.

He recounted the famous story of when The Clash came to Belfast to perform a gig at the Ulster Hall, only to be told at the last hour that it couldn’t go ahead due to concerns over the insurance costs.

The cancellation sparked a riot by punks of mixed religion waiting outside, who, disgruntled

With so much to enjoy on in Belfast recently, where

at the eleventh-hour cancellation, attempted to rip off the doors to get inside.

As Hooley puts it: “It didn’t matter if you were Protestant or Catholic, as long as you were a punk.

It was a strangely unifying experience.”

Speaking of experiences, there are plenty of great ones to be had in the Northern capital, ranging from culinary, musical, cultural and historical, and if it all seems like too much effort, there are no shortage of cosy pubs to rest awhile.

To find out more information on Northern Ireland’s tours and events, or for further information on places to stay, and things to see and do in Northern Ireland, callsave 1850 230 230; visit the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s tourist information centre in Suffolk Street, Dublin 2, or see www.discovernorthernireland.com.