Malahide GAZET TE FREE
Shirley Lanigan updates guide to our many horticultural gems
SEE PAGE P14 JULY 12, 2012
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Football: Sylvester’s title challenge suffers blow Page 31
Cricket: Malahide trio bound for World Cup in Australia Page 30
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ..................... 9 BEAUTY .........................16 BUSINESS .................... 18 TRAVEL..........................19 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
IN FINE VOICE: Local teacher
launches her new album See Page 9
Minister views cricket club’s revamp I NATALIE BURKE
MALAHIDE Cricket Club gave a warm welcome to the Minister of Sport, Michael Ring, last week when he paid an official visit to the club as it showcased its recently redeveloped facilities. The completion of a massive redevelopment project has provided Malahide with the first international-sized cricket ground in the Repub-
lic of Ireland, with an 11,000 capacity. Local TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell, underlined the significance of the visit saying: “Just last month we learned that the club will be hosting the England team next September. I felt it was equally as important that the Minister recognise Malahide as an asset to attracting international sporting events.” Full Story on Page 7
Red-dy for more: Pair enjoy graduation from Montessori JAKE Staunton and Jamie Lynn had
plenty of reason to look pleased with themselves as they recently enjoyed their graduation ceremony from Links Childcare Montessori at The Grand Hotel in Malahide.
The pair looked very smart all dressed up in their cap and gowns as they received an educational parchment in front of guests. See Gallery on Page 2
2 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 12 July 2012
PRE-SCHOOL Links Montessori rewards little leavers REFORM: ALL CLAIMS SHOULD BE VOUCHED FOR, SAYS SOCIALIST TD
Daly ‘happy’ spotlight is trained on TD expenses I NATALIE BURKE
nburke@gazettegroup.com
LOCAL TD Clare Daly has hit out at claims that she was not entitled to use part of her travel and accommodation allowances for a nationwide campaign against water and household charges, and welcomes the spotlight that has been put on TDs’ allowances. Deputy Daly was one of the three Dublinbased TDs from the United Left Alliance who used their allowances for similar campaigns and who have questioned the provisional ruling by the Houses of the Oireachtas Service that says they were not entitled to do so. Advice
A statement made by the service last week revealed that allowances of €1,000 a month were paid to Clare Daly and Joe Higgins of the Socialist Party and Joan Collins of People Before Profit, which should have only incorporated costs incurred within their own constituencies, except when travelling to and from Leinster House. The statement also noted, however, that the service is currently seeking legal advice to clarify the position. Following the recent statement, Deputy Clare Daly says she is happy to see the controversial issue of TDs’ expenses highlighted. “We were quite happy to see the spotlight put on expenses because [the United Left Allia n c e ] we r e a l w ay s looking to have that reformed. It is excessive and the salaries are ridiculous, and the
idea that people would claim expenses and not receipt for them is absolutely outrageous. That is the system that’s there at the moment and it’s completely wrong and needs to be changed. There is a huge amount of money paid to the big parties and that needs to be looked at as well.” No apologies
Deputy Daly says she has always been upfront about how she spends her expenses and prior to the election, made it clear that she did not benefit financially from the elected positions. “A TD on a worker’s wage gets the same money as I was on in Aer Lingus and we choose to use the rest of our expenses to further a lot of the campaigning issues that we were elected on. And we make no apologies for that whatsoever.” Although the household tax was one of the campaign issues, Deputy Daly insists it is not an issue that can be defeated only in Dublin North. “I can bring the benefit of having the privilege of meeting people around the country back to my own constituency and vice versa, and I think it’s a really positive thing actually because we are elected to national parliament. “The others [TDs] spent the same thing, and they chose to spend it on their car tax and tyres, which other workers pay for out of their wages as I do. And, in that sense, I think it’s more productive to use [the allowances] to support our campaigns on the basis of the platform I was elected on,” she concluded.
Kerrie Gilla, Deirdre Kelly, Roisin Ni Ghribhthin and Natasha Williams. Pictures: Una Williams
Starting on the road to learning T HE Grand Hotel in Malahide was host to the Links Childcare Montessori graduation ceremony recently, when the children, dressed in full cap and gown, received an educational parchment in front of guests. The ceremony included children performing songs that they had learned throughout the year through Montessori and in Spanish and speech and drama classes. This year was the largest group of children to graduate
Sophie Miller, Alannah Rochford and Una Drury Byrne
Ludia and Nuria Vallue and Orla O’Dwyer
since 2004. This year children graduated from Abington Wood, Malahide, Seabrook Manor, Portmarnock, The Links, Portmarnock, St Olave’s, Cornmill, Clonee and the newest branch at Balbriggan. Since opening their newest branch in Abington Wood, Malahide in August 2009, Links Childcare has become one of the largest childcare facilities on the northside of Dublin.
Jake Staunton and Jamie Lynn
Carmel, Cian and Willie Prizeman
12 July 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 3
BAR OF THE YEAR Local pub scoops top title
Musical society shines
Fowler’s style makes it better than the rest I NATALIE BURKE
MALAHIDE has become home to the best and most stylish bar in the country this month, after Fowler’s No 12 was named as Ireland’s Best Pub at Licensing World’s 2012 Bar of the Year Awards held in Dublin last week. The popular familyrun pub, owned by Derek Fowler and his wife, Connie, was named Bar of the Year 2012, after also claiming the Bavaria Style Bar Award at the awards ceremony at the Clyde Court Hotel, which was attended by over 300 members of the Irish pub trade. The landmark Mala-
hide premises was chosen from hundreds of pubs that entered the national awards competition, which aims to seek out the country’s top licensed operators each year. On presenting the award to Derek Fowler, Nigel Tynan, chairman of the Bar of the Year Awards, said that Derek and his family have transformed what was a “tired pub” into a “vibrant modern bar that perfectly represents the future of the licensed trade in Ireland”. “It’s great to see strong family-run pubs alive and prospering despite the many challenges the bar trade faces in Ireland
today,” said Tynan. Formerly known as Smyth’s, Fowler’s No 12 was purchased by the Fowler family in 2009. Since then, the family have completely renovated the premises transforming it into a stateof-the-art bar, complete with a smoking terrace and many stylish features including the silver-scaled ceiling that represents the local fishing industry and a unique integrated cold-room that is a standout feature in the pub’s design. “It was our first year to be entered into the competition and we were thrilled to be nominated for the Style Bar of the
AWARDS
Nigel Tynan (left), editor of Licensing World, presenting the Bar of the Year Award 2012 to publican Derek Fowler in the Clyde Court Hotel in Dublin
Year award. In winning that, we also won the overall award and it was a huge honour,” Derek said. “It’s a great accolade to get and I suppose it’s like the Michelin Star of bars. We were up against the best bars in the busi-
ness and from the likes of anywhere around the country. “It’s a credit to myself, Connie and young Derek who works [at the pub] full time and all the staff who back us up in running the bar the way it should be.
“It’s also a great honour for Malahide because it is a tourism village so to come to Malahide and drink in the best bar of the year – that’s a credit to Malahide as well. We’d like to thank all our customers for their support,” he concluded.
MALAHIDE Musical and Dramatic Society struck gold in Killarney this year, when local actress, Grace Kinirons, picked up the Best Supporting Actress award at the annual Association of Irish Musical Society (AIMS) awards. Kinirons picked up the prestigious award for her performance of the Beggar Woman/Lucy in the society’s production of Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, which was performed in February. The AIMS were held at the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney where the society were also announced as runners-up for Best Overall Show, for the second year running, as well as runners-up for Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Director. The talented team is currently working on upcoming projects with plans to host Malahide’s Got Talent in the autumn.
4 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 12 July 2012
12 July 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5
CHARITY
BOUNDARY: COUNCILLOR BLAMES BRICK QUALITY FOR DAMAGED WALLS
Summer is full for guide dogs
Tenants must fix walls – council I NATALIE BURKE nburke@gazettegroup.com
DAMAGED boundary walls in Seamount Park and Seamount Grove will not be repaired or replaced by Fingal County Council, it has emerged, despite the walls in question being within a local authority housing estate. The damaged redbrick boundary walls and some walls within the estates have been described as “unsightly” by local FG councillor, Anthony Lavin, who says the disintegrating walls should be repaired by the council. “The boundary walls are built with redbrick and are disintegrating and breaking up, a bit like the old red ramps that broke up around Malahide. In fairness to the people in the estate, it looks unsightly and not very
nice,” he said. “The red bricks on the front garden walls are also disintegrating in Seamount Grove and Seamount Park and, while it’s not dangerous, it is definitely unsightly. Unfor tunately, FCC bought the estates but I hope they [the council] will see some sense and get something done about them.” Despite Cllr Lavin’s concerns, a spokesperson for the council has denied accountability saying: “Boundary walls are the responsibility of the tenant, which is in accordance with the terms of the tenants’ handbook.” While some walls are not as badly affected as others, Cllr Lavin believes the problem is down to the quality of the bricks used. “The council are saying
it’s the responsibility of the tenants to maintain their walls but, in fairness to the people who live there, it is not their fault either. It’s whoever supplied the bricks for the walls. The walls were built about ten or 11 years ago but it’s not something you expect to happen, that they’ll just break up. “The [tenants’] handbook needs to be changed. It’s not that the tenants themselves started demolishing the wall, it is weathering or some inefficiency with the bricks used. “If you look at various houses you’ll see different kinds of redbrick that are not damaged so it seems there is a mixture of dodgy bricks and good bricks that have been used. The bottom line is it is not right, and I think something should be done for the tenants.”
Plain sailing: Lizzie and Gemma take top title at Championships THE GAZETTE wishes to offer huge congratulations to Lizzie McDowell and her cousin Gemma McDowell who were crowned New National Champions at the Topaz National Championships which took place at Malahide Yacht Club Broadmeadows recently. The event was a great day for all with plenty of exciting racing to be seen. Participants and their families and friends also enjoyed a barbecue after the racing was finished which was the perfect ending to a very memorable event.
The Balbriggan branch of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB) have a busy summer period ahead, with a number of events set to take place in the area. The charity’s first fundraising event is the IGDB annual dog walk, which will take place in Malahide Castle at 3pm on Sunday, July 15, and all members of the community and their dogs are welcome to join in the fun. The charity is also set to host a car raffle at the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre on the weekend of July 19, before they appear at the RDS Horse Show on Thursday, August 16. Anyone interested in volunteering their time and helping out with any of these events should contact the IGDB, Balbriggan Branch, on 085 766 3107.
6 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 12 March 2012
LITTER: KEEPING LOCAL BURIAL GROUNDS TIDY
RESOURCES Concern over grass cutting LOCAL Councillor Darragh Butler (FF) has defended Fingal County Council (FCC) this week, f o l l ow i n g c o n c e r n s raised by residents on the council’s resources for grass cutting. “There are concerns that the council simply don’t have the resources but, in fairness to the council, they’ve had some difficult growth spurts to deal with. They’re obviously finding it difficult with the weather and resources they have, but I think they’ve gotten on top of things,” he said. FCC confirmed the recent growth has been greatly increased by warmer weather and heavy rains and the grass across the county has been growing at up to six inches a week. T he growth surge, however, has begun to subside and should return to normal in the next week.
Covered bin scheme for cemeteries
Newcomers to castle: Shannon Heritage’s latest job is announced in Malahide MARY HEFFERNAN, Matt McNulty, John
Ruddle, Al Ryan, George Curran, Fionnuala May, PJ Howell, Kevin Halpenny, Noeleen McHugh, Cllr Peter Coyle (Lab), Marie Slattery and Sean Sloyan are pictured at Malahide Castle and Gardens during the announcement of the appointment of Shannon Heritage to manage
the newly-redeveloped tourism facilities at Malahide Demesne for Fingal County Council. The agreement will see Shannon Heritage, Ireland’s largest operator of tourist attractions, expand its operations out of its traditional home in the Shannon region for the first time ever.
A NUMBER of local burial grounds are set to receive covered bins to help prevent the sacred sites from becoming litter-strewn and untidy. The provision of covered bins or skips is set to be trialled on a pilot basis within various local graveyards in Fingal, if appropriate, to help prevent the blowing of loose litter around the sites, as well as helping to remove some of the “unsightly dumps” within these grounds. Big problem
The request was raised at a recent council meeting by local Fine Gael councillor, Anthony Lavin, who said that the problem of litter within local graveyards has become a big problem in the area.
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“There are three cemeteries in particular there are issues with. You will see the problem in Sylvester’s cemetery in Malahide, or up in Fingal’s cemetery in Balgriffin and, to a certain lesser extent, Balgriffin cemetery as well,” he explained. Plastic
“A lot of the time people bring flowers with plastic wrapping to the graveyards and they throw the whole thing into the pit and they’re left there. “Eventually, the flowers rot or the plastic gets blown around the place and sometimes the graveyards can become very litter strewn as a result, so there should be some kind of receptacle with a lid on it to help keep the place a bit tidier.”
12 July 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 7
CRICKET Minister is bowled over by MCC
MCC Chairman Kevin Murphy, Minister Michael Ring (FG), MCC Club President Alan Hughes, ODI International Development Officer Ian Talbot, Alan Farrell (FG) and Councillor Anthony Lavin (FG)
Cricket club hopes to boost economy I NATALIE BURKE
MALAHIDE Cricket Club gave a warm welcome to the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, last week, when he paid an official visit to the local club as it showcased its recently redeveloped facilities. The Minister was welcomed by the club president, Alan Hughes, chairman Kevin Murphy, club one-day international development officer, Ian Talbot, and local councillor Anthony Lavin. Local Fine Gael TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell, who was also present on the day, underlined the particular importance and
significance of the visit. “I thought it was important to ask the Minister for Sport, Michael Ring TD, personally to visit the club in the aftermath of the significant investment in the facility last year, and to showcase the terrific facilities and the potential that the club has on the sporting landscape as well as economically,” he said. “As a member of the club for 25 years, I was very pleased to introduce Minister Ring to the club who, with the benefit of funding, hard work and vision, has brought the facility to such a high standard that it is well on its way to becoming a premier international hub of
cricket in Ireland.” Last year, the local cricket club saw the completion of a massive redevelopment project, making it the first international sized cricket ground in the Republic of Ireland with an 11,000 capacity for hosting international cricket games. The visit by the Minister comes in advance of the club preparing to host a visit of the English cricket team next year. The club will host a oneday international game between Ireland and England in September 2013, a move set to bring up to €1m into the local economy. “Just last month we learned that the club will
be hosting the English team next September. This event will have a significant benefit for the local economy in Malahide. I felt it was equally as important that the Minister recognise Malahide as an asset to attracting international sporting events, due to its landscape, historical features and vibrant hospitality,” Deputy Farrell continued. “I would like to commend the club management team and the Minister for making the visit such a success and I am confident that it will serve to develop an even more improved relationship between the club and the Department.”
Playgrounds to be smoke free PUBLIC playgrounds across Fingal are set to become tobacco free areas following the approval of Fingal County Council’s SmokeFree Playgrounds initiative. The council is one of the first in the country to introduce a policy of smoke-free playgrounds for all its public playgrounds. The initiative was put out on public display until June 22, and
a positive reaction to the scheme was received. During this month’s council meeting, councillors agreed to implement the no-smoking policy at playgrounds. Positive
In a report to councillors, a FCC spokesperson said the council received a total of 15 submissions. “Fourteen were welcoming of this
initiative as a positive step in promoting the protection of children from second-hand smoke and the denormalisation of smoking in the community. There was one negative view submitted,” the report said. The scheme was piloted and put in place at the playground at Millennium Park in Dublin 15 in 2011.
8 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 12 July 2012
12 July 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 9
MUSIC Local teacher launches new album at Golf Club
Karin Ennis and Yvonne Burke
Roisin Nugent, Claire O’Connor, Keelan Devane and Tara Morgan
Maria Dempsey, Mary Brennan and
Keelin Devane and Tony
Louise Campion and Ali Fogarty
Valerie Keogh
Healey
Tania Crinnion, Caitriona Reilly and Barbara Nolan. Pictures: Una Williams
In fine voice for Keelan’s launch T was a night of song and celebration as local teacher Keelan Devane launched her new album. The event, held in Malahide Golf Club, brought out many faces from the town as the fourth class teacher showed off her talents. Keelan has long been supported by her colleagues and friends from St Oliver Plunkett’s school in the
I
town and this night was no different. School principal Tony Healey was on hand to help show off Keelan’s vocal talent. The two have already collaborated on a version of Brandi Carlile’s hit song The Story, made famous by the TV show Grey’s Anatomy, with the video on YouTube gaining in popularity.
Aisling Greene, Lisa Dunne and Liz Keery
Liz Tisdall, Derek Delaney and Angela Kearns
10 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 12 July 2012
CELEBRATIONS The Phoenix Park Pirates take on the Dublin 8’s
Birthday bash for the USA
N July 4, US Ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney and his wife Patricia celebrated American Independence Day by hosting the Third Irish American Flag Football Classic. Over 2,500 guests were in attendance for the Independence Day celebrations. The football was delivered by professionals who sky dived from a plane overhead. Then it was time for The Phoenix Park Pirates to take on the Dublin 8’s. The Dublin 8’s took the title this year winning 44 to 37. Guests of all ages enjoyed hamburgers, hotdogs, red, white and blue cupcakes and other traditional American treats. The Kids Zone was a huge success with face painting, story-telling, science demonstrations and the giant inflatable slide.
O
William Cummins, Eddie Goggins, Ref Tony Rivers, Dan Rooney and Barry Bolton. Pictures: Peter Doyle Peter and Mary Tiernan
Dublin 8’s Youth with Martin Kane, head coach, and Heather Sanchez, team manager
Dave Duffy approaches and then lands with Uncle Sam with Avril and Nathan Byrne
The game featured plenty of end-to-end action
the Steelers’ Flag
12 July 2012 GAZETTE 11
in American football game to mark USA’s birthday
Phoenix Park Pirates Youth with head coach Gerry Bourke and team manager Elizabeth Morrisson
Jimmy Kloda, Zoe Gibson, Karen Doyle, Alan Munnelly, Justyna Kloda and David Vincent French
Katrina Morrisson, US Ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney, and Aidan Kelly
Zoe Gibson, Karen Doyle and Justyna Kloda
Louise McKiernan, Margaret McKiernan, Mairead Butler, Dylan
Blaithin Ruadh, Sinead O’Neill and Sarah Daly
Butler and Conor Butler with Snap, Crackle and Pop
Peter Killalea
Little Caoimhe McDonald, Lee Gibson was a favourite with all those red, white and blue cup cakes
Hadar Levy from the Israeli Embassy
three months old, on her first
enjoying the celebrations
Independence Day
Derek Byrne and Andrew Bradford
12 GAZETTE 12 July 2012
INDEPENDENCE DAY Over 2,000 get together to mark July 4
Letting celebrate I PAUL HOSFORD
US Ambassador Dan Rooney with Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Aidan Prendergast of the Mayoman’s Association (top) and with Social Protection Minister, Joan Burton
OVER 2,000 people gathered at the residence of the American Ambassador to Ireland, Dan Rooney, last week, to celebrate the birth of the USA. The residence featured a taste of everything American on the day, with hotdogs, burgers and American Football taking centre stage. The residence, on 62 acres of ground was completed in 1776. Built by Col John Blaquiere, chief secretary of the British government and bailiff of the Phoenix Park, it has been the home of the American ambassador to Ireland since 1928. Extensive renovations to the house and property were made by the U.S. Government in 1952. T he proper ty now consists of orchards and gardens on which are located three cottages and a gate lodge. T he lower ground floor of the residence has a ballroom, reception and dining room, library, office, kitchen’s pantry, staff room and laundry. Six suites which each have a bedroom, bathroom and dressing room, plus a sitting room are located on the upper floor. The residence has furniture and equipment obtained in Ireland, the United States and many other countries. This year, the staff of the American embassy in Ballsbridge, their families and assorted guests, American, Irish and other wise, were in attendance for the American national day. Since Ambassador Rooney owns the most successful team in American Football history, the Pittsburgh
Steelers, it is hardly surprising that the showpiece event of the day should be a gridiron game. The third Irish American Flag Football classic was played on a specially constructed pitch in what is, essentially, the ambassadors back yard. The pitch, complete with American Football goalposts, two big screens, bleachers and impressive pitch markings that included a 4-metre wide ambassador’s seal at midfield. Patrick McKenna and Alan Gallagher from Croke Park both put immense work, with their team. They made sure the pitch was ready and up to the standard a man whose team plays in a $300 million, 65,000 seater stadium would expect. There was much joking that the Rooneys could pay Croke Park back by securing a Steelers game for HQ in the future, as has long been rumoured, but official word on such a move is still not forthcoming. The game itself is a non-contact version of the gridiron game. Many players on both the defending Phoenix Park Pirates and challenging Dublin 8’s had never played the game before at all. Not everyone, however, was a pigskin neophyte. Taking the reins at quarterback for the 8’s was a young man by the name of Dan Rooney. T h e a m b a s s a d o r ’s grandson has just finished a stint as the backup quarterback at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire and was coached on the 8’s by his uncle, Dan Rooney Jr. Along with some US Marines and other
embassy staff, both teams had a mix of newcomers and vets, with some Irish American Football players thrown into the mix as well. The game itself started with the arrivals of the teams as announced by Today FM spor ts reporter Paul Collins. Then followed armed forces from both Ireland and the US marching the colour (or, on this day, color) before the singing of the national anthems. Then, the game ball was delivered by --------------------------
‘The relationship between our two countries is stronger than ever...we never stopped imagining a brighter future’
------------------------------------------
US Ambassdor Dan Rooney
--------------------------
members of the Irish Parachute Club, who jumped from high over the residence. A typically low-key arrival for such an event as this, then.
Game on The game itself was a thriller, with the young Rooney leading his team into an early lead by finding Joe Grey for an early touchdown, before finding Danny Ferens Jr, whose father is a member of the Steelers’ front office. T he Phoenix Park Pirates, led by Eddie Goggins, were struggling to get into the rhythm as they sought to defend the crown which they wrestled
12 July 2012 GAZETTE 13
the American way - with football and hotdogs
freedom ring to a special friendship from the 8’s last year. Just before half time, Shaun Douglas, a player with Castleknock’s own West Dublin Rhinos, caught a pass before weaving his way through the despairing reaches of the 8’s defence and in for a touchdown. That left the score at 23-14 at the break. At half-time, a group of youngsters from both Ireland and America took part in a smallsided game, thrilling the crowd in a 14-7 win for the 8’s. T he Pirates would receive the ball to start the second period and after one play, Douglas had hauled his team back into the game.
The victorious Dublin 8’s team
The teams would go back and forth before the Pirates would level things with just under two minutes to go. With consummate calmness, Rooney
showed why the family business was American Football and led his team into the endzone with just seconds to go. In the end, joint-Most Valuable Player Ferens
would show why he is being highly touted for some major colleges in the States with a stunning interception to end the game. With a presidential
election this year, it is unclear if this will be the last year of this event or whether Mr Rooney will be returned to the Chief Secretary’s Lodge by Barack Obama or Mitt Romney. It is clear, however, that Rooney has the appetite to stay in the Phoenix Park, praising the strong relationship between the country of his birth and the nation of his heritage. “Our relationship is stronger than ever,” he said before echoing the words of Barack Obama who, during his visit to Ireland last year, spoke of countries that have “never stopped imagining a brighter future”
“I have travelled all over Ireland and visited every county. US confidence in Ireland’s economy has never wavered and our investment in Ireland’s future remains strong,” Mr Rooney said. In the end, all that was left to do was sit back and look at how well puttogether the day was. Embassy staff had worked long and hard at producing a special day and they certainly succeeded. Many in attendance, particularly those from this side of the pond, remarked at how over the top it all seemed, but were reminded swiftly that over the top is what America does.
CHARITY
Motor bike run for spina bifida AN annual motorbike charity run is set to take place later this month, when a group of motorcyclists will travel from Dublin to Tullamore in order to raise money for a very worthy cause. A f ter a successful charity event last year, the fundraising motorcyclists “15 to 1” are set to hit the road again, but this year in aid of spina bifida. The group is inviting any motorcyclists who wish to take part to come along and donate €20 towards the fundraiser. Any motorcyclist who would like to join in the run is asked to meet at the Mansion House in Dublin at 9.30am on Sunday, July 29. The run will officially start at 11am with refreshments available on arrival to Tullamore.
14 GAZETTE 12 July 2012
TOP 100 Author updates guide to our horticultural gems
Capital comes up roses in garden world I SUZANNE BYRNE
WICKLOW may be the Garden County – but Dublin’s gardens are still among the best in the country. That’s according to writer Shirley Lanigan, who’s just published an updated edition of her book, The 100 Best Gardens in Ireland. Airfield Garden in Dundr um, Ardgillan Demesne in Skerries and Dillon Garden in Ranelagh all make the grade
in her 100 best list, which has now been made available as a pocket guide for wandering garden enthusiasts. T he latest edition explores the history of Ireland’s gardens, their design, flora, fauna and
includes interviews with owners, curators and gardeners themselves. It’s also a great guide to practical information on fees and opening hours and quite simply bursts with information on the cornucopia of horticultural gems just waiting to be dug up. Speaking to the Gazette, Lanigan explained her idea of what made a garden truly great. “My favourite gardens are big wandering ones
Dublin’s gardens are still among the best in the country, according to writer Shirley Lanigan (left)
where you can get lost. “Where you actually have to sort of turn left and right and go down laneways and tunnels. For me, they’re the Mecca of great gardens,” she said. “There’s an untamedness about the best of Irish gardens, they always give you the feeling it sort of happened by mistake. “I think it’s because of all the rain our gardens tend to be extremely lush
and it’s easy for an Irish garden to develop a jungle-like feel – unlike British gardens where they go in for much more formality that’s more mannered and hemmed in. Ireland’s a bit scruffier,” she said. Explaining how she drew up the list, Lanigan said she initially made her selection from memor y and experience and then revisited the gardens. Some still made the grade – and
some didn’t. “What I like now is the wall-planting. There’s a lot of good design now, using the walls of a new buildings as a vertical build – it gives you the chance to let plants look as if they have the upper hand.” Of the Dublin gardens on her list, she said the Dillon garden was a particular wonder. “It’s one woman and her husband’s garden. There’s this most extraor-
dinarily beautiful garden behind their home. She really is an amazing woman with plants.” As for the ideal recipient of the book, Lanigan said: “Anyone who likes to go out for a drive. Very often, you’ll pick one or two things. Though you’d be hard pressed to reproduce them. “But we can all dream,” she said. The 100 Best Gardens in Ireland is published by Liberties Press.
Antibiotic use must be curbed, says study I SUZANNE BYRNE
SCIENTISTS are calling on the government to step up their current campaign to curb the use of antibiotics in humans and animal healthcare. According to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-funded report detailing new links between water quality and health, the problem of antibiotic resistant bacteria has become increasingly widespread. The study, Enhancing Human Health through Improved Water Quality, demonstrates the extent to which acquired antimicrobial resistance in E. coli and Enterococci bacteria has spread in Ireland’s water sources. Lead author of the
study Professor Martin Cormican told the Gazette the health risk lay in the fact that these bacteria, which live in humans and used to be sensitive to antibiotics – had now become resistant – primarily due to the overuse of antibiotics. These bacteria are then spread between humans and animals through contaminated water sources – as well as other inter-animal contact, and can turn up in others that have not been on courses of antibiotics – thus accelerating their spread. T he study fur ther details the potential role of intensive health care settings, such as hospitals as a focus for pharmaceutical and bacterial contaminants.
The hospital superbug MRSA is a strain of bacteria that has become resistant to conventional antibiotics. Among the report’s key findings is a connection between heavy rainfall and sudden changes in water quality – as bacterial contamination gets washed into groundwater from farm sources and septic tanks. Researchers have also stressed how poorlyprotected wells or water treatment facilities can have an adverse impact on the health of families and business owners. In light of this, the report recommends the classification of water sources to highlight those at risk. It further advises the
implementation of a total quality management systems approach to water treatment plants, where operational failure is identified as a major risk. During the period o f t h e s t u d y, s o m e rural populations were exposed to piped water that was substantially contaminated with faeces all of the time, with the additional problem of exposure to E. coli that had an array of acquired antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. It noted in this regard however, that overall improvement in drinking water quality was reported in the recent EPA report The Provision and Quality of Drinking Water in Ireland – a Report for the Year 2010.
12 July 2012 GAZETTE 15
CHAMPIONSHIPS 350 sailors set compass for title success
Sailing elite to drop anchor in Dun Laoghaire I SUZANNE BYRNE
THE cream of the world’s young sailors are set to drop anchor in Dun Laoghaire this week as the borough plays host to the International Sailing Federation’s (ISAF) World Youth Sailing Championships. Dubbed the Youth Olympics of Sailing, the event is taking place in Ireland for the first time in its 42-year history at locations across Dun Laoghaire Harbour and Dublin Bay between July 13 and 20. The 350 budding seafarers, all aged between 16 and 19, are representing 63 flags from across
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six continents. Accompanied by 120 coaches, they will sail 250 boats across five classes in their race for the eight available world titles. Brian Craig, who’s chairing the event, told the Gazette the organising committee first made its application to host the championships back in 2008 and faced stiff competition from six other countries. T he key factor in their successful bid, he believes, was that Dun Laoghaire “had it all”: “A marina, plenty of hotels, a yacht club – all within short walking distance – while other venues may have had two of these,
but not a third.” Organisers hope the championships will bring €5 million into the local economy with 100,000 visitors expected to attend over the duration. Along with the competitive events, the weeklong championships, sponsored by Four Star Pizza, will double up as a music and cultural festival, offering visitors the chance to peruse market stalls, enjoy street music and take in the bracing sea air on a trip around Dublin Bay. The opening ceremony takes place on July 13 at 7.30pm and will be addressed by Tanaiste
The cream of the world’s young sailors are set to drop anchor in Dun Laoghaire for the International Sailing Federation’s (ISAF) World Youth Sailing Championships
and local TD Eamon Gilmore (Lab), Cathaoirleach Cllr Tom Joyce (FG) and ISAF President Goran Petersson at the Harbour.Plaza. The welcoming of the teams will be followed by the ceremonial raising of the championships flag and the mixing of the waters brought from the homelands of the 63
competing nations. The ISAF World Sailing Championships have long provided the world with its first glimpse of future sailing stars and Olympians – with 15 of the competitors who won medals at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games past medallists at the youth championships.
Expected to top the medal table this year are the French, New Zealanders, Americans, English and Spanish – although local girl Sophie Murphy from the Royal St George Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire is thought to be in the running in her category, the Laser Radial Girls. The week’s events will
conclude with a fireworks display which will crown the closing ceremony. After the medals are awarded, the official flag will be lowered in readiness to be handed over to Cyprus who host the event next year. For further information on the events logon to http://www.dlrcoco.ie/
16 GAZETTE 12 July 2012
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY Getting the perfect smile in just a day GETTING the perfect smile could take just one day, thanks to a revolutionary treatment by a Blackrock clinic. Seapoint Clinic launched a brand new product that will revolutionise treatment for denture wearers or those with broken or missing teeth. Teeth in a Day is a clinically proven product that allows patients to have their smile transformed in one day. This clinic is the only clinic in Ireland offering this treatment, which is proving quite popular in the UK and USA. Typically, when a patient decides to have implants to replace missing or decayed teeth they could be waiting six months, and have to wear temporary dentures in the interim, causing discomfort and unease. This new procedure means that appointments which normally take place over a six month period are condensed into one visit. For further information and prices at Seapoint Clinic check out on www.seapointclinic.ie or phone 1800 92 7770.
Edited by Laura Webb
Fashion week celebrates four unknown stylists HE finale of eBay Online Fashion Week ended on a high thanks to four unknown stylists who were chosen to style the end of week catwalk show, Ireland’s first eBay fashion show at Smock Alley Theatre. L e a n n e Wo o d f u l l , Gavin Norton, Laura O’Brien and Roisin Flanagan were handpicked by TV personality fashion guru Darren Kennedy, founder of helpmystyle. ie. The four young stylists were given the chance to showcase their style ideas by creating three of this summer’s hottest trends for the catwalk show. The trends included sport luxe, printastic and tea party. Each stylist used clothes from eBay’s fashion gallery. Gavin Norton’s take on preppy chic for men combined varsity jackets with bow-tie suits and mixed a patterned slim fitting trouser (€31) with a cardigan (€22) – adding a leather varsity jacket to prep up this look (€46). Laura O’Brien nailed the tea party look keep-
T
ing it feminine and sweet. One of her looks showcased a cute yet stylish peter pan-collared, orange polka dot dress (€22) teamed perfectly with a flower headband (€7) to give it that summer chic feel. A printastic themed look by Leanne Woodfull stuck to the brief by highlighting a Versace print shirt (€42). She themed the amazing summer printed shirt with retro denim shorts (€12) and a simple black belt (€65). The printed scarf used as a headband, added to the look giving it a real 80s feel. Roisin Flanagan made sports clothes look luxurious. One of her looks teamed a baseball vest (€31) with a black leather skirt (€22), turning a top usually associated with lounging around into a sport luxe statement piece. Over 300 fashionista’s took to their seats at the finale show recently including make-up artist Joanne Larby and Kellie Dalton of Burberry. Not only did the show delight the Irish audience, but it was viewed
Trendsetters Gavin Norton, Leanne Woodfull, Laura O’Brien and Roisin Flanagan (top) and their creations
by thousands who watched through a live stream online from areas like Singapore, USA and Italy. Commenting on the event, eBay’s Laura Wilkinson said “eBay.
ie’s Online Fashion Week celebrated everything about Irish fashion and enabled everyone to be involved. The fashion talks engaged the live and online audience with over 500 Twitter interac-
tions and questions posted to the industry insiders. Showcasing emerging talent of Ireland’s upcoming stylists was a great end to the week.” The upcoming stylists were applauded for
their work and looked like they were having the time of their life. To watch any of the talks or the fashion show go to: http://www. youtube.com/user/ eBayIEofficial
Always be ‘photo ready’ with Revlon’s affordable foundation BE photo ready with Revlon’s affordable foundation that is light enough, yet tough enough, to stay intact all day and night. Whether you plan to stay in, or enjoy a night out on the town, Revlon’s PhotoReady make-up (€19.40) will stay on skin through even the hottest summer days and nights. ColorBurst Lip Butter in Tested under the harshest lights Lollipop and high-definition camera lenses, PhotoReady Makeup the make-up provides poreless, airin Shell brushed skin in any light. According to its makers, the PhotoReady foundation contains “photochromatic pigments that bend and PhotoReady Eye Primer reflect light to help erase any flaw”. and Brightener
It also contains SPF 20, protecting the skin from sun damage. This product is also extremely easy to apply, so anyone who doesn’t have a foundation brush will love this foundation. Just press the pump to disperse formula – two to three times is enough – then apply with fingertips. Start at the center of the face and blend outwards. Once applied, users immediately notice the soft luminous finish. It’s fragrance and oil free. This product is available in four colours – Shell, Nude, Natural Beige and Cool Beige. For anyone who might need a little help with a more even and
smooth complexion, then try Revlon’s PhotoReady primers. The Perfecting Primer (€19) is for anyone who thinks pores and fine lines are an issue. It can be used alone for a more even and smooth complexion or as a great surface area for make-up application under Revlon’s PhotoReady foundation. Anyone who wants to reduce the appearance of lines and creases on lids and under eyes should try the Revlon PhotoReady Eye Primer and Brightener (€14.80). It brightens the entire eye area and ensures eye shadows and concealers stay in place. Meanwhile, Revlon are giving lips a burst of colour with their lip
butter. The ColourBurst lip butter (€11.25) softens and hydrates lips, which is a much needed ingredient during warm weather and cold weather periods. This lip butter glides on easily and leaves lips with the great long-lasting colour. There are seven shades available including: Peach Parfait, Cotton Candy, Candy Apple, Tutti Frutti, Lollipop, Strawberry Shortcake and Sweet Tart. Test out the whole range and find the perfect colour to make the perfect pout. For the month of July, this product is reduced to €7 at participating stores. Revlon products are available at pharmacies nationwide.
12 July 2012 GAZETTE 17
SNAPSHOT The local stories of the day
Tall Ships are coming TO mark the first day of the International Tall Ships Races, “First Mate” Keith Duffy was joined recently at Grand Canal Square by Minister for Tourism Leo Varadkar and Dublin’s newly elected Lord Mayor Naoise O Muiri (FG). The Bugle Babes, a 1940s-style vocal trio, provided the music as details were announced of the line-up for the capital’s free four-day festival this August 23-26. The fleet of 50 ships, which sets sail from St Malo, France, for the first race in the series, arrives into Dublin – final host port in the race – for what promises to be this summer’s biggest floating festival. One of the most anticipated nautical events of the year, the Tall Ships Races 2012, which is supported by the Polish city of Szczecin and organised by Sail Train-
ing International, docks in Dublin on Thursday, August 23, when the city is expected to come alive with a festival atmosphere both on and off the water. Local organisers, Dublin City Council and Dublin Port Company, are delighted that Dublin was chosen as the final host port for this year ’s race and have programmed an impressive entertainment line-up to cater for all tastes. Minister Leo Varadkar commented: “It’s great to see the Tall Ships Races back in Ireland again, following a highly successful visit last year. This fantastic event is set to attract thousands of people into the capital. “It’s a rare opportunity to see so many of these great ships against Dublin’s striking city skyline. Events like this are very important for tourism
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Lord Mayor of Dublin Naoise O Muiri (FG), Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar, and ‘First Mate’ Keith Duffy at Grand Canal Square in Dublin as they announce details of the The Tall Ships Races 2012
companies and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in bringing it to Dublin. It’s fun, it’s free of charge and open to everyone.” Over the week, there
will be music with Ash and the Undertones set to perform on the Bulmers Music Stage along with other high-profile music acts as part of the spectacular free four-day
line-up. The Bulmer’s Music Stage will host a jam-packed line-up of performances from some of Ireland’s hottest upcoming acts to musical stalwarts.
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.
18 GAZETTE 12 July 2012
R1
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS Listening to what the client wants Supported by AIB
Interview: David ‘Warren’ Venter, owner, David Warren Hair And Beauty, Kinsealy
THE COMPLEX WORLD OF INVESTMENT: PART 2
Continued from last week’s Gazette Business
Keeping it simple therefore, uncluttered and easy to understand is the key for the average investor. What is also key is that changing nature of investment. Currently government bonds have been the star performers over the last few volatile years. However, they cannot continue to perform as they have and therefore having the flexibility to be able to swap into a different investment vehicle without cost and without fuss is essential. First things first – work out what is your attitude to risk. On a scale of one to five, where one is lower risk and five is higher risk, where are you ? Once you have established this risk attitude, then the choices become a little clearer. One option launched recently is Standard Life’s MyFolio funds where you simply choose between one of the five funds that match five risk levels. Each fund is designed to maximise potential returns within the investor’s chosen risk level and is then monitored, reviewed and actively managed by the investment team in Standard Life. Based on the same scale of one to five, each MyFolio of multi-asset funds is risk based. Originally launched in Britain over 20 months ago, the fund has so far attracted over €1b with 40% invested in the MyFolio 3 (the balanced choice) and c. 20% each in the MyFolio 2 (lower to medium risk) and MyFolio 4 (medium to higher risk). Annual management charges range from 1.15% for model 1 to 1.35% for model 5 and for those wanting to see precisely the make up of every investment in these models, you can access the factsheets on www.standardlife.ie or email me for the factsheets. This type of investment is not suitable for those investors who do not wish to take any risk on their money. 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
DAVID “Warren” Venter has been in love with hairdressing since 1985, and says that the one thing he loves the best is the everchanging trends and interesting people he meets. He says: “It never gets boring. Over the years, I have worked on photo shoots, fashion shows and TV productions. I have worked for a leading hair care company as an educator. “If I had to sum up all my experience in one word, it would be the word that I start all my training with, and that word is: Listen.” David adds: “When you listen to the wants and needs of the client – and I mean really listen – the client will tell you all you need to know to meet all of her or his requirements.” On building up an extremely successful business and name, he says: “I have been in Ireland for 11 years now, and I have embraced this opportunity [to establish my business] with both hands. “[For our clients], a good experience and advice is what I base my career on. “As well as good hairdressing, I will be offering a range of beauty services.”
Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: A postman, because postmen could ride on the bus for free
African army I started hairdressing
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hairdressing and is also diversifying into beauty services too
Q&A
Q: What was your first job? A: After two years in the South
gazette
Known as ‘Warren’, South African David Venter has established himself as a leading name in
Q: And your first firs pay cheque? A: Although it’s all relative,
look good
Q: What part of your working day do you delegate? A: Where possible, answering the phone
Q: What sport do you follow? A: What’s that? Q: What sport can you play? A: As a challenge, I was told
cheque was €6 a my first pay ch month
to bounce a golf ball off a tree on the other side of the field, which I did on the first swing. I think I am a natural.
Q: Have you ev ever done a job you loathed? A: No.
Q: What is your guilty music/ TV or movie pleasure? A: Classical music, and horror
Q: When did you yo start your present job? A: I started hair hairdressing in 1985
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: Making a client feel and
movies, all the way
Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward? A: David Norris, of course Q: What music/pictures/mov-
ies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: A serious mixture of music for me: Rory Gallagher, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Tony Bennett – you name it, I’ve got it
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: Lady Gaga. I love the looks. Proof that changing the way you look and dress changes the way people see you.
Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update? A: Sanctuary Hair and Beauty all the way
Q: Describe your dream meal? A: Pasta all the way Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Dame Edna – because she is real
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Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? A: Shoe and stationery shops Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: Last count, including slippers – about 106. (I have a thing...)
Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: None at all. I try to make the best of every situation.
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: Going to South Africa to see my family, who I haven’t seen for about eight years
Q: What would be your dream job? A: I have my dream job Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: Look for a job ...
LOCAL
MATTERS
12 July 2012 GAZETTE 19
TIPP HAS IT ALL P20
UNIQUE PILGRIMAGES P22
SUMMER HOME & ABROAD.....FOR ALL THE FAMILY
TOP CLASS DESTINATIONS P22
GETAWAYS!
JULY 2012
FastTravel Summer sale offers even more reasons for a car-cation
Whether travelling alone or with your loved ones, the Costa Daurada – “the golden coast” – is an increasingly popular Spanish treasure
SPAIN: THE DELIGHTFUL COSTA DAURADA IS A FAMILY FAVOURITE
Make golden memories HOL I DAY M A K E R S have been flocking to Spain from Dublin, and the island of Ireland, for many years now, with a holiday in Spain still delighting families and holidaymakers of all ages. With so many sundrenched beaches, historic cities, cultural sites and remarkable scenery to take in, some holidaymakers might almost fear they have too much choice when trying to find a great holiday in Spain. However, one thing is for certain – with so many
wonderful resorts and regions to visit, you’re virtually guaranteed of having a wonderful holiday, whatever part of Spain you visit. Catalonia remains one of Spain’s most popular regions for Irish holidaymakers – and with good reason, given the area’s mixture of sights and resorts. Catalonia’s Costa Daurada (literally,“the golden coast”) is a particularly family-friendly destination that has become increasingly popular with Irish holidaymakers, with families comprising 60%
of visitors to the region. Hotels there are particularly in tune with family needs, with hotels and restaurants offering high chairs and nappychanging tables. T he area’s leisure options are endless, and include a wide range of facilities to help visitors enjoy the perfect day at the beach, from children’s play areas to the sand itself, with such delights as outdoor libraries to relax with a good book, or shops renting equipment for water sports. The Costa Daurada’s natural resources mean
visitors can go for relaxing strolls or bring the kids for one of the area’s many exciting excursions. There are also a wide range of activities and adventure sports for young people, helping to cement the area’s appeal for visitors of all ages. All services are designed with families in mind, meaning that the resulting accommodation venues, restaurants, infrastructure and theme parks will guarantee that a family stay in Costa Daurada is set to be the most pleasurable family
experience of the year. So, for golden memories, and for a wonderful holiday in Spain, whether for a first-time or experienced visitor alike, the Costa Daurada promises you a wonderful holiday. For further information on the Costa Daurada, and on one of Spain’s most enchanting regions, as well as information on hotels and activities, see www.costadaurada.info, w w w.costadauradaevents.com or www.terresdelebre.travel (selecting the English language site versions, where necessary).
KIDS will go half-price this summer with Stena Line, which have launched a summer sale offering families even more reasons to enjoy a carcation this summer. This latest offer is available on all crossings with Ireland’s leading ferry company, from both Dublin Port to Holyhead and Rosslare to Fishguard, with children travelling from only €8.50 for a single fare. Children apply to 15 years and younger, while infants travel for free. This offer is available on travel up until August 31 when booked by July 12, and fares are subject to availability. For further information on the latest sale offers, click on www.stenaline.ie, call 01 204 7777, or visit your local travel agent.
Enjoy a weekend of wellbeing and escape to County Carlow IF THERE has ever been an excuse to escape the daily duties of everyday life, it appears Sandbrook House in Co Carlow may be just that. The period country home has come up with the ideal break away with a weekend of well-being this August, where you are invited to stretch, strengthen and meditate your way to pure relaxation with sessions of yoga, pilates and meditation in the stunning Carlow setting. From August 17 to 19, Sandbrook House are hosting a Wellness Retreat in the tranquil and picturesque surroundings. Set on 25 acres of mature parkland, it is the ideal place to forget the stresses of daily life. As well as classes given by talented instructor Rachel Gaffey, founder of MyWellbeing. ie, guests will also enjoy breakfast, lunch and evening meals packed with home-cooked, local, organic vegetarian food and a cookery demonstration full of delicious recipes that will help you to maintain your healthy lifestyle at home. To take a proper weekend break and retreat to Sandbrook House, call Rachel Gaffey on 086 845 3864 or visit www.sandbrook.ie
20 GAZETTE 12 July 2012
SUMMER GETAWAYS! Enjoy a couple’s break away in magnificent Cavan ENJOY a child free zone with a Couple’s Retreat at Radisson Blu Farnham Estate, Cavan, this summer. Located in the heart of a magnificent estate just 3km from Cavan town, the Radisson Blu Farnham Estate is a contemporary and stylish hotel, full of country charm and character, surrounded by natural beauty among acres of rolling countryside. To enjoy a break away this summer, the Radisson Blu is offering the Ultimate Couple’s Package with spa treatments and lunch as well as one night’s accommodation. Start the experience with a gommage marine scrub on the hamman table before a relaxing hydrotherapy bath to leave you refreshed and relaxed. Next, you will both enjoy the serial mud chamber, where you are covered in mud as the chamber gradually warms. As the mud dries, it removes toxins from the skin. Steam then gently fills the chamber to soften the mud, before a warm shower is dispensed from the ceiling to wash away the mud, leaving your skin feeling luxuriously soft and smooth. Complete this wonderful experience with a massage each side by side. The Couple’s Retreat includes overnight luxury accommodation and super buffet breakfast from €210 per person sharing midweek/€235.00 per person sharing at weekends. For more information or to book, visit www.farnhamestate.ie or call 049 4377700.
Tipperary’s Glen of Aherlow offers stunning views and fantastic walking trails and the Aherlow House Hotel (right)
GLEN OF AHERLOW: ENJOY THE FRIENDLY AND INVITING ATMOSPHERE
Tipp has it all for a top trip away from the city I DAVE PHILLIPS
THERE seems to be a predisposition towards heading for the sea when
looking for an escape from the city. Perhaps the attraction is part and parcel of being an island nation; or maybe it is down to the fact that for many people, the quaint coastal towns and villages of the West offer the kind of low-key, slow-living comforts that can’t be found in the city. Until recently, I was part of the drove that left the inland counties largely unexplored in my quest for a country break, but after stumbling upon Tipperary’s Glen of Aherlow, I’m a card-carrying convert. Set between the Galtee Mountains and Slievenamuch in South Tipperary, the Glen of Aherlow is just a short trip off the M8, making it a relatively painless journey from Dublin. We’d arranged to stay at the Aherlow House Hotel, which with its ivy-laden exterior and overflowing flower bas-
kets, comfortably melds into the lush green surrounds. As well as a large restaurant and bar, the hotel offers self-catering options in purpose-built lodges, making it a popular wedding venue. Located on the cusp of the Glen of Aherlow Natural Park, it’s also a top spot for walkers, acting as a great base for the more challenging peaks of the Galtees, as well as for the multitude of gentler loop walks. If putting your feet up is more appealing than putting them into boots, you won’t be disappointed. The hotel is charming and the abundant little touches – freshly baked cakes along with the newspapers in the room – go to show that real effort has been made to facilitate a relaxing experience. Gastronomically, Aherlow House Hotel is special. The recently recruited head chef, Jose Vega,
has brought culinary flair honed in his native France to locally procured produce. The result is an amazing menu that is simultaneously elegant and earthy. Particularly tasty was the braised fillet of Aherlow river trout, served with vegetables in a Sancerre butter sauce; and a wonderfully tender fillet of beef from the nearby Lewis farm. After dinner we traded the mountain views of the Treetop Restaurant for the open fire and cosy confines of the Hunting Lodge Bar, which serves as a watering spot for both guests and the surrounding community. As it was a Friday night, some of the locals were set up next to us for a small seisun. The relaxed atmosphere (and a Bulmers or two) had us pitching in on a few songs, after which we got talking to Michael Moroney, the Glen’s resident walking guide. Having taken in an
early morning walk, we discovered the hotel can arrange plenty more activities, including fishing, golf trips, equestrian outings, heritage tours, or a trip to Mandy Parslow, the local potter. Aherlow House Hotel is full of character and characters. Outdoor enthusiasts will be in their element; food-lovers will be intensely satisfied; history and heritage buffs will enjoy its close proximity to Cashel and Cahir castle, as well as the multitude of smaller glimpses of history that can be gleaned from the area. Maybe it’s down to the stunning location, or perhaps it’s that sense of community pride seeping into everything that happens at Aherlow House Hotel – whatever the cause, you’re bound to enjoy the honest, friendly and inviting atmosphere. For rates and specials see: www.aherlowhouse. ie
12 July 2012 GAZETTE 21
22 GAZETTE 12 July 2012
SUMMER GETAWAYS!
Get more from your pilgrimage I NATALIE BURKE
FOR anyone interested in adding a little extra to the run-of-the-mill pilgrimage, Joe Walsh Tours Pilgrimage and Sun Holidays are offering you the chance to not only soak up the unique atmosphere and spirituality found in the ever popular shrines of Italy’s San Giovanni Rotondo and Benevento, Portugal’s Fatima or Medjugorje in Bosnia Herzegovina, but also to embrace the sunshine and
St James’s Church, Medjugorje
local cultures in the idyllic coastal settings of Alba Adriatica, Sorrento, Lisbon Coast or Dubrovnik. The unique combination of a religious and sun holiday allows you to spend three or four days
on a peaceful pilgrimage before moving on to a calming holiday by sandy, sun soaked beaches. Departures from Dublin this summer include a four-night pilgrimage in Fatima, followed by three nights in Estoril at €649 per person, leaving Dublin on July 26, August 23 or August 30 for seven nights. The pilgrimage from Dublin departing on August 31 includes a one night stay at Benevento, three nights in San Giovanni Rotondo and three
nights in Sorrento, priced at €824 per person plus tax, while the pilgrimage departing on September 17 will take you to Alba Adriatica for four nights and to San Giovanni Rotondo for three nights. The seven night trip is €784 per person plus tax. All prices include direct flights with Aer Lingus from Dublin, one standard piece of check-in luggage subject to airline’s conditions, all transfers and tours by luxury airconditioned coach, a full religious programme and services of a Joe Walsh Tours representative throughout the tour. For further information, visit www.joewalshtours. ie or call 01 241 0800.
Kevin’s class gets him to top: New head chef at Herbert Park Hotel KEVIN Ramen, has been recently promoted to head chef at the
four-star Herbert Park Hotel, Ballsbridge. Kevin is originally from Mauritius and has worked at Herbert Park Hotel since 2006. He had previously worked in various hotels in Mauritius before moving to Ireland.
TRAVELMOOD: BEAUTIFUL LOCATIONS WORLDWIDE
Top class destinations
I NATALIE BURKE
FROM the tropical sands of Thailand to exclusive shopping in Dubai, Travelmood are giving you the chance to explore some of the world’s most beautiful locations this summer while staying in top class resorts around the globe. Stay in the three-star Golden Sands Apartments in Dubai for five nights from only €693 per person. Placed at the heart of fashionable Bur Dubai, visit the exclusive shopping malls, the Dubai Museum, the fashionable night spots and the new Metro Junction. Departing from Dublin on September 7, the price includes return f l i g h t s , f i ve n i g h t s ’ accommodation on a B&B basis, taxes and charges. Visit the four-star Viva Wyndham Maya resort in Mexico for seven nights on an all
inclusive basis from just €935 per person. Be immersed in pristine beaches and coral reefs while being just five minutes from bars, restaurants and the shops of Playa del Carmen. Departing from Dublin on December 6, prices include return f lights, seven nights’ accommodation, taxes and charges. Relax at the five-star Anantara Resort and Spa in T hailand for seven nights on a B&B basis, followed by the four-star Bel-Aire Princess for three nights on a B&B basis from only €999 per person. The luxurious seclusion of the Anantara Hua Hin Resort is reminiscent of an ancient Thai village, surrounded by tropical gardens and private beaches as well as being just a short distance from Hua Hin’s best golf courses and the lively town centre.
Antara Resort and Spa
Departing from Dublin on September 6, prices include return flights, 10 nights’ accommodation, taxes and charges. The final offer invites you to stay at the fourstar Cape Town Ritz Hotel for seven nights B&B for just €999 per person. The price also includes return flights, taxes and charges and departs from Dublin on November 2.
Stay at the modern Ritz resort, just 300m from the beach. Dine at The Top of the Ritz, Cape Town’s only revolving restaurant and consider the option of adding a unique Safari experience to your trip. For more information on these offers or to book, visit www.travelmood.ie, call their team on 01 4331020 or visit the Travelmood store in Duke Street, Dublin 2.
12 July 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23
Commercial Feature
Summer Family Holidays at The 5*Heritage Golf & Spa Resort LOTS of FREE 5* Family Fun. Pack your bags & head to The Heritage Resort for your family Staycation Vacation! Book your August 3 night Family break with The Resort by July 20th and stay a 4th night for FREE and also receive a complimentary family pass to The National Stud & Gardens. (T&C apply). The resort offers a picturesque setting, comfortable surroundings and spacious family & interconnecting guestrooms, self catering apartments, Kids Club Fun Club, health club with leisure
pool, a choice of restaurants, championship golf course, world class spa and an abundance of onsite & nearby activities. With a variety of Summer Breaks to choose from your will be sure to find what you are looking for. A three night stay with breakfast in a family gue-
stroom with family dinner in the Arlington restaurants on one evening starts from only €290per adult sharing (based on two adults & 2 children sharing). A two night self catering break in a two-bedroom penthouse apartment overlooking the championship golf course with
access to all resort facilities start from €540 per apartment per stay (maximum 2 adults & 3 children per apartment). Your family will be spoilt for choice with the selection of on site activities. The popular Kids Club Fun Club runs each week (Mon to Sat) up to the 28th August 2012 where the little ones can enjoy Arts & Crafts Classes, Fun Fit, Giant Games, Basketball, Table Tennis, Bouncy Castle & Hip Hop Dance. Tennis Court, Family Movies, Fishing, wii room, walking track & much more! Just a short drive from
the Resort, families can explore a range of funfilled days out including; the National Stud & Japanese Gardens, Outlet Shopping at Kildare Village, Lullymore Heritage Park, Emo Court, Pet Farm along with exploring the wild & wonderful Laois Countryside and nearby horse-riding. Nestled in the beautiful countryside of Co. Laois, the Resort is only an hours drive from Dublin City and 45 minutes from the M50 making it’s a hassle free staycation! To book & enquire please call 057 8645500, www. theheritage.com
24 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 12 July 2012
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Singing Nina
SINGING Nina is the fabulous new show brought to you by the Chicago Jazz Queen, Karen Underwood and her band. Karen brings to you in narration and song the engrossing life story of the great legend Nina Simone, from her struggle against racism and exile from her homeland to her flamboyant and troubled relationships and her poignant life. Karen sings all the classic Nina songs, Mississippi Goddamn, Sinnerman and My Baby supported by a live band. For one show only, July 13 at 8pm, tickets are priced at €18/16.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Somewhere under the Rainbow THIS award winning, one woman, musical theatre extravaganza has captured audiences around the country. Now, in preparation for the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Biscuits for Breakfast are delighted to bring “Liza” to the Mill Theatre for one more performance before she leaves these shores. Sharon Sexton’s Liza recounts stories, memories and secrets that make up a fascinating career and an even more intriguing personal life. As she belts her way through Minnelli’s infamous song book, the audience are invited beyond the footlights. July 14 at 8pm. Admission: €20.
CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Johnnie’s Britches BEEZNEEZ, the popular company that brought you Tuesdays with Morrie and Don’t Dress for Dinner return to the Civic with a lovely old Irish comedy, Johnnie’s Britches. A runaway, nationwide hit when first produced in the 1940s, Beezneez bring their distinctive production values to this gentle comedy of another time. Anxious to be rid of their accident prone servant girl, Ned and Bridget are willing to allow her to be married to almost anybody, including Johnnie. July 13 and 14 at 8pm. Admission: €20/16.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 The Connect Club 2012 THIS July, Draíocht is delighted to be back, once again, working with the Daughters of Charity’s Summer Camp The Connect Club in Laurel Lodge. The summer camp is filled with social and recreational activities catering for young people with varying degrees of intellectual disability, with the aim of providing an outlet that is fun and focused on the individual’s likes and interests.
Jack (Mark Duplass) learns a harsh lesson when the two ladies say that they are “fine”.
Sisters are doing it Carefully constructed, tenderly performed and wellwritten, Your Sister’s Sister just never catches fire I PAUL HOSFORD
YOU don’t get a lot for $120,000 these days. The moderate sum is barely enough to fund a purchase at a distress auction, never mind a film that would capture the imagination the week that SpiderMan swings back into action. That is the challenge set for Your Sister’s Sister, the follow-up to Lynn Shelton’s Humpday, which was one of the finest comedy dramas of recent years. I n t h a t f i l m , t wo men drunkenly agree to make an adult film together and are faced with the prospect of going through with it because of their male pride. In this film, Shelton has brought Humpday star Mark Duplass back, but left the naughtiness behind. She instead has made
FILM OF THE WEEK: Your Sister’s Sister ### (15) 90 mins Director: Lynn Shelton Starring: Emily Blunt, Mark Duplass, Rosemarie DeWitt, Mark Birbiglia
OUR VERDICT:
IT’S a good film. There is no doubt about that. But, and it’s hard to put my finger on why, it just doesn’t feel complete. It’s a welltold, interesting story and a neat look at a very complex set of relationships and some deeply flawed people. Shelton deserves credit for her writing, but the third act lets the film down.
a very similar film, but for women. Instead of pornography, male pride and machismo, the issues of sibling relationships, love and who can or cannot make a good parent. All in all, it is refreshing film-making in that it’s made for very little, but still manages to be engaging in a way that many big-budget films are not. But, coming af ter such a film as Humpday, it almost feels like a let-down. Although Humpday was not Shelton’s debut,
this film feels like the quintessential “difficult second album” in that it tries to hit the same notes as its predecessor when a unique take would be more welcome. T his is less Neon Bible than it is whatever The Darkness’ second album was called. A c t u a l l y, c o m p a ring the film with The Darkness is unfair as it is credible, likeable and put together by extremely talented people who all seem lovely. Loveliest of them all is Emily Blunt, currently stretching her main-
stream legs in The Five Year Engagement. Here, Blunt plays Iris, who in an effort to help her best friend Jack out of mourning for his brother, suggests he take a trip to her parents’ secluded cabin. There, he stumbles across Iris’s lesbian sister Hannah. A night of dr unken passion between the two triggers an unexpected entanglement of relationships when Iris suddenly arrives at the cabin the next day. From there, the film becomes an interesting and somewhat caustic look at what makes relationships tick and, honestly, whether men and women can ever be truly just friends. Although the cast is experienced and likeable, the film just fails to fire. Whereas Humpday felt like its 90 minutes sped through, there is the sense that ever y
sinew is being strained to haul Your Sister’s Sister to the finish line. When it is good, however, it is very good, and when Shelton is on form, there aren’t many directors who capture the human condition as readily. At the heart of it all, comes Shelton’s seemingly unshakable faith in people. She genuinely seems to like her characters, flaws and all. Shelton gives Duplass, star of the criminally overlooked The League, the best lines and he seems as close to a muse as the director has, but DeWitt and Blunt carry a neat three-hander to its inevitable, and welltelegraphed conclusion. It won’t change lives, but this is neatly positioned counter-pro gramming to the spandex, swinging and webshooting.
12 July 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces A spacewalk could be a cake walk HERE’S one of those “Ronseal” IOS games – you know, they do exactly what it says on the tin or, more exactly, what the title says – in the form of Astronaut Spacewalk. Here, a deep-sea diver has 24 hours to uncover a global conspiracy involving cats, a secret Soviet undersea base, a rusty codex from 1640 and a deadly female French assassin who – Nah, only kidding – it really is just what the title suggests, as you take an astronaut on a spacewalk through a variety of orbital missions. It’s a pretty simple idea, yet executed with style and, um, precision. Precision? Yes, indeed, as precision is key to the title, as you guide an astronaut on their spacewalk by tapping to release just the right amounts of gas, while considering your direction and inertia, as well as suit power reserves. After all, one wrong tap in the wrong direction could send you drifting serenely towards, say, Madagascar on the planet below – and your certain death, helplessly following a trajectory away from the space shuttle docking bay. A neat little title executed with flair, Astronaut Spacewalk is available on iTunes.
Although Solid Snake’s adventures in the Metal Gear series have taken him around the world and through several decades, Snake – and his younger self (inset) – has always been wearily fighting what amounts to the same battle, as he has fought against Man’s casual willingness to corrupt, rule and destroy others ...
Snake keeps growing I SHANE DILLON
I NOTICED this week that one of gaming’s Grand Old Men – in the grizzled, scarred, battleweary and cynical form of Solid Snake, chief protagonist of the endlessly-reinventing, multiplatform and cross-genre Metal Gear series – is now 25 years old. Well, I mean, the series is now that old, but Snake himself is much older, as befitting someone who’s been around the block in his day.
That “day” has jumped around, with Snake’s adventures playing out in eras ranging from the 1960s to the present day, through contemporary settings with wildly different global politics at play to slightly-futuristic places with impossible tech and gadgets. A true cross-platform character, Snake’s been caught up in the coldest of Cold War realpolitik scenarios; fought fringe terrorist groups that were backed covertly by global superpowers;
tackled paranoia and rogue international agencies attempting to subvert political processes; uncovered – and buried – bizarre secrets at one hidden base or secret location after another; saved the world, lost allies and fought former comrades – you name it, Snake has wiggled his way through one high-stakes drama after another. Although largely presented as a curious blend of James Bond, Snake Plissken, Robert Fisk and a masterless samurai,
Boxing clever with a brilliantly daft camouflage idea LEST readers think that picking up any of the Metal Gear games is about as light-hearted as a three-hour lecture on Middle-East politics, the series has always had a dash of pure slapstick, such as in its brilliantly daft idea for camouflage – the cardboard box. Yes indeed, when patrolling a topsecret military base full of guards on high alert, mere hours before an illicit nuclear launch is due against the world’s main cities, every self-respecting master infiltrator needs the perfect fools-everybody disguise: an ordinary cardboard box to hide under.
Simply by slipping a cardboard box over his head, and then inching/darting around playing the old “Huh? Did something just move?” game with confused nearby guards, Snake is generally able to sneak on by. True, my attempts to sneak around, and then out of The Gazette an hour or two early in this fashion haven’t quite worked out as well, but it remains a fondlyremembered gaming sight to see, regardless.
Snake has remained one of gaming’s most complex, yet popular, characters. This, despite the Metal Gear games’ tendencies to practically slap players about the head with political commentary as the game plays out. For example, one moment could find Snake creeping through the engine room of a hijacked container ship carrying biological bombs deep into the heart of a bustling city – the next, a 20-minute cut-scene could play out, as Snake, and others, discuss over his radio link European foreign policies in the 1970s, and the complex ties between the military, commercial and political wings of, say, China. At least you can always count on regular breaks to go and make a cuppa, then. It’s all pretty farout, headscratch-
ingly complex (and, quite simply, frequently daft) stuff, and can feel more like an abstract commentary on global politics, and The Way Things Work, than being just, you know, a game. All of this heavy-hitting wackiness has largely been down to the legendary figure of Hideo Kojima, the singularly-focused figure who’s driven Snake, and sidekicks, on across the years, with each new adventure becoming increasingly out-there. Still, Snake’s adventures have remained highly popular, as Kojima-san has always driven the games along with plenty of conventional gaming tropes, from stealth sections to all-out blazing action set-pieces. While occasionally irritatingly dense to wade through, as well as covering stuff that even a conspiracy theorist would roll his eyes at, here’s hoping that Snake’s maverick adventures in the Metal Gear universe keep growing for many more years.
GAZETTE
26 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 12 July 2012
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12 July 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 27
GazetteSPORT
FEILE FEVER:
Dublin plays host to annual U-14 festival of hurling Page 28 and 29
GOLF: DORAN BRINGS MCELROY’S IRISH SENIOR CLOSE REIGN TO AN END IN BUNCLODY
Donabate woman reaches Senior Close final four sport@gazettegroup.com
D O N A BAT E ’ S P a t Doran played superbly but was just pipped at the semi-final stage of the ILGU Irish Senior women’s close championship at Bunclody Golf and Fishing Club last week. Playing eventual winner Helen Jones, from Strabane, she was undone on the 21st hole of her final four tie last Thursday to agonisingly miss out.
Jones had earlier produced a stunning comeback. She was dormie two down against Doran but showed her true fighting spirit to win both the 17th and 18th with pars and bring the match down tie holes where she eventually won out on the 21st. A r o u n d e a r l i e r, Doran had knocked out defending champions Sheena McElroy, from Grange, who had put up a gallant defence of her title and a three in a
row record. Doran has been knocking at the door in recent years and she maintained her composure in an edgy match to win with a par on the 18th while McElroy found the water left of the home green. McElroy had earlier dismissed Killarney’s Mar y Geaney on an emphatic 6&5 scoreline to show she was in rude form. The Island’s Gertie McMullen was another
Donabate’s Pat Doran reached the semi-final of this year’s Irish Seniors’ Close championship
local golfer to traverse the competition in dramatic fashion as she reached the quarter-finals, too. There, she was one up against Portumna’s Suzanne Corcoran playing the 18th but a
par from the Galway woman was enough to take the final hole and she birdied the first tie hole to win a semi-final berth. Earlier in the comp e t i t i o n , M c Mu l l e n
had beaten Headfort’s Pauline Walsh 4&3 and Adrienne Crowley, from Woodbrook, one up. Dun Laoghaire duo Marie Igoe and Niamh Giblin were also involved in the competi-
tion and made it safely through the first round. Igoe bowed out to Jones in round two while Doran dismissed Giblin 4&3 in the third round of the competition.
28 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 12 July 2012
GazetteSport Sport Feile fever descends on Dublin HE annual Feile na nGael made its way to Dublin for the first time in over 30 years as over 3,000 hurlers, camogie players and handballers from around the country came to the capital for one of the highlights of the GAA calendar. They competed in three days of competition at clubs around the city before taking part in social activities including a parade from Croke Park to O’Connell Street while Saturday saw the finals take place across the divisions in Croke Park and Parnell Park.
T
Members of St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh were among huge crowds to gather in O’Connell St to support the Feile na nGael
The referee inspects the Newport team’s hurleys
Kilmacud Crokes in action against Buncrana in Silver Park
Ballinteer St John’s camogie team enjoy the Bus Eireann Feile na nGael Parade from Croke Park through Dublin City
12 July 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29
Ballyboden St Enda’s Eoin Featherstone and De La Salle’s Lee Wall in the division one hurling competition
Lucan Sarsfields’ Emily McIntyre and Newport’s Ciara Floyd
parade. Pics: Martina McGilloway/ilivephotos.com
The St Brigid’s handball team enjoy the parade
The Clondalkin Youth Band lead teams down O’Connell Street
Handballers Hannah Dagg, Fiona Tully and Anna Ni Odhrain Ni Mhurchu
Stephen Smith and Thomas Donohoe
Kilcormack/Killoughey in action
Dublin hurlers Peter Kelly and Johnny McCaffrey with Peter Flannery
30 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 12 July 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
CRICKET: GETKATE, CHASE AND COUGHLAN IN IRISH U-19 SQUAD
Muprhy breaks Irish national 50m record AER Lingus swimming club member Barry Murphy put in a top performance at the Canada Cup in Montreal last weekend where he broke the Irish senior 50m Butterfly record. Murphy was just .01 of a second off the record of 24.49 in the morning heats but went into the final and clocked a 24.42 finishing in fifth place. Three weeks out from the London Olympic Games, Murphy is showing that he could go onto even greater heights on the big stage, with his finish at the Canada Cup being more of a conditioning drill than anything else according to Peter Banks, National performance director. “This meeting came in the middle of his training camp, and the focus of the event was very much just to get him race ready, so it was a fantastic achievement for Barry to go out there and clock such a good time. “Obviously, with these outings, focus is really not on performance, we can expect to see Barry bank even quicker times when the Games get under way. “He was very unlucky not to qualify for the Beijing Olympics in 2008, so he has had four years to get himself into peak condition and with his wealth of experience he can go on to great things in London. “The Canada Cup performance showed that he is in good form, his conditioning is solid and it will put him in a good mindset in the last three weeks of his preparation,” said Banks. Murphy was the first Olympic swimmer to qualify for the London Games, despite not competing in this year’s European and National championships due to complications with his illness, acute asthma. The former Belvedere College student went to study at the University of Tennessee in 2009, where he broke many Irish records while winning a plethora of tournaments, including a powerful display at the Indianapolis Grand Prix where he took gold. In so doing, he also set the Irish national record for the 100m breast stroke at 1:00.27, which also qualified him for Olympics. The Aer Lingus talent also enjoyed a solid performance in 2010’s European Championships before becoming the first Irishman to progress to European Championship sprint final. He qualified through the heats of the 50m breaststroke and his semi final time of 27.60 launched him to sixth in the world rankings.
Shane Getkate, pictured above, has been included in the Irish U-19 side who travel to Australia for the cricket World Cup
Local trio Australia-bound I sport@gazettegroup.com
MALAHIDE natives Shane Getkate and Adam Coughlan along with Peter Chase, who plays with Malahide cricket club, have all been selected amongst the 15 U-19’s who will travel to Australia to represent Ireland at this year’s U-19 ICC World Cup. The competition is set to take place from Monday, August 6 with the final to be held on Friday August 24, under the roaring Australian sun. The Irish team will depar t for the land down under on July 25
for a training camp in Darwin ahead of the start of the World Cup, before playing warm up games in Brisbane against A fghanistan and Sri Lanka before the tournament begins for them on August 12 against England. However, the group stages will be a very demanding test for the Irish squad, who will have to overcome host nation and defending champions, Australia, or the very talented English outfit with Nepal being the other team in their midst in group A. With the composition of tournament in mind,
Autism Action: Innisfails take on Legends of the GAA INNISFAILS held a charity fundraiser in
association with Irish Autism Action in Parnell Park last week, with a GAA Legends side including Ciaran Whelan, Senan Connell, Daragh O Sé, Seamus Moynihan, Graham Geraghty, Peter Canavan and Dessie Dolan, taking on the club. The event raised funds Irish Autism Action of which Keith Duffy is patron. The legends ran out winners on the day 5-8 to 2-13. Duffy (right) is pictured with Seamus Moynihan (left) and Mick Salmon.
it may only take one victory for the side captained by George Dockrell to put themselves amongst the quarter finalists in mid August. F o r I r e l a n d U -19 coach, Ryan Eagleson, the task of selecting 15 standout players was a very difficult one, with many future stars in the age group proving themselves worthy of a call up for the World Cup in Australia. “It’s been exceptionally tough for me and my fellow selectors as we tried to finalise the squad. There’s a great depth of talent now in Irish cricket, and it’s
obviously heartbreaking for the guys who have missed out,” said Eagleson. “We’ve picked a squad which we feel has a genuine chance of progression in the World Cup. There’s a good balance to the squad and real depth in all the disciplines which should give us plenty of options. “The team has trained exceptionally hard since qualifying in August and they should all be proud of their dedication and commitment during that period,” said Eagleson. Dockrell, team captain, also shared his feelings on the upcoming
tests in Australia, and he is counting down the days until the tournament begins. “I’m really looking forward to the tournament as a whole, testing ourselves against the best nations at this level with a group of guys who I’ve played with all through the various age groups. “There’s an expectation now surrounding Irish cricket as the senior side has done so well in previous World Cups with a number of big scalps and we’ll be attempting to emulate that success,” said Dockrell.
12 July 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31
FOOTBALL: SYLVESTER’S MOMENTUM SLOWED
CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST SYLVESTER’S CONGRATULATIONS to our U-14 hurlers
2-13 to St Brigid’s 1-9 in Broomfield
who competed gamely in the Feile and
on Wednesday. They play St Mary’s
well done to everyone involved in pro-
in Broomfield next Saturday, July 14
viding the excellent hospitality to the
at 6.15pm. The intermediate football
visiting teams.
team play at the same time against
Our Dublin minor hurler Kevin
Ballyboden, also in Broomfield.
O’Flynn received a Leinster winner’s
The minor football team drew with
medal with victory over Wexford in
Ballyboden in a very high quality divi-
Croke Park in what is a great honour
sion one match on Wednesday and the
for his club and family and a tribute to
minor hurlers had plenty to spare in
the hurling mentors here in the club.
their victory over Naomh Barrog.
After the excitement of last week’s
The junior seven team play Bank of
All-Ireland victory for the junior team,
Ireland on Tuesday in Broomfield and
the senior Dublin ladies team play
play away to Ballyfermot on Satur-
Meath next Saturday in the Leinster
day.
final in Dr Cullen Park in Carlow. Come
The junior nine team play Beann
along and support the Sylvester’s
Eadair on Thursday in Malahide Cas-
contingent.
tle and play away to Ballyboughal on
The senior football team scored
Sunday.
INNISFAILS TRAINING for all teams on Thurs-
Club. The lotto numbers were 14, 17,
day at 7.30pm. Anybody with ticket
20 and 22. There were no winners,
St Sylvester’sMichael McCarthy, above, and Gabriel Bannigan, below, found the going tough at Rolestown
money from the Autism Action Ire-
subject to recheck. The jackpot is
Ravens swoop to stall Syl’s title run
land charity match please return to
now at €7,200.
AFL DIVISION ONE Fingal Ravens 1-8 St Sylvester’s 0-9 I STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com
MICK Deegan’s Fingal Ravens continued their incredible resurgence as Alan Casey’s second half goal handed them a richly deserved third win in ten days against high flying St Sylvester’s. It lifts the Rolestown club into a share for eighth place, something that could scarcely be envisaged a fortnight ago as the club went winless over the first four months of the AFL1 season. But their work-rate and hunger were a cut above what Syl’s could offer last Saturday morning and it could have been a more comfortable outcome. As it was, Colin Prendiville and Joey Morris were immense in shutting down intercounty stars Darren Clarke and Michael McCarthy. Neither were to score
from play while Darren Daly was the beating pulse at centre-back. His performance was made all the more telling as he togged out with six stitches above his eye, sustained three days earlier against Parnell’s. He manfully fronted up and played a defining role in tricky conditions, the pitch passed fit for play on the morning of the game. It made scoring tough with over half the scores coming from frees and that is how the run started, Clarke lifting over a 45. Derek Keogh (Ravens) and Conor Daly’s neat chip and kick for Syl’s were the pick of the first half efforts, advancing the score to 0-2 to 0-1. But both managers were enduring a frustrating time. The side from Malahide were giving Gabriel Bannigan a rough time, struggling for fluidity. Deegan, meanwhile, was lamenting a wide count of seven to two at
the break, a stat which meant his side trailed 0-5 to 0-4, while Derek Daly had drawn the best from Rob Wallace. Ravens, though, tightened up on the free concession count in the second period while Keogh levelled matters at five each with his second neat score. An exchange of frees kept the sides locked together – Clarke hitting his fourth – but the hosts were looking ominous. Niall Tormey’s leftfooted skidder was only denied by Wallace’s diving fingertips but his side hit the front for the first
time in the 44th minute when Casey popped over his fourth score. Offaly star Nigel Dunne quickly cancelled that out off the back of Shane O’Connor’s diving intercept. But it was Ravens’ time to get lucky as Morris dropped in a booming ball. Amid a melee, Wallace could only punch as far as Casey who coolly clipped through the netting. Aidan Relihan came off the bench to keep the tie interesting, but Ravens defended assuredly before PJ Casey rubber-stamped the result.
the clubhouse as soon as possible. Live music this Saturday and Sunday and food and craic with Monday
Pitch and putt club meet every Wednesda y, new members welcome.
FINGALLIANS MIDSUMMER Party this Saturday, July
club office (Monday-Friday) between
14. Doors open at 8pm. Entry to the
9.30am and 12.30pm. For more infor-
BBQ will be €5 and includes your first
mation about the camps, please con-
drink at the bar. At great expense, the
tact the club on 01-8400125 or Nicky/
club has chef Paddy Mulligan flipping
Simon. Details are also on www.fin-
the burgers and tossing the salad.
gallians.com Thank you to all of those
Well done to Peter Murtagh on com-
who took part in the hurling school
pleting the Iron Man in Frankfurt on
of exxcellence. Coaching during the
Sunday. No mean feat, 3.8km swim,
week was carried out by Dublin hurl-
180.2 km bike and 42.2km run and all in
ers Shane Durkin and Ross O’Carroll
a time of ten hours and five minutes.
who shared their skills and knowledge
A big thank you to the team of helpers that made the hosting of the All Ireland Feile last week. Sunday, July 22 - Croke Park: Leinster Senior Final – Dublin v Meath at 4pm; applications must be in by Friday night, July 13 at the club bar. Stand €35, Hill 16 €20 and Children €5.
of the game. The summer hurling festival will continue again this Wednesday in Balheary for U-8, U-9 and U-10s at 6.30pm-8pm. New members are most welcome. Well done to the Dublin minor hurlers on retaining their Leinster Crown. Our IT section has now amalgamated
Football Summer Camp takes place
www.fingallians.com and www.fin-
this week. The camp will begin at 10am
gallians.ie: There has also been a lot
and finish at 2pm. Please ensure that
more content added but lots more to
your child has appropriate training
add over the next few weeks. Teams
gear, a change of clothes on wet days
that wish to add content can email
and a packed lunch.
the information to fingallians@gmail.
The hurling summer camp will take
com.
place on Monday, July 16 to Friday, July
Congratulations to our athletes who
20. Completed application forms can
took part in the national senior track
be handed into the club bar each week
and field championships at Santry
night from 6pm onwards or into the
Stadium over the weekend.
Follow GazetteSport on Facebook and Twitter and online at www.gazettegroup.com
ALL OF YOUR MALAHIDE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
DOWN UNDER: Malahide trio off to Australia for U-19 cricket world cup P30
JULY 12, 2012
DUBLIN’S FEILE FEVER: The capital welcomes the country’s U-14 hurlers P28-29
GazetteSPORT
Malahide native Niall McArdle celebrating the award of his BSc in Sport and Exercise Science at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday
Black Cat McArdle starts new career Malahide man looking forward to new life away from football following completion of his degree in Sunderland malahidesport@gazettegroup.com
FORMER Republic of Ireland underage international and Sunderland footballer Niall McArdle has kick-started his career in the real world after proving his doubters wrong. Malahide man McArdle, who represented the Republic of Ireland from U-16 to U-19 level while playing for Sunderland’s Youth and Reserve sides, returned on Tuesday to the Stadium of Light to collect his degree in BSc Sport and Exercise Science. The young Irishman moved from Malahide, aged 16, after Mick McCarthy persuaded him to choose the Mackems instead of the Scottish champions Celtic after a personal phone call. He was part of the team which spawned Sunderland regular Jack Colback and Leicester City striker Martyn Waghorn. The team also made it into the FA Youth Cup semi-final before being beaten by a Manchester City side including England international Daniel Sturridge. However, after being released McArdle did not rest on his laurels and motivated himself
to continue with his studies in an attempt to prove those people wrong who told him he would have nothing if he failed to make it as a footballer. He said of those perceptions that it is nice to be able to shake off those suggestions: “I always had this label back home as a footballer, and now I’m not, people can talk about you negatively – but I’d love them to say ‘oh you’re that footballer who has now graduated with a First’. “When I left Ireland people told me I was totally mad, that it was not going to work and that I’d be back home in three years with no education to fall back on. “This helped motivate me because I didn’t want to go home workless or my time to be seen as a waste. I’m now going back home for the summer six years later as a graduate.” McArdle realised early on that not everyone at the academy would make it as a professional footballer and, after completing his compulsory education, he decided to further his education. He voluntarily enrolled himself on an exercise health and fitness foundation degree at the
City of Sunderland College while in his final year at the football club before completing his degree at the University. He added: “I didn’t want to be bored or spend my money stupidly so I decided to further my education, as the chances of me making it as a professional were quite slim despite making good, continuous development. I knew my progression could stop two years down the line and I’d have something to fall back on.” After going to a jobs fair, he has since passed numerous tests and interviews and will now begin his new career at UK company Management Development Services, a leading training provider in the fresh food and produce industry. “He will be part of their graduate scheme that will include looking at the nutritional values of their foods. This will include separate two month placements across the UK. However, after playing for Whitley Bay, South Shields and Sunderland RCA, he doesn’t play football at all now. Instead he concentrates on middle distance running.