Malahide GAZET TE FREE
MAY 31, 2012
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Soccer: All-
Ireland success for Malahide United U-16s Page 32
Football:
Local ladies make impact on Canada tour Page 28
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ........................21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
TENANT RIGHTS: TD Patrick Nulty
(Lab) on protecting deposits Page 15
Youths cause row at queue for bus I NATALIE BURKE
SIX arrests were made in Portmarnock at the weekend when 200 youths got into a mini riot at the queue for a bus leaving the seaside town. Gardai were called to defuse a “dispute” on Saturday evening. According to a senior Garda spokesperson, the Public Order Unit was called to the scene and dispersed the youths, who were “intent on
causing problems”. “There were no weapons used but some bottles were thrown,” the Garda spokesperson said. “There were about 200 young people involved, all about 15 or 16 years of age. “They will be dealt with under the Juvenile Diversion Programme,” the Garda spokesperson said. Full Story on Page 5
Special chemistry: Aine’s contribution to community AINE McCabe, from McCabe’s Pharmacy in Malahide, received the Community Pharmacist of the Year Award from Aoife McDonnell from Pinewood Healthcare sponsors of the award at this year’s Irish
Pharmacy Awards. This is awarded to a pharmacist working in any area of the profession who has, through involvement in non-pharmacy work, delivered notable benefits to the wider community.
2 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31 May 2012
FINGAL: COUNCIL STAFF CHARITY Showing support for special needs children HAVE TO WORK SIX HOURS TO CLEAR MESS
Beach bums leave truck loads of litter on beach I NATALIE BURKE nburke@gazettegroup.com
WEEKEND sun worshipers have been condemned for leaving Fingal beaches in such a mess that four truck loads were needed to remove the litter following the good weather last weekend. It took eight Fingal County Council members six hours on Sunday morning to clear the litter on Portmarnock beach after a huge amount of litter and broken glass was left at local beaches. A spokesperson for the council confirmed that four truck loads of litter were taken from Portmarnock beach in an urgent clean-up operation and despite all Fingal beaches being victim to an increased level of litter, littering was particularly bad at Portmarnock Beach. “Normally our operations crew would clear l i t t e r f r o m s e ve r a l beaches after a busy day in approximately four hours, however, it took a crew of eight council staff six hours to clear four truckloads of litter from Portmarnock on Sunday morning. A significant portion of the litter was alcohol related litter including cans, bottles and cardboard packaging.” Costs for this clean-up included bringing additional staff in to work overtime to clean the beach, after which the four truckloads of litter were transported back to the council depot, compacted into a skip and then transported to a waste disposal facility, which also incurred charges by weight for the compacted litter.
The situation at Portmarnock Beach was described as “appalling” by Dublin North TD, Terence Flanagan (FG) who admitted he was disgusted by the amount of rubbish left on the beach. “It is understandable that people want to spend time at the beach during periods of good weather, but I would urge people to respect the local area and ensure that any rubbish is properly disposed of at the end of the day. “Portmarnock is a Blue Flag beach and it is very popular with people of all ages. I am concerned that people were drinking on the beach on Saturday in front of families and children that were enjoying the sun. Thanks largely to the dedication and hard work of the Portmarnock Beach Committee, the beach is renowned for being clean,” he said. Local councillor Anthony Lavin (FG) echoed Deputy Flanagan’s concerns, saying the situation on Malahide Beach was also terrible. “I spent Saturday morning on Malahide beach and collected nine bags of rubbish and that was only on Saturday, I dread to think of what it was like on Sunday, I would say it was terrible.” Fingal County Council works closely with local gardai at all Fingal beaches to help tackle the problems that can arise when large numbers of people visit. Anyone visiting Fingal beaches is requested not to bring alcohol to the beach, to respect other people using the beach and to take their litter with them when they leave.
Clodagh McKernan with son Max and Lilly Stenson with mother Pamela Pictures: Una Williams
Coffee morning blossoms LOSSOM Ireland, a charity which provides respite in various forms to children with intellectual disabilities and their families, recently held a charity coffee morning in the home of local resident Barbara Nolan. Established in May 2010, Blossom Ireland was set up by
B
Auveen Bell and Barbara
two mothers, passionate in the belief, that their children with special needs deserve the same opportunities as all children. Currently they provide dedicated therapy led summer camps for children with intellectual disabilities aged between eight and 12 years.
Gillian and Nicole Elliot with Kirstie and Laura Berry
Nolan
Kaneswaren
Elaine Barr and Alison Kennedy
Mary Keating and Hazel
Susan Craddock and Carolann Hickey, Alison and Hayley Moran and Sonja McGinn
Tracy Doyle, Karen Ennis and Siobhan Nolan
Andrea Egan
Tracy Corbett Flynn, Edel Timmons and Pauline Sheridan
31 May 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 3
WATER Pipe breakage cited as cause of problem
Reservoirs were close to running dry
I NATALIE BURKE
WATER levels at reservoirs throughout Fingal were described as being “dangerously low” earlier this week, when there was a serious risk of the reservoirs running dry. It’s believed the problem was due to a breakage in one of the main distributor pipes, which according to local Fine G a e l C l l r A n t h o ny Lavin, could possibly have been caused by the increased amount of water being used by local residents. “I was advised of a water pipe breakage on Forest Road in Swords, which was the issue
causing the water problems in the north county as well as in the Malahide and Portmarnock areas. But due to the fact that we have got the weather we have, people are probably using more water than they might normally use, putting more pressure on the pipes. But it does appear to be a short-term problem,” he said. W hile there is no immediate need to impose restrictions on water supply, restrictions may be unavoidable should the dry spell continue and should the demand for water increase during the summer period ahead.
In order to prevent other possible water issues in the Fingal area, Fingal County Council are reminding members of the public of the need to conserve water as much as possible. A statement on the council’s website is advising the community that this will be particularly important in the event of the good weather continuing for an extended period of time and that every effort to conserve water goes a long way towards ensuring continuity of supply to all consumers. “As a result of the warm weather and higher than normal demand
Fine Gael Cllr, Anthony Lavin, asks consumers to use water sparingly
on water, some reservoirs within Fingal have dropped in levels. This combined with problems on the main water supply lines is putting reservoirs at risk. We would ask consumers to be conscious of this and use water as sparingly as possible over
the next couple of days. All efforts to conserve water will help to maintain supply,” said the statement. Advice for the public on how to help conserve water in the household and at work includes tips such as using a basin to wash fruit and
vegetables, using a bucket of water rather than a hose when washing a car, only running a dishwasher when it is full and not to leave the tap running while brushing teeth. For more helpful water conserving tips, visit www.taptips.ie.
EVENT
Lions Club’s train excursion MALAHIDE Lions Club will host their famous annual Steam Train Excursion once again this year, with the trip taking place on Sunday, June 10. The excursion promises to be a wonderful day, leaving Malahide Station at 10am, and returning at 6.30pm. The trip will take its passengers by steam train to Mullingar and includes a coach transfer and guided tour of Belvedere House and Garden. Tickets are €35 per person or a family ticket costs €115 (family ticket covers two adults and two children under 12 years of age). Tickets are currently available from Malahide Train Station. For more details, see http://www. malahidelions.com.
4 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31 May 2012
31 May 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5
RETAIL Four jobs to be created as fifth Colortrend Paint outlet arrives
New paint store set to open on Main Street COLORTREND Paint is set to open a brand new store on Main Street in Swords this June, creating four jobs in the area. The new paint store will be the Irish company’s fifth store to open in Ireland, with retail chain stores already located in Celbridge, Dundalk, Mull-
ingar and Waterford, and a store in Bath, Somerset in the UK, employing 75 full-time people overall. The family-owned store was established in 1953 in its Celbridge home, Kildare, and according to the head of sales and marketing, Liam Holland, Colortrend is looking for-
ward to being a part of the Swords community. “Paint sales are faring well at present as it’s the most cost effective means of changing the look of a room,” he said. “We are delighted to be investing in the vibrant community of Swords and plan to be open within the
next few weeks. “T here’s a large catchment area and a good mid-market population in swords. There are 104,000 houses and just shy of 300,000 people in a 10-mile radius so it fits in well with our social demographic and we found there wasn’t
really a similar offering to what we’re going to do there.” Colortrend will be located at the former Halifax premises and adjoining yard on Main Street and will provide four fulltime jobs, a move that is considered a positive step for Mayor of Fingal, Cllr
Gerry McGuire. “Anything that’s going to help rejuvenate the old town would be most welcome. The Pavilions Shopping Centre has killed the old town centre so any retailers or anyone in a business that are prepared to open up on the Main Street is a very
welcome development,” he said. The new Swords branch will continue Colortrend’s long-held commitment to quality and innovation and like it’s sister stores, its emphasis is very much on colour display and the importance of advice, choice and inspiration.
Bloomsday event in aid of Howth RNLI
TICKETS are now on sale for Howth’s second Bloomsday breakfast which will be held in aid of Howth RNLI on Saturday, June 16, in Howth Yacht Club. The Ulysses-inspired celebrations will begin at 11am when Molly Bloom will arrive at the venue by horse and cart. There are a number of events planned throughout the day such as readings from Ulysses, including Molly’s soliloquy. There will also be performances of some of Thomas Moore’s Irish Melodies, which feature in Joyce’s work. Guests will toast James Joyce with prosecco and will dine on a Ulysses -inspired menu which includes a full
The clean up begins after crowds flocked to Portmarnock beach during the good weather
PORTMARNOCK: SIX PEOPLE ARRESTED IN DISPUTE
Gardai alerted as 200 teenagers row I NATALIE BURKE
THE good weather seems to have brought out the worst in 200 youths in Por tmarnock, when members of An Garda Siochana were called to defuse a dispute on Saturday evening. Gardai were called to the area and six arrests were made when a row among 200 teenagers over a bus quickly got out of hand. According to a senior Garda spokesperson, the Public Order Unit was called to the scene and dispersed a large number of “disorderly youths who were intent on causing problems”. “A large number of people were competing
to get on to one bus and then there was a stand off. “The gardai intervened and they were dispersed under the Public Order Act. There were no weapons used but some bottles thrown,” the spokesperson said. “There were about 200 young people involved, all about 15 or 16 years of age and there were six people arrested. They will be dealt with under the Juvenile Diversion Programme.” According to local Cllr Peter Coyle (Lab), a large number of young people came to the area at the weekend, travelling by either DART or the bus. By imposing stricter bylaws on alcohol; Cllr
Coyle believes it would help prevent similar problems taking place in the area. “My concern – which I will be bringing up with the senior members of gardai – would be that the gardai seize the drink and provide on the spot fines. “This should be done when people are on their way to the beach and at the beach access points, much earlier in the day, to prevent similar trouble taking place.” Following the arrests m a d e o n S a t u r d ay evening, Cllr Coyle says there was no trouble on Sunday, despite continuing good weather. “On Sunday there was a greater presence of
gardai and the bus service was much better, so there was much better co-ordination,” he said. According to the spokesperson for the gardai, a large number of people from outside the community visit the area and use the amenities during periods of good weather, and may not have the same amount of respect for the locality as those living in Portmarnock. “The problem is you get people who have no regard or respect for law and order and other people’s enjoyment for the amenity but we do have contingency plans in place and there will be extra gardai on duty at the weekend,” he assured.
Irish breakfast, Gorgonzola cheese and burgundy. Guests are welcome to wear period dress and there will be prizes for the best dressed gentleman and lady. Howth is one of the busiest RNLI lifeboat stations in Ireland, and is also where Leopold Bloom proposed to Molly, making it the perfect place for this celebration of Joyce’s masterpiece. “Howth and the RNLI go hand in hand, organisers of the breakfast are all from sailing families” explained Jackie Revill, one of the organisers. Tickets are on sale now for €25 from Jackie Revill 086 3152074 or Rose Michael 087 2552776. For more information on the RNLI visit www.rnli.org.uk.
6 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31 May 2012
FUNDING TD welcomes ‘once-off opportunity’ to improve piers
€400,000 to revamp harbours and create jobs
I NATALIE BURKE nburke@gazettegroup.com
A NUMBER of harbours and piers in Dublin North will receive almost €400,000 in government funding for improvement works this year. Local Fine Gael TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell, has welcomed the news this week. The funding will benefit harbours in Skerries, Balbrig-
gan, Rush and Loughshinny as well as providing job creation in the area. “This funding will go toward the improvement of infrastructure and appearance of our piers and harbours across Dublin North, as well as providing jobs locally,” said Deputy Farrell. “Seaside communities in Dublin North are very proud of our harbours and we consider them to be a focal point
of their landscape. This funding is a once-off opportunity to identify and follow through on real improvements to the appearance and infrastructure, as well as creating employment in these areas.” Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, has allocated funds to Fingal County Council as part of The Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Pro-
gramme 2012. According to Deputy Farrell, works in Skerries will include the repair of sheet piling at the eastern end of the harbour as well as repairing the existing steps, while works in Balbriggan will provide remedial pointing to the south eastern inner wall and funds in Rush will go towards the removal of a wreck in the harbour and raising the harbour deck at the outside wall.
Each of the projects is set to receive €125,000 while further funding of €16,500 has been allocated to Loughshinny, to demolish the shed that is currently on the pier. “Projects selected in Dublin North and others across the country were chosen not only based on their benefit to the infrastructure, but which were ‘shovel ready’ and likely to create much-needed employment in local com-
Over half register for house charge JUST over half the residential properties liable for the household charge in Fingal registered for the controversial tax. Figures from Fingal County Council show that as of May 1, 46,322 households registered for the charge. This is 51.3% of the 90,286 residential properties deemed liable for the charge. According to a spokesperson for FCC, the council does not have information outlining paid or unpaid charges within the local electoral area of Fingal. T he revenue generated from the charge is approximately €4.6 million. “It is expected that this figure will increase once all post received by the Household Charge Bureau has been processed,” the spokesperson added. Costs incurred by the council for administration were estimated at €20,000 and primarily relate to staffing and advertisement costs. The report came following a question by Mulhuddart councillor David McGuinness (FF) asking for a breakdown on the household charge uptake in Fingal, how many paid, a breakdown of each local electorate area of Fingal, revenue accrued through this measure and the total cost to the council through its involvement with this charge.
munities. “Initial estimates from the local authorities suggest that in excess of 1,200 man weeks of employment could be created nationally from the roll out of this programme,” Deputy Farrell said. The funding provided from the Department will be 75% of the total approved cost for the year, while the remainder will come from Fingal County Council.
Meet the manager: Trap talks to fans THE Republic of Ireland manager, Giovanni Trapattoni, is pictured with Sarah Collins, Hannah Collins, Jill O’Mara and Emily Murray at the Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links. Trap and the team headed back to the hotel fresh from their win over Bosnia Herzegovina. The squad departed Dublin the next morning to fly to Italy to train for the Euros. Picture: Derek O’Mara
HEALTH: UNDERSTANDING THE EYESIGHT RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH DIABETES
Man’s campaign to highlight sight-threatening condition I NATALIE BURKE
A MALAHIDE man is set to help lead a campaign to highlight awareness of a sight-threatening condition in people with diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy (DR), is an eye condition that can develop as a result of complications associated with diabetes and has been named as the biggest cause of blindness in working-age Irish adults. According to the National Council for the Blind in Ireland (NCBI) and Diabetes Action, DR causes, on average, one person with diabetes to
go blind each week in Ireland. Research has shown that risk to eyesight is the health complication that people with diabetes are most concerned with yet, despite this, over one quarter of people are not getting their recommended annual full eye examination. Sixty-nine-year-old Bernard Kelly, who lives in Malahide and has had diabetes for the last 20 years, is just one of the case studies chosen to feature in the campaign, who has suffered with DR for the last four years and is voicing his story in order to help other people become aware of the
condition. Bernard has Diabetic macular edema (DME), a form of DR, in both eyes and has been receiving treatment over the last number of years. The treatment involves a course of injections into the eye and he has seen a real improvement in his vision, having been able to maintain a level of independence that some people cannot achieve. “Since receiving treatment, my vision has really improved. It means that I can drive locally and I can read a certain amount,” he explained. “I would advise anyone who is diagnosed with
DR, or are concerned that they could develop it, to go with what their GP and surgeon suggest because they know best. Put yourself in their hands and the sooner you go the better.” Bernard has been attending his consultant, Mr Rob Acheson, in the Mater Hospital since he was diagnosed with diabetes in 1991. Despite having caught DR moderately far along, Mr Acheson says Bernard is lucky because he has treated his condition with the seriousness that is necessary. “Bernard is a great patient; he always attends his appointments and is keen to have whatever
treatment that can be done. We find that some patients with diabetes are in denial, particularly the younger ones, and they don’t attend appointments to have their condition diagnosed. “Bernard was good in those ways and therefore we have been able to maintain some of his vision.” Early detection and treatment is crucial to avoid significant vision loss through DR and anyone with diabetes is encouraged to manage their condition correctly, attend all diabetes and eye appointments and get their eyes digitally
screened annually. A number of patient organisations have come together to launch a new campaign to highlight the eyesight risks associated with diabetes, the importance of eye screening and the treatments that are available should anyone with diabetes develop DR. A public information evening called, VisualEYES the Risks: Managing Your Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy, will take place at 6.30pm on Thursday, May 31 at the O’Callaghan Alexander Hotel, Dublin 2. For more information, see www.diabetes.ie.
31 May 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 7
SEAFOOD Balbriggan’s processing firm boost
€109,000 investment to create jobs
I NATALIE BURKE nburke@gazettegroup.com
BALBRIGGAN is set to receive a boost to local employment after the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simone Coveney, announced a €15.5 million investment in the local seafood industry, which is set to create more than 140 jobs around the national coastline. The total national investment is set to include a €109,000 investment in Balbriggan’s seafood processing firm, Rockabill Shellfish Ltd, an announcement that was welcomed by
Fine Gael TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell, who said it would help realise the sector’s potential while creating muchneeded jobs in the area. “It is great to see that a local firm such as Rockabill Shellfish Ltd, are in receipt of a government investment designed to develop and expand their business to meet the needs of this ever growing indigenous sector,” said Deputy Farrell. “As part of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs, certain sectors are identified within the Irish economy with the potential for real growth and the seafood industry is among them.”
The investment in the Balbriggan seafood company is part of a broader national investment of €15.5 million, which is supported by grants of €3.2 million under the EU co-funded Seafood Processing Business Investment Scheme. The scheme is implemented as part of the Irish Seafood Development Programme 2007-2013. The national investment is set to target 21 different seafood companies located in six counties along the Irish coast and aims to increase sales of seafood by almost €44 million over the next three years. The recent announce-
Fine Gael TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell, welcomed the investment
ment was also welcomed by Labour Party TD for Dublin North Brendan Ryan, who said he was particularly glad to see that a number of the companies and projects approved for grants are based along the east coast, from counties Louth to Wexford. “There is a long tradition of fishing along the
east coast and many of our towns and communities were built up around this industry. “Investment in seafood processing is vital to keeping this traditional industry at the heart of our marine communities,” he said. “From my own background in food processing, I am aware of the
additional benefits that investment in this area can bring. “I would like to commend Minister Coveney for the work he has done in advancing the cause of Irish fishing at a European level and I look forward to seeing continued growth in Irish food processing and Irish fishing,” he concluded.
MUSIC
Dublin duo’s debut EP DUBLIN duo, Cr y Monster Cry, released their debut EP, T he Fallen, last week, and it has already entered the iTunes Charts at Number 2. The Fallen, was recorded over the space of two months, often in marathon night sessions in a studio in the seaside town of Malahide. T he songs on this debut act as both a signal of intent and a taste of things to come from Cry Monster Cry. Their song, This New Country, which features on the digital version of the EP, was chosen to feature in Tourism Ireland’s new online campaign, Jump Into Ireland, is sure to have everyone singing along very soon. The Fallen EP iTunes link here: http:// itunes.apple.com/ie/ album/the-fallen-ep/ id524268963
DublinGazetteNewspapers Advertising Sales Professionals
Dublin Gazette Newspapers is Dublin’s fastest growing community weekly regional publisher, with 8 titles covering the M50 from Swords to Dun Laoghaire. We are currently looking to recruit: We are now seeking experienced media sales executives to work in our advertising dept in our Lucan head office on a number of Dublin Gazette titles. Experience in newspaper advertising sales is preferable. Full clean driving licence and own car required; fluent written and oral English essential. Excellent package on offer to suitable candidates. If you can work on your own initiative within a team environment, are motivated, enthusiastic with an excellent work ethic, please send your cv to: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com
8 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31 May 2012
SPORT The King and Queen of Lesotho visit Portmarnock
Caitlin Glover, Timmy McDonnell, Alex Daly and Cathal Donnelly
John Keogh, Peter Keating, Mark Wilson, Donal Brennan and David Byrne
Rev Ken Sherwood and Rosheen O’Kelly
First-year students with the welcome flags
King Letsie III and Queen Seeiso with deputy principal,
Margaret Hughes, Karyn Murphy and Ann Spollan
Enjoying a right royal occasion ORTMARNOCK Community School welcomed royalty last week, when the King and Queen of the Kingdom of Lesotho dropped by as part of their threeday official visit to Ireland. His Majesty, King Letsie III, and Her Majesty, Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso, were welcomed by the school principal and deputy-principal, Pat O’Riordan and Eithne Deeney.
P
Yvonne Wright, Mary Norris and Angela O’Dea
They were introduced to members of the board of management, representatives of the Action Ireland Trust as well as past, present and future students who have participated in programmes in Southern Africa. Members of Dublin Fire Brigade, who work closely with the programme, also attended the special event, while firstyear student, Emma Woodhead, presented Queen Seeiso with a posy of flowers.
31 May 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 9
Community School as part of their three-day visit
The King and Queen with Principal Patrick O’Riordan and deputy The King signing the guest book
A welcome speech for the Royal visitors
Eithne Deeney. Pictures: Una Wiliams
School principal Pat O’Riordan with Nkhotha Machachmise from the Lesotho Embassy in Dublin
principal, Eithne Deeney
10 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31 May 2012
FUNDRAISER Models strut their stuff in support of Kasey
Kelly Donegan and Aoibheann McCaul
Brian Kennedy poses with Audrey Whelan on the dance floor Pictures: Una Williams
Celebrity fashion show Kares4Kasey CELEBRITY fashion show was the latest fund raising event held for the Kare4Kasey trust fund. Hosted in the Vanilla Nightclub of Hampton Hotel on Friday of May 18, the night was attended by many well-known faces. The trust fund looks to raise money in support of Kasey Kelly, a girl born in December 2010. At 10 months Kasey was diagnosed with a malig-
A
nant brain tumour known as atypical teratoid/ rhabdoid or ATRT, which is very aggressive and extremely rare. Currently living in Boston awaiting treatment for Kasey, the Kelly family has already raised €200,000 from kind donations. To donate to Kasey’s trust fund, please visit www.mycharity.ie/charity/kare4kasey or for more information, www.kare4kasey.com.
Yomyko Chen and Sarah Morrissey
Co-hosts Kirsteen O’Sullivan and Edward Smith
Niamh Kavanagh and Adam Costello Doherty and Judi Costello
Danika Skeen
31 May 2012 GAZETTE 11
12 GAZETTE 31 May 2012
PEOPLE TV3 figure talks to The Gazette on being a busy mum
Lucia Wright, Peter McGowan and Juno Treanor joined Sybil Mulcahy at the Radisson Blu hotel to help launch CaldeSpray, a new product in the Caldesene range to help prevent nappy rash
Sybil isn’t nappy-ing on maternity leave
I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
NEW mother, and Monkstown resident, Sybil Mulcahy of TV3’s The Morning Show, may only have given birth six weeks ago, but she has bounced back into shape and looked fit, healthy and well-rested at the launch of a new treatment for nappy rash, CaldeSpray. Sybil launched the new product, of which she is ambassador, in the Radisson Blu Hotel on May 21, and she had her six-weekold son, Michael, there, too. She is enjoying her new baby son, but said three children were a lot more work than two, and added: “I think Michael has reflux. He’s up every two hours, so I’m up about three times a night, but it’s not too bad.”
Although six-week-old Michael may have reflux, at present, Sybil says “it’s not too bad”
In a frank interview with The Gazette, she said that while she wanted a third child “at some stage”, Michael was “an accident”, but they were certain they would have a third child in the future. “I’m just in the first few weeks so I’m watching a lot of late night TV and even infomercials,” she said. Sybil now plans to take part in the mini-mara-
thon this June, but will walk it instead of running it. “I’ll be walking – sure, I can barely run down the stairs! I’m not very fit, and have never been to the gym. I did it last year too, and for the same charity, called, Third Age, and it’s like a Childline for the elderly. “It’s really for elderly people living in remote areas or all alone, and
they often just ring up to say goodnight, not having spoken to a soul all day. So I’m walking it for them,” said Sybil. With three children to mind, which she describes as “chaos”, Sybil was thankful that she has a childminder to help out. “I couldn’t cope, otherwise,” she said. “Fair play to anyone doing it all on their own, though. It’s a
thankless job, but it’s a lot easier if they’re sleeping at night. When you get no sleep, every problem becomes a mountain.” She intends to enjoy her six months’ maternity leave to the fullest, and is also trying to buy a house in Monkstown or the surrounding areas. “You don’t get a chance to do these things when you’re working. We’re in the process of getting
mortgage approval, and are looking at houses now. “It takes a good chunk of time, so until I go back to work in October, I’m concentrating on finding my house. If anyone out there knows of a nice five-bedroom, let me know!” Whilst on maternity leave previously, Sybil cut it short as her colleague on Ireland AM, Sinead Desmond was unwell and Sybil filled in. However, as for her current leave, she said: “This time, I’m enjoying it.” When asked how the other two children were adjusting to the new baby, she said: “Sure, they’re killing each other. I caught my daughter trying to carry the baby down the stairs the other morning.
“She gets jealous if I give the baby attention; the other fellow is not too bad, but I suppose it’ll take a while for things to settle.” She is due back on The Morning Show in October, and is also looking forward to returning. “The ratings are up, and it’s a show that’s become a part of people’s morning routine. I’m also looking forward to working with Martin [King] again.” Speaking about the product that she is ambassador for, Sybil said: “It’s a great product, and Caldesene has been on the market for 40 years. “They had no brand ambassador before, and I’m happy to do it. The spray is an updated version [of the existing product].”
31 May 2012 GAZETTE 13
SCHOOLS National search for Teacher of the Year
Your chance to name the top educator BHRAONAIN
RORY Kavanagh, Donegal GAA footballer and teacher at Scoil Colmcille National School in Letterkenny, launched the Teacher of the Year Awards last week. Students from all across Dublin are being given the opportunity to celebrate their best teachers, and they can give top marks to their favourite teacher by entering her or him into a national awards competition to find the best teacher in the country. The Teacher of the Year awards are being organised by www.abcbooks.ie, and will allow students, colleagues and family members to nominate a teacher with vision, expertise, passion and creativity for the accolade. The competition is open to students from all schools around Ireland, both national and secondary, and each nominating student will get a free consultation for fixed braces with David McConville Orthodontists. At the launch, Mark Bundschu, of abcbooks. ie, said: “We deal with teachers daily and have
great respect for the job they do. “When we realised there wasn’t a national awards programme to honour the great work of our primary and secondary school teachers, we decided to take on the mantle.” If you would like to nominate a teacher, all you have to do is write a piece all about them in 500 words or less.
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‘The Teacher of the Year judging panel will apply tough criteria in their selection process’ --------------------------
You need to convince the judging panel of why your teacher deserves to be crowned Teacher of the Year 2012, and you can include additional primary evidence of their merit, such as photos, videos, or stories. Speaking to The Gazette, Kavanagh said that he was pleased to support any initiative that promotes the work done by teachers. “It’s a great opportunity for parents and stu-
dents to nominate their teacher. “T he nominations come at the end of term, in order to give students the chance to work closely with that teacher throughout the year. “This is a great chance to promote teaching, and all of the good work done behind closed doors,” he said. When asked about his own likelihood of nomination at Scoil Colmcille, Kavanagh said: “I wish!”, and went on to say: “As a teacher, you work with these fellows for years, and don’t realise the impact you have on them. “It’s only when they come back to you years later when they’re in secondary school and talk to you and thank you that you realise it, and it’s very rewarding.” The judging panel will apply tough criteria in their selection process, which include ability to teach and explain a difficult topic, commitment, creativity, innovation, rapport with students and involvement in extra-curricular activities. Nominations can be made online at www.abcbooks.ie.
Follow The Gazette online on Facebook DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers have now made it easier for our readers to interact with their favourite regional newspaper group by launching our Facebook page. Facebook is becoming a huge part of people’s everyday lives, so The Gazette has made it easier than ever to stay in touch with what’s going on, and by you letting us know what’s going on, we can tell the whole city. Connecting with us on Facebook is a quick and easy way to stay in touch with your favourite regional newspa-
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M
I BAIRBRE NI
Pole position: ‘Making the most of your UEFA trip to Poznan’
Emma Bundschu and Filip Blazejczak help their teacher (and Donegal GAA footballer) Rory Kavanagh launch the Teacher of the Year 2012 awards search
TRAVEL PAGE 22
14 GAZETTE 31 May 2012
MUSIC Ireland’s newest festival celebrates all things folk
Spirit of Folk 2012 will see musicians and storytellers from all over Ireland and the UK come together for a weekend of music, arts and craft
Getting into the spirit of things in Dunderry GazetteContacts Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251 Managing Director: Michael McGovern email:mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Acting News Editor: Mimi Murray email: mmurray@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Paul Hosford email: picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Ad Manager: Louise Fitzgerald email: lfitzgerald@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com
Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com www.gazettegroup.com Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.
SPIRIT of Folk, Ireland’s newest festival “celebrating all things folk”, has announced a stellar lineup and the addition of an extra night for this year’s festival, once again taking place in the idyllic surroundings of Dunderry Park, Co Meath. Returning this year from September 21 to 23, Spirit of Folk 2012 will see musicians and storytellers from all over Ireland and the UK come together for a weekend of music, arts, craft, spirituality, philosophy and folklore. This year’s family-friendly festival line up boasts an impressive mix of traditional Irish music, folk, bluegrass and country; from established Irish singer songwriters to emerging acts, the beautiful and bespoke three-day event will truly embody the spirit of all things folk. This year’s Spirit of Folk festival line up features: Irish singer/songwriter and twice winner of the Meteor award for Best Folk/Trad, John Spillane; The Lost Brothers, an Irish duo hailing from Omagh and Navan, as seen on RTE’s Other Voices; Lisa O’Neill, rapidly emerging as one of the
truest contemporary Irish folk voices and recently returned from touring with Welsh singer David Gray; I Draw Slow, a fivepiece outfit comprising alt-country, folk, roots, old-time Americana; Spook of the Thirteenth Lock, Irish folk rock band delving into the realms of psych, prog and post rock and Cry Monster Cry, who have just launched their new EP. F e s t i v a l d i r e c t o r, Natasha Duffy, commented: “We are delighted and proud to announce the fantastic line up we have planned for this year’s Spirit of Folk festival. In our sophomore year, we aim to truly celebrate Irish folk in a relaxed family-friendly setting with great music and events for everyone to enjoy – a magical way to bid farewell to summer and finish the festival season in style!” Other acts featuring at this year’s festival include: Tucan; The Hot Sprockets; Mossy Nolan; The Henry Girls; The Young Folk; Tir na nOg; Aoife Scott; Jig away the Donkey; Pete Cummins; The Bonny Men; Traz; The Man Whom, Gypsy Rebble Rabble; Bunoscionn;
Trad side of the moon; Wookalilly; Alpaca Jamboree; Miriam Donohue; Joy Booth; TAC; Twin Headed Wolf; The Eskies; Hidden Highways and JP Trio and Niamh. To accompany this feast of musical acts, there will be an abundance of alternative events for all to enjoy, including storytelling and poetry reading by Pat Speight, Eddie Lenihan, Tim Evans, Jack Sheehan and Stephen James Smith; as well as talks and workshops on ancient druidism and shamanism; Tibetan Mandala making and singing bowls; Native American pipe ceremonies; dreams analysis; and ancient astronomy and permaculture. A limited supply of Early Bird weekend tickets for €65 and day tickets for €35 will be available until May 31 only. From June onwards, weekend tickets will cost €85 and day tickets will cost €45. To purchase your Spirit of Folk 2012 tickets go to www.tickets.ie. For more information, check out www.spiritoffolk.com or follow us on Twitter (@ Spirit_of_Folk) or like us on Facebook.com/spiritoffolkfestival.
31 May 2012 GAZETTE 15
RENT Landlords can keep deposits in ways inconsistent with law
Tilting balance of fairness back in favour of tenants P N TD on a bill to reduce the number ATRICK
ULTY
of times tenants unfairly lose their deposits BEFORE I was elected a TD, I was employed as a policy analyst with Focus Ireland, who work on housing issues affecting those on the front line of our housing crisis. That is those who have lost their homes, or are at risk of becoming homeless. Almost one in seven of those currently accessing Focus Ireland homeless services are children. But no statistic can describe the pain of those experiencing life without a home. And yet, the facts and figures of our housing crisis need to be understood. • 300,000 homes in Ireland are currently unoccupied. • 100,000 households are currently on the housing list. • One in 10 mortgages are now in arrears. Our housing system is dysfunctional and in crisis. Individuals and families want security, whether they are renting their homes or paying mortgages. In particular, issues of security frequently arise in the private rented sector with regard to deposits. Tenants are required to come up with at least one month’s rent as a deposit. For many, the deposit is a form of saving. They rely on the deposit to use for their next home; if and when they move out of their current accommodation. There are approximately one quarter of a million tenancies registered in the country with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB). Illegal deposit retention is one of the most common problems experienced by tenants in the private rented sector. The Residential Tenancies Act 2004, sets how a
deposit can be retained by the landlord in very specific instances such as rent arrears, damage beyond normal wear and tear or outstanding utility bills. The Threshold Annual Report for 2011 shows that some landlords are withholding deposits in a way which is totally inconsistent with the law. Tenants are at risk of becoming homeless when a landlord unfairly withholds their deposit. In 2010, Threshold dealt with 3,224 deposit queries. In 79% of these cases, they were successful in ensuring a full or partial refund of the deposit for the tenant. Many of these cases have to be referred back to the PRTB and some reach the courts. This has been a time consuming process, and a burden for those who need the deposit for a new home. Last week, I sought leave to introduce a bill which, if passed by the Dail and Seanad, will bring in a deposit retention scheme for those renting in the private rented sector. The bill, if passed, will allow for rental deposits to be held by an independent third party. This bill will now be debated in Dail private members’ time within the next few months. I hope the Government will accept the bill as a review of potential deposit retention schemes is already underway within the Department of the Environment. This bill (if passed) would ensure that deposits are returned promptly, unless a landlord has valid claims for damage, withheld rent or unpaid bills. There are examples of such models in Britain and Australia. According to Threshold,
these schemes have greatly reduced the number of times tenants unfairly lose their deposits. The deposits can be managed by the National Treasury Management Agency. Any surplus or interest generated could be used to regulate and improve standards in the private rented sector. A recent PrimeTime programme (May 10) estimated that in 2010 local authorities only inspected 7% of private rented dwellings.
This is unacceptable. There is widespread recognition that a deposit retention scheme makes sense. In November of last year, the then Minister for Housing Willie Penrose said: “I have asked the PRTB to research potential schemes and to provide me with a sound evidential base on which I can make a decision in this regard and I intend to make recommendations to Government on this topic in 2012. A deposit retention
scheme was also included in the Labour Party manifesto for the 2011 General Election. I am very hopeful that the Dail and Seanad will accept the proposal and a deposit retention scheme will be established. It would be a first step in tilting the balance of fairness back in favour of tenants.
Patrick Nulty TD Labour Party TD for Dublin West and Swords
Patrick Nulty TD (Lab): “No statistic can describe the pain of those experiencing life without a home.”
16 GAZETTE 31 May 2012
GazetteSTYLE STYLE Facts about treating angina ALMOST 1-in-25 Irish adults have had an angina or heart attack, according to a recent report. Angina is a message from your heart telling you that it is suffering from a lack of blood-carrying oxygen. There is an important balance between the amount of blood your heart muscle demands and the ability of the coronary arteries to supply that blood. The heart demands are increased by infections, and high blood pressure. The blood supply is reduced by narrowed arteries, or a low blood count. Correcting this balanced is achieved through lifestyle changes and use of anti-anginal drugs. The other important aspect of treating angina is to prevent the disease in the arteries getting worse through modifying risk factors, such as cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking, weight and inactivity. Speak to your GP or pharmacist for information about angina and its risk factors. With thanks to the staff at Lucan Village Pharmacy
Edited by Laura Webb
Getting fit is a ‘Sure’ thing at Zumba class T claims to be “unapologetically strong” offering women “maximum protection”, so when Gazette Style got the chance to trial out Sure’s new deodorant, we were ready to put it to the test. What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than getting in a little gentle exercise, or so we thought. The Zumba class, organised by Sure for Women, turned out to be an energetic hour that definitely tests endurance and sweat glands. The instructor putting us through our paces was Zumba guru, Larissa Atkinson. Before starting, the group of about 20 women (and a few men) lathered the cream-like deodorant under arms before testing it during the class. Starting off, it seemed like a walk in the park, a bit of Latin dancing moves here and there. Then, as if someone had changed the record to fast forward, the moves
I
got faster and a bit more intense and it was then we knew we were in for a good workout. After each song, we were given a short water break, but that didn’t last long and we were back into the swing of it before we could say agua. Zumba offers a really good cardio workout, but at the same time, it is a lot of fun. After a good hour of jumping, salsa, bellydancing and squatting it was time to check how Sure’s Maximum Protection deodorant worked out. Lifting arms it was clear to see that this deodorant does exactly what it says on the bottle – it keeps you dry in any situation. Even talking to the instructor, Larissa, she was pleasantly surprised by it and said she would be recommending it to her class participants. Aches and pains throughout the body days after the session showed us that Zumba works well as a workout.
A good hour of jumping, salsa and bellydancing at a Zumba class was no match for Sure Maximum Protection
So, here comes the science, how does the deodorant work? According to Sure, this product is two times stronger than the leading antiperspirant and is designed to keep you protected whatever the situation. Sure Maximum Protection has a TRIsolid formula made
up of three components. Firstly, it has extra strength dryness protection. While you sleep it forms a level of protection, giving you unbeatable wetness protection for the day ahead. The second component is its patented fragrance technology containing
odour-protecting microcapsules. The microcapsules dissolve when you sweat, so you keep smelling fresh throughout the day and, thirdly, it has skin conditioning ingredients that help to protect the skin from irritation. Use Sure Maximum
Protection in Confidence for an extra boost in a stressful situation. For delicate skin, try Sensitive to keep dry without compromising the skin and for an everyday clean feeling use the classic Clean Fresh Scent. The RRP for Sure Maximum Protection is €6.87
‘Unleash your upper East Side girl’ this summer at Forever 21
Beige skirt, ¤19.90
Light pink dress, ¤28.90
Turquoise jeans, ¤21.90
THIS summer, why not become a lady what lunches and use stylish restaurants and bistros as your very own catwalk with a little help from clothing giant Forever 21. This season Forever 21 is urging Dubliners to “unleash your upper East Side girl” with a fabulous collection of muted pastels and gorgeous neutrals – a must have this spring/summer and great for when out lunching. Key pieces from the collection can transform a wardrobe and create numerous different styles that suit every day of the week, or even help transition from day to night wear.
This collection has delicate lace and textured knits that pair with fitted skirts or fab block colour skinnies – great for those dull days that see bursts of sun come through making you unsure about what to wear. Don’t be too quick to put the cardi at the back of the wardrobe, as they are good to keep at arm’s length, just in case the weather takes a turn for the worst. What’s even better about this collection, is that not only is it right on trend in terms of colour and style, it has very affordable price tags that won’t see you dipping in to your holiday savings. Looking through
some of the items, there is a chic cami for just €12.90 and a stunning dress that would make even Sienna Miller green with envy, as it is priced at a very affordable €28.90. The collection also has a number of different delicate blouses with a Peter Pan collar, which sits well on most necklines. Block colours, another must have, can be brought to life with some great skinnies at €21.90. Cozy cardigans and jumpers are also available at prices that make it hard to leave them sitting on the rails. Forever 21 is located in Jervis Street shopping centre.
31 May 2012 GAZETTE 17
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC
Edited by Rob Heigh
FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods REMEMBER when you were in the awkward adolescent phase of hating everyone who was good to you (i.e. your parents) while spending your days vying for the attention of people who didn’t like you at all (i.e. the cool gang in school)? A rite of passage for many an agsty-teenager I thought, so since when did rock cleanse away the embarrassing-dad sydrome experienced by most of us during our younger days? Steven Tyler has spent the past season of American Idol making eyes and inappropriate comments at many female auditionees; Tom Jones has been deemed “down with the kids” enough to be given a judge’s seat on The Voice UK, while Rod Stewart will no doubt have to be introduced to Gary Barlow and Tulisa Contostavlos when he sits in as temporary judge for the next season of The X Factor. I’m in two minds whether to shout “over the hill!” or “still got it” at my TV screen.
The Walls and, inset, Jape, two of the acts who will be taking to the stage at Leopardstown Live this summer
FESTIVAL: A DAY AT THE RACES WITH ADDED ROCK
Leaping live at Leopardstown
I ELLEN COONEY
M U S IC l ove r s w i l l have the chance to be up close and personal with Dublin talent this summer when Live At Leopardstown launches for a series of concerts that run from June 8 to August 16. There will be nine gigs spaced out over nine evenings, and Live at Leopardstown has managed to pack ten of Dublin’s brightest bands into their programme to play alongside other Irish greats. As if this ratio wasn’t impressive enough, eight out of the nine nights have a Dublin-based headliner. T he only night missing a Metropolitan monster of rock is the last night when a true national treasure, the Saw Doctors will take to the stage. Not only is the line-
up completely homegrown, but it’s prestigious to boot. Bipolar Empire will headline first on June 8, followed over the proceeding weeks with sets from The Original Rudeboys, The Walls, Kila, Jape, Royseven, The Minutes and Ryan Sheridan. These Dublin acts have shared the stage with some of the world’s greatest legends of rock, including U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Faithless and The Flaming Lips, and have performed at festivals such as Oxegen, Glastonbury and Electric Picnic. This is a lineup which is as eclectic as it is impressive, and will surely cater for the tastes of anyone wishing to attend. From Jape’s electronic rock to Ryan Sheridan’s acoustic sounds, there’s definitely something for
everyone. The support acts are also sure to draw in a crowd, with Cavan’s The Would Be’s stirring up some nostalgia and Cork’s Dead School throwing some post punk into the mix.
Horsing around Leopardstown will also be hosting its horse races alongside these music events, making sure that everyone is in for a fun-filled evening, combining the atmosphere of a boutique music festival with the thrill of a night at the races. In what is a somewhat precipitous move, the racecourse has decided to hold each of the live gigs in a weatherproofed Big Top, ensuring that the attendees can be certain of a warm and more importantly dry evening of entertain-
ment with the possibility of a true Irish summer always on the horizon. Ciaran Conroy, commercial manager of Leopardstow n said: “Now in its fourth year, we’re proud that Live at Leopardstown has enabled many people to experience racing for the first time. “We are delighted to enhance the customer experience by hosting all our concerts under canvas in the Leopardstown Big Top. “ F o r 2 01 2 , we ’ ve added top-class support acts to further enhance the music element of the festival.” Racing will go to post between 5.30pm and 6.00pm and finishes up in time for the live music to commence between 8.30pm and 9.00pm. To find out more, go online to www.liveatleopardstown.com.
18 GAZETTE 31 May 2012
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: A NUMBER OF GARDEN HAZARDS COULD PUT YOUR ANIMAL AT RISK
Keep your pet safe for summer UMMER has arrived at last and, as usual, our thoughts turn to the garden. However, this is also a time when the pet parent in me switches to “cautious” mode as I make a quick inventory of all the possible summer garden hazards that could place my doggies at risk. And no, I don’t mean weeds, I mean the following: And do bear in mind, these are only guidelines, I don’t have the full list, nor am I able to give information regarding the lethal dosage so if you are concerned, contact your vet.
S
Fertilizer T he fer tilizer that feeds your plants could
be the very thing that upsets your dog, especially if it contains ammonium nitrate which is toxic to animals.
Common plants Rhododendron and azalea, daffodil, hyacinth, tulip, hydrangea and foxglove to name but a few. Insecticides Insecticide baits, sprays, granules and herbicides are great for your garden but are not friendly to your dog, especially if they include ingredients like snail bait with metaldehyde and fly bait with methomyl. A tip! Don’t wear gardening shoes in the house; (those who
From garden tools to fertilizers, your garden could feature a number of threats for doggies
live chez moi already know the dangers of wearing muddy shoes in the house), they bring extra pesticides and dirt indoors, further exposing my pets when they lick their paws.
Coco mulch Ver y popular with the landscape gardener, but, as it’s a by-product
of chocolate it attracts dogs with its sweet aroma. Depending on the amount ingested, this can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity and even seizures. Consider using shredded pine or cedar instead?
Compost As an eco friendly kinda gal I understand the whole Mother Earth thing and composting is definitely the right way to go, but as an animal lover, I have to say, you’re posing a huge risk to your pets if you don’t do it properly and responsibly. We see a lot of incidents where dogs are being poisoned due to what is often referred to as “garbage gut”. Yo u s e e , t h e f e rmentation of certain items such as meat and dairy products means they produce clostridial toxins; these toxins languish in compost heaps, get raided by nosy canines who may then experience severe
symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea, resulting in you having to rush them to the family vet for urgent attention.
Tools of the Trade Keep an eye on rakes, hoes and trowels etc, they can prove dangerous to your pet’s nose, paws and other parts of his body, especially if they puncture his skin. If the tools are rusty or mucky, there is a danger of your dog getting tetanus. Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and lock your gardening tools in the shed. Allergies Yep, pets have allergies just like you and
me and, if the reaction is severe it can cause anaphylactic shock. If you’re concerned or suspect your pet suffers from an allergy, have your vet give him the once over and he/she will best advise regarding medications and course of action to take. P l e a s e r e m e m b e r, the above information is only a guideline and is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you are concerned about your pet, contact your family vet.
For more information, log onto w w w. dspca.ie or contact your vet or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie
31 May 2012 GAZETTE 19
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS Taking account of real concerns
Supported by AIB
Interview: Kevin Kelly from TaxAssist Accountants in Dun Laoghaire
A NEW walk-in tax and accountancy advice service, TaxAssist Accountants, servicing small businesses and the self employed in the Dun Laoghaire area opened last year. The new business was launched by Kevin Kelly, an accountant with over 10 years’ experience. Having worked in various accounting roles throughout his career, Kevin decided to fulfil his ambition of opening his own business. The new practice aims to simplify the accounts and tax process and offer real value to clients. Clients can avail of a range of services such as tax returns, payroll, endof-year accounts and book-keeping all on a fixed fee basis. TaxAssist Accountants operates from a bright, open shop front on Patrick Street. The idea of the shop front is that clients can simply call in off the street to discuss their accountancy and tax matters without an appointment. Kevin said: “Traditionally, the accountants office is hidden away upstairs. I wanted to take away any of the formalities and make a trip to the accountants a more comfortable experience.” “Clients want a good, proactive service from their accountant without the expensive hourly rates that usually brings. We offer a free one hour consultation, and we always work on a fixed fee basis so there are no hidden fees and no shocks,” he concluded.
SAFETY OF DEPOSIT TAKER Q – I have €90,000 to invest and see that KBC Bank are doing an awful lot of advertising lately. How safe are they? Mark – Mount Merrion
Kevin Kelly of TaxAssist Accountants: “I want to make a trip to the accountants a more comfortable experience”
Q: What sport do you follow? A: I follow hurling, football
Q: What was your last Tweet/status update? A: Few comments on a re-
Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: Ring of Kerry when we
Q: What was your first job? A: Helping out in my fa-
and basketball.
cent networking event.
Q: What is your guilty music/TV or movie pleasure? A: Bad action movies.
Q: Describe your dream meal? A: Starter: Smoked Salmon.
were young – it rained and we all got food poisoning. Been back a few times since and it was very enjoyable.
Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward? A: Jedward – double person-
Main (depends): Chicken rogan josh or steak and chips or penne arrabiata. Dessert: Chocolate and coffee.
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: Family holiday by the sea
Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Enda Kenny.
Q: What would be your dream job? A: As the bass player in a
York for a summer during college.
Q: When did you start your present job? A: In January 2011. Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: I enjoy helping and advising a mix of businesses and individuals.
Q: What part of your working day do you “delegate”? A: Filing.
A – The easy answer to this is simply write to AIB and ask them to cancel the PPI element of your monthly payment. PPI gave some people peace of mind should they fall sick, have an accident or be made redundant. Your payments were paid up to 12 months until you recovered on any of the three fronts. Unfortunately, you will not be able to claim a refund, as you enjoyed the protection insurance during this period (a little like asking for refunds on life cover while you were covered all along). However, it was also massively missold because certain categories were unable to claim and should have been told at the outset by the sellers. Those NOT covered included:
If you are in any of these categories, email me for further details.
Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: A Limerick hurler.
Q: And your first pay cheque? A: As a doorman in New
Q – I have had PPI on my AIB Visa card for years. How do I get rid of it and am I entitled to any refund of premiums ? Carmel – Blanchardstown
• Aged under 18, or over 65 years of age • Working less than 16 hours a week • Self-employed or unemployed • Have existing medical conditions • On contract or temporary work
Q&A
ther’s accountancy practice.
PAYMENT PROTECTION INSURANCE
ality with a short attention span and annoyingly entertaining.
Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: Alternative and electronic music, wedding photos, comedy films.
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: Local businesses, music, sport and current affairs.
Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? A: On holidays. Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: Five pairs of shoes and five pairs of trainers.
and close to a town, with lots of good food.
well-respected and not too famous band.
Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: More family time, gigs, sporting events and travel.
A – As it happens, KBC Bank currently have the best interest rates both in the demand (fully accessible day to day – 3.25%) and 12-month fixed (4.15%) categories. They also bask in the comfort of the Deposit Protection Scheme guaranteeing up to €100,000 per person (underwritten ultimately by the Irish taxpayer) like all the Irish deposit takers in Ireland. The bigger picture is also reassuring, in that they have been in Ireland over 35 years with centres in Dublin, Cork, Belfast, Limerick, Cork and Galway, employing over 450 people. They are part of the Belgian KBC Group – KBC Bank NV based in Brussels and enjoy an A rating. So, with €90,000, you are safe as houses as the saying goes to deposit with them. You could go to any of their formally appointed agents and transact through them at no cost to you. Email me for details. Contact John with your money questions at
jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor
LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS
ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240
20 GAZETTE 31 May 2012
GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY New design is a Knott classic IRELAND’S best known interior designer, Neville Knott, travelled to Rathfarnham for next week’s edition of Neville’s Doorstep Challenge on TV3, and the show sees him pay a visit to homeowner Mary in her apartment in Rathfarnham as she’s desperate to stop her home looking like a characterless rental. Talking about his design, Neville said: “Mary wanted a space she would be proud to have photos taken in on the day of her wedding. I created a strong focal point in the room by painting thick stripes in mink and soft grey which gave the room great width and a definite personality which it lacked before.” As well as being a famous face on TV, Neville is also colour consultant to Crown Paints and head of interior design at the Dublin Institute of Technology. Neville’s Door Step Challenge, in association with Crown Paints and Woodies DIY is on TV3 on Tuesdays at 7.30pm. To find out how Neville achieved the look, see www.facebook.com/crownpaints.
A beautiful extension might increase the value of your property, but understanding the costs of renovation is important, too
EXTENSIONS: TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ALL OF THE POSSIBLE COSTS
Understanding the costs of renovation When you are planning on extending your home, one question will occupy you more than any other: How much will the extension cost? There are a variety of answers, depending on the set of variables that makes up your building project. Each project is unique and each will have its own set of costs. When planning your project it’s very helpful to have an understanding of the items and factors that can affect costings. In this article we’ll cover the more common items, so when you look at a set of plans, you will be more knowledgeable about how costings are drawn up.
Your Site Access No matter what type of build you are planning, there will be some digging involved. The
access to the site can have a cost impact in a very simple way. If the build is happening at the rear of your house, can a digger gain access? Foundations can be excavated very quickly and efficiently with a digger. If there is no vehicular rear access, there may be no choice but for the foundations to be dug the old fashioned way, by hand, which will be more expensive in terms of time and money. Soil conditions: If there a massive depth of soil beneath your house, your builder may need to double to ensure solid foundations.
Drainage and pipes If there is a large manhole in your garden this is more than likely an access point to the community sewerage scheme which your local authority need to
have access to on a permanent basis. Perhaps the shape of the foundations will have to be altered or adjusted to take the manhole into account. Design changes above standard layouts will be more costly.
The new structure A standard, off the shelf design is more cost effective to build then a complex, once off, unique, project. All that aside, this is your home you are dealing with so as long as you are aware that complexity equals additional expense, you are going into the project with your eyes open. Materials, finishes You would be amazed at the impact seemingly insignificant decisions can have on the bottom line cost of a building project. Bear items on
this list in mind when you are putting your budget together. Insulation - standard or future proof? It may be cheaper up front to just go for a standard insulation, but more high quality products may have a future saving in terms of running costs of the finished property. Inside finishes – kitchen/tiles/layout/electrical points/plumbing/ electrical points. More than likely you will be buying a new kitchen as part of your build. The quality and costs of kitchen units can vary widely, so shop around before you buy. If you put your new kitchen in the same position as your old kitchen there will be a lower building cost as pipes/electrics may not
have to be moved. If you swap your kitchen and your dining room around, there will be a big cost in new pipework. Do you really need those marble tiles in the hall? And what about those brushed chrome light switches, gorgeous to look at, but standard white plastic one do the exact same job at a much lower cost. Hopefully after reading this article, you will have a better idea of the costs involved in building your dream home and when you go to put your project out to tender, you will be able to digest the different quotes with a bit more understanding. To get in touch with HSLC, find them online at www.hslc.ie or call Gerhard on 087 774 9470 or info@hslc.ie
31 May 2012 GAZETTE 21
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS
Edited by Cormac Curtis
RoadSigns Road Signs NEW FOCUS LIMITED EDITION:
All in all, the new Mercedes B-Class is a seriously attractive car
Taking it to a new level CORMAC CURTIS
MERCEDES Benz have not been sitting on their laurels in recent times. Even a cursory glance at the striking and imaginative marketing and advertising campaigns they have been rolling out will tell you that the German brand have their sights firmly on younger drivers. This is new territory for the marque, who have more traditionally appealed to an older, more executive level of driver. But this new direction shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. It was as far back as 2005 when the company first broke ranks by introducing the family-friendly B-Class. What is both encouraging and reassuring is that, despite all the attention and resources being devoted to some new models in the line-up, cars such as the B-Class are being revamped and improved to a staggering extent. For 2012, not only has
SPECS: MERCEDES BENZ B-CLASS Top speed: 0 – 100km/hr: 10.9 secs Economy: 4.4 – 4.6 l/100km Combined CO2 emissions: 114 – 121 g/km Entry Price: €29,330
the B-Class been given an incredibly sexy new look, it brings the compact class to an entirely new level as it is the first model change in the company’s history to have so many new features introduced at one time. It also comes on the market with an entry-level price that Mercedes-Benz says is 11% lower than the model it replaces. Putting the new features and sticker price to one side, when it comes to a car like the B-Class, to put it through its paces requires a few passengers, as well as some distance to travel. So, the timing of the B-Class road test couldn’t have been better – the May Bank Holiday week-
end was coming up, so, I made preparations to take the family south to West Cork for a few days. En route, we had to stop for a night in Kinsale, the Kinsale Rugby Sevens event was on, so we had to swing by to soak up some of the atmosphere. Kinsale may have a reputation for excellent seafood, but what they don’t tell you in the tourist brochure is that the town is like a maze, with some exceptionally narrow little alleys to navigate. After taking one wrong turn on the way to our rented holiday home, I was seriously impressed with the tight turning circle of the B-Class – one hard lock of the steering wheel and we pulled off a perfect U-turn. That’s skipping ahead a little – let’s get back to the start. Mercedes have managed to fit an enormous amount of space in to the B-Class. They tell us that the seats are more upright and set lower to the road, resulting in improved headroom. Rear-seat passengers
have bundles of space, and there is serious load capacity in the boot, 486-1,545 litres in fact. There is even an optional feature that allows the rear seats to be adjusted forwards/ backwards to facilitate bulkier items. All this passenger and storage space has not translated into a bulky, gas-guzzling machine – far from it. Outstanding aerodynamics help to deliver low fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions, while a standard item on all B-Class models is an ECO start/stop function. I have to admit, I wasn’t a huge fan of this particular start/stop system, but it’s one of those features that you do get used to, and it does make life easier on the wallet! The car comes with a number of engine options, in Ireland, the model likely to account for the bulk of sales is the 109bhp entry level B180 CDI, which comes on the market at €29,330, with annual road tax of €160. A second diesel is
a 2.0-litre/136bhp unit, the price of which will be announced later. In petrol form, the first version to go on sale is the 122bhp B180BlueEFFICIENCY selling at €29,890 with annual road tax of €225. A 2.0-litre/156bhp BlueEFFICIENCY version will be added to the range at a later date. There is a completely new six-speed manual transmission, boasting easy gear change and low shift forces, although my biggest gripe with this car is the reverse gear – I just couldn’t get used to the unusual position, the upper left, as well as the push/pull mechanism to get the gear lever through the gate. Most of the time, the only occasion for a reviewer to see emergency stopping features in effect is at demonstrations laid on by the manufacturer, but in this case I got a taste of just how good the Mercedes safety kit is. While driving through North Strand in heavy traffic, my attention was not what it should have
been, and I was driving a little quickly towards a stopped car. The new radar-based collision prevention warning system kicked in and an alarm sounded. Thankfully, I braked in time and avoided any kind of contact – much to the relief of Mercedes I’m sure. Other safety features on board the new B-Class include items imported from larger MercedesBenz such as adaptive headlamp, blind spot, lane keeping and speed limit assist systems along with parking assist, hill hold brake function, reversing camera and distance control. All in all, this is a seriously attractive car. The interior is pure Mercedes, with some nice, subtle nods to a more modern look and feel. The quality is everything you would expect, and the performance, safety, and economy have all taken large steps forward, and all for a seriously competitive price. This is a car that will fit the bill for any family on the move.
THE Ford Focus, has seen its range extended with the announcement of a new Focus Limited Edition Series. The new models are badged as Focus Zetec S and Titanium X. The Zetec S combines a strong visual appeal with a sporty image and relies on Ford’s fuel efficient 1.6-TDCi diesel engine with the option of 95PS or 115PS outputs (5-door only). The Titanium X is available in 4- and 5-door models and is powered by the same 1.6-TDCi diesel engine. The spec includes the following features: 17” titanium alloys; deflation detection system; active park assist; visibility pack; Bluetooth Voice Control and USB connectivity; and full size spare wheel. Prices start at €24,927 ex–works.
22 GAZETTE 31 May 2012
GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Joe Walsh tours is offering escorted tours to explore Italy and Portugal in style THE days of the sun lounger may be numbered as Irish tourists search for alternative ways to see Europe. Ireland’s longest running tour operator, Joe Walsh Tours, currently has four fabulous escorted tours on offer for those wanting a different kind of holiday this summer. These group tours will allow you to explore the culture and history of Italy or the beauty and heritage of Portugal. Whether you want to soak up the sun while relaxing on the Lisbon Coast, exploring the winding streets of Venice, taking an evening stroll to the Trevi fountain or simply discovering the beauty of Rome, Joe Walsh tours will let you do it in comfort. You will travel on a luxury coach to each of your destinations, and spend each night in a four-star hotel. Each tour differs from the others, and covers a vast amount of sightseeing, relaxation and fun, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Each tour is accompanied by an experienced Joe Walsh Tours representative, so you can be certain you will see the most wonderful regions of each country, and the gems of each city. All four tours are seven nights in length and range in price from €774 to €975. Each tour is an all-inclusive package and includes your return flights (including taxes and charges), airport transfers, hotel accommodation, tours and excursions on a luxury coach and the assistance of a Joe Walsh representative. As the longest established tour operator in Ireland, with over 50 years’ experience, Joe Walsh Tours will make sure that your holiday is definitely one to remember. For further information on these tours or to book, visit www.joewalshtours.ie, call 012410800 or email info@joewalshtours.ies
Edited by Mimi Murray
PORT OF CALL: LET AMERICAN HOLIDAYS SHOW YOU THE SITES
Getting the best from the US SUMMER can be a busy time for some people, making it difficult to avail of standard package holidays. American Holidays are now offering beautiful autumn cruises throughout the months of October and November. There are three different cruises to choose from, covering six of the United State’s most popular and influential cities, and also providing a number of nights to sail the seas in luxury. The cruises range in price from €1,695pp to €1,829pp. The first of these trips begins in Orlando, Florida, where you will stay for five nights in The Rosen Inn, just a stone’s throw away from all of Orlando’s attractions.
Enjoy some southern hospitality in Nashville, Tennessee
Next on the agenda is four nights aboard Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas. On your fifth day aboard, you will dock in Nashville, Tennessee to enjoy some southern hospitality and comfort food at the Doubletree Hotel.
If you’re looking for a taste of politics, culture art and music, why not choose a trip which starts with a luxury hotel stay in Washington DC and includes a cruise covering New England and Canada.
Your trip will be rounded off with eight nights aboard Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas, where you will have the chance to visit five different ports of call including Portland, Maine and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
For a little glamour with your sun, why not try the Eastern Caribbean cruise. Starting at the Miami Beach Resort and Spa Hotel, you will relax in the tropical surroundings complete with a semi-private beach. After resting up, you will spend seven nights aboard the Norwegian Cruise line ship, Norwegian Epic, before arriving in Las Vegas for four nights. Here you can take in the sights, avail of the attractions on the Las Vegas Strip. For more information or to make a booking, call American Holidays on 01 6733800, or call into 18-19 Duke Street, Dublin 2 to speak with their expert staff.
CITY BREAK: POLISH CITY HAS BECOME A HUB OF ACTIVITY
Poznan preparing for a world of fans I ELLEN COONEY
HE city on everyone’s lips this summer is Poznan, host to UEFA EURO 2012. Previously, a relatively unknown city among the Irish, Poznan has been busy in preparation to offer our fans a spectacular welcome. Despite being one of the oldest cities in Poland, Poznan is home to some incredible and modern architecture. Its new railway station with its smooth curves, glass walls and geometric garden areas is the perfect welcome to this ever developing city. These sleek developments offer a perfect contrast to the city’s picturesque recreation areas which include four lakes, 40 parks and 100 green areas.
T
There is no shortage of entertainment in the city which thrives on the energy of the new European countries while meeting with the culture of Western civilisation. For beer lovers there are beer tasting events and free tours of the Lech brewery, and Poznan has one of the largest numbers of pubs in Poland. There is also a variety of shopping options and an all-year-round ski slope for those seeking something a little different. This bustling city has recently become a big player in the world of sporting events. The stadium which will hold this year’s UEFA EURO 2012 was finished in September 2010 and has since hosted four Europa League matches and the Red Bull X Fighters. The
Poznan is host to UEFA EURO 2012
city is also a popular destination for canoe teams and the Lake of Malta has been deemed one of the finest rowing venues in the world. Especially for UEFA EURO 2012 the city will designate a specialised FanZone, which will
hold around 30,000 and will be a hive of activity for fans during the final tournament. There will be events every day from June 8 until July 1, including live music acts. There are also two Fan Camps planned in Poznan with 10,000
places. Attendants can rent student dormitories, flats and houses. With thousands of fans destined for this stunning city in the coming months, Poznan will surely become a popular destination for global travellers in the future.
31 May 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23
24 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31 May 2012
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Travesties
FOLLOWING the hugely successful and popular Plaza Suite, Rough Magic are back at the Pavilion Theatre with the delicious comedy Travesties by Tom Stoppard. Best-known as the author of the Oscar-winning film Shakespeare in Love and the plays Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and Arcadia, Stoppard is at his best in this absurdly funny masterpiece featuring James Joyce, Vladimir Lenin and Dadaist Tristan Tzara. Running from June 7 to 23, tickets are priced from €18 to €25.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Bloomsday Celebration
THE Mill Theatre and Roly Saul’s present a special Bloomsday Celebration Brunch to mark the 90th anniversary of the publication of Ulysses. Join the team in Roly Saul’s restaurant for a buffet brunch with fare inspired by Leopold Bloom’s breakfast, including a glass of burgundy! Brunch will be accompanied by theatrical readings from Ulysses and music and song from the Joyce era. The celebration takes place on Saturday, June 16 from 11.30am. Tickets are priced at €15.
CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Ardal O’Hanlon
AWARD winning comedian, actor, writer - and star of Father Ted (C4), My Hero (BBC 1), Val Falvey (RTE) and Leagues Apart (RTE), Ardal O’Hanlon brings his unique brand of stand up comedy back to Ireland. A highly acclaimed stand up, Ardal has toured to sell out audiences internationally and has released two Top 10 stand up DVDs. He continues to be one of the most sought after comedians working with regular sell out solo tours in the UK, USA and Australia. Catch him on June 6 at 8pm, tickets are €20.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622
Niamh Kavanagh and her band NIAMH’S back with her brilliant blend of rock, soul, r&b, Eurovision hits, tracks from her successful albums and her own favourites with that amazing voice Commitments’ director Alan Parker ‘‘had to have’’. Described as the ‘‘Rolls Royce’’ of Irish singers, Niamh Kavanagh represented Ireland at the Eurovision twice, collecting maximum points from the Irish vote, and is the voice behind three of the biggest hits from the Commitments ever. Catch her on June 30 with tickets €20/€16.
There are fights in apartment rooms, in the corridors, through the floors, out the windows... Basically there are a lot of fights.
Films still fighting fit A Welsh man has made the newest non stop, adrenalin pumping, action classic... In Indonesia. Are you sure? I NIALL BERMINGHAM
THE BRAINCHILD of Welsh writer/director, Gareth Evans, and a completely Indonesian cast and crew, The Raid is without doubt one of the best action films to come along since the heyday of action. Garnering huge interest for itself with tremendously successful festival showings (winning both the Dublin Film Critics Circle Best Film and Audience Award at the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival), it lives up to the hype and some. The film has been made to showcase the traditional Indonesian martial art Pencak Silat, which lends itself very well to film. It is a hard hitting, high kicking, and bone crunching style of martial arts that has no qualms about integrating weapons when the need is there.
FILM OF THE WEEK: The Raid ##### (18) 101 mins Director: Gareth Evans Starring: Iko Uwais, Donny Alamsyah, Joe Taslim, Ray Sahetapy, Yayan Ruhian, Tegar Satrya
OUR VERDICT:
Better than any recent action film produced in Hollywood, or anywhere for that matter, The Raid will tick all the boxes for action fans of any age. The eastern insanity works brilliantly with director Evans’ western sensibilities. It’s probably not one for an evening of romance, but for a straight up, balls-to-the-wall action experience, this is as good as it gets.
Perhaps not for the faint of heart, The Raid does not shy away from visceral action; however that is not the only thing on show. Scenes of extreme tension and genuine comedy are also offered up by Evans. T he stor y follows a SWAT team as they try to overthrow drug lord, Tama Riyadi (Ray Sahetapy) from within his base of operations in a multi-storey apartment block in the centre of the Jakarta slums. The team has everything you’d expect, new guys, tough guys, old guys, and a level headed
and well respected leader. They all have their place in the film and each one fits fabulously. The lead is played by Iko Uwais (who along with Yayan Ruhlan mapped out all the action), a new member to the SWAT team, who has personal reasons for entering the apartment block. As the team work their way up floor by floor, not everything goes to plan (if it had, it wouldn’t have been much of a film) and soon all hell breaks loose. The team are left fighting for their lives with their weapons
and soon their fists and then just about whatever they can find (the most novel being a fridge). Meanwhile we see drug lord Tama as he reacts to the police invasion and seeing as he is a paranoid mob boss his decisions are not the most rational. He calls on wave after wave of his henchmen to attack the quickly diminishing SWAT force. When he finds that there are still some police left he unleashes his two right hand men to personally take care of it. Here, we are introduced to the two most interesting characters of the film. Andi (Donny Alamsyah) and “Mad Dog” (Yayan Ruhlan) have two different roles in the movie. “Mad Dog” is the main antagonist, engaging in prolonged fight scenes with some of the remaining SWAT team, whereas Andi operates from the shadows,
scheming and brooding. With tremendous variety separating all the set pieces, you will spend all evening recounting your favourite punch, or the kick that made you grimace the most. My favourite scene involved a fire escape and a three storey fall. It all culminates for a fantastic ending leaving you wanting more and, thankfully, Evans has something up his sleeve to offer. Plans to turn this film into a trilogy began as early as script development so of course there is a wide open ending, and as this is an Asian film that has performed well internationally, there are talks of an American remake. Now af ter all the gushing I’ll just say that if you like action, you’ll love this, and if not, then there’s always the new American Pie...
31 May 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces Arise, Sir iconic Apple designer ...
Clementine’s parents are missing now that zombies have overrun America, and possibly the world – but, luckily, she can rely on Lee to look out for her, when they cross paths in the surprisingly strong character-driven first chapter of the cross-platform title, The Walking Dead
Dead entertaining SHANE DILLON
I’M NOT quite sure why, but the zombie genre has risen again in popular media, and is shuffling forward once more, relentlessly making tracks into popular culture. While the world and his dog awaits the Brad Pittstarring World War Z at cinemas at the end of the year, the small screen has been well served with the surprise hit, The Walking Dead, based on the popular, long-running graphic novels of the same name. In a canny move, and in a pretty shrewd marrying of adventure gaming with
survival horror, developer Telltale Games rolled out its version of The Walking Dead recently which, for some – and apologies here – will be dead entertaining, while other gamers may not see it as a very lively title. Telltale has made a name for itself with its adventure titles, which range from decent hits to dreadful misses, as with any other developer out there. However, The Walking Dead – and the major intellectual property that the title represents, these days – gave the developer the chance to step
away from conventional adventure gaming scenarios and puzzles into darker territory. Set in the by now familiar setting of a post-apocalyptic America, courtesy of the long-promised zombie armageddon, in The Walking Dead: A New Day, the player takes control of Lee Everett, a man with a murky past, who starts off in the back of a patrol car, on his way to jail. One unexpected crash later, and Lee comes to – only to find that there are Walkers – zombies – everywhere, and the world’s falling to pieces.
Anotherweebyte... Questions over Facebook’s tumbling shares ... AS EXPECTED, there was enormous interest over the inevitable initial public offering (IPO) of Facebook, which went public very recently with a barely comprehensible value of $104 billion. However, market analysts almost immediately started asking questions about the subsequent tumble in the company’s share values, with negative shifts reported in a short period – three days after floating on Nasdaq, shares were trading at 18% below the $38 offer price, seeing billions (at the time of writing) written down from the company’s value – not what many expected, though, no doubt, shares will bounce back. Also at the time of writing, a number of American lawsuits querying how the company had been valued emerged, focusing on how the company had been valued, and who has acccess to such valuations. Regardless of how such developments pan out, it’s interesting to see such unexpected stories centred around the normally unassailable social media giant ...
From there on, it’s down to the player to steer Lee down a linear route in this, the first downloadable chapter of a series, as he meets other survivors, tries to stay alive, and begins to work out what’s going on. However, as it’s a Telltale game, this means lots of looking around screens/the environment for items to use, collect or activate, with occasional bursts of Quick Time Event (QTE) action breaking up events. After all, checking out the kitchen of a seemingly deserted house – only for a Walker to
suddenly jump out of the shadows – practically demands a QTE event, for Lee to frantically try and escape. Interestingly, while such action set pieces aren’t very common, there’s a lot of character interaction, as Lee meets other survivors and the things he says affect how they treat him. With this divertingly interesting first instalment, which is available on a number of gaming platforms (bar IOS), here’s hoping that Telltale can continue with the quality it’s established in this chapter.
Gaming star treks off to a movie role CONTINUING to name significant people that many readers may not know of, one of Gaming’s most prolific and well-known (yet littleknown to non-gamers) stars, Nolan North, has made another addition to his already colossal CV. While it’s very common for cinema stars to do voiceover work for games, Nolan – “the” voice of gaming, for many, given the staggering range of characters he has voiced – has reversed the trend, and has been given a role on the upcoming blockbuster, Star Trek 2, thanks to his impressive voiceover skills. No doubt the news that he’s joining Kirk and co has left him beaming with happiness ...
WHILE I couldn’t throw an iPad out the window without probably hitting someone who immediately piped up with “Steve Jobs” if I asked him or her who had created it, that’s not strictly true. In fact, British designer Jonathan Ives is the man behind many of Apple’s iconic products’ designs over the past two decades, with the 45-year-old responsible for the 1993 iMac G3’s design, and, from there, other such iconic Apple products as the iPod, iPhone and iPad. While you’d have to search long and hard up and down streets all around the world to find people who’d be able to pull Ives out of a line-up, such general anonymity doesn’t bother the designer, with, perhaps, such design achievements under his belt to comfort him – not to mention a significant amassed fortune from his work, innumerable awards, and such titles as Commander of the British Empire, which he was awarded in 2005. Last week, the latest honour for Ives was being knighted by Princess Anne. (Now) Sir Ives continues to prove that visionary designers are still very much a core component of Apple’s success ...
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26 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31 May 2012
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GazetteSPORT
MAY YOU BE CHAMPS: This month’s Sports Awards winners are announced: Page 29
GAELIC GAMES: OPEL ANNOUNCE 2012 INITIATIVE TO HELP LOCAL CLUBS KIT UP
Rushe on points for clubs seeking new equipment
sport@gazettegroup.com
ST PAT’S Palmerstown and Dublin senior hurling star Liam Rushe was on hand last week when the Opel Ireland 2012 Kit For Clubs initiative was launched at Croke Park, with all sports fans across the city called upon to support their local GAA clubs. Dublin GAA fans can collect points to earn free sports kit and equipment for their local GAA club
through the initiative. For every car service (10 points), test drive (10 points), or Opel purchase (200 points) made through the Opel Dealer Network, the club you support is awarded points which can be built up and redeemed against highquality kit. GAA clubs can choose from an extensive range of kit which includes everything from sliotars (5 points) to footballs (10 points) and from
goal posts (100 points) to tackle bags (100 points). New to the programme this year is the addition of juvenile club jerseys (800 points) and senior club jerseys (1,000 points), provided by Masita, official supplier of the GAA. The Kit for Clubs initiative is about supporting local Dublin GAA clubs across the county. Liam Ware from Mallow GAA Club, outlines how his club has benefited from the initiative: “Since
Liam Rushe, Colm Cooper and Jackie Tyrrell with Derry and Christian Finlay at the launch of Kit For Clubs
this scheme started, Mallow GAA club have been able to obtain both playing kit and training equipment, otherwise, we probably would not have been able to get this gear due to limited resources.”
Paraic Duffy, the GAA’s director general said: “The advantages of being involved in a scheme such as this are obvious and the provision of training and playing gear is a welcome payback to our members
and clubs who look to Opel for their motoring needs. It is also encouraging to see some of our top players supporting this scheme and lending their profile to help raise awareness about what is
an excellent initiative.” Log onto www.opelkitforclubs.com, on Facebook or visit your local Opel dealer to register your club and start building your GAA club’s points.
28 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31 May 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
GAELIC FOOTBALL: GLOBE TROTTING LADIES PUT ON A SHOW
Local racer’s first time racing in Dublin DUBLIN’S up-and-coming single-seater motor racing star, Gary Thompson, is the latest big name from the world of motorsport to be confirmed for the Bavaria City Racing Dublin event this coming Sunday, June 3. The 19-year-old from Donabate, Dublin has been racing in Asia for the past four years, making a name for himself in the prestigious Japanese Formula 3 series. He also became the first driver to drive a Formula 1 car in Taiwan, when he drove the KCMG two-seater F1 Car at the Penbay International Circuit in 2011, a car which he regularly tests and demonstrates at the Yas Marina Circuit, in Abu Dhabi. In 2012, Thompson is fighting for the Japanese Formula 3 title with KCMG, and is also the reserve driver for the KCMG Formula Nippon team. Bavaria City Racing will be the first time since his karting days that Thompson gets behind the wheel of a racing car on home soil. “I’m excited to be part of the Bavaria line-up,” said Thompson. “It’s a great event for Ireland and the city of Dublin, where everyone can get involved and experience the sound of motor racing! This will be my first time driving a racing car in Ireland, which is great to finally do at such a big event, in front of my home crowd too.” Linda McGarry, sales and marketing director for Bavaria City Racing Dublin, said: “We are delighted to announce that Gary Thompson will be participating this weekend. Gary is a talented Irishman who currently competes in the Japanese Formula Three Championship with SCG by KCMG. He became the first Irishman to race in the championship when he made his series debut in 2010, after finishing runner-up in the Formula BMW Asia Pacific Series in 2009. Our thanks go to CF Racing for making it possible for Gary to showcase his talent on the streets of his home town.”
Some of the Dublin players on the All Star teams: Elaine Kelly, Gemma Fay, Sinead Aherne, Amy McGuinness, Sinead Goldrick and Rachel Ruddy
Toronto tour for Stars
EXHIBITION MATCH 2010 All Stars 2011 All Stars
4-10 3-11
I sport@gazettegroup.com
ST SYLVESTER’S Sinead Aherne and Naomh Mearnog’s Denise Masterson both lined out last Sunday for the 2010 Allstars as they took on their 2011 counterparts in Toronto, winning out by two points in the final reckoning. Edell Murphy was the star of the show in Centennial Park, Toronto as the Kerry goalkeeper saved an injury-time penalty from Rhona Ni Bhuachalla to deny the 2011 Allstars a draw in a marvellous contest. Behind by ten points at the interval, the 2010 combination were inspired by two goals in rapid succession inside the opening three minutes of the second half from Michelle Ryan. Additionally, Leitrim player Aine Tighe found the net a second time at a crucial stage. Ladies Football President Pat Quill was delighted with the quality of the play, saying: “you
couldn’t have written the script. “People couldn’t believe the level of skill, the score-getting and the athleticism of the girls. I have no doubt it will give Ladies Football a great boost.’’ 2011 goalkeeper Irene Munnelly proved herself as early as the fifth minute when denying Dublin sharpshooter Sinead Aherne, before the 2011 team settled down to take control. Goals came from Kerry starlet Louise Ni Mhuircheartaigh and Monaghan stylist Ciara McAnespie and it saw them lead 2-3 to 0-1 after 11 minutes. They stayed in control until Aine Tighe got her first goal in the 29th minute. However, a quick goal from Meath’s Fiona Mahon had them 3-7 to 1-3 ahead at the break. “It looked like one-way traffic at one stage we were so far behind,” commented winning manager Gerry McGill, Dublin’s All-Ireland winning manager two years ago and now a Tipperary football selector. “We seemed to go a bit more direct in the second half.’’
Six minutes after the resumption, the margin was down to two points following two snap goals from Michelle Ryan, daughter of the Waterford hurling manager Michael Ryan. And, a general improvement, marked by impressive play from the Laois pair Lorraine Muckian and Tracey Lawlor and Cork star Brid Stack, along with Gemma Begley (Tyrone) and Dublin’s Sinead Aherne made for a really
competitive last 20 minutes. Three times Edel Murphy brought off important saves from Ni Mhuircheartaigh, McAnespie and Ni Bhuachalla and after Tighe’s second goal levelled the game, points from Ryan, Kerry’s Bernie Breen and Tighe again set the scene for a dramatic finish which saw Murphy correctly anticipate Ni Bhuachalla’s penalty to tip the ball over the bar.
31 May 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29
ATHLETICS: GREAT DAY OUT ON SANDYMOUNT
2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS MAY WINNERS
STARof theMONTH LEO CULLEN BLACKROCK College man Leo Cullen further enshrined his name in Heineken Cup folklore this month when he led Leinster to a third success in four years in the competition against Ulster. It confirmed the current Blues’ crop as the greatest team in the competition’s history, becoming the first side to go through a season unbeaten.
TEAMof theMONTH ST BRIGID’S U-14S
ST BRIGID’S Under-14 hurlers and footballers celebrated a unique success this month when they claimed their respective Division 1 Feile titles at Parnell Park. Two weeks after the footballers captured their Feile title with a superb win over St Sylvester’s, the hurling side completed the double thanks to a memorable victory over Na Fianna. SUMMERTIME has officially arrived and while that unfamiliar orb hangs in the sky, let’s celebrate the achievements of the stars of Dublin sport for the month of May. Leo Cullen once again proved that he is the epitome of captainhood after he helped steer Leinster through the vagaries of the Heineken Cup unbeaten and unbowed, to claim their third title in the course of four years.
St Brigid’s, in turn, showed the experience of youth in registering a unique double success in claiming the Dublin hurling and footballing Feile titles at Parnell Park, an achievement last recorded in the city by Ballyboden St Enda’s. Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin. Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes.
Dublin’s Lord Mayor Andrew Montague starts the race horn at Camara’s Sandymount 10K
Camara race nets €6k sport@gazettegroup.com
LAST Saturday morning saw the sun come out for the many dedicated runners who lined out for Camara’s 10K along the scenic backdrop of Sandymount strand. Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Andrew Montague, sounded the starter’s horn to a high-spirited crowd as everyone soaked up the atmosphere to help raise vital funds for eLearning opportunities in Irish schools.
Camara Education, a charity and social enterprise, works to deliver eLearning opportunities to schools in disadvantaged communities in Ireland, Africa and Jamaica through the reuse of technology. The annual 10K run, now in its third year, was a huge success as over €6,000 was raised on the day for Camara’s I r i s h S c h o o l ’s P r o gramme. T he proceeds will go to supply 55 Irish schools in need of
affordable IT with 1,100 computers and to train 300 school teachers in ICT in 2012. Commencing on the Promenade, Strand Road, the course stretched around Sean Moore Park and the Irishtown Nature Reser ve providing beautiful scenic views o f D u b l i n B ay f o r entrants. Lord Mayor Montague said: “I have been a long-time supporter of Camara. Having worked with them as a volunteer
Captains in Canada: All-Star ladies in Toronto
MEETING on an unfamiliar field last weekend were team captains Juliet Murphy, left, of Cork and the 2011 All Stars, and Denise Masterson, of Dublin and the 2010 All Stars, in the company of referee Keith Delahunty. The picture was taken before the game between the 2010 All Stars and 2011 All Stars in Centennial Park, Toronto, Canada, an exhibition game which took place as part of the 2012 TG4/O’Neills Ladies All-Star Tour.
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in Uganda, Zambia and Tanzania, I am aware of the excellent work they do with children in Africa, Jamaica and Ireland to develop computer skills.” The first place prize on the morning went to Hugh Hunt who came in at 36:17. Accepting his first place trophy and medal, he said: “Today has been a fantastic day, great atmosphere and a beautiful course along the Strand on a sunny morning and all for a great cause.”
30 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31 May 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
SOCCER: UNITED RECORD FINE WIN OVER BLARNEY IN CORK
Malahide basketball shines in the Games MALAHIDE basketball was celebrating in style last week when four teams were confirmed as representing Dublin in the National Community Games. For the first year ever, all four Malahide teams won their difficult first-round pools, playing teams across Dublin to become champions. The girls’ Under-16 team and boys’ Under13 sides both won their Dublin finals against Clondalkin. The girls’ and boys’ mixed Under-11s beat Drimnagh by just one basket and, in a nailbiting finish, the girls’ Under-13s won in extratime by one point. The teams gathered for a celebratory evening in Malahide’s Scotch Bonnet Restaurant to acknowledge all the players’ hard work and training, and to thank all the volunteer coaches and parents for their support. The Leinster play-offs will feature another series of matches, with all teams playing Wicklow and, hopefully, they will go all the way to the Community Games finals later in the summer - the last time a Malahide basketball team won the All-Ireland finals was in 1983. Malahide continues to have a very successful basketball club for both boys and girls from eight years upwards, with over 220 members. Elsewhere, President Michael D Higgins honoured the participants and officials of HSE Community Games with his attendance at the National Finals in the Athlone Institute of Technology last Friday. Speaking at the official opening, President Higgins said he was honoured to be invited to open the Games. He commended the hard work and dedication of all the volunteers and wished all the participants the best of luck for the upcoming games. Sunshine and smiles filled Athlone over the weekend while competitions were held in over 25 different events, with children representing Dublin in all of the competitions.
The Malahide United side picked off their second-round opponents in O’Shea Park last week
Malahide get gift over gab FAI SENIOR CUP ROUND 2 Blarney United Malahide United
1 4
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MALAHIDE United’s incredible season will continue into June as they picked off a strong win in Cork over Blarney United in O’Shea Park as Alan Doyle produced a midfield masterclass. They put paid to nine-man Blarney who had John Meade sent off on the stroke of half-time as Malahide took full advantage of the extra man to run up three second half goals and keep the LSL Sun-
day Senior 1 flag flying in the competition. Thrill-a-minute, the hosts almost got a perfect early salvo when Ray O’Lear y str uck the bar with less than a minute played. But the Gannon Park men were ahead soon after when the towering Alan O’Keeffe headed home from Mark Higgins’ right-wing centre. Doyle was beginning to motor in the centre while his long-range free-kick arrowed onto the underside of the bar in another near miss. B l a r n e y, t h o u g h , pegged back Vinnie Perth – a former winner
Olympian at home: Flanigan returns for MYC centre visit MALAHIDE sailor Scott Flanigan, fifth from
right, took a couple of days off from training for the 2012 Olympics with his 470 Class partner, Ger Owens, recently to visit Malahide Yacht Club’s new Dinghy Sailing Centre, where he met some of the club’s junior members. Scott is the seventh Malahide sailing Olympian, along with Robin Hennessy, David Wilkins, Robert and Peter Dix, Ciara Peelo and David Burrows, who is competing this year in his fourth Olympic Games.
of the competition with Longford Town – and his side when Richard O’Brien drew the sides level from inside the box. Glen Crowe – another man with a Senior Cup medal to his name – was showing his power to fire a decent effort just off target before Meade made his pivotal intervention. His tackle on Mark Cashen was deemed late and dangerous and he was shown a straight red card to leave Blarney with an uphill second half battle. With the heat, it added to the difficul-
ties in managing with shortened numbers and when Crowe scored on the hour mark, it added an extra deflationary blow to the hosts. Blarney felt they should have had a penalty at the base of the build-up but Malahide did not stick around and wait for a whistle, breaking at speed. Cashen crossed for Crowe to head home and make it 2-1. For the Cork side, summoning the efforts to come back was beyond them and two more late goals were all the more chastening as Eddie O’Connell
followed Meade to the line for an off the ball incident. Alan Corcoran sealed the deal in the 88th minute when he tapped in Mark Higgins’ pass before Stephen Donnelly completed the rout. They will now hope for Airtricity Premier Division opposition in the third round of the competition and a lucrative day out. They, and Cherry Orchard, are the last two LSL sides remaining in the competition as the big guns, for the most part, ended the non-league club’s involvement.
31 May 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31
GAELIC GAMES: CLUB SHOW DEPTH AT ALL LEVELS
CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST SYLVESTER’S Under-13A football: St Sylvester’s
at 6.30pm. They also kept up their
4-10, Ballyboden St Enda’s 6-3: This
unbeaten run with a gutsy league
was an absolute cracker of a match.
win over Parnell’s by two points on
At half-time the home team were 11
a score of 1-14 to 2-9.
points behind after conceding four
The junior hur le r s won their
early goals to Ballyboden but they
championship game clash against
scored 3-8 in a brilliant second half
St Brendan’s by 3-13 to 1-12. Their
comeback. The scoring was superb
next championship match is against
and the defence only conceded
Naomh Fionnbarra in Malahide Cas-
three scores. Brian Barnes man-
tle on Sunday, June 10 at 11am. They
ages to get the very best out of this
also defeated Na Fianna in their
very fine team.
league match on Sunday by 2-9 to
The intermediate hurlers put up
1-6.
a very big score to defeat Trinity
The senior football team pla y
Gaels by 5-17 to 0-11 in the interme-
O’Toole’s this week, and that game
diate championship on Wednesday.
is an appetiser for the champion-
Their next championship match
ship clash between the two sides
is against Whitehall Colmcilles in
in Drumnigh on Friday, June 8 at
Broomfield on Saturday, June 9,
7.30pm.
FINGALLIANS Many of St Sylvester’s sides were in action last weekend, showing the strength of the club in all codes
St Syl’s sides show their strengths LADIES IFC GROUP 2 St Sylvester’s Ballinteer St John’s
0-18 0-8
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S T S Y LV E S T E R ’ S cruised to top spot in the IFC group two last week as they swept past Ballinteer St John’s and end the initial phase of the competition with a perfect record. A fter wins against Garda and Raheny, another second-half blitz saw the girls notch up their third win in the competition and qualify for the semi-finals. A one-point lead, 0-7 to 0-6, at half time was a fair reflection of a first half where Ballinteer St John’s stayed almost point for point throughout the half. But the second half was a different story, and Syl’s half-back line closed the door; Lea Harold, Sinead Treacy and Anne Clarke sweeping forward at every opportunity. Niamh McEvoy took
a number of great high catches and the combination of Nicole Owens, Sinead Aherne and Katy Slattery led to a string of excellent points which powered the side through.
Hurlers Another side from the Malahide club with a perfect record from their three championship outings is the club’s inter hurlers, who ran up an emphatic 5-17 to 0-11 win over Trinity Gaels. It was a strong performance to oust a dogged opposition but who could not match Syl’s scoring ability, building a 2-9 to 0-3 lead at half-time and a goal on the restart put paid to any chance of a come back. Trinity did enjoy a good ten-minute spell in the second half where they notched up some very good scores but Syls were not in danger and finished convincing winners. They are well set for the
knock-out phases of the competition with three wins to date in their sixteam group.
Shield At U-16 C level, the Malahide club took down an U-16 C football shield as their goalscoring ability put paid to Castleknock’s hopes, 4-6 to 2-8 in Somerton. Three in a short burst mid way through the second half, a lovely volley by Glenn Cosgrove and two from broken ball by Lee after Castlenock had led for a while. And the championship feeling kept flowing in the last week as the Junior B footballers made it into
the final four with a comfortable 2-11 to 1-4 win over Wanderers. A brilliant second-half performance showed that Syl’s very young team simply had too much mobility after a very tight first half. At one stage, Wanderers were 0-4 to 0-1 up but a good goal by Andrew Berry settled the nerves. The Ballyboden side were still one ahead at the half but the likes of Graham Morris cleaned up in the backline, Kevin Lynnott was on top in the middle and the speed of Killian O’Flynn, Gareth McGrath and Barr y Cowley was too much for Wanderers up front.
THE senior ladies footballers con-
The juvenile section would like to
tinued their excellent run of victo-
remind all parents, especially those
ries in the championship and have
with young children to apply sun-
now progressed to the semi-finals
block, even if overcast.
v Foxrock, with the all-important home draw in their favour.
As part of the “raising the red bar” coaching initiative, Bart McEn-
The most senior team in experi-
roe will be speaking at a coaching
ence, our second hurling team, beat
event in Fingallians on June 8 at
O’Dwyer’s in the championship.
8pm. Bart is involved on the mental
Junior hurlers beat Craobh Chi-
side of team preparation, and has
arain to stay on course for league
a very strong and positive reputa-
promotion.
tion. He has worked with both the
The next round of the inter cham-
Dublin and Tyrone teams who have
pionship (back door): Fingallians v
recently won All-Ireland’s. This ses-
Naomh Fionnbarra; further details
sion is aimed at mentors and selec-
to follow.
tors from U-14 up to adult section in
The nursery will be taking place
all codes. For more information and
this weekend , Saturday, June 2, the
to reserve your place, contact Eoin
bank holiday weekend.
Cullen on 086 807 6910.
ST FINIAN’S WE ARE into the exam break for
the footballers commencing the
some of our teams, and we would
defence of their All-Ireland title
like to wish the best of luck to all
against Louth in Croke Park on
those sitting exams over the com-
Sunday at 4.30pm. If you booked
ing weeks.
match tickets, you can pick up them
Our senior camogie team had a great win in the league against St
up from the club office later in the week.
Mark’s during the week, and our
We are delighted to announce our
adult hurlers bounced back with a
continued juvenile camp sponsor-
win, also against St Mark’s in the
ship with Centra River Valley. Cen-
league, after a tough Champion-
tra provided 300 lunches for the
ship match against Scoil Ui Chonail
children and coaches at the recent
in which the result went against
Easter football camp. A big thank
them.
you to Mark and his staff for their
Inter-county championship sea-
hard work. Registration forms for
son starts for Dublin next weekend,
the summer camps can be got from
with the hurlers taking on Laois in
the downloads section of our web-
Tullamore at 5pm on Saturday, and
site - www.stfinians.com.
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ALL OF YOUR MALAHIDE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
CHAMPO CHEERS: St Sylvester’s run up series of fine football wins P31
MAY 31, 2012
KINGS OF DUBLIN: Leo and St Brigid’s teams are Dublin Stars P29
sport@gazettegroup.com
MALAHIDE United were celebrating a double success this week as their U-15 side claimed the club’s first ever AllIreland title. Their exploits were quickly followed by the club’s senior team who reached the third round of the FAI Ford Senior Cup, extending their brilliant season for another month as they got the better of Blarney United 4-1 in Cork last Friday. The U-15s have been threatening a performance of this ilk for a number of years, going deep in their respective SFAI All-Ireland cup competitions on a
number of occasions, tournaments which often receive entry lists of over 300 teams. Finally, ultimate glory was theirs as Gareth Craven got the vital goal in a 1-0 win over DDSL rivals Cherry Orchard to wrap up the title, his solo strike coming in the second half of the Evans Cup decider at Jackson Park. For Malahide, there were many stars as they kept the threat of Tommy Ilunga and Darragh Markey under wraps with Republic of Ireland underage representative Colm Deasy a key man. Ben Kelly was drawn into an early save before the Gannon Park club
GazetteSPORT
United triumph for first SFAI win
Malahide United’s U-15 side won the club’s first ever All-Ireland schoolboy title at Jackson Park last week
found their stride with Craven setting up Andrew Browne for a stinging effort which whizzed just past the post with their best opening of the first 45 minutes. Probing the Cherries back line, United continued to look the more likely side to forge a breakthrough and when Robert Duggan controlled a loose clearance, his effort was brilliantly saved off the line but it was a sign of things to
come. Craven got on the end of a corner and the title was halfway around the M50 to Malahide and they closed out the tie for their biggest schoolboy honour.
The hard way They did it the hard way, winning away in the last, quarter and semi-final rounds, beating Evergreen, Springfield and former winners Templeogue en route.
Indeed, they had previously had to get past tricky challenges of the likes of Home Farm, Mer v ue United and another Templeogue team and Cambridge Boys in the initial phases of a gruelling competition, winning nine games in total to triumph. And the club is ready to celebrate another big day out as Vinnie Per th’s LSL Sunday Senior 1 champions continued their league
form into the FAI Ford Senior Cup as they cut loose late on against a nine-man Blarney United side. They punished the Cork side’s indiscretions as Alan O’Keeffe put Malahide one up before Blarney levelled but Glen Crowe’s scored to put the Dubliners ahead once more and when O’Connell depar ted, they were able to ease another two goals home for a 4-1 success.