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May 5, 2011

INSIDE: Networking event for North Dublin HOWZAT FOR WORK? Sod is turned business people P10 on international cricket facility: P4-5

Football: Jackies target League and AllIreland titles Page 32

Sports Awards: Esteemed April winners are announced Page 29

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS ................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 23 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Gardai: We will arrest beach boozers Q MIMI MURRAY

A ZERO-tolerance approach will be taken to boozing beachgoers in Malahide and Portmarnock, local Gardai have warned.

A senior Garda spokesperson made the comment after several public order arrests were made over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Eight arrests were made in Malahide Demesne the previous weekend.

Most were for the consumption of alcohol in a public place, and Gardai said they will not tolerate this behaviour on Fingal’s public amenities.

“Possession of alcohol with intent to consume is an arrestible offence. We had a number of arrests last weekend, and we would advise anyone who is thinking of going to the beach to drink that they will be arrested,” said the spokesperson.

Full Story on Page 2

The racquet-eers: Having fun at Malahide Easter tennis camp ADAM Barry and Ben Symes were just two of the many local children who took part in a fun Easter camp at Malahide Tennis Club. Tennis coach, Gary Purcell, put the children through their paces until it was game, set and

match – and time to go home – at the camp, which saw some demanding games, and fun activities, for the children to enjoy, as they and their friends worked on improving their skills.

Full Gallery on Pages 8-9

2 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5 May 2011

COURTS: DEBIT CARD FRAUD PLAN HIT LOCAL MALAHIDE BANKS

Skimmer scammer’s sentence suspended A ROMANIAN, who stole cash using skimmed debit cards four years ago after his dry-lining business failed, has received an 18 months suspended sentence.

Andrei Nechifor (29) told gardai he had underquoted a dry-lining job and was short €4,000 after the cost of materials and employee wages when he met a fellow Romanian who loaned him cash and told him there were “easier ways to make money”.

Garda Dave O’Leary revealed that this other man had been a key player in a large-scale skimming operation at the time.

Bank Nechifor, of Villa Paul Road, Cabra, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to misappropriating €450 from a Malahide Bank of Ireland on February 10, 2007; €450 from a Swords BOI on February 13; €117 from a Clontarf supermarket and €116 from a Greendale Centra in Kilbarrack, both on February 14, 2007.

He told Mr Sean Guerin BL, prosecuting, that Nechifor’s first victim tried to take cash from his account on February 14, 2007 but was informed he had reached his withdrawal limit in two earlier transactions.

The man told gardai the only suspicious thing he could recall was the “over-familiar and enthusiastic” behaviour of a waiter at an Italian restaurant in Donabate who had taken his card

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The victim told gardai of ‘overfamiliar and enthusiastic’ behaviour of a waiter at an Italian restaurant --------------------------

to the counter when he was paying for his meal.

The second victim, whose card details were used to purchase groceries, told gardai she had been to the same restaurant and a waiter had taken her card when she was paying her bill.

Gda O’Leary told Mr Guerin that the restaurant owner subsequently revealed that a man had come to the premises looking for a waiting job but only worked about two weeks because he had failed to provide necessary documentation.

The owner tracked down a customer who had photos of the waiter and these matched the person on CCTV footage of the bank withdrawals and grocery purchases.

Gda O’Lear y said Nechifor was nominated as a suspect and arrested in Dundalk, Co Louth, in September 2009. He denied ever working at the restaurant but eventually pleaded guilty to the offences.

He has three previous convictions, including

possessing a false credit card in 2007 and 2011.

Gda O’Leary agreed with Mr Michael Bowman BL, defending, that the fraud conviction in 2011 was for a forged credit card found in his client’s possession during the investigation for the current case.

The garda agreed that this card had never been used and that Nechifor’s victims had been fully refunded by the financial institutions.

He further accepted that Nechifor got involved in the scam through the other Romanian man who had told him there were “easier ways of making money.”

Mr Bowman submitted that his client had come to Ireland from eastern Romania in 2000, that both his parents worked as teachers and that he had worked in construction and in restaurants until he started a drylining enterprise with six employees.

Ill-judged Counsel submitted to Judge Yvonne Murphy that Nechifor had “illjudged” the offer of help from the Romanian man when he found himself in financial difficulty.

Mr Bowman said his client has been employed with Dominos Pizzas for nine months, is in a stable relationship and had €1,200 in court as compensation.

Judge Murphy suspended the sentence in full and directed that the €1,200 be divided proportionately between the various financial institutions.

BADMINTON Lusk horse shines in England

Bright future for Old Road A HORSE bred in Lusk recently competed at one of the top international equestrian competitions in the world.

The Irish sport horse, Old Road, competed at the four-star Badminton International Horse Trials, which took place in Gloucestershire in England.

Old Road (ISH), who is by the stallion Puissance out of the dam, Fairy Fort, finished in 45th place with Irish rider Michael Ryan. This

gelding was bred by Dublin native, Yvonne Monahan.

Badminton is one of only six events at the top level known as ‘four-star’ in the Olympic sport of three-day eventing.

Horses at this level would generally be in consideration for Olympic selection and hopes will be high that the horse will be selected

by Ireland for participation at London 2012.

Chairman of Horse Sport Ire-

land, Joe Walsh, said that it was a huge achievement for a horse to reach that level in the sport.

“Four-star horses are the gold standard in eventing.

“To breed a horse capable of competing at that level usually requires years of planning and good decisions.

“The sport horse sector is worth over €400m to the Irish economy and it has its roots in parishes all over Ireland” he said.

CRIME: ARRESTS MADE ON PUBLIC ORDER OFFENCES

Gardai say they have a zero tolerance policy for those caught drinking in public places, such as Malahide Beach

Clampdown on beach boozers MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com

GARDAI are clamping down on boozers on the beach after a number of arrests were made on Malahide and Portmarnock public areas over the course of the good weather.

A senior Garda spokesperson said that several public order arrests were made over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, and eight arrests had been made in Malahide Demesne the weekend before.

Most were for the consumption of alcohol in a public place and the Gardai said they will not tolerate this behaviour on Fingal’s public amenities.

“Possession of alcohol with intent to consume is an arrestible offence. If you are sitting on a beach with a bag full of beer we will assume you are going to consume it.

“The county council has given us strong powers to deal with it and anyone engaging in antisocial behaviour will be dealt with.

“St Patrick’s Day and May 1 are particular days when people come out.

“We had a number of arrests last weekend and we would advise anyone who is thinking of going to the beach to drink that they will be arrested.

“There is zero tolerance for that type of carry-on. People have a reasonable expectation

to bring their families to the beach without having to deal with this type of behaviour,” he said.

The Garda went on to say that eight arrests were made in the grounds of Malahide Castle the week before Easter.

“It was people who had come from outside of the Malahide area. They were meeting at the castle and we intercepted them.”

Meanwhile, he said that there has been a spike in the number of break-ins to cars.

“As people put their property into the boot of the car they are signalling to the criminals that this is where their property is.

“T hey are leaving their cars unattended and criminals are taking

things like iPods, sat navs and laptops. The sat nav sucker that sits on the window leaves a mark so we would recommend to people to be more vigilant.

“All the car parks have signs saying not to leave vehicles unattended. We have seasonal increases and, with the good weather, the beaches are busier which means the car parks are busier.

“These people are opportunists and they are watching to see what people are doing. We will ask what the person did before they went for a walk and they say they left the bag in the boot.

We will have extra patrols on the beach for the next few months,” he said.

5 May 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 3

CHARITY

FOOD & DRINK: NEW WINE CLUB IS LAUNCHED BY LOCAL BUSINESSES

Casino fun at the Grand

A Diamond way to wine and dine Q MIMI MURRAY

malahide@gazettegroup.com

DIAMOND Delights is a new wine club launched by the Diamond Burger Bar in conjunction with O’Briens.

In the interest of nurturing local community spirit, the club will provide the opportunity to try out the latest delights from the vineyards and O’Briens Wines of the Month, and will also teach its guests all they need know about wine.

People will learn about the classics, matching wine to an occasion, wine and food pairing, as well as some fascinating wine facts.

With food platters available to sample the sumptuous fare from the Diamond Burger Bar menu, and expert knowledge from the O’Briens

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‘We decided it would be a nice idea to introduce a few sociable events’ --------------------------

Christina McGovern

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Wine team, it is sure to be a fun club, with a bit of education built in.

Christina McGovern, proprietor of the restaurant said: “The Diamond Burger Bar is well

established in the village by now, so we decided it would be a nice idea to introduce a few sociable events that suited the venue that would kickstart the summer season in sumptuous style.

“We are delighted to tie in with O’Briens for this venture and look forward to welcoming guests and learning what the best wines are to accompany our great food.”

The first series is taking place on the first Tuesday of every month from May 10. All interested can register by calling into O’Briens Malahide or the Diamond Burger Bar. Entry is €10, which includes the wines, food and hosting. “All are welcome to come along and try something different on Tuesday evening to brighten up the week,” Christina said.

Job at hand: Irish Cancer Society highlights its important work BRENDAN Ryan TD, pictured with Irish Cancer Society volunteer,

Leo Tierney, from Portmarnock, was on hand at the Society’s briefing for TDs last week is Dublin North.

The Irish Cancer Society highlighted to TDs the importance that they commit to cutting smoking rates, extending cancer screening ages and controlling sunbed use.

MALAHIDE Lions Club, in conjunction with Rory and Tom Breen, recently ran a Casino Fun Night in the Grand Hotel to raise funds for the Light of Maasai charity, and in memory of Martin Breen.

Over 100 people turned out on the Bank Holiday Saturday evening to support the event.

One of the highlights of the evening was an auction of several items, including a painting which raised €200 and a four-ball in the K Club, which went for €450.

“Martin was a member of the Malahide Lions Club for a little over two years, but because of his driving energy and desire to succeed at everything he attempted, he made a major contribution to the Lions.

“He adopted the Light of Maasai as his own personal charity,” Barry Donaldson, from Malahide Lions Club, said.

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4 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5 May 2011

POLITICS: ‘BETTER THAN EXPECTED RESULT’

Praise for FF over Seanad seat election

FIANNA Fail’s Darragh O’Brien and Averil Power have been congratulated by party colleague, Councillor Darragh Butler on their election to Seanad Eireann.

Councillor Butler said that, after the disappointment of the recent General Election, it was great to see Fianna Fail do “better than expected” in what are, possibly, the final Seanad elections.

“When we met with [party leader] Micheal Martin a few weeks ago, we expected to win 10 to 12 Seanad seats, on a good day.

“Winning 14 out of a possible 43 seats on the

five vocational panels is an excellent result for the party, considering the relatively low number of TDs and councillors we have who get to vote on these panels.

Vote management “Good vote management has seen Fianna Fail do better than expected, at Fine Gael and Labour’s expense,” said Cllr Butler.

He also expressed his commiserations to Dublin City councillor Mary Fitzpatrick, who came very close to winning an extra seat for the party on the Administrative panel.

SPORT Sod-turning ceremony to mark

Cricket fans will go batty over major new facility Q MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com

THE sod was turned at the new international cricket facility in Malahide last week.

The Mayor of Fingal, Labour councillor Ken Farrell; Norman Adams, president, Malahide Cricket Club, and Warren Deutrom, chief executive officer, Cricket Ireland, performed the sod-turning ceremony in Malahide Demesne on Thursday, April 28.

The Mayor welcomed invited guests to the ceremony on behalf of Fingal County Council (FCC).

“Fingal County Council is greatly looking forward to working with Malahide Cricket Club and Cricket Ireland on the development of this facility.

“The sport of cricket has a long association with Fingal, with some of the oldest and longestestablished clubs based in north Dublin, and the sport is very popular in the Fingal area.

“Therefore, it was fitting that the cricket club in Malahide Demesne had been chosen as the location for Ireland’s new international cricket facility,” he said.

Public interest In recent years, Ireland’s international cricket team’s successes have increased the general public’s interest in the sport, and new clubs are now beginning to form and develop.

The new facility will provide a suitable location to host international matches, and will provide

a venue for the public to see exciting competitions.

The sod-turning event marks the start of the site works, which will eventually lead to the completion of the international facility.

FCC promotes and encourages participation in sport across all ages and communities. The sports office provides a number of development officers, with Reinhardt Strydom acting as the current cricket development officer (co-funded

by Fingal County Council, and Leinster Cricket).

Any schools, clubs, groups or organisations who would like to learn more about cricket should contact Strydom on 087 982 3402, or email strydom@live.com.

Warren Deutrom, CEO, Cricket Ireland; Norman Adams,

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

‘The sport of cricket has a long association with Fingal, with some of the oldest and longest-established clubs based in north Dublin, and the sport is very popular in the Fingal area. It was fitting that the cricket club in Malahide Demesne had been chosen as the location for Ireland’s new international cricket facility’ --------------------------------------------------------

Councillor Ken Farrell, Mayor of Fingal

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John Mooney, of the Irish cricket team, was on hand to help the sod-turners in their momentous task

5 May 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5

start of international cricket facility in Malahide

POLICING: APPEAL

DART’s indecent exposer

Hannah and Sean O’Donohue

Members of Malahide Cricket Club, Keith Reynolds, president, Malahide Cricket Club, and Ken Farrell, Mayor of Fingal. Pictures: Conor O’Mearain

Marianne Herbert and Paul Tweddle

GARDAI are asking for anyone who may have witnessed a man indecently exposing himself on the DART between Balbriggan and Malahide, to call the Garda station in Malahide.

A woman reported a man for indecent exposure between these two stops on April 11. Gardai believe they know who the suspect is.

Similar incidents A garda spokesman said: “We have heard of a couple of incidents of a similar nature that we are following up on. If there is no complaint, we can’t follow it up.

“The woman rang in, and we have the CCTV footage from the train stations involved. We take this very seriously. The woman was upset, but she was okay,” he said.

Malahide Garda Station is at 01 666 4600.

6 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5 May 2011

FastNews

EVENT: CELEBRATION OF IRISH MUSIC AND DANCE

Local trad fans set for weeklong Fleadh Q MIMI MURRAY

malahide@gazettegroup.com

TRADITIONAL Irish music is set to be celebrated with the upcoming Dublin County Fleadh, which takes place from Friday, May 6, until Sunday, May 8.

The week-long festivities will consist of traditional sessions with musicians of all ages and instruments of all sizes.

With competitions for every age group, as well as solo, duet, trio and ceili competitions, the music and fun will be non-stop.

The festivities commenced on Tuesday, May 3, with the official opening in Oscar Taylor’s, with a special presentation and opening address followed by finger buffet. Two music sessions at the venue.

The midweek festivities will continued on Wednesday, May 4, with the ceili and set dancing competitions with Sean-Nos and figure dancing entertainment in Malahide Community School.

On Thursday, May 5, the focus on piping takes place downstairs in St Sylvester’s GAA Club and commences at 9pm.

The weekend festivities kick off on Friday from 7:30pm, with a youth seisiun at St Sylvester’s GAA Club.

On Saturday, the band and grupai cheoil competitions will commence at 10am in Malahide Community School.

On Saturday evening, there will be a session for 13-18 year-olds from 5pm to 8pm in Oscar Taylor’s.

The evening will draw to a close with a singing session in St Sylvester’s GAA Club at 9pm.

On Sunday, the solo, duet, trio and comhra competitors will be judged from 10am in Malahide Community College.

Informal Sunday will see an informal young adult session in Gibney’s from 12:30pm. The activities will culminate with the fleadh ceili in Naomh Mearnog GAA club from 8:30pm – 11:30pm.

Comhaltas CeoltoiriEireann is the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music. This year is the group’s 60th anniversary, and its organising branches will put on special events to celebrate. They are a non-profit cultural movement with hundreds of local branches around the world.

For further details on Dublin County Fleadh 2011 events, visit www. dublinfleadh.ie.

The Fry Model Railway at Malahide Demesne

Fry Model Railway not moving to Newbridge House or Ardgillan Castle

Egg-celent idea: Keith and Alicia launch new food-testing deal MALAHIDE resident, Boyzone member and Coronation Street star,

Keith Duffy officially launched a unique agreement between Irish Autism Action and Fitzwilliam Food Test Clinic last week.

The new agreement is to ensure that parents of children with Autism, and indeed all children, are given access to food intolerance testing. Keith is pictured with Alicia Fortune (7), who recovered from serious illness after a test found she was intolerant to eggs.

NEWBRIDGE House or Adgillan Castle would not be suitable locations to house the Fry Model Railway, Fingal County Council have told Labour Councillor, Gerry McGuire.

The chairperson of the Balbriggan/Swords area committee meeting asked the council to report on the feasibility of retaining the Fry Model Railway within Fingal, and to indicate if Newbridge House or Ardgillan would be suitable for its location.

The council said that no approach has been made from Dublin Tourism to relocate the railway at either Newbridge House or Ardgillan Castle. In any case, there are currently no buildings on either estate that are suitable to house the Fry Model Railway, they said.

“The Fry Model Railway is wholly owned by Dublin Regional Tourism Authority Ltd (Dublin Tourism) and the council have no claim on same. The Malahide Castle and Gardens Project commences this month in line with the programme agreed with Dublin Tourism last year. Dublin Tourism has, therefore, removed the Fry Model Railway from the Courtyard to facilitate the construction works.

Dublin Tourism are considering options for the future display of the Railway and it is our understanding that the board of management of Dublin Tourism will be making a decision on its future housing shortly,” the council said.

In the past couple of months, several angry groups, including politicians, local interest groups and members of the Chamber of Commerce, called for the council to retain the Railway within the grounds of the Demesne, or at least within the Fingal area.

However, this has not come to pass and it is now most likely that the railway will be moved to the city centre.

www.gazette All of your latest local news, sport, features and

5 May 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 7

PUBS Revamped Duffy’s open for business once again COUNCIL: SHORTAGES

CAUSE WASTAGE FEARS

Aidan Nugent and Yvonne Reynolds (above); Stephen O’Flynn

Conserving water will be ‘essential’ MIMI MURRAY

and Claire Keogh (below)

Bar staff Irene Neal, Brian Corry and Fionnuala Brady at the grand re-opening of Duffy’s bar in Malahide

The Duffy’s kitchen staff: (back row) Trish Cuthbert, Theresa Corry, Susan Manson and Cedric Glynn and, front row, Paula Grogan, Sam Kennedy, Margaret Clarie Keating, Laura Powell and Katie O’Reilly

McCann and Sylvie Somers

Sun shines on local bar’s big re-opening MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com

THE sun shone and the drinks flowed as Duffy’s re-opened their newly revamped bar last Friday.

Newly appointed manager, Kevin Mackey, said the place is “brand spanking new, a complete rebuild”.

“I didn’t see the old place, but I saw photos of it and it is massively different. We’re taking a new and modern approach to service and we are going to be

very focused on product and service.

“We have the most modern cooling and dispensing beer equipment in the country. It’s very eco-friendly and doesn’t get any better.

“We have our own filtered water on draught and we’re going to have a fantastic wine list – a wide choice. I mean, how often do you see three roses on a wine list? We have a full cocktail list, and they are real cocktails, very traditional.

“Every single member of staff will know how to mix good cocktails. We also have a great selection of non-alcoholic drinks, including four mocktails, herbal teas and anything else people want, we will get.”

Mackey, who worked for several years in Patrick Kavanagh’s bar in New York, has plenty of training in how to make the place a major success.

“All the same people are still on board and we are employing around 30 to 35 people, full and

part time,” he says The bar has a new outdoor area complete with flat screen television that will show all major sporting events.

“We will also have lots of live entertainment but conversation will still be possible.

“Our doors opened on Friday night and we are welcoming everyone through those doors.”

Food-wise they are offering an excellent bar snack menu but will be doing a full a la carte menu at a date to be confirmed.

WATER conservation in Malahide is going to be absolutely essential over the summer months, according to Fingal County Council and Labour Cllr Peter Coyle.

Malahide experienced a water shortage last Sunday week and Cllr Coyle says this is going to happen continually unless people stop watering plants and washing cars when the weather is sunny.

He says the shortage of water is nothing to do with lack of rain as the water that is used comes directly from the Liffey but is instead to do with people getting out and using lots of water while the weather is good.

“I’m appealing to people to conserve water,” he said.

“Unfortunately the present reservoir is subject to excessive drawdown at times. When this happens, the water services use “throttling” control.

“This involves a water pressure reduction.

Houses in higher areas, or with piping problems, are impacted. Ironically, lower areas of Portmarnock note very little impact.

“There is a new reservoir being built on higher ground, which will double the capacity in its catchment, including Portmarnock, Malahide and Kinsealy.

“Given that there is still a few months before the new reservoir comes into

group.com pictures are now just a click away

operation, conservation measures are required by all users.”

He added that FCC has been investigating the situation in the areas currently most affected by the intermittent problem with pressure.

They monitored the situation over a number of weekends and he says they suspect that extra weekend demand is lowering the level in the reservoir and, consequently, the pressure for some of the properties at high elevation. As an interim solution they are changing the system around on weekends to supplement the supply from another direction.

A spokesperson from FCC said: “Our inspector made a decision to throttle (restrict) water going out of the reservoir, as to let the levels drop any further would pose serious problems.

“Water supply was throttled from about 4pm on Sunday afternoon until about 10pm, by which time the levels had recovered sufficiently.

“There are plans under way to extend the storage capability at Malahide, but this will not be in place until the end of this year.

“It is critical that people practise water conservation methods as much as possible, and particularly coming into the summer period.

“We will be issuing water conservation notices regularly over the coming weeks.”

8 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5 May 2011

SPORT Local children enjoy some top tennis coaching at a

Making a racquet in Malahide

ORE than 50 children took part in an Easter camp at Malahide Tennis Club recently under gloriously sunny skies. Children aged between six and eight years old, and older children aged between nine and 12, were given some top tips on the court by tennis coach, Gary Purcell, who has coached for 10 years, on and off, and who also played for the club’s first team.

Purcell says he believes it is vital to get children out and about and taking part in sports clubs. He also expressed his pride in the children at the club and said that a few are showing champion potential. The Gazette was impressed by the skills and the enthusiasm of the children participating in the camp.

M

Coaches, Michael Nugent and Gary Purcell, left, and Joey Purcell and Ryan Leary, right, pose with the participants in the tennis camp

Adam Barry

Rachel O’Leary and Cian Smith

Rachel O’Leary in action

Adam Barry and Ben Symes

Ben Symes

True sportsmanship between Jake Duffy and Charlie McCarthy

5 May 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 9

popular and sunny Easter camp at Malahide Tennis Club

at Malahide Tennis Club. Pictures: Peter Doyle

Leah Troy, Emma Murray-Perrick, Niamh Smith, Andrea Jones and Sarah Jane Moroney

Conrad Offermann and Erik Madden

Coach Michael Nugent strikes an energetic pose

Another shot from Rachel O’Leary

Niamh Smith

Head coaches, Michael Nugent and Gary Purcell

10 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5 May 2011

EVENT The Crowne Plaza hosts Chamber Network Evening

Colm O’Maolmhuire and Mary Boland

Dave White and Keith Mooney

Social side of business OCAL businesses were well represented at the Crowne Plaza in Blanchardstown recently, as the Business After 6 Network Evening was jointly hosted by the Fingal Dublin Chamber and D15 Chamber. The event gave Chamber members an opportunity to make new business contacts and socialise with other business people in a relaxed setting and catch up on topical and relevant issues for businesses in the area. Sean Weafer, of www.SeanWeafer. com, who is an international speaker, author, workshop leader and mentor, was the special guest speaker. Sean has worked for over 25 years in sales and leadership and his expertise is in training people in the psychological and emotional dynamics of sales and leadership and how to use them to develop compelling business relationships and referrals.

Mark Brennan, Fingal Skillsnet; Siobhan Moore, president, Fingal Dublin Chamber, David Donnelly, president, D15 Chamber, and Sean Weafer, speaker at the event

L

Sara Farrell, Waterside House Hotel, and Tony Lambert, CEO Fingal Dublin Chamber

Edward Powell, Eugene Haines and John Lambert

Elaine Stratford, D15 Chamber, and Lil O’Breen, Fingal and North Dublin Skillsnet

Gary and Neill Lawlor with Conor McCabe

Julie Griffin and Damien Heaney

5 May 2011 GAZETTE 11

RETAIL Celebrations kick-off action-packed weekend

Carraig Donn’s new Dublin outlet LADIES fashion, jewellery, accessories and gifts retailer, Carraig Donn, will unveil its brand new store at Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre, in Dublin, on Thursday, May 12, at 12 noon.

The new store opening celebrations promises to kick-off an actionpacked weekend not to be missed.

Carraig Donn has confirmed that they will have hundreds of special offers in-store to mark the event, along with goodie bags for the first 50 customers on the day. A FREE J’aime la Vie necklace worth €25 will also be given away with all purchases of €50 or more for the opening weekend!!

The new store will showcase the best of Irish and international designer fashion, lifestyle giftware, accessories and jewellery. Carraig Donn will offer a boutique shopping experience with the purchasing power of a larger group.

T he family-ow ned Irish company has relevant, high-fashion and contemporary collection focused on styling and price. Carraig Donn has become Ireland’s leading lifestyle retailer now with 22 stores nationwide showcasing irresistible fashions, jewellery and gifts.

Carraig Donn champions a number of brands – their own label, J’aime la Vie, is seen alongside Vila, Amari, St. Martins and Peruzzi, to usher in every trend and silhouette of the season. All brands have

one thing in common – fantastic prices. The Star Buy of the collection has to be the J’aime la Vie Estelle dress retailing at only €59. The Estelle features one of this season’s hottest looks in crushed fabric. The J’aime la Vie Penny dress is a close second as the season’s star buy, retailing at only €69. I’m sure you’ll agree the Spring Summer 2011 collection is a dream for dress lovers. Carraig Donn caters for every need at a range of budgets making you look fantastic for all occasions, such as Communions, Confirmations and weddings. Knight & Day and Soul jewellery complete the look, with both contemporary and funky pieces.

This winning formula extends to the gift and home departments, making Carraig Donn at Dun Laoghaire a destination store. Customers can enjoy prestigious leading labels, such as Newbridge Silverware, Genesis, Killarney Crystal, and many more as well as novelthemed lifestyle giftware to suit any budget for every occasion.

2011 promises to be a busy year for Carraig Donn with the company celebrating 40 years in retail, more new store openings in the Dublin area and online shopping launching next month!

Last year, the Irish retail company opened a store at Fairgreen Shopping Centre, Carlow, as well as MacDonagh Junction, in Kilkenny, bringing the total number of new jobs

Magnum force: Join Georgia and take a break from the heat J’aime La Vie Penny Dress €69, available at Carraig Donn

created by the company in recent months to in excess of 70 in the southeast. Since its opening, Carraig Donn in MacDonagh Junction, has since gone on to win a

Top 5 Place in the annual Retail Excellence Ireland Store of the Year Awards in 2010.

Join the opening party all this weekend in Carraig Donn at Dun

Laoghaire Shopping Centre, from 12noon on Thursday, May 12, or register your details online at www.carraigdonn.com to get the latest news, promotions and discounts.

GEORGIA Salpa is pictured in the “rainforest” for the launch of the delicious new Magnum Ghana ice cream, part of Magnum’s new Rainforest Alliance Certified™ Magnum Cocoa range. The new Magnum Ghana is made with specially selected cocoa beans sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms in Ghana and is an exquisite blend of hazelnut ice cream and delicate milk chocolate sauce.

12 GAZETTE 5 May 2011

GazettePETS PETS Keeping Fido and Kitty cool and safe

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO KEEP YOUR PET SAFE IN THE SUMMER HEAT

T’S May and temperatures are rising, so, officially, we’re in the midst of summer and you know how we girlies love to get our bodies into shape for that all important bout of sunbathing.

(I’ll let you into my body beautiful secret – I’ve added a salad to every meal. The weight should be dropping off any day now!)

Ah, yes, roll on the aroma of the family barbecue and the frenzied dash to smother the kids with sun block – even though we know we’ll never see blue skies and searing sun for more than a few days at a time.

But wait, did you forget something? What about Fido and Kitty? Did you know that hot weather can pose a real threat to your pets?

Let me put this simply.

Animals CANNOT tolerate extreme temperatures.

So, as a responsible pet owner, you must make absolutely sure that when the sun does make an appearance, you’ve taken precautions to keep your pet safe.

I

Here are some tips to help you out:

Never leave your animal in a car. Pet owners should know the dangers of leaving any animal in a hot car – even for just a few minutes.

This particularly applies to dogs who love to travel in a car and it’s tempting to let them go to the supermarket with you, but don’t leave your dog inside, even with the windows open.

Temperatures don’t have to be in the 30s for a car-bound dog to be in serious trouble. Even at much lower temperatures, even under a cloud-

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

‘Temperatures in air-conditioned cars can reach the same temperature as outside within just five minutes of being turned off’ --------------------------

less sky, the humidity inside the car turns it into a sauna.

Research has shown that if it’s a sunny 25 degrees, the temperature in a car, with the windows closed, rises rapidly in 30 minutes. In short, 25 to 40C+ in half an hour!

Temperatures in airconditioned cars can reach the same temperature as outside within just five minutes of being turned off.

This means, on a hot day, it takes a matter of

minutes for a dog to end up organ damaged or dead!

If you must take your dog out in the car, make sure you have him well strapped in. Purchase a car safety harness for your dog. This is for your safety as much as his! They’re available in any good pet shop or from our Dublin SPCA gift shop. Cats should always be in pet carriers when travelling in the car.

One small jolt in traffic can have a very sad result for an unsecured pet. If you’re forced to brake suddenly, an unsecured animal can be thrown forward, hitting you in the back of the head or neck, causing painful injuries to both you and your pet.

Make sure the car window is open while driving – enough to give your animal plenty of ventilation.

Don’t leave your dog in the car if you need to leave your vehicle.

If your dog pants quickly, looks very tired or collapses, he could be suffering from heatstroke.

Put him in a cool, shady spot and spray his body with cool water, or give him a cool (not cold) bath immediately.

Never cool your dog so much that he/she begins to shiver. Let your dog drink small amounts of cool water. Contact a veterinary surgeon urgently

You must always remember that your dog has no sweat glands, which can affect them badly in hot weather. Be responsible, and remember some simple things to help your dog – or other pets – stay cool and well in summer.

for further advice as heatstroke can prove fatal.

Be responsible

Leave your dog at home. Place his bed/kennel in a shaded area, and he will automatically go to it when he needs rest from the hot sun.

Leave plenty of water and leave it in the shaded area. Check water bowls

regularly to make sure there’s plenty of fresh water available.

Never exert your dog during hot weather.

When walking your dog, remember there are areas and times during the day where temperatures soar.

It makes sense to walk your dog in the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are

lower and the hot concrete won’t burn sensitive paws.

Always take along water for yourself and your dog. Stop frequently to allow both of you to have a refreshing drink.

Many domestic animals do not sweat to keep cool.

Dogs have no sweat glands and can only lose heat by panting. Make sure they always have plenty of water to help them keep cool. Tip: Temperatures are at their highest during mid-day and 3pm. Avoid these times.

Keep your pet groomed

Very important during hot weather. If your pet has long hair then that’s akin to you wearing a fur coat in 33C! Regular brushing helps remove the winter under-

coat and helps your pet regulate his body temperature. Apply sunscreen to pets with white tipped ears and noses. Tip: Children’s sunscreen, Factor 50+ is particularly good.

Insects

Make sure your pet receives regular flea preventatives. And keep that first aid kit close by in case of bee and wasp stings.

Water Safety

If your dog likes the water, he’ll instinctively want to swim during the hot weather so put a life jacket on him.

Remember, even the healthiest of pets will suffer in extreme temperatures, so please take the above precautions.

If you’d like more information log onto www. dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie

5 May 2011 GAZETTE 13

YOUR STORY Taking to two wheels after winter

Top tips for riding safe this summer AS the evenings start to get brighter, and the cold snap has, hopefully, passed, we will be longing to get back to two wheels, perhaps after an absence of many months.

But spare a thought for your bike. What effect has the winter break had on it? Has it been stored inside, warm and dry, or outside exposed to all sort of weather, engine lying idle, oil turning to sludge?

Tyres sitting in the same unmoved position for months, the loss of air and the weight of the bike, playing their part in damage to the sidewalls. Rubber hoses can also crack and perish, so take a look at the water hoses, brake lines, etc.

Chains can also become dry, causing kinks and tight spots, and brake pads can stick and cause problems.

Moving parts that don’t move as freely as they should need attention, start with a thorough wash and clean, checking all parts as you go. Are all the lights working? Clutch, throttle, brakes, etc.

If you do not have the skills to sort problems yourself, leave it to the experts to get your bike ready for the road again.

OK, now the bike is sorted, what about you?

Having not ridden your bike for a few months, it can take time for your skills to return to a safe level. Your awareness of what’s going on around you, and your reactions to the many hazards we face may be slow, it will take time and practise to be competent again Although the weather is improving, there are still plenty of hazards. It’s still possible to find frosty patches of road early in the morning and dazzling,

low sunlight, can still be a problem.

It’s fantastic being able to get back out on the road, but riders who’ve not been out during the winter need to allow some time to get back up to speed. In your mind, you will remember how well you were riding at the end of last year.

But, after a lay-off of a few months, you are not going to be at the same level, or as alert.

Perhaps this would be a good time to get advice from an approved riding instructor, and gain confidence in your riding, learn to recognise the dangers, and become a safer and

more responsible motorcyclist. Perhaps this will be the year that you take the motorcycle riding test, or take that bike trip that you always wanted to do.

Either way, with these new skills you could also qualify for a discount on your insurance cost; it may even save your life.

Your insurance company will have a list of approved instructors in your area.

Please note that anybody providing tuition for payment must be an RSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI); see www.rsa.ie for a list of instructors in your area.

Enjoy the summer and Ride Safe.

W

Q TOM CARLETON Motorcycle riding instructor ADI

Interview: Jessica Alba shares her thoughts on the Fockers

Spare a thought for your bike’s condition after the cold winter months

ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 25

14 GAZETTE 5 May 2011

GazetteGAMING GAMING

Nintendo are soon to launch the Wii Play: Motion, the new version of the classic mini-games set which comes with a special red Wii Remote Plus

Xperia PLAY: the world’s first Playstationcertified smartphone SONY ERICSSON has announced that Xperia PLAY, the world’s first Playstationcertified Smartphone, is now available exclusively in The Carphone Warehouse stores nationwide.

The game-changing Xperia PLAY, is the latest phone in Sony Ericsson’s Xperia range of Android-based smartphones and delivers the smartphone functionality that the most serious power users could need, teamed with the immersive gaming experience that any gamer would want.

In portrait mode, the Android smartphone offers all the benefits that consumers have come to expect from Sony Ericsson’s existing range of Xperia smartphones, with best-in-class entertainment experiences, a great five-megapixel camera, a brilliant four-inch multi-touch screen and great social networking features.

A new world

However, slide out the gaming control and users enter a new world of immersive mobile gaming. The slide-out game pad reveals a digital D pad, two analogue touch pads, two shoulder buttons and the four PlayStation icons: circle, cross, square and triangle.

Qualcomm’s optimised Snapdragon processor with a 1Ghz CPU and embedded Adreno GPU graphics processor deliver silky smooth 60fps play-back 3D mobile gaming and Web browsing with minimal power consumption so Xperia PLAY users can enjoy long hours of battery life and game time.

XperiaTM PLAY will run on Gingerbread (version 2.3), the latest version of Google’s Android platform. The Xperia PLAY will also be the first PlayStation Certified device.

This means it will have access to PlayStation game content provided through the PlayStation Suite initiative, currently under development by Sony Computer Entertainment and due to launch later this calendar year.

A mini-game for all with Wii Play:Motion Q ROB HEIGH

NINTENDO’S Wii has become the ubiquitous and most popular games console in the world, and shortly, the Kyoto games “brain trust” are launching the Wii Play: Motion, the new version of the classic mini-games set that has launched so many gamers on their Wii mission.

The new iteration comes with a special red Wii Remote Plus, the motion sensitive controller that started to be bundled with the consoles for the last year.

Wii Remote Plus combines

the original Wii Remote controller with the precision of the Wii MotionPlus accessory – to deliver great value, precise motion control and immersive social fun that anyone in the household can pick up.

As you make your way through the 12 mini-games, which have multiple game modes for added depth to gameplay, see every swing, tilt, hit and spin of your Wii Remote Plus come to life, as it becomes faithfully replicated on your TV screen with exacting precision. From Treasure Twirl where the Wii Remote Plus acts

as a “winch” to collect deep-sea treasure, to Cone Zone – where you tilt the Wii Remote Plus in the correct position to balance ice cream within a giant waffle cone and stop it from falling, whilst extra scoops are being added – there’s a mini-game for everyone to enjoy.

Each of the 12 mini-games included can be played in single player mode, yet, if you fancy a different experience and want to get your friends and family involved, then the multiple game modes of a selection of Wii Play: Motion mini-games allow for up

to three other people to join in on the fun, ensuring your game play experience is always a truly unique one.

For example, in the mini-game Skip Skimmer, where you can skip stones along a lake, there is a Score Mode in which up to four players take it in turn to skip stones through a series of rings with the aim of getting to the target at the end. By strategically angling the Wii Remote Plus you can compete against your friends to get the highest score in order to win the game. Wii Play: Motion is released on June 24.

PlayStation 3 sales reach 50 million SALES of PlayStation Move motion controller for PlayStation 3 (PS3) has surpassed eight million units worldwide, accelerating the expansion of the PS3 Platform.

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc (SCE) has announced that the cumulative sales of the PS3 computer entertainment system reached a milestone of 50 million units worldwide, as of March 29, 2011. SCE also announced that PlayStation Move sales surpassed eight million units worldwide as of April 3, demonstrating continued growth and momentum of the PS3 platform.

The PS3 system, equipped with futureproof, cutting–edge technologies, including the powerful Cell Broadband Engine

and RSX processors, as well as the Blu-ray disc player and HDMI, has delivered users with high-definition and high-quality entertainment experience since its launch in November 2006. The PS3 system continues to evolve and enhance the user experience through new features and services delivered via software updates.

Communication

With the introduction of PS3, SCE launched PlayStation Network service, which now has more than 75 million registered accounts and operates in 59 countries and regions around the world. PlayStation Network supports free community-centric

online gameplay and communication tools such as PlayStation Home, and offers vast downloadable digital content through the PlayStation Store.

SCE launched PlayStation Move in September 2010 for North America, Europe/ PAL territories and in Asia, and in October 2010 for Japan, to deliver a new entertainment experience across all categories of games, from casual to immersive.

The PlayStation Move motion controller is used in combination with the PlayStation Eye camera to detect the precise movement, angle, and absolute position in 3D space of the user, thereby allowing users to intuitively play as if they are within the game.

5 May 2011 GAZETTE 15

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Edited by Dawn Love

Get the Kate look for your big day ...

DAWN LOVE

SHE’S now one of the most photographed women in the world, and while her legendary tresses are styled at London hairdresser Richard Ward’s salon, Kate Middleton showed her independent streak by doing her own make-up for the big day.

With most brides on an economy drive Kate also showed that you don’t need a make-up artist to achieve the perfect bridal look.

Just days before she tied the knot with Prince William last Friday, the willowy brunette was spotted shopping at a Lancome make-up counter.

A true classic skincare and make-up brand, Kate stocked up on several products last week, including Hydra Zen Neurocalm™ Soothing Anti-Stress Moisturising Cream, €50.50; Lancôme Hypnose Mascara in Black, €25.50 and Lancôme Artliner €27.00.

Lancome’s national

make-up artist says Benjamin Rousseau, Kate’s everyday make-up is natural, understated and very pretty - and this didn’t change very much for her wedding day.

“It's really what i expected - subtle yet enhances and highlights everything that's most beautiful about her face, especially her eyes, which has always been her signature.

“As you would expect her skin was glowing, with a f lawless light radiant foundation. As we know, she wears Lancome, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if she was wearing Lancome’s no1 Bridal foundation Teint Miracle, which allows light from the skin to be reflected out.

“Shades 01 and 03 contain slightly yellow tones, which absorb light from flash photography, neutralising her complextion ensuring it is smooth and looks flawless.

“I love the way she has combined subtle, pinky, blush tones - really to give her a beautiful bridal flush, and she applied

these on the apples of her cheeks, sweeping up to fantastic cheekbones.

“This also really complemented her chic, natural hair that she wore part up and part down with lovely curl at the back, but away from her face,” says Rousseau.

Eyes “I LOVE that Kate kept to her usual eye liner –it’s her trademark and suits her perfectly. All she has done is soften the look by blending it well into her lash line and left it strong on the lower part.

Lips “KATE went for a subtle, natural nude pink colour – it’s really an enhancement of her natural lip, but will always look classic and pretty no matter what the era, so photographs won't look dated.

Over all it is the ultimate bridal make up and enhancement of her natural style and, applied with such skill, it makes me wonder if she really did it herself,” he said.

The new Duchess of Cambridge used her own selection of products to achieve a fresh and natural look for the Royal Wedding. Hydra Zen Neurocalm Soothing Anti-stress Moisturising Cream, Lancôme Hypnose Mascara and Lancôme Artliner

Become a bronze beauty with some serious summer sun tips AS Ireland basked in glorious sunshine last week it was time to get the pins out. But if we’re all honest about it, after months hidden away during the winter an Irish girl’s legs are likely to be a distinctly pasty shade of pale.

But help is at hand with top selftanning brand, He-Shi. And to make it even easier this popular brand has just introduced their new Discovery Kit that contains 50ml travel sizes of all its products.

Ideal for weekends away, a business trip overnighter, or simply for

your handbag, the new kit is priced at €21.25, and contains three 50ml products, including the He-Shi Exfoliating Bodywash to help prepare the skin first, the He-Shi Express Liquid Tan and for those who want to start off gradually this summer, the kit also contains the HeShi Day to Day Gradual Tan. The He-Shi Miniature Tanning

Mitt is also included for perfect application. The Discovery kit’s three-step process ensures your exfoliation, application and aftercare are always as good as you expect, wherever you are!

This compact and conveniently-sized tanning kit is the ideal solution for the ultimate glowing tan. He-Shi’s products are designed especially for Irish skin tones, helping create the

most kissable complexion for enviably glowing skin.

The He-Shi Discovery Kit comes in a stylish transparent travel bag finished with a white trim, which can be reused to store all of your tanning and beauty products again and again!

He-Shi products are available from selected department stores, including Brown Thomas, salons and day spas. For your nearest stockist of He-Shi, contact Euro Products on T: +44 (0) 28 9044 9744 or www.europroducts.co.uk

16 GAZETTE 5 May 2011

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day GAZETTE COMMENT

Getting outdoors safely this summer

N

OW that the winter is well and truly over, it is time to look forward to getting outside in the sunshine and enjoying as much activity as possible.

Every opportunity to enjoy the wealth of local amenities across Dublin must be taken – from the incredible public parks and cycle routes, to the Capital’s enviable choice of high-ranking beaches and swimming spots, we are truly spoilt for choice.

It goes without saying, that, in order to enjoy these facilities, those using them must do so responsibly.

There is nothing worse than stepping through empty crisp packets and plastic, or worse, glass bottles – either at the beach or in our local parks.

Dublin’s local councils must be commended for the lengths they go to in order to maintain these facilities, but they simply don’t have the resources to do everything.

Weather The fine weather also brings with it the wonderful ‘stretch in the evenings’, that sees many people walking running, cycling or just meeting friends a good deal later than they usually would.

But it is so important that people

in the community remain vigilant, and keep an eye out for each other.

Already in west Dublin in recent weeks, two young girls were reported missing. One later returned home, but the other has not yet done so, with gardai appealing for information.

In the Swords area, there have been numerous worrying reports of “attempted abductions”.

One national newspaper claimed that there had been as many as four in recent weeks.

Local Gardai have moved to calm fears over the reports, saying that, while there have been inappropriate approaches to minors, it was wrong to categorise the incidents as attempted abductions.

In the same area, gardai are appealing for witnesses of a daylight assault on a woman in her mid-twenties.

This incident shows just how vigilant we have to be, as it happened at 11.25 am while the woman was out running.

What must be remembered, is that our parks and public amenities are wonderful places that can be used often and safely.

By simply being aware of our surroundings, and looking out for each other, there is no reason that we can’t make full use of them throughout the summer months.

GazetteContacts Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251 Managing Director: Liam Holland email: lholland@gazettegroup.com

General Manager: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com

Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com

Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com

News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@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.

Dining, and donating, for a good cause...

Maurice Murphy, Glenda Murphy, Vivienne Thompson and Ciaran Smith were at the Eatzen Restaurant Dine and Donate event in Ashbourne, where over €5,000 was raised for the Ireland Japan Association Earthquake Appeal

Making a movie date at midnight MIDNIGHT Movies, a new series of midnight cult cinema screenings, opens on Friday, May 13, with a screening of Russ Meyer’s classic film, Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!

Brought from the team behind Film Fatale, Midnight Movies will bridge the gap between conventional cinema and late-night fun, playing the best of grindhouse, blaxploitation, exploitation, horror, underground, and cult classics.

Event producer Fernanda Parente said: “Midnight Movies offers cult film fans an opportunity to enjoy the experience of midnight movie-going, which goes all the way back to New York of the 1970s where eccentric films were played at midnight to equally eccentric film lovers.

“Films that had failed in the box office were given extended runs, while repeat viewers would often dress up and interact with the films. We aim to create the same environment.”

Tura Satana, Haji, and Lori Williams star as Varla, Rosie and Billy who, while racing cars in the desert, meet a young couple. After taking care of the boyfriend, they kidnap the girlfriend and head on a spree of mayhem.

The screening will be followed by a special cult film retro set by

DIARY DJ Shrem.

Midnight Movies launches with Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill! on Friday, May 13, midnight at the Sugar Club, 8 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2.

Tickets are priced €9/€7 students, and is strictly over 18.

Doors open at 11pm. For more information go to http://midnightmovienights.blogspot.com or visit www.facebook.com/midnightmovienight.

Free flights with every pint BULMERS have teamed up with The Grafton Lounge to give away a free return flight to a European destination when a pint bottle of the new Bulmers Lite is purchased in The Grafton Lounge this Friday, May 6, from 8.30pm onwards.

General manager, John Ennis, says it is going to be a great night and people should get in early to avoid disappointment. “It promises to be a great night, with Dj Johnny Hammond playing the best in summer tunes and 2-for-1 cocktails

throughout the night.”

For more information go to www.facebook.com/thegraftonlounge

Holy sunburn!

THE Workman’s Club is going al fresco!

We’re not sniggering at those who have booked holidays on the continent, but is there ANYTHING worse than spending a fortune on dodgy Santa Ponsa beach towels, nuclear yellow cocktails and Billy Bulldog’s British Breakfast when, in fact, at home in the dirty ole town, it’s SSSSSS-SCORCHIO!!!!!

Wish you were here? – we bet you do!

And, as if by some sort of divine moment of timing, as the skies clear and the sun blazes down, Dublin’s loveliest venue announces the launch of The Roof @ The Workman’s Club.

Yes, you heard it right! An entire roof’s worth of hanging out space, which will be an outdoors-indoors all-weather deck of fun. The Roof @ The Workman’s will have its own bar, BBQ area, heating, seating and very soon it will also have a wonderful Persian area, where Workmen can sample (legal) tasty hookah delights.

5 May 2011 GAZETTE 17

MUSIC Up-and-coming groups compete for Toronto gig

Local bands hope for shot at Indie Week A NUMBER of Ireland’s hottest up-and-coming bands will take to stages around the country next week as Indie Week Ireland comes to town, with a number of local groups vying for the chance to play Toronto.

Indie Week, the brainchild of Canadian indiescene stalwart, Darryl Hurs, is a two-country music festival in which over 150 bands a year showcase their talents for public, press and industry.

In the Irish version, bands play hoping to win a slot at Indie Week Toronto, and vice-versa.

To that end, Toronto electro-pop/new-wavers, These Electric Lives, will be playing on all the bills, as part of their prize as winners of the Toronto event in October, 2010.

The band combines influences to create a sound that has been described as reminiscent “of happier days in the

Last Second Magic

Cure, mixed with a few guitar licks from U2”.

On the local end of things, Lucan favourites, The Riptide Movement, will play the May 13 showcase in The Grand Social on Liffey St. As anyone in Lucan can tell you, The Riptide Movement are riding the crest of a wave.

Music bible, Hot Press, has called them “a thrilling live proposition that leaves crowds wondering how on earth they haven't passed out”.

On the Irish festival circuit, they have a busy

The Riptide Movement

summer ahead, with Indiependence, Vantastival, Sea Sessions, Temple House, The Leixlip Festival, Shamrock Festival, Abbey Fest, Festival of Fires, No Place like Dome all on their slate.

They take the stage at 9.15pm on the Friday, hoping to move into Saturday’s final.

Made up of Blanchardstown, Castleknock and Dundrum natives, The Dirty 9s, fresh from their own trip to Toronto for Canadian Music Week, will close the festival on Saturday, May 14, with

a set at 11.50pm in The Grand Social on Indie Week Finals night.

The Dirty 9s released their debut album “Stop Screaming, Start Dreaming”, produced by Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers) in 2010 to critical acclaim.

Described by RTE. ie as “plenty of energy.. nice hooks” and by State. ie as “a record of youthful endeavour – bags of promise”.

At 10pm in Sweeney’s, Dame St on May 11, two bands from Gazette Newspapers areas take

The Dirty 9s

to separate stages at the same time as part of Indie Week’s launch party.

Sixteen Layers are past winners of Indie Week, having claimed the crown at the 2009 event.

From there, their debut album, I Am No One, was hailed a “sonic tour-deforce” by Hot Press and Toronto’s Music Vice called their Indie Week stand “one of the best shows I’ve ever seen in Toronto”.

Hailing from Dun Laoghaire, K insealy, Castleknock and Lucan, the band are preparing to

follow-up their impressive debut album.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Indie WeekToronto alumni, Blanchardstown’s Last Second Magic, take to the stage, hoping to earn a return to Toronto following their selection for the 2010 Toronto edition.

The band took the name for their recently released second EP We Miss You, Black Stalin from a painting in the Canadian city, but that was not all they gained.

Following a set at the festival, the band signed with a Canadian manage-

ment company.

Indie Week Ireland takes place between May 11 and May 14. May 11’s launch party in Sweeney’s, Dame St is free admission, before the event moves to Auntie Anne’s in Belfast, where tickets will cost £6.

The Grand Social on Liffey St then hosts the final two gigs on Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14. Friday’s event kicks off at 7pm and Saturday’s at 8pm. Tickets for both cost €4, before 9pm, and €6 after.

For more information, see www.indieweek.com

18 GAZETTE 5 May 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs GM EXPECTS TO SELL MORE OPEL/VAUXHALL CARS THIS YEAR: GENERAL

Motors reports that it expects to sell 10,000 to 15,000 more Opel cars in Europe than originally forecast this year. GM Europe President, Nick Reilly said in an interview with Dow Jones, that strong demand in markets, such as Germany and Russia, will more than compensate for weaker sales in countries such as Spain and Portugal.

Opel/Vauxhall is GM’s second bestselling brand after Chevrolet, but is the company’s only unprofitable division.

Better sales will help GM Europe to reach its goal of breaking even this year before restructuring costs and making a profit next year. The division is reducing production capacity by a fifth and cutting around 8,000 jobs.

Jeep will be offering a new Compass model as an affordable and stylish two-wheel drive version from the end of this year for Irish buyers, with prices that are expected to be very competitive, according to Fiat Ireland, which will be the official importer from the middle of this year.

New direction for Compass Jeep is to relaunch its vehicles this summer in Ireland as Fiat takes over the brand. The most important is the new Compass, as MICHAEL MORONEY found out.

WAS in Italy recently, test driving the new Jeep Compass, the car that the newly revitalised Jeep brand is hoping will spearhead the rebirth of the brand in Ireland.

And there is some truth to that conviction, as the new Jeep Compass has been upgraded with better styling, new engines and a new level of European on-road handling.

That will make it a real competitor in the smaller SUV segment.

The important news for the redesigned Jeep Compass is the arrival of a Mercedes Benz-built 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine. This engine will be offered with two power outputs options in Ire-

I

SPECS: COMPASS 2.2 CRD 4X2 Top speed: 201km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 11.5 sec Economy: 18.5 km/litre (5.4l/100km) CO2 emissions: 161g/km (152 g/km Jan 2012) Road Tax Band: C (€302) expected Entry Price: €24,000 approx

land, either 136bhp or 163bhp. The peak torque or pulling power remains the same for both engines at 320Nm. Jeep, in Europe, is being managed by the Fiat Group after Fiat took what is now a 30% share in the Chrysler company from the US government as part of a financial bail-

out. Fiat expects to have more than 46% of Chrysler by the end of June.

Jeep, as a brand, is a very important part of the Chrysler deal – important for Fiat for the future, as it gives the company an instant access point to the SUV and 4x4 market on a world-wide scale. The success of the Compass will be pivotal for Jeep in Europe in achieving its optimistic sales goal of pushing sales from a current 15,000 units to over 150,000 units by 2014.

With the new Compass, Jeep has responded to the demand for two-wheeldrive versions of modern family-type SUVs. The new Compass, with the lower-output engine, will

be available with frontwheel drive only.

Jeep claims that its performance is moreor-less on a par with the high-power unit. The high-power unit is offered with all-wheel drive only and boasts an increased 2,000kg towing capacity.

When launched during the summer months, the 136bhp version’s emission of 161g/km of CO2 will place it in VRT Band D. The more powerful 163bhp, all-wheel drive model produces 172g/km (VRT Band E).

Those figures are still a shade too high and Fiat Powertrain Technologies is working with Jeep to substantially reduce these emission figures further.

Jeep reckons that, by the time customers will start place their orders in Ireland for January, 2012, deliveries, the new Jeep Compass 2.2-litre CRD 4x2 Limited should fall into VRT Band C, further lowering the price and making it a far more costeffective car to own.

In styling terms, the Fiat influence has made a difference. The new Jeep Compass has a new front end that’s closer in design to the bigger 2011 Grand Cherokee.

Naturally, being a Jeep, the 4x4 version of the Compass offers offroad capability and this is thanks to its Freedom Drive I full-time 4x4 system. It also features a

lockable, electronicallycontrolled centre differential for tackling more extreme conditions such as deeper snow and sand.

The Compass’ 4X4 system works in conjunction with the stability control, ABS and Brake Traction Control systems to ensure the good handling and traction characteristics.

The proof of the car is in the driving. The Compass can drive well with plenty of power in the entry-level model, which we drove across rural roads near Baracco, near Milan.

The acceleration proved its worth, but it was the handling and road-holding of the car that impressed me most of all.

The Scrappage Scheme is ending – so act now!

THE Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has advised motorists who are considering buying a car under the Scrappage Scheme, to order as soon as possible as the scheme ends in just nine weeks time.

SIMI advised that, while the scheme officially ends on June 30, a dealer

may require a number of weeks to order and take delivery of your car. So, if customers don’t want to be disappointed, they need to shop now.

SIMI reported that, so far this year, sales of new cars are up on last year, driven by the Government Scrappage Scheme and the great discounts availa-

ble. With not long left until the scheme ends, SIMI is anticipating a rise in the number of scrappage enquiries at dealerships in the next few weeks.

The Governments Car Scrappage Scheme provides for VRT relief when a new passenger car with CO2 emissions of not more than 140g/km (i.e.

CO2 band A or B) is purchased and registered, and another passenger car over 10 years old is scrapped.

The scheme runs until June 30, 2011.

The VRT relief available is €1,250 for qualifying vehicles registered during the period January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2011.

5 May 2011 GAZETTE 19

20 GAZETTE 5 May 2011

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY DUN LAOGHAIRE: THREE-BED SEMI-DETACHED FOR €349,000

Granny’s delight at Johnstown Road

14 Millmount Grove, top, and 42 Camberly Oaks

DUNDRUM: RANGE OF NEW PROPERTIES

Homes in Milltown and Churchtown SHERRY FitzGerald are bringing a number of new properties to the market at the moment.

The first featured is No 14, Millmount Grove, a hidden gem situated close to Milltown, Clonskeagh and Dundrum.

This two-bed terraced cottage that benefits from a quiet, leafy location, and will no doubt appeal to a wide variety of buyers.

This stylish home, which has been beautifully renovated, enjoys a bright crisp interior with contemporary light-filled living/bedroom accommodation coupled with an airy kitchen and private sunny rear garden with large decked area ideal for dining al fresco.

The other property is No 42, Camberly Oaks, Churchtown, Dublin 14, with an asking price of €350,000.

This three-bedroom terraced house measures 84 sq m, and is positioned off Upper Churchtown Road, close to Dundrum and Churchtown.

The property would be a great trade down or first home and offers the discerning purchaser 904 sq ft of bright and airy accommodation.

Internally, there is a living room, kitchencum-dining room, w.c., three bedrooms, bathroom and is further enhanced by a private 33ft south-facing rear garden, ideal for those with a keen eye for gardening.

To the front there is a communal parking area and landscaped borders.

The sun-drenched rear garden has a sunny south-facing orientation ideal for enjoying the evening sun with patio area, ideal for outside dining or simply relaxing.

The properties are avaible to view by appointment, which can be arranged through Sherry FitzGerald’s Dundrum branch on 296 1822.

GUNNE are bringing No 21 Johnstown Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, a three-bedroom semidetached house in south County Dublin to the market for the asking price of €349,000.

This bright and airy three-bedroom family home, of c117 sq m, boasts a large, attractive 98ft rear garden and a spacious front garden with ample off-street parking.

The property features a converted garage to the side of the house which is used as a self-contained granny flat, with its own door access, front and rear.

There is great potential to further extend to the rear of the property or

Number 21, Johnstown Road, Dun Laoghaire

convert the attic, subject to the necessary planning permission.

The property itself comprises entrance hall, living room with gas fireplace, a kitchen/dining room with tiled floor, fitted with wall and floor

units, built-in storage cupboards and is plumbed for washing machine.

The bedrooms feature built-in wardrobes and the bathroom is thoroughly tiled.

The granny f lat is situated to the side of

the house and is selfcontained, with separate own door entrance to the front and access to the rear garden. It features an open-plan living room/kitchen, with fitted wall and floor units, cooker and is plumbed for washing machine, a shower room with Triton T90si electric shower and bedroom.

There is a gated front garden with a paved driveway providing off street parking for two cars, the garden is mainly lawned and bordered by mature hedges and plants. The large 98ft rear garden boasts a decked patio, ideal for al-fresco dining, and is bordered by mature plants and

trees.

There is gas central heating in the property, with a newly installed Baxi boiler, and there are double-glazed windows throughout.

Ideally located within close proximity of a host of local amenities including excellent primary and secondary schools, shops and leisure facilities. The area is also close to good transport links, including the N11 and M50 which are within easy access and regular bus services to and from the city.

Viewing is by appointment only, and can be arranged by contacting Gunne on 01 280 1719 or e-mail dunlaoghaireoffice@gunne.ie.

RATHMINES: ORNATE PERIOD RESIDENCE REDUCED IN PRICE

Kensington Lodge a palace in the south

FINNEGAN Menton are bringing No 107 Grove Park, Rathmines, Dublin 6, an ornate Queen Anne-style detached residence in the heart of Rathmines, with four bedrooms to the market at the reduced price of €1.2m.

Kensington Lodge is a majestic period residence extremely conveniently located on Grove Park, which is a quiet residential road off Rathmines Road, close to Portobello Bridge.

The property extends to 3,000 sq ft and has a secluded garden with off-street parking.

This proper ty was designed by William Isaac Chambers, for himself, in 1882 in Queen Anne-style. Kensington Lodge was lovingly restored and sympathetically modernised by the current owners over

the past 30 years and is undoubtedly now one of the finest period residences in the area.

The property comprises hallway, drawing room with dual aspect, elegant, grey marble mantle piece, cast-iron fireplace with tiled inset, and polished wood floor.

The kitchen is fully modernised, with Rayburn cooker, with brick feature surround. There are full-length Shakerstyle maple cupboards, granite worktops and feature island unit with sink unit and storage presses.

There is an integrated fridge, double oven, grill, electric hob with extractor and dishwasher.

The sitting room has a wood-burning stove with recessed book shelves to either side, wood panelled ceiling, laminated

The kitchen at Kensington Lodge

wood floor and folding French doors to garden.

The four bedrooms are well-sized and appointed, and there is an attic room with large velux window and feature circular leaded-stained glass window and a pitched, painted wood ceiling.

There are views of the Dublin Mountains.

This superb location offers a tranquil environment just a five-minute stroll from bustling Rathmines Village and within an easy walk of Dublin City Centre (1.25km).

The area is superbly served by a myriad of shops, restaurants, and pubs with numerous schools, churches and

other public amenities all at hand, complimented by an excellent public transport system, including Luas, for those not wishing to walk to Dublin City Centre.

For more information, contact Iain Finnegan or Richard Carrigan on (01) 614 7900 or e-mail info@ finneganmenton.ie.

5 May 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS Furnishing what customers want

Supported by AIB

Interview: Graham Costigan, general manager, Room To Room

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Duca Furniture started business over 10 years ago as a furniture wholesaler. Based on the outskirts of Dundalk, we have a state-of-the-art 75,000 sq ft warehouse facility. Our showrooms in Santry, Fonthill and Leopardstown are decked out in the best of furniture.

“We sell quality and pride ourselves on this. There are plenty of furniture retailers, but we feel we have some of the best furniture out there. And, as we’re a wholesaler by

Q: What was your first job?

A: I worked in Dunnes in the northside, stacking shelves and sweeping floors. Oh, how I miss those days ...

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: It was from the same place.

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

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

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

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

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

PRSAS (PERSONAL RETIREMENT SAVINGS ACCOUNTS) Q – I am married, 43 with two children and no pension. I was told employers have to provide a facility for employees to contribute to a pension, a PRSA. Can you advise me, as I don’t fancy having to live on € 230.30 per week when I am 68? Gerry - Ranelagh

Graham Costigan, general manager at Room To Room

trade, the price is fair as there is no middle man.

“We stock most of the floor items and have a wide range of customised furniture.

Why not slip by if you’re in the market?”

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

The company is keen to promote its core belief of providing the customer with an excellent level of service and quality at

a fair price.

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

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

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

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

A: I wanted to be a footballer.

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS

A: Doing the accounts – boring.

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

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

Q: What car do you drive?

A: I drive an old Audi.

Q: Can you swim?

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

Q: Would you ever bungee jump?

A: Nope; I don’t like heights.

Q: Do you play any sport?

A: I play golf.

Q: What is your favourite food and drink?

A: My favourite food is stew; my favourite drink is coffee.

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

A: Brian Cowen. I’d love to

Q: Where is your favourite holiday destination?

A: Portugal.

give him a slap up the side of the head.

Q: Have you ever met Brian Cowen?

A: Nope.

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

A: Way too often.

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

A: A professional golfer;

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

A: As seldom as possible. I

otherwise, I’m very happy with my work.

don’t like shopping.

Q: What is the name of your favourite shop?

A: Room to Room, of course!

But, really, it’s Macy’s in New York.

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: About 15, I think.

Q: When do you wish to retire?

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

A - There are currently over 420,000 Irish citizens over the age of 65 and, by the year 2050, there will be 1.8million citizens over this age - 767,300 by 2026, meaning that 16 years from now, more than 16% of the population will be in retirement. Put another way, in 2010 there were six workers for every retired person in the state.

By 2051, there will only be two workers for every retired person. Another fact is that half of the current earning population of Ireland does not have a pension, having to solely rely on the State Pension when they retire.

As you know, that retirement age is also moving to age 68 over the coming years. So, you are quite right to be concerned, as we need to address our retirement planning and save for the future now.

PRSAs – Personal Retirement Savings Accounts - were introduced September 2003 forcing ALL employers to set up a debit system to allow employees to contribute to a pension plan if there was not one already in place. While they do NOT have to contribute to their employees’ pensions, at least not yet, they will do in 2014. They MUST nominate an insurance company now to allow these pension payments or direct debits to be made by their employees. Failure to do so can result in a fine to the employer of between € 1,500 and € 12,700 !

You should, therefore, approach your company and ask if they have nominated a insurance company and set up such a scheme. You can, of course, also take the initiative yourself and open your own PRSA with any insurance company directly. The idea behind PRSAs was to make them affordable and portable for everyone. There is a maximum annual management charge of 1%, together with a maximum contribution charge of 5%.

Needless to say, there are a number of rules, regulations, terms and conditions and therefore you should seek professional, authorised and independent advice on same.

WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK

*based on standard industry measurements

Q: What will you do then?

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

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240

22 GAZETTE 5 May 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Try-mendous travel offer with Stena Line for Heineken Cup Final RUGBY fans can travel from only €44* per person by car for the Heineken Cup Final. STENA Line has a special offer from only €44* per person for rugby fans travelling by car (with four passengers) to the Heineken Cup Final in the Millennium Stadium in Wales on Saturday, May 21, which kicks off at 5pm.

Fans can travel by Superferry from Rosslare Port on Friday, May 20, at 21:15, or on Saturday, May 21, at 09:00 and return from Fishguard on Sunday, May 22, at 02:45 hours, arriving into Rosslare Harbour at 06.15.

For more information, or to book, log on to www.stenaline.ie, call 01 204 7777 or visit your local Stena Line office or travel agent. *Terms & conditions apply. Subject to availability. Fare does not include match ticket and is based on a car plus 4 people travelling.

Hop to the great cities of Las Vegas and San Francisco CHECK out two of the USA’s coolest hotspots with the latest twin city offer from GoHop.ie.

Soak up the hip vibe of San Francisco and enjoy its many fine restaurants and cultural highlights and then throw yourself into all of the excitement and buzz that’s on offer in Las Vegas.

Stay seven nights from €809 per person sharing Package includes: Return flights from Dublin to San Francisco, three nights accommodation in your choice of three-star hotel, four nights in your choice of three-star hotel in Las Vegas on room-only basis and airline taxes and charges.

Don’t miss out on this unbeatable twin city offer to San Francisco and Las Vegas, book with Gohop, visit www.GoHop.ie or call (01) 2412303.

A bit of windsurfing in Antrim WINDSURFING Week, which is taking place across Northern Ireland until May 8, provides enthusiasts with the perfect opportunity to enjoy a spring break in the surfing hub of Portrush, Co Antrim.

Co Antrim’s North Coast is dotted with surfing schools that offer lessons to all ages and abilities. Visitors and wannabe surfers can turn their trip into a short stay by availing of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s (NITB) special accommodation offer of two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at the Ramada in Portrush from only £95pps (subject to availability). The beautiful seaside town is a favourite with tourists due to its stunning scenery and fantastic entertainment venues.

For further information contact the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on callsave 1850 230 230, click on www.discovernorthernireland.com or visit the Tourist Information Centre, Suffolk Street, Dublin 2 to avail of its free advice and booking service.

A magical place for those vital first steps DAWN LOVE-LATIMER

ALTHOUGH the chance to review one of Ireland’s best-known hotels is something I would normally jump at, the idea of driving to Kerry with a 10-month-old baby made both me and my husband, Dylan, think twice, actually more than twice to be honest.

But throwing caution to the wind, on a sunny April day we loaded up our old estate and the three of us headed for the Parknasilla Resort and Spa in Kerry.

In the end, we’d nothing to worry about. We decided to stop in Adare for lunch, and the new motor way meant we zipped down in no time at all. It was like the scene in Meet the Fockers, when all the traffic lights go green, because Harry ended up sleeping most of the way to Adare and again until we reached Kerry.

Okay, getting from Killarney to Kenmare proved a little tricky, as Harry left both me and Dylan in no doubt that he’d had enough, but we got there in the end and the view when you pull up to the front of Parknasilla Resort and Spa is one of the most spectacular I have ever seen.

Perched majestically

overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this historic Victorian building conjures up images of the sumptuous hotels featured in Miss Marple and Poirot, and you can understand why both Charles de Gaulle and Princess Grace of Monaco were fans. There is a timeless quality about the hotel, although it now boasts a state-of-the-art spa and a new wing.

I think Irish artist Patrick Scott summed it up best, when, recalling the holidays he spent there with his family in the 1930s, he said: “I remember as a child being very impressed by the grandeur of it, and the locations, of course.

But it did seem to be the kind of hotel that people got very fond of and kept going there.”

To be honest, nothing has really changed, and that’s what I loved about it. Many of the people I met on our stay at Parknasilla are regulars, and many of them are families. It’s set amidst 500 acres, and, with a massive swimming pool, rock pools and walking trails, it is sheer kiddie heaven.

We’ve been to a few cafes and restaurants before where it’s made pretty clear that children aren’t particularly welcome, but, in spite of

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

‘Our little bundle of joy took his first solo steps, a family memory that we will treasure, and we hope to have many more of them at this Kerry gem’ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

the beautiful reception rooms in the hotel, never once were we made feel like this.

In fact, Harry got so attached to some of the hotel’s staff that on the last day, as we said our goodbyes, he leaped into the arms of John from the Pygmalion.

Other staff members,

like PJ, are also parents, in fact he is a dad of twins – so we always felt we were in an easygoing atmosphere and there was never a problem if we needed some food heated.

We stayed in one of the hotel’s new suites, and there is oodles of room for a family. One of my pet hates is poor bed linen, but

there were no fears here.

The beds are massive with really comfy mattresses and the bed linen is topquality cotton.

The bathroom was gorgeous, too, and I’m a total sucker for nice beauty products, so the Elemis ones that Parknasilla uses went down a treat.

Which brings me to the

5 May 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23

R1

TravelBriefs

Four-star holidays deals from €53 per day all-inclusive, from Panorama Holidays

Dawn with her son Harry, left, taking his first few solo steps. A lone Drascombe Lugger, above, drifts by the surroundings of Parknasilla

SPECIAL OFFERS THE Parknasilla is currently offering guests a twonight bed and breakfast and one evening meal deal from just €159 per person sharing, or book three nights bed and breakfast and two evening meals from just €229 per person sharing.

Bookings must be made before May 31 and the stay must take place before June 30, 2011.

To book visit www.parknasillahotel.ie or telephone 064 667 5600.

next part of the hotel, the spa – a definite must. I had a Hot Stone Massage. Now, I’m a big fan of facials and massages but I’ve never had a Hot Stone one and I really wasn’t sure if I would chill out as I heard the rustle of stones at the beginning. Chill out I did, so much so that

Dylan told me I should have a massage like that more often. He was joking, of course – at least, I like to think so.

In fact, I chilled out so much I fell asleep and the therapist had to wake me when she had finished.

Most nights we ate in the Doolittle Bar, which has an extensive menu

of really wholesome food and yummy desserts – definitely try the Sticky Toffee Pudding.

The buffet breakfasts were a real treat. Set in the Pygmalion restaurant, this is a really stunning and historic room with ocean views, and on our last night we decided to get a bit dolled up and

eat there.

Head chef is Peter Brennan, who has worked in some of London and Dublin’s top eateries, and his food is pretty spectacular. I have to say I would travel to Parknasilla alone for one of his dinners. All ingredients are locally sourced, including the freshly

caught fish, local farm vegetables and meat.

On a personal note, our little bundle of joy took his first solo steps in Parknasilla, a family memory that we will treasure and we hope to have many more of them at this Kerry gem that is run the way hotels used to, and should be.

“ALL-INCLUSIVE” is very much the buzz word among cost-conscious sunseekers this year, with tour operators seeing a strong rise in holidaymakers opting for packages, which include meals, drinks and entertainment in the price. Panorama has just released a large selection of all-inclusive deals for the month of May, with prices as low as €375 per week for four-star accommodation in Crete.

The offers cover three- and four-star properties in 12 destinations spread across Turkey, Greece, Portugal and Spain, and include all meals, snacks, non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, evening entertainment and use of hotel facilities. The four-star Gouves Park in Crete is on offer for just €375 per person sharing for May 6 departure, and is ideal for families, with nightly entertainment and a kids’ club, with a day-time activity programme.

The Algarve remains a favourite with Irish holidaymakers, and Panorama has a number of all-inclusive deals in the area, with the four-star Delfim Hotel in Alvor available from May for €635, and the Dom Pedro Golf resort in Vilamoura for €756 on May 15.

The Villa Marina Club in Salou, on the Costa Dorada in Spain, offers terrific value in May, from €415, departing May 6 or 15, while Fuengirola, on the Costa del Sol, can be enjoyed for €499 (Gardenia Park). Turkey is rightly popular for its value, and Panorama has a choice of allinclusive destinations in May, with the four-star Delta Beach Resort in Yalikavak from €479, the Bathian Hotel in Kusadasi from €449 and the Piril Hotel in Cesme from €539.

Menorca, from €449, Majorca from €489, Fuerteventura from €549, Lanzarote from €545, Tenerife from €635 and Zakynthos from €619, complete the special May offers. All prices are per person, based on two sharing and include taxes and charges.

“The prospect of accommodation, meals, snacks, drinks and entertainment for as little as €53 a day must be very appealing for families struggling with the cost of living here in Ireland,” says Brian Nevin of Panorama Holidays.

To book, and for more details on any of the discounts on offer, call 0818 20 20 20, log on to www.panoramaholidays.ie or visit your nearest travel agent.

24 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5 May 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1

GoingOUT GoingOUT PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Howard Marks: An Audience With Mr Nice Howard Marks is a writer, creator, contributor, storyteller, comedian, Oxford graduate, philosopher, teacher, stoner, singer, actor, DJ, social commentator, revolutionary and an all-round Nice guy. A softly spoken man, he has engaged audiences from Kilkenny to Kathmandu with his fascinating lifestyle and great anecdotal tales that has seen him driven by adrenaline and fuelled by emotion for a right and just society.

May 8 at 7:30. Tickets €19/€21.

SEAMUS ENNIS CULTURAL CENTRE 01 802 0898 Majorstuen Breakneck polkas with daring runs, easy-going lullabies with blue notes, groovy reinlenders and wickedly wonderful waltzes. This is what you may expect from a musical experience with the fiddle and cello collective Majorstuen. Majorstuen has somehow come to signify the revival of Norwegian traditional music with a hugely dynamic and forward-looking musical expression.

Already with its 2003 debut album this five-strong fiddle ensemble made it clear that things were changing in the sphere of Norwegian folk.

May 7 at 8:30pm. Admission: €16.

Priest (Paul Bettany) knows that his kidnapped niece is somewhere out there in the wasteland. The warrior has to find her, soon, before her

THE HELIX 01 700 7000

vampire kidnappers turn her into one of them. Meanwhile, the Church has sent agents to find and stop him – but why?

Psychic Medium Tony Stockwell Psychic Tony Stockwell has been working for some 20 years, constantly striving to push the boundaries of his communication. In that time he has had umpteen television programmes and has taught at the most respected schools for mediumistic development. Legions of people have witnessed his unique gifts and can testify to what he does as truly amazing.

May 6 at 8pm. Tickets: €30.

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

Until May 7. Admission: €18/€15

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Pineapple Pineapple is a tough and tender drama about love and survival. Calipo presents the world premiere of Pineapple, the new play from acclaimed playwright Phillip McMahon (Danny and Chantelle, All over Town, Alice In Funderland).

May 5 - 6 at 8pm. Tickets: €15/€12 conc / €10 Groups.

Vladimir and Classical Twist Vladimir Jablokov is a young violin virtuoso from Bratislava, Slovakia. He arrived in Ireland in 2004 and formed the Slovak Festival Quartet with some friends.

May 7 at 8pm. Tickets: €18 / €16 concession.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 4627477 Somewhere Under The Rainbow Starring Sharon Sexton as Liza Minnelli. Beneath the surface of sequins, feathers and razzle dazzle that is so often associated with Miss Minnelli, lies a truly captivating character, who has lived one of the toughest, most fascinating and remarkable lives in show business! Join Sharon Sexton’s Liza in the intimate setting of her dressing room as she performs pieces from her infamous musical catalogue and shares the secrets, stories and memories that make up a mesmerising career, including the memories of what was undoubtedly the most demanding role she ever played, that of “Judy Garland’s daughter”.

May 6 at 8pm. Admission: €20 and €16 concession.

Bit of an unholy mess Kate’s prayers for an original vampire movie have ... not been answered, with this Matrix-with-bloodsuckers film Q KATE CROWLEY

A READER recently asked me if I liked any film I cover, given a near-constant stream of one-star and two-star reviews streaming out from gleaming Gazette Towers.

Well, Timmy, by golly, I’m glad you asked me that. Of course I like films and cinema, it’s just that Hollywood keeps on making bad, bad films, which then end up trying to sneak into Dublin cinemas in a bid to take your hard-earned Recessionista Roubles. The noive of those guys!

So, rather than trying to tell you about good or interesting films (such as Takashi Miike’s latest, 13 Assassins, which is another well-told tale set in violent, feudal Japan), I sometimes feel it’s my duty to climb up on the roof and start shouting about some of the lame turkeys on the way to

FILM OF THE WEEK: Priest ++ (15A) 87 mins Director: Scott Charles Stewart Starring: Paul Bettany, Christopher Plummer, Karl Urban, Lily Collins, Cam Gigandet, lots of CG beasties

OUR VERDICT: LOOKING around the world, Kate has seen some fresh twists on the vampire theme recently, such as Let The Right One In (Sweden), or Thirst (Korea). Then she gets Priest (Hollywood). Although not totally terrible, its endless style over substance is rather draining and, she says, it has rather too much leather coats, slo-mo and noisy music to make a good impression. Conclusion? It sorta sucks ...

gobble your change.

That, or to sit here at my old Remington, put on my geen eye shade, and tap away in front of the fire.

And, lo, speaking of warnings about bad films, here comes a Priest that many of you probably won’t like so much.

In a futuristic world, following a long-running clash between humans and vampires, which humanity eventually won, a warrior priest (Paul Bettany) lives in obscurity amongst the huddled masses of one of the world’s safe, walled cities,

ruled over with absolute authority by the Church.

The war was won, but the vampires weren’t wiped out, with many of their various, mutated forms prowling around in the post-apocalyptic wastelands beyond the walls of the cities.

When his niece, Lucy (Lily Collins) is grabbed by the vampires, Priest is the only man for the job to go git her, before the gal becomes a ghoul.

Well, almost the only man, as he’s joined by Lucy’s brave boyfriend and an Inevitable Feisty Warrior Woman Sidekick

for his near-suicidal rescue mission.

Not that the Church wants him to leave the city; in fact, Monsignor Orelas (Christopher Plummer) expressly forbids his mission, and even despatches other holy warriors to bring back Priest from the wasteland. Could the Church have its own nefarious secrets, perhaps?

Still, our heroes don’t have Nosferatu go to find the vampires and screaming niece/girlfriend.

However, despite being very skilled at trampling vampires, there’s still just a few of them, and an awful lot of mean vampires to get past – and the meanest of them all is Black Hat (Karl Urban), who may still look pretty human, but is a true beast on the inside.

Priest finds himself not just with a rescue mission to complete, but also has to do something about the terrible truth he

uncovers; something that Black Hat was counting on him uncovering ...

Shlock-horror fans will welcome the sight (and distinctive sound) of Christopher Plummer; a seasoned old ham who adds his reliable B-Movie stamp to the film.

Meanwhile, Bettany continues his apparent bid to usurp Clive Owen as a Grade-A indicator of a Grade-Awful film, with yet another film involving him and some supernatural hi-jinks.

I’m not adverse to vampire films – some readers may recall that I liked the bloodthirsty film, 30 Days of Night, for example – but, I confess that Priest really isn’t anything that special.

Coming across like a cross between Judge Dredd, Firefly and Mad Max, Priest will probably go down well with some, but, for this reviewer, Priest hasn’t a prayer.

Fangs, but no fanks ...

5 May 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 25

Imagine! People actually queueing to buy music!

ADAM MAGUIRE

Jessica Alba, one of the stars of J th the just-released, Little Fockers

Why Alba really loves the Fockers THE third instalment in the highly-popular Fockers series, Meet the Parents – Little Fockers, was recently released on a range of formats, with the DVD and Blu-Ray releases flying off the shelves.

One of the film’s stars, Jessica Alba, shared some of her thoughts on working with the likes of Ben Stiller. Meet the Parents – Little Fockers is available now at a wide range of outlets.

Q: Tell readers about your character ...

A: I play “Andi Garcia” and, yes, that’s a bit of a joke! She’s very bubbly, very outgoing and she never thinks before she speaks.

She says exactly what’s on her mind, and she has that ‘cheerleader’ kind of attitude.

Q: Does that mean you got some really good lines to say?

A: Yes, and I threw in a lot of slang as well, because I thought it would be funny if [Andi] did that, and if there was that sort of generational gap between Ben’s character and her character, that he just had no idea what the hell she was talking about at all!

Q: Is comedy hard to do?

A: Yes, comedy is the hardest thing to do.

Acting in other things, it’s subjective what works. But, with comedy, if you don’t make people laugh, you have screwed up. It’s hard.

Q: You’re working with some great comedians. Is it difficult to keep a straight face sometimes when you’re filming scenes with them?

A: Well, you can laugh at the scene when they’re doing their close-up, but when you are in the scene with a wide shot, you can’t break character. So, my goal every day was to try and get Ben to break character and laugh!

Q: What was it like, doing ‘Little Fockers’?

A: It was the best time ever, it really was, and every day I came home knowing that I’d had a great day at work. It was the kind of film that made me want to act in the first place. I loved it; every day was a blast.

A FUNNY thing happened recently; something that had not happened for quite some time.

People up and down the country queued outside their local music shops, waiting for the doors to open.

The reason was Record Store Day – an international event aimed at drawing crowds into record shops with live music and limited edition releases.

Its success was, no doubt, welcome for the industry, too, as it continues to struggle in a world of digital – and more often than not, illegal – downloads.

If record labels and musicians can take one thing from it, it is that people are still willing to pay for music, assuming there is enough of an incentive for doing so.

Gimmicky However, if they feel this kind of gimmicky event is enough to save an industry in turmoil, they are only fooling themselves.

The reality is that the world has changed. The internet has made it possible to get hold of practically any song, and users do not even have to pay for the pleasure of doing so.

This is a modern-day Pandora’s Box, and all the legal threats, court cases, moral appeals and guilt trips in the world will never undo this shift.

The way people consume music will never go back to the way it was before.

However, these very tactics have characterised the industry’s reaction to illegal downloading, to date, simply because they are the easiest ones available.

Unfortunately for the

record labels, this is not a simple problem with a simple solution.

Rather than waste energy fighting a losing battle in the courts, perhaps it is time for the industry to focus its energies in more productive ways.

Hinderance Individual artists are already leading the way and, as much as it has proven a hindrance, technology can also be used to help this.

There is no one route that will prove successful for all, of course, but, then again, it is a myth to suggest there ever was.

With matters such as Record Store Day and the resurgence in vinyl sales, it is clear that people will spend money on music, as long as they get something in return.

Something tangible, exclusive, personal ...

Whatever the big players decide to do, people will continue to make money from music in the years and decades ahead.

Whether they are a part of that really depends on how they react in the relatively short-term ...

Nintendo 3DS Having led the field with touch-sensitive, and then motion-sensitive, gaming, Nintendo may be on to another winner with this glasses-free 3D handheld.

The original Nintendo DS, which has been on the market in one form or another for many years now, has been a roaring success.

Worldwide sales are touching on 150 million units, and most people have played games, such

as Brain Training and Nintendogs, at least once.

Therefore, a follow-up to the handheld was always going to be hotly anticipated, and under a lot of pressure to perform.

The Nintendo 3DS, it seems, is worth the wait, with its cracking graphics and striking 3D graphics without the need for glasses.

The 3D, along with 3D cameras built-in, opens up a whole new way of playing games that will really capture your imagi-

nation.

The ability to download new titles wirelessly is handy, too, as is the likes of the “Streetpass” feature, which helps you to set up multiplayer games with people nearby.

If there is anything bad

to say, it is that the 3D can strain the eyes a little when used a lot, but it is so easy to adapt it to suit you – or to switch it off – that this is not really going to be a problem.

Expect this to be top of many people’s birthday and Christmas lists for the next year, or more.

The Nintendo 3DS is available from games retailers, with a RRP of €270.

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

GAZETTE

26 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5 May 2011

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5 May 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

SPORT AWARDS: GazetteSport’s April winners are announced: Page 29

CRICKET: NORTH COUNTY CLUB TAKES FIRST STEPS TOWARD INTERNATIONAL FACILITY

Malahide all set to celebrate 150 years ROB HEIGH sport@gazettegroup.com

THE development of cricket in north County Dublin announced in October of last year began to come to fruition when representatives of Cricket Ireland and Fingal County Council were on hand at the turning of the sod on the new international cricket facility at Malahide Cricket Club last week.

Ireland cricket inter-

national John Mooney, Warren Deutrom, the CEO of Cricket Ireland, Mayor of Fingal, Ken Farrell, and Norman Adams, president of Malahide Cricket Club were present at Malahide Demesne as the club took the first tangible step on the road to the development of the club’s grounds, which came on the back of a €450,000 funding boost.

The funds, predomi-

nantly, will go toward the cost of redeveloping and extending the outfield, as well as providing grass banking, which will accomodate the crowds attending matches.

Mayor Farrell said: “Fingal County Council is greatly looking forward to working with Malahide Cricket Club and Cricket Ireland on the development of this facility.

“The sport of cricket has a long association

Jonh Mooney, Warren Deutrom, Mayor Ken Farrell and Norman Adams at the ceremony at Malahide CC

with Fingal with some of the oldest and longest established clubs based in north Dublin and the sport is very popular in the Fingal area. It was therefore fitting that the Cricket Club in Malahide Demesne had been

chosen as the location for Ireland’s new international cricket facility.”

Celebrations The club are in the midst of another celebration at the moment, with their 150th anniversary

celebrations about to get into full swing.

As part of the celebrations, the club are hosting a Gala Dinner Dance on June 11 in the Grand Hotel, Malahide and hope that the wider community of members,

friends and supporters of the club will join in the celebrations and reunite with old friends and team-mates.

For more information on the dinner, contact Howard on 087 419 0148.

28 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5 May 2011

GazetteSport Sport Rugby

FastRugby

HEINEKEN CUP: VICTORY PUTS BLUES WITHIN WIN OF TITLE

Coaches lead elite corps at Malahide FOR the first time, Malahide RFC this year introduced an academy structure for its youth players.

Players were identified and invited to attend an additional training session per week with academy coaches and Malahide first-team players, Richie Forbes and Blake Creighton.

Malahide RFC Elite Rugby Academy programme is aimed at developing a core of 20 players ranging in age from 14 to 18 years. Over the course of a number of weeks, players were tested and observed in both training and game situations, resulting in selection to participate in the programme.

The academy programme is targeted at players who all possess above average skill levels, showing immense potential for improvement given the right coaching and environment for development. As part of this programme, players will be subject to increased levels of coaching, including individual player/position specific skills and programmes.

As well as this video analysis will be utilised tracking improvement of players and referencing skills and drills to be used by coaches in regular season training. We believe players training in an increased skilled environment will allow opportunity for improvement.

All of the players identified for the Academy programme have shown an improvement in their basic rugby skills and all of the youth coaching staff who had players involved in the academy programme noted a significant improvement in the players’ overall games.

The academy players are now on a well-earned close season break but it is intended to restart and to continue to advance the programme once the new season begins in September.

Man of the match, Jamie Heaslip, receives his award from Pat Maher of Heineken

Leinster close in on cup HEINEKEN CUP S-FINAL Leinster Toulouse

32 23

sport@gazettegroup.com

LEINSTER moved a step closer to a second Heineken Cup title in three years in a breathless tie against Toulouse in the Aviva Stadium last Saturday, winning 32-23 in a wonderful exhibition of rugby.

Perennial man-ofthe-match winner and try-scorer, Jamie Heaslip, though, said there was plenty to get right ahead of the final against Northampton, set to take place at the end of the month.

“We set our goals at the start of the season to win the competition, but credit to Toulouse, who played some amaz-

ing rugby. If we’re honest, we know that we haven’t played some of our best yet.

“We knew how good they would be because they showed us last year — and we were made to work hard for the win.

“There are a lot of leaders in our team and our focus is on talking, on getting the little details right, and on the next job at hand.

“When we got into their 22 we caused them a lot of problems, but we have to look at the video and address some of the areas we fell down on. But we’re delighted to win against a quality side.”

It was Brian O ’ D r i s c o l l ’ s 14 9 t h appearance for the province and, while his

try was a vital component in the game, he was keen to emphasise that it was the team’s defensive performance which propelled the side.

“I suppose it was an important one — and I’ll take the credit for falling over the line with the ball!

“I feel that we definitely fronted up when we n e e d e d t o . We didn’t play great — and we weren’t at our best — but we showed great resolve, and we know that we haven’t won anything yet. “ We s h o u l d n ’t b e allowing silly tries like that (first try), and we have to make sure that that doesn’t happen again.

“Sometimes you have

to learn from defeats in the past but, in the semi-final stage, it’s all about getting over the line, and we’re delighted that we managed that.”

Florian Fritz profited from a fortunate bounce of the ball off the upright from a David Skrela penalty to score Toulouse’s fifthminute opener, with Leinster using their forward power to set up a 31st-minute reply from Jamie Heaslip, who started and finished the move after a wonderful spell of forward pressure.

In between both tries, Jonathan Sexton added penalties on 9 and 13 minutes respectively — the second a result of excellent work by Sean O’Brien.

The hosts edged into a 16-13 half-time lead, courtesy of Sexton’s injury-time penalty, but Louis Picamoles barrelled over for Toulouse’s second try in the 43rd minute, with Skrela converting, to make it 16-20 to the reigning champions.

Leinster used their bench intelligently and Sexton’s place-kicking was assured, moving them back ahead until O’Driscoll struck after some excellent initial work from Mike Ross, Sexton and then Isaac Boss, who provided the assist.

Although replacement Nicolas Bezy in the 75th minute kicked Toulouse to within six points, Sexton had the final say.

5 May 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29

in association with

SWIMMING: ARRAY OF TITLES CLAIMED AT NAC

2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS APRIL WINNERS IN ASSOCIATION WITH

+ STARof theMONTH

DAVID MALONE THE Paralympic swimming star was announced as the team manager for Ireland’s 2012 London Paralympics campaign last month, a well-deserved accolade and further affirmation of both his place as one of the leading lights in the sport and his ability to develop and nurture new talent in the sport

TEAMof theMONTH + COLAISTE IOSAGAIN

THE southside ladies took on a challenge never attained in Dublin schools’ senior football and brought back the All-Ireland title after a titanic struggle against Holy Rosary College of Galway, showing that the game of ladies’ football in the capital has a great deal of promise for the future.

APRIL saw a great deal of sporting achievement in Dublin, and the early weeks of May look set to do the same, with the capital’s footballers, hurlers and ladies footballers all chasing league titles, and other titles being decided in all manner of sports.

But an All-Ireland crown has a special cachet, especially when it is the first one to be claimed in Dublin since the competition began, and Colaiste Iosagain must be hailed for their success.

When one of the greats in a sport received an accolade that recognises his capacity to rise beyond any perceived limitations and inspire

those he coaches to the same level of achievement, that cannot be ignored.

David Malone showed his ability to shine in the pool at international level for many years, and now is set to bring a new generation of swimmers to Paralympic glory in 2011.

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

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

Portmarnock’s Karl Burdis was one of the top performers at the National Long-Course championships

National contest sees local winners TROJAN’S Nuala Murphy and Portmarnock’s Karl Burdis were two of the bigger local winners at last weekend’s National Long-Course swimming championships, held in the National Aquatic Centre in Abbotstown.

The formerwas involved in a series of high-profile tussles with rising star Sycerika McMahon and fellow high performance swimmer, Niamh O’Sullivan.

But it was in Friday’s 1500m freestyle final that she achieved her big success, crushing her rivals by over a minute as she finished in a time of 17:19:13, well clear of Breifne’s

Cliodhna Delaney and Comans’ Sarah Kelly.

As she dropped down the distances, the quality of the fields became more intense, none more so on day three when Murphy contested the 400m freestyle race.

Murphy was well in contention with McMahon and O’Sullivan But, at the half-way mark, Murphy who is returning from an injury this year, dropped behind leaving McMahon and O’Sullivan to dominate the race.

The two rivals made an outstanding effort, and turned at the last wall within four hundredths of

a second of each other.

O’Sullivan dug in deep, but McMahon powered through on the last 25m in an impressive home, straight spurt to touch the wall ahead of the Kerry native in 4min.17.39 – just over a second faster than O’Sullivan (4min 18.17).

Prowess Burdis, meanwhile, showed his prowess in the backstroke field as he clocked 2:04:57 to win the men’s 200m race ahead of Niall Wynn as he continues his build-up for a second World University Games bid in China.

The Portmarnock man is currently studying at

DCU after a couple of high-quality seasons in the US at the University of Minnesota.

Aer Lingus were another club to prosper, picking up a number of medals despite the absence of World Senior Champiosnhips qualifier, Barry Murphy.

ConorTurner, a qualifier for the European Juniors in Belgrade, was the silver medallist in the 1500m freestle, finishing just off the pace set by Leander’s Conor Donnelly, while club-mate Andrew Meegan matched that feat in the 100m butterfly and also grabbed bronze in the 400m freestyle.

NAC to host more Olympic champions THE Irish Water Polo Association and Swim Ireland have announced that the triple Olympic water-polo champions, Hungary, are coming to Ireland in June.

The National Aquatic Centre secured the high-profile booking when the British and Hungarian waterpolo teams decided to come to Dublin for training and international fixtures, Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar announced last week.

This is the latest in a number of

high-profile link-ups with international competitors for the NAC, as it is already booked to host the USA Synchronised Swim Team for up to six weeks in advance of the London Olympics. It will also host the British Paralympic Swim squad for a training camp later this year.

International The Hungarian and British men’s waterpolo senior squads will use the National Aquatic Centre for a training camp

and two international matches between June 5 and 8, in co-operation with the Irish Waterpolo Association and Swim Ireland.

Minister Varadkar said: “It’s a great boost for waterpolo in Ireland to attract athletes of this calibre. The 22-man Hungarian senior squad has more than 40 Olympic Gold Medals [between them]. I would like to congratulate the National Aquatic Centre, the Irish Waterpolo Association and Swim Ireland for attracting these world-class athletes.”

30 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5 May 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

CENTENARY SHIELD: FINGAL CC’S BARKER LINES OUT IN DEFENCE

Table quiz to aid Olympian Flanagan at rugby club

Republic Of Ireland were denied victory in the Centenary Shield when England scored late to take the tie

MALAHIDE RFC are hosting a table quiz on May 13 at 8pm in aid of Fingal sailor Scott Flanagan’s Olympic bid.

Flanagan, pictured above with his sailing partner and double Olympic veteran, Ger Owens, was a junior member of the club before focussing on sailing, while his father is also a club member.

Tables of four are €40 and there will be prizes for the best teams while there will also be a raffle on the night.

To confirm your entry, contact Al Kelly Moore on 086 8199 044.

Malahide host junior open tournament MALAHIDE Lawn Tennis club are hosting their popular junior open tournament this summer over the June bank hoiliday weekend, from June 3 to 6. The qualifying rounds will be held over the previous weekend of May 27 to 29.

Sponsored by Java Republic, the open attracts juniors from all over the country.

The club are looking for volunteer umpires, bakers, tuck shop and kitchen help, and anyone who wishes to help should contact Caitriona Reilly at juniortennis@ mltcc.com. For more information about the

tournament, and how to enter, see the club’s website at http:// www.mltcc.com

Malahide U-9s enjoy trip to Peterborough MALAHIDE United’s U-9A team recently spent a weekend on tour in Peterborough in England, which included a visit to Peterborough United’s academy facility, and the opportunity to play their U-9 Academy team and train with their coaches.

Malahide were to claim a hard-fought 3-2 win over their hosts, before travelling to London Road Stadium to watch Peterborough United beat Plymouth Argyle, 2-1.

Local stars for Ireland Q STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

FINGAL Community College’s Michael Barker was among a small group of ever-presents when he was part of the Republic of Ireland team who played in the thrilling conclusion to the Centenerary Shield against England last Thursday at Tallaght stadium.

In the game itself, England struck a late winner to overcome the Republic of Ireland in this final Under-18 game of the shield campaign.

Chris Lyons put Ireland in front on 26

minutes by pouncing on a defensive mix-up between Jamie Summers and his goalkeeper, Ed Baldy, to tap into an empty net.

England should have equalised within a minute when Alex Meaney’s free-kick, whipped in to the far post, was headed wide by defender Joshua White with the goal at his mercy.

S l o p py d e f e n d i n g allowed the visitors to get back on terms four minutes before the break when a stray thrown-in was seized upon, allowing Jordan Ayris to cross for Fabio Goncalves De Abreu to

Gael force three: Braveforce launch new challenge PORTMARNOCK pugilist Oisin Fagan

was on hand to help launch Braveforce’s new assault course event, set to take place on June 11 at Puddenhill Activity Centre. The course, runs for a challenging 7.5km, and places are limited. Alongside the race, Team Braveforce are organising a festival for competitors and spectators on the grounds of Puddenhill Activity Centre. For more information, including booking for the event, see www. braveforce.ie

smash home.

E n g l a n d ’s r e v i v a l continued seven minutes af ter the break when half-time substitute Jack Wood was left alone inside the box to finish from closerange.

Ireland continued to probe and midfielder John Mountney provided a deserved equaliser with a superb low thirty-yard strike that beat Baldy.

Murray then pro duced a top-class save at the near post to deny Meaney, while substitute Conor Keddy worked the England goalkeeper with a crisp shot at the opposite

end.

With the game stretched, the next goal was going to be vital and England grabbed it seven minutes from the end.

Tom Hurley split the Irish defence with a slide-rule pass into the box and on hand to control and finish was the lively De Abreu.

There was still time for Ireland to stage a late onslaught but, despite Mountney drilling another of his thunderbolts towards the goal, and Billy Lane’s header clipping the post in the last minute, their best efforts didn’t translate into an equaliser.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Murray (Phobailscoil Iosolde), Barker (Fingal CC), Cooney (Templeogue CC), R. McLaughlin (Carndonagh CS), Matthews (Clonkeen College, Blackrock); Merritt (Loreto CS, Milford), Douglas (St. Brendan’s College, Bray), Chambers (St. Fintan’s, Sutton), Mannion (St. Benildus College), Lyons (Presentation, Bray), Mountney (St. Muredach’s, Ballina).

Subs: C. McLoughlin (Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana) for Matthews, Timlin (Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana) for Mannion (both h/t), Molloy (Tullow SC) for R. McLaughlin (68 mins), Keddy (Carndonagh CS) for Merritt (72 mins), Lane (Presentation College, Athenry) for Lyons (80 mins)

5 May 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31

in association with

SFC ROUND 1: SAINTS KEEP ON THE WINNING PATH

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST SYLVESTER’S DUBLIN Senior Football Champion-

an excellent win over Na Piarsaigh

ship: St Sylvester’s 1-13 Ballymun

on Sunday, and they play Bally-

Kickhams 0-10.

boden St Enda’s in Broomfield next

This was a very solid team per-

Sunday, May 8 at 11am.

formance where we outplayed Bal-

Congratulations to Eddie Sul-

lymun and finished up very deserv-

livan and the new club executive

ing winners. We looked very solid in

members on their election at last

defence and threatening in attack.

Thursday’s AGM, and thank you to

Next Sunday, May 8, we play Par-

the members who retired, espe-

nell’s at 12.30 pm in Parnell Park. We

cially the long serving club secre-

need another large attendance to

tary, John Fanning, for your excel-

support the team.

lent service to the club.

On Thursday, May 5, we play St

The notes are filed a little late

Colmcille’s in Malahide Castle at

this week thanks to our fantastic

7.15pm in Division 9 football.

National League Hurling Champi-

The minor hurlers scored 4-15 in

ons. Magnificent.

WILD GEESE St Sylvester’s team spirit shone through as they comfortably defeated Ballymun Kickhams

Syl’s form carries into championship DUBLIN SFC ROUND 1 St Sylvester’s 1-13 Ballymun Kickhams 0-10 STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

WITH plenty of big names stumbling in round one of the Dublin Senior Football Championship last weekend, St Sylvester’s avoided t h e s h a r k- i n v e s t e d back-door waters with a consummate performance against Ballymun Kickhams.

Indeed, it was slightly more comprehensive than the final scoreline suggested, setting up a second round tie with Parnells next Saturday, another one of the emerging powers in the Dublin game, with their host of inter-county imports.

On Friday night, Syl’s tie with the ‘Mun took centre stage as the only game in Parnell Park, after St Mary’s and Kilmacud Crokes’ second part of the double-bill was pulled at shor t notice.

Early on, Ballymun started well with Derek By rne on the mark twice, drawing the likes of Fionn Carney, Collie Hanratty and Cian Cleere into the action, pressurising the backline.

In spite of this, Micheal McCar thy’s free from the right corner, Louth man Darren Clarke’s effort and one from new boy, Nigel Dunne, meant that the Malahide side eked out an 0-3 to 0-2 lead on the quarter-hour.

And when Micheal McCarthy isolated his marker under a long, high delivery from Eoin Fanning to score a great goal shortly afterwards, St Sylvester’s were in cruise control as they built a 1-5 to 0-3 lead at half-time.

And they consolidatedthis with a spell of five successive scores, with McCarthy eventually building a tally of 1-4 while Clarke ended with four points and Dunne, three.

They were pushed on by Russy Cleere and Brian Sexton to move ten clear with a quarter of the game remaining, while Gavin McArdle was instr umental in orchestrating the team’s drive, defending with purpose and attacking at speed.

That they got just one more point in the closing phases allowed Ballymun to reduce the arrears, Eddie Christie running up a half-dozen frees to draw Kickhams back into slight contention.

But it did not really mask a sur prisingly dominant performance from the Broomfield side, who added their first senior championship win to a fine run in the league to date.

Big results The result was seen by some as a mild shock, but the nature of the weekend’s action saw many scratching their heads and Paddy Power possibly count-

ing the cost of some generous odds on the supposed weaker sides in the competition coming to nothing as surprise results abounded across the capital.

Five-to-one underdogs, St Peregrine’s, knocked out Lucan Sarsfields in emphatic fashion, with a sixpoint win in Russell Park, built on Robbie McCarthy’s nine-point scoring haul.

Eve n b i g g e r o d d s were against St Anne’s, but they still managed to overcome St Jude’s, while St Brigid’s, finalists in 2010, were beaten at the first round stage by newly promoted Templeogue Synge Street.

With St Mar y’s throw n out, and St Vincent’s falling to St Oliver Plunkett’s/ER, it means quite a few big names could tumble before the suddendeath rounds. Next up is one of those major threats, as Parnells will not bow out easily.

JUNIOR footballers play Clan Na Gael

on fullfilling their first fixture. Their

on Sunday, May 8 at home at 11am, in

training is Mondays and Wednes-

an AFL8 fixture.

days at 7.30pm.

U-14 hurlers play st Vincents at

Juvenile hurling training resumes on

home on Saturday, May 7 at 3.30pm

Wednesdays at 6.30pm.

(lge game)

Golden Goose lotto: Numbers drawn

Junior hurling championship starts

were 9, 16, 26 and 33. There was no

Tuesday, May 10 with home fix ture

winner. €20 to D Hagan, D McDon-

vs Good Counsel at 7.15pm.

nell, B McNulty. Next week’s jackpot

Congratulations to the ladies team

is €1,050.

FINGALLIANS CONGRATULATIONS to the Dublin hurl-

Teacher Appreciation Night - Friday,

ers on their first league crown since

May 20: Fingallians’ GAA Club will hold

1939.

a Teacher Appreciation Night to show

Well done to the U-14 footballers who

their appreciation to all the teachers

did the club proud in this year’s Feile,

who have dedicated their time towards

going out in the semi-finals.

the promotion of Gaelic games and in

Our senior and intermediate footballers suffered championship defeats and now take the back-door route.

particular Fingallians GAA club during this academic year.

Club golf classic in aid of Ladies and

Mini Leagues commence on Wednes-

Gents’ adult section is on this Friday,

day, May 11 (hurling) and Friday, May

May 6 at Donabate Golf Club. Please

13 (football). This is a seven-week pro-

contact eoin.cullen@aviva.ie for fur-

gramme for boys and girls aged six to

ther information. After the golf, there

eight years from 6 to 7pm; and for boys

will be a presentation night with all the

and girls aged nine to 11 years from 7

members and friends most welcome

to 8pm.

back in the club.

Primary school hurling blitz on May

Fingallians’ Athletic Section wishes

12 at Gaelscoil Bhrian Boroimhe; St Col-

to thank Gerry Rohan for the first

mcille Boys’ NS and St Cronan’s Senior

of a series of workshops on the long

NS will participate in a hurling blitz.

Jump.

FINGAL RAVENS WELL done to the mentors and

Alan and Mick for all the organis-

selectors of the U-14s who hosted

ing, to Ann and Mary for running

the Feile in Rolestown on Saturday.

the shop, and thanks to our ground

It was a great sucess, thanks to

staff, Tom, Brendan and Denis, for

Erin’s Isle, O’Toole’s and Kilmacud

having the pitches in immaculate

Crokes for taking part; well done to

condition. Well done to our U-14s

Erin’s Isle who won their semi-final

who lost out in the semi’s to Plun-

in Rolestown. A big thanks to all the

kett’s after extra-time; well done

parents who helped out, thanks to

to all the lads who took part.

ALL OF YOUR MALAHIDE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

SUPER SYL’S: In a week of shocks, St Sylvester’s hold their nerve in the SFC: P31

MAY 5, 2011

SPORTS AWARDS: April winners revealed: P29

Jackies primary target achieved

GazetteSPORT

Naomh Mearnog’s Cliodhna O’Connor, pictured with Meath captain Grainne Nulty, is looking forward to this weekend’s NFL Division 2 final

Ahead of Saturday’s NFL final, Naomh Mearnog’s Cliodhna O’Connor is pleased promotion has already been secured STEPHEN FINDLATER malahidesport@gazettegroup.com

DUBLIN skipper Cliodhna O’Connor is hoping her ladies’ footballers can follow in the footsteps of their hurling counterparts and claim national league glory.

It may be a far cry from Croke Park as they take on Meath in Parnell Park on Saturday (3.30pm) in the division two title, with their primary objective already in the tank as they seek to retain their AllIreland senior championship.

“Our first aim this year was to qualify back to division one so we’re delighted to have done that by reaching this final. The first job is ticked off.”

Despite a string of emphatic wins, the side did endure some nervy moments, falling to Cavan in the group stages, setting up a tricky semi-final against the Breffni county.

But they emerged from that battle, 3-12 to 1-9 victors, to set the final date with lessons learned.

“Even when we won the semi-final, it was still a

tough match. We had to reassess after Cavan beat us for the first time. We didn’t perform to the best of our abilities and we knew that after the match. It was probably a reminder that we had to make sure we got everything right, no matter what match we were playing.

“I suppose we had to assess a little our game-plan and our decision-making. When things weren’t working on the pitch, we were slow to change.

“We had to refocus ourselves but all was not lost after we lost to Cavan. We could still qualify for the semi-finals, but we had to concentrate.”

It leaves Dublin in an interesting situation. Last year, they claimed ultimate glory despite being relegated from division one. This time, they will enter the Leinster championship on form but against a lower-tier of competition.

The Naomh Mearnog woman admits it is “hard to know” which approach is better.

“Last year, we had to learn a lot about ourselves very early on. We were making mistakes and it was being shown up straight away.

“This year, we have a different scenario. We’re in a league final; you can take positives from both but you just have to learn from whatever situations you’re presented with and take as much as you can from it.”

Her side has also had to learn a slightly new style as Tommy Brown stepped up to take over from long-serving manager, Gerry McGill.

“There’s been a few changes to the set-up.

Tommy knows what we’ve done the last few years and that’s given us momentum going forward, but also he’s had a few different approaches to what Gerry had.

“Angie McNally has come in and she’s doing a lot of coaching, she’s a new voice which freshens things up. There’s probably a nice balance and continuity.

“As for Meath, we’re used to playing each other at this stage but a final is a final. The score in the earlier game (2-15 to 1-8) probably didn’t reflect the game. It was a very tough, physical match and I expect nothing less this Saturday.”