Malahide

Malahide GAZET TE FREE

RECYCLE THIS COPY. KEEP DUBLIN TIDY.

YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

INSIDE: Celebrating new stores at shopping centre P8-9

Motor Sport: Thompson set for roaring start in Nippon Page 32

Sports Awards: November nominees are announced Page 29

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

November 24, 2011

MALAHIDE’S GOT TALENT: Four

nights of top local performers P3

Damage caused to 28 houses in flood Q MIMI MURRAY

A TOTAL of 28 houses in Malahide and Howth suffered from flood damage when the east coast was battered by torrential rainfall at the end of October.

That’s according to new figures compiled in a report by Fingal County Council and presented to local elected representatives at a council meeting last week.

In the report, FCC said that, through a teleconference with several senior officials, the county manager had decided not to implement the major emergency situation as other local authorities in Dublin had.

The manager said that no area required the council to ask for extra support, such as gardai or Fire Brigade to be brought in and invoke the emergency situation.

Full Story on Page 6

Coming together for the club: Launching business network MARY Keogh, Francine Shelly and Frances Sullivan, were amongst around 120 guests attending the launch of St Sylvester’s GAA newly-formed Business and Trade Services Network. Guests at the

event represented a very broad spectrum of business and it was the perfect opportunity for members to help each other in business-related matters.

Full Gallery on Page 10

2 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 24 November 2011

COMMUNITY: CALLS FOR LATER ACCESS TO PARK BE MAINTAINED

COURTS Three-year suspended term

FF Cllr Eoghan O’Brien says students may find themselves locked in under current closing hours

‘Keep the Demesne gates open’ Stabbed wedding guest Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where a Ballymun man received a suspended sentence for his attack on another man in Portmarnock

Q MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com

PARENTS and teachers are up in arms this week over the early closure of gates in Malahide Demesne.

According to Fianna Fail councillor Eoghan O’Brien, many students who use the castle grounds as a short cut home are now finding themselves either locked out, or locked in, when they have tried to use the route.

Cllr O’Brien says he wants a reversal of the closing hours, and is calling on Fingal County Council to act quickly.

“In the last few weeks, the demesne has been closing from 4pm onwards, depending on what part of the castle it is.

“Students from Scoil

Iosa who would use it have found that, when they go to enter the gate, it is either locked or, when they get to their exit gate, that they can’t get out.

“It is causing a lot of confusion and hassle, and we should always be trying to encourage safe routes.

“I’m calling on them [the council] to act quickly. At the very earliest, it should stay open until 4.45pm,” said Cllr O’Brien.

A spokesperson for Fingal County Council said: “We are aware of the recent issues, and we are looking at an alternative arrangement which would ensure the gates are open until 5pm.

“We expect this matter to be resolved within the next few days, and have kept Cllr. O’Brien informed accordingly.”

with shard from table

A DUBLIN man, who stabbed a fellow wedding guest with a shard of glass, has been given a three-year suspended sentence.

Gerard O’Reilly (33), of Cairn Court, Poppintree, Ballymun, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm on September 12, 2010 at Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Club.

Garda Brian Penton, of Portmarnock Garda Station, told prosecution counsel, Ms Elva Duffy BL, that in the early hours of the morning, a fight broke out between Keith Ellis, his partner and another female.

Gda Penton told Judge Martin Nolan that

initially O’Reilly had acted as a peacemaker in that altercation, but then “completely lost it” when his partner, who was two weeks overdue with their daughter, was pushed from behind by a person he believed to be Mr Ellis.

The court also heard that a year previous to the offence, O’Reilly and his partner had lost another daughter to cot death.

Gda Penton said Mr Ellis entered the affray between the women as he saw someone “slapping the head off” his partner.

Mr Ellis was then punched and kicked to the ground by a number of people.

CCTV footage showed Mr Ellis getting up and

running to a different part of the hotel, followed

by O’Reilly, who picked up a glass-panelled table and smashed it over him O’Reilly then picked up a lengthy shard of glass and stabbed Mr Ellis twice.

The court heard Mr Ellis then fled the hotel and managed to flag down a passing taxi that brought him to Beaumont Hospital.

On his arrest, O’Reilly denied he stabbed the victim, but later made full admissions.

Gda Penton told defence counsel, Mr Conor Devally SC, that O’Reilly told him he initially denied the offence as he thought gardai would place him in cus-

tody immediately and he would miss the birth of his child.

Mr Devally told Judge Nolan the offence was “a matter of enormous regret” to his client, who is a “loving and committed family man” and, up until the date of the offence, had “no history of violence whatsoever”.

Mr Devally asked Judge Nolan to take into account the tragic circumstances of O’Reilly’s family life, and the fact he and his partner’s three other children have complicated medical needs.

Mr Devally also told Judge Nolan that, due to the costs of the funeral and internment of his daughter, O’Reilly was paying out €100 per week

to a funeral directors.

Due to this, he was not in a position to offer compensation, but was hopeful he could do so from May, 2012, when he discharged the debt.

Judge Nolan said he would take into account O’Reilly’s previous good record, early guilty plea and co-operation with gardai.

Judge Nolan also said the fact O’Reilly did not bring a weapon with him suggested the stabbing was not premeditated.

Handing down a threeyear suspended sentence, Judge Nolan ordered O’Reilly to keep the peace for three years, and to pay €1,200 compensation to the victim within two years.

24 November 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 3

CONTEST Fundraiser is hailed as a huge success

WINTER: WELLNESS

Seminar on senior health

With the Malahide’s Got Talent fundraiser behind it (top, left), Malahide Musical and Dramatic Society can look forward to preparing for its production of Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (above, right), which the Society can be relied upon to stage with the same skill it has brought to all its shows (other pics)

Praising local talents Q MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com

MALAHIDE’S Got Talent, a fundraiser run by the Malahide Musical and Dramatic Society (MMDS), has been hailed as a huge success by organisers this week, who said they wanted to say a big thank-you to all those who took part.

The competition was held over four nights from Thursday, November 10 to Sunday, November 13.

The first three nights were held in Malahide Rugby Club, with the top acts, as voted for by a combination of audience votes and judge’s votes,

qualifying for the Grand Final in The Grand Hotel, Malahide.

Marissa Magner, PRO with MMDS, said that they would like to express a huge thank-you to everyone that participated in and supported the fundraiser.

She said: “The range of talent on display was tremendous. The winners of Malahide’s Got Talent 2011 were local band, Fret 13, made up of Sean Dolan, David McIntyre and Ben Lawless, who sang and played Blink 182’s, All the Small Things.

“As well as being crowned overall winners,

they took home the top prize of €500.

“In second place, and winners of €200, were girl group, The Copycats, made up of Emma Woodhead, Emma O’Reilly and Megan O’Shea, who impressed the judges with their rendition of Maroon 5’s recent hit, Misery.

“In third place was Aoife O’Connor, who gave the audience a beautiful performance of My Heart will Go On, made famous by Celine Dion.

Aoife took home €100,” said Marissa.

“A great night was had by all, and we would like to say thank-you to everyone that helped, front

of house and behind the scenes.

“The funds raised will go towards staging our next production, which is Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, which will be held in Scoil Iosa Hall from February 14 to 18.

“Rehearsals for this musical are in full swing, under the direction of Lynda O’Neill; musical director, Andrew J Linnie, and choreographer, Michelle O’Hara.

“Finally, keep an eye out for MMDS over the next few weekends, as we take to the streets of Malahide carol singing,” said Marissa.

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

BE INDEPENDENT Home Care will host an event for the Malahide Active Retirement group on Monday, November 28.

The Malahide-based provider of home care and home help services is delivering a series of Wellness seminars throughout North and County Dublin during the winter, focusing on practical tips for how older people can stay healthy and fit during the winter months ahead.

The first seminar was presented to the Malahide Ladies’ Club members on October 5 in The Grand Hotel, Malahide.

The presentations, which are provided free of charge to these organisations, cover a variety of health and wellness topics, and are presented by the co-founder of Be Independent Home Care, Caitriona O’Donovan.

A registered general nurse, Catriona has presented seminars on wellness in Britain and Ireland for more than 10 years.

4 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 24 November 2011

CONTEST Making smart use of Fingal data to help the county

Develop an FCC app and win up to €2,500 Q MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com

A HOST of prizes will be up for grabs for technosavvy Fingal residents who take part in Apps4Fingal, a competition to build mobile or online apps using Fingal data.

The competition was launched on November 9 in Fingal County Hall, Swords, by the Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Gerry McGuire.

Entrants can win prizes by developing apps for the internet or smartphones, which make use of data that has been made available by Fingal County Council.

Speaking at the launch of the Apps4Fingal competition, Cllr McGuire said: “The citizens of this county need smart apps to help them to understand everything that is available in this county, and to be given the information they need to make better choices.”

Competitions such as this around the world have resulted in great apps that help citizens to find services and information. Apps have also been created to help the business community to develop their services.

Oisin Geoghegan, CEO, Fingal County Enterprise Board, who

Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Gerry McGuire

are one of the sponsors of the competition, said: “By marrying the expertise and innovation of app developers with the information of local authorities, we have a potent and powerful force that can make life easier for our communities, and strengthen our businesses in practical ways.”

Apps4Fingal has a prize fund of €11,000.

There is a €2,500 prize

for each of the categories – tourism, enterprise and community – while there is also an overall prize of €2,500, and a student prize, to the value of €500.

There is also an ideas prize of €500 that is available to all – no technical ability is required.

Just think of a good idea for an app that you think should be created, describe what it would do, and you could be in

with a chance of winning this prize.

An Apps4Fingal event will take place in Fingal Civic Offices, Blanchardstown on December 3.

This Developer Day event will provide an opportunity for those considering entering to hear more about the competition, to talk to council experts, to develop ideas and to form teams.

There will be men-

tors on hand to provide advice to those thinking of entering, and you can register to take part at http://apps4fingal.eventbrite.com.

ESRI Ireland, a technology company based in Fingal, is another sponsor of the event. Speaking at the launch, ESRI Ireland account executive Mick Byrne said: “Open Data can help make the world a better place – community groups, start-up

companies and SMEs need all the leverage they can get.

“Data can be part of this leverage and, with it, apps can be built and key decisions can be made,” he said.

The closing date for the competition is midday on January 9. Further information is available at http://data.fingal.ie/ apps4fingal, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ fingalopendata.

OPINION: PROJECT ENGINEER, PETER O’REILLY, CLEARS UP A FEW MYTHS ABOUT MAJOR PROJECT

Facts on need for new regional wastewater treatment plant Q PETER O’REILLY

Project Engineer

WE want to scotch a few myths and confirm the facts relating to the need for a new regional wastewater treatment plant in north Dublin, a marine outfall and a new orbital sewer, that will be needed after 2020, to augment the Ringsend wastewater treatment works.

The Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), is expected to be operating at full capacity by 2020, following current plans to expand the Ringsend WWTP to its maximum capacity.

The proposed new

regional WWTP in north Dublin will not be the largest plant in the country.

By 2040, it will deal with approximately onethird of the wastewater that will be treated at the expanded Ringsend WWTP. Ringsend WWTP currently treats 1.8 million population equivalents (population equivalent is determined based on current population figures and an equivalent of population that is attributed to the industries that will also send wastewater to the new regional wastewater treatment plant). When extended to its full extent,

the Ringend WWTP will treat the equivalent of 2.1 million population equivalents.

The Ringsend WWTP will reach its maximum treatment capacity of 2.1 million PE by 2020.

To ensure that the Ringsend WWTP does not become overloaded post 2020, it will be necessary to divert part of its contributing catchment to another treatment facility.

In order to achieve this, a new WWTP in north county Dublin will need to be commissioned by 2020.

When it is initially commissioned, the new WWTP will treat wastewater from approximate-

ly 350,000 population equivalents.

By 2040, it is estimated that the treatment capacity provided by this new plant will have risen to 700,000 population equivalents.

Although the proposed regional WWTP will treat some wastewater from other local authorities (Meath, Kildare, and, eventually, South Dublin), the majority of the wastewater that will be diverted to this new plant is currently discharging to Ringsend WWTP and a majority of the flows to the plant will come from the Fingal County Council area T he new regional

WWTP will require a site area of approximately 20 ha [HA = Hectares. One hectare is just less than 2.5 acres. ED]. Within this site, approximately 16 ha will be required for the plant and 4 ha (approx 10 acres) for a buffer zone/screening.

All of the nine land parcels identified are larger than the required 20 ha.

The Project Team are currently undertaking further studies, which will continue over the winter, to identify the most suitable 20 ha within each of the nine land parcels and ultimately a single preferred 20 ha site.

Why one regional plant and not a lot of small

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

‘By 2040, it is estimated that the treatment capacity provided by this new plant will have risen to 700,000 population equivalents’ --------------------------------------------------------

ones? The option of having a large number of smaller wastewater treatment plants rather than one regional plant was given a lot of consideration as far back as 2005, as part of the Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study (GDSDS).

The issue was considered again in 2008 when the strategic Environment Assessment (SEA) report was published.

Both the GDSDS and the SEA reports confirm that one large regional plant will have a lesser impact on the environment than would a large number of smaller plants discharging to ground/ surface waters across the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and the decision was made to build one regional WWTP. Continued on Page 7

24 November 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5

FCC Bereaved relatives contacted to pay fees

FastNews Author and former pilot, PJ Callahan

Ex-pilot’s writing career takes off

Labour TD, Brendan Ryan (inset), has criticised Fingal County Council’s methods of gathering outstanding payments

Council’s payment seeking ‘shameful’

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

Q MIMI MURRAY

malahide@gazettegroup.com

FINGAL County Council’s action in writing to bereaved relatives about money outstanding for the opening of graves, has been described as “shameful” by Labour TD, Brendan Ryan, this week.

Deputy Ryan said it had come to his attention in recent months that FCC was contacting bereaved relatives of deceased people, stating that the interment fee relating to the deceased was outstanding.

“The scandal here is that the council is aware that the fee has been paid by the bereaved to the undertakers and that it is in fact the individual undertakers who have not passed on the fee to the council,” he told the Gazette.

The Labour TD said the fee is usually in the

region of €250 and is more commonly known as the fee for “opening the grave” and is handled by the undertaker as part of the overall funeral costs.

When contacted by the Gazette, a council spokesperson responded to Deputy Ryan’s comments saying: “In a small number of cases, the council has had to pursue undertakers for the non-pay ment of fees.

“In some cases, where the fees have not been paid for several years, this has resulted in legal action.

“In these cases, the council is concerned that the families of the deceased may not be aware that their undert a ke r h a s n o t p a i d the fees due on their behalf.

“The council is anxious to ensure that no difficulties arise in the

future for these families.

“For this reason, the council decided to alert these families about the current situation.

“It should be noted that the council is not a party to the arrangements made between any individual family and their undertaker.

“Arising from the c o u n c i l ’s a c t i o n i n contacting the families involved, the council can report that significant progress has been made in relation to the payment of outstanding fees.

“The council wishes to thank those undertakers who cooperate fully with the council and thereby lessen the burden on families at a distressing time.”

But Deputy Ryan said the contacting of bereaved relatives as “a cynical method being used by the Council

‘I’m calling on FCC to immediately end this shameful practice and to issue an unreserved apology to all of those who have received such letters’ --------------------------------------------------------

who are struggling to collect their fees from the undertakers”.

“Instead of pursuing the individual undertakers the council sees fit to contact bereaved rela tives in a most insensitive and accusatory manner.

“Fur thermore, the council are stating in their letters that ‘no further burials can take place in this plot until full payment is made’.

“This is absolutely shocking behav iour from FCC. “To threaten already bereaved people with a closure of a family plot in this regard is an

absolute scandal. Some of the fees being sought relate to burials which took place up to a decade ago,” he said.

Deputy Ryan has told anyone who has received a letter not to be concerned.

“If you have settled your full bill with your undertaker then you have nothing to worry about and you can ignore the letter from FCC. “I’m calling on FCC to immediately end this shameful practice and to issue an unreserved apology to all of those who have received such letters.”

WRITER and former airline pilot and flight instructor, PJ Callahan, launched his debut novel, First Kill, in Ardgillan Castle, last Saturday.

First Kill, an adventure novel with a strong aviation background, has been inspired by PJ’s career, spanning more than 50 years in the aviation industry.

A former airline pilot who first took flight at the young age of 13, PJ’s career has reached some literal and figurative highs.

From training young pilots in the art of flying to captaining an executive Boeing 727 for a very important Saudi national, PJ’s flying history was diverse, adventurous and exciting.

Though a pilot by trade, it was on retirement that PJ begin writing, and he realised he had a talent for it when he won awards for his short stories.

After joining a writing group and spending time honing his work, he finally hit upon the idea for First Kill, and began to craft the novel.

Santa Claus set to turn on the Christmas lights at local fair SANTA Claus is turning on the Christmas lights at the Malahide Christmas Fair this Saturday, November 26.

There will be plenty of stalls and activities on New Street from 12.30pm, plus Malahide Market in St Sylvester’s GAA Hall on Church Road from 2pm until 9pm.

There will be some fantastic entertainment from 2pm from local schools, as well as some traditional Irish music.

Santa makes an appearance on New Street at 6:15pm, and will then proceed to turn on the Christmas lights.

All are asked to come along and shop local in support of Malahide traders.

Places available for cookery classes at Jaipur Restaurant INDIAN cookery classes are taking place at Jaipur Restaurant, on St James Terrace.

A demonstration will be given by one of the chefs, followed by a food tasting and a glass of wine.

People will be taught about spices, and how they can be used at home in an Irish kitchen.

The one-day classes will run from 11am to 3pm on weekdays, and cost €45 per person, with groups of five to six people also accepted.

For further information, or to book a class, contact Monu on 01 845 5455.

6 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 24 November 2011

KING OF THE ROAD

Cormac Curtis takes a close look at the new Kia Rio, fresh from its recent winning of the 2011 Continental Car of the Year award last week MOTORING, PAGE 18

PROJECT: NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS RECEIVED

Council refuses to scrap policy MIMI MURRAY

FINGAL County Council has refused to scrap its Meadowlands Policy in spite of numerous complaints received from residents in the Fingal area.

Responding to Fianna Fail Councillor Eoghan O’Brien, the council said it regarded the policy, which aims to improve biodiversity and the visual interest within parks in Fingal, as a success.

The council said it would continue with the project into next summer. However, this is in spite of complaints by some residents who say Meadowland sites limit space in which children can play and have become eyesores.

Biodiversity

In a report to councillors at a council meeting last week, the local authority said that the Growing Places policy was introduced in 2010 with the twin aims of improving biodiversity and visual interest within our parks and open spaces while freeing up some labour to carry out other essential works.

“T his is a considered response to ever increasing demands on finite resources. A similar policy is being pursued by many British and European Local

Authorities for very similar reasons.

“In order to address concerns of local residents in the areas affected by this new approach, staff from the Parks Division engaged in an extensive consultation at local level to determine the most appropriate way to implement this initiative on a site by site basis. The Operations Department recognises that the conversion of amenity grassland into an attractive wildflower meadow takes time and a level of patience is required,” the report said.

“It is also acknowledged that there is a continuous need to engage with residents to find the best fit between areas of meadow, kickabout areas and mown paths on open spaces. The Growing Places policy also provides an opportunity for residents to arrange bulb planting days, have additional tree planting and works carried out during the winter months and to adopt herbaceous bedding schemes at suitable locations.

“Since its introduction the new policy has proved to be a success and the council will continue to meet with local residents to address issues of concern as the need arises,” the report said.

Torrential rainfall at the end of October caused chaos on the roads

COUNCIL: FIGURES COMPILED AND PRESENTED AT MEETING

51 houses affected by floods in north Dublin MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com

A TOTAL of 51 houses were f looded across north Dublin when the east coast was battered by torrential rainfall at the end of October.

That’s according to new figures compiled in a report by Fingal County Council and presented to local elected representatives at a council meeting last week.

According to the report, 23 houses were flooded in the Swords and Balbriggan areas, while 28 houses in Howth and Malahide also suffered from flood damage.

The council said that a total of 52 staff were deployed on the night of October 24 going into the morning of October

25.

Through a teleconference with several senior council officials, the County Manager decided not to implement the major emergency situation whilst other local authorities around Dublin did.

In a council meeting last week he said he believed that no area had required the council asking for extra support, such as the gardai or Fire Brigade to be brought in, and to invoke the emergency situation.

The council said that between 4 pm and 10 pm, cumulative amounts of rainfall were between 60 and 90mm in Dublin and up to 130mm in parts.

“This indicates an average rainfall intensity of 15mm per hour sustained for between a four- and

six-hour period. Rainfall of 60 to 90mm over a four- to six-hour period is a very unusual occurrence outside the design parameters for infrastructure, including roads and drainage systems.

“On Monday staff from the Operations and Water Ser vices Departments reviewed contingency plans, especially around vulnerable areas liable to flooding.

Reports received from the Met Office predicted 40-70mm of rainfall.

However rainfall levels turned out to be higher than forecast, as is highlighted above,” the report said.

“At 4.30 p.m. that evening a decision was taken by the Operations and Water Services Departments to have crews available after nor-

mal working hours in the event that the situation deteriorated further.

“The overloading of the out-of-hours telephone service became evident after 7pm when senior management began to receive calls directly from elected representatives that people were having difficulty getting through to the out-ofhours number.

“The Director of Operations and the county manager conferred on the pattern of calls and the extent to which staff that had already been deployed were in a position to deal with these,” the report said.

“All suitable council equipment and machines were utilised on the night.

Also seven additional jetvac machines had been hired on the Monday

evening in view of the deteriorating situation.

Additional jetvac units and JCBs were hired on the following day and continued on hire for the remainder of that week,” the council said.

Approximately 3,000 sandbags were filled and delivered and an additional 3,000 were filled and delivered on October 25. Water Services also monitored all Foul and Surface Water Pumping Stations to ensure that they remained fully operational throughout the event. Only one of the 64 pumping stations failed temporarily.

Following the delivery of the report local politicians commended the council on their actions and many said the council staff had done the best that they could.

24 November 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 7

FUNDRAISER Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital to benefit NORTH DUBLIN: WASTE-

WATER TREATMENT PLANT

Time for Le Gra Fingal Craft fair Site unlikely to be known until late 2012

Q MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com

THE third Le Gra Fingal Craft Fair in aid of The Children’s Research and Medical Foundation at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin takes place at Fingal County Hall, Swords on Thursday, November 24.

All craft items are handmade by Fingal staff members or friends, and donated free of charge, with 100% of

the price charged for the item going directly to the charity.

In 2010, Le Gra Fingal raised over €4,600, and over €2,000 was raised in 2009 for The Children’s Research and Medical Foundation.

Items on sale include prints, cards, candles, knitted/crochet items, handmade toys, sewing crafts, papercrafts, floral crafts, jewellery, jams and chutneys, wood crafts, pottery and glass

crafts.

Some of the donated items will be picked as raffle prizes, and raffle tickets will be on sale on Thursday 24, with the draw taking place on Thursday, December 1.

“Members of the public are welcome to call in and take this opportunity to buy a unique handcrafted Christmas gift, with all money going to this deserving cause,” a spokesperson for FCC said.

Continued from Page 4

A selection of the items at the Le Gra Fingal Craft Fair

TELEVISION: POLITICIAN TO STAR IN NEW RTE SHOW ON WALK TRAILS

Senator to help show the beauty of Howth Q MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com

SENATOR and TV personality, Feargal Quinn will take in the scenic Howth cliff walk as part of a new RTE television series beginning this week.

The popular presenter will go to the summit, passing the Bailey Lighthouse, meeting and greeting local residents and experts, and visiting some hidden gems on Howth Head.

Speaking to The Gazette this week, Kevin Halpenny, senior parks superintendent with Fingal County Council, said he hoped the programme would highlight the walkway, which he describes as a “hidden treasure”.

“In 2006, Fingal County Council developed a conservation plan for the

protected area of Howth Peninsula, which led to the development of four looped pathways and important conservation work.

“Since then, Howth Pathway – a local volunteer group – has carried out extensive path clearance, and the council has carried out heavier site work and provided signage, way-marking and a leaftlet describing each of the walks,” he said.

Senator and walking trail enthusiast, Fergal Quinn

Opportunity “It’s a great opportunity when a prominent RTE programme opens this hidden treasure to so many more people who, we hope, will enjoy it.

“The walks are easily accessible from Howth DART station, and we encourage as many people as possible to tune in on Sunday, December 18, and to take the opportu-

nity to enjoy these magnificent walks the next chance they get,” said Halpenny.

Starting with a programme featuring sports broadcaster Tracy Piggott, the series features well-known personalities, including comedian, Colin Murphy; meteorologist and presenter, Evelyn Cusack; broad-

caster, Jim Sherwin, and Senator Quinn, taking on the challenge of walking, cycling and paddling on some fantastic trails around the country.

Areas featured in the new series include South Tipperary; The Burren, Co Clare; Achill Island, Co Mayo; and Lough Erne, Co Fermanagh – all of which have fan-

tastic trails waiting to be explored.

T h e H ow t h p r o gramme will be broadcast on December 18.

The series is supported by the Irish Spor ts Council with a number of other partners, and was developed to follow the popular first series which aired on RTE in 2010.

The local rivers and streams across the GDA are too small to be able to absorb the cumulative impacts of treated effluent from a large number of smaller plants.

The predicted impacts of climate change and the possibility of stricter surface/ground water legislation in the future, also rule out a number of small local plants and confirm the need for the one regional plant, capable of treating wastewater from 700,000 population equivalents.

The cost of the project has not been determined to date. The full cost of the project will not be determined until the location of all three elements of the project are confirmed, along with the technology that will be used at the wastewater treatment works.

The cost is likely to be in the hundreds of millions of euros and is likely to be less than €500 million.

The €2.5billion figure that has been attributed to the Project, refers to all the wastewater projects in the Greater Dublin Area identified by the Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study (GDSDS) in 2005.

It includes for the upgrading of all wastewater treatment plants in the GDA to their ultimate capacity, including the upgrading of the Ringsend WWTP and the Shanganagh Bray WWTP; it also includes for significant upgrading of the existing drainage networks across the entire GDSDS study area and operational and maintenance costs for a 30-year period.

The public consultation that was carried out

by Fingal County Council in May and June this summer and now, during October and November, is non-statutory consultation and does not affect your rights to object to the project when the final preferred site is identified and a planning applica-

tion is submitted to An Bord Pleanala. This will not happen before 2013, at which stage An Bord Pleanala will carry out its own statutory public consultation on the project.

FCC are committed to consulting with all interested parties at the very earliest stage of the Greater Dublin Drainage Project and to give all parties the opportunity to have their say on the project before any decisions are made.

There will be further opportunities for nonstatutory public consultation in 2012, when the nine land parcels are reduced to a shortlist of potential sites.

FCC has extended the date for receiving submissions on the Greater Dublin Drainage project until December 2, to facilitate people who still want to make a submission on the project.

Although the advertised date for the end of this non-statutory public consultation was November 18, submissions will be accepted and considered after the date, though they may not be included in the Consultation Report on this stage of the project.

The preferred site for the proposed regional WWTP is unlikely to be known until late next year.

People are welcome to contact the Project Team at any time by email at info@greaterdublindrainage.ie, by phone at 1890 44 55 67 or in writing to Greater Dublin Drainage Project Manager, C/O RPS Group, West Pier Business Campus, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

Fingal County Council has posted new information about the Greater Dublin Drainage project on the www.greaterdublindrainage.ie site to counteract misinformed facts circulating about the project.

8 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 24 November 2011

EVENT Vero Moda, Jack & Jones, Vila, Only and Name It

New arrivals at centre HERE was good news for local shoppers recently when Millfield Shopping Centre welcomed the arrival of five new fashion stores to its Balbriggan site. Vero Moda, Jack & Jones, Vila, Only and Name It, all had some great opening offers for lucky shoppers and the first 200 customers into each store received a complimentary goodie bag.

There was also a competition in which one lucky winner will receive a â‚Ź1,000 shopping spree across the five stores. DJ and Big Brother 11 contestant Keeva Guilfoyle, was on the decks spinning some great tunes that added to the party atmosphere at the popular centre.

T

Joshua Karabegovic, Sean O’Neill, Hannah Karabegovic and Grainne Sherlock. Pictures: Una Williams

Grainne Maguire

Keeva Guilfoyle spins the tunes for the grand opening

Lucy, Donal, Sean, Kianna and Arwen

Linda Goodman and Miriam King

24 November 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 9

open their new stores at Millfield Shopping Centre

Holly Karabegovic outside Jack & Jones

The crew from the Name It shop, Sarah Power, Claire Doyle, Lisa McCabe, Michelle O’Daly and Susan O’Connor

A GIFT FROM THE Peter Carey and Aisling Cleary

Gazette THE BEST OFFERS IN LOW COST ADVERTISING THIS CHRISTMAS... ...THE PERFECT GIFT TO GIVE YOUR BUSINESS!

CALL US NOW ON 60 10 240 Ella and Leah Taggart get stylish

10 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 24 November 2011

EVENT Business and Trade Services Network launch

Pat Keogh and Cllr Anthony Lavin

Club members come together HERE was another milestone for one of Dublin’s largest GAA clubs recently, when St Sylvester’s launched it’s newly-formed Business and Trade Services Network. The event attracted around 120 guests representing a very broad spectrum of business.

Entrepreneur and Dragon, Bobby Kerr, was on hand to launch the Network and the event was open to members and non-members.

Given his entrepreneurial background and success and his many interests, the members were very interested in what Bobby had to say.

The members present set the expectation that they could and would help each other and their members in business related matters just as they do in sporting matters.

Tracy Hussey, Dee Roche and Charo Barnes. Picture: Xxxxx Zzzzzz

T

Alex Gibson, Michelle O’Meara, Ernie Brenner and Kevin Haverty

Muireane McAllister, Laura McCormac, Kay O’Neill and Eddie Sullivan

Claude Scully, Eoin O’Neill and Ronan Lynch

John McCormac, Diarmuid Scollard and Susan McLaverty

Des Stone, Timmy O’Connor and Eoin Farquharsa

Mary Keogh, Francine Shelly and Frances Sullivan

24 November 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 24 November 2011

GazetteNUTRITION NUTRITION Healthier way to takeaway food Q LEILA JOHARI

THIS month there is plenty of reality TV hitting our screens. Between the X Factor and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, there are several excuses to stay in and curl up on the couch, phone in hand, surrounded by dozens of takeaway menus.

Pizza, burgers, Indian, Thai or Chinese – the choice is endless! Takeaways are a convenient meal on a cold, dark winter’s night when the last thing you want to do

is go outside to shop for ingredients. What could be better than getting a hot meal delivered right to your doorstep that you can just throw in the bin afterwards?

No need to spend time cooking and cleaning up – imagine missing the latest performance!

Unfortunately, this is not beneficial to our health. These shows go on for weeks, so we must not make this a weekly habit! The question is how can we make these nights a little bit health-

ier, so we don’t have to feel guilty about making the delivery boy venture out in the rain? Here are some facts and tips on how to make your favourite takeaways more nutritious and take that guilt away.

Take this away for thought…

Every single person in the country eats one type of takeaway at least once a week In general, up to 60% of total calories from takeaway meals come from fat, with three quar-

ters of meals analysed over the recommended fat limits. Saturated fat and salt content is high.

Meals are short on a wide variety of nutrients such as fibre, vitamin C, E and the B group vitamins. In addition to the main meal, it is very tempting to order starters, side dishes and drinks. A milkshake, for example, can add up to 300 calories to your meal! Not to mention onion bhajis, samosas, chips and spring rolls, which are all deep-fried

Up to 60% of total calories from takeaway meals come from fat

and high in saturated fat.

Takeaway the Guilt

Pizza: Pizza can be r e a s o n a b l y h e a l t hy depending on which you choose and the size of the portion. Most pizza is high in cheese, which is high in fat, but also protein and calcium.

The carbohydrate base provides a good source of energy and the tomato sauce contains caro-

tenoids, such as lycopene-powerful phytochemicals that protect us against cell damage.

Avoid meat-based pizza and choose a vegetable pizza instead.

Burger in a bun with chips: Meat burgers in a bap are high in total fats, saturates and calories. Many are them are made with poor quality meat and topped with processed cheese, which is high in fat and

salt. Burgers are low in fibre and vitamin C and chips are deep-fried and high in fat. When ordering a burger, ensure that the meat is lean, preferably organic. Request a wholemeal bun if available and avoid cheese and mayonnaise, sticking with tomato relish and salad.

Chinese/Japanese: Chinese and Japanese takeaway choices can be one of the worst, as they are high in salt, fat and calories and can contain flavour enhancers such as monosodium glutamate and other additives. Higher fat dishes include sweet and sour pork in batter, duck dishes and special fried rice. For a lowerfat meal go for stir-fried vegetable dishes with lower fat protein such as chicken or beef in chilli sauce and choose plain, boiled rice or noodles.

Indian/Thai: Indian and Thai are one of the nation’s favourites and the spices used can provide many health benefits. However, all the meat, spices, onions and other vegetables are fried in oil, which later rises to the surface so the dishes are quite oily. When choosing curries, it is best to opt for tomato-based sauces rather than highfat sauces that contain coconut milk or cream such as “tikka-masala”.

Tandoori (dry) chicken with mango chutney or raita is a delicious meal and an excellent source of protein.

24 November 2011 GAZETTE 13

14 GAZETTE 24 November 2011

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Edited by Dawn Love

Look glowing this season IF YOU fancy a natural, bronzed glow this festive season, then check out He-Shi, the award-winning tanning range.

The premium tanning brand has three deluxe gift sets for the festive period.

For Christmas, HeShi has introduced the Liquid Mitt set (€26)

with the iconic He-Shi Express Liquid Tan in 150ml, along with a patented applicator tanning mitt from He-Shi – a perfect stocking filler for the tan enthusiast.

Meanwhile, the He-Shi Gold gift set was a favourite stocking filler last year, and is the ultimate for any tanning enthusiasts, as it

includes a range of delicious He-Shi products to achieve the ultimate golden tan.

This luxurious gift set includes the prestigious exfoliator (with scrumptious strawberry scent, to prepare skin ahead of tanning), the best-selling Express Liquid Tan, tanning mitt and souffle

moisturiser – three steps to an eviable glow this winter, and beautifully soft, moisturised and tanned skin, even if a sun holiday isn’t on the cards this Christmas.

This gift set is also a perfect little treat for yourself while you shop for others. The He-Shi Gold Gift Set is priced

at €37.50, with a value of €61.50.

Finally, the He-Shi One Day Bronzer gift set makes an ideal gift for any girl or guy interested in tanning.

Including He-Shi’s One Day Tan – an instant tan that offers a sophisticated and healthy glow – this gift set is the perfect Christmas gift for those in a hurry, or with lastminute parties to attend.

The product is also wash-off, so is ideal for an instant application, while the set also includes the He-Shi Multi-Fuzion Bronzer, a mosaic of bronzing powder mixed with a golden shimmering palette, to allow for contouring the face.

The He-Shi Bronzer Brush completes the set, and ensures all-night radiance is guaranteed at

One of a number of He-Shi tanning products which could make a wonderful Christmas gift this year

the swirl of your brush.

It’s ideal for indulging in a glamorous, tanned look, to sparkle at every party thoughout the season.

The He-Shi One Day Bronzer gift set is priced at €37.50, with a value of €52.50.

The He-Shi gift sets are

available now from leading department stores, as well as from selected salons and day spas nationwide.

For your nearest stockist of He-Shi, contact Euro Products at 0044 028 9044 9744, or see the website at www.europroducts.ie.

24 November 2011 GAZETTE 15

16 GAZETTE 24 November 2011

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC REVIEW: A SECOND ALBUM IN SIX MONTHS FROM THE LEGENDARY KATE BUSH

No words to say how good this is Q ROB HEIGH

Kate Bush’s 50 Words For Snow is a record that captures the season with ease

THERE are some artists you listen to at certain times in your life, and mean certain things to you. Some pass the years as constants, some you fall out of love with, some diminish their vibrancy as their output equates with diminishing returns, and some disappear to leave a sweet memory of brief but blazing impact.

And there are the rare few who stand all test of time. The ones who disappear for years on end but whose return is like the return of a comet - blazing, epic and anticipated like little else.

We have so far been blessed this year with one Kate Bush record,

although the revisiting of the Red Shoes and Sensual World albums on The Director’s Cut set in June might not entirely count as new, although it did showcase a more mature vocal style from Kate on songs that have become so beloved to her fans.

The arrival of 50 Words For Snow, however, is one of those comet-like events, an entirely new set of songs that were developed on the back of a creative rush that came after the Director’s Cut recordings.

Where previously there would have been potentially years, even decades, between the release of that record and this new one, the theme of winter that informs every track, as well as the immediacy that

shines through the recording, means that Christmas has come early.

Within seconds, those first four notes of the piano phrase at the start of Snowflake, catch your breath and capture you wholly for the next 65 minutes.

It’s a concept album of sorts, each song being in some way related to snow and winter, but that is merely a thread on which to hang themes that are familiar to fans, such as love, sensuality and motherhood, as well as Kate’s playful way with words and almost theatrical constructions in musical form, such as on the title track, which features the unique tones of Stephen Fry. As on Kate’s previous records, various guests

appear on the tracks, with the lead track, Snowflake mostly voiced by Kate’s son, Albert, while Elton John appears on Snowed In At Wheeler Street, and gives the kind of performance that you wish he would more often — utterly focused and intoning more than he has in decades - initially, I couldn’t believe it was Elton singing, he is that good.

Not one track is less than seven minutes long, and the detail and space they inhabit within this unconstrained structure means that the songs and the stories they tell live and breathe, and each one is no less than perfect.

Del Palmer’s recording has allowed an almost freejazz approach to emerge,

with wisps of strings or simply Kate’s expressive, unique voice and a piano, to say as much as the lyrics impart.

The white canvas of winter has been used here to paint song-stories that are more expressive, more emotional, and more brilliant than most artists achieve in their entire careers.

Kate Bush is like the character in Snowed In At Wheeler Street, the one who returns occasionally throughout time to set the life of the other protagonist alight with love and beauty and the experience of something magical.

That experience is what listening to this record is like, and that is why this is the best record you will hear this year.

24 November 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: WHEN WINTER SETS IN WILDLIFE CAN SEEK SHELTER IN YOUR HOME

Keeping out our unwanted house guests IT pains me to admit it, but last weekend I morphed into the quintessential, frenzied, desperate housewife complete with rubber marigolds, old t-shirt and leggings and embarked on the seasonal ritual of what I call, winterising my home.

You see each winter I scrub, wash out, air, hoover, clear out, turn over and block up every square inch of my home, inside and out… whether it needs it or not.

I have to explain at this stage, ladies, that it’s not usual practice for me to do housework on a regular basis; I’d rather write a novel in the dust on my TV screen than run a cloth across it but there’s something about winter that brings out the Mar-

tha Stewart in me – without the criminal record I hasten to add.

Now as this ritual involves some deep cleaning and maintenance, poor old “he who must be obeyed” was dispatched outdoors in order to combine such exterior tasks as gutter cleaning and vine trimming with a comprehensive inspection list, (drawn up and laminated by me) to make sure he “prepared and winterised” our nest with a view to preventing our “wild” neighbours, from becoming unwanted house guests.

Let me explain.

When the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, wildlife, that often, through no fault of their own, have nowhere

Squirrels can damage your home

else to go, start to seek winter accommodation.

This usually means in your attic, under your decking, down your pipes, in wall nooks and crannies, or up your chimney.

So, with that in mind, here’s what happens in my household.

I’ll first make sure no animals are trapped inside and if any are, I

gently remove them and place them either in an area of my garden that’s already set aside for wildlife or rehabilitate them back to their natural habitat before I permanently seal any entries.

I also use binoculars to check the roofline or high up areas like the eaves, inspecting hallows and cracks large enough to

allow animals to enter; checking for loose tiles on the roof.

I then inspect those areas I don’t use regularly – attic, crawl spaces, etc., – checking for any signs of daylight. If you can see daylight, you have a cavity that requires filling.

R e m e m b e r, w h e n checking the attic, look out for animal droppings, signs of chewing and nesting materials and pay special attention to the intersection of the roof and the trim.

If there is evidence of any of the above, assume an animal is present and never seal a gap until you are one hundred per cent sure the animal has safely gone. Look behind radiators or anywhere that pipes enter the building

for potential entry points for wildlife.

Inspect the chimney to make sure it’s not home for any small animals or birds prior to lighting the fire and installing a safety guard. Hire a professional if you’re unsure how to do this. Trim branches away from the house to limit access for climbing wildlife.

Remember to clean up any debris left lying around the garden.

We adore all animals in our house, especially wildlife and enjoy nothing more than watching the birds feed and bathe from our homemade feeders.

The little squirrel I noticed in my garden recently was such a cutie, however, if she gets herself

trapped inside my walls via any loose roof tiles, digs her way through my attic and raises her furry family in the box where I keep my now vintage wedding dress, especially as I’ve just managed to evict my own human offspring, then I’m certain she’ll lose a bit of her rustic charm and appeal pretty quickly.

So, keep this thought in mind, prevention is the best and easiest solution.

However, you must make absolutely certain you do this humanely and compassionately. It is a criminal offence to hurt, injure or cause distress to any animal.

For more information, log onto www.dspca.ie or email miriam.kerins@ dspca.ie

18 GAZETTE 24 November 2011

M50

MOTORING

RoadSigns Road Signs

RENAULT’S ELECTRIC CHALLENGE RENAULT Ireland’s managing director, Eric Basset, has set a challenge for his dealer network and team that will see 1,000 Renault electric vehicles sold in Ireland next year.

The Renault boss, who has overseen the marque’s market share double since his arrival in Ireland in 2009, is confident that one in 10 Renault vehicles sold in 2012 will be electric.

He has also stood by his commitment to make electric vehicles affordable to all, and reminds those in any doubt that Ireland is leading the way in Europe for infrastructure and availability of electric vehicles.

The Renault Kangoo ZE was launched last week and is available to test drive at dealerships, priced from €16,400 incl. VRT ex VAT and including the Government grant of €3,800.

The new Kia Rio took home the The Continental Irish Car of the Year award for 2012 last week

King of the road 2012 After a week driving the new Kia Rio, CORMAC CURTIS could see why it took home the Continental Irish Car of the Year award IA are here to compete, no question. The new Rio has just been released to the Irish market and it must surely be making the suits in Toyota and Ford shift uncomfortably in their boardroom seats.

Even before this quality Korean brand caused an industry upset by taking home the 2012 Continental Car of the Year award last week, the Rio was turning heads.

The terrific looks, performance, spec and price of this car will impress even the most jaded petrol head.

This is a brand that is bringing some serious quality to their cars, and adding extras as standard with a smaller price tag than much of the competition.

For example – compared to the 1.3-litre VVT-i Toyota Yaris – the 1.25-litre Rio is not only 16cm longer, it comes in over €600 cheaper.

And then there’s the car’s green credentials.

K

SPECS: KIA RIO 1.25L Top speed: 172km/hr 0–100km/hr: 12.6 secs Economy: 5.1l/100km CO2 emissions: 119/km Annual Road Tax: €104 Price: From €15,295

The CO2 emissions for the Rio range start at just 85 g/km, putting the Rio EcoDynamics model ahead of all other B-segment vehicles currently on sale in Europe.

But let’s talk about this car in practical terms.

At first look, the Rio is a looker.

If you read through the company spin, they’ll tell you that their engineers and designers worked tirelessly to produce a car that “combines European finesse with Korean spice to create a form language that also communicates Latin flair”…

Yeah, I don’t know what that means either.

But, what I do know is that this car looks damn good.

In this already-crowded segment, it is difficult for a car to look unique without appearing gimmicky. But the Rio has brought bags of character to the table, with styling all of its own, while at the same time adopting some classic rally-car accents.

The look of the front grille and bumper owes a lot to the body kits that adorned many of the modified boy-racer cars of recent years, but the batmanlike character of the headlight clusters elevates this front end to something far more attractive.

The low, chrome-rimmed fog lights on the EX model add a nice touch to the “air scoops” below the headlights.

The company likes to make some noise about how this version of the Rio is the same weight as its predecessor, even though it is longer, wider, lower and features a wheelbase extended by 70mm.

This may be true, and it cer-

tainly contributes to the very roomy interior in the front, rear and boot – but the new design makes you think that, if this car were in a wind tunnel, it wouldn’t cause so much as a ripple in the smoke lines.

It is an exercise in aerodynamics, that is, no doubt, key to keeping the fuel economy figures as low as possible.

I’m no speed freak behind the wheel, but I do like to have a little fun – and even this 1.25litre has all the performance need to put a smile on your face when the road is clear.

The five-speed gearbox in the car I tested was smooth, quick and definite, even though, I must admit, the clutch and accelerator pedals were a little uncertain and took some getting used to.

The overall interior of the car is another success for Kia. Even though the test car didn’t feature leather seats, the feeling in the driver’s seat was one of pampered comfort.

And the look and feel of the

dashboard doesn’t disappoint either.

It may be a small feature, but when you turn the key, the clean, bright dials light up and the various needles come alive by swiping all the way to the top and back before resting at their actual settings.

Like I said, it may be a small feature, but it made me smile every time I started the car, and it really shows the kind of attention to detail Kia are putting in to their latest models.

Finally, I must mention some of the standard safety equipment thrown in to the range.

This includes six airbags (front, side and curtain), ESC (electronic stability control), VSM (vehicle stability management), HAC (hill-start assist control) to prevent roll-back when moving off on gradients, and three-point seatbelts for five occupants.

So, on top of everything else, it looks as though the new Rio should score very well in the Euro NCAP tests.

24 November 2011 GAZETTE 19

20 GAZETTE 24 November 2011

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY CHURCHTOWN: THREE-BEDROOM SEMI-DETACHED FOR €450,000

Family fare at Henley Park is a fantastic find

MCGUIRK Beggan Property in Terenure are bringing 43 Henley Park, Churchtown, a threebedroom semi-detached family home with a private west-facing rear garden and quiet cul-de-sac location, to the market for €450,000 The property, which extends to 1,360 sq ft, been extended and also has the added benefit of a garage, offering ample potential to convert.

Nestled in a quiet and leafy cul-de-sac, the property is ideally located just off Churchtown Road Lower and only a short stroll from the LUAS. The accommodation comprises entrance porch with a tiled floor, a carpeted entrance hall with ample understair storage.

The living/dining room has an expansive layout, with a large picture frame window and interconnecting doors that provide the room with natural light.

It features two tilesurround fireplaces, and double sliding doors that allow access through to the family room, which overlooks the rear garden.

The kitchen features an array of fitted wall- and floor-level units, a built-in breakfast bar, lino flooring and tile splash back.

There is a utility room off the kitchen, which

Number 43, Henley Park is on the market for €450,000

features a tiled floor, sink unit and additional storage presses. It is plumbed for a washing machine and there are two separate accesses to the rear garden.

The bedrooms are all well-sized and feature carpeted flooring and fitted wardrobes.

The master bathroom comprises bath with electric shower, WHB, WC,

and is fully tiled.

Outside, the front garden is fully cobble-locked, so offers ample off-street parking, and it is shielded with mature shrubbery.

The rear garden measures 50ft in length, is walled and has a laid-in lawn. It is not overlooked so offers good privacy. The garden also enjoys an enviable westerly aspect, capturing all the afternoon and

evening sunshine.

This wonderful home is sure to attract strong interest so early viewing is highly recommended.

The property is available for viewing, which can be arranged through Sinead Beggan at McGuirk Beggan Property on 01 419 0600.

For more information, see www.mcguirkbeggan. ie.

CO MEATH: FIVE-BED DETACHED HOME FOR €349,950

A magnificent Manor

CARTY Property Advisors are bringing No 32, Steeple Manor in Trim, a superbly designed five-bedroom detached residence perfectly positioned in a modern and much sought-after residential estate of fine detached homes, to the market for an asking price of €349,950.

This family home, which was constructed to a high standard, was extended in 2002.

The property, which has been stylishly decorated and maintained in meticulous condition throughout, benefits from a walled entrance with tarmac driveway, allowing

Number 32, Steeple Manor in Trim is on the market for €349,950

for off-street parking, as well as two side entrances to the professionally-landscaped garden, which features a decking area.

The accommodation comprises entry hall, living room, a study, kitchen, dining room, family room, TV room, utility room, as

well as five large bedrooms on the upper level, with the master bedroom featuring a walk-in wardrobe, en suite and study.

Two of the bedrooms share a Jack & Jill-style en suite facility, while the fourth bedroom has an en suite. There is also a large

family bathroom.

Properties at Steeple Manor were constructed approximately nine years ago of timber-frame construction, and the develpoment is situated beside Newtown. There is an excellent host of amenities and historical sites on is door step.

Viewing is highly recommended and can be arranged by contacting Carty Property Advisors on 04694 86860, or see www.carty.ie for more information.

24 November 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

And now... it’s competition time LA Make-Up Academy offers world-class programmes spanning make-up, beauty therapy and fashion styling.

With studios in Dublin, London and Los Angeles, LA MakeUp offers truly unparalleled education taught by award-winning tutors who are leaders in the industry.

To celebrate the launch of LA’s ITEC Honours Beauty Therapy Course, LA Academy and Der-

malogica are giving readers the chance to win a year’s supply of Dermalogica products. To enter this amazing competition, all you have to do is ‘like’ the LA MakeUp Academy/Agency Facebook and answer a simple question in the competition tab to win.

Always ahead of the industry, LA Make-Up is the FIRST College in Ireland to offer this ITEC Honours Diploma in Beauty Therapy. This course has the

unique ability to train students as expert beauty therapists and high fashion make-up artists, with the added bonus of training in all the latest techniques in the industry. These include facial, electrical, body treatments and advanced skincare.

The beauty students are also trained to a Module 2 standard in make-up, which qualifies them as a professional bridal, catwalk and high fashion make-

up artist. Full and part-time beauty courses will commence January, 2012.

LA Make-Up also offers worldclass FETAC and ITEC accredited programmes. LA Make-Up graduates are now successfully working all over the world in locations such as London, New York and Los Angeles!

For more information visit www.lamakeupacademy.com or call 01 675 1999.

Interview: Lorraine O’Neill, founder and owner of LA Make-Up Academy

WHERE TO INVEST THE SAVINGS Q – I have c. €120,000 in savings and am “riskaverse” – being in my mid-sixties, caution is my middle name - can you advise me on where best to place this sum ? Catherine – Raheny Dublin 5 A – I would say over 95% of investors today irrespective of age would be risk-averse given what has happened in particular over the last five years.

However, as I have often stated, all investment is risk – the greater the return, the higher the risk – and when the stock market is involved, you have

Facing up to a challenge

to think long-term rather than trying to make the quick buck.

Your personal circumstances are going to dictate some of your investment decisions – your age, your family situation, current income levels and your personal goals.

In your mid-sixties now, you are going to be that little bit more cautious with your money than a midtwenties investor. Generally, the older you are, the more likely it is that you will keep your funds liquid – cash deposits, guaranteed short term investments. You also have a choice of investing in some

LORRAINE O’Neill is known both for her skills as a make-up artist and for her success developing businesses such as LA Make-Up Academy and the Irish Federation Of Make-Up Artists (IFMA).

She has worked as a make-up artist in London, Paris and Sydney as well as her native Dublin, and has travelled all over the world, to destinations as diverse as Africa and India. Highly respected by clients, photographers, stylists and fellow make-up artists, Lorraine established an early reputation for catching trends while warm and transforming them red hot onto the faces of Ireland’s top models. Her work has been featured in numerous titles,

including Image, Social & Personal, The RTE Guide, and she has appeared on TV programmes such as RTE 1’s Off the Rails.

Lorraine was aware that no facility existed in Ireland to provide top-tier training to make-up artists. Lorraine then began training make-up artists, engaging the services of other leading artists to provide high-quality tuition.

In 2005, she was keen to realise the full potential of her training business and she opened LA Make-Up Academy. To date, thousands of students have benefited from instruction from Ireland’s top make-up artists.

See www.lamakeupacademy.com for details.

alternative investments (eg art, philately, rock ‘n roll memorabilia, etc) or the stock market itself (Exchange Traded Funds – ETFs. the cheapest form of stock acquisition – managed funds, government bonds, commodities such as gold ) or even to use your money as seed capital for your own or a family member’s start up business. € 120,000 is a large sum and you should expect a return of c. € 4,000 NET in to your hand each year at the minimum.

All deposit takers regulated by the Financial Regulator carry a € 100,000 guarantee – even institutions like Investec and Nationwide UK are similarly covered by the UK Financial Regulatory Authority.

State savings ( the National Treasury Management Agency – a government body that manages An Post, Lorraine O’Neill, founder and owner of LA Make-Up

prize bonds, the two National Solidarity Bonds,

Academy

NAMA etc ) are deemed sovereign debt and have no limit – though some of the products have thresh-

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

A: A truck driver or a ballet dancer!

Q: What was your first job?

A: Picking potatoes age 11 in the farm next door....hard labour from my mother! It was strawberries the next summer but I kept eating them so they fired me

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: 20 pence per bag and I was rich!

olds.. e.g. Savings Bonds €120,000 per person – and no expiry date. As long as you believe the euro will

A: Seeing our students inspired and realising that their dream is coming true. Infectious.

Q: What about your job do you like least?

A: Wanting to run when I must walk

Q: What air carrier do you use?

A: Whoever will take me the furthest! Can’t beat BA for customer service and also Singapore for just about everything

Q: How many people do you speak with every day?

A: I work from London every

Q: What kind of car do you drive?

A: Jeep

second week so as many as will listen to me. When I’m in Dublin, my entire team daily at our check-in meeting bright and early

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

marathon running and my first squash game this weekend!

the most amazing handbags in the world

not fail, the government will not default, your money

Q: What is your favourite food and drink?

A: Love food, any food, unfor-

Q: How many pairs of shoes do

return on your money. The current best return on

you own?

a demand account (in today, out tomorrow where

A: Enough for my nickname to

you can email transfer instructions for same day

be Mrs. Marcos

value) is AIB Direct – now the Irish Banking Resolu-

tunately. Jameson

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

A: Cards only, I don’t carry cash

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

A: I gladly see this as part of

tion Corporation - up to € 100,000 attracting 3.35%

Q: Where is your favourite

(net 2.4455%) They also offer the best 12 month

holiday destination?

fixed at 4.1% - email me for details. Be safe but

A: Safari in Africa

ensure good return.

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

A: To work with the mentally handicapped

Q: Can you swim?

A: I can swim; however, appar-

my job, so lots - great career perk!

Q: When do you wish to retire?

A: A busy mind never retires

Q: What is the name of your

Q: What do you plan to do

ently I look like I’m drowning

favourite shop?

then?

Q: What is your favourite sport?

A: Kayaking around Dun

A: Run Lola Run in London

Laoghaire and Dalkey,

for beautiful clothes... and Lorna Fitzgerald in Dublin for

is safe and it is a question of receiving the best

A: I will do what I always do... appreciate every day that comes and live it to the full

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

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

TO ADVERTISE CALL 60 10 240

22 GAZETTE 24 November 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Enjoying a winter break in the south-west A great week on and off the slopes in the Frech Alps

BLACKROCK-BASED company, Highlife, is offering some decent ski packages this snow season.

There is no doubt that the right resort can mean the difference between a mediocre ski holiday and a refreshingly good one. Highlife has several destinations that will guarantee a great week both on and off the slopes.

They continue to focus solely on the French Alps because of the expansive, well-maintained ski areas and the superb infrastructure and facilities on offer.

With Morzine, Meribel and Val d’Isere, on offer, each boasts a great snow record and also offers a wide range of skiing terrain suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.

Val D’Isere Val d’Isere has earned the reputation of being one of the greatest ski resorts in the world as a result of its sensational high-altitude skiing and chic village setting.

Linked with the neighbouring resort of Tignes to create L’Espace Killy, the combined ski area offers an astounding variety of terrain, both on- and off-piste, for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. It is no surprise that this resort has hosted Olympic and World Cup competitions.

Dating back to the 11th century, Val d’Isere still retains much of its traditional Savoyarde architecture and authentic village atmosphere.

The town is a shopper’s paradise, with upmarket boutiques and traditional French patisseries lining its sophisticated main street. Visitors are spoilt for choice by the resort’s renowned range of cafes, restaurants and apres ski bars. As many of the pistes come right into the centre of town, non-skiers can choose a sunny terrace to enjoy the fun from the comfort of a deck chair.

Ski area Val d’Isere offers a good range of nursery slopes as well as extensive skiing for intermediates. For more advanced skiers and snowboarders, the Espace Killy area is well-known for its challenging black runs and sensational off-piste skiing. From Val d’Isere, you are within easy skiing distance of the base of the Grand Motte, one of Europe’s largest pisted glaciers. At 3,400m, the glacier offers over 40km of huge, sweeping runs and breath-taking views out over the Alps.

Go to www.highlife.ie for more information.

NATALIE BURKE

I’M ashamed to admit that it’s not very often I get to enjoy a few days away in Ireland, so I can’t help overlooking just how much our country has to offer.

After taking up the opportunity for an early winter break in the wonderful west, however, it’s something I plan on doing again very soon.

The Malton Hotel (formerly the Great Southern Hotel) was our home for two nights in Killarney, and is located in the heart of the town just a minute from the train station.

The tall windows, marble columns and traditional furniture of the 150-year-old Victorian building were complemented by the contemporary-styled reception area and the staff were incredibly welcoming, warm and helpful.

We stayed in a Junior Suite in the West Wing of the main house, one of the hotel’s 171 guestrooms, which continued to boast its old-fashioned charm with high ceilings and Victorian-style interior.

The spacious suite was, unsurprisingly, spotless and had a second-floor view of the hotel gardens and a backdrop of the Kerry Mountains.

The hotel prides itself

on letting time slow down a little for its guests and I can promise the days we spent there seemed to last forever – in the best way possible.

How we managed to fit so much into one day I’ll never understand, but we did, while still finding time to relax, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, dinner and seeing the local sights.

Dinner on our first night was spent in the Garden Room Restaurant where we sat at a window overlooking the garden and ordered from the reasonable table d’hote menu,

continental and traditional Irish favourites were available as well as a choice of vanilla pancakes, French brioche toast and fish specials from the a la carte menu.

The amenities in the hotel included the relaxing P unchbowl Bar, where we enjoyed a predinner drink, the resident’s library and reading room, as well as its six acres of landscaped gardens.

The Health and Beauty Rooms offer a range of treatments but with a long to-do list, we could only pay a quick visit.

Despite the chang-

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

‘Driving along the N71, we took in some must-see spots on the way to the picturesque spot of Moll’s Gap, including Torc Waterfall, Avoca and Ladies’ View’ --------------------------------------------------------

which included a fourcourse dinner and a sorbet between courses.

The fried mozzarella, tomato and chickpea stew, and jumbo prawn cocktail with cucumber pearls, were enjoyed as starters while the fillet of Hereford beef and mushroom butter was definitely a favourite.

Breakfast was also served in the restaurant, where a buffet of both

ing rooms being a little small and slightly dated, the swimming pool was a good size and appeared very family-friendly.

Seeing the Sights We looked at some bargains at the K illarney Outlet Centre, which was right next door to the hotel, and took a wander through the town, discovering its many treasures, includ-

ing Quills’ fashion house and vintage store, Retro Rose Bazaar.

We found some of the best locally-sourced food products at The Markets on Old Milk Market Lane, and paused for tea at the century-old Miss Courtney’s Tearooms.

Driving along the N71, we took in some must-see spots on the way to the picturesque Moll’s Gap, including Torc Waterfall, Avoca and Ladies’ View.

Driving towards Kenmare, we paid a visit to Molly Gallivan’s traditional cottage and Lorges chocolatiers found along Glengarriff Road.

We enjoyed our second night’s dinner at The Smokehouse, a cosy restaurant with a laid back atmosphere, an open kitchen and a quirky menu.

Despite a limited dessert selection, a huge effort went into the freshness, quality and taste of the food where we enjoyed good wine, great service and a delicious meal.

Before heading home, we took a horse-drawn carriage through Killarney National Park with Killarney Jaunting Cars.

With five generations of the Tangney Family running the business, we took an informative and entertaining guided

The luxurious Malton

jaunt through the Parklands, past the Lakes of Killarney and on to Ross Castle.

Tours with Killarney Jaunting Cars are available all year round, with winter sleigh rides available during Christmas time.

Full-day tours and boat tours are also available and can be booked through your hotel or by visiting www.killarneyjauntingcars.com.

Two nights B&B plus one evening meal are available at The Malton, Killarney, at €159 pps at weekends, €139 during midweek.

The hotel is also offering great festive breaks for Christmas party nights, as well as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day packages and New Year’s Eve breaks.

For more information, visit www.themalton. com.

24 November 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs

Visit Santa and his elves in Killarney this Christmas WITH so many festive treats happening in Killarney this Christmas, it’s no wonder Santa will be visiting his Secret Christmas Village during the month of December, and children will have the chance to visit and see his mischievous elves in action.

See Mrs Claus baking in her Gingerbread Kitchen, or the elves working hard in the Toy Makers’ Workshop.

Take a peek at Santa’s sleigh before Christmas Eve and see where the elves sleep at night in the Elf Dormitory.

Take a wander through Santa’s Farm Yard and see his reindeer in training. And, finally, meet the man himself and get your picture taken with Santa in his Holiday Cottage.

The Secret Christmas Village is open for visits from December 2 – 23.

Prices range from €15 per child or €50 for a family ticket (Two adults, three children).

Booking is essential and can be booked with local hotels or made at www.santasvillage.ie.

Hotel is located in the heart of Killarney and just a minute from the train station

24 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 24 November 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 Alexej Gorlatch CONTINUING its eclectic range of superb music, the Dun Laoghaire theatre presents Alexej Gorlatch in concert. The young Ukranian pianist has collected a string of international awards, with his skills delighting listeners all around the world. His programme will include works by Beethoven and Chopin, with popular and challenging pieces to enthral all audiences. Alexej’s performance can be enjoyed at 8pm on Friday, November 25, with admission costing €17/€15.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Trading Faces ...

DUNDRUM theatregoers can be counted upon to give Adele King a warm welcome when she stars in Trading Faces... Or Who Gives A Tuck?, which follows a dowdy 50-something Dubliner who decides that cosmetic surgery is the answer to all her prayers for a new and exciting life ... but is it? Described as a hilarious and moving production, the production runs at 6pm and 8.30pm on Saturday, November 26, with admission costing €25/€20.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Paddy Cole PERENIALLY popular musician, Paddy Cole and his All Stars are ready to delight audiences with an eclectic evening of music, with everything from jazz, rock and roll, swing and sounds of the Sixties set to bring something for all tastes to the night’s entertainment. A legendary musician, Paddy has been delighting audiences for decades, and is all set to entertain on the night and, best of all, the night is a fundraiser, being held in aid of St Joseph’s Centre for the Visually Impaired – Ireland’s only centre for blind children.

The concert is at 8pm on Tuesday, November 29, with admission costing €22/€18 conc.

Peter Ward ( Daniel Craig), his wife, Libby (Rachel Weisz) and their daughters (Claire and Taylor Geare) seem to have a great life ... However, they soon begin to suspect there’s something unnerving about their seemingly perfect house – what is its mysterious past?

Building tensions ...

This tale of a house with a mysterious past is interesting, but it’s also unlikely to haunt viewers’ minds for very long Q KATE CROWLEY

ANOTHER day, another film, and another house of horrors for your consideration. (Speaking of which, dear readers, be grateful you’ve never seen home videos of Mr Crowley’s wedding dancing – or Dad-Dancing, as darling Crowleyetta bluntly puts it.)

Just what is it about mysterious old houses that directors seem to find so fascinating, in this case, Jim Sheridan?

I’ve yet to see something that’s truly horrifying – such as the desperate problem with pyrite foundations that so many Dublin householders, and our rural cousins, are facing – but the perils of swelling building materials don’t seem to interest directors quite as much as spooky goings-on in basements.

And so, plumbing the depths of an old formula, we arrive at this particular

FILM OF THE WEEK: Dream House ++ (15A) 91 mins Director: Jim Sheridan Starring: Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, Naomi Watts, Two Cute Kids and A House’s Mysterious Secret

OUR VERDICT: HERE we go again – don’t go down into that cellar, or digging around into the past! It’s an interesting take on the haunted house formula, where the main figure is a haunted figure, in the psychological sense of the word. However, the film soon descends into standard shlock-horror routine, turning the film into something that you could just as easily pass, and carry on down the street ...

Dream House; the kind of place that Mr Blandings would steer well clear of (that’s a nod to our older readers, and hello there, mammy), yet which craggy Peter Ward (Craig), wife Libby (Weisz) and little girls are living in.

It’s the kind of cosy, comfortable house that we’re all so used to seeing in the movies – you know, happy children, plenty of space, nice furniture, aloof neighbours, mysterious figures standing around outside in the midnight snow, a gang of strangers in the basement – so far, this almost

sounds like the Crowley household at Christmas, but with somewhat less Dad-Dancing.

Still – and perhaps the preceding paragraph has tipped my hat at where review this is going – all is not well in the Ward house, as Peter and family are, shall we say, alarmed at the strange figures and goings on that are taking place around, and focused on, their dream house.

It’s soon clear that another family once lived there – but it’s a family that seems to have met an unfortunate end.

Once Peter starts to

look into the history of the house, and what may or may not have happened to the former occupants, it’s clear that it was anything but a dream house.

Err... I’m now at the point in this review where, if I was giving you the lowdown on a big ol’ boat, heading at a jaunty clip towards America in April, 1912, and what the sudden sighting of a chunk of ice might have meant for that titanic vessel, I’d have to either tell you a little too much about the film’s outcome, or totally change tack.

In other words, I’m stuck with what I’ll call “The Twist Is That Bruce Willis Is Already Dead In A Certain Film” syndrome, or TTITBWIADIACF, for short, and, here, there’s definitely a TTITBWIADIACF lurking just below the film’s surface, ready to spring several serious leaks in the Ward family’s lifestyle – or, more specifically, in

Peter’s very sanity.

Well folks, there ain’t no sanity clause that I can think of to exploit to avoid saying much more about the film without springing secrets that you don’t need to know just yet, so I’ll cut the plot summary there.

It’s an interesting twist on the haunted house formula, with the point here being that, rather than being a tale of a haunted place, perhaps there’s nothing more wretched than a haunted figure, with ghosts of the past lingering, half-felt on the edge of memory, with a doorframe, or a hallway, capable of springing an unexpected surprise.

Thanks to that earlier TTITBWIADIACF I mentioned – and that’s the last time I’ll wield that acronym, like a house brick – I can’t say much more, other than it’s an okay film, but can’t compete with the true horror that is Dad-Dancing ...

24 November 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces

Months needed to truly explore Skyrim SHANE DILLON

IT’S been a very long time since I’ve found a game experience to be daunting, in the best sense of the word, but that’s the one word that kept coming to mind with the recent cross-platform release, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

Despite its former, formidable popularity on older consoles and platforms, the roleplaying/ adventure genre has largely died away on modern consoles, save for continuing – if niche – popularity as, generally, Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games, such as World of Warcraft.

However, although MMOs continue to enjoy significant success, and are very popular in other parts of the world, here, MMOs and their console counterparts are something of an acquired taste.

Still, Skyrim is a title that should easily wander its way up the charts as, despite seeing an awful lot of

media stories concentrating on the console “showdown” between the Battlefield and Call of Duty rival series, Skyrim’s pedigree makes it a significant contender for Game of the Year, regardless of the games’ platform it’s played upon.

But first, back to that particular word I picked out: daunting.

It really seems to be the most appropriate word for this title, as I can recall few other titles with the vast range of gameplay options, as well as the sheer size of the world, that Skyrim comes with.

In fact, the only other games that compare with it are its predecessors, as well as spiritual counterparts that were also developed by Bethesda – a games company that can truly lay claim to the title of “building worlds”.

Here, as with its broadly similar predecessors, the player finds themselves in a new land – new to them, but one that’s filled with a wide

Saying Halo to a big anniversary ALTHOUGH gamers are very used to seeing sequels churning out almost identical versions of the same title, where each sequel is barely an evolutionary step forward from its predecessor, it’s very unusual to see any title revisited.

However, that hasn’t stopped Microsoft from presenting Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, marking the ten-year anniversary of the iconic XBox title.

I’ll be reviewing that just-released title next week, as well as looking at how it’s been performing at various global markets.

The Halo series has been b one of the powerhouses of the XBox empire, on both hardware platforms, and a key title for Microsoft. The original Halo was a breath of fresh air in the First Person Shooter genre, and, coupled with some terrific enemy AI, made a major quality mark that even its sequels never quite matched.

To celebrate this key title’s anniversary, Microsoft have released the ten-year-old title again – but with a very interestingtwist ... Look out for that full review, next week.

Whether wandering over to one of the region’s towns, exploring mountain peaks, or finding abandoned ruins, Skyrim’s epic world is truly vast, and full of detail

variety of races, towns, ruins and history.

After choosing, and editing, a unique character type – such as, say, a character that’s particularly skilled at sneaking quietly, healing quickly and adept at one-handed combat – the player is free to wander the world.

And what a world it is, too. What initially may not look like a very large area, on the nicely-modelled map screen, turns out to be vast.

Walking for five or ten minutes towards a distant peak – only to realise you’ve barely moved across some foothills in an obscure corner of the map – make the world seem even more impressive, given the wealth of detail, random occurences, ruins and fortifications, changing weather and cycling days and

Want to craft a fireball-wielding ninja lizard mage? Each players’ character is truly their own.

nights experienced upon the way, coupled with chance encounters with friendly or hostile characters and wildlife.

Of course, there’s an overall story to follow – or to ignore. Don’t feel like talking to the Jarl (king) of a city, to get the next, crucial bit of information in the deepening plot? Then forget it, and simply pick a distant hill at random, and set off.

An almost equally involving adventure is likely to await, with odd characters, bandit attacks, and much more along the way, with every chance encounter, or player decision, affecting how your journey and character skills develop.

Frankly, after a lot of time spent plugging away at Skyrim – with several hours usually being enough to blitz through, and finish, most new releases – I’m well aware that I’ve only seen about 40% of locations on

the map – and that’s by almost totally ignoring events and characters met along the way.

Instead, rather than “playing” Skyrim, I’ve immersed myself into the adventure it offers, finding, noting, and then not even attempting a great many missions, diversions and opportunities along the way – and all this, within the same, half-discovered parts of the world. My world.

After all, despite Skyrim having a number of technical issues and occasionally jarring bugs, which the developer, Bethesda, is famous for in many of its games (with, at the time of writing, my most recent game save having simply vanished), it’s an outstanding title.

Occasionally gory, frequently chaotic, generally interesting and always involving, Skyrim’s epic nature make it a musthave title, offering months of gaming, not hours.

GAZETTE

26 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 24 November 2011

MALAHIDEclassifieds

BATHROOMS

BUILDING BRICK, BLOCK AND STONEWORK 20 years experience ,living locally. Garden walls, sheds, brick piers, patio and paving. Decorative internal brick work, Plastering Insurance quotes. Call Dave anytime 0872917647

CLASSES

DENTAL

SEWING CLASSES/ CURTAIN MAKING Beginners and Improvers Sewing Classes on Curtain and Roman Blind Making and ‘Crafts & Patchwork’ starting in November. Half Day Workshops on ‘Getting to Know Your Machine’ and Curtain and Roman Blind Making. We also reline and re-pleat all curtains and offer a Curtain and Roman Blind making service at competitive prices, full selection of Poles and Rails available. Contact us at www.sewgreat.ie or www. pressxpress.ie. Call 01 8227650 or email us info@ pressxpress.ie

DVD SERVICES DVD TRANSFERS Cinefilms,Photos and Slides transferred to DVD with Music and Titles added.

Camcorder and Videotapes edited and transferred to DVD. Phone 01-2807838 Mobile 087-9132265 Email: alleventsvideo@ eircom.net

To advertise, call us now on 01 60 10 240 Email us at sales@gazettegroup.com

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

DIVORCE SERVICES DIVORCE BY CONSENT Separated 4 years ? Agree on all matters ? We will draft and process your divorce documents for Court. From as little as €600 per couple.

Separation Agreements fixed fee €500 per couple.

Contact: Damien Mara at 086-1211820 Email: damienmara@eircom.net Website: www. divorcebyconsent.com

PAINTERS POLISH PROFESSIONAL PAINTING AND DECORATING Best quality.

Free Quotations. No job too small. Very reasonable prices. References available on WWW.MARKCOMPANY. IE find us on FACEBOOK Please phone Mark on 0879442445

FLOORING

PLUMBING MALAHIDE PLUMBING AND HEATING Attic tanks and cylinders replaced.

Outside taps and electrical showers.Complete bathrooms. Oil and Gas heating. (RGI) Reference available. Call John on 0861211735

REPAIRS WEFIXFURNITURE.IE We repair: Leather, Frames, Recliners, Flat Cushions, Upholstery service available.

Repair at the fraction of the cost of a replacement 087 8547566

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL

60 10 240

24 November 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 27

28 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 24 November 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

A memorable season captured in colour ONE OF the most cherished sporting books of the year, A Season of Sundays, celebrates its 15th year of publication this year, and the latest instalment features a selection of images from Dublin’s in the collection.

Each year the book captures the very heart and soul of GAA life in Ireland, from the players and teams themselves to the officials, volunteers and supporters. The collection of images has been compiled by award-winning photographic agency, Sportsfile, and features captions from GAA Communications Manager, Alan Milton.

The book captures the spectacular journey which saw Dublin finally raise the Sam Maguire again, after a 16-year wait, including the now famous Stephen Cluxton kick that sealed the win over Kerry on that memorable senior football final day at Croke Park.

The book’s creator, Ray McManus, said: “All of the talking points from another great season are relived in the book. From the worthy winners throughout the championships to the surprise packages, such as London’s great run in the football. It also looks at the less high-profile moments that capture the essence of Gaelic Games up and down the country.”

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Criostóir Ó Cuana welcomed the publication of the latest instalment, saying: “The end of another GAA season would not be complete without A Season of Sundays. As ever, the memorable moments from what was another fascinating year are captured in glorious technicolour.”

A Season of Sundays 2011, sponsored by Ulster Bank, retails at €29.95 and is now available at bookstores nationwide and online at www. sportsfile.com.

RUGBY: MALAHIDE STRUGGLE IN CONDITIONS IN LEAGUE

Malahide RFC’s Division 2A side missed out on victory, but claimed a losing bonus point against Roscrea

’Hide’s dire deluge LEINSTER LEAGUE DIV 2A Roscrea Malahide RFC

19 13

sport@gazettegroup.com

MALAHIDE travelled to Roscrea last Saturday in search of the form that would get their Leinster League campaign back on track after a disappointing result against New Ross last week.

They were greeted by a rain-sodden playing surface that would prohibit any sort of free-flowing rugby, but Roscrea started the better of the sides and quickly established a platform in Malahide’s half, catching the visitors offside, and Roscrea took the opportunity to move into the lead.

From the restart, the home team produced one of the few flowing backline moves of the day to bring play to the

Malahide line. A good cover tackle from Dave Murphy forced the ball into touch but, from the resulting line-out, Colin Corkery’s kick was charged down and Roscrea’s flanker was on hand to touch down for the game’s opening try.

The successful conversion brought the score to 10-0, and having been dominated in the early phases of the game, Malahide finally started to get some possession, but shipped a further penalty.

At 13-0 down, having played with the elements in their favour, the away side needed to get on the scoreboard quickly, and outhalf Matt Barnes finally got the opportunity to put the ball behind the Roscrea outfit and force them to bring the ball up the slope from deep.

The Malahide defence pressed well and a number of errors from the home side allowed them to establish some possession in their opposition’s 22.

Finally Roscrea were forced to concede a penalty and Rory O’Driscoll was on hand to give the visitors their opening score.

A long-range Roscrea penalty was cancelled out by another O’Driscoll effort to leave the half time score at 16-6.

Again, Roscrea started the second half the better, and quickly had another penalty to restore their 13-point advantage.

Try as they might, Malahide could not make a way out of their own half. As Roscrea piled on the pressure, a further home score seemed inevitable, but a

superb Malahide defensive effort, led by skipper Eamonn Gleeson, kept the score as it was.

Any opportunity the away team got with ball in hand was quickly stifled out by the home team, aided by the heavy and slippy conditions.

On three occasions, Roscrea were camped on the Malahide line but, on each occasion, last-gasp defending kept the scoreline as it was.

E v e n t u a l l y, a f t e r defending for 35 minutes, Malahide slowly made their way up the pitch with some good breaks from Richie Forbes and Mick Fitzmaurice in midfield. When the opportunity arose they were able to release wing Eoin Barber but he was tackled just short of the Roscrea line. However, Malahide recycled the ball and,

after Anthony Colbert and Keith Harrell came close to touching down, the home team were penalised at the breakdown.

Malahide opted to go for touch and, from Sean Power’s take at the lineout, they were again held up just short of the line.

A further penalty from the home team allowed Malahide to keep the pressure on.

Eventually, after conceding two further penalties, the referee decided that Roscrea had illegally prevented a try-scoring opportunity and awarded Malahide the penalty try.

Colin Corkery’s conversion brought the score to 19-13, and Malahide had a hard-earned losing bonus point.

Next up for Malahide is a trip to Clane in two weeks’ time.

24 November 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29

in association with

2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - NOVEMBER NOMINEES

FastSport

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

+ STARof the MONTH

Roche adds book award to list of achievements EAMON ZAYED

GARY THOMPSON

GLENN WHELAN

THE former Dundrum native and ex-Sporting Fingal star was named as the Airtricity’s Player of the Year this month after an heroic showing for Derry City, netting 22 goals for the Northern side in the process.

THE North Dublin star of the track has been marked as a possible F1 star of the future, and continues to impress with his progress on the Asian circuit, shining on the Japanese F3 championship over the last two years.

THE Clondalkin man’s presence as part of the Republic Of Ireland soccer team has been the sole constant of the campaign that ended this month with an aggregate win over Estonia to see Ireland reach Euro 2012.

LUCAN SARSFIELDS

ST BRIGID’S

ST SYLVESTER’S

THE 12th Lock side made Dublin history this month when they claimed the last of an impressive run of camogie titles at Parnell Park; the club’s ladies now own the Under13 to minors crowns in the county.

RUSSELL Park’s finest were on fine form to win the Dublin Senior Football championship title for the first time in eight years recently, and are impressing in their progress in the Leinster championship as well.

THE Malahide ladies once again proved their mettle on the field of play and reached the semi-final of the All-Ireland junior ladies’ football club championship, only to be denied a shot at the title by a determined Aherlow.

+ TEAMof the MONTH

WELCOME to the 2011 Dublin Sports Awards, as we mark our local sportsmen and women’s November sporting achievements across the capital and, indeed, across the nation.

We’re delighted to once again be able to celebrate the finest achievements in Dub-

lin sport, with some huge efforts at local levels coming to our attention in a variety of well-known, and some, less prominent, sports.

Ever y form of sporting achievement, at any level and in any sport, is valuable and gives an indication of the diversity of sporting commit-

ment there is around our fair city at all times of the year.

Let us know!

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

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

You can also check out the latest stories from GazetteSport at our new website, www.gazettegroup.com

DUNDRUM cyclist Nicolas Roche added another title to his already impressive string of achievements last week when his book, Inside The Peloton, was named as the Irish Sport Book of the Year at the at the Bord Gais Energy Irish Book Awards at the RDS. Roche himself was in attendance, having got the permission of his Ag2r La Mondiale team to leave the team training camp at Montgenevre to come to see the award presented, missing two days of training in the process.

Roche beat the competition in the category from Tony McCoy, Paul Kimmage, Donncha O’Callaghan, Philip O’Connor and Ronnie Whelan to claim the prestigious prize.

The cyclist has had a more successful and promising winter this year, last year having been blighted by injury that hampered what surely would have been a more successful 2011 season in the saddle.

“Everything is fine so far,” Roche said last week. “I haven’t started hard yet, I am just taking it easy until this point. Unfortunately, the weather hasn’t been great but I’ve got some training in anyway. I didn’t run this winter and have stayed clear of injury. I’m ready to step things up now.”

Get running to help reach GOAL’s 30th GOAL is asking people from all over Dublin to help them celebrate the 30th birthday of one of the country’s most popular annual fundraisers by organising a GOAL Mile somewhere in the county this Christmas.

Last year, GOAL Miles were scheduled to take place at thirteen

locations across Dublin, but with this being a special anniversary year for the event, GOAL is hoping that even more people will get involved across the county, and across the country in general.

If you would like to organise a Mile near you to assist GOAL’s various humanitarian programmes across the developing world, email Karen at koshea@goal.ie or call GOAL at 01 280 9779.

30 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 24 November 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Loreto Girls team sweep the board in Leinster THE girls’ team who represented Loreto Girls School, Swords, in the Leinster Schools’ championships recently took gold in the 4x50 free relay and 4x50 individual medley relay.

The event, which took place at Tallaght Sports and Leisure Centre, also saw the girls claim honours in the 200m IM, 100m free and 400m free, winning a total of 12 medals between them.

The girls - Anne-Marie Torsney, Sinead McCrohan, Catriona Finlay, Ali Berry and Rachel Whelan - will now go forward to represent Loreto Swords in the National Schools competition.

Charity fight night at the Wright Venue

Fins’s fight will go to the last match

Cystic Fybrosis charity, the CF Hopesource Foundation, are holding a fundraising white collar boxing evening at the Wright Venue in Swords this weekend.

The charity, which is working to create isolation beds for cystic fibrosis patients in Temple Street hospital, will benefit from the proceeds from night.

Tickets cost €25 or €35 for VIP tickets, and are available from http://www. malahidecffightnight.com/ before the event.

FINGALLIANS’ fight for senior football championship survival will go down to the wire after they fell 1-14 to 1-5 to St Jude’s last Sunday in O’Toole Park.

It means they must face St Mark’s in the relegation decider with only victory keeping them in the top tier of football in the county.

Declan Donnelly’s goal in the 23rd minute was a pivotal moment as they kept Fins at bay to claim a strong win and maintain their senior status.

SOCCER: MAJORITY OF MATCHES END TIED FOR CELTIC

Swords Celtic’s Under-10 Premier scorers Nikita Cuprin, Cian Warren and Alan Babuc, who all netted against Clontarf

Swords drawn in leagues sport@gazettegroup.com

SWORDS Celtic’s Joe Moore produced a rare feat when he netted his third hat-trick in three weeks for the club’s Under-13F team.

It helped his side to a 4-3 win over Willows FC while, in recent weeks, both Loughshinny and D u n s h a u g h l i n h ave been on the receiving end of his goal scoring skills.

He was among a host of goalscorers on a high-scoring weekend for Swords Celtic, as seven teams ended up with either 2-2 or 3-3 draws.

In one such tie, the Saturday Under-8 Blue team went to St Columban’s boys and drew 2-2, while the Under-11D team drew with Rush, Zack Whelan scoring all three Celtic goals including a deftly finished penalty that tied up the match.

S u n d ay ’s o p e n i n g game for the Under13A team also ended 3-3 when visiting St J o s e p h ’s E a s t Wa l l , when they equalised with only minutes to go.

The Under-13D team hauled a point back from K innegad after each side scored three

Sam’s supporters: Flynn on hand to launch Dublin book FINGALLIANS and Dublin player Paul Flynn, along with his fellow All-Ireland winners, Eoghan O’Gara and Kevin Nolan, were on hand to help launch the Dublin book, A Rare Auld Season, which captures in pictured the road to Sam Maguire. They signed a copy for for nine-year-old Chloe Collins, from Sandyford, in Easons on O’Connell Street.

Picture: Ray Cosgrove / Sportsfile

while the Under-14Cs repeated the result of the Under-8 Blue team at St Columban’s.

Under-16Bs The Under-16A team repeated the result from earlier in the season against the same opposition when they drew 3-3 with visiting Rivervalley Rangers, while the final game of the day saw the Under-18 Premiers go to Duleek and come away with a point.

Gavin Purcell scored that goal the made the result 3-3 with another penalty.

At U-10 Premier level,

the Celts met Clontarf in the cup at Balheary and, despite being 2-1 down midway through the first half, Celtic stormed back to win the tie 4-3.

Nikita Cuprin grabbed a double while Cian Warren and Alan Babuc were also on the mark.

Meanwhile, the club recently introduced a third NDSL U-17 side to play in the U-17B division. They played their first match at home to Kinnegad juniors last week with the tabletopping visitors taking the result by a two-goal margin but it was an

encouraging showing for the management duo of Barry Flynn and coach Ken McCarthy.

Rivervalley Rangers, meanwhile, enjoyed a profitable Saturday as their U-8 red and black teams picked up wins over Castleknock Celtic (5-4) and Swords Celtic (9-3)/ At U-9A level, Bald o y l e Un i t e d we r e conquered 5-3 while the U-10 Premier side picked up a 4-2 success over Navan Road United. Their G counterparts added a 5- 4 victory over Kilmore Celtic in another lively encounter.

24 November 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31

in association with

HURLING: SCHOOL ON VERGE OF MORE SUCCESS

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST SYLVESTER’S Unde-21 Football Championship A:

hide’s finest. Come along and join

St Vincent’s 2-10, St Sylvester’s

in.

0-11: Despite a very good perform-

Sam Maguire made his welcome

ance and a half-time lead of five

return to Malahide on Sunday and

points, we went down to two late

was warmly welcomed by young

goals.

and old. Micheal McCarthy did the

The minor B team got a late walkover.

honours in a great day of celebration.

Next Sunday, the minor hurlers

On December 2, the club will cele-

take on Raheny in the championship

brate 25 years of adult hurling. The

final in St Anne’s at 11am. They had a

1986 team will be honoured, and all

magnificent semi-final extra-time

members are invited along to cel-

win and they won the colleges’ sen-

ebrate the occasion.

ior hurling B final last Friday with

The lotto jackpot continues to

another trademark performance.

grow and nex t week’s prize is

Come along and support them. They

€4,250.

never disappoint.

Our sincere sympathy goes out to

The ladies section will celebrate

the family and friends of Brendan

their remarkable year next Satur-

Dunne on his passing. He was a life-

day, November 26,in the club, with

long player and supporter and will

fun, food and festivities for Mala-

be sadly missed by all of us.

FINGALLIANS Scoil Iosa won the Senior B Colleges title at O’Toole Park last week against a determined Confey side

Double on the cards as Iosa claim B title SENIOR B COLLEGES FINAL Scoil Iosa Confey

3-11 2-5

sport@gazettegroup.com

SCOIL Iosa claimed their first hurling title in 20 years when they got the better of Confey last Friday in O’Toole Park to record the first half of a potential double for the Malahide school.

Their junior counterparts have a final date next Tuesday in Ballymun Kickhams’ ground as they seek to emulate the seniors’ sterling performance.

Drawing primarily from the St Sylvester’s minor and U-16 teams who have been in recent championship action, they were too strong for the Leixlip school.

Mark Hazley – whose brother Ross was nominated for a Dub Star during the week – and Paul McBride led the side superbly, along with a couple of additions from St Vincent’s

while Sean Kane laid down the gauntlet early, with another of his trademark bustling runs yielding a great goal.

Kevin O’Flynn produced a fine performance, fielding all around him, whilst running up a string of scores from frees to keep the side’s advantage ticking over, Confey had a few excellent hurlers but Scoil Iosa had much greater strength in depth, and, while never totally dominant, always looked the likely winners.

The result was a timely one in the Malahide area, as it comes just a fortnight before St Sylvester’s will recognise the growth of hurling in the area, as it will be 25 years since the Malahide club played its first adult game in the smallball code.

In November 1986, a Sylvester’s side lined out for a league game under the auspices of the Jun-

ior Hurling Board, and subsequently received late entry into the Junior C league that year, which was the lowest division at the time.

T he team finished mid-table in their first year, and went up to the Junior B level in 1989.

On Friday, December 2, Syl’s will welcome that team for a team photograph at 8pm in the clubhouse That club’s hurling tradition, meanwhile, was augmented when a Dublin U-13 side travelled to Waterford on Saturday last.

The Dubs won by two points after a terrific match, with the Malahide club represented b y D a n i e l Mu r p hy, Eamonn McLoughney, M i ke y M e a n e y a n d Eoin Cooney.

Meanwhile, in the U-21 football championship, Syl’s bowed out of the competition at the hands of St Vincent’s.

Playing into the wind, they fell away in the second half after a very encouraging first half, in which a 0-9 to 0-4 lead was accumulated before the turnaround.

THE club management committee

drive forward in the coming years.

and the members, sincerely wish

Declan Kelly was elected at the

to thank Derry Murphy, who is

AGM to the position as assistant

stepping down from the commit-

treasurer. Declan a life-long mem-

tee this year, for his fantastic hard

ber and ex-senior footballer will be

work, commitment and leadership

a great addition and we wish him

over the past decade. During that

well.

time Derry, in addition to his close

T h e C a r D r aw h a s n ow b e e n

involvement with the games sec-

launched. Ticket applications are

tion, and particularly hurling, held

now been distributed via the post

many positions on the committee

to all members. Please contact

and successfully led the club as

team mentors, club bar, commit-

chairman for four years from 2006-

tee members or email fingallians@

2010. During this period he and his

gmail.com for further information.

committee delivered on a five-year

Social football on 8pm every Fri-

plan incorporating facility and

day is now on the astro pitch. New

games development, and through

players welcome; football played

his excellent work, he has helped

for fun. For more info call or text

laid the foundations for the club to

Mark on 086 843 1200.

FINGAL RAVENS THE pub quiz for our juvenile section

tors is available on our website.

is on this Thursday, November 24,

We would like to send our sympa-

at 9pm in Kettle’s Hotel, only €20 per

thies to the family of Maura Rooney

table of four, contact Alan on 087 236

who passed away last week.

4559 or Mick on 086 814 8464 to book a table.

We are hosting a 60th birthday party for Pat McDonagh on Satur-

Well done to our Under-21 team who

day, December 3 at 8.30pm in Kettle’s

had a great win in the quarter-finals

Hotel. All past and present members

of the championship against Raheny

of the club are asked to come along

on Saturday. Best of luck to them in

and wish Pat a happy 60th.

the semi-final.

Best of luck to our minor team who play the semi-final of their championship this Sunday at 11am in Rolestown.

Our children’s Christmas party will take place on Sunday, December 11 from 3pm to 5pm in Kettle’s Hotel.

We will also be holding a Christmas raffle on Saturday, December 17, with

The club AGM was held last Thurs-

some excellent prizes; turkey, ham-

day, thanks to all who attended; full

pers, spirits, wine and lots more, see

list of incoming committee and men-

any committee member for tickets.

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

ALL OF YOUR MALAHIDE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

HISTORY BOYS: Pobal Scoil Iosa end

20-year wait for hurling championship P31

NOVEMBER 24, 2011

DUBLIN SPORTS STARS November nominees announced P29

Thompson set for Nippon challenge

GazetteSPORT

Gary Thompson has been given an early opportunity to try out in Formula Nippon a year ahead of his intended schedule

Donabate man set to follow in the tracks of Schumacher and Irvine with quality Formula Nippon trial session at Fuji malahidesport@gazettegroup.com

GARY Thompson has hailed next week’s Formula Nippon testing for the first time at Fuji International Speedway as a “fantastic learning experience” as the teenager looks to continue his remarkable progression.

The Donabate man, who has spent the past two seasons contesting the competitive Japanese Formula 3 Championship, will sample his first taste of the powerful single-seater next Monday and Tuesday at the series’ end of season group test.

Thompson will again represent the SGC by KCMG team, for whom he took his maiden F3 victory and five additional podiums this season, including a pair of rostrum finishes at the Fuji circuit.

Acknowledged as Asia’s premier racing series, Formula Nippon has seen star names, such as Michael Schumacher and Eddie Irvine,

pass through its ranks on their way to the peak of grand prix racing and continues to act as a key proving ground for Formula One. The current field is as formidable as ever with a host of world-class competitors, including former F1 racers and Le Mans 24 Hours winners, amongst them.

Speaking about this significant step in his career, he said: “I’m delighted to be getting my first run in a Formula Nippon car. It’s the pinnacle of Japanese motorsport and certainly where I see myself racing in the next few years.

“Whilst we’re not looking to move up to Nippon as early as next year this will nevertheless be a fantastic learning experience and an important step in my development.

“The aim is to race in the series in 2013 and, to make that transition as seamless as possible, we’ll need to get the maximum mileage in the car that we can. I’m sure beginning that prepa-

ration now will pay dividends in the long run.”

Testing the top-end Nippon car will represent another significant progression in Thompson’s climb towards motorsport’s higher echelons. Having taken his breakthrough Japanese F3 win in 2011, the test reaffirms his status as Ireland’s most promising international racing talent.

The category’s Swift FN09 chassis is powered by a 3.4-litre Toyota V8 powerplant and is comparable in performance with modern-day Formula One equipment, capable of lapping Japanese Grand Prix venue, Suzuka, at similar pace.

Thompson already has experience of powerful racing machinery having performed several runs in a Formula One two-seater. Most recently the Irishman shook down the Yas F1x2 in Abu Dhabi before handing over the controls to grand prix stars Felipe Massa, Karun Chandhok and Martin Brundle.