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Malahide GAZET TE FREE

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INSIDE: Discovering the benefits of social media P8-9

February 16, 2012

ON THE BALL: Promoting Irish golf at US Merchandise Show See Page 7

Getting some top tips: At a Network night Rugby: Malahide exile helps Canadian team to victory Page 32

PICTURED at the recent Business and Services Network night held by St Sylvester’s GAA Club in Malahide were John Maughan, Ronan Lynch and John McCormack.

The trio were among the large crowd who gathered to enjoy the guest speakers on the night as well as the opportunity to network with other members of the club.

Picture: Una Williams

Full Gallery on Page 10

Soccer: Trap and Tardelli help launch Fingal Euro initiative Page 30

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

Daly slams Shatter on garda station cuts Says Minister’s explanation is a ‘nonsense’

I MIMI MURRAY

THE Government’s defence of cuts applied to Malahide Garda station is “a con”, according to local Socialist Party TD, Clare Daly.

Deputy Daly has rejected the explanation of the Minister for Justice and Equality,

Alan Shatter, to a Dail question she tabled in relation to the rationale behind the cutting of the opening hours of Malahide Garda Station.

She said the Minister’s explanation that the cuts are not about cost-saving but rather about improving the deployment of Garda resourc-

es as “nonsense”.

“Dressing this up as an efficiency measure is an insult which residents will not be fooled by,” Deputy Daly said.

She said the three Government TDs in the area must now intervene and force a review of this.

Full Story on Page 4

2 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 16 February 2012

FastNews

EVENT Local schools take part in exciting

Students battle I MIMI MURRAY

Fianna Fail councillor, Darragh Butler

Payment options for household charge

THE new household charge can be paid in a variety of different ways, Fingal County Council said last week.

Fianna Fail councillor, Darragh Butler asked the council how Fingal residents can pay the new Government charge if they do not have internet access, which, he said, is a particular concern for senior citizens who have not been given an exemption.

“The council will accept registration forms and receipt cash payments for the €100 household charge at our offices in Swords and Blanchardstown. We will also accept completed registration forms with cheque payments, postal orders, bank drafts, credit and debit card details and will forward all forms to the Household Charge Bureau.

“Registration forms are widely available at our offices, at all public libraries and at Citizen Advice Bureaus. Completed forms and payments (as specified on the form) can also be forwarded directly to the Household Charge Bureau at PO Box 12168, Dublin,” the council said.

Council gives €2,000 grant to Society MALAHIDE Musical and Dramatic Society has been awarded a grant of €2,000 by Fingal County Council towards its annual production.

Fine Gael Councillor Anthony Lavin asked that the committee

recommend that Fingal County Council allocate the requested grant of €3,000 to Malahide Musical and Dramatic Society towards their production of the musical, Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, which will run until February 18, however, the council settled on the figure of €2,000.

SEVER AL local primary schools in Malahide and the local area took part recently in the exciting first stage of the countrywide 2012 Credit Union Schools’ Quiz Competition at St Sylvester’s GAA Club.

This year, even more schools joined in the fun at the event, organised by Malahide Credit Union, while parents, teachers and friends came along to support pupils from St Oliver Plunkett’s, Pope John Paul II, St Nicholas of Myra, Scoil an Duinninigh and St Andrew’s, as they battled it out for the prizes and a place in the second stage of the nationwide competition.

The winning Senior Team came from St Oliver Plunkett’s and the winning Junior Team from Pope John Paul II. The junior and senior runner-up teams both came from St Oliver Plunkett’s after an exciting, nail-biting tie breaker.

Winning teams were presented with certificates and prizes.

T he annual event, now in its 21st year, has become the highlight of the school calendar, attracting over 25,000 participants in over 300 venues throughout the 32 counties.

The quiz, organised by the Irish League of Credit Unions, is run throughout the winter months in communities all over Ireland by volunteers from over 496 ILCU affiliated credit unions.

With the aim of

encouraging teamwork among young school children under the age of 13, the questions for the quiz are compiled by primary school teachers and will cover topics such as geography, history, music, literature and sport.

Local winners now progress to the Chapter Level Final in ALSAA on Sunday, March 4.

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‘I want to say a big thank you to our volunteers from credit unions nationwide’ --------------------------

Commenting on the first stage of the competition, Malahide Credit Union manager, Vivienne Keavey said: “We are delighted that one of the highlights of the school year coincides with the opening of our brand new premises on Main Street.

“We would like to thank all the schools and faculty involved this year. One of the primary objectives of the credit union is to encourage saving from an early age.

This annual event not only presents a wonderful opportunity for the students to have fun, but also serves to remind parents and teachers of the great benefits of educating children about money, helping them to develop strong saving habits and teaching them about the value of investing in their future.”

Speaking at the 2012 quiz launch, the presi-

Pope John Paul II Junior winners with Vivienne Keavey and Bryan O’Flaherty

Senior winners St Oliver Plunkett’s Gavin Hydes, Peter Tumulty, Joe O’Connor and Jonathan Butler with Vivienne Keavey, Stephen MacDonagh and Bryan O’Flaherty

dent of the ILCU, Jimmy Johnstone, said: “We wholeheartedly support the development of young people in communities all over Ireland. We are delighted to be here marking the 21st year of the quiz and to launch the 2012 event, which is set to

be our biggest yet.

“I want to say a big thank you to our volunteers from credit unions nationwide who work incredibly hard to make sure this event is a success year on year. The purpose of the credit u n i o n m ove m e n t i s

more than merely providing financial services and this is a very important event for us.

“This is a way for children around Ireland to have lots of fun while learning the importance of team work in achieving success.”

16 February 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 3

first stage of the 2012 Credit Union Schools’ Quiz

it out for top prizes

Junior winners at Pope John Paul II, Harry Whelan, Patrick Griffin, Tim O’Grady and Cian Grant

FUNDRAISER

Be green, be seen DUBLIN North County Macra will hold a fundraising night in aid of Irish Autism Action.

Be Green Be Seen will be held the night before St Patrick’s Day and will feature live music from Knightshift, followed by a DJ and some trad music.

It will be held in the Green Isle Hotel on March 16 and will kick off at 8pm.

“Last year was our first year to run the event and we hope it will be a yearly fundraiser for Dublin North County. We hope to get the same numbers this year as last year was a great success. This year we will dance the night away with the fantastic band followed by a DJ, followed by a Trad Session. There will be a raffle, spot prizes and finger food all on the night,” Clodagh Barnwall, PRO for Dublin North County Macra, said.

Tickets are €15 and are available by contacting Clodagh on 087 9532094 or Kelly on 0851166806.

4 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 16 February 2012

POLICING Querying of rationale to cut Malahide Garda Station’s opening hours

‘Redeploying’ gardai doesn’t hide cuts – Daly THE Government’s defence of cuts applied to Malahide Garda Station is “a con”, according to local Socialist Party TD, Clare Daly.

Deputy Daly has rejected the explanation of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Alan Shatter, to a Dail question last week in relation to the rationale behind the cutting of the opening hours of Malahide Garda Station, and other cuts to garda services in

the area.

She said: “The Minister is claiming that the decision to cut the opening hours in the stations is not about cost savings, but, rather, about improving the deployment of garda resources and getting better use of gardai on the frontline.

“This is nonsense. Everyone knows that there are fewer Gardai on the streets than ever before. They are trying to cover up for the cuts that have

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‘Improving services means investing in them. This Government has reneged on every pre-election promise they made.’

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Deputy Clare Daly, Socialist Party

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already taken place.

“Dressing this up as an efficiency measure is an insult which residents will not be fooled by,” said Deputy Daly.

“This is another conse-

quence of the attack on public services. Citizens have [paid], and continue to pay, substantial taxation in return for everreducing public services as the Government continues its

austerity agenda.

“Improving services means investing in them. This Government has reneged on every pre-election promise they made. This is simply not good enough.

“The Minister has declared that he has ‘no plans to review this decision’. Therefore, the three Government TDs, particularly Minister Reilly, must intervene and force a review,” said Deputy Daly.

Deputy Clare Daly, SP

The late Robina Bowler

Robina Bowler passes away WELL-known Malahide dancer and actress, Robina Bowler, has sadly passed away at the age of 93.

A familiar and wellloved face in Malahide, Robina, who was also known as Beenie Bono, passed away on Tuesday morning.

A resident of St James’s Terrace, she was a familiar face at Mass each day.

Robina was the only remaining member of the Baily family, who made up the Clarence Baily Show in the 20s.

Robina’s husband, Ben Bono, who was a ventriloquist and magician, toured Britain and Europe throughout the war years with his talented wife.

She will be sadly missed in the village.

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A Malahide/Howth Area Committee meeting recently heard Panda detail what caused collection issues in some areas around the council’s changeover to its service

REFUSE: COMPANY ADDRESSES CUSTOMER ISSUES AROUND CHRISTMAS PERIOD

Panda clarifies reasons for delays in collections I MIMI MURRAY

malahide@gazettegroup.com

DIFFICULTIES that arose during the changeover from the council’s bin collection to Panda, especially in Limekiln Lane and Castle Field Manor, were explained at a Malahide/Howth Area Committee meeting recently.

Fianna Fail councillor Eoghan O’Brien said there had been problems with certain areas, and asked the council why problems had arisen in

those areas.

In relation to the Limekiln Lane area, Panda said that this area is on the “lone ranger route”those customers were in difficult-to-access areas, which were serviced by a small truck.

These 700 customers did not receive a brown bin from Fingal County Council, and they did not have to pay the annual charge, as a result.

“They were not on our billing database and, due to the rural nature of most of the proper-

ties, many did not have unique addresses, and we were not able to identify the addresses of all these properties,” said Panda.

In its detailed report, Panda said: “When we took over in November, 2011, we had a very smooth transition.

“The only major issues we had were with us not collecting bins that had no tag on them (money taped to the bins, etc).

“However, after the first three/four weeks, people realised that we would not collect bins

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‘We have rectified all urban issues, although we will always have some not leaving their bins out on time’ --------------------------------------------------------

Panda

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with no tags.

“Problems from January, 2012 arose when some people got calendars late. Collection days/ times changed as routes changed, causing normal ‘forgetfulness’ by customers when collection day changed; build-up of

green bin waste from preChristmas, which was a huge issue; and severe wind gust conditions, that hindered collection.

“We have rectified all urban issues, although we will always have some people not leaving their bins out on time. We have

an emergency truck to do missed bins every day,” said the waste company.

Panda also said there were 22 different collection map routes in place for only 4,100 customers.

As well as this, people who lost track of their bin days over the Christmas period caused problems.

Panda said that, in hindsight, ideally they could have added extra staff who “could be trusted to handle rural calendar delivery and assignment of calendars to accounts”.

16 February 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5

6 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 16 February 2012

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

PROJECT Significant works have been done, says council

Forty years of service TO WHOM IT CONCERNS

ON January 15, The Quiet Man, as he has been dubbed by parents, pupils and colleagues, hung up his boots, gave back the chalk, and headed away into the sunset to begin a new chapter in an illustrious career after 40 years service to the children of St Oliver Plunkett School, Malahide, St Sylvester’s Parish and Malahide Community in general.

He must have started teaching when he was still in short pants because he seems far too young to be taking early retirement. It would seem a pity to let an occasion like this pass without some public acknowledgement of such a life of service.

It is difficult to imagine Grove Road without this man who nurtured the children in their formative years, creating a safe haven for them and living to his motto of “pride in ourselves and all we do”. He was involved in many areas of public life, including The Parish, Credit Union, Malahide Tidy Towns, MSRA, St Sylvester’s GAA as well as every facet of life in the school, including five Green Flags, numerous sports achievements and having one of the top academic schools in the country.

Kids love him and he loves kids. His greatest achievement has to be his promotion of music. He has published a School News covering all aspects of school life for over 30 years and, in recent times, has turned his hand and his mind to the web.

He believed that education should use the holistic approach and that all children from the community should be in school together regardless of religious belief, ethnicity, colour or ability/ disability and welcomed many Special Education Needs (SEN) children who had been refused by other schools.

I was one of the lucky ones; I had him as my teacher, I had him as an athletics and basketball coach, and now he is Principal of my child’s school.

A very quiet unassuming man, whose whole life was dedicated to school. As I lived close to the school, I used to see the lights on all hours of the night, and, now, as a parent, I see his car in the school very early each morning as I go to work. He started early and finished late and spent his whole working life in “Ollies”.

Thanks, Deirdre

Early closures at the castle last year caused public annoyance

Castle and Demesne opening until 6.30pm M A L A H I DE C a s t l e and Demesne will now open until 6.30pm every evening, and the current roster for closing times will remain in place until June, when it will be reviewed.

Fine Gael councillor, Anthony Lavin, asked the council to confirm the closing times of the gates around the demesne as they are currently signed to close at 4.10pm.

Late last year the early closures caused annoyance to school children and their parents who use the park as a shortcut home.

Fianna Fail councillor

Eoghan O’Brien raised the issue of the closures with the council several months ago.

At a Malahide/Howth meeting last week he said he hopes that when the winter months roll around again, the council will keep the gates open later for school children enabling them use it as a go through.

The council said that since the rosters have changed, opening times have increased by 24%, which, they say, is a huge achievement and added that they would take Cllr O’Briens comments on board.

Meanwhile, they

said that signs stating, “Castle and Restaurant closed until summer 2012”, have been ordered and will be put up Bridgefield Car Park, St Sylvester’s School entrance and the Swords Road entrance of Malahide Demesne.

Report In a progress report on the ongoing developments within the castle and demesne, the council said that significant progress has been made on construction works over the past few months, assisted by the mild weather conditions.

“The installation of extensive underground ser vice ducts is now almost complete and the contractors are currently busy reinstating the road surfaces, which were excavated to facilitate this phase of the project.

“As par t of these works, an underground rainwater har vesting tank has been installed two metres below ground in the old Coach Park.

“This tank, which is equivalent in size to a tennis court, will provide irrigation for the botanical gardens.

“The old buildings

have been stripped out and re-slating in salvaged natural slate has commenced.

“Foundations have also been laid for the new-build element of the project and construction of the steel superstructure began within the last few weeks.

“Repairs and fit-out works within the castle building itself are scheduled to begin this month and the anticipated completion date for the entire project is June 2012.

“Up to 100 jobs will be suppor ted in the constr uction of the facilities.”

Council asked about taking in charge of pump house THE operation of the pump house at Broomfield Mews in Malahide, as well as previous breakdowns of the pump house, is being investigated

by Fingal County Council.

Fianna Fail councillor, Eoghan O’Brien, asked the council about taking the pump house in charge, but the council said the pump house will only be considered for taking in charge when it has been completed to the appropriate standards set by the Mechanical Unit of the

Water Services Section in Fingal County Council.

Cllr O’Brien asked the council to report on a written request sent before Christmas to the Building Control Section, regarding the taking in charge of the pump house.

He also asked what contact has been made with residents and what the next course of action for the council is.

The council said the request for taking in charge of the pumping station was received from Broomfield Mews Man-

agement Company Limited on November 24, 2011, and was acknowledged by the Inspectorate Division of Fingal County Council (FCC).

“Major concerns outlined in the letter from the management company about the operation of this pump house and previous breakdowns are being investigated.

It should also be noted that enforcement action could be considered by the council in respect of this private pumping station that is not been

correctly maintained by the owner, under public health, water services or any other relevant legislation.

“Regarding the long-term maintenance issues, the council must have regard to available resources and the need to secure the most beneficial, effective and efficient use of its resources. This pumping station should be taken in charge in good working order so as not to expose the council to excessive costs in future maintenance.

“Where a development has not been constructed and/ or maintained in accordance with the grant of planning permission, any security lodged can be called upon to rectify matters in the event of default by a developer. On submission of a request for taking in charge of any service, including pumping stations, detailed as-constructed drawings, CCTV surveys, maintenance and management schedules (short and long-term) along with com-

pliance certification stating that the service complies with legislation and is fit for purpose are requested.

“FCC has replied to the management company outlining these details. As soon as the pumping station is completed to the taking in charge standards as confirmed by the Mechanical Unit of the Water Services Section, it will be considered for taking in charge. Residents’ representatives will be kept informed of progress.”

16 February 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 7

EDUCATION Get Ireland Online programme comes to Malahide

Project to provide basic computer skills CTA Computer Training in Malahide has been chosen

by ICS Skills as a location for the Get Ireland Online programme.

The Get Ireland Online programme provides training under the Benefit/IT 3 scheme, which is grant aided by the Depart-

ment of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

Under this scheme, ICS Skills will ensure almost 5,000 people are provided with basic computer skills.

These skills provide them with the ability to take advantage of opportunities most people now

take for granted in 38 locations throughout Ireland, allowing every citizen the opportunity to embrace the digital world.

For €20, participants living in or around Malahide can enrol for the Get Ireland Online course at the CTA Computer Academy.

During the course, participants are taught how to use the web and send emails to family and friends. Also, by the end of the three classes they will be able to use Skype, and even be able to book their dream holiday. Everybody can benefit from this training, is suitable for

senior citizens, the unemployed and anyone lacking in basic ICT skills.

If you are interested in enrolling in the course, contact CTA Computer Academy at 6, St James Terrace, Malahide (close to the DART) or call 01 8454070.

John Quigley, Portmarnock Golf Club; Dennis McFerran, The Island Golf Club; Aine Mangan, Dublin East Coast Golf Alliance; Mark Murphy, winner of the Golf Channel’s Big Break Ireland; Joe Byrne, Tourism Ireland; Moira Cassidy, Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links and Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland

SHOW: LOCAL OPERATORS ATTEND THE 2012 PGA GOLF MERCHANDISE SHOW

Group travels to the US to promote Irish golf A NUMBER of golf and tourism operators from north county Dublin travelled to Orlando recently, to join Tourism Ireland at the 2012 PGA Golf Merchandise Show.

In attendance on the Tourism Ireland stand at the PGA show were John Quigley, Por tmarnock Golf Club; Dennis McFerran, The Island Golf Club; Aine Mangan, Dublin East Coast Golf Alliance; Mark Murphy, winner of the Golf Channel’s Big Break Ireland; Joe Byrne, Tourism Ireland; Moira Cassidy, Portmar-

nock Hotel and Golf Links and Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland.

One of the biggest golf exhibitions in the US, this year’s PGA Show attracted over 40,000 golf professionals and enthusiasts, as well as around 1,000 influential golf media.

Following Tourism Ireland’s Home of Champions campaign in 2011, Tourism Ireland will undertake another busy promotional programme throughout 2012, to boost the number of golf visitors from the US. Events like the Irish

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‘The US golf market remains a priority for Tourism Ireland in 2012’

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Open in Portrush will be used as a “hook” to draw attention to our worldclass golf. Tourism Ireland is urging American golf fans to come and attend the Irish Open – and to extend their visit and try out some of our fantastic courses for themselves, including courses like Portmarnock and The Island.

Joe Byrne, Tourism Ireland’s executive vicepresident US and Can-

ada, said: “The US golf market remains a priority for Tourism Ireland in 2012. We will undertake a busy golf promotional programme this year, which includes capitalising on the success of our major golf champions as ambassadors for the island of Ireland.

Golf is the world’s largest sports-related travel market and Tourism Ireland is working hard to drive home the message

that a golfing holiday in Ireland is about much more than a round of 18 holes – the combination of Ireland’s world-class golf and our unique brand of hospitality plays a key role in attracting American golfers to come here.”

During the two-day show in Orlando, Tourism Ireland hosted a Home of Champions’ reception, promoting our world-class golf and celebrating the outstanding success of our golfers.

The event was attended by PGA pros and influential golf travel

media – providing an excellent opportunity for the Irish golf and tourism operators to network and do business with these inf luential decisionmakers from around the United States.

Also present on the Tourism Ireland stand at this year’s PGA Show was Mark Murphy – winner of the popular American golf reality TV show, Big Break Ireland, which was filmed in the K Club and which aired on the Golf Channel late last year to an estimated 83 million households across the US.

NETWORKING: ENTERPRISE BOARD

Business event attracts interest BE Yourself was one of the top tips for Fingalbased business owners at a recent Getting PR Through Social Media networking event, organised by Fingal County Enterprise Board.

Held in The Clarion Hotel, Dublin Airport, this Fingal Business Network event attracted over 200 local business owners who learned how to get the most from their social media marketing tools.

Eoin Kennedy, chair of the Irish Internet Association Social Media Working Group, began the evening by presenting his Top 12 tips to achieving PR through social media. His advice on building relationships with bloggers got much interest amongst the audience.

Following an enlightening practical demonstration of how social media can support networking, businesses were invited to put this into practise at a networking session followed by refreshments.

Speaking at the event, Oisin Geoghegan, CEO of Fingal County Enterprise Board, was delighted with the level of interest and enthusiasm among those present, saying: “Social media and online networking are playing an increasingly important role in business. For small and local businesses seeking to enhance their profile, these techniques offer massive potential.”

The Fingal Business Network (FBN) is open to owners and managers of small businesses within Fingal.

It is particularly geared at providing a networking platform for those who have recently set up in business.

The next event will be held in May and information is available from Fingal County Enterprise Board by telephoning (01) 8900800, e-mailing info@ fingalceb.ie or by visiting www.fingalceb.ie/fbn Full Gallery on Pages 8-9

8 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 16 February 2012

EVENT Getting PR Through Social Media, a networking event

Barry Gargan, Absolute Office Limited, and Austin Byrne, Irish Spray foam

Top tips to get some PR HERE was plenty of interest in the latest networking event organised by Fingal County Enterprise Board through the Fingal Business Network. The event entitled, Getting PR Through Social Media, was held in the Clarion Hotel, Dublin Airport.

Over 200 Fingal-based companies attended the event which aimed to provide guests with the forum and opportunity to network with other small business owners based in the Fingal area. The presentation on the night was followed by a hands-on demonstration of how to use social media to deliver more effective networking.

T

Yvonne Whelan, Community Matters; Don Earley, Web Direct and Vera Lee. Pictures: Joe Keogh Photography

Lisa Murphy, Landscape Restoration Design, and Mary Simons, Peter’s Play Centre, Balbriggan

Colm Heaney, Easy Pen; Walter Hendrickx, DigiSafe, and Damien Heaney, Easy Pen

Frank Manning, FJM Associates and Gerry McColgan, Producer

Breda Lattimore, Bizzy B’s and Margaret Fox, Tuniper Roger Harford and Robbie Burn, Essence Bistro, Swords

Pre-school

16 February 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 9

organised by Fingal County Enterprise Board

Jim McGiven, Canada Life and Michael Gibbons, Suzanne Colgan, NetSpeed; Agata Logowska, Green Candle and Maeve Ferris

Combined Business Media

Andrea Cawley, Metro Hotel and Louise McClean, City North Hotel

Louise McClean, City North Hotel and Andrea Molloy,

Oisin Geoghegan, CEO of Fingal County Enteprise Board; John Lennon, Topstat Ltd;

Clarion Hotel

Cathy Lennon, Topstat Ltd and Ross McMahon, Crossway Foods Ltd

Catherine and Kevin O’Brien, Carry Out Off-Licence

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10 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 16 February 2012

EVENT St Sylvester’s Business and Services Network night

Francine Shelly and Louise Young

Ron and Yanky pitch in T Sylvester’s GAA Club in Malahide held it’s second Business and Services Network night recently in the clubhouse with guest speakers Yanky Fachler and Ron Immink who presented their ideas on how to pitch your business proposition - in an elevator and how to network effectively – tonight.

Yanky Fachler is an author, business columnist and motivational speaker. He is cofounder and chief learning officer of Bookbuzz Executive Development and founder of High Octane Communication.

Ron Immink is a serial entrepreneur, author of a number of best-selling business books and has advised and trained a wide variety of companies and people across the globe for over 25 years in the area of business development.

On the night there was plenty of time afterwards for further networking and refreshments.

Eddie Sullivan, Michelle O’Meara and Ernie Brenner. Pictures: Una Williams

S

Ron Immink, Yanky Fachler and John Phelan

Laura McCormack and Diarmuid Scollard

Brendan Carney, Robert Rooney and Dave Shalloe

Michael Howard and GV Wright

Alex Gibson, Tara Shortall and Kevin Haverty

John Maughan, Ronan Lynch and John McCormack

16 February 2012 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 16 February 2012

GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW!

Water look: Fair to make a big splash THIS bridal model couldn’t

Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

hide her delight at testing the waters of the luxurious pool at the four-star Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel in Killiney – just one of the attractive features that the hotel is highlighting at its upcoming wedding fair on Sunday afternoon, February 19.

The Castle Hotel’s wedding fair promises to make quite a splash with attending couples planning for their big day, with a complimentary glass of champagne to help put those attending in the mood, while the hotel’s wedding fair will be on hand to run through the hotel’s many fine features, including its banquet suite and fine views over Dublin Bay.

APPEAL: INFORMATION EVENING TO HELP SUPPORT CHARITY

Irish Guide Dogs are looking for volunteers IRISH Guide Dogs for the Blind is calling on Dublin north community members to “Get Going for Guide Dogs” and volunteer in 2012.

The national charity is hosting a volunteer information evening at Croke Park Hotel at 8pm on Tuesday, February 21, to highlight the many ways that volunteers can get involved to help support their work.

Irish Guide Dogs is on a national drive to find volunteers willing and

able to help.

More than 80% of the organisation’s income is raised through voluntary donations, and all services for people living with sight loss or autism are offered free of charge.

Guide dog owners, Tom and Breege O’Neill, from Balbriggan, have been supporting Irish Guide Dogs for more than 30 years.

They know first-hand the life-changing impact a guide dog makes, and

have worked tirelessly for many years to help fundraise so that more people can avail of the organisation’s services.

Tom says: “Without fundraising volunteers, Breege and I would not have the mobility and freedom we currently enjoy through our guide dogs.

“In the last few years, Irish Guide Dogs has needed to do more with fewer resources. Fundraising, in particular, is an area needing additional support.

“We’re hoping that the information evenings will

Guide dog owner Tom O’Neill is pictured with Santa Sabina, Sutton, students during his educational school visit about the work of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind

highlight the value of the organisation’s work, and inspire more people to

support it.”

Nick Palmer, director, Kingston Technology International, has been an active fundraiser for Irish Guide Dogs for more than ten years, and says it’s his love of dogs that got him initially started.

An active volunteer for the charity’s Balbriggan Branch, Nick says: “I like to describe Irish Guide Dogs as a ‘feel-good’ charity, because you get to see the positive outcomes of your efforts as a volunteer.

To find out more, call Finbarr Roche at 1850 506 300, e-mail finbarr@ guidedogs.ie, or see www. guidedogs.ie.

16 February 2012 GAZETTE 13

CHARITY Raising vital funds for Suas programme

Face-painting fun for St Patrick’s Day Ireland, India and Kenya.

In Ireland, Suas runs the Bridge 2 College programme, which assists children in designated disadvantaged secondlevel school areas in reaching third level.

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‘Last year in Kenya, Suas was responsible for training 183 teachers ’ --------------------------

Suas provides an interactive third-level learning experience for these children and helps to focus their aims for the future.

L e av i n g C e r t i f i c a t e results have improved due to involvement with this course, as the stu-

dents learn about college life and aim to achieve the best results in order to get there.

Last year in Kenya, Suas was responsible for training 183 teachers and played a vital hand in setting up and strategically effecting new educational initiatives in India and Kenya.

Simple

Simple, but crucial, things, like the electrification of classrooms, also falls under Suas’ sphere of activity.

To help Suas to continue their sterling educational work here in Ireland and abroad, support their Saint Patrick’s Day Fundraising Campaign this year by volunteering or donating what you can.

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S UA S E d u c a t i o n a l Development is holding its annual St Patrick’s Day face-painting to help raise funds for vital educational programmes at home and abroad.

Hundreds of volunteers help out every year in Dublin, Cork and Galway.

Suas is seeking the help of the public again this year.

So, if you want to take up the brush and facepaint for the charity, organise something different, or just help out in general, now is your chance.

Simply log onto www.

Suas.ie, email: info@suas. ie or phone: +353 1 662 1400 and volunteer in your area.

Suas targets underfunded communities in

Oh, MINI! A look at one of the cleanest car brands in Ireland

Rose of Tralee, Clare Kambamettu, at the launch of the Suas Shamrocks for Schools campaign with the Suas Shamrock, Shay Coughlan

MOTORIING PAGE 20

14 GAZETTE 16 February 2012

By Laura Webb

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Aging is toast with Ziaja Rose Butter HERE is a time in our life when we have to face the inevitable – we are getting older – but that doesn’t mean we can’t age gracefully and fight back against unwanted wrinkles.

A new range of anti-aging face care for woman in their 30s and older vows to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Ziaja Rose Butter is a derivative of rose oil, which contains higher quantities of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Here comes the science – these skin omegas are important nutrients that stimulate collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid (the skin’s very own natural plumper) and, together, they help to maintain skin firmness and elasticity.

Many women, from the age of 30, begin to notice fine lines and wrinkles appearing, and that’s all down to the reduction of collagen and elastin.

The key to tackling the first signs of ageing is incorporating collagen and elastin with supporting ingredi-

T

Ziaja Rose Butter Moisturising Day

Ziaja Rose Butter Skin-Firming Night

Ziaja Rose Butter Micro Peeling –

Cream – €6.99

Cream – €6.99

€4.79

Ziaja Rose Butter Water – €4.50

ents into daily routines, and regular exfoliation with a gentle scrub or athome peel.

The Ziaja rose butter range uses ECO-certified ingredients, and its floral scent is designed to give skin a great sensual experience.

What’s great about this range is that it doesn’t have to break the bank, with the full range available under €25.

ing film of moisture that restores the skin’s natural protective barrier.

This rich but light-feeling cream soothes redness, and encourages the skin to repair and restore, smoothing out lines and wrinkles.

and hyaluronic production – plumping the skin from within, helping to visibly reduce lines and wrinkles.

Formulated to be mild and nondrying, this gentle cleanser will leave every skin type fresh and clean.

It removes make-up, surface grime and oils, softens the skin, reduces skin tension and soothes irritations.

Dermatologically- and ophthalmologically-tested, it is colourants, parabens and fragrance-free.

Ziaja Rose Butter Moisturising Day Cream – €6.99 This product gives skin a nurtur-

Ziaja Rose Butter Skin-Firming Night Cream – €6.99 This fast-absorbing and intensively-moisturising cream works to refine and firm skin texture while you sleep.

The active ingredients combine to boost moisture levels in the skin,

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Ziaja Rose Butter Micro Peeling – €4.79 This delicately cleanses and massages the skin, and peels off dead skin cells.

It stimulates oxygen circulation, and reveals a visibly revitalised complexion, restoring natural smoothness and softness.

Ziaja Rose Butter Water – €4.50

This range is available at McCabes pharmacies and independent pharmacies nationwide. Shop online at www.originalbeauty.ie.

16 February 2012 GAZETTE 15

16 GAZETTE 16 February 2012

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC Time for a spring clean in your music collection

I DEE WOODS

LIVE REVIEW: A NIGHT OF SUBLIME MAGIC AT THE SUGAR CLUB

Sweetness and soul I JESSICA MAILE

I CAN’T believe it’s the middle of February already. And although it may not feel like it, spring has sprung and what better time for a spring clean...of your music collection?

We all have a favourite band or artists who we won’t hear a word against. We collect their albums and re-issues and wear their logo emblazoned across a t-shirt, while simultaneously guffawing at a friend who records Glee every week (I’m not really sure why we’re still friends, actually).

Working in a station that plays classic rock, it’s striking how strongly our listeners feel about the music we play and what it means to them. One listener will say: “If it doesn’t have Peter Green in it, then it just isn’t Fleetwood Mac,” while another will name Rumours as their favourite album.

Everyone’s got an opinion, which is what makes it interesting, but if working in a station where listeners are so passionate has taught me nothing else, it’s that all music has something to offer.

Try it yourself: Venture out of the Rock section in the music shop or borrow that album your mate keeps banging on about. You could be pleasantly surprised.

I HAVE literally thousands of songs on my iPod, but I have been left wanting for something new, something fresh and definitely something real.

Since the beginning of 2012, I have been searching for some real voices, something that rings strong and true.

Voices that sound good in the recording studio, as well as live, and whichare not manufactured for a vapid TV talent show.

Artists that pay their dues in small venues and work their way to the big time because they can actually perform.

Luckily for me, I made my way to The Sugar Club last weekend, where

I was priveleged to see The Staves and Michael Kiwanuka.

The Staves — Emily, Jessica, and Camilla Staveley-Taylor — are sisters from Watford, England, blessed with amazing voices. They weave intoxicating three-part harmonies through songs about love and longing with a folk flair.

Songs like Mexico and I Try, from their debut EP are enough to make anyone melt, as their voices cast their spell.

The Staves have a purity all of their own and are a joy to listen to.

After being completely delighted with The Staves, I was introduced to Michael Kiwanuka.

Michael is a 23-yearold Londoner who has

Michael Kiwanuka brought the soul to the Sugar Club last week

soul without compare.

He has been compared to the likes of Bill Withers and Otis Redding, which you can definitely hear in the richness of his voice, especially in

songs like Tell Me a Tale and Home Again.

Although his style is not exactly original, and has been labelled retro-soul, his strong but soothing voice captures

the spirit of the music of the past and brings it up to date with his poetic lyrics and catchy melodies. His album, Home Again, will be available March 12.

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16 February 2012 GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

FACTS: OLDER CATS HAVE A FULLY-FORMED PERSONALITY MAKING THEM BETTER PETS

Feline like you need some company?

ARE you looking for the puurrrfect partner?

Feline like you need someone to keep you company; to be kind to you on those lovely spring evenings?

A companion who adores belly rubs and enjoys squeaky toys?

Pawtastic! We’ve got the cutest companions for you, right here at Ireland’s oldest and largest animal rescue shelter.

Why not drop up and see for yourself, because the Dublin SPCA animal shelter is bracing itself for the onset of kitten season and would dearly like to re-home some special older felines in order that they can free up space in preparation for orphaned kittens.

Interested? Then read on…

• Annette is a sevenyear-old domestic shorthaired tabby and white female who’s looking for a quiet, relaxed life partner.

This independent woman doesn’t like fuss and, although she may appear to be shy, interested parties will soon realise Annette loves to play and, most of all, looks forward to spring evenings spent huddled by the fire.

If you can provide Annette with candle-lit suppers, we guarantee, she’ll soon be eating out

of your hand.

• Angel and Gucci – A couple of swells, these wise guys are strictly exclusive and must be re-homed together.

Why? Because the brothers refuse to be separated; besides Angel is only 10 months and needs big bro Gucci (4) to keep him in check.

T hese magnificent moggies would ideally be suited to a family with older children who can provide them with a stimulating, fun environment.

• Fatboy and Sullivan – Two siblings who like to live it large like the Lord and Lady of the manor.

You see, the pair, who are the best of buddies, are like a comedy duo with fun and f lir tatious Sullivan playing the adventuress who likes to drink from the tap before exploring her territory, while Mr Smooth, Fatboy, is a laid back moggy who gets his kicks snuggling under the duvet and purring for cuddles.

An older cat’s personality is fully-formed making them far less likely to provide any nasty surprises to their adoptive family in the future.

So, what the new owners sees, is what the new owner gets.

If properly intro duced, the older cat is less likely to upset an already resident cat or dog than a rambunctious kitten.

Older cats are usually litter- and scratch-post trained so their owners don’t have the hassle of

teaching them, there are fewer messes to clean up and the furniture is more likely to be left intact.

For more

information log onto www.dspca.ie or email me miriam.kerins@dspca.ie

The Dublin SPCA has a whole range of cute companions for you

18 GAZETTE 16 February 2012

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs

PUNTO VAN AND AMAROK WIN BIG WITH IMWA: THE Fiat Punto Van and Volkswagen Amarok have been named Category Winners of the Continental Irish Van of the Year 2012 title by the Irish Motoring Writers Association (IMWA) Van Jury.

All nine voting members of the IMWA Van Jury took part in the vote. In deciding on these category winners, the jury members took into account such attributes as load capacity, reliability, overall versatility, cost of ownership and drive comfort.

Presenting the awards to Adrian Walsh, Fiat Ireland; and Paul Burke, Volkswagen Ireland, Paddy Murphy, of Continental Tyres said: “In today’s tough commercial vehicle market, these two great vehicles have won the valuable endorsement of the Irish Motoring Writers Association. I am sure that winning this Continental Irish Van of the Year Category Award will be a huge boost for both the Punto Van and Amarok.”

Michael Moroney, chairman of the IMWA van jury, said: “The Continental Irish van category awards are of particular interest to Irish van / commercial drivers and fleet managers, as they highlight the niche models best suited to the particular requirements of the Irish market.”

Brigita Moloney holds up the keys to her new Ford Fiesta presented to her by Dr Senan Mullins, CEO The Care Trust; Mary Kennedy, Care Trust Ambassador, and Eddie Murphy, managing director and chairman, Ford Ireland

Happy winner in Ireland’s largest car giveaway DUBLIN’S Brigita Moloney, a Ballinteer local, was this week announced as the winner of a Ford Fiesta in The Care Trust’s fundraising draw, which, as Ireland’s biggest car giveaway, will see 36 cars up for grabs in 2012.

Picking up the keys for her new car, a delighted Brigita said: “What a way to start 2012, I am absolutely thrilled to win a car as part of The Care Trust draw. I love the sleek and sporty look of the Fiesta

and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel.”

Dr Senan Mullins, CEO of The Care Trust said: “Congratulations to Brigita – we wish her many years of safe and happy motoring. Without the support of Brigita, and thousands of other Irish people, The Care Trust wouldn’t be able to provide funds for its valuable work. Think of it, for a little more than the cost of a cup of coffee per week, our contributors

have the opportunity to win a lovely new Ford Fiesta, or one of many generous cash prizes in each of our 36 draws.”

Clondalkin native Mary Kennedy, The Care Trust Ambassador, was also on hand at the prize draw and had nothing but praise for the work the trust carries out: “With all that The Care Trust does to raise funds, the most incredible part is seeing how many people have been helped – and

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‘With all that The Care Trust does to raise funds, the most incredible part is seeing how many people have been helped’

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just how the services and support for children and adults with disabilities have improved.”

Set up more than 50 years ago, The Care Trust fundraises to provide essential funds to the

Central Remedial Clinic (CRC), Rehab and the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital.

The money raised helps fund these organisations in their work with the many thousands of

children and adults with physical, medical or intellectual disabilities, those who are socially disadvantaged and those requiring medical care.

The Care Trust’s prize draws take place three times per month with all winners notified by post.

For €3.50 per week / €15 per month, contributors are eligible for all draws. For more information, see thewwwcaretrust.ie or phone (01) 200 0060.

New Porsche Centre Dublin opens in Dun Laoghaire PORSCHE presence in Ireland steps up a gear this month with the opening of Porsche Centre Dublin, adding new car sales to the existing pre-owned and after-sales business. This positive development is supported by local customer demand for new Porsche models and represents a vote of confidence for

future business in the Irish market.

The new centre expands the existing Porsche Service Centre site on Rochestown Avenue and comes at an exciting time for Porsche enthusiasts in Ireland, following the recent launch of the all-new 911 Carrera, and forthcoming introduction of the new Boxster.

The powerful line-up of sports cars available at Porsche Centre Dublin also includes the mid-engined Cayman coupe, versatile all-wheel drive Cayenne and four-door Panamera Gran Turismo. The Cayenne Diesel and Panamera Diesel models benefit from road tax of €677, thanks to their low

emissions of 189 and 172 g/km CO2 respectively.

Porsche Centre Dublin is located just off exit 16 of the M50 at Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire. Customers can contact the Centre on 01 235 3375or by email at info@porschedublin.ie

16 February 2012 GAZETTE 19

20 GAZETTE 16 February 2012

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS DRIVING

Proper training not being offered MORE than half of businesses operating vehicle fleets do not offer their employees training on safe, cost-efficient driving a new study has revealed.

According to research, commissioned by fleet management specialists TomTom Business Solutions, 54 per cent of companies have not introduced formal training to improve their employees’ driving style – even in the face of rising fuel prices.

The study discovered that 35% of companies do not even offer their drivers fuel-saving tips, even though 83% believe their staff is guilty of speeding.

“Appropriate driver training can have a significant impact on a fleet’s cost base,” said Giles Margerison, director UK and Ireland for TomTom Business Solutions.

“Heavy acceleration, braking and excessive speed have the biggest negative impact on fuel economy and it is important employees are made aware of the knock-on effects caused by bad driving habits.

“Alongside company-set benchmarks for performance, fleet management tools are a cost-effective way to promote greener, safer, more efficient driving. Globally, our systems account for savings of around €1.5 million each day.”

A further 80% of those questioned believed their drivers were involved in harsh driving practices, but only 27% offered incentives for employees to improve their miles per gallon – and cut costs as a result.

See http://youtube/ aR7IF-OkPTk for advice from TomTom Business Solutions on how to promote greener, safer, drivers by giving them immediate feedback on their performance behind the wheel.

MINI has the lowest average CO2 emission’s (117.1g/km) making it the cleanest brand in Ireland

Another reason to enjoy MINI A

RECENT CO2 survey of Irish new car registrations in 2011

by Motorcheck.ie has revealed MINI to have the lowest average CO2 emission’s (117.1g/km) making MINI the cleanest brand in the land.

Motorcheck.ie CO2 measurement is a true-to-life survey of the 89,000+

vehicles registered in Ireland last year.

Combining this significant achievement with MINI’s competitive pricing, made all the more affordable through MINI Financial Services and low-cost road tax, is it any wonder that January 2012 saw a 100%+ increase in MINI registrations versus the same month last year. The best-selling model, the

MINI First, is currently available for just €299 per month with a €299 deposit*.

The survey was carried out by the car history experts Motorcheck.ie.

Motorcheck.ie provides vehicle history information for any vehicle registered in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK.

See http://www.motorcheck.ie/ blog/mini-is-the-cleanest-car-in-ireland/ * Available through MINI select with MINI Financial Services over 36 months at 10,000km per annum with 3.5% APR. Optional Final Payment (inluding €75 fee) of €8,394.

New Ford B-Max to be revealed in Geneva FORD will throw open the doors to its all-new production-ready B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle when it is revealed at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Ford president and CEO, Alan Mulally, will be in Geneva to unveil the new B-MAX, which promises to set new standards with its unique design and best-in-class technological features. Its return to Geneva, in full production form, comes just a year after the concept was unveiled at the Geneva show.

According to Stephen

Odell, chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe: “The B-MAX combines an exciting, innovative design, with features that only previously have been found in bigger cars.

“It’s a brand new car that responds to the needs of an increasing number of customers who want much more from their small cars,” he said.

Bringing the B-MAX to production demanded a new approach to door construction, which has resulted in wide-open access for drivers,

passengers and luggage – with the centre pillars integrated into the doors themselves.

The B-MAX also will deliver superior craftsmanship and high-quality materials rarely found on an affordable compact car, together with flexible seating and class-leading load-space.

Ford’s new 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, with its advanced combination of power and efficiency, will be available on the B-MAX, as will Duratorq TDCi diesels.

The Ford B-MAX goes on sale in Europe later this year.

The new B-MAX promises to set new standards with its unique design and best-in-class technological features

16 February 2012 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

ENTERPRISE: NEW SPONSOR FOR THIRD-LEVEL COMPETITION

A NON-EURO CURRENCY ?

Q – While many commentators say the euro will fail or go to a two-tier system, I know you are still positive about the euro. But if you had to put some of your money abroad, which currency would you invest in, why and what about the Norwegian Krone? Alison – Co Dublin A – I am on record as saying the euro will not fail, nor go into a two-tier system. I do, however, agree with you in the diversification philosophy. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, etc. However, as you saw from the Swiss Franc, too much investment caused the currency to strengthen, exports started to fall and the Swiss gov-

At the announcement of AIB’s sponsorship of the Bolton Trust / DIT Student Enterprise Competition, were Rea O’Neill, chairman, Bolton

ernment intervened and devalued the Franc by 10% - so

Trust; Nick Donnelly, regional director AIB; Paul O’Sullivan, dean of the DIT College of Business and Paudie O’Donnell, DIT

much for safety ! So, the biggest worry is that exchange rate. There is no point in moving it to another currency, whether it be Canadian or Australian dollars, Sterling, US dollars because unless it is a permanent move, you will be repatriating the funds eventually and probably anxious at the rate it will then be. One solution and what I would recommend is a Danish Krone account: - Minimum € 20,000 to open the account - Investment period : 2 years 6 months - Interest rate : 1.25% per annum

AIB teams up with DIT in enterprise awards

- Exit rate is guaranteed to match the entry rate or better (you cannot lose)

STAFF REPORTER

- Covered by the Deposit Protection Scheme (€100,000 per person ) Call or email me for details. This is only available with Danish Krone – if you want Norwegian Krone, you have to take the exchange risk and ask is it worth it ?

CREDIT UNIONS Q – I took out a car loan with my credit union at 6.7% for five years nearly three years ago. I am now in the middle of a contract payment and got a letter to say they are increasing this rate to 8.9%. Can they do this ? Am extremely annoyed, feel cheated and wonder do I have any rights ? Mary – Co Dublin A – I really empathise with you as it does seem unfair.

You are on what is known as a variable rate loan. This gives your credit union the right to increase rates not only as they increase in this country, but when they feel additional margin is required. With the recent events – the Financial Regulator had ordered over 300 of the 409 credit unions to stop paying dividends and interest as both liquidity and bad debts were issues – including the Newbridge Credit Union situation where an outside accountancy firm was appointed by the Central Bank to manage the office. On the bright side, any monies held are safe as they are covered by the Government’s Deposit Protection Scheme up to € 100,000 per person.

Go back to the credit union and renegotiate. If they do not lower the rate to the original rate, ask them to extend the loan so at least you are making the same repayments as before. Extending that loan to six years would DECREASE your repayments by € 8.42 per month !

Good luck with the negotiations.

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

THE Bolton Trust/ DIT Student Enterprise Competition has announced a three-year sponsorship agreement with AIB. The Bolton Trust is an independent voluntary trust, actively committed to assisting people in creating sustainable business.

It was established in 1986 by staff of the Dublin Institute of Technology.

As part of its commitment to encourage and promote new business enterprise in Ireland, the student enterprise competition was set up in 1993.

It is a business plan competition and is open to the 20,000 students of DIT and has been running for 19 years. In that time it has grown to be the largest third-level competition of its kind in Ireland.

The competition promotes innovation and entrepreneurship amongst the students, and encourages them to apply their course work creatively to the

demands of real-life enterprise.

This year is the first year of AIB’s involvement with the competition in a sponsorship role. Sharing a commitment to students and enterprise and innovation, it is an exciting and promising partnership.

N i c k D o n n e l l y, regional director of AIB Dublin South said: “We are delighted to be able to partner such a dynamic and innovative college as DIT, and applaud their work in providing students with the practical skills required for an everchanging workplace.

“In conjunction with DIT, the hard work and dedication of the members of the Bolton Trust provides a platform for potential entrepreneurs to flourish.

“AIB recognises the importance of nurturing this emerging talent and, through our support of the Student Enter prise Competition, would like to encourage the creativity and innovation which is essential for any successful business.”

22 GAZETTE 16 February 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL Travel EXTRA HE year 2012 is Northern Ireland’s time to shine and emerge as an international mustsee tourism destination, according to Howard Hastings, chairman of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB).

Speaking in Dublin last week, Mr Hastings urged people throughout Ireland to head north and play their part in making this a year to remember for Northern Ireland.

“This really is our time and our place to change global perceptions of Northern Ireland and put ourselves firmly on the global tourism map,” said Hastings.

NITB’s new £2 million marketing campaign, spearheaded by a new TV ad highlighting the exciting year ahead, was launched across Ireland in recent weeks, and is proving a big success, according to the board’s market manager (ROI), Fiona Cunningham.

“The reaction to our all-Ireland marketing campaign in the first two weeks has been phenomenal,” Fiona said.

“The new advert is proving to be a huge success, not only on TV but also on YouTube, where it has picked up more than 34,000 views already.

“The opening of the world’s biggest Titanic exhibition in Belfast, and the associated Titanic Belfast Festival, kick-start a remarkable programme of historic events,” she said.

A new website, www. ni2012.com, contains everything visitors need to know about attractions and events in Northern Ireland this year.

For now, we have compiled a breakdown of some must-visit attractions happening in 2012.

T

Scott Wylie-Dob finds a short cut at the launch of GraboneEscapes.ie

GrabOne Escapes sends Dubliners off packing BUDGET-SAVVY travellers in Dublin will be grabbing bargains galore on the new GrabOne Escapes website, www.GrabOneEscapes.ie, which launched last week.

Dubliners can save over 50% off everything from city breaks to scenic retreats, family attractions, romantic getaways, spa breaks, cultural activities and outdoor adventures.

GrabOne Escapes will feature a range of fantastic daily offers for staycations and short breaks in Ireland, along with a selection of international escapes.

The launch comes on the back of the hugely successful deal website, GrabOne.ie, which is already a winner with shoppers from Grafton Street to Dundrum, Temple Bar to Swords (and all across Ireland) who have saved over €6 million in less than a year.

Commenting on their new travel venture, Ruairi Doyle, general manager of GrabOne said: “GrabOne Escapes is a dedicated travel website, working with the best tourism and travel operators to offer outstanding value on breaks throughout the country and further afield.

GrabOne Escapes makes taking a break in Ireland or abroad even more affordable. And it is also a fun way to discover new places you may never have even thought about visiting.”

The launch is well-timed, with a recent survey by the National Consumer Agency indicating 57% of Irish consumers have already signed up to an online discount site, with an estimated 32% of the adult population having made a purchase and travel is, by far, one of the services in most demand.

Clontarf Castle in Dublin, Pillo Hotel in Galway and Irish Landmark Trust with properties across Ireland, are just some of the tourism trade who have already signed up for the initiative.

How does it work? Simply sign up to www.

GrabOneEscapes.ie to view the great deal that’s on offer. If it takes your fancy, click buy and you’re ready for your next trip - all for a fantastic price.

GrabOne Escapes is built on the back of their hugely successful deal website GrabOne. ie which is currently available in Dublin, Cork, Belfast, Galway, Kerry, Limerick and the South East, and has saved Irish consumers over €6 million in less than a year.

Titanic Belfast Festival 2012: Belfast, April-May

A FUSION of international-scale events worthy of the great ship her-

self is planned to mark the centenary of Titanic’s fateful maiden voyage.

From the opening of the multi-million pound Titanic Belfast visitor attraction, through to commemoration services on the 100th anniversary of the ship’s sinking, there will be something for everyone. A range of plays, tours, talks, films and major musical events will all position Belfast as the “home” of Titanic.

Peace One Day concert: Derry-Londonderry, June 21

THE Peace One Day Concert on midsummer’s day will attract massive media attention and the biggest names in music.

It’s one of the kick-off events for the UK-wide London 2012 Festival, the finale of the four-year Cultural Olympiad which complements the sports at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

T his concer t will showcase the iconic new public space at the historic Ebrington site in Derry-Londonderry, which is linked to the city centre via the new Peace Bridge. Massive Attack have already been confirmed to play at the gig, and other acts will be confirmed shortly.

There has never been a better year to discover Northern Ireland

2012 Irish Open: Portrush, June 28 – July 1

THE 2012 Irish Open will be hosted by Royal Portrush Golf Club, bringing the world-class event to the Northern Ireland venue for the first time since 1947. Home-grown golfers Darren Clarke, G r a e m e M c D owe l l and Rory McIlroy have enjoyed recent major successes and have firmly established Northern Ireland as the golfing capital of the world.

Land of Giants: Belfast, June 30

LAND of Giants will celebrate iconic Northern Ireland giants on an epic scale, with a spectacular

show featuring music, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, special effects and a cast and crew of over 500 people, all in front of an audience of 20,000 on Belfast’s newest events space, the Titanic Slipways.

The event takes inspiration from some of the giants found in our local history, literature,

society and landscape – Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver, the legendary Finn McCool, Harland and Wolff’s iconic Samson and Goliath, the ships, Olympic and Titanic, industrial achievements and, of course, the Giant’s Causeway.

Funded by Legacy Trust UK, Land of Giants will be a highlight of the

London 2012 Festival and will play a key role in the lead up to the 2012 Olympic Games.

Peace Camp, by Deborah Warner: July 2012

C R E AT E D b y t h e renowned opera and theatre director, Deborah Warner, in collaboration with actor Fiona Shaw and creative producer

16 February 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray M

FastTravel A wealth of craft, food and small businesses on show in Meath CRAFTERS Ireland’s hugely popular Meath Craft and Food Fair are a great day out for the whole family, and will be taking place in the Newgrange Hotel, Navan, on February 26 from 12 noon until 5pm.

Visit over 30 of the best crafters, foodies and small businesses in the area, including restaurant-quality curry sauce, wickless candles, the best cakes and biscuits Meath can offer, woodturners, hand made jewellery, the forever living company, plus much much more.

For those who want to exhibit at this event, please contact Scott on 085 28 28 420, or check out www.craftersireland.ie.

and d take k part iin the h cell ebrations to welcome to Northern Ireland yacht crews from around the world.

FLAGS by Hans Peter Kuhn: The Giant’s Causeway, August/ September

THIS is the year the Giant’s Causeway unveils the visitor centre worthy of its giant reputation as a must-see destination.

FLAGS by Hans Peter Kuhn, a London 2012 Festival event, is an installation embedded in the dramatic landscape of the Causeway, creating a new visitor experience, drawing on the natural power of the elements. A series of flags, randomly positioned along the banks of the cliff face, will rotate freely in the wind, creating a flickering pattern of yellow and red set against the backdrop of this spectacular landscape.

Artichoke, this major new living artwork has been co-commissioned

by Derry~Londonderry Culture Company 2013 for the Cultural Olympiad.

Installations will appear simultaneously from dusk until dawn at locations around the coast of the UK and Ireland. These glowing,

murmuring artworks are a poignant exploration of love poetry and a celebration of the extraordinary variety and beauty of our coastline.

Clipper Homecoming Maritime Festival: Derry-Londonderry, July 5-8

THE Clipper Round The World Yacht race will

make its homecoming leg from Nova Scotia to Northern Ireland, arriving in Derry-Londonderry in late June 2012, and welcomed by a four-day maritime festival at the end of the following week to celebrate the visit of the world’s longest race.

This is an opportunity to be inspired by the endeavour of the crew

50th Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s: Belfast, October 19 – November 3

DANCE, music, theatre, visual arts, film, classical and world music will all come to life in many forms during this autumnal event.

This year promises a world of talent on your doorstep, and, in 2012, an extended programme will dramatically increase its visibility and Northern

l d cultural l l offering, ff i Ireland’s including Belfast’s worldclass cultural venues.

For full details on the key events in ni2012, visit www.ni2012.com.

24 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 16 February 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT and

GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 The Glee Experience

STRAIGHT from two sell-out shows at The Olympia Theatre, The Glee Experience is a musical tribute to the smash hit TV show featuring all your favourite characters, songs and storylines.

The workshop is at 3pm and 7pm on Saturday, February 18, with tickets priced €15.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340

The Magic of Musical Theatre at The Mill THE Mill Theatre is delighted to present this benefit with some of your favourite performers in a tribute to musical theatre. Guest artistes include West End star Roisin Sullivan, Sandra Oman, Eoin Cannon, The Glencullen and Kilmacud Musical Societies, Garry Mountaine, Jack and Mac, Joe Conlon, Alison Vard Miller and many more make this a truly magical evening.

This performance takes place on February 18 at 8pm.

Admission: €20/€18

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Eddi Reader

CONSTANT touring with her band has created a magical organic chemistry between Eddi and her players. Whilst renowned for her technical vocal ability, it is Eddi’s passion and instinct that combine to ensure she connects emotionally with her audience.

She famously harmonised with Annie Lennox, touring with the Eurythmics, after her time with successful punk outfit Gang of Four. It was the short-lived but warmly remembered Fairground Attraction that really brought Eddi Reader into the limelight though.

February 20 at 8pm. Tickets €20 / €18 conc

Oskar (Thomas Horn) is destined to spend all his inquisitve, highly-focused energy on uncovering his wise father’s (Tom Hanks) last mystery when he discovers a mysterious key following his father’s death in the 9/11 attack in New York. Can Oskar discover the key’s importance?

Highly calculating Despite being a somewhat manipulative tale, the central actors’ performances elevate the film, to great effect I KATE CROWLEY

WITH the aura of Valentine’s Day still lingering, I know that my dear readers are, most likely, expecting me to produce a luvverly film or two for your consideration.

Well, tough – you’ll both have to pick something “rosemantic” yourselves to go and see.

Instead, Nicolas Cage is back with his sequel to Ghost Rider, and, with Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, Cage delivers a tour-de-force bravura performance, as – Oh, who am I kidding.

You both know very well that I can’t abide Mr Cage, and so, I’m moving on to something less tragic… …or, well, to something actually much more tragic. We’re now at the point where what’s simply referred to as 9/11 is – just about – acceptable as a plot-driver in films; something that’s far enough back, yet still close to

FILM OF THE WEEK: Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close #### (12A) 129 mins Director: Stephen Daldry Starring: Thomas Horn, Tom Hanks. Sandra Bullock, Max von Sydow, John Goodman, the ghost of 9/11

OUR VERDICT: BASED on the best-selling (and highly controversial) book of the same name, this post-9/11 tale can feel pretty manipulative in parts. Still, young newcomer Thomas Horn delivers a knockout performance which rises above the somewhat calculated direction of the film, with his memorable character lifting the entire film by a grade, while Hanks and Bullock also deliver strong, memorable roles.

today, to have resonance with many viewers, yet to almost be comfortably removed from the events of those awful days.

Here, 9/11 is the catalyst for Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close; the film loosely based on the top-selling book of the same name, by Jonathan Safran Foer.

Oskar (Horn) is a bright, talented and inquisitive young boy, drifting through life in New York with his mother (Bullock) since the loss of his father (Hanks) in the World Trade Center attack, where dad had

been at a meeting in one of the Twin Towers, but never made it home.

However, Dad’s never really far away, as much of Oskar’s life continues to be shaped by his decent father’s shadow, with the memories of their life together continuing to shape Oskar’s life.

Finding a mysterious key, Oskar knows – he just knows – that he has to find what it unlocks, somewhere in the city, and thus uncover his Dad’s last secret.

Dad also pops up regularly throughout the film, courtesy of flashbacks,

further reinforcing the family life and father-son relationship that drives Oskar forward in his mysterious quest.

And so, with this mystery key to inspire him, Oskar’s afoot in the big city, off to explore and try and work out what the key unlocks, and where to find such a place.

Whatever about the dangers of a nine-yearold boy wandering New York’s boroughs by himself, Oskar finds that, although the puzzle of finding where Dad’s key belongs could, perhaps, be beyond him, his journey to find its resting place will bring him to lots of other people who have their own 9/11 stories …

Straight off the bat, I should say that Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is certainly not “the” definitive 9/11 film – no doubt it’ll be decades, if at all, before such a film comes to pass – but, in a

somewhat manipulative way, it’s a striking film nonetheless.

Considering that the film’s puppetmaster – or director, Stephen Daldry – has orchestrated a terrific performance from newcomer, young Thomas Horn (with Hanks and Bullock exercising their acting chops a little, too, and with decent turns from the likes of the legendary Max von Sydow, and John Goodman, among others), it’s hard not to feel too bad about having heart strings, err, strung, and being manipulated into caring for Oskar, and the assorted characters he meets.

Despite the very bookish-feeling that underpins it all – and without making any pun or wordplay at all – Horn’s towering performance, and the interesting, if slightly calculated, direction of the film raises it above the bog-standard movies also out this week.

16 February 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 25

NEW MEDIA Bytesandpieces Challenging a Twitter precedent

Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, is faced with the difficulty in funding RTE as the State’s public service broadcaster, while, at the same time, many citizens now access national and international programming online, rather than watch television

Problem of imposing a broadcast charge SHANE DILLON

TODAY, more than one state broadcaster around the world is wondering what the future holds for their national resource.

Here, Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, faces some cold facts, regarding the fractures running underneath RTE, and the state broadcaster’s finances, resources and remit.

The population is growing – now up to 4.8 million, as per the latest census – yet RTE continues to face people switching off their television sets and increasingly meeting their entertainment needs through their laptops, smartphones and games consoles instead.

I n c r e a s i n g l y, t h i s means that – for example – people may watch RTE online, even if “online” means sitting on the Luas from Dundrum or Tallaght, via an app on their phone.

Meanwhile, many other

citizens are also tuning in online, or on the move, to a wide range of international broadcasters, such as the BBC, C4, Sky et al, ignoring RTE altogether.

Traditional TV viewing now accounts for an ever-decreasing share of people’s personal time – and decreasing audiences also means further decreasing finances, once advertisers start pulling back from shows, or demanding revised rates.

Finances Minister Rabbitte has to consider the state of RTE’s finances, its public duties as the state broadcaster, and issues of both how to engage with the entire population in a fair and transparent manner – as well as what stick to wave for those with no intention of propping up what is, for many, an irrelevant matter that they feel no connection to.

As such, the Government is still mulling over a new broadcast charge, which, as many read-

ers may know, is being mooted as a possible replacement for the television licence, as a catchall new system to target everyone, and a means to ensure compliance from everyone to support public service broadcasting in the country.

It’s certainly an interesting proposition, on the face of it, as everincreasing numbers have clearly abandoned watching many RTE programmes on an actual television, only to watch these shows online, or via an app, instead.

However, while this issue is still far from the fore of the public consciousness, a number of thorny issues immediately spring to mind – including, for starters, the issue of charging citizens for whatever content they access online.

After all, whatever about people watching RTE online, if an Irish citizen (or resident, say) watches BBC programming online, or America’s

NBC, or China’s CCTV, or Qatar’s Al-Jazeera, or even a multitude of publicly-available content on YouTube – how, then, can the Irish State charge citizens to access internationally-available content that does not originate in the State itself?

When such online programming does not contribute one cent to the Irish purse, it must be asked how Minister Rabbitte, and the Government, expects to charge for such access.

Access This is especially relevant to ask, considering that such individually-selected content is not otherwise available within, or provided by, the Irish State – yet a broadcast charge would, in effect, constitute a tax, by another name, for internet access.

This raises further, interesting points about civil liberties, which I’ll leave for another day, but I cannot help but wonder

if such points are being duly considered.

In addition, I wonder how these international organisations (ranging from the aforementioned BBC to Al-Jazeera et al) would feel about the Irish Government, in effect, making money off their online broadcasts via a broadcast charge.

We can all agree that the State must charge for public service television, and that the Minister has to take steps to streamline revenues in line with the rapidly-changing viewer model, and the continuing decline and fragmentation of audience share in Ireland today.

However, the issue of what, exactly, a possible broadcast charge would constitute, as well as the issue of how to implement it – and then to police it, particularly regarding concerns over, in effect, creating a de-facto tax on internet access – could well be a sleeping dog with quite a bark for this Rabbitte, if awoken ...

MANY readers know how Twitter is being used as an alternative means of communication around the world, with interesting questions emerging about Twitter’s use in the future, by both citizens and authorities alike.

In Britain, Doncaster man Paul Chambers’ legal case continues following his conviction for a January, 2010 Tweet, where he Tweeted to friends and followers that Robin Hood airport (which was closed by heavy snowfall, thus preventing him from travelling to Northern Ireland to see his girlfriend) had a week to reopen, “otherwise I’m blowing the airport sky high!”

However, authorities were not amused, and he was subsequently charged and convicted of causing a menace under the Communications Act 2003, in what is believed to be Britains’ first criminal conviction for the content of a Tweet.

At the time of writing, Chambers’ case was due to go before Britain’s High Court to appeal against his conviction under a number of freedom of expression, and civil liberty grounds, with Chambers having already been given a £1,000 fine and losing his job. It’ll be interesting to see how Chambers’ case concludes.

Ah, for the good old, pre-Twitter days, when one could mutter unlikely threats without a legal precedent being set!

GAZETTE

26 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 16 February 2012

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GazetteSPORT

DUBLIN ALL-STARS: All the winners from the Dublin Sports Awards: Pages 28-29

TELEVISION: US EXPERIENCE INFORMS INSIGHTFUL PROGRAMME ON NEW YORK SIDE

Setanta to air GAA diaspora documentary sport@gazettegroup.com

THE player drain caused by the recession has been one of the bleaker stories for the GAA in the past few years, with clubs losing stalwarts to Australia, Canada and the US, thinning their ranks.

On the flip side, that drain has been acting as a link to the homeland for many Irish abroad.

It is a connection which Ballinteer man, Cillian O’Chonchur, delicately

helps portray in the documentary, An Exile’s Home in the Bronx, which debuts this week on Setanta.

It follows the fortunes of the 2011 New York side and their struggles to prepare for a Connacht senior football championship date with Roscommon, hoping for a maiden win.

The result did not materialise but, along the journey, O’Chonchur and directors Niall and Steven McCann, amassed over

80 hours of footage from within the camp, with heartfelt, personal interviews with the players.

O’Chonchur, a sports journalist, came up with the original premise whilst on a Fulbright scholarship in New York, and says the story told became very much that of the players and their situations.

“The New York team, itself, would not have any major stars in it. Dan Doona played minor and U-21 for Kerry, and a few

The New York team prepare for their match against Roscommon in the Exiles documentary

of them did similar but didn’t pursue it. One of them sums it up: ‘If football was their main goal, they’d be back in Ireland’,” he told GazetteSport.

“Although it’s based around the game with Roscommon, it hopefully comes across as not a straight, sports documentary but as one which sees these guys having to leave

Ireland for New York while at the same time trying to cling on to their only bit of Irishness.”

O’Conchur – whose brother Padraic lines out for Ballinteer St John’s senior footballers – had initially looked at making the documentary in 2010, centring on the American side’s tussle with Galway.

He and another Irish

masters’ student at New York University initially put together a piece for a college television project, building a rapport with the players and team management and approached Setanta with a view to broadcasting it.

They backed it and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland came through with funding for the

project in March of 2011.

“I came back to Ireland in May [2010] and started writing up a treatment and then found out last March we got the funding so, from then until two weeks ago, it was pretty much all I eat, dreamed and slept. There’s no better way to learn something than doing everything yourself.”

28 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 16 February 2012

GazetteSport Sport

Insaka FC’s James Igwilo and coach Uby Ufoh

Sports Awards

Team of the Year - Castleknock’s celebrations begin. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Every one’s a winner HE third annual Dublin Sports Awards took place recently at the Clarion Hotel Liffey Valley and once again proved to be a true celebration of the best of Dublin’s sporting communities.

The gala night saw Olympic athlete Deirdre Ryan and Somerton club Castleknock GAA rewarded for their achievements in 2011 with the Sports Person and Sports Team of the Year prizes.

The event will form part of a programme to air on Setanta Sports in the coming weeks, and we will keep you posted as to air dates and times as soon as we have them.

Cricketer George Dockrell and Sarah Sarsfield

T

Fingallians’ Paddy Kelly

Wigan star Conor

for the junior hurlers

Sammon’s father, Hilary

Lucan Sarsfields’ camogie mentors, Thomas Dowling, Mary Rigney and Joe Whyte Swords Celtic’s Vincent McGrath

Camillus and Maura Muldowney representing golfer Sheena McElroy

Deirdre Ryan’s father, PJ

Motor star Gary Thompson talks to Paul Dempsey

16 February 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29

in association with

FastSport CMH Ballon’s Tomas Ilves and captain Majuydas

Mountview’s Cian McGrath

Hannah Tyrrell

Canoe stars Neil Fleming and Peter Egan

’Rock image wins world recognition AN ICONIC image from the match between Old Belvedere and Blackrock College in the Ulster Bank All-Ireland League Division 1A match at Anglesea Road was awarded the second-place prize in the Sports Singles’ Category at the 55th annual World Press Photo Contest.

Sportsfile snapper Ray McManus’ picture was chosen from over 100,000 entries worldwide.

McManus said: “It’s a huge privilege for both Sportsfile and myself to be honoured on an international stage. This is the third time that we have been awarded for our work at the contest, and underlines the hard work and dedication of the Sportsfile team.”

Paul Dempsey chats to Mick Lynch of Castleknock GAA

Annalise Murphy’s Brian Murphy

brother, Finn

Bohs back depression awareness charity BOHEMIANS showed their support for the Lean on Me depression awareness last Monday night by wearing the Lean On Me logo on their jerseys in their Setanta Cup match against Portadown.

Bohemians are currently without a long-term shirt sponsor and are using the opportunity to promote the campaign, which is supported by Lundbeck and Aware.

The Professional Footballers’Association of Ireland (PFAI) and the

Dublin footballer Kevin Nolan with Lorna Atkinson, Paul Ryan

Ryan O’Dwyer

Fiona Waters and Hazel Nestor

Leeanne Royle with dad, David, and mum, Tina, with St Brigid’s Kevin Bonner, Alan Daly and Graham Norton

Kim and Mark Maguire

Irish Rugby Union Players’ Association (IRUPA) have also announced their partnership with the depression awareness campaign.

General secretary of the PFAI, Stephen McGuinness, said: “The PFAI have come on board with the Lean On Me campaign to try and encourage our members and the wider public, to open up and talk to someone if they think they might be struggling with symptoms of depression.”

For more information, log on to www.leanonme.net, or contact the Aware loCall helpline at 1800 303 302.

30 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 16 February 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

SOCCER: INITIATIVE WILL SEE WINNERS LEAD OUT IRELAND

Malahide bow out of Bryne after Guinness brew win MALAHIDE 2nd XV bowed out of the Jim Byrne Cup at the semi-final stage last week in a low-scoing game against Guinness that saw a single penalty score the difference between the sides.

Guinness have already tasted success this season, capturing the Leinster League Division Three title with two games to spare, but Malahide showed early signs that they were capable of creating enough pressure to worry their hosts.

But as the hosts were able to repel their lines, it was Guinness who looked the likelier side, with some great tackling from Paddy McGee and Karl Morris keeping the game scoreless.

Malahide kept trying to create opportunities, but they never really came to terms with the narrow pitch, in contrast to the open spaces of Estuary Road. Wing Jonny Martin did give the visitors some reward with a well-struck penalty on the half hour to give them a 3-0 lead.

However, Guinness came straight back at Malahide and, with just a couple of minutes of the half remaining, they won a penalty in front of the Malahide posts. The successful kick levelled the scores at half-time.

Malahide faced an uphill struggle in the second half playing into the elements but they produced a great start with half backs Declan Berkeley and Tommy Browne starting to control things. Malahide started to adjust to the narrow pitch running hard at the Guinness midfield and getting through quick phases.

However, the continuing theme of handling errors was costing the side dearly as with each error, Guinness were able to clear their lines.

The home side then established some possession of their own in the Malahide half and after one unsuccessful penalty attempt a second effort found it’s mark and the home team moved into a 6-3 lead.

However, it was Malahide who were soon back on the attack and, when the home team were caught offside, Jonny Martin stepped up to level the scores.

With everything to play for the pace of the game increased with both sides putting some good phases together but it was Guinness who controlled much of the territory. They turned the ball over from another Malahide error and their accomplished outhalf stepped back into the pocket to drop a neat goal and restore the home team’s three-point lead.

Swords Pavilions director, Ian Hunter, FCC Mayor, Cllr Gerry McGuire, Giovanni Trapattoni and Marco Tardelli with Chloe and Honey Gannon

Trap launches 2012 road map I sport@gazettegroup.com

REPUBLIC of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni was on hand last week to help to launch the FAI/Fingal County Council grassroots initiative, The Road To Poland, at FAI headquarters, Abbotstown.

The initiative, set up in conjunction with Swords Pavilions, is a community strategy that will bring the soccer-loving youth of Fingal together and see training camps and tournaments across the area in the coming months.

The grassroots initiative has been a huge success to date, with three

after-school coaching programmes set up in Balbriggan, and there are four more planned for Swords, together with an unique Road to Poland 4v4 tournament play competition coming up in the weeks ahead.

One lucky winner from this competition will have the honour of being a mascot at the Aviva stadium for the last Republic of Ireland home friendly against Bosnia on May 26, before the team sets off for Poland and EURO 2012.

Under the guidance of FAI/Fingal County Council development officers, Paul Keogh and

Trophies on tour: Leinster legends bring cups to crowd THE RBS 6 Nations and Triple Crown Tro-

phies arrived in Dublin recently and Leinster rugby stalwarts, Bernard Jackman and Shane Horgan, with friend Shannon Murray, brought the prestigious trophies to the Ulster Bank Donnybrook branch to share with staff and customers as part of the bank’s RBS 6 Nations Trophy Tour which aims to highlight the Ulster Bank RugbyForce club initiative, where clubs can register by April 13 on www. ulsterbank.com/rugby for the chance to win a club makeover worth €5,000.

Michael Pender, the partnership with Swords Pavilions has meant close to 500 boys and girls in primary schools in the region will have EURO 2012 brought a little closer to them.

Commenting on the initiative, FAI Head of Grassroots Liam McGroarty said: “With UEFA EURO 2012 on the horizon the FAI are delighted to announce this as one of many grassroots initiatives aimed at growing participation in the game.

“Football plays an important role in many people’s lives and hopefully this will bring this

summer’s event closer to the hundreds of boys and girls that will no doubt be taking part in this initiative.

“We are delighted Swords Pavilions have come on board as a community partner and we look forward to the excitement of Poland and the build up through programmes such as these.

“We are delighted to be a FAI Community Partner supporting their grassroots skills programme. Both the afterschools skills programme and the Road to Poland 4v4 skills programme are great initiatives that provide an opportunity

for kids to get involved in sport and learn new skills.

“We see this partnership as a key element of our involvement in our local community,” said Ian Hunter, Centre Director at Swords Pavilions.

Marion Brown, Principal Sports Development Officer, Fingal County Council, said; “Fingal County Council’s Sports Office and the FAI have a fantastic relationship and this programme is another example of how both organisations, working together, are affecting young people in a positive way at grassroots level.”

16 February 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31

in association with

FOOTBALL: SAINTS TAKE WING WITH CUP WIN

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST SYLVESTER’S ALAN Morris captained Fingal hurl-

New managers Declan McGrath

ers to success in the Kehoe Shield

and Shane Cowley also defeated St

final last Sunday. This was a great

Vincent’s with the junior 1 team. The

honour for Alan and the Fingal hurl-

second junior team had an excellent

ers, and a proud day also for St Syl-

victory over Castleknock, built on a

vester’s.

very solid defence.

Ace forward Sinead Aherne scored

T h e Un d e r -16A fo o tb a ll t e a m

five points when Dublin maintained

scored five goals in defeating Bal-

their 100% start to the National

lymun in a hard-fought encounter,

Football League Division 1 cam-

and the Under-16B team also put up

paign, with a ten points to seven

a big score in their win over Erin Go

victory over Meath.

Bragh.

All four adult football teams got off to the perfect start this week-

The fixtures for next week are already up on the website.

end with excellent wins. The seniors

Next week’s lotto jackpot is €1,400.

came back from a half-time deficit

Play and win on www.stsylvesters.

to defeat St Vincent’s.

ie

FINGALLIANS

St Sylvester’s claimed their first win of the new season with a St Vincent De Paul Cup win

Syl’s kick off in style with Vincent’s victory ST VINCENT DE PAUL CUP St Sylvester’s St Vincent’s

1-11 1-8

I sport@gazettegroup.com

ST SYLVESTER’S senior footballers got the 2012 football season off to a winning start with a hard-fought win over local rivals St Vincent’s in the Vincent De Paul cup match played in Broomfield last Sunday morning.

Playing conditions were very good for the time of year, the sun shining, no wind and the pitch in very good order despite all the rain which had fallen over the previous 48 hours.

The two teams deserve great credit in serving up a very good standard of football and a decent attendance enjoyed the competitive fare on offer.

Recent meetings between these two have been very competitive and Sunday’s match did not disappoint as both

sides were well up for it and passions ran high on a few occasions, with Vincent’s being reduced to 14 men for the final quarter.

Syl’s started the better and new recruit Conor Daly had the umpires working in the first few minutes with two lovely points. Vincent’s opened their account on eight minutes before Ciaran Roche and an Eoin Fanning free had Syl’s 0-4 to 0-1 in front after 13 minutes.

The Malahide men continued to enjoy most of the possession but failed to increase their lead and Vincent’s hit them with two points from Ciaran Dorney and Neil Billings to leave just a point in it with 18 minutes gone.

Then Vincent’s struck for goal when a long punt forward caused indecision in the Syl’s defence and Mark Loftus punched over Robbie Wallace for a goal and a

two point advantage.

This was a lead Vincent’s maintained to half-time as the sides added two points each before the break, Syl’s points coming from Fionn Cahill (on his senior debut) and another from midfielder Shane O’Connor, 0-6 to 1-5.

The second half started as the first had ended with both sides battling for every inch and scores were hard to come by. It was Vincent’s who registered first blood on eight minutes through Dorney to stretch their lead to three, before Daly cut in from the right to reply for Syl’s with his third point of the match.

Syl’s continued to press, driven on by Ross Hazley and Shane O’Connor in midfield a n d t h e i m p r e s s i ve Brian Sexton at centre back. The home side began to gain the upper hand. After 14 minutes, Vincent’s were reduced to 14 when corner back

Rory Stapleton got his marching orders for a high challenge on Cahill and, two minutes later, Syls were back in front through Fanning when he got on the end of a breaking ball to rifle it into the bottom corner.

Vincent’s responded immediately to level for the final time on 20 minutes, but Syl’s finished strongly with points from Daly, Cahill and sub Eoghan Boyne to emerge three-point victors.

THE car draw has reached a critical

Award Programme on Friday, March

stage with only two weeks left to the

2 from 6.30 to 10pm and Saturday,

draw, and still a considerable way

March 3, from 10 to 11.30am. This pro-

to go to reach target. Members are

gramme is an introductory course

asked to get all tickets in as soon as

for parents and mentors wishing

possible.

to look after teams within the club.

Camogie update: The club, in the

Should you wish to book a place,

last six months, has start coaching

please contact padraig.durkan.gpo.

for camogie players. This year, the

dublin@gaa.ie. Attendance on both

club will enter teams at U-8 and U-13

days is required to get certified by

level. The U-8s will play at 11am on

the GAA and The Irish Sports Council.

every second Sunday morning from

There will be no fee.

mid-March, and the U-13s will play

Well done Sarah Murray and Colin

on Saturday mornings at 12pm. For

O’Hegerty who recorded personal

further information, please contact

best times in the 60m at the senior

annemariebrett@dublin.ie

indoor championships at the Odys-

The club will host a Foundation

sey Arena, Belfast.

ST FINIAN’S THE Under-12 camogie team had

The club pitch co-ordinator is James

another great win in Gormanston on

Devlin. Please give James a call if you

Sunday. Well done, girls.

have any questions regarding pitch

The adult footballers had their first

availability.

fixture last Thursday against St Mar-

Sam Maguire will be coming out to

garet’s. Under difficult conditions,

the club on Saturday, March 4, and

both teams contributed to an exciting

each team will have the opportunity

match that ended with St Margaret’s

to have their picture taken with the

scoring the winning point with the last

cup.

kick of the game.

Congratulations to David Hattie and Aaron Cullen, who played for the Fingal team that beat Armagh to win the Kehoe Shield final last Sunday.

We are running a Fantasy Cheltenham competition and tickets (€20) can be got from any committee member.

The Lotto jackpot was €3,600 and the numbers drawn were 3, 7, 8 and 22.

LOCAL TEAM WIN? WE WANT TO KNOW! YOUR LOCAL PAPER FOR LOCAL SPORTS Call our SPORTS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email sport@gazettegroup.com

ALL OF YOUR MALAHIDE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

KICKING ON: Trappatoni launches new local soccer initiative in Fingal area P30

FEBRUARY 16, 2012

YEAR IN REVIEW: Dublin celebrates its sporting heroes P28-29

GazetteSPORT

Malahide teenager Shane Dagg was celebrating British Columbia’s victory at the Las Vegas Invitational;

Dagg rocks Vegas in Sevens’ style Malahide youngster making waves on rugby scene with Las Vegas victory in British Columbia colours malahidesport@gazettegroup.com

MALAHIDE-born Shane Dagg achieved another outstanding success in his fledgling rugby career when he played an important part in British Columbia Under-17’s victory at the North American Rugby Sevens’ Tournament in Las Vegas.

His side came out on top in the competition with six wins from six last Saturday when they got the better of teams from Canada, the US and Bermuda.

En route to the trophy, Dagg scored tries in both the 12-7 semi-final win over the Arizona Bobcats and two in the final against the Calgary Celtics, to make them the top sevens’ outfit at this level in North America.

It follows his gold medal a year ago on the Canadian circuit as part of the British Columbia Under-16 provincial team at the Canada Rugby Under-16 National Trophy.

From there, Dagg answered a call into the

Canadian U-17 national academy and has gone on to participate in camps and tours for specialised, intensive training which has continued into 2012.

As such, he is aiming at taking a place in the Canadian team, who look set for action in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro when rugby sevens is included in the Games for the first time after making its debut as a test event in London later this year.

Boost Dagg’s performances in Vegas will also have been boosted by the presence of many important figures in the sevens’ game at the event at the Silver Bowl complex.

The Youth Tournament is being staged alongside the World Series IRB International Rugby Sevens Tournament and the Youth Teams also watched and learned from some of the world’s best players as Samoa won with victory over New Zealand in the final.

More than 180 teams competed overall in multiple competitive divisions for men, women and youth, with Dagg travelling to the competition under the wing of head coach Shane Thompson.

Thompson has previous experience coaching the Canadian national side at the Commonwealth Games and at the 2009 World Cup before switching to underage coaching.

And he felt the experience was a huge step for his side.

“This was an important tour for these young players and it’s great that they had coaches who have been to the top level,” said Thompson.

“It’s great to see former national players giving back to the game, particularly this group who, along with myself, featured under former sevens coach Doug Tate together.

“There was so much information passed on at every training session that these young players will benefit from.”