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INSIDE: Penn’s new movie to open local film festival P4
March 15, 2012
EDUCATION: Discussing recent
decisions on DEIS Schools Page 6
It’s all good: Credit Union move gets a big thumbs up Rugby: Jubilation as Malahide claim third league title Page 32
CAROLINE McDonnell, Helen
Daffy and Lucia Kane, give a big thumbs up to the new stateof-the-art premises of Malahide Credit Union which held its official launch recently. The move has been well received by members and the community as a whole, attracting a significant increase in new members joining every day. Picture: Una Williams
Full Gallery on Page 8
Soccer: Malahide CS reach final of Tony O’Neill cup Page 30
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERY .........................8 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
Fry Model Railway future still unclear Minister says he is considering all options available
I MIMI MURRAY
THE future of the Fry Model Railway remains up in the air, after the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, told the Gazette that he is considering all options and has held discussions with the Fry family to hear their
views on the matter. Mounting speculation that Bus Eireann would pay €1m for the railway, which they would house at Busaras, caused dismay among Malahide residents last week, especially as a local resident, Michael Gaffney, who passed away recently, left a €1.5m
bequest in order to house the railway at the Casino in Malahide. However, Minister Varadkar said that, when Bus Eireann decided to buy the model railway, the offer from Michael Gaffney was not on the table. Full Story on Page 3
2 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 15 March 2012
TRANSPORT: PROJECT
TRANSPORT: INITIATIVE IS LAUNCHED FOR THE OVER-65S IN FINGAL
New bus timetable coming DUBLIN Bus will introduce a new service timetable next month, bringing significant changes to Malahide, Portmarnock and Baldoyle. In early 2011, the company undertook the Network Direct Project, which involved consultation with the general public about their services. As a result of this review, Dublin Bus is now proposing to introduce changes to their services. Impacting on Malahide is a change to the 42 service. The terminus on the Coast Road will cease and the 42 bus will all operate from the Sands Hotel, travel via Wendell Avenue, The Hill (Seamount), Malahide village, and Seabury to the City Centre. Route 32/a/b will be amalgamated and operate as route 32 terminating in Malahide Green and operating via the Coast Road, Baldoyle (Main Street) and Raheny to the city centre. Route 29a will be renamed and called route 29 and will be extended via the Grange Road and Willie Nolan Road to Baldoyle. This will provide significant increase in services from Baldoyle and the Grange Road. The revised route will also provide for increased links between Baldoyle, Donaghmede and Raheny. The Feltrim Road 43 bus service will continue to operate as currently with revised timetables. Dublin Bus states that, with the revised timetables and the new Real Time Information system, there will be an overall improved service to their customers.
Travel move is hailed I MIMI MURRAY
Great expectations: Launch of new e-book service attracts excitement ACTOR Laurence Foster re-enacts a
Charles Dickens “Medley” at the launch of the Malahide library e-book service recently. He was doing it to commemorate the bicentennial anniversary of Charles Dickens’ birth (1812) at the request of Fingal county libraries. Fingal County Mayor, Cllr Gerry Maguire, was on hand
to launch the event. The new e-book service means that library users can now download e-books from the library website. The new service is compatible with E-readers, Android, iPhone and all smart phone technologies. Library card holders can check out and download digital media anytime, anywhere by visiting the e-book page.
A FREE transport initiative for the over-65s in Fingal has been welcomed by the Minister for Health, James Reilly this week. Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gerr y McGuire and Minister Reilly TD, attended the launch by Fingal Senior Citizens Forum, on Friday, March 2. This pilot transport initiative is a free Door-to-Door Health Appointment Transport Service for residents over 65 years of age. Developed under the Age Friendly County Initiative by Fingal County Council and the Fingal Senior Citizens’ Forum, in association with Vantastic Ltd., this new 12-month pilot service is now available to residents of Fingal who live east of the M1 from Balscadden to Kinsealy. T he launch event at Rush Librar y was hosted by the Kathleen O’Brien, of the Fingal Senior Citizen’s Forum, and also attended by county manager, David O’Connor, along with representatives from active retirement, senior citizen’s and over-55 groups and related State agencies. The innovative trans-
port initiative was welcomed as a positive asset for the county, and an excellent example of collaboration between older people, statutory agencies and community and voluntary organisations to deliver services for older people. Mayor McGuire opened the day’s proceedings and outlined the important work done by FCC to support positive ageing and offered his continued support to future developments under the Age Friendly County Initiative. The Health Minister said he was delighted to attend the launch in his own constituency and in the beautiful setting of the newly-renovated Rush Library. The Minister went on to say that, “for many years, transport to and from hospitals has proven costly for the HSE”, and that, “this initiative is the kind that my Department is delighted to support as it demonstrates that statutory agencies and NGO’s are working in a collaborative way to deliver services for older people in the community.” For further information on this and similar Age-Friendly Initiatives by Fingal County Council, contact: Anne-Marie Gargan, Fingal Development Board.
15 March 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 3
DISMAY Residents’ fear at bid to purchase railway
The future of the Fry Model Railway still up in the air I MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com
THE future of the Fry Model Railway remains up in the air this week after the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, told the Gazette that he is considering all options and has held discussions with the Fry family to hear their views on the matter. Mounting speculation that Bus Eireann would pay €1 million for the railway, which they would house at Busaras, caused dismay among Malahide residents last week, especially as a local resident, Micheal Gaffney, who passed away in recent weeks, left a €1.5 million bequest in order to house the railway at the Casino in Malahide. However, Minister Varadkar said that when Bus Eireann decided to buy the model railway, the offer from Michael Gaffney was not on the table. “Fingal County Council removed the Fry Collection from Malahide Castle before I became Minister for Tourism. Mary Hanafin was the Minister at the time. Cllr Eoghan O’Brien was on the council when this happened. Subsequently, Bus Eireann decided to buy the collection from Dublin Tourism, which has since merged with Failte Ireland, with a view to displaying it in Busaras. The new Malahide offer and the Gaff-
ney bequest were not on the table at that stage. Currently, I am considering the options available and have met with the Fry family to hear their views on the matter. Deputy Alan Farrell, Cllr Anthony Lavin and Nora Owen are strongly in favour of returning the collection to Malahide,” Minister Varadkar said. According to FF Senator, Darragh O’Brien, a purchase price has been agreed for the Casino in Malahide, for the sole purpose of housing the railway. “It is true that the late Micheal Gaffney (RIP) has offered a substantial contribution of €1.5 million to purchase and refurbish the Casino and grounds so as to accommodate the Fry Model Railway, which moved from Malahide Castle over 18 months ago. “Unfor tunately, Micheal passed away a number of weeks ago, but he has left the money in trust for this purpose. A group of Malahide residents have already negotiated with NAMA and agreed a purchase price of €600,000 for the Casino. The remainder of the money would be used to house the railway and develop a coffee shop. “T he major sticking point has been that Dublin Tourism, in their wisdom, has agreed with a proposal from Bus Eireann for them to locate the Fry Model Railway in the
The Fry Model Railway is the largest model train collection in Ireland
Busaras Complex, where they plan to spend nearly €1 million in upgrading the Eblana Theatre to house the Fry Model Railway. No, this is not a joke.” In response to this, Dublin Tourism, who has been amalgamated with Failte Ireland said this week: “We are in advanced negotiations regarding the best possible future use and promotion of the Fry Model Railway, and would hope that the matter will be concluded over the coming weeks. Any final agreement reached will be in keeping with the terms of the covenant (which originally bestowed it to the State) and involve the model railway being available for the public to view in its entirety.” Senator O Brien went on to say: “Micheal’s contribution for this
project is conditional on the Fry Model Railway moving to the Casino. Not only could we bring the Fry Model Railway home but we would also be able to secure for the people of Malahide the iconic Casino building. We will all be aware of what happened in Belcamp House. I do not want to see this happening with the Casino. “I spoke face-to-face with Minister Leo Varadakar in relation to this on February 3. He and his Department are well aware that we may lose this golden opportunity. I have heard nothing back since. “We need the Minister to intervene now on this issue. We need his government colleagues in Dublin North to lobby him on this matter. It is crazy to think that a bus company, Bus Eireann,
Fauve’s farewell to The Voice FAUVE Chapman said goodbye to her Voice of Ireland dream this week, when she was eliminated from the live show after a performance of Lana Del Rey’s smash hit, Video Games. The Portmarnock native, who was chosen by Sharon Corr for her team, made it through the battle stage and the live shows but, unfortunately, fell at that hurdle. “I’m delighted to get through to the live shows it’s a fantastic
experience. “The Voice Of Ireland has coaches who are real musicians with successful careers who know the music business. Bressie said I have a ‘sexy and seductive’ voice and Sharon Corr said I have a very ‘distinctive voice’; now they’re credible comments.” Fauve is a make-up artist and works part-time in the family business in The White Sands Hotel in Portmarnock. She plays the guitar and start-
ed writing songs when she was a teenager; she has been singing all her life and debuted on stage in her dad’s bar, Charlie’s in Lanzarote, when she was only six. Fauve came sixth in the live final of You’re A Star three years ago. She describes her style as soft and quirky. She’s been interested in music since the age of four and her musical influences are mostly rock and indie and she loves Alanis Morissette.
will spend €1 million on Busaras to house the largest model train collection in Ireland, while the Department turn down a generous offer of €1.5 million, which will
return the model railway to Malahide (beside our train station), protect the Casino and indeed create jobs, with no Government financial support needed.”
COUNCIL
A fence for Bring Bank A LOW fence will be constructed around the Bring Bank in Malahide Demesne a recent Howth/Malahide area committee meeting was told. Fine Gael Councillor Anthony Lavin asked that Fingal County Council put in place suitable fencing to help screen the rubbish and debris in and around the recycling area at Malahide Demesne. “The Environment Division of the council manages the Bring Bank in Malahide Demesne and the maintenance of the bank is carried out by a contractor. Following discussions between the Environment Division and the Parks and Heritage Properties Division of the council, it has been decided that the council will construct a suitable low fence around the bank area,” the council said.
4 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 15 March 2012
R1
CONCERN Possession of a firearm and drugs increasing
Significant rise in crime in Malahide
I MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com
A NUMBER of serious crimes, such as possession of a firearm and possession of drugs for sale and supply, have risen significantly in the Swords/Malahide area in 2011. Possession of a firearm rose by 33%, from three to four in 2011, while sale or supply of drugs rose from 46 to
68 in 2011, a percentage rise of 47%. Other categories of crime that showed an increase include theft from a shop, which saw 370 arrests in 2011 compared to 350 arrests in 2010, a percentage rise of 5%. Searches went from 2,931 in 2010 to 3,393 in 2011, a jump of 15%. But it was not all bad news, with public order detentions drop-
ping from 699 to 529, a percentage decrease of 24%. Robbery from a person also fell, from 30 in 2010 to 23 in 2011, a marked decrease of 23%. Burglaries also fell by 3% from 441 to 425 while criminal damage also showed a decrease from 554 to 528, a percentage of 4%. The number of prisoners being detained
dropped from 2,037 to 1,959. These figures were released at a Joint Policing Forum held in Blanchardstow n Council Offices on February 24. Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gerry McGuire said it is a worrying trend and people need to “keep their eye on the ball” so as not to let this get out of hand. This repor t comes as there was an arrest involving firearms and ammunition in the A p p l e wo o d a r e a o f Swords last week. A man was apprehended on foot carrying two firearms and ammunition. “I don’t think there is an abundance of weaponry out there, but I would have concern for the future. “Gardai have to be commended for making the arrest and Gardai are satisfied they will have a greater presence out there. “I am very concerned about the jump in drugs crimes, but some of those were major hauls which may distort the figures,” he said. H owe ve r, L a b o u r Councillor, Peter Coyle, who was at the Joint Policing Committee meeting, played down the figures this week. “In relation to the firearms, I don’t think that it is significant, because it is coming from a low base. I recall firearm usage in the late 70s and early 80s being very significant with raids on banks, supermarkets etc, being commonplace. “Given that Dublin Airport is in the
Labour Councillor, Peter Coyle played down the figures
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‘It is worrying and hardly surprising to see crime figures rising in the Swords/Malahide area. This is an inevitable consequence of the downturn in the economy. Economic deprivation makes people more vulnerable prey to those peddling drugs or loans.’ ---------------------------------------------
Socialist Councillor, Clare Daly
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Swords/Malahide area, drug smuggling is an ongoing problem. There has been a major step up in Garda and Custom Officer operations in detection. “Nationally, the impact of gangland activities is worrying,” he said. Comsequence
Socialist Councillor Clare Daly said: “It is worrying and hardly surprising to see crime figures rising in the Swords/Malahide area. This is an inevitable consequence of the downturn in the economy. Economic deprivation makes people more vulnerable prey to those peddling drugs or loans. “Undoubtedly, when cutbacks in Garda resources are also factored in, then the State’s ability to deal with the problems are also lessened. It is ordinary people and communities which end up paying the price. This is not good
enough. The idea of gun seizures in Swords is something that would have seemed unbelievable a few years ago. “Citizens have the right to live in safety in our areas. There needs to be an immediate examination of these issues, and a reversal of recent cutbacks in garda resources in the area.” The gardai have said that ongoing operations are continuing with checkpoints, surveillance and searches carried out on a daily basis. A total of 12 Garda Reserves are allocated to Swords/Malahide sub-districts, an increase of two since January. “The overall detection rate for headline crime in Swords/Malahide sub-districts stands at 29%. Investigations into major incidents are ongoing. “Ongoing operations in the Swords and Malahide areas include targeting underage
drinking and anti-social behaviour, with underage individuals returned home to their parents by these operations. “Street Crime Unit concentrating on tackling burglaries and thefts from MPVs in Swords and Malahide areas are in place, with special attention being given to public car parks. “High visibility project has been implemented with the aim of increasing visibility in the district and involves dedicated operations to prevent and detect crimes in areas of high crime. “Joint operations b e t we e n A n G a r d a Siochana and Fingal County Council personnel over Halloween were successful. “A joint initiative between An Garda Siochana and Fingal County Council has been put in place to tackle anti-social behaviour on Portmarnock Beach,” the Gardai said.
15 March 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5
EVENT Fingal gets set for workshops and screenings
Penn’s new movie to open film festival I MIMI MURRAY
THE Fingal Film Festival will open with Sean Penn’s new film, This Must be the Place, part of which was shot in Fingal. Scheduled workshops and screenings have been a huge hit with the public, and tickets are selling out fast. The inaugural festival, which takes place from March 21 to 23, is hosting the Gala Opening Screening of the movie starring Penn and the young Irish actress, Eve Hewson, at UCI Cinema, Blanchardstown, on Wednesday, March 21. All films will be screened in UCI Cinema
Blanchardstown, with masterclasses and Q&A Screenings taking place at Draiocht in the Blanchardstown Centre. During the three days of the festival, leading industry names, including BAFTA winner, Aisling Walsh, who wrote and directed Song for A Raggy Boy; Academy Award winner and film producer Arthur Lappin; Emmynominated film composer Joseph Conlon, and Sylvia Stevens, internationally acclaimed documentary film-maker, will be taking part in masterclasses for budding film makers. There will also be two surprise guests taking part, who will be announced in
the coming weeks. Offering a platform for film-making talent, the festival received an unprecedented number of entries from all over Ireland, as well as many international submissions, from countries such as Brazil, Korea, Germany, Netherlands, France and Spain. A shortlist of films will be honoured in an awards ceremony, which will take place on Friday March 23 at the Wright Venue in Swords. A number of awards will be presented on the night, including Best Documentary, Best Feature Film and Best International Film, Best Animation
This Must be the Place, starring Sean Penn, was partly shot in Fingal
Film, as well as a special award for the Best Newcomer Writer and Director in Fingal award. The managing director of the festival, Liz Kenny, says: “The Fingal Film Festival will showcase work produced by gifted filmmakers from across Ireland and internationally. It will also put a spotlight on the burgeoning talents in the
Fingal area. “This is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested to learn and enhance their skills through the workshops or by coming simply to see the films that other people are making on the big screen.” The festival’s creative director, Dave Byrne, said this week: “Selecting the finalists’ films was
extremely difficult and not all films made the final selection due to the number of days allocated for the screenings during the festival.” Full details for the Fingal Film Festival can be found on www.fingalfilmfest.com. Tickets can be purchased on http://entertainment.ie/tickets/fingal-film-festival.asp
EVENT
Night Football League THE completion of the first ever Late Night Football League in Lusk took place recently. The competition, which was open to boys and girls aged 13-15 and 16-21, saw approximately 70 young people take part for four weeks, with the winners from each age group and a most sporting team going on to represent Lusk in the Dublin Finals, which took place on March 9 in Tallaght. Niall McGuirk, senior sports officer, Fingal County Council said: “We’re delighted with the response from the local community. FCC, the FAI, An Garda Siochana, Lusk Utd and Round Towers GAA Club all worked together to provide a positive activity.” For further information contact Niall Mc Guirk, senior sports development officer, FCC, 01-890 6232 niall.mcguirk@fingalcoco.ie
6 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 15 March 2012
OPINION No Deis schools to lose a teacher in September
Welcome for breakthrough on disadvantaged school posts THE recent announcement by Education Minister Ruairi Quinn that no Deis 1 or Deis 2 school will lose a teacher next September is very good news indeed. As a teacher, I have first-hand experience
of the great work taking place every day in schools in disadvantaged areas. The latest Government announcement means that these schools will retain 235 posts which were under threat because of the
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country’s deep financial crisis. Even at a time when cutbacks are inevitable, it is vital that we continue to invest in education. In the last week, we have had news from the IDA of huge new investments by multinational companies in new facilities in Ireland. A low corporation tax rate, and a well-educated work force, are key elements of the decisions by the multinationals companies that invest in Ireland. Pay Pal, for example, which is adding 1,000 jobs to its Irish operation, needs people with a high level of language and IT skills. For individuals, education provides a passage out of poverty and we can take pride in the
fact that, over the last eight years, our retention rate to Leaving Certificate has risen from 82% to 88%, now one of the highest rates in the world. This is a small, but important, victory for schools in our most disadvantaged areas and I congratulate the Labour backbenchers who went to Minister Ruairi Quinn and spelt out to him, in the clearest terms, the potential d a m a g e t h a t wo u l d result from these particular cuts. In welcoming this particular victory, however, I don’t pretend that the education sector is escaping completely from the cuts. The Capitation Grant for primar y schools is being cut by 3.5%.
This is the grant that pays for heating, lighting and photocopying, so schools will again be put to the pin of their collars. But I am most concerned about the upcoming cuts to the guidance service at second-level. If these cuts kick in from September 2012 onwards, it may mean that guidance councillors will have to spend a good deal of their time teaching exam subjects. From my own experience in schools the work that the guidance people do in preparing teenagers for their college and career choices is really important. Moreover, they are trained to provide a listening ear for students going through a difficult
Cllr Michael O’Donovan
patch. This is a cut I intend to work to reverse.
Michael O’Donovan Labour Party councillor
Education - the greatest MY good friend Joe Duffy - yes Live line Joe! reminds me regularly that the greatest gift, after life itself, that my late mother Rebecca gave me was “Education”. But being married to a teacher for over 30 years, I have learned from Anne, my wife, how our education system has let some people down. Overcrowding, difficult family circumstances, poverty issues and children slipping through the system because of class sizes are all too familiar. A recent national study of children, entitled Growing Up In Ireland, is the most significant of its kind ever to take place in this country, and it gave us insight into understanding all aspects of children and their development, including education. The study was commissioned by the previous Government and is being carried out by a consortium of researchers led by the Economic and Social Research Institute and Trinity College, Dublin. One of the findings of the report outlines that our children are our most important asset, and they must be valued and cherished appropriately. This Government has placed children’s issues at the heart of policy-making by establishing a dedicated Minister for Children, my colleague Frances Fitzgerald TD. Another aspect of the Growing Up In Ireland study highlighted the impact of parenting on children’s outcomes in educa-
Fine Gael Dublin Mid West Deputy, Derek Keating
tion and it is here that the DEIS Schools play their part. But the problem with the former Government’s answer was they threw money at everything without assessment or planning. DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) supports various reports for both primary and post-primary schools, which include reduced pupil/teacher ratio in areas of disadvantage, the allocation of Administrative Principals, access to School Meals Programme, access to numerical and literacy programmes, a Home School Liaison service, enhanced library support reading programmes and Language
Support Service. In DEIS, the reading recovery, which is a school-based intervention programme designed to reduce literacy problems within our education system and is an early intervention programme giving children, who have particular difficulties in reading and writing over one year in primary school, a period of intensive and individual teaching. I have been very concerned recently following the news that Archbishop Ryan’s National Schools, both senior and junior, may suffer a loss of up to 16 teachers. I met with the teachers in the schools and the Principals and I have spoken directly to the Minister and his Department because of the lack of a DEIS status for Lucan schools. This Government is committed to education and to children and this is clearly demonstrated by the fact that the Minister this week has announced new schools for Lucan, new extensions to schools in Lucan and I am confident that he will reverse the decision to reduce the teaching staff at the Archbishop Ryan’s Junior and Senior Schools. I support the DEIS School Policy providing it is focused and flexible.
Derek Keating Fine Gael Dublin Mid West Deputy
15 March 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 7
BLOW Community welfare officers’ clinic to shut
Funding for societies
Shock and dismay over clinic closure I MIMI MURRAY
THERE has been shock and dismay in the area following the announcement that the community welfare officers’ clinic in Malahide will shut its doors from March 20. Dublin Nor th TD, Clare Daly, has reacted angrily to the decision of the Department of Social Protection to carry out the closure. Deputy Daly has called on the Minister to pull back from the decision. “Axing the community welfare officer service from Malahide, at a time when more people than ever need to avail of it, is a severe blow to families
and individuals in the area and cannot be allowed to proceed. “Forcing people to go to Kilbarrack to access a service that will only be open for an hour and a half, three mornings a week, is scandalous. “Following on from the decision to cut the Garda station opening hours, and not proceeding with the Fry’s Model Railway project for the Casino, you’d begin to wonder whether the Government has a vendetta against Malahide. “This is part of a wider problem of inadequate social welfare services across north county Dublin. Forcing people who
are unemployed to spend their limited resources on bus and train fares, or petrol, going into the city centre, or indeed Kilbarrack in this instance, is just not on,” she said. “Everyone remembers the election promises. It’s about time the Government TDs started delivering for the area,” she said. In response, a spokesperson from the Department of Social Protection said: “Malahide community welfare services clinic will be relocated to Kilbarrack Health Centre from Tuesday, March 20, 2012. A pod system will operate with the clinic times mirroring those times already in operation
FastNews SEVERAL local dramatic societies benefited from funding from Fingal County Council this week. Portmarnock Musical and Dramatic Society were awarded €2,000. St Mary’s Secondary School in Baldoyle got funding of €1,500, while Too Old, Too Ugly Productions were given €1,000.
Sailing Centre is launched Deputy Daly has called on the Minister to pull back from the decision
in Kilbarrack Health Centre, i.e. Monday 10am to 11.30am, Tuesday 10am to 11.30am, Thursday 10am to 11.30am and Friday by appointment. This measure is required in order to maintain continued public access to the service for clients currently covered by the community welfare service in Malahide. “It is important to note
that there is good public transport services (both Dart and bus access) to Kilbarrack Health Centre. The Health Centre is just five minutes walk from either stop. “Where clients are unable to travel to Kilbarrack (due to illness, etc) they can phone the CWO and discuss their case and, if required, the CWO may
arrange a home visit. “Kilbarrack Health Centre is located next door to Kilbarrack local welfare office. “Local public representatives have been informed of the changes as well as the citizens information centre, local welfare office, MABS and resource centre,” said the spokesperson.
THE newly-redeveloped Dinghy Sailing Centre has been launched by the Malahide Yacht Club at the Broadmeadows. Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gerry McGuire, the President of the Irish Sailing Association, Niamh McCutcheon, and the club’s 1980 Olympic Silver Medallist, David Wilkins, were all on hand to help launch the centre last Sunday.
8 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 15 March 2012
EVENT Official launch of Credit Union’s new premises
Edel Bourke and Sinead Rooney
Cllr Anthony Lavin and Hazel Bolton
Official opening INCE Malahide Credit Union opened the doors of its brand new premises for the first day of trading on Main Street on January 18, the state-of-the-art offices have been well received by members and the community as a whole, attracting a significant increase in new members joining every day. An official launch was held recently at the new offices to celebrate the move to Main Street with special guests, including the Mayor of Fingal, Gerry McGuire, the President of the Irish League of Credit Unions, Jimmy Johnstone, local businesses and organisations, community representatives, fellow credit unions from North Dublin, representatives from the Irish League of Credit Unions, local politicians and many more.
Pictured at the opening were: Chairman of Malahide Credit Union, Bryan O’Flaherty; manager of Malahide Credit Union, Vivienne Keavey; president of the Irish League of Credit Unions, Jimmy Johnstone and Mayor of Fingal, Gerry McGuire. Picture: Una Williams
S
Mary Lynch, Catherine Leahy and Liz O Connor
Nick Lundberg and Beatrice Murphy
Caroline McDonnell, Helen Daffy and Lucia Kane
Terry Redmond, Shay Torsney, Gerry Foley and Ina O’Shea
Natalie Mirolo and Claire Clinch
Peter Smith and Ted Tanase
15 March 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 9
EVENT Family and friends gather for Robina Bowler funeral
Family and friends gather to say goodbye to Robina Bowler
Saying goodbye to a local lady AMILY and friends gathered recently for the funeral of wellknown Malahide dancer and actress, Robina Bowler, who sadly passed away at the age of 93. A familiar and well-loved face in Malahide, Robina, who was also known as Beenie Bono, was a resident of St James’s Terrace, she was a familiar face
F
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, who toured Britain and Europe throughout the war years with his talented wife. She will be sadly missed in the village.
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10 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 15 March 2012
RETAIL Patricia Scanlan visits Manor Books in Malahide
Fans flock to see author UBLIN author Patricia Scanlan visited Manor Books in Malahide recently to sign copies of her book, Love and Marriage. Her loyal, local readers came out in force to meet her. Although she loves writing fiction, Patricia admitted that she is really longing to be asked to research a book on Great Luxury Spas of the World or the Poshest Boutiques in Paris... she doesn’t mind which. In her latest book, Patricia writes about when love flies out the window, that married life can be hell. With an unplanned baby on the way, a newly-wed daughter whose marriage is already in trouble, a teenager who won’t eat and doesn’t think there’s anything wrong with her, and, hiding secrets from each other, Barry and Aimee are on a rocky road.
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Catherine Rogers and Christine Kelly. Pictures: Una Williams
Mary Eccles and Mary Shannon
Children from St Helen’s School Portmarnock with Patricia
Berna Furlong and Rachael McComish
Mairead Fernane, Patricia Scanlan and Ann Geary
Caroline Benzies, Gerardine Lynam and Gayle Gregan
Lorraine and Robert Redmond with Patricia
15 March 2012 GAZETTE 11
12 GAZETTE 15 March 2012
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Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.
Showing a Lidl love: Pamper mum with wine and chocs this Mother’s Day MOTHER’S DAY is a time for pampering, so whilst you are in the
kitchen whipping up her favourite pancake brunch, let her sit back with her favourite tipple. Lidl has lots of great wines, bubble and liqueurs at incredible value. Opt for the smooth and luxurious Deluxe Irish Cream Liqueur as an extra special treat or, as Mother’s Day is a celebration, pop some pink bubbles such as the popular Freixenet Cava Brut Rosé. For something sweet, you can’t go far wrong than Lidl’s JD Gross Pralines Selection box. For further information about Lidl and its products, or to locate your nearest store, please log on to www.lidl.ie or visit www.face book.com/lidlireland.
CHARITY: RAISING VITAL FUNDS
Taking part in the Cycle4life THE inaugural D.I.D Electrical Cycle4Life will take place on Saturday May 19, in Dunboyne, Co Meath. Cycle4Life is a charity that has been set up by D.I.D Electrical to help raise vital funds for Temple Street Children’s Hospital. The event will take place over three routes to suit all fitness levels and for all grades of cyclists, from the complete novice all the way up. Those interested in participating, donating or volunteering to help in the D.I.D Electrical Cycle4Life can log
onto www.cycle4life.ie. There are training tips and advice available to improve your technique and assist you in reaching your overall goal, whether it’s to cycle 15km or 147km. Temple Street Children’s hospital continues to rely on external support to assist it in the purchase of vital equipment. With the money raised by the D.I.D Electrical Cycle4life, Temple Street aims to secure essential equipment that will provide the best possible environment for its young patients and purchase new specialist equipment
and technologies to assist in ongoing vital research. By participating in the D.I.D Electrical Cycle4Life, those taking part are not only joining a fantastic event, but are also helping to make a real difference to the lives of the most precious patients at their time in need. Register online now at www.cycle4life.ie or follow on Facebook for updates on upcoming events, useful tips and organised training sessions. There will also have an evening event in the Crowne Plaza that night and tickets are €100.
15 March 2012 GAZETTE 13
14 GAZETTE 15 March 2012
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: A GROOMING RITUAL MAY REDUCE COSTLY VETERINARY VISITS
Pampering good for pet health HERE are so many wonderful reasons to get a dog. Regular readers of this column will know I’m a gal who’s nuts about her mutts. Those readers will understand my annoyance when, through my job, I often have to deal with pet parents who have gone out and bought a dog in order to “enhance” their own lives. However, they’ve never taken the time or had the desire to enhance their pet’s lives by giving them a regular bath or treating them to a trip to the groomers. When speaking to these self professed “dog lovers,” I have to ask: Do you enjoy the invigorating feeling of being clean and fresh?
T
Do you visit the hair/ beauty salon? You do? Great. Well your pets are no different. Ok, every pet has his/ her own personality; some love to be brushed and fluffed, some don’t and I will hold my hand up and say one of my dogs, (great aunt Sophie, the 17-year-old, does not like being brushed anymore but she’s an old lady and this is her right; she doesn’t have the patience for it). Let’s just say our Diva Dog is a bit of a challenge these days; however, as her mom I know that regular grooming encompasses many aspects of companion pet care and even though Sophie is no longer as energetic as
When grooming your pet check for areas of bumps, tenderness, scabs or hair loss
she used to be, she is still in need of having a nice warm, gentle bath, getting her nails clipped, her ears cleaned, her anal glands squeezed, etc., And I do believe this regular ritual brings me and my dear old friend closer together…and can reduce costly veterinary visits. Also, when I’m groom-
ing/petting my dogs, especially Sophie, I check for areas of bumps, tenderness, scabs, hair loss etc., because I do not wish them to run the risk of the following problems: Ear Mites: A parasite that lives out its life cycle inside your pet’s ear canal; causing severe irritation and itchiness. I use a
soft facial tissue around my finger or a cotton bud dipped in cool olive oil and very gently wipe around the inside of my dogs’ ears making sure not to insert too deeply. If the dog has an open wound or the ear is inflamed, it’s straight off to the vet. Fly strike: Also known as Myasis – a maggot infestation. This is more common in warmer months where flies lay eggs that go on to develop into larvae that eat dead and rotting tissue on your pet. For example, vomit, skin infection, mated hair, diarrhoea, etc., This condition can be fatal if left untreated. Bathe and groom your pet regularly, treat your pet for diarrhoea immediately, and if
your pet becomes ill, keep them indoors away from flies. Always seek veterinary attention. Anal Sac Impaction: Dogs and cats have anal sacs that can become impacted if not emptied properly. Ideally, anal sacs should empty with your dog’s normal bowel movements. You won’t even notice this, however, if your pet begins to drag his/her behind along the ground, take him/her to your vet. There could be other reasons for this dragging, such as a bothersome growth, matted hair, an irritation or diarrhoea. Only your vet can diagnose. Minty Fresh Breath: When I’m rubbing my dogs’ faces I always take a
look inside their mouths to check for plaque build-up. If you do this and notice plaque, or bad breath, take your pet to see the vet for a dental check up. When there, ask your vet if he/she can demonstrate the correct technique best suited to your pet and follow the guidelines. Please do seek your vet’s advice regarding any concerns about your pet and, if you don’t feel like grooming your new best friend yourself, there are plenty of professionals who’d be delighted to provide that service for him/her. For more information log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam. kerins@dspca.ie
15 March 2012 GAZETTE 15
16 GAZETTE 15 March 2012
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY Spoil your mammy at LA Academy LA CREATIVE Academy is offering complimentary eyebrow treatment with every makeover at the academy for all of March. When you book a make-up application for you and your mother on a Saturday, you receive a complimentary LA Thread Bar treatment for that perfect brow. Make-up is then applied, as well as a threading treatment and a complimentary hair “touch-up” by one of their top artists LA Creative Academy is located at Chatham Street, just off Grafton St. For further information, call 01 675 1999.
Make your mum into an even bigger star with an A-list beauty treatment I LAURA WEBB
M
OTHER’S day is approaching, and all we want to do for our mums is to make them feel like the only woman in the world – so why not think about giving mum a makeover, and then treat her to a luscious meal to show off the finished results? To help out with this, Gazette Beauty takes a look at Hollywood’s newest mum, Natalie Portman, to show readers just how easy it is to achieve this glam, yet subtle look. At this year’s Oscars, Natalie dazzled the red carpet with her polished
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‘At this year’s Oscars, Natalie dazzled the red carpet with her polished and subtle make-up. ‘Most mums out there – if mine is anything to go by – prefer less is more, and Natalie has this look down to a tee.’
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and subtle make-up. Most mums out there – if mine is anything to go by – prefer “less is more”, and Natalie has this look down to a tee. Soft, tumbling curls help to finish this look, and are a great way of making mums feel like a star. To help achieve this
look, Maybelline New York cosmetics has everything a daughter (or son) needs to help make mum feel a million dollars. First, use Maybelline’s Dream Satin Liquid foundation (€11.99), which gives skins a dewy glow. This can be applied using either a brush,
sponge or finger tips. To ensure that skin stays looking fresh and radiant, initially apply only a small amount as an all-over base, and then tap on excess product where more coverage is needed. Natalie’s brown eyes are brought to life with a mix of soft, glimmering metallic hues; start by blending the two deepest shades of Maybelline’s Eye Studio Coral Drama Quad (€9.99) along your top lid and up into the socket line for definition. Add a little under your bottom lashes to make them look thicker and fuller, giving a classic smokey-eye effect.
Using a smaller brush, apply the lightest shade of shimmering gold to the inner corners of eyes to reflect light and then softly blend it out, creating a seamless finish where the light gold meets the darker shades. To add depth and make lashes appear instantly thicker, apply a small amount of Maybelline’s Gel eyeliner in Black (€11.99) along the top lash line. Once you have the basic line in place, clean off the brush with a tissue and blend the line so it appears smoother. Finish off with the Colossal Cat Eyes mascara (€11.99) on both top and bottom lashes
for fuller, thicker, fannedout lashes. Keep mum’s lips natural, like Natalie, so not to divert from her eye make-up. Try Colour Sensational Lip Gloss in Exquisite Pink (€9.29) to give your lips a similarly beautiful and healthylooking sheen. O n c e m a ke - u p i s complete, get the curling tongs out, or hair straightening ones, to make loose curls. Dress mum in her favourite cocktail dress and she will be ready to turn heads at your restaurant of choice. Remember, Mother’s Day is this Sunday, March 18. Happy Mother’s Day!
15 March 2012 GAZETTE 17
Edited by Laura Webb
FastBeauty Cholesterol: Did you check your level recently?
Looking Beeautiful: Gifts from Burt’s
APPROXIMATELY 10,000 Irish people die each year from cardiovascular disease (CVD). High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for CVD, including heart attack and stroke. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is vital for the body to function as normal. The problem arises when cholesterol sticks to the blood vessels and blocks blood supply to the major organs. Improving your diet, reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking and increasing physical exercise can help reduce cholesterol. Contact your GP or local pharmacy to get your cholesterol checked, and help to have a healthy Mother’s Day this year
BURT’S Bees has put together two great gifts to keep mums refreshed from head-to-toe this Mother’s Day. Say a big thank-you to mums this year with products that will keep mum feeling revitalised and refreshed at home. The specially-packaged products come in two gift sets. Burt Bee’s Tips to Toes Kits (top, right) is perfect for hardworking hands and feet, with a collection of rich creams and softening butters to keep hands and feet naturally soft and beautiful, with a RRP of €15.95. Alternatively, Burt’s Bees Head to Toe (above, right) naturally cleanses and nourishes every part of the body. Inside, mothers will find a generous assortment of Burt’s most popular natural
With thanks to the staff at Lucan Village Natalie Portman wowed at this year’s Oscars with her subtle “less-is-more” make-up – a natural look that would be perfect for your mum this Mother’s Day
Pharmacy
skin care products, from their beeswax lip balm to coconut foot cream and everything in between, with a RRP of €16.95. Burt’s Bees Mother’s Day kits are available from Nourish and selected independent health stores and pharmacies nationwide.
18 GAZETTE 15 March 2012
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods IF YOU look up the phrase, “Still Got It”, no doubt you will find a picture of The Rolling Stones nearby. The band’s music and its members have not only stood the test of time, but they still rock out better than thousands of acts a quarter of their age. Next month, The Stones celebrate half a century together and, if they needed any proof of their everlasting popularity, then Facebook is it. Last week a picture of a chuffed Keith Richards holding a piece of paper saying “9,000,000 Stones’ fans” was posted on www.facebook. com/therollingstones (actually it was missing the apostrophe but I guess you don’t have to worry about that when nine million people love you.) The timeless calibre of songs, like Gimme Shelter and Waiting on a Friend, is some comfort to the unsettling thought that a bunch of lads my dad’s age have more facebook followers than Radio Nova has listeners. If a post goes up on The Rolling Stones’ Facebook page it can get over 50,000 ‘likes’. See what I mean? Still got it! And that’s only the fans that are on Facebook! And now this flurry of online adorers begs the question, when will The Stones announce a 50th anniversary tour? And, more importantly how much the tickets will be? (They’d probably have to tour for another 50 years just to satisfy their nine million fans on Facebook). Hey, lads: If the music dates back half a century then the ticket prices should too! A couple of quid should do it. But a warning to Jagger, Richards and co: psychologists have found the more friends you have on Facebook, the more likely you are to suffer from stress and anxiety. And you guys don’t need any more wrinkles...
Keith Richards and the big news...
Coming home: Kiwanuka’s debut hitting home now SOUL sensation, Michael Kiwanuka, has released his much-anticipated debut album, Home Again. The North London singer-songwriter, whose magnificent show at the Sugar Club last month sent our reviewer in paroxyms of delight, seals the deal with the ten tracks on offer, a collection of songs that propel you back to the golden age of soul, thanks to brilliant playing and a stellar retro production job by Paul Butler from The Bees.
REVIEW: HAS BRUCE MADE HIS BEST RECORD OF THE CENTURY?
Springsteen breaks it down to build again I ROB HEIGH
VERY few acts get as far as ten albums, let alone 17. And you would have to imagine that, over the course of 17 records, there would an early learning phase where they learned their craft, followed by a mature middle phase where they played at the top of their game, and it would be topped off by an end-game that saw them going through the motions while the records spun in decreasingly satisfying circles. You would think that, but then, you wouldn’t be thinking of Bruce Springsteen. The patron saint of New Jersey has returned this year with his 17th album, and it proves to be, possibly, the most complete summation of everything that makes Bruce Bruce in a single record this century. I’ve always thought that Springsteen’s albums since Tunnel Of Love in 1987 were almost there, but not quite — there was a feeling that they missed an unidentifiable something that entirely unified all of the songs under one flag, in
Bruce Springsteen has delivered what might be his first completely realised record this century
spite of there being some undeniably great songwriting and playing on those records. Wrecking Ball, however, feels like the first time in a very long time that the muse and the cause have come together to create something special. Opening with the apparently patriotic We Take Care Of Our Own, Wrecking Ball keeps its intentions just under the surface, until it’s time to let them spill over. Our Own is an angry volley that hides it’s ire and bile just as Born In The
USA did — the message is that wherever the flag is flown, the care and support for every class is most certainly lacking, despite what politicians and business might have to say. That frustration directs the characters in many of the songs collected on Wrecking Ball — the petty criminal on Easy Money is all romance until he pulls his gun as he rails against “the fat cats who think it’s funny” who brought him low. The anger turns to spiritual uplift, and the
theme turns at the midpoint on the title track, austensibly about the end of an era as the Giants stadium in New Jersey is demolished, but, equally, a metaphor for hope and resistance in a time of depression and financial hardship — “Come on and take your best shot, let me see what you got.” T he music brings together the best bombast of previous E Street Band outings while taking in inf luences from the country-folk inflected Seeger Sessions
album, as well as bringing in Irish trad stylings, New Orleans brass, civil war style marches, and even drum-loops and a rap on Rocky Ground. I would suggest you seek out the E Street Band performances on Jimmy Fallon’s show in the US last week. There’s something elemental and uplifting seeing the band perform together, even without the talismanic presence of Clarence Clemons, the saxophone legend who passed away last year. The last gang in town are back to rock.
15 March 2011 GAZETTE 19
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Catriona Byrne, The Foot Clinic at Doc Morris, Superquinn SC, Blanch
Happy feet lead to happy customers CATRIONA Byrne has been working in the health service for the past 12 years and she has noticed an increased number of patients, of all ages, presenting with medical complaints which impacts on the condition of their feet. “These medical conditions vary from diabetes, obesity, joint replacement and back problems. In most cases, these patients have been encouraged to exercise more regularly in order to reduce weight and, in turn, help with their medical condition. However, if a patient is also having discomfort in their feet, the exercise plan soon goes out the window!” said Catriona. In 2010, she completed training in Foot Health Management and Biomechanics, as she felt there was a gap in the health service providing both a chiropody and biomechanical service to patients. The biomechanics of the service includes assessing the patient’s gait / walk and includes recommending an exercise programme and / or orthotics as necessary. “The patients may present with complaints such as fallen arches, knee or back pain, hammer toes, bunion problems or indeed heel spurs, tendonitis or generalised foot pain. So, while I provide a full chiropody service to patients, my service focuses not only on treatment, but also on preventative measures also. “I find the business extremely rewarding as clients always comment on how good they are feeling after their appointment!” she said.
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: As I am a Foot Care Practitioner, I deal with all aspects of foot pain, generally all patients present with varying foot pain, they all leave feeling much better – there is immense satisfaction in that.
Q: : Have you achieved anything that you once thought
coupled with the State pension, I am scared that
chardstown A – While I am a great advocate of starting a pension as early as you can, I am also an advocate for getting to grips with how the pension system works as early as one can, too. Like a bricklayer laying brick upon brick, but without having to see the bigger picture, most pension investors are happy to make minimum contributions not knowing what the consequences will be. The end game is just so important, as you are now unfortunately experiencing. With only a fund of € 23,000, you can take € 5,750 as a tax free lump sum, and invest € 17,250 into an annuity – essentially a fixed interest rate deposit account guaranteed for life. You take this interest then as your income for life but when you die, the insurance company keeps the fund. You are therefore buying a guaranteed income for life – the ideal, of course, is to live as long as possible and outlive the annuity ! Taking a rate of c. 4.5%, this equates to €64.68 per month and, even with the annual State pension, a total of c.€13,000 per annum, you can afford to earn at least another € 5,000 per annum free from income tax. The lesson is a hard one. There are thresholds on Catriona Byrne, of The Foot Clinic at Doc Morris, Superquinn SC, Blanchardstown
the amount of contributions that can be made to a pension fund based on age, e.g. aged between 40 and 50, you can contribute up to 25% of your net relevant
Q: What was your first job? A: McDonald’s
Q: When did you start your present job? A: 2010.
very little by way of a monthly pension and,
How can I maximise my PRSA fund? Joan – Blan-
you could not pull off? A: I like to set myself achiev-
variety of jobs but my pet hate is filing.
to retire next May. I have been told I will receive
Finding a job at 66 is not easy, but I may have to.
Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: It varied every year.
Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed? A: Not really – have done a
Q – My PRSA has only € 23,000 in it and I am due
I just simply won’t be able to afford to retire.
Q&A
Q: And your first pay cheque? A: I can’t remember.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS
able goals.
Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to? A: My summer holidays.
Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: Maybe eight or 10
Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’? A: Again, filing!
Q: What is your guilty music/ TV or movie pleasure? A: Enjoy a good film.
Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? A: Holidays, if possible.
Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be? A: It’s still the filing, unfortu-
Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: I don’t have iPod or iPad
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: A nice beach, good book,
nately.
Q: Is there anything about yourself that you would like to set the record straight on? A: Not really – I like to think
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: Not a follower of Twitter or
of myself as pretty straight forward.
Q: What was your last tweet/ status update? A: I don’t Tweet or Facebook.
Q: What sport do you follow? A: Not a follower of any spe-
Facebook.
cific sport.
I like to chat with friends faceto-face.
Q: What sport can you play? A: Badminton – not a great
Q: Describe your dream meal? A: Any meal that I don’t cook.
player but really enjoy playing.
Q: What habits would you like to lose? A: I can’t think of any offhand.
Q: Who would you like to have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Preferably Dame Edna – I like a laugh!
good food and excellent company - works perfectly!
Q: What would be your dream job? A: I like a challenge. Maybe run the county for a while, as I’d like to make some major changes, like restore a bit of equity and accountability to the system and give the county a major kick-start regarding job creation.
earnings in an occupational pension scheme apart from the employer’s contribution. Investing 5% while the employer invests 5% into the fund is substantially short of the recommended and allowable amount that can be invested into such a fund. Remember the three reasons for having a pension 1. Monthly contributions attract tax relief up to certain limits at your marginal rate. The top rate is earmarked to decrease to the 20% rate over the next three years, so make hay while the sun shines. 2. All growth in the fund is tax free. Remember even if you are on the lower rate of tax, it means because you receive 20% tax back, the fund has to drop by over 20% in one year for you to lose money in your investment. 3. On retirement, 25% of the fund up to a maximum of €200,000 can be taken as a tax-free lump sum. Very best of luck Joan in your retirement. Contact John with your money questions at
Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: No plans to retire yet. How-
jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at
ever, if I won the lotto, maybe I could be persuaded.
director of Money Doctor
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS
ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZET TE CALL 60 10 240
www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing
LOCAL
MATTERS
20 GAZETTE 15 March 2012
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS Ford gives the new Kuga a right kicking The new Opel Ampera
Ampera and Volt Share the Honours in Geneva THE Opel Ampera and the Chevrolet Volt were unveiled as the “shock” winners of the 2012 Car of the Year award at the Geneva Motor Show last week. The news comes as Opel Ireland prepares for delivery of the highly anticipated vehicles, where orders across Europe are currently exceeding expectations, with 7,000 orders placed. The Opel Ampera / Chevrolet Volt came in as convincing winners with 330 points against the VW Up (281) and Ford Focus (256). The Opel/Vauxhall CEO, Karl-Friedrich Stracke, and Chevrolet’s president and managing director for Europe, Susan Docherty, were both handed the Car of the Year 2012 award by the President of the COTY judging panel, Hakan Matson. The Ampera and the Volt emerged as the joint overall winner in a field of seven COTY finalists. The selection criteria applied by the judges were based on attributes such as design, comfort, performance and especially innovative technologies as well as efficiency.
Honour “It is a proud moment for us and an honour to receive this award from Europe’s leading jury of automotive journalists,” said Susan Docherty, president and managing director, Chevrolet Europe. “Our car demonstrates that electric driving can be fun and reliable without ever compromising the owner’s lifestyle. “We are extremely pleased that our revolutionary electric vehicle has emerged as the winner in such a tough field of competitors. “And we are very proud of this accolade,” says Karl-Friedrich Stracke. “This encourages us further to continue our leadership role in the area of e-mobility.” The Ampera and the Volt are the first electric vehicles in the market that can go anywhere anytime. A 16 kWh lithium ion battery powers the 111kW/150 hp electric motor. Depending on the style of driving and road conditions, distance of between 40 and 80 kilometres can be covered in the purely batteryoperated mode, completely free of emissions.
LAST week, the Ford motor company managed to give one of its own models a right kicking! As part of the company’s 2012 Geneva Motor Show presentation, they revealed the first ever kick-activated automatic boot on their all-new Kuga. Owners of the car will now be able to open and close the tailgate simply by waving a foot beneath the rear bumper, an especially useful feature for those carrying the weekly shop or other gear to load into the car. Ford perfected the system with the help of volunteer “kickers”, and, after six months of testing produced the optimum settings. “This is a perfect example of how we’re evolving existing technology to further improve our customers’ experience with Ford vehicles,” said Dominik Nical, security electronics expert, Ford
of Europe. “The result is a practical and unique solution to a common problem – opening the tailgate when your arms are full. It’s a solution that will really work for customers in their everyday lives.” The development team spent six months working with Ford’s Human Machine Interface laboratory, using volunteers to test prototype systems fitted to a previous generation Kuga. Rigorous real-life testing perfected the required kick and ensured there was no interference with other systems. The hands-free tailgate builds on Ford’s Intelligent Access push-button start. It allows customers, who have their key on their person, to unlock and start their vehicles without having to take it out of their pocket or purse. Two sensors in the rear bumper detect a
Owners can open the boot by waving a foot
person’s shin and kicking motion. The system safeguards against accidental opening by being programmed to open with leg motions – not when an animal runs under the car or when the vehicle hits a bump on the road. The system made its debut on Kuga’s sister model, the Ford Escape, in North America, late last year. Ford engi-
neers re-calibrated the system for Europe to ensure it would still work if a tow bar had been fitted - as this is an option frequentlyy chosen by European n Kuga customers. The automatic hands-free tailgate iss launched as an option n with Keyless Entry on n the all-new Kuga later er this year.
New Fiesta ST gets show debut FORD also used last week’s Geneva Motor Show to unveil the new, production-ready Fiesta ST in advance of the performance hatchback’s launch in Europe in 2013. Customers have clamoured for a new Fiesta ST since the last model disappeared from European showrooms in 2008. The all-new model is set to take the car’s performance to a new level, and the numbers tell the story: 180PS 1.6-litre EcoBoost, 240Nm of torque, 0-100km/h in under seven seconds, and top speed of more than 220km/h. At the same time, the EcoBoost technology delivers a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions compared with the previous
Customers have clamoured for a new Fiesta ST
Fiesta ST. Developed by Ford’s Team RS, the new model delivers significant rideand-handling improvements through the introduction of a specially tuned chassis that sits 15mm lower than the standard Fiesta; Ford’s
enhanced Torque Vectoring Control system, and three Electronic Stability Control modes. The technologies were put to the test over 5,000 kilometres of driving on Germany’s Nurburgring Nordschleife. “We believe Ford cus-
tomers will be blown away by the new Fiesta ST, and not only by the exhilarating performance but by the styling and specification, too. This dynamic new hot-hatch is undoubtedly our best Fiesta ST to date,” said Jost Capito, Ford’s director of Global
Performance Vehicles. T he high-contrast interior features unprecedented levels of equipment and specification to suit the sporting driver, with standard Recaro sports seats appearing in a Fiesta ST for the first time. It also will be equipped with MyKey, which allows owners to limit performance and ensure activation of safety features for when less-experienced drivers use the vehicle; and SYNC, Ford’s voiceactivated in-car connectivity system. A new bold and dynamic exterior design drives home the high performance message and features the latest Ford design signatures.
15 March 2012 GAZETTE 21
Edited by Cormac Curtis
RoadSigns Road Signs THE NEW A-CLASS IS UNVEILED AT MOTOR SHOW:
The new Skoda Citigo is set to compete with both VW and SEAT, as they take their first steps in to the small car market in 2012
TRIPLETS: SKODA REVEAL THEIR CONTENDER FOR THE SUBCOMPACT SHOWDOWN
Go, Citigo, go! HE motoring world is about to launch into a phase of sibling rivalry, as Skoda, VW and SEAT each release their first small cars. Named the Citigo, the up! and the Mii respectively, these little motors have been affectionately christened “the triplets” by many in the motoring fraternity. T he international launch of the Skoda Citigo took place in Lisbon this month, and the Gazette was lucky enough to be invited along. I have to be honest, I am not a petrol-headed, rev-counting purist type of motoring correspondent. There’s no doubt I like a little fire in a car’s belly, but it is the practi-
T
SPECS: SKODA CITIGO (75bhp) Top speed: 171 kph 0 – 100km/hr: 13.2 sec Economy: 4.7 l/100km CO2 emissions: 108g/km Road Tax Band: A (€160) Entry Price: €10,000 est
cal nature of most motors that sticks with me, long after the novelty of a finely tuned sports coupe has worn off. It’s for this reason that car launches make me nervous. These events always seem to involve twisty, narrow, mountainous roadways, in countries that are not exactly renowned for their mannerly drivers. And so it came to
pass, that the launch of the Skoda Citigo, a car that is aimed directly at urban and suburban drivers, involved the type of driving I like to avoid through a narrow, bendy, mountainous route, that eventually brought my driving companion and I to a very picturesque coastal area close to Lisbon, much to our relief. The danger here was that my first experience in the Citigo was going to be a nervous one and leave me with a bad impression. Thankfully, this was not to be. For starters, this small car has more interior room than you would ever expect, certainly more than enough for two substantial men to
travel side-by-side in the front seats more than comfortably. Next is the finish. The tactile points of this car feel very solid, almost as though they have have been swiped from their saloon stablemates. Nothing gives you the impression that you are in a small car where economy was the driving force behind the design.
Enthusiasm And, speaking of design, the overall look and available options in the Citigo scream fun and enthusiasm. My particular favourite was a glossy, white finish with black racing stripes down the middle, finished off with black alloys – a very tasty look
indeed. In practical terms, the five-door option makes all the sense in the world, it’s a €500 option, but makes the car far more usable without sacrificing any of its visual appeal. The drive itself was another surprise. Admittedly, carrying three adults, you need to get the revs up a bit more than usual to get it going up near-vertical mountainous roads, but the point is that this car does get going. Keeping in mind that it has a modest one-litre engine producing 60 or 75bhp, depending what model you go for, it moves surprisingly well. There was certainly no problem keeping up on the motorways, and
it was as nimble as anything as we took a few wrong turns navigating the small, cobbled city streets around Lisbon. It’s refreshing to see car manufacturers putting such serious thought and consideration into their entry-level models. From the incredibly attractive fuel economy and running costs, to the interior finish and design, cars of this size really are competing for our attention. Skoda’s fan base in Ireland is certainly increasing, and it will no doubt find the VW Up! very tough competition, but the Citigo put a smile on my face, and having to pick between these two would certainly have me scratching my head.
AMONG the many new cars debuting at the Geneva Motor Show last week, was the new MercedesBenz A-Class. The German marquee believes that the new model boasts the kind of appeal that will bring them into a new, more youthful market segment when it arrives here next year. The taller, more upright, design of the present model has been replaced by a lower-slung body that sits 18cm closer to the ground. Built on the B-Class platform, the new A-Class will come in a range of petrol and turbo-diesel engines, and the one likely to grab the limelight in Ireland is a 1.8-litre diesel, seen as the greenest of them all with CO2 emissions of just 99g/km. All engines offer an idle-stop system as standard and can be mated to a six-speed manual, or sevenspeed dual-clutch automatic, transmission. One feature certain to appeal is a facility that allows what might be termed “the i-class generation”, to connect up and use the full functionality of their iPhone Siri voiceactivated units or play their iPad music and apps through the car’s infotainment system. Electronic elements extend to safety with a collision warning system and adaptive brake assist amongst its standard features.
The new MercedesBenz A-Class
22 GAZETTE 15 March 2012
GazetteTTRAVEL Fast Travel
Croatia’s many charms to woo you this Easter IF YOU are thinking of taking a trip this Easter, Croatia could be just the place, with its glistening coastline and a preserved, historic beauty. Concorde Travel has just launched new special offers to Croatia during the Easter holiday period, with many offers to suit all budgets. For example, departing on April 1, spend seven nights at the three-star Antuninska Apartments in Dubrovnik Old Town, on a self-catering basis, from €549pp. Alternatively, depart on April 6 and stay at the two-starplus Hotel Adriatic in Dubrovnik, on a B&B basis, from €530pp; the four-star Grand Park & Villas Hotel in Dubrovnik, on a B&B basis, from €610pp or the beautiful fivestar Rixos Libertas Hotel in Dubrovnik, on a B&B basis, from €800pp. To book your Croatia break, or for further information, see www.concordetravel.ie or phone 01 775 9300.
Whether taking a trip to luxurious Druids Glen Resort (main), or making Mumm the word for champagne in the Westin (above), spoil your mum this Mother’s Day
Make the most of a special day for mum IF YOU have found yourself caught short for a special Mother’s Day gift this year, there’s always the option to whisk her away for a break – without the kids. To give you a little inspiration, and to keep you out of the dog-house this weekend, here is a selection of destinations around the country that would be perfect for a break for mum this March 18 ... The five-star g Hotel, Galway The five-star g Hotel, Galway is offering the perfect indulgence for you and your mum to relax and reconnect. Discover ESPA at the g’s Pamper Perfection for Two experience and combine your spa experience with luxurious overnight accommodation and full
Irish breakfast. Your spa journey will start in ESPA at the g’s glorious thermal suite, offering a range of heat and cooling experiences which cleanse the body and soothe aching muscles. Enjoy a 55-minute spa treatment, selecting from an ESPA-intensive facial, full body massage or body wrap, and experience rituals that will take your mind to a calmer place and nurture your body. Conclude your spa journey in the rooftop relaxation area overlooking the zen garden with a handmade chocolate and a refreshing smoothie. It costs from €155 per person sharing, bookable from Sunday to Thursday. For further details, see www.theghotel.ie or call 091 865 200
Druids Glen Resort, County Wicklow The Mother’s Day package includes gorgeous five-star overnight accommodation in the resort that is nestled between the Irish Sea and Wicklow mountains. During the day, enjoy a blissful facial in the resort’s popular spa, where you will also receive a special Payot spa gift. Later on, you can toast your girlie evening with a glass of Prosecco, before a delicious dinner in the Druids Brasserie. Then, retire for the night and watch a “movie for mum” together in the comfort of your cosy room. Waking up to a satisfying full Irish breakfast, your mum will feel well and truly spoiled. The Druids Glen
Mother’s Day package is available Mother’s Day weekend from €170 per person, subject to availability. For further information, call 01 287 0848, or see www.druidsglenresort.com. The Westin Hotel, Dublin This Mother’s Day, show your mum just how much you love her and appreciate all that she does by marking the date with a special Mumm Champagne Afternoon Tea at the luxurious Atrium Lounge in The Westin Dublin hotel. The Atrium Lounge is offering a special treat for mums on Mother’s Day. Take time out to catch up together with an afternoon tea, including home-made scones with jam and clotted cream, and a selection of pastries
and other sweet treats, and receive a complimentary glass of chilled Mumm champagne for mum – all for just €24. For further information and bookings, contact The Atrium Lounge directly on 01 645 1324 and quote “Special Mother’s Day package”. The Imperial Hotel, Cork Enjoying some self indulgence is a luxury most busy mums rarely get the chance to experience. Rectify that this Mother’s Day by treating her to an extra-special Indulge Me spa package at the blissful Escape Salon and Spa in the Imperial Hotel, Cork city. The sensuous package does exactly what it says on the tin and includes an Aveda comforting tea on
arrival, time in the Vitality Suite’s hydrotherapy pool, Brine Grotto and Aroma Grotto, a pure focus facial tailored to suit her skin type, an anti-ageing eye treatment, nurturing hand and arm massage, and soothing scalp massage As an extra-special gift, your mum will also receive an Aveda gift of two travel-sized products so that she can feel fabulous wherever she is. The Indulge Me spa package costs €149, and you can indulge her even further by turning her visit into an overnight stay with room rates in the charming, four-star city centre hotel from just €89, so she can also pay Patrick Street a visit and shop until she drops. For further information, see www.flynnho tels.com or call 021 427 4040.
15 March 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23
Edited by Mimi Murray
FastTravel
Head East or West for some terrific holidays LOOKING for something a little different to the usual sun, sea and sand? Joe Walsh Tours specialist tours are designed to cater for clients who want something unique that they will remember for a lifetime, such as to Taiwan and South Korea. Spend 15 unforgettable days travelling through areas such as Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, Taichung, Seoul, Daegu, Gyeongju and Busan, visiting such sights as the Paoan Temple, the Shilin Night Market, Taroko National Park, and The
Tunnel of the Nine Turns, all located in Taiwan. In South Korea, you will visit several memorable sights, including Chogyesa Temple, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Beomosa Temple and Yongdusan Park. Price includes return flights from Dublin with China Airlines, 14 nights’ B&B, accommodation, 12 evening meals, eight lunches, a luxury airconditioned coach for the duration of the tour, the services of Joe Walsh Tours’ local guides for the duration of the tour, entrances as stated on
the itinerary and an internal flight from Hualien to Taipei. Depart on July 16 and spend seven nights in Taiwan and seven nights in South Korea, at a cost of €2,929 per person, excluding tax of €295pp. Alternatively, head Stateside in September to join an American Civil War Battlefield programme. Highlights include the Capitol Building, Ford’s Theatre, the Lincoln, Jefferson, Vietnam and WWII memorials, US Nav y Museum, New Market Battlefield and
Cruise control to France with Irish Ferries
For those looking for a break from the norm, why not take in the modern sights of Taipei (main), or the Antietam National Battlefield in America (inset)?
Museum, National US Museum Corps Museum, and Antietam National Battlefield, to name just a few. The price includes direct return flights from Dublin to Washington, 10 nights’ hotel accommodation on a B&B basis in the Hotel Monaco, Alexandria and the Best
Western Historic, Frederick, one welcome dinner, a luxury air-conditioned coach throughout the duration of the trip, entry fees to all historic sites and museums as per itinerary, and the assistance of Captain Donal Buckley, on behalf of Joe Walsh Tours. This package costs
€1,749pp, plus tax of €265pp. Tours are subject to minimum of 20 passengers to operate for the Taiwan and South Korea tour, and 40 passengers to operate for the USA tour. For further information on these tours, or to book, see www.joewalshtours. ie or call 01 241 0800.
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TAKING a trip to France by boat need not be a dull experience, thanks to Irish Ferries. The Oscar Wilde offers a wide range of onboard facilities, including three restaurants, two lounge bars, two cinemas, mall-style shopping, a cafe, gaming area, hair and beauty salon, Wi-Fi internet access, and much more, operating between Rosslare to Cherbourg and Roscoff. For further information and reservations, see www. irishferries.com, or call 0818 300 400.
24 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 15 March 2012
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Showstopper!
THEY’RE making it up as they go along! Luckily, that’s entirely the point, as Showstopper! The Improvised Musical sees an entirely new musical created from scractch in every performance, with the audience helping to create a show on the spot with their suggestions and direction, leading to a unique show to remember. This award-winning production, which has played sell-out shows in London’s West End, is set to delight and entertain at The Pavilion on St Patrick’s Day, at 8pm, with tickets costing €18/16.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Jack Wise Magic & Comedy
MEANWHILE, also being held on St Patrick’s Day, famillies looking for fun in Dundrum will find plenty at the Jack Wise Magic & Comedy show, presented as part of the Paddy Laughs Festival. As the title suggests, Jack will blend magic and laughter to great effect, in a show described as David Blaine mixed with Tommy Cooper, creating great tricks and lots of fun for all the family in the Irish magician’s memorable festival show. Catch the magical performance, at 3pm, with tickets priced at €8/€5.
CIVIC THEATRE 01 885 2622 Carthaginans
CONTINUING with The Civic Theatre’s run of strong, memorable drama, Frank McGuinness’ striking play, Carthaginans, runs until St Patrick’s Day, March 17. Influenced by Bloody Sunday, and delving into certain facets of The Troubles, this production, set in a graveyard, both helps to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and provides some thought-provoking entertainment for theatre fans. Catch the show nightly at 8pm, with tickets costing €20/16.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Coolmine Goes to the Movies
DRAIOCHT is getting ready for the upcoming Coolmine Goes to the Movies show, which is set to feature a wonderful night’s entertainment, influenced by all manner of movie magic. The accomplished Coolmine players will take the audience through a delightful tour of Hollywood hits, with everything from Disney to Bond to much, much more to savour in their presentation. Coolmine Goes to the Movies – and so will you – on Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31 at 8pm, with tickets priced €16/€14.
With two giant, multi-limbed, bloodthirsty and blind white apes charging in on him, John Carter (Taylor Kitsch) should make like a banana, and split – however, it’s all just one more dramatic event for the Earthman to get through on his bizarre adventures on Mars
Monkeying around This popcorn sci-fi epic feels like too many films you’ve already seen, with nice design but overly familiar setting I KATE CROWLEY
WHILE the entire world and his wife waits for Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter to chop and stake its way to our screens – I know, I know, I was born to review something so gloriously titled – there’s an awful lot of underwhelming films to get through first, which even an undead-slaying, stovepipe-hat wearing president couldn’t make any better. (Sorry, Abe.) Speaking of underwhelming, here’s John Carter! He’s a bit of a Tarzan character, one might say, seen as something of a wild character amongst the locals – appropriately enough, as he’s a much-lesser-known work by Tarzan’s creator, Edgar Rice Burroughs. Through some not particularly well-executed scene setting, it’s not long before we’re in the late 1800s or so, saddled up with Civil War veteran
FILM OF THE WEEK: John Carter ## (12A) 130 mins Director: Andrew Stanton Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Willem Dafoe, Mark Strong, Bryan Cranston, lots and lots of CG sights
OUR VERDICT: THERE’S too much here that you’ve already seen in a variety of other films. Deadwood, Gladiator, Avatar, Dune – take your pick, and you’ll see all these, and more, in this mash-up of movies. It’s not truly terrible, and would while away a couple of hours ... just don’t expect anything particularly special, or even memorable, and it could be just the ticket for a while...
Carter (Kitsch), who, it turns out, isn’t quite the grizzled, unfeeling and authority-hating maverick that he appears to be. Anyway, after some slightly dull scene-setting (oh, if only he’d rucked up in Deadwood), it’s not long before Carter finds himself accidentally transported to another planet – as you do – and discovers that it – Mars – is full of life. (I guess good ol’ Edgar didn’t sit too near the front during his 19th-century schoolin’.) Carter’s just a puny earthling – a grizzled, unfeeling and authority-
hating maverick at odds with the towering, multiarmed locals, who may all appear to be bloodthirsty savages at first sight, but, in fact, have a complex society that a puny but plucky Earthling could help sort out and ... Hmmm. This doesn’t feel a million miles away from a certain other sci-fi film from a few years ago, but let’s jump back the 36 million or so miles to Mars to continue. Blessed with superior strength and abilities, due to the planet’s different gravity, it’s not long before Carter’s leppin’ about the
place, helping the locals with their somewhat pressing issue of civil war. Oh, and their imminent destruction by a superior race. Who will then tackle primitive Earth. You may think that all of this would be a lot for a grizzled maverick-soldierturned-gold-prospectorturned-intergalactic-leader to sort out, but Carter’s a have-a-go kind of guy, and isn’t about to let mistrustful aliens, bloodthirsty politicians, dragonflyish warships and bloody big beasties get in his way of saving the day, the girl, the planet, our planet, and everything – and then go back to a mundane life on Earth – oh no! And that’s yer lot.
Of course, there’s a wee bit more to it than just that, with lots and lots of CG-enhanced scenes and characters. Unfortunately, it’s hard to say that there’s anything new in this film, over which the ghost of Avatar hovers. Oh, and the ghost of Star Wars. And Dune. And several other films. Kitsch (left) does his best, but the role doesn’t exactly demand much, bar standing around looking buff, angry, alarmed, or – nope, that’s pretty much it, and the other humans don’t exactly have a lot to work with, either. To b e f a i r, they’re working with material that’s already weak – there’s a reason why so much Tarzan exists, but Carter’s a virtual unknown, making this a poor, Kitsch film.
15 March 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces Scaling creative download heights
In Mass Effect 3, Shepard must lead his team to fight back against the Reaper menace to the Galaxy – but Earth comes under attack ...
Making a stand against the Reapers’ menace SHANE DILLON
THE wait is over – the Reapers have finally arrived at Earth, where it seems that it’s very much a case of Game Over for our species. Or, rather, game on, as Mass Effect 3’s longawaited arrival has been keenly met by gamers, keen to continue the notable franchise with the
final part in the trilogy. I reported last week on the title’s problems with being stocked at Game, but, this week, we’ll leave any such negativity behind to focus on the game itself. And what a game. Although it’s (just about) accessible to complete newcomers to the series, this is a title that very much builds up on all of
the expansive back story already established in the prequels, as well as the established characters, to deliver a title that’s very much more of the same, but ramped up to a much higher standard, and, of course, with an explosive finale. To recap, the Mass Effect series, and universe, follows humanity’s role in the future as its expansion
Anotherweebyte... An extra effect from Kinect’s hardware XBOX 360 gamers can avail of their Kinect hardware to get an extra boost to their gameplay, in another sign of how determined Microsoft is to make the most of their hardware to enhance a number of key titles. So, this means that Kinect users can make the most of a number of Kinect features – principally by making use of audio commands to manage their squad on a number of fronts as they battle the Reapers and their minions. Seeing as squads play a significant
role in a number of titles, and given the natural immersion that such a feature could add to a game, it seems like a natural addition to the title – one that may not be for every gamer (given the paper-thin walls in my new-build apartment, my flatmate and neighbours would be unlikely to appreciate my intergalactic battling by blathering to myself), but one that will feel like a natural fit for many gamers, keen to get any help they can to help tackle the Reapers’ plans.
into the galaxy puts it in conflict with older, more established civilisations, none of whom are too impressed by our upstart race. Luckily enough, some plucky humans are just what the galaxy needs, given that an ancient race of sentient machines have reawoken, and are hell-bent on eliminating – or reaping – all sentient life across the galaxy, whose lifeforms would do very nicely to power their alarm clocks, showers and spaceships, thank you. In Mass Effect 3, the game can either start with a new character, as defined by the player, or, by examining the gamer’s previous saves, can load up their character from the previous game and, based on their playing and choices so far, shape the story from that point on, creating what feels like a unique experience. Here, the action continues with Shepard and
co trying to unite all the species for a desperate stand against the Reapers (Earth doesn’t fare too well, early on), with a pretty explosive mix of intense action, giving the gamers an awful lot of bang for their buck. Again, there’ll be lots of player choice along the way, with actions and conversations taken along the journey determining how things play out – and who lives, and who dies. Of course, there’s an awful lot more than this simple summary to the game – despite the streamlined experience, there’s substantial depth to the title – but, for those looking for an all-out action title, with quieter moments of debate and real choice to make, it’s hard not to be impressed by this stand-out title. So, for a sweeping scifi opera, with some great action, Mass Effect 3 is a superb conclusion to a strong series.
CONTINUING the XBox 360’s coverage this week – and why not, given such strong content – another “House Party” downloadable title has popped into view, priced 1,200 Microsoft Points. Running with what I’m terming the popular Apres-Armageddon genre (as seen in several instances, such as cinema’s The Road, television’s The Walking Dead, and any number of recent gaming titles, such as Enslaved), I Am Alive is a notably polished download-only title, featuring a desperate character’s attempts to survive in a post-apocalyptic urban setting. Despite its lengthy-development period, which led many to doubt it would ever actually emerge from Development Hell, it’s finally been released, and has turned out to be a decent survival-horror title, where, perhaps a little controversially, the player is battling fellow survivors’ lawlessness as much as the ruined city’s dangerous environment. It’s a good way to round off the 360’s House Party season, which featured some great titles and, as another enjoyable downloadable title, I Am Alive shows that there’s certainly plenty of life in this interesting gaming avenue for the 360.
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GazetteSPORT
DRIVING HOME Touring car starAaron Smith on coming back to Ireland: Page 29
ROWING: AMBITIOUS DRIVE FOR DUN LAOGHAIRE CLUB IN EPIC CELTIC CHALLENGE RACE
St Michael’s to row their boat all way to Wales sport@gazettegroup.com
Over the coming May bank holiday weekend, 12 men and women from St Michael’s Rowing Club in Dun Laoghaire will take part in a biennial rowing race across the Irish Sea known as the Celtic Challenge. The race sets off from Arklow, Co Wicklow, with the finishing line in Aberystwyth, Wales. At 150km, this relay race is billed as the long-
est rowing race in the world, and draws together 27 teams from Wales, Ireland and beyond. The team is taking on this challenge to raise funds for a clubhouse in Dun Laoghaire, for the first time in the club’s 90 year history. Not many races start and finish in different countries, a source of pride to the Welsh and Irish oarsmen and women involved. So, too, is the sport of coastal rowing
itself, which differs from the Olympic or Oxford v Cambridge code of rowing in a number of key ways. Seats are fixed, not sliding, and boats are of a more substantial construction to tackle the swell on open seas, which can reach several metres. St Michael’s take things a step further by using quar ter-ton wooden clinker-built east coast skiffs rather than the modern fibreglass models, used by all other competi-
The east-coast skiff that St Michael’s will be piloting in the Celtic Challenge race in May
tors in 2010. Their solid wood oars are three times heavier than carbon fibre equivalents, requiring strength and a particular technique. In common with other clubs of Dublin and Wicklow, these boats originate from the Hobblers of old; crews of local men who would engage in unlicensed pilotage of
merchant shipping. Each competing team in the Celtic Challenge consists of three rotating crews of four rowers and is accompanied by a support boat for navigation and for accommodating the resting crews. Changeover strategy is down to each team, but most opt for a one-hour-
on, two-hours-off format. Depending on weather conditions, the race may start in Arklow on the afternoon of the Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Crews row through the night, arriving in Aberystwyth the following morning or afternoon. The squad is actively seeking sponsorship for
the challenge, in a drive to raise funds for a new clubhouse in Dun Laoghaire Harbour. Currently, the club lacks space to store their three wooden boats, space for indoor training and changing facilities. It is hoped that the money raised can be put towards achieving this long-standing goal.
28 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 15 March 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
SAILING: DINGHY SAILING CENTRE OPENS FOR LOCAL AREA
FAI launch girls’ soccer Easter camps in region FINGAL County Council and the FAI have announced the return of the very successful AVIVA Soccer Sister Easter Camps. Running throughout the Easter holidays from April 2, the camps cater for girls aged seven to 12 years who maybe new to soccer, or for those wishing to have fun and learn and improve their skills. The aim of the Soccer Sister programme is to introduce girls to football in a fun, friendly and safe environment through structured coaching and fun games. The girls will be introduced to basic movement and soccer skills. They will learn the disciplines and fundamental rules of the game and will also be encouraged to forge new friendships and develop interpersonal skills. As the camps are girls-only it will give the participants an opportunity to participate with their peers. Each participant will receive a New Soccer Sister Kit and an excellent football experience. In line with the current climate the camps have been reduced to a cost of €40 for four days of football. The camps are set to place in the local area at the following venues: Malahide’s Gannon Park, the home of Malahide United FC; St Patrick’s, Diswelltown in Castleknock; in Swords, at St Finian’s Secondary School; in Skerries at the Skerries Community Centre, and at Gormanstown College, Balbriggan. All bookings can be made online through www.fai.ie/soccersisters or, for more information, contact your local Fingal County Council/FAI development officer. If you require any additional information, email women@fai.ie or phone 01 8999559.
Sailing on the Malahide estuary will take on a new phase with the opening of the Malahide Yacht Club sailing centre
New era for yacht club sport@gazettegroup.com
M A L A H I D E Ya c h t Club has unveiled its newly re-developed Dinghy Sailing Centre at the Broadmeadows to herald a new era in the club’s dinghy racing and sail-training activities, a move that coincides with a new membership drive. Club members attending the official opening celebration last weekend were addressed by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gerr y McGuire, the president of the Irish Sailing Association, Niamh McCutcheon, and the club’s 1980 Olympic silver medallist David Wilkins (who travelled from the UK specially for the occasion). Other speakers included Club Commo-
dore Bob Sugrue, and his predecessor, Martin Clancy, who spearheaded the development. The distinctive splitl e ve l u l t r a - m o d e r n facility on the Sea Road, built at a cost of €450,000, features a general purpose area/ classroom, changing rooms and showers on the ground floor, while on the new first-floor level, there is a large lounge/viewing area, a committee room and storage room. The project, which took six months to complete, was funded by club savings, a bank loan and ongoing members’ fund-raising initiatives, and without any grants or lottery funding. Considerable savings on costs were achieved through a significant
level of voluntary effort by many members, who gave of their time and p r o f e s s i o n a l e x p e rtise to see the project through to completion.
History The club, which was founded in 1958, was at the forefront of dinghy sailing development in Ireland in the ‘60s and ‘70s, and has produced six Olympians (sailing in nine of the last 10 Olympic Games), and 28 national championship winners in its 54-year history. MYC’s David Burrows has qualified to compete in his fourth Games this summer in the Star Class, while Scott Flanigan, crewing in the 470 Class, still has the opportunity to qualify. Growing numbers of
Laser, Optimist, Topaz and 420 Class dinghies in recent years underlined the need to replace the previous old and outdated structure at the Broadmeadows, widely acknowledged as one of the finest stretches of water in Ireland on which to learn to sail. The club is actively seeking new members and now has the facilities that can attract both new and experienced sailors to the Broadmeadows. According to club Commodore, Bob Sugrue, the new facility means the club is now geared to run regional and national events on the Broadmeadows. “We have already been invited to host a number of events this season, starting with
the 420 Class Leinster Championships on March 24/25, the Topaz National Championships in June and the Optimist Western Championships in September, which is expected to attract over 100 entries”. The club is unusual in sailing terms in that it is the only sailing club with two separate clubhouses – one on the original site at St. James’s Terrace in the village, and the other at Broadmeadows – and two separate sailing areas – the tidal Lower Estuar y for keelboat racing and cruising and the non-tidal Upper Estuary for dinghies. For further information, contact Graham Smith, vice-commodore of Malahide Yacht Club on 086 258 0510.
15 March 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29
in association with
Smith happy to be driving home
FastSport
Motor racing ace, Aaron Smith, is a rising star of the touring car scene, and is relishing the prospect Roche returns to help to of racing in the Bavaria City event this June RATHFARNHAM man, Aaron Smith, has come a long way since his days of karting when he was 14. The driver was last year crowned Motorsport Ireland’s Young Racing Driver of the Year in 2011. His journey to the upper eschelons of the sport have taken him to Britain and Italy to compete in drivers’ championships in those countries, to great success. Last year, Aaron competed in the UK’s AirAsia Renault Clio Cup and he also made his debut in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, and, in 2012, Smith is all set to make his mark in the British Touring Car Championship with the Motorbase Performance team. Aaron will join some of the biggest names in world motorsport at the Bavaria City Racing Dub-
lin when it arrives in the city centre in June this year, and he was looking forward to the experience when he spoke to GazetteSport last week. “I don’t know the last
tigious and well-known tracks in Europe, and, when driving in the Italian Clio Cup, was able to drive on the hallowed concrete of Monza and Immola, where he regis-
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‘It’s nice to be able to come home and drive in front of an Irish crowd. I think it will open people’s eyes as to how motor sport is thought of here’
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time a touring car driver got the chance to drive in Ireland. I’ve always raced across the sea, and it’s really nice to be able to come home and drive in front of a home crowd. The event will be a huge success, but I’m delighted more to be coming home to drive before Irish fans of the sport.” Aaron has cut his teeth at some of the most pres-
tered a number of stage wins. Returning to Britain for the Clio Cup, he spent 2011 racking up some impressive drives, leading to him claiming the Graduate Cup, for young drivers under the age of 25, and finishing second overall in the championship. All of that success was part of the masterplan,
Aaron SMith is relishing prospect of returning to Ireland this summer
explained Smith. “My aim from when I started driving was to take part in the British touring car championship. That was the pinnacle of motor sport to me in Europe. Coming back from Italy, I knew I would be able to do well in the Clio Cup, and I knew that would open the doors to the touring car teams. Everything has come together for this year.” With his Motor Race Performance team behind him, Smith is looking to shape up for 2012 and the test of the touring cars. “There are ten races, and it is one of the biggest championships in Europe. It’s really massive - there are about 12 million TV viewers across the continent. “The MRP team just missed out on winning the overall championship last year, so they have great experience that I can draw on. As well as that, Matt Jackson is my teammate this year, and driving alongside him has been hugely instructional and informative for me. I’m learning so much watching him on the track, and it brings you on in leaps and bounds without realising it. “It’s just the imparting of experience, really. I’m on the way over to Britain, to Snetterton in Norfolk, to do some testing there with the team.
We will both be driving our cars, and overlaying the data [from Matt and Aaron’s cars] to see where we can both improve our driving. “The back-up team is very important - driving is only 10% of the job, and the rest is down to the backroom team.” The season begins on April 1 at Brand’s Hatch, and Smith is hoping to capitalise on all he has learned in the preceding years. “It’s a big learning curve, and I’m hoping to hit the ground running, and maybe get a top ten finish this year. I never like setting goals, but I’d like to think I can get some good results.” As much as he appreciated the challenge of touring cars, however, coming home is something that Smith is more than happy to do. “I’ve never driven competitively in Ireland. It’s a shame as I would love to race at home, but the opportunity has never arisen. It’s always been the only choice to fly away from home. “I’d love to think the Bavaria event can open people’s eyes as to how motor sport is thought of in Ireland. I think you’ll see a massive increase in the number of people who will want to go to the driving school in Mondello after the day, and that is what the scene needs over here.”
launch Irish Cycling Show
DUNDRUM cycling legend, Stephen Roche, will return to his old racing grounds when he will be the guest of honour at the Irish Cycling Show at the RDS on May 19 and 20. The legendary Dublin cyclist is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his extraordinary 1987 racing season when he won the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France and the World Road Race Championships. Roche will open the show on Saturday and will be in attendance during the weekend on the dedicated stand, which will feature various memorabilia from his fabled career. Among the exhibits on the Stephen Roche stand will be the Battaglin bike with which he won the 1987 World Road Race championships in Villach, Austria, as well as various items of clothing and trophies from a career that spanned 13 years at the very top level of cycling. Roche, whose 1987 “triple crown” of major wins places him in an exclusive company of two with Belgian Eddy Merckx, is looking forward to an opportunity to remember his famous year with fans in Ireland. “I’m really excited to be appearing at the Irish Cycling Show,” says Roche, who now lives in Anitbes, France. “It’s high time there was an exhibition of this kind in Ireland and it’ll be great to be able to remember 1987 in the company of friends.” Roche is still connected to the cycling world through Stephen Roche Cycling Holidays and Training Camps in Mallorca, his cycling vacations firm, which will be featured on his stand. The Irish Cycling Show will feature exhibitors from every facet of cycling and related industry, including cycle retailers and distributors and there will also be emphasis on general feature attractions to entertain the whole family. Plans in the pipeline include a test track around the venue, demonstrations, shows and seminars throughout the weekend. Further details on the show’s attractions will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, log on to www. irishcyclingshow.com
30 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 15 March 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
SOCCER: TONY O’NEILL CUP FINAL DECIDER LIES AHEAD
Areas invited to take part in Healthy Events The HSE Community Games is inviting Community Games areas around the country to participate in the Healthy Events Awards 2012. Community Games president, Gerard Davenport, launched the awards last week, saying: “We are excited to announce this new programme which has been developed over the last year with the HSE. “We want to encourage local areas and volunteers in their development of Healthy Events and this training, with the added bonus of an awards scheme, really fulfils this criteria. “As well as practical assistance, it offers the invaluable advice that all local organisers can use while running their events,” said Davenport. Two or more volunteers from an area can attend a seminar, and once they have attended, they are then free to participate in the Awards process. For more information, contact Peggy Connolly, PR and marketing director on 086 172 2050 or e-mail pro@communitygames.ie
Malahide Community School’s senior soccer side will hope to repeat former glories in the final of the Tony O’Neill Cup
Malahide CS reach cup final TONY O’NEILL CUP S/F Malahide CS Scoil Mhuire SS
2 1
sport@gazettegroup.com
MICHAEL O’Sullivan’s Malahide Community School needed extra time to shake off Buncrana’s Scoil Mhuire in a thrilling game at Monaghan United FC last week. T he Leinster lads got out of jail following Harr y Forshaw’s missed penalty on 50 minutes that could have changed the game in favour of the Ulster side. Colm Curtis put Malahide in front just
four minutes from the break when he latched on to a crossfield ball from Dylan Cashin on the edge of the box. Curtis’ pile-driver left Harr y Doher ty f latfooted on the goal line as the ball smashed to the top of the Buncrana net. Scoil Mhuire responded almost immediately after the restart with a Georgie Kelly goal. However, Eric Harold was the hero for Malahide with only three minutes gone in additional time when he secured the winner. The match had started apace with Kelly
causing some concern to the Malahide back four. Malahide were playing the counter attack at every opportunity and their hard work pressing forward paid dividends on 41 minutes as Cashin was on hand to feed Curtis on the edge of the box. The Malahide contingency was left celebrating as his wonder strike rattled the net to give the Leinster side the upper hand.
Second half After the turn, Paddy Carr’s side took only a few minutes to find
their equaliser when the in-form Kelly finished well, following excellent work from Ryan Varma and Daniel Doherty. Buncrana were experiencing a purple patch in the following ten , but after the danger was averted, Malahide went on the offensive. But both teams failed to hit the target in the last quarter, which took the game into additional time. With only three minutes of extra-time p l ay e d , M a l a h i d e ’s Eric Harold was at the right place at the right time as he slotted home in a crowded six-yard
box following fancy footwork from Dylan Cashin and Mark Brennan to find him in space. Fionn Cahill went agonisingly close to extending Malahide’s lead but an acrobatic save from Harry Dohert y ke p t B u n c r a n a ’s belief alive. Malahide will now face the winners of the other decider which sees Corkian’s St. Aidan’s Community College face Connacht kingpins St. Mary’s College. The Dr. Tony O’Neill Cup Final is scheduled for Wednesday, March 21.
Burrows and O’Leary second in Miami sport@gazettegroup.com
MALAHIDE man David Burrows, sailing with Peter O’Leary, finished second overall at the 2012 Bacardi Miami Sailing Week on Biscayne Bay. With five races on the scoreboard, the Star fleet completed their sixth and final race with just seven knots of breeze from the east southeast. O’Lear y and Burrows sailed consistently
throughout the event with all six results in the top 10 including two race wins but, ultimately, they finished the championship from a fleet of 63 on 16 points, while the French duo, Rohart and Ponsot finished three points ahead on 13. ISA Performance Director James O’Callaghan commented: “The boys sailed well all week and deserve to be standing on the podi-
um. It is the second year in a row (third for Peter) they have been second so it is hard not to think of what might have been. That said they are now in good shape going into an important testing phase.” Another O’Leary was competing at the event, Peter’s younger brother Nicholas. ‘Nin’ O’Leary, was also representing Ireland, sailing with Rodney Hagebols, and finished 11th overall.
Burrows and O’Leary in action in Perth last year
15 March 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31
in association with
FOOTBALL: BROOMFIELD DEFEAT FOR HOME SIDE
CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST SYLVESTER’S AFL1: St Vincent’s 1-8, St Sylvester’s
The club is open every day from
2-9: This was an excellent perform-
noon for the Cheltenham festival
ance and victory by the senior foot-
with full UK racing coverage. There
ball team.
is a draw for Paddy Power bets for
AFL3: St Sylvester’s 0-11, St Finian’s 2-7: Two late goals gave Finian’s the win in a game we should have won. AFL6: Thomas Davis 2-7, St Sylvester’s 2-9: The juniors scored 2-7
every race and complimentary food. Coors is the beer of the month at €4 a pint with your club card. All the games will be live on TV on St Patrick’s Day.
from play and recorded another
Comhaltas will be playing from 12
hard-fought victory in a great
noon to 2pm and children are very
start to their campaign.
welcome.
Minor hurling: St Sylvester’s 1-14,
Next Friday night, March 16, is
Skerries 0-14: A goal from Eoin Man-
player’s night, with music by Joe
ning proved to be the difference in
Fortune.
a thrilling contest with both sides giving their all.
Lotto jackpot this week is €1,650. Play on www.stsylvesters.ie
FINGALLIANS St Sylvester’s missed out on back-to-back wins in AFL3 after defeat at home by St Finian’s
Sylvester’s pipped to derby success AFL DIVISION 3 St Sylvester’s St Finian’s
0-11 2-7
I sport@gazettegroup.com
WITH both sides claiming a victory in their r e s p e c t i ve o p e n i n g encounters in the intermediate AFL 3 league, Sylvester’s and Finian’s were out to add to their winning streaks, where only two points in favour of the travelling St Finian’s were enough to pip St Sylvester’s to the post at Broomfield. T he first half was played in lovely conditions on the Malahide side’s patch, and it seemed that Syl’s had left themselves in a good position for the second half, with the whistle for the break leaving them ahead at 0-6 to 0- 4, with a fisted point from Mark Finnerty and a 45 by Alan Foy giving the them the advantage. Two top-class saves in the first half from Finian’s Stephen McNally
denied the Syl’s men the goals they sought, working hard to get the ball into the scoring positions, and, with that in mind, the Malahide team went at their opposition from the start of the second half, continuing on from the nip-and-tuck affair that was the first half. The sides traded points throughout the early stages of the second half before the Syl’s men took two unanswered points, one of which was a great effort from Mannix Ryan, to put them four points ahead. A golden opportunity again fell to the Malahide side, with the ball dropping to one of their men just in front of the Finian’s goal, but their failure to convert the chance for three points led to their downfall. Finian’s attacked ferociously in the last ten minutes and after notching a first goal from
Greig Donnelly, they were back up the pitch again and, after a wellworked passing movement, Darren Barry put a beautiful fisted effort behind the Syl’s ‘keeper. Intermediate Sylvester’s manager Brendan Kearney caught up with GazetteSport to share his opinion on the game and Syl’s season so far. “It’s very challenging playing first teams every week and, at the moment, that seems to be what we’re up against. “We’re doing our best
at the moment to blend youth and experience. Developing the younger lads to build a team is the main priority and we went out on Saturday with five minor players in the team, which I consider to be vital for growth. “We missed out on the promotion play-off by one point last year, and the play-offs will always be out target. It’s early days and if we keep playing the way we have, I think we’re more than capable of getting there,” said Kearney.
OUR club will be taking part next Sat-
the help of many Fingallians mem-
urday in the Swords St Patrick’s Day
bers (not least our own Fiachra
Parade. All club members are asked
Hoey). They are within reach of win-
to meet at Colaiste Choilm, CBS school
ning the competition where a town
at the top of the town between 11.15
is turned into a Gaeltacht. There will
and 11.30am. The parade will com-
be a public vote so we are calling on
mence at noon and continue down
everybody to text the number 53305.
the main st to the club. Soup and
Domhnach Beathach Abu!
sambos will be served, with music all
Well done to Sarah Murray and
day after the parade. Further details
Sarah McCarthy who were award
will follow during the week via, email,
winners at the Tipperary Crystal
Twitter and Facebook.
Juvenile Star Awards in Athlone
There are two weeks left for mem-
recently.
bers to return their sold car draw
Website is now up and running. We
tickets. An update will be available
need to add and manage content
during the week via email to all mem-
for all areas of the site from Teams
bers.
to Athletics to Facilities. Please con-
Check out all the club results from the weekend on our web page. “An G Te am” on Sunda y s aw Donabate through to the final, with
sider giving a small amount of time to help keep the club informed. If you can assist please mail content@fingallians.com.
ST MARGARET’S Adult football training continues
lations to Lorna Colgan, Kate Dwyer
every Tuesday and Thursday.
and Rachel Dwyer on their perfo-
Committee meeting this Thursday at 9.15pm following the minors game against Finian’s at 8pm in the complex.
mances for the Dublin minor ladies at the weekend. Club membership for 2012 is now due and must be paid by March 31,
There was no winner of this weeks
as this is the final cut-off date for
lotto. Numbers drawn were 10, 15,
registering with the county board.
25 and 28.
Membership does not cost much, is
Next week’s jackpot is €6,550.
vital to the running of the club and
There is a €80 & €150 annual lotto
players are not insured if not reg-
ticket available this year. Please check the website for full details or contact Mary Madigan.
istered. Finally, all teams please nominate someone to do the defibril-
In juvenile football, well done to
lator course and contact Paddy
the Under-15s and 16s who both had
Finnegan; it is essential that at
good wins at the weekend.
least one mentor from each team
In ladies’ football, huge congratu-
knows how this equipment works.
Follow GazetteSport on Facebook and Twitter, and at www.gazettegroup.com
ALL OF YOUR MALAHIDE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
EDGE OF GLORY: Malahide CS reach final of Tony O’Neill Cup with win in Monaghan P30
DRIVING FOR IRELAND: Touring Car star on his return to Dublin P29
GazetteSPORT
Malahide’ s second team celebrate after securing the Leinster Seconds League Division 2A title, with a one-sided win over Roscrea
MARCH 15, 2012
Trophy after trophy for Brophy’s team On the back of their third successive title win, Malahide’s coach reveals the formula for champions STEPHEN FINDLATER
malahidesport@gazettegroup.com
MALAHIDE RFC’s second team coach, Alun Brophy, has put the success of his side down to the Estuary Road club’s investment in coaching after they annexed a third successive league title last weekend with a comprehensive 54-10 win over Roscrea. The bonus-point win they needed to confirm the title was all but wrapped up by half-time, and they ran up the sizeable win with Simon Tuite, Conor Keane, Paddy Magee, Eoin Canning, Luke Murphy and Dave Kiernan all crossing the whitewash. The Leinster Seconds League Division 2A title came hot on the heels of back-to-back J4 titles in the past two years, something which Brophy attributed to the quality of training now on offer at the club. “I’d put it down to the investment the club has put into coaching over the last three or four years,
getting in a good head coach,” he said. “Having him work with the first and second team players – I’d take responsibility for the weekend – but they train together. With the improvement in our first team, the seconds have moved along with them. “If you’re getting good coaching, you get 35 or 40 guys training every Tuesday and Thursday and you don’t have to force them to do it. They want to be there. That would be the over-riding factor. “We’ve now got a system where a guy can come in as an U-13 and play all the way up through the club up to U-21, and graduate into the men’s team. If we can maintain that player pathway, we’ll be even more successful in the future.” Winning a third successive league is their bestever run of results, beating the two consecutive penants won by the first team in the 1990s. It is now a little uncertain where this side will go next as the Leinster Branch of the IRFU looks set to re-jig the junior leagues to keep the competitive edge.
This could mean a reversion to Metro J2 or J3-level rugby away from the Leinster leagues, but a final decision remains to be seen. “I know they are looking at it in relation to the number of concessions there were over the course of the league, so the structure of Leinster seconds rugby may change. We’d be very interested in seeing what happens there. The principle of having the first and second team travelling together is great, but only if the quality of rugby both sides are getting is good.” For now, though, his side can bask in the glory of another successful league campaign. “We got the four tries before half-time so that made for an easier day! It was comfortable enough but, in fairness to Roscrea, they scored first and we were 3-0 down. But that was the extent of it until they got the final try. “We had a good crowd down with the firsts on afterwards; there was a party atmosphere with a fair bit of banter coming from the sideline,” said Brophy.