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INSIDE: St Mary’s students are red-dy to help raise funds P8
June 2, 2011
THE ROAD TO SUCCESS: Local
star talks about her career See Page 3
Magical music: Pupils tune up on violin skills Rowing: Local star’s world-class show in Munich Page 32
SHOWING off their talents with the violin were Conor, Ciara, Etan, William and Andrew from Rolestown NS at their recent classical music class. The group, along with many other pupils at the school, have been really enjoying the new classical music programme. They get one hour of lessons each week and it’s definitely paying off, with our photographer being greatly impressed. Picture: Peter Doyle
Full Story on Pages 4-5
Sports Awards: May’s Dublin Awards winners are announced Page 29
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ................8, 10 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS ................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
Resident rejects wall collapse claim Engineers say snow and wind were to blame
Q MIMI MURRAY
A RESIDENT from Malahide Marina Village is rejecting claims by engineers working on behalf of Murphy Moore Property Services Ltd who say that the cause of a falling wall, which wrote off his car, was due to snow and wind.
Dr Steve Jerrams, who is an expert in building stress and structure, says that it was not an “act of God” as suggested by insurers for the property company, but poorly constructed walls. “The wall was not keyed to the steps to which it was abutted, nor to the damp course
beneath it. It was standing under its own weight,” he said. At time of going to press, Murphy Moore Property Services had not responded to a request for comment on the matter. Full Story on Page 6
2 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 2 June 2011
Killer Ceol KILLER Ceol will support Aslan on a couple of dates this June, following on from a successful date with them in April. “I supported Aslan down in Kilmihill in Clare last April 30 and had an amazing time with the lads,” he said. “They were so friendly, down to earth and supportive. Billy McGuinness, the rhythm guitarist, said he really liked my stuff and Christy promised to have me support them again in the future. True to their word Billy got in contact with me a couple of days later with more dates.” Killer Ceol will now play R ichard Grace Venue in Athlone on June 3 and Hogan’s Cedar Bar, Mountrath, Laois on June 11.
EVENT Minister announces second-level patronage
Go-ahead to open secondlevel schools
Diarmaid Mac Aonghusa, chairpreson of the Educate Together, and Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn TD
THERE was good news for local students in Educate Together schools as the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn TD, announced the formal recognition of Educate Together as a second-level patron at the organisations’ annual general meeting in Gorey at the weekend. T he proposal was tabled by the Minister at the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday and was endorsed as Government policy by both coalition parties. Educate Together, which has 58 schools at primary level, applied to open its first secondlevel school in 2007. Minister Quinn praised Educate Together’s Blueprint for Second Level document, which calls for significant change in the curriculum and current teaching approaches at second-level. The Minister told the AGM: “You have shown great leadership in creating and sustaining a national network of primary schools. “You know that I have long been a supporter of your involvement at primary school level. “I can now confirm the Government’s view that
Educate Together meets all the requirements to operate as a patron of a second-level school.” Minister Quinn continued: “It is my intention to prioritise the development of a new framework for the recognition of new second-level schools in the context of the Government Programme’s commitment to plurality. I am finalising proposals to bring to Cabinet so that I can set about implementing this Government commitment shortly.” Educate Together chief executive, Paul Rowe, responded positively to the announcement stating: “On behalf of the whole Educate Together movement and, in particular, the 13,000 pupils in our primary schools, we thank the Minister for securing formal recognition of our Patron status at second-level. “We are particularly gratified that our vision for second-level education, as expressed in our Blueprint, has received the Government’s full endorsement. “With the need to establish up to 20 new post-primary schools over the next five years, Educate Together now
has concrete expectations of the first Educate Together second-level school opening its doors in the very near future”. R owe c o n t i n u e d : “Educate Together is totally committed to delivering the very best education possible to our nation’s children at primary and secondary level. “We will continue to innovate in our teaching and learning methodologies. “We will continue to advocate for our children’s rights to the best education possible and for investment in that education to be protected. “We greatly appreciate the opportunity that formal recognition of our second-level patronage status gives and we look forward to working with the Minister and Department of Education and Skills as this is brought to life in our first second level school.” The organisation currently has 73 new school applications lodged with the Department of Education and will open new primary schools in Blanchardstown West and Tyrrelstown this September.
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PEOPLE Off The Rails star talks about her career
INITIATIVES: FCC CHANGES BOOST ENERGY EFFICIENCIES
Top stylist’s journey Council cuts on road to success energy bills Q HIROMI MOONEY
malahide@gazettegroup.com
FROM Malahide to the world of fashion, stylist and presenter on RTE’s Off The Rails, Sonya Lennon, sat down with the Gazette this week to talk about her journey to success. The top stylist has been co-presenting RTE’s hit show, Off the Rails, with Brendan Courtney for the past three years and co-wrote her first book with him in 2009, called Off The Rails - Love Your Look. And Lennon says their camaraderie isn’t just for the cameras: “It’s great, we have a laugh. We really genuinely get on very well. We hang out, you know. He’s been an enormous support to me because, obviously, I’ve never presented anything before and it’s a very new world to me. So we’re mates. We really genuinely get on, thank God, because it would be a very different proposition if we didn’t.” On her career as a stylist though, Lennon says that the journey to success is not as easy as it looks. “I lived in the red for probably the first five or six years of my freelance career,” she says. “That’s your investment in your career, I suppose. It’s not easy; you just have to keep on trotting. And, of course, anybody who’s working encounters difficulties, be they personal or political or financial, you know. It’s really hard, and it’s really hard at the moment.” The fashion world is known to be extremely competitive, but Lennon says that it is possible to make it big although it’s not for the faint-hearted. “I think you need incredible tenacity. You need to have a degree of talent; you need to start with the talent. You need to marry that with drive and thick-headedness and keep on going.”
Sonya Lennon. Picture: Barry McCall
“The other advice I’d give is that your ears are way more powerful than your mouth, you know. I think you need to be humble, listen to people who have experience and learn from them, and accept that we all have a huge amount to learn. Every single day I learn something new; there’s no doubt about that. And I intend to do that until the day I die.” Lennon says that fashion and style should be fun and enjoyable, and she jokes about her personal style. “It’s probably quite schizophrenic to be honest with you,” she laughs. “I like to amuse myself and I like to change how I look on a day-to-day basis. “If you know what you’re doing, and you
understand your body and how to make it look its best, I think if you can have a laugh with it, that’s probably the best case scenario. I’m curvy so I need to have some sort of definition to my silhouette, or else I can look just like a midget, which I am anyway.” We all know that we’re meant to dress in clothes that suit our body shape, but many of us don’t know where to start. So what does she advise? “If you have a part of your body that kind of takes over your consciousness, you tend to forget about the bits of yourself that you can be delighted with, and happy with and revel in. What tends to happen is, a lot of women over-camouflage themselves, and that tends to make us look bigger than
we are,” she says. “I think a really good idea is to get somebody that you trust and whose opinions you respect, and have a frank discussion about body shape and what’s good and what’s bad, and then accept the bits that are bad and really look for the assets. And go shopping and let her choose all the stuff for you, and you choose all the stuff for her, because the problem is, we get trapped inside our own heads a little bit. “So if you use somebody else’s eyes, you can actually be open to seeing things that they see that you have become blind to, and it’s a really interesting exercise.” And away from the world of presenting Lennon doesn’t rest on her laurels and has recently
initiated two non-profit projects that involve fashion. “I have bought the licence for a global initiative called Dress for Success (DFS) to Dublin and that is a programme to help disadvantaged women gain and retain employment,” she says. “It’s basically a service where we take clothing donations and, when women are referred to us through training and education bodies, we suit them for interview and we give them advice and guidance on CV and interview protocol, and give them the chance to have that little bit extra that they wouldn’t have if they didn’t come to DFS.” DFS has helped more than 550,000 women worldwide since it began in New York in 1997. Sonya says that she will open the first Irish branch in Dublin around the end of August. “I’ve read about it about two years ago and it just wouldn’t let me go because it’s such an extension of what I do anyway. It’s tapping into women and business, tapping into fashion and all of that, it’s totally my world,” she says. “I initiated another project called DAIS to support the Irish fashion industry, and that is in the form of a fashion film. We made the first one last year and it’s just been selected to go to LA as part of a prestigious fashion film festival, called La Jolla, and it’s been shown alongside films by Karl Lagerfeld and Bruce Weber, so that’s fantastic.” Lennon will also be copresenting with Brendan on the Arnotts Style and Entertainment Stage at the Bloom Festival in the Phoenix Park this Bank Holiday weekend. They will be signing books, offering advice to people and will copresent the daily fashion show.
by half a million euro Q MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com
FINGAL County Council has cut its energy bill by half a million euro in four years, it was revealed last week. This has been achieved through a series of energy-saving initiatives that have been carried out in the local authority over that time. The savings show that Fingal is way ahead of the annual three per cent energy reduction target set out for public bodies, and has reduced its carbon emissions by 648 tonnes. The total energy s av e d t h r o u g h t h e Energy Reduction Programme 2007 – 2010 is so impressive that it would power the average house for 64 years, make 631 round trips to New York or make 40 million cups of tea. The programme focused on four key buildings, namely County Council offices in Swords and Blanchardstown, as well as Blanchardstown and Balbriggan libraries.
Consumption In 2010, electricity consumption in County Hall was down by 24 per cent compared to 2007, while gas consumption was down six per cent. Electricity use in Grove Road dropped by 11 per cent between 2008 and 2010, while gas consumption dropped by 25 per cent. There was a reduction of almost 15 per cent in electricity use for both Blanchardstown and Balbriggan libraries, while gas consumption dropped 12 per cent. These important
energy savings by Fingal County Council can be attributed to a number of initiatives, including re-programming existing building management systems and controls and regular re-programming of lighting management system. The Dublin energy agency, Codema, also carried out a Switch Off campaign which encouraged staff to switch off lights and office equipment when not in use. Enthusiastically welcoming the impressive energy savings, Fingal county manager David O’Connor said he was “delighted at the savings we have achieved through simple but very effective energy management”. “We’ve show n we know how to use best practice to get best value for money while still delivering great benefits to the environment.” A number of other actions are now underway in Fingal County Council that will improve energy efficiency even further, including refitting existing lighting in County Hall with sensor detection and changes to the air handling unit and lighting at Blanchardstown Library. Fingal County Council received grants from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland for works relating to County Hall and Blanchardstown Library. These are examples of actions taken which will help Fingal County Council to meet the 2020 target of a 33 per cent reduction in its overall energ y consumption.
4 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 2 June 2011
FastNews PEOPLE Malahide violinist Dorothy Conaghan Planning permission SILKS restaurant is seeking planning permission from Fingal County Council for minor extensions. The works include re-modelling of the main entrance and a 3 sq m related extension of the restaurant; provision of a terrace, bin enclosure and free standing sign also to the front; additional toilets and covered smoking area totalling 37 sq m to the south-west of the main dining area at the rear, plus other related ancillary works.
Planning granted PLANNING permission has been granted to Malahide Golf Club for the construction of two toilet blocks. Fingal County Council decided to grant permission to the trustees of the golf club on May 16. The proposed development includes the construction of two single-storey toilet blocks to facilitate golfers, one located to the north of the 6th green on the yellow course, and one located to the west of the 5th tee box on the blue course, each complete with proprietary waste treatment plant and polishing filters together with all ancillary site works.
Over €2,800 raised for Lions OVER €2,800 was raised for the local Lions Club in Malahide recently. The Regional Bridge Club, Malahide, organised a charity bridge morning in aid of the local Lions Club and the event included a bridge competition, auction and raffle. Mary Kennedy organised and managed the bridge tournament while Malahide Lions and volunteers looked after the catering needs of the competitors. The monies will be used to fund deserving people in the community. For more information go to www. malahidelions.com
Bringing classical music to children
Q MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com
IT used to be the recorder or tin whistle but now school children are learning to play classical instruments like the violin, cello and double bass, thanks to a new initiative organised by the National Concert Hall. Malahide violinist, Dorothy Conaghan, is taking part in the initiative and told the Gazette how she started out in the classical world and how the exciting scheme works. A class demonstration is given by Dorothy using the NCH set of violins. “Class teachers, special needs assistants, board of management representatives and possible benefactors observe this demonstration class of students. The principal then sources funding for instruments - usually a set of 30 violins, and for a specialist teacher. “A specialist teacher is sourced, and an hourly rate is negotiated between this teacher and the school principal. The principal decides how many classes the budget will allow to avail of this tuition. The NCH Learn and Explore Office then supports the development of an in-school string project.”
This support comes in the form of “Ins c h o o l Wo r k s h o p s ” with Dorothy Conaghan, along with on site teacher training for the specialist teacher for up to three school visits a year. Dorothy, has a lot of previous experience in the classical field. Having studied mathematics, French and music at University College Dublin, she graduated, with BA and BMus degrees. She was then awarded postgraduate diplomas in violin teaching, and musicianship, and later fur thered her string teaching studies in Britain and in Belgium where she was awarded a scholarship to study with Koji Toyoda. In London she trained as a Suzuki Method violin teacher and she also studied early childhood education. In the summer of 1987, she studied Violin Pedagogy with Dr Suzuki in Berlin. “I spent many years working in education in both primary schools and as head of music in a Dublin secondary school. For over 25 years I was a lecturer in Musicianship in the DIT Conservatory of Music. S i n c e 19 8 8 , I h ave developed and maintained a string teaching practice in north Dublin, and out of this has grown the Chamber Orchestra, Young Dub-
lin Symphonia, which I founded and conduct. As well as being Feis Ceoil prizewinners, my orchestra received the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras Artistic Achievement Award at the National Concert Hall in Dublin, on two occasions. “For over 10 years I have been developing a Class String Teaching System for primary schools. I am committed to creating access to top-quality string instr umental tuition during school time for all for primary school children.” To observe best practice Dorothy has visited schools, instrumental programmes in Atlanta Georgia, San Antonio, Texas and Newark New Jersey. These visits have been supported by The Arts Council of Ireland. As a string teaching consultant, Dorothy visits primary schools throughout Ireland on behalf of The National Concert Hall, Learn and Explore office. For these string projects, Dorothy has devised a flexible working model to fit into the Irish Primary School system. Recently, while conducting a youth Orchestra in Berlin, Dorothy met with the founder of the Venezuela El Sistema youth orchestra, Maestro Abreu, along with some
Students are all tuned up and ready to start practising. Picture: Peter Doyle
William shows off his skills
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‘For over 10 years I have been developing a Class String Teaching System for primary schools. I am committed to creating access to top-quality string instrumental tuition during school time for all for primary school children’ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
of the players when they performed at the Berlin Philharmonic Hall. “The obvious enjoyment that this orchestra radiates while performing has
always been an inspiration to me,” she says. She keeps up her own performing as a violinist in the Malahide String Trio, and most recently
per formed with the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland Alumni at the National Concert Hall, as part of their 40th anniversary celebrations.
2 June 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5
talks about her part in exciting scheme
SPORT: TRANSPLANT GAMES
Harte talk boosts team THE Manager of the Irish Transplant Team, Balbriggan man Colin White led his team to meet the esteemed Tyrone football manager, Mickey Harte recently. Harte gave a motivational talk to a group of inspirational transplant athletes in advance of their departure for the 18th World Transplant Games, which will be held in Goteburg, Sweden, in just under a month. The prolific manager took time out from preparations for Tyrone’s first match in the GAA Ulster Championships in early June, to speak to members of Transplant Team Ireland when they gathered for training at the ALSAA sports complex near Dublin airport. The Irish team of 33 athletes have all received major organ transplants, including heart, lung, liver, kidney and pancreas. Ranging in age from nine to over 70, they will participate in various sporting events at the World Transplant Games, which will take place from June 17 to 24. Bjarke Gundersen, music teacher, and Suzanne McAllister, senior infants’ class teacher
Conor, Theo and Eoin
Emily
Dorothy Conaghan, NCH
Speaking at ALSAA on Sunday, National Team manager, Colin White said: “We are honoured that the highly prolific Mickey Harte has joined us here today to offer encouragement to our team. The chance for a new lease of life through transplantation has instilled a great sense of motivation in each member of the team which drives them to achieve great personal and sporting goals. Through his endorsement, Mickey Harte has further underlined the importance of sport in maintaining a healthy lifestyle after transplantation.” Addressing the team, Mickey Harte said: “It is a privilege to be asked to speak to such an inspirational group of people who have overcome great health hurdles and are now embracing life through sport. “This is a fantastic legacy to your organ donors who you honour by representing your country on the world stage.”
6 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 2 June 2011
COLLAPSE Snow and wind blamed for damage
Dr Jerrams returned home to find the wall had collapsed onto his car, writing it off
Charity event at Cruzzo’s: For the Ross Nugent Foundation EMMA, Don and Sandra Nugent enjoying a special charity
event for the Ross Nugent Foundation in Cruzzo’s restaurant. The trio were among many guests who attended the event, which was held with the aim of buying valuable equipment for oncology units. TV star Lorraine Keane was the host for the event, which proved to be very successful.
Man rejects bad weather claims Q MIMI MURRAY
malahide@gazettegroup.com
A RESIDENT from Malahide Marina Village is rejecting claims by engineers working on behalf of Murphy Moore
Property Services Ltd, who say that the cause of a falling wall, which wrote off his car, was due to snow and wind. Marina village resident, Dr Steve Jerrams, who is director and senior research fellow at the Centre for Elastomer Research (CER) in DIT, and who used to lecture in Stress and Structure in Britain, says that it was not an “act of God” as suggested by the insurers for the property company, but poorly constructed walls. “I got home around 5.20pm on Februar y 3, turned the corner and thought the wall in front of the steps looked strange. I realised it had fallen down and had written off my car. We contacted the landlady and the property company, Murphy Moore, along with the engineer, turned up. They said it was caused by frost and snow damage to which I said: ‘There’s almost no mortar there’. “The wall was not keyed to the steps to which it was abutted, nor to the damp course beneath it. It was standing under its own weight. The point is, you can’t say
it is the wind and frost, the building is required to be built to safety standards. We get extremes of weather and a properly constructed wall wouldn’t fall down. “When my insurers approached the property company, their insurers said it was an Act of God. That is refuted by my insurers. “The engineer went and pushed against an identical wall next door and confirmed it wasn’t safe. “I must be honest, I’m fearful for children at play outside and walking under the walls. I’m not suggesting I am right or wrong, but how many walls are the same? “I would like someone to accept that this was not an act of God. “It has been financially expensive for me. I am out of pocket by about €1,000.” He added that his wall was replaced promptly and properly and that he loves living in Marina Village. Another concerned resident, who wished to remain anonymous, agreed with Dr Jerrams, saying: “They blame the problems on a severe winter, whereas while it
may have contributed, it is clear the fact that walls are not connected or reinforced, and were built with a poor mix of sand to cement.” In response to the property company’s comments that “some garden/ patio walls were found to be in a state of collapse and were taken down”, he says: “They have probably tended to 20% of the loose walls, either by repairing or temporarily removing them. I see the builder walking into patios throughout the complex on a daily basis demonstrating to people how the walls wobble, and/or crumble. So this situation has not been made safe. “ Wa l l s a r e l o o s e , poorly built, and weakened chimneys are unsecured. It was not practical for them to tell us, until the Gazette came asking, and they still haven’t told the truth. It wouldn’t do much good, but this is currently the type of environment where people are legally obliged to wear hard hats. Nearly every patio wall is loose, or has bricks that could fall off. But they still haven’t told us the full truth.”
2 June 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 7
8 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 2 June 2011
EVENT Wear Red Day for the Irish Heart Foundation
Spanish Students, Maria Labarta and Maria Alvarez celebrating Wear Red Day
Second Years, Megan Egan, Jessa Dyer, Ciara Murray and Niamh Crilly
Roisin Long, Deputy Head Girl for 2011-2012; Sophie O’Kelly; Terence Flanagan, TD; Pauline Griffin, Organiser of Wear Red Day; Sophie Preston and Lauren Fitzpatrick, head Girl for 2011-2012
St Marys’ fundraising efforts are red-hot T Mary’s Secondary School, Baldoyle, held a Wear Red Day recently in order to raise funds for The Irish Heart Foundation, which has sponsored Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training for all Transition Year students by supplying practice models for each student.
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The Wear Red Day also generated significant awareness of the value of CPR and the work of the Irish Heart Foundation. The fundraising was organised by Ms Pauline Griffin. The Wear Red Day was a non-uniform day in which students wore something red instead of their normal uniform. The
Pauline Griffin, organiser and Senator Avril Power
Irish Heart Foundation supplied Red T-shirts for the Senior Prefects who collected the student contributions. The students made for contribution for the privilege of wearing red on the non-uniform day. Overall, the excellent sum of €645 was raised, a great achievement!
Pauline Griffin, organiser, Maureen O’Sullivan, TD and compere
First Years with Shauna Hayes, Sixth Year and First Year Prefect, in centre
Years celebrating Wear Red Day
2 June 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 9
INITIATIVE: MALAHIDE BOI HOSTS A NATIONAL ENTERPRISE WEEK GATHERING
Local talent: Merit awards TALENTED young artists Aine Duffy (15), from Malahide Community School, and Stephen Delaney (11), from St Oliver Plunkett National School, have both won Special Merit awards in this year’s 57th Texaco Children’s Art Competition. This year, some 8,166 students from Dublin city and county took part in the competition, the highest represented county in the competition and ahead of Cork and Galway. y
Alan Farrell, Nora Owens and Brian Murphy at Bank of Ireland, Malahide
Nora is guest speaker at a business event Q HIROMI MOONEY
malahide@gazettegroup.com
THE former Minister for Justice, Nora Owen, was the guest speaker at a breakfast event in the Malahide branch of Bank of Ireland as part of National Enterprise Week last Wednesday, 25 May. National Enterprise Week began two years ago, and is an initiative by Bank of Ireland, in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland, to offer support and advice to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in local communities. “The purpose of the initiative is to give business owners in local communities, both customers and non-customers of the Bank, the opportunity to gain tangible and relevant advice, to meet successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders, exchange ideas and to share their experiences,” said the bank’s manager, Brian Murphy. “It also gives them the opportunity to promote and sell their products/ services on a new platform while also displaying their innovative businesses within our extensive countrywide branch network.”
More than 35 people attended the event in Malahide, including President of Malahide Chamber of Commerce, Al Ryan, and Fine Gael TD, Alan Farrell. --------------------------
‘The feedback we received from attendees was very positive, particularly the networking opportunity’
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“I think it’s a good opportunity for people in the same community who happen to be doing business with the bank to meet one another,” said Farrell. “I think that they are good opportunities for local businesses to get together and talk about similar economic issues that they might be having, and it also gives the bank a good opportunity to speak to the customers on a oneto-one basis, and newer individuals, newer com-
panies, newer entrepreneurs have perhaps the opportunities to speak to people who have been in business for a number of years, and, perhaps, get some helpful advice from them. “So, I suppose from that sense, it’s ver y useful, particularly to younger people or anyone who is considering starting up a business. “The event in Malahide was one of many hundreds of events that are taking place across the country during the week. The feedback we received from attendees was very positive, particularly the networking opportunity where local businesses had an opportunity to interact and meet one another,” said Brian Murphy. “One presumes that ever y local business will know each other, and this is not always the case. “SMEs are the backbone of local communities and will be essential to the rejuvenation of the Irish economy. We have an important role to play in providing finance and support to these businesses.”
10 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 2 June 2011
CHILDREN McDonald’s healthy activities at Morton Stadium
Emma Mullen and Anna McNally
Putting the fun in sport ORE than 1,200 children from 26 primary schools across Fingal took part in the recent McDonald’s Little Athletics jamboree at Morton Stadium. The Santry venue was swarming with children, all keen to take part in a wide range of fun and healthy games and activies. McDonald’s Little Athletics programme is designed to address the specific physical requirements of children and young adults, and with summer now upon us, the programme encourages participants to keep active in the months ahead. Held as a partnership between McDonalds and Athletics Ireland, this gathering was just one of a number of nationwide events, staged to encourage children to get out and have fun with sporting activities and team-play. McDonalds were keen to stress the value of following a balanced diet in conjuction with such athletics.
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Grace Kuedituka and Feyi Shikemi
Wazid Ghanem Robert Lynch, Aaron Lynch and Cian Brannigan
Lara McKeown, Laura Cristea and Chloe Tiernan
Lauren Mooney, Hope Sumola and Erica Dolan
Emma Dolan
Daniel Amah and Josh Croft
Teodora Ghinta
2 June 2011 GAZETTE 11
12 GAZETTE 2 June 2011
GazetteGAMING GAMING Only two more Kinect sensors left to be won! HE Gazette is continuing its incredible Xbox Kinect sensor competition this week, as we give away the third of our four terrific prizes. K inect for Xbox 360 brings games and entertainment to life in extraordinary new ways, without using a controller With Kinect, technology evaporates, letting the natural magic in all of us shine. Controllerfree gaming means fullbody play. Kinect responds to how you move. So, if you have to kick, then kick.
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If you have to jump, then jump. You already know how to play. All you have to do is get off the couch, “plug in� to your Xbox 360 console, and jump in to experience game play. Kinect Sports allows you to say goodbye to the buttons and controllers, and play six full sports games just as you always have, using your entire body. Become the heavyweight champ of the living room with boxing, or take to the sand with some high-flying beach volleyball action. With soccer, field and
track events, and even bowling, Kinect Sports has something for everyone. Meanwhile, Kinect Adventures will have you jumping, dodging, and kicking your way through 20 pulse-pounding adventures, set in exotic locations around the world. K inect Adventures gets you to work with your friends and navigate through roaring rapids, challenge obstacle courses, and even save a leaky underwater laboratory. The spirit of adventure awaits!
WIN A KINECT SENSOR AND TWO KINECT GAMES To be in with a chance to win a Kinect Sensor and two Kinect games, to use with your XBox 360 console, just answer the following question. How many Kinect sensors is the Gazette giving away in total? Post your answer to Kinect Competition, Gazette Group Newspapers, Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan, Co Dublin. Alternatively, you can email competition@gazettegroup.com. All entries must be received before Wednesday, June 8.
2 June 2011 GAZETTE 13
GazetteGROWING GROWING
In association with
SEEDLINGS: FUN IN THE GARDEN
The joy of growing up MICHAEL KELLY
DID a lot of transplanting this weekend, which is always a fun activity for a GIYer. There’s nothing like the satisfaction of planting seedlings – bare beds transformed in an instant with neat rows of little plants. There are always a few days of fretting after transplanting, however – will cold nights set the plants back? Will slugs or rabbits try and munch on them? Seed sowing is a relatively exact science – if you sow a seed at the right temperature and at the right depth, and you keep the potting compost moist, then it will generally germinate rather reliably. In addition, up to the point that they are transplanted, the seedlings have luxuriated in the 5-star comfort of my potting shed. They have been nurtured, spoiled, cossetted. I’ve carefully watered them each day, switched on heat underneath them at night and covered them with fleece. The potting shed is a controlled environment – there is no weather in there – no rain or wind. Nor are there any pests
to trouble them – leather jackets, slugs, snails, birds or rabbits. Planting a seedling out in the soil therefore is a watershed moment. It is the moment it leaves a very controlled environment in favour of something far more uncontrolled, unpredictable and messy. And like a parent sending a child off to school for the first time, you just have to have faith and let it go into the mad, bad world.
Things to do this month To-Do Watering and weeding duties step up a notch – the tunnel/greenhouse in particular will require a good deal of water from now on. Watch the weather and water outside as required. Continue to earth-up potato plants to prevent the spuds becoming green. Mu l c h a n d w a t e r tomato plants and continue to remove side shoots that appear in the leaf axils. Stake everything that grows tall – raspberries, peas, beans, tomatoes, etc. Net soft fruit against birds – it’s worth the effort.
Sow Sow courgettes, pumpkins, summer and winter squash, fennel, chicory. Succession sow: beans (French and Runner), kale, pea, spinach, spinach beet, summer broccoli, carrot, swede, leek, lettuce, brussels sprouts, b e e t r o o t , c h i c o r y, endive, turnip, kohlrabi, fennel. Plant out leeks, brussels sprouts, cabbage, autumn caulif lower, calabrese, sprouting broccoli, celery, celeriac, cucumbers, pumpkin, marrows, runner beans, aubergine. Harvest We are now really starting to see some payback from our GIYing - the first broad beans and peas as well as new potatoes, new carrots, soft fruit like gooseberries, cherries and strawberries. Herbs are in full flow. Also harvest kohlrabi, cabbage, caulif lower (month end), spinach, spring onion, shallots, salad leaves, elderflower, rhubarb, salad leaves, onions, carrots, beetroot, garlic, sea-kale. Michael Kelly is a freelance journalist, author and founder of GIY Ireland
Recipe of the Month – Broad Beans with Bacon JUNE is broad bean month – I love opening up the pods and seeing the little beans nestling in the comfy white fleece inside. The little green gems love to be paired with bacon. This recipe serves 4-6. Ingredients: • 30g butter • 4 slices unsmoked bacon • 1 medium onion, finely chopped • 500g broad beans, shelled • 125ml stock
MELT the butter in a pan. Add the bacon and onion and fry until the onion is soft but not coloured. Stir in the beans. Add the stock and bring to the boil. Cover and cook over a moderate heat for 6-8 minutes until the beans
are soft but not mushy. If there is too much liquid in the pan at the end, boil briskly for 1-2 minutes to evaporate it. Serve immediately – this will make a lovely side dish or served by itself with some crusty or toasted bread.
It’s now time to harvest and get some payback from all your hard work
14 GAZETTE 2 June 2011
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY Get the Cheryl red carpet look SHE may not have become an American sweetheart, but Cheryl Cole proved in Cannes that there are few who can rival her on the Red Carpet. The glamorous singer took the French by storm when she appeared on the carpet with her hair slicked back to show off her stunning features and her gorgeous white dress with belt detail by Stephane Rolland. Lisa Laudat, L’Oréal Paris’ Celebrity Hair and Make-up artist was responsible for the star’s make-up. For a glowing complexion to add luminosity to Cheryl’s skin after arriving in Cannes from America, Lisa applied Youth Code Boosting Serum, followed by a light coat of Infallible Brush 24hr foundation in Golden Sand and contoured the cheeks with Glam Bronze Duo in Brunette. Under the eyes, Touche Magique concealer was gently applied. Meanwhile, her golden eyes were achieved by mixing New L’Or L’Or L’Or Color Infallible eye shadow in Goldmine (available from September) and Color Infallible eye shadow in Endless Chocolate to the lids of the eyes. Cheryl’s eyes were then framed with both Superliner and Contour Kohl eyeliners in black. To complete the golden eye look, Lisa applied Telescopic mascara in Carbon Black to Cheryl’s eye lashes.
Edited by Dawn Love
Spoiling your Dad on Father’s Day Roger & Gallet
FOUNDED in 1862 Roger & Gallet has a complete range of perfumes, shaving and fragrant care inspired by the masters of traditional barbering and is available from pharmacies nationwide. L’Homme Shaving Foam is priced €13 and is a rich, thick shaving foam, which respects the skin, thanks to allantoin, an active ingredient with softening and soothing properties and aloe vera, a plant renowned since ancient times for its moisturising action. It also contains an anti-bacterial agent to protect the skin. L’Homme Aftershave Balm is priced €15, and is formulated to provide extra-special care. Its gel cream texture contains aloe vera and white tea that gives stressed, tired Roger & Gallet L’Homme shaving skin a new radiance and vitality. Skin is left soft and matte Foam, €13, (left) and L’Homme from morning to night. Aftershave Balm, €15 La Roche-Posay
The well-known French brand has the perfect solution for every man’s skincare needs, especially those with sensitive skin. Its XY Homme range combats skin sensitivity and problems, which result from regular shaving, including post-shaving irritation, ingrown hairs and persistent redness and post-shaving dehydration. Check out its XY Homme Hydrating Barrier Gel (€18), which has customised hydration adapted to male skin physiology and its XY XY Homme Normalising AntiHomme Normalising Anti-redness Balm (€18), which not only soothes redness Balm, €18 (left) and XY razor burn, but hydrates sensitive skin. Homme Hydrating Barrier Gel,€18
MooGoo is packed full of natural ingredients and includes shampoos, specialist balms, moisturisers and lip balms
Aussie phenomenon hits the shelves IT’S one of the beauty industr y’s best kept secrets, but now the Aussie phenomenon, MooGoo, is being stocked in Kerins Pharmacies in Blackrock and Dalkey. The luxury band is
packed full of natural ingredients and includes shampoos, specialist balms, moisturisers and lip balms. Amongst its most popular products is the brand’s new anti-aging
cream, which promises to help reduce the appearance of lines and sun damage. According to the company, one of the key ingredients is Resveratrol, the latest break-
through compound found in red grapes. For more information on the broad range of MooGoo products, and how to achieve healthy skin, visit www.moogoo. ie
2 June 2011 GAZETTE 15
16 GAZETTE 2 June 2011
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GAZETTE COMMENT
By Councillor Michael O’Donovan
A man of war - a man of peace The recent royal visit prompted Labour’s Cllr Michael O’Donovan to put some thoughts on paper about Republicanism, about the Queen, and about his granduncle Pat.
LET me start by congratulating the Gazette on the excellent photos of the Queen’s visit. Her visit to the Garden of Remembrance was remarkable, the warmth of the welcome she experienced was close to universal, and it set me thinking of what Republicanism now means to this country. Growing up in Cork, the hero of our extended family was my granduncle, Pat O’Donovan. Back in 1920, Pat was a member of a unit known as the Flying Column, and he was one of the 40 or so riflemen who took on and wiped out two lorry loads of “Auxiliaries” at Kilmichael in West Cork. For several months previously these thugs in British uniform had been terrorising the villages and the countryside of Cork, particularly targeting and burning the homes of Republican supporters.
The fire-fight of Kilmichael lasted no more than half an hour, but at the end of it, all 18 of the British detachment lay dead, with the loss of three on the Republican side. After the ambush there was a price put on Pat O’Donovan’s head and he spent months on the run but he still fought with the Flying Column in a number of other bloody skirmishes. That year of war had a huge personal effect on Pat. When the truce came, he was unable to settle back
into farming life and his restlessness drove him, of all places, to Britain. There he took an industrial job, married an Irish emigrant lady, and raised his family in north Wales. Like all his comrades in the West Cork IRA, Pat despised the members of the Essex regiment and the Black and Tans, because of the brutal way they treated Republican prisoners, but he came to regard the British as a tolerant and welcoming people, and lived happily in the UK until his death in 1974.
Pat’s personal journey from man of war to man of peace mirrors, I think, the change in thinking that allowed the Queen’s visit to go ahead and be a success. We can never forget that we were the victims of a British Empire that ruled other nations by force and intimidation, but recent important initiatives have changed the landscape. These include the power-sharing executive which gives Nationalists a guaranteed role in government, the establishment of the PSNI, which has demonstrated that cross-community policing can work, and the fulsome apology given by David Cameron for the Bloody Sunday killings in Derry. The silent bow of respect by the Queen at the Garden of Remembrance said more than any speech. We may be moving to a definition of Republicanism that is more confident, and also more at ease, with our former occupier. There is now a chance that our future relationship with Britain will at least resemble a partnership of equals.”
2 June 2011 GAZETTE 17
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THANK YOU: RECOGNISING THE COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION OF UNSUNG HEROES
Honouring the work of all our volunteers ID you know that 2011 has been designated European Year of the Volunteer? No! Well now you do; so, for those of you who’ve been thinking about volunteering but who’ve so far only paid this thought lip service, now is the time to do something about it. I mean, hasn’t your mother always told you that, “it’s far better to give than receive”. But, have you ever wondered why people volunteer? I mean, why work for no pay? Right! Well, while I believe there are various reasons why people choose to donate their free time and talents out of the goodness of their hearts, I would imagine that the most obvious one is having a sense of purpose. This is usually driven by a need to give something back. Believe me, it’s absolutely immeasurable the positive difference a volunteer can make to a struggling charitable organisation. So, with that sentiment in mind, I’d like to dedicate this week’s column to the Dublin SPCA’s unsung heroes, the lifeblood of our society; our wonderful, amazing, volunteers! Yes, you all know who you are! You are the people who make
D
it all possible, who give unselfishly of your time, your love, your support, your compassion, your friendship, your humanity and your dedication to our staff and our animals, day in, day out. You are a critical part of society. Without you we’d be lost. Every hour of every day you, the Dublin SPCA volunteers make a worthwhile contribution to our work, both economically and socially. In its 171-year history, the Dublin SPCA’s reputation has been steeped in tradition, not just for promoting humanity and compassion, not just for saving animals’ lives, but for its legion of volunteers who have imbued upon us, the staff, a sense of strength and spirit that has inspired us, making us realise just how privileged we are to have you. We rely heavily upon your commitment, your love for our animals, your eagerness to help and we appreciate every single minute you give us. You come here and you make a connection, not just with our animals but with us and with each other, giving everyone a sense of belonging, a sense that we are all working toward one common goal – to build
a better future for animals. So, if sometimes we hold back on telling you just what a wonderful human being you are, or forget to mention that you’re doing an amazing job, please understand, we have an unending supply of appreciation for you in our hearts. --------------------------
‘You are exceptional human beings, each and every single one of you’ --------------------------
We know and recognise your enthusiasm, it gives us heart. However, during those busy periods at the shelter, (er, like now while we’re in the middle of kitten season), we may forget to nurture that enthusiasm. We may forget to say thanks, forget to say how cherished you are, how your unselfishness has helped shape our shelter. But, deep down inside, we hold eternal gratitude for you and for the excellent work you do. You have made our concerns your concerns and, for this, we love you and will always love you. So, whether it’s simply
Dublin SPCA volunteers thanked for their fantastic contribution, every hour of every day
a case of saying “thank you for turning up today,” or “great job socialising those puppies,” you, our volunteers should know your contribution has managed to transform the repetitious tasks of daily shelter life into hours of mutual love, support and care. And, in spite of whatever stresses that may come our way, please understand that you are not taken for granted. Your help is appreciated, your presence enriches, you are the heart of our society, we honour your commitment and offer you our unyielding love and gratitude. You are exceptional human beings, each and every single one of you. For more information, log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam. kerins@dspca.ie
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18 GAZETTE 2 June 2011
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs MEN GET MORE STRESSED:
THEY may be the butt of chauvinist jokes but it seems women drivers could end up having the last laugh, according to new research by satnav firm, TomTom. T h a t ’s b e c a u s e men’s stress levels soar a staggering seven times higher than a woman’s when stuck in heavy traffic. Psychologists tested volunteers for the rise in stress chemicals in their saliva when caught up in a traffic jam. The levels for women in the study increased by 8.7% while stuck behind the wheel but for men it shot up by a worrying 60% in the same gridlock scenario. That could be unhealthy as it puts pressure on the heart and can cause dizziness and breathing problems yet, remarkably, many had no idea they were suffering from stress.
IMPORTS WON’T PAY OFF – VW: EUROPEAN buyers of a US-built lowerpriced Passat would face thousands of euros in import charges, VW says. Volkswagen has said that European customers importing lower-priced Passats built in its new US factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, will end up paying more than if they buy a more expensive Germanbuilt Passat. VW has done a test calculation to prove that importing the US-built vehicle into Europe would not pay off. According to the calculation, transport, car testing and import duty costs, as well as the cost of retrofitting lights, will add thousands to the cost of the cars.
The new Ford Grand C-Max is the longer version of the C-Max, with seven seats and twin sliding doors
Ford take it to the Max
Ford has boosted its C-Max options with a new seven-seat version. MICHAEL MORONEY drove the new Ford Grand C-Max
ORD has added more options for the C-Max people carrier that was introduced to Ireland at the end of last year. The car retains its compact size and there is now the option of a sevenseat version. For Ireland, Ford offers only diesel power in response to a market that is now overwhelmingly diesel due to lower motor tax rates and obviously better economy. For the C-Max there is the option of a 1.6-litre entrylevel diesel model or two versions of the 2.0-litre diesel. My test car, which I took across the Irish Sea for a lengthy drive, was the smaller engine version with the higher Titanium specification. This 1.6-litre
F
SPECS: FORD C-MAX 1.6TDCI Top speed: 170 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 13.3 secs Economy: 21.7 km/litre (4.6 l/100km) CO2 emissions: 119g/km Road Tax Band: A (€104) Scrappage Eligible: Yes Warranty: 2 years Entry Price: €24,495
turbo-diesel engine has been upgraded, according to Ford, for better economy. My test covered over 1,200km across Irish and British roads, with lots of motorway cruising. The 95bhp engine performs well on the open road, but there is a noticeable lack of power when needed. The engine torque at 230Nm is lower than some of the similar
size competition, such as the Renault Grand Scenic or Mazda5, and that’s noticeable when you want to push on. The acceleration pace is 14.3 seconds for the bigger Grand C-Max; you shave a second off this for the slightly smaller fiveseat version. The Grand C-Max is a shade slower than the competition and that’s a power and torque feature, which the entry level, 1.6-litre diesel model is slightly short on. The economy rating of the car is impressive at 20km/litre (4.9 litre/100km) and that’s marginally better than the competition. Ford has a new sixspeed gearbox for the C-Max and it’s a joy to use. The gear shift is smooth
and easy with the lever in a convenient position. As a people carrier, a car like the Grand C-Max needs to have plenty of storage areas. With the seven seats in place, in my case six, as the smaller middle seat was absent, the boot storage area is a little limited. This makes cars like the Grand C-Max with the sevenseat capacity more suited to short, full-load runs. If you are planning on a long, full family holiday journey with all the seats occupied, then you’ll have to consider investing in a roof box; there’s simply no room for a significant luggage load. The extra row of seats is very useful for school runs and local jobs. The car has lots of lit-
tle storage areas in doors, etc, and there are loads of options in terms of styling, including seat back trays. The under-floor storage areas in the rear are a little small to be practical. The seven-seat Grand C-Max also comes with a new rear seat belt minder system. This alerts the driver if any of the seat belts in the second or third row seats are not correctly fastened; a helpful feature if young children are travelling in the car. The entry-level cars are well fitted out with 16” alloy wheels, front fog lights, rear privacy glass, heated windscreen, Bluetooth voice control, air conditioning, electric front windows, remote radio CD and leather steering
wheel and gear knob. The bigger Grand C-Max gets rear parking sensors and foldable mirrors, power child locks, rear seat belt minder and electric rear windows included in the extra €3,000 price. The safety deal also includes Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) which cannot be overridden. The entry price for the C-Max models is €24,495, while you need to spend an additional €3,000 for the seven-seat Grand C-Max model. The Grand C-Max is a solid car to drive, with a good driving position, modern styling and a high level of features. It needs more power at the lower end as it aims for better economy.
Don’t be mobile phone distracted this weekend IF you’re planning to be out on the roads this Bank Holiday weekend, you’d best focus on keeping safe and focused on driving. Gardai are expected to step up enforcement, not only for drink-driving and speeding offenders, but also for those talking and texting behind the wheel.
Every year there are thousands of injuries caused by people who talk or, worse still, text while driving their car or truck. I’ve seen them myself and it’s alarming, especially to see truck drivers sending texts. US research has shown that nine percent of all drivers are talking on
mobile phones, which make them four times as likely to crash; and drivers who read or type text messages contribute to thousands of crashes per year. There is plenty of local anecdotal evidence to show that people being distracted by mobile phones cause thousands of accidents each year, many of which are
never reported. We all need to spread the word about distraction and emphasise this point: No message or call is worth the risk; when you get into your car, truck or van, turn your phone off or use hands-free and, better still, put the mobile in the glovebox.
2 June 2011 GAZETTE 19
20 GAZETTE 2 June 2011
GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY PORTMARNOCK: ASKING The inside’s out: B&Q’s latest range PRICE OF €475,000 of cutting-edge patio furniture B&Q are leaping into the summer mood with the launch of a selection of coun-
try, contemporary and heritage products that can help create the ideal environment for relaxing and entertaining outdoors in your garden. The styles on offer are: Country, with rustic styles that never go out of fashion, including the Capri three-piece bistro set at €365; Contemporary, with sleek shapes and cool colours, with a range of B&Q’s cutting-edge chairs, tables and accessories to give a garden or conservatory a truly modern feel, with the Jersey garden set at €1,153; and Heritage, where B&Q can help introduce a sense of timeless elegance to your terrace or patio with woven rattan and intricate mosaic designs, including the Cobbo coffee set, at €970.
Number 104, Ardilaun, in Portmarnock is on the market with an asking price of €475,000
Super semi in Ardilaun NOEL Kelly Estate Agents are bringing No. 104 Ardilaun, Portmarnock, a four-bedroom semi-detatched family home, to the market for €475,000. From the moment you open the hall door, you are impressed by the space and light this Sorohan-built home has to offer. The vendor is keen to sell, so make it a priority to inspect. Modern in design and layout, this home provides comfort and flexible living accommodation that can adapt to the changing needs of any family. The house is complimented by a secluded landscaped rear garden which is laid in lawn with a variety of shrubs and bordered by a colourful display of plants that contribute to the welcoming aspect which the property presents. The orientation is south facing and there is a large decking, perfect for al fresco dining in those summer months. The front garden driveway is tarmacadam, providing parking for two or three cars. The property also features a garage, which could be easily converted into a study should
the new owners require more space. Viewing is by appointment only, and can be arranged by contacting Noel Kelly on 01 846 2752. The accommodation comprises entrance hall with decorative timber floor, kitchen with fitted wall and floor units, integrated fridge freezer, oven hob and extractor fan, ceramic tiled floor. The lounge has a marble fireplace and doors to the patio. Upstairs the bedrooms have fitted wardrobes, while the master bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe, sloping ceiling and storage space. The bathroom has a new white suite, electric Triton shower, tiled floor and walls, shower screen and accessories. The property also features a large garage, a side entrance and Upvc double-glazed windows. The garage could be easily converted into a study should the new owners require more space, and the carpets, curtains and blinds are included in the sale. Viewing is by appointment only, and can be arranged by contacting Noel Kelly on 01 846 2752.
PORTMARNOCK: A FOUR-BED DETACHED HOME FOR €695,000
Family home ultimate in relaxing elegance
NOEL Kelly Estate Agents are bringing No. 126, Drumnigh Wood, Portmarnock, a fourbedroom detatched family home set in a private estate, to the market for €695,000. Houses in Drumnigh Wood are always sought after and this will be no exception. This prestigious development, which extends to c 156 sq m or c1,680 sq ft, is in a fine setting and the estate avails of 24-hour security surveillance. No. 126, Drumnigh
Wood also features gas-fire central heating, decorative timber floors, a side entrance, two double garages, a cobblelock driveway, and a large, westerly orientation rear garden with patio. Stylish decor, a cheerful ambience, spacious accommodation makes this the perfect home in which to live, entertain and provide the ultimate in comfort and relaxing elegance. The accommodation comprises entrance hall with wooden floor, a large
Number 126, Drumnigh Wood, in Portmarnock
living room with a feature bay window, a feature fireplace and connecting doors to the sunroom, which features velux roof lights. The kitchen/dining room has fitted wall and floor units, integrated oven hob and extractor, dishwasher, fridge freezer, a feature island unit, as well as a marble worktop and a tiled floor, and has a door leading to the util-
ity room. The three main bedrooms have fitted wardrobes and the master bedroom is en suite, with a power shower and tiled floor. The main bathroom has a jacuzzi bath, tiled floor, recess lighting, and heated towel rail. There is a large rear garden, which is laid out in lawn, with a variety of plants, shrubs, and patio.
There are a host of amenities close by, including the famous Velvet Strand and Promenade, the breathtaking coastal walk from Portmarnock to Malahide, the Sports and Leisure Centre, as well as excellent shopping and transport facilities. Viewing is by appointment, and can be arranged by contacting Noel Kelly on 01 846 2752.
2 June 2011 GAZETTE 21
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Mark Bownes, Carpet and Flooring Concepts
Husband and wife team know flooring
ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS WEDDING FUNDS AND INSURANCE Q – We are saving for our wedding in 18 months time, and trying to save € 650 a month. Where
MARK Bownes is married to Niamh and has two children, Isobel, who is three-years-old, and Nathan, who is one. When not working in the showroom, Mark enjoys taking them walking by the seaside in Dun Laoghaire. Having worked in flooring retail for many years, Mark took over the family store with Niamh. Niamh previously ran Curves’ fashions from the store with her mother, Muriel. On Muriel’s retirement, Mark and Niamh have taken the business in a new direction, opening the successful Carpet and Flooring Concepts. The husband-and-wife team have a great understanding of the carpet business and follow the latest colour and design trends. Niamh is able to apply her fashion-buying background into helping customers put together the perfect colours when designing a room. Mark Bownes, of Carpet and Flooring Concepts
is the best place to save and can you insure any part of a wedding ? Patricia – Dun Laoghaire A - Congratulations on setting the date and saving together at this stage augurs well for your future. The very best type of account to save your money on a monthly basis is the Regular Saver Account – most of the deposit takers currently operate them. These were originally launched in 2007 by AIB Bank to continue the good saving habits of the SSIA investors. Simply put, you save between € 100 and € 1,000 per month for between 12 and 24 months, and you can earn up the 4% interest. Ulster Bank (Special Interest deposit account ) and EBS ( Family regular saver account ) are the two current best offering that 4%. In 18 months time, you will have saved € 11,700, plus interest to help you celebrate your big day. As regards the insurance, you can buy wedding insurance to cover such risks as • Cancellation
• Personal accident
• Rings, flowers and cake
• Wedding gifts
• Photography and video
• Legal expenses
• Ceremonial / bridal attire
• Personal liability
• Cars and transport
• Marquee extension
• Failure of suppliers
• Extended public liability
To cover a wedding up to c. €10,000 and take out three-star cover, the premium would be c. €80. Web sites to check out that offer such cover include,
Q&A Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: A racing driver. Q: What was your first job? A: Selling furniture and beds in a department store.
Q: And your first pay cheque? A: Just about enough to pay for a couple of nights out at the weekend.
Q: When did you start your present job? A: Niamh and I opened carpet and flooring concepts in September 2010
Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed? A: Yes, I helped out in a restaurant kitchen for a short time, chefs are exactly as we see on TV! Crazy!
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: Getting positive feedback from our customers, it means we all did our jobs well for them.
Q: have you achieved anything
www.weddinginsurance.ie and www.irishwedddin-
that you once thought you could not pull off? A: Yes, when we got engaged, I managed to surprise Niamh with a trip to Paris. She had no idea about the destination, even at the airport.
A: Pulp Fiction, never tire of watching it. Brilliant!
Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward? A: Jedward.
Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? A: Eating out occasionally. Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: Five.
Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’? A: The floor fitting, apart from that, Niamh and I do everything.
Depeche Mode to UB40 and reggae.
Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be? A: A cup of coffee!
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: Carpet and Flooring
Q: Is there anything about yourself that you would like to set the record straight on? A: I very rarely have coffee at
Concepts.
split his head open on a boys’ holiday! Very funny after though, the doctor stitched his head ok, but had to shave a patch of his hair off! A unique look for the rest of the holiday.
Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update? A: Probably carpet offers on
my desk!
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: Richard Branson’s Necker
the shop’s Facebook page.
Q: What sport do you follow? A: I watch football, and I am a
Q: Describe your dream meal? A: I like most foods, especially
Island with my family! Can you arrange that?
Spurs’ supporter.
Indian or Italian, so either with a nice red wine.
occasionally with my friends.
Q: What is your guilty music/ TV or movie pleasure?
Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Enda Kenny.
Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at
Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: Mainly music from the 80s,
Q: What sport can you play? A: I play poor snooker and golf
ginsurance.ie - best of luck Patricia !
www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor
Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: My mate, Charlie, fell and
Q: What would be your dream job? A: Ferrari test driver Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: Drive across America in a classic American car.
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22 GAZETTE 2 June 2011
GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival and the Sea Bangor Maritime Festival NORTHERN Ireland will be marking its rich seafaring history with not one, but two, summer festivals celebrating all things maritime. The Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival and the Sea Bangor Maritime Festival run on consecutive weekends in June and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is urging visitors to jump aboard and enjoy the action-packed family events. The Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival, taking place from June 24 – 26 at Queen’s Quay and Abercorn Basin, offers a weekend of fun and activity for all ages. Some of the world’s most spectacular tall ships will sail into Belfast and members of the public will have the opportunity to board and explore many of the vessels. Among the flotilla will be the HMS Bounty, which proved very popular during its last visit to the city in 2009. The magnificent ship was built in 1784 and served in the British Admiralty after being commissioned as His Majesty’s Armed Vessel in 1787. Other famous tall ships docking for the festival include Lord Nelson, Pelican of London, Johanna Lucretia and Irene. A wide range of activities will run alongside the visiting ships and families can enjoy street entertainers, arts and crafts, live music, and a variety of other family fun activities. Not to be missed are water-based spectator events, including a pirate battle re-enactment on the River Lagan between ships Zebu and Vilma. Also arriving to Queen’s Quay as part of the festival will be the International Market, bringing tastes from all around the world. The sixth Sea Bangor Maritime Festival takes place on June 18 and 19 at Bangor Marina and seafront in Co Down and highlights of this year’s festival include the return of HMS Bangor to the Eisenhower Pier, where visitors will have the chance to find out what life on a military ship is really like. In the festival’s tented village, celebrity chef Matt Tebbutt joins many local suppliers to cook up a storm at the Food Fayre. Also in the tented village is Bangor’s first ever Baby Rave, complete with DJ, lighting, projections and pram parking. To find out more about the Maritime Festivals, the Titanic tours, or for further information on places to stay or things to see and do in Northern Ireland, check out the free booking and advice service at NITB’s Tourist Information Centre in Suffolk Street Dublin 2, callsave 1850 230 230 or click on www.discovernorthernireland.com.
Waiting to relax in style in Wicklow LAURA WEBB
IF anyone had heard me on the way to Wicklow, they would have thought they were travelling with a very impatient three-yearold... are we there yet, are we there yet, I chanted in my partner, Johnny’s ear. I’m not sure if it was the excitement of the weekend, or whether it was the fact that, in 45 minutes time, I was to be treated to a spa treatment that promised to rehydrate environmentally stressed skin and be the “ultimate indulgence” for anyone thinking of playing a spot of golf, or indeed after a round. The trip from Dublin 15 to Druids Glen Resort in Wicklow took less than expected, and we arrived just a half an hour before my appointment with relaxation.
Druids Glen Resort in Wicklow is surrounded by lush landscapes and has plenty of amenities to offer, including a spa (below, left) and is also one of Ireland’s renowned hotspots for golfers
Landscape
We had heard of the beautiful surroundings of Druids Glen Resort, and upon arrival we weren’t disappointed with the amazing landscape and views in the background. Walking into the hotel, we became extras in someone’s wedding who had arrived at the same time as us. Ducking our heads behind the newlyweds, I think we avoided ruining their welcoming and great picture opportunity. Like any other girl, I just couldn’t help but have a proper look at the bride, who looked stunning in an off-white satin gown. Her bridesmaids were also just as beautiful in peach, taking pictures in the stunning foyer of Druids Glen. With the bags now in the room, which are extremely spacious and well-designed, my other half and I were ready
for the “ultimate indulgence”. The relaxation room in the spa looked incredible, definitely an area I would have no problem relaxing in after a massage. We were both booked in for the Druids Glen signature treatment, also known as the Druids ritual involving a 45-minute all over massage and 30minute Elemis facial. Joanne, miracle hands we will call her, worked wonders on relaxing my ever stressed mind and body. The aroma in the
room, made by the smell of papaya in the Elemis skincare range, helped to send me deeper into relaxation. Combine that with the facial and it turns out that this ritual does exactly what it says on the tin. Golf hotspot
Walking through the grounds, anyone can see, including a non-golfer like myself, why this is one of Ireland’s renow ned hotspots for golfers. And for any enthusiast, it is certainly one to experience.
For dinner there was just one word Johnny used to describe his meal of caramelised smoked duck starter, steak with stuffed tomato and banoffee pie, and that was “EPIC”. For me, it was the tasty soup of the day, carrot and coriander. My main, baked crushed monkfish with pesto crust – was cooked to perfection with a leek and carrot ragout that left me wanting to lick the plate. A freshly cooked mixed-berry crumble with lemon posset also went down a treat.
Chatting with a lovely waitress, Maeve, rumours that the Welsh football team were staying at the hotel were confirmed, which made me love this hotel even more. Well, if it is good enough for an international football team like the handsome Welsh, then it’s good enough for me. To find out more about Druids Glen, or to see what special offers and room rates are available, log onto www.druidsglenresort.com
2 June 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23
Edited by Mimi Murray
BudgetTravel Accommodation across the globe that won’t cost you the earth FOR a range of quirky and bizarre accommodation around the globe, that doesn’t cost the earth, go to www.hostelworld.com for some interesting and exciting choices. Choose from sleeping in a giant mushroom, floating on water, or even curling up with the local wildlife in a tree house, to make your holiday an adventure that will never be forgotten. For travellers looking for a change of scenery above and beyond the view outside the window, the travel experts at Hostelworld.com have handpicked their most popular unique and unusual hostels from around the world to excite the most adventurous of travellers.
Kadir’s Tree House in Turkey Scotland’s RockNess Festival has an iconic landmark as its backdrop
Rock the most beautiful, small festival in the world FESTIVAL fever is about to take over Scotland next weekend with RockNess, hailed as the Most Beautiful Festival in the World and winner of Best Small Festival at this year’s NME Awards. While most festivals take place in vast fields and campsites, RockNess provides a surprising way to experience an iconic Scottish landmark – the world famous Loch Ness from June 10 to 12. Over the weekend, festival-goers will experi-
ence the biggest headline acts with the mighty Kasabian unveiling tracks of their hotly anticipated new album for the first time on the Friday night, and dance icons, The Chemical Brothers, set to rock the Loch on Saturday night. Speaking about their return to RockNess, Ed and Tom, of The Chemical Brothers said: “This will be the first time we have played in Scotland since 2008, and so it’s really exciting to be head-
lining one of our favourite festivals. RockNess is an amazing place to play and we can’t wait to be back there again.” Buzzing
Scottish singer songwriter Paolo Nutini, who says he is “buzzing at the prospect”, will close the festival in a landmark gig on Sunday, June 12. Other acts appearing this year include Mark Ronson, Nero and Katy B on the Friday, The Cribs, Annie Mac, Exam-
ple and comedian Sean Hughes on Saturday, and Glasvegas, The Wombats, We Are Scientists and Beardyman on Sunday. Ticket details are available through www.rockness.co.uk, Ticketmaster or, for further information, email info@rockness.co.uk. To plan your break to RockNess, and for a range of offers on accommodation and attractions throughout Scotland, visit www.visitscotland. com/surprise.
The Irish Three Tenors help Relaxing summer dining celebrate hotel birthday at Cullen’s at the Cottage TO celebrate The Heritage Golf and Spa Resort’s sixth birthday, the Irish Three Tenors will be playing live at the resort on Friday, June 3. Joined by a star violinist, Ireland’s very own and hugely successful, John Scott, David Martin and Declan Kelly, the concert aims to raise funds for Emer O’Hora, team member at The Heritage Golf and Spa Resort, who is taking
part in the ladies, mini marathon on the June bank holiday weekend in Dublin in aid of the cancer support Cuisle Centre in Portlaoise. A r a t e o f € 18 0 for a double delu xe guestroom, including breakfast and two tickets to the Three Tenors Concert is also available. Visit www.theheritage.com, e-mail info@ theheritage.com or call 05786 45500.
CULLEN’S at the Cottage, on the grounds of Ashford Castle, opened its doors for informal summer dining recently. A short stroll across the bridge from the castle lies the thatched cottage of Cullen’s, where locally sourced produce can be enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere. Offering an a la carte menu, with a little something for everyone, there is also an evening
bar service topped off with evening entertainment. Cullen’s is open to Castle residents and non-residents alike. Though reser vations are not essential, they are advised to avoid disappointment. Cullen’s at the Cottage is open seven days a week, from 12pm to 10pm. For more information contact 094 954 6003 or go to www.ashford.ie.
KADIR’S Tree House in Turkey gives every traveller the opportunity to live their childhood dream and sleep in a real tree house. There are over 45 to choose from and to get to them you must climb up ladders before resting for the evening. If you don’t feel like resting, you will enjoy a night out in one of the hostel’s three bars or two nightclubs. Rates are from €9.36 pp/per night – go to www.hostelworld. com/hosteldetails.php/Kadirs-Tree-House/Olympos/798.
Historic lighthouse in California ON the rugged California coast, just 25 miles south of San Francisco, sits the Point Montara Fog Signal and Light Station. Established in 1875, the historic lighthouse and turn-of-the-century buildings have been preserved and restored to create a unique and bizarre hostel. Today Point Montara Lighthouse is still a beacon for travellers from all over the world. Prices start at €19.30 pp/per night – go to http://www.hostelworld. com/hosteldetails.php/ HI-Point-Montara-Lighthouse/Montara/1838
Arkabarka Floating Hostel on the river Danube ARKABARKA Floating Hostel is situated in one of the most beautiful central parks of Belgrade, on the river Danube. This place uniquely combines the exotic natural feeling of the river, with the urban comfort of contemporary wooden architecture. There is a cozy cafe welcoming Belgradians, that gives guests the opportunity to mingle with locals. Prices from €15, or go to http://www.hostelworld. com/hosteldetails.php/ ArkaBarka-Floating-Hostel/Belgrade/24507
24 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 2 June 2011
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1
GoingOUT GoingOUT MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Corus Concert
COMPRISING singers who may not have trained academically, yet can sing beautifully with joy in their heart, Corus – the choir that does not have auditions, does not require members to be able to read music, and is open to anyone who loves to sing – will see 80 members performing a wide range of songs. From classic bands like The Beatles through to more contemporary acts like Bruno Mars, Chorus will hit all the right notes with an exciting and uplifting performance. The concert starts on Thursday, June 2, at 8pm, with admission costing €10.
Tarry Flynn THE life of a 1930s’ Cavan farmer, poet and dreamer will be brought to vibrant life in a celebratory fifth anniversary show at The Mill, which is marking its birthday in style with this superb production. There’s something for everyone in this production, with this tale of a simple man with a complex heart from a bygone era having much to enjoy for audiences today. The production runs from Wednesday, June 8 to Saturday, June 18, with admission priced at €18, €15.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 The Ballet Ruse
THE beautiful world of ballet may be sent spinning – or pirouetting – by two budding ballerinas, who go from bar to barre in a bid to fulfil their dreams. Lady GaGa rubs shoulders with Tchaikovsky in a show that’s not afraid to step up to the mark to present wonderful, imaginative dancing with a twist. The Ballet Ruse plays at 8pm in the Main Auditorium on Saturday, June 4, at 8pm, with admission priced at €15/€12 conc.
The Chastitute ONE of Ireland’s best-loved plays comes to life at Draiocht, as Going Out turns to another rural farmer, this time in Kerry, where John Bosco is a middle-aged countryman reflecting on his life. Stuck in eternal celibacy, thanks to all kinds of reasons – and not a little bad luck – John Bosco reflects on his predicament, even though not everything he blames for his situation may have actually happened ... Staged in style by the skilled members of the Coolmine Drama Circle, this is a fine, comedic play that theatregoers will love. The Chastitute plays at 8.15pm in Draiocht Circle until Saturday, June 4, with admission priced at €16/€13 conc.
PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Ghosts
AWARD-winning Irish playwright Frank McGuinness has turned his considerable skills to bear on a dramatic new version of Isben’s Ghosts, presented here by London Classic Theatre. Telling of the preparations for the opening of an orphanage in tribute to her husband, the widow Helene Alving is awaiting the return of her son, Oswald, for the momentous occasion. However, his return turns the fraught event down a road that could lead to tragedy, as the ghosts of long-past events and secrets begin to come out ... Ghosts will be staged at 8pm from Thursday, June 2 to Saturday, June 4, with admission priced from €15.20 to €21.
CIVIC THEATRE 01 4627477 The Witches
ROALD Dahl’s classic tale of witches and clever children comes screaming into town with a bewitching production, adapted by David Wood. Ranging in age from threeyears-old up to adults, Witches promises to put everyone under its spell, as dastardly plans must be foiled by some clever kids, if they can overcome their fears of the scary w-w-witches ... The production is running nightly at 7pm until this Saturday, June 4 with admission priced at €15, or €10 for children aged under 10.
In this reboot for the X-Men series, we turn to the 1960s where, once upon a time, Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender) were friends, before Professor X (Charles) would use his special powers to protect Humanity, and Magneto (Erik) his, to attack it
The neXt instalment With a stiff breeze from the Cold War behind it, this film franchise reboot should be a bit of a hot property again Q KATE CROWLEY
THESE are historic times we live in. Newspapers all around the world are cranking out articles based on the same big story, sharing something that the Irish people, and Dubliners, can all look back on and remember, for years to come. Yes, that’s right – Mel Gibson is almost back on our screens, with The Beaver. However, Mel, and his bizarre film (telling of a troubled man who learns to laugh, to live, to love again – all courtesy of the beaver hand puppet which he uses to communicate with the world) ain’t this week’s gem, folks, but we do have a highly-polished film for your consideration, instead. Remember the X-Men? No, not Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh, but, rather, the hit series of
FILM OF THE WEEK: X-Men: First Class ++++ (12A) 132 mins Director: Matthew Vaughn Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Oliver Platt, Kevin Bacon, January Jones, lots of determined Mutants
OUR VERDICT: PURISTS may moan about the origins of two of the most iconic comic book characters of all time, let alone the way in which they gather their respective gangs, but there’s still a briskly enjoyable film here. True, there are still a few too many lashings and lashings of angst, oh, the angst for Kate to stomach, but it’s a good, and thoughtful, reboot for a franchise that had become a little stale ...
films from a few years ago, telling of the popular Marvel Comics characters. Starring Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan, as well as – well, nobody remembers the other characters, bar Hugh Jackman as Wolverine – the films were a pretty decent sci-fi series, before eventually wobbling and coming to a juddering halt under the weight of their own gravitas and the angst, ooh, the angst! Cue the inevitable Hollywood reboot for
the series, and, in triedand-tested fashion, it’s time to delve deeper into the origins of the X-Men, before they were X-Men, before Mutants came out of the woodwork (or walking through walls, or flying through the air, or turning into steam, or whatever). Following the mythology of the recent films, X-Men: First Class jumps back to the youth of the series’ chief protaganists; Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lehnsherr (Michael
Fassbender); back to the 1960s, before the world truly knew of the Mutants among Man. Here, when they were just Charles and Erik, rather than Professor X and Magneto, the two young men, coming from very different pasts, spark up an unlikely but intense friendship, respecting the opposing qualities in each other’s unique powers and skills. Howe ve r, w h e r e Charles seeks to educate the world about how Mutants should be respected as equals, Erik sees Mutants as the next step for humanity, and superior to ordinary men, whom he sees as an evolutionary dead end. With the world suddenly thrown into peril, thanks to the Cuban Missile Crisis, the opportunity to take Mutants out of hiding presents itself. However, where one
would seek to use extraordinary powers to stop the crisis, another sees an opportunity to change the order of things, on a global scale. The only problem is, the Hellfire Club, led by Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon), is also working away behind the scenes, and the secret society will play a greater role on the X-Men’s future than at first appears ... The shadow of Stewart and McKellan looms large over First Class, but McAvoy and Fassbender do well, taking such iconic and defined characters and putting an interesting spin on them. Briskly moving along at a satisfying pace, coupled with some punchy action pieces, and with some interesting thoughts befhind all the bombast and CG set pieces, I have to give some good marks for this First Class ...
2 June 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 25
A Cloud is a core plan for Apple ADAM MAGUIRE
THE way that people buy and listen to music has changed dramatically in recent years –Apple’s iTunes has been at the centre of that. Now, Apple is about to launch a new product that could shake things up once more, so what will it do, and what makes it so special?
The idea Apple has recently been signing a number of agreements with music companies such as EMI and Sony to let its artists be carried on a new, online music service. The idea is that people will pay for access to songs “in the cloud”, rather than having them downloaded to their computer.
Why do this? People nowadays often use a lot of different devices on a daily basis. They might have a home and office computer, a phone in their pocket, and maybe even a tablet. Keeping all of your songs up to date on all of these things can be a bit of a balancing act, so the idea here is that you will not have to. If you want to hear the songs you bought, you just need to go online and play them, hassle-free. The cost Apple has been tight-
lipped about the service, so it is currently unclear how it will be offered. It might be that you pay for access on a songby-song basis; it is also quite possible to be a subscription service, where you pay a monthly fee to access the entire catalogue of music. Another potential route is that it simply acts as an online “locker”, where people can put the music they have already bought online so that it is accessible anywhere.
When will it launch? Rumours are it will be unveiled by Apple at a conference in early June. However, it might take a while for it to hit Irish shores, though, especially if country-specific rights deals have to be hammered out first.
Are there any alternatives? Yes. Amazon have a cloud player, and Google recently launched its Music Beta service in the US. Both allow users to upload their music online so that they can access it wherever they are. Another option is Spotify, which has a massive catalogue of music that can be streamed by users, without ads, for a monthly fee. However, that is also currently not available in Ireland ... Epson BX320FW While technically an office printer, the Epson BX320FW is affordable, and useful enough, to find pride of place in any home or even home office.
Boasting high print speeds, greater ink efficiency and an easy setup, there is a lot for the BX320FW to live up to. After all, the printe r m a r ke t is quite c r owd e d at the moment, e v e n when it comes to those that offer print, scan and copy facilities. However, this device holds its own in every regard. It is fast, quiet and efficient and, once you have a wireless network at home, it is very easy to set up. At the front of the device is a very straightforward panel – much like one you would see
on a photocopier, only more simple – which makes it very easy indeed to navigate and use. This printer is not the
smallest in the world, but it would be ideal for any user that will be printing a lot of documents, and the occasional photo. It also comes with a range of software to make the process of
editing and printing scanned documents all the easier. It’s cer tainly well worth considering for users looking for more
than your basic printer fare. The Epson BX320FW printer is available on Pixmania.ie for €193, plus P&P. Visit teic.ie for the latest tech news, reviews and views.
GAZETTE
26 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 2 June 2011
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SEWING CLASSES/ CURTAIN MAKING Curtain and Roman Blind making service at competitive prices. We reline and re-pleat all curtains, full selection of poles and rails available. Beginners and Improvers 6 week Sewing Classes on Dress Making and Home Furnishings resuming in September. Half Day workshops also resuming in September. Contact us at www.sewgreat.ie or www.pressxpress.ie, call 01 8227650 or email info@ sewgreat.ie
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2 June 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 27
GazetteSPORT
MONTH OF MAY: Last month’s Sports Awards winners are announced: Page 29
LADIES’ FOOTBALL: LOCAL PLAYERS NAMED IN THE DIVISION 2 TEAM OF THE YEAR
Jackies’ defence takes all places on Team of Year sport@gazettegroup.com
DUBLIN’S Cliodhna O’Connor (Naomh Mearnog), Sinéad Goldrick (Foxrock Cabinteely), Ailish McKenna (St Brigid’s), Gemma Fay (Ballyboden St Enda’s) and Sinead Aherne (St Sylvester’s), along with Siobhan McGrath, were named in the Bord Gais Energy Ladies’ Football Division 2 Team of the League at a ceremony in Croke Park last week.
In total, 26 counties are represented in the 60 players selected and each player was presented with a specially commissioned kit to mark their achievement. The selection process is led by team managers and referees who were asked to nominate players after each round of league matches, and managers are precluded from voting for their own players. Speaking at the
announcement Pat Quill, President of Ladies Gaelic Football said, “It is a great personal honour for the players to be selected. All counties have talented players and these awards may be the only opportunity that players from counties who do not reach the final stages of competitions get to be recognised. “I thank the county managers and referees for their diligence in their nominations. These are
Cliodhna O’Connor, Sinead Goldrick, Ailish McKenna, Gemma Fay and Sinead Aherne, with Siobhan McGrath
also coveted awards by the managers in recognition of their team building skills.” Division 2 champions, Dublin, will be thrilled with their contingent as they secured six places
and, with a goalkeeper and four defenders among them, perhaps it shows where others felt their true strength lay throughout a dominant league campaign. The other nine places
were shared between five counties, with Meath leading the way with four places – Shauna Bennett, Katie O’Brien, Gráinne Nulty and Mary Sheridan – while Cavan, the only team to beat Dublin all
year, took home two selections for Gráinne McGlade and Aisling Doonan. Armagh, Waterford and Sligo completed the Division 2 Team of the League selection with one player each.
28 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 2 June 2011
GazetteSport Sport GAA
Fingallians’ Sarah Deegan
Dublin U-14s
Junior Jackies trounce the Tribe UBLIN booked their place in the 2011 All-Ireland U-14 final with a hard-fought win over reigning champions, Galway, in St Loman’s GAA, Mullingar, last week. The goals scored were to be the deciding factor when Dublin rattled the Galway net on six occassions. Dublin had the advantage of a strong wind behind them in the first half, and led at the interval by 4-3 to 1-5. Galway threw everything at Dublin in the second half, but the young Dubs dug deep and defended their goal line tightly to secure this vital win. The final score was Dublin 6-6, Galway 2-9. Dublin will play Munster champions, Cork, in the All-Ireland final on June 11 or 12.
Dublin’s Amy Deegan, from Round Towers, in action against Galway. Pictures: GAApics.com
Kate Murray (Naomh Olaf) St Brigid’s Ann-Marie Troy
Megan Morrissey (Castleknock)
D
Emma Byrne (Castleknock)
Saoirse Tulie (St John’s Ballinteer)
Foxrock Cabinteely’s Socha Whooley
2 June 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29
in association with
KARATE: CLUB SHOWS STRENGTH HOME AND AWAY
2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS MAY WINNERS IN ASSOCIATION WITH
+ STARof theMONTH
RYAN O’DWYER KILMACUD Crokes’ star Ryan O’Dwyer produced a truly outstanding performance to help Dublin annex their first National Hurling League division one title since the 1930s. He was named man-ofthe-match in the Dubs’ comprehensive 0-22 to 1-7 success over Kilkenny in the final.
TEAMof theMONTH + SWORDS CELTIC
SWORDS Celtic enjoyed a memorable month, claiming nine league and cup titles across the various NDSL and DDSL competitions in a bumper three-week period. The titles ranged from U-8 up to U-17 level, with several Premier gongs among them.
MAY was another month when the great and good of Dublin sport came to the fore and the matter of choosing winners for the Dublin Sports Awards was particularly hard. But, looking at the achievements by each of the contenders, two clear champions emerged from among the pack. Ryan O’Dwyer’s huge performance for Dublin in the defeat of Kilkenny, the perennial hurling supremos of recent years, was worthy of our acknowledgement. And, with nine titles in league and cup competition across all age ranges at the club, Swoirds Celtic showed their commitment to youth develop-
ment and top-level coaching that will see them and their players be a part of our collective soccer consciousness for years to come. Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin — and give you, or your team, a chance of being one of our monthly stars. Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes in the month of May, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/gazettesport. You can also check out the latest stories from GazetteSport at our new website, www.gazettegroup. com.
Leeanne Royle accepts the Charles Naylor Memorial Trophy from Sensei Andy Sheery in Birmingham
Corduff hail a real Royle performance CORDUFF Karate Club’s Leeanne Royle was recently awarded the prestigious Charles Naylor Memorial Trophy for the most outstanding child competitor at the Karate Union of Great Britain’s National Championships at the NIA Birmingham. The competition, which is in it’s 45th year, is by far the largest championships in Britain, with over 1,000 competitors battling it out for a place in the finals. As part of the USKF Ireland team, Leanne stormed her way through
the eliminations of the girls kumite (fighting) event and went on to win the title. Leeanne also took home a bronze medal for the Under-16 kata event. This special award, presented by the KUGB chief instructor Sensei Andy Sherry, is a major achievement for Leeanne and the Corduff Karate Club, as it is the first time in the history of this tournament that an Irish person has won this particular prize or been placed first in their event. Four other students
Camp for champions: Leinster launch 2011 summer training LEINSTER players Eoin Reddan, Isa Nacewa and Richardt Strauss, along with local kids Neil Durkan, John Durkan,and James Durkan-Watson were on hand to launch the Volkswagen Leinster Rugby summer camps, which will run throughout the city in July and August. Players will be taught by fully-accredited IRFU coaches and two senior Leinster players are expected to visit each camp along with the Heineken Cup. For a full list of venues or to book a place please log on to www.leinsterrugby.ie/summercamps.
took part in the Karate Union of Great Britain’s National Championships as part of the USKF Ireland team. Corduff’s James Farrelly, Mark Maguire and Eleanore Coates fought well but narrowly missed out on places in the finals. In the junior male category, Ryan Cullen beat some tough opponents to secure a bronze medal in his event. The club also recently sent a squad of 30 students to compete in the tenth USKFI National Championships held in
the Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown. The competition, which was the largest to date, saw many of the Corduff competitors being placed in the finals. For some of their junior members, this was their first major national competition, and they displayed their competitive attitude and spirit, in particular, Yacine and Yusuf Ghanem. The two brothers fought some very spirited matches, but eventually Yacine pipped Yusuf to take home the prize.
30 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 2 June 2011
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
Sylvester’s hosting annual walk and fun run ST SYLVESTER’S GAA Club are holding their annual sponsored walk and fun run event on Bank Holiday Monday, June 6 at Bridgefield, Malahide Castle. The walk commences at 1.45pm from the castle, and club members are encouraged to wear their club colours. Nicky Cleere, the club person of the year 2010, and other special guests, will be present to encourage the walkers and runners on the day, and the funds raised will assist in equipping Sylvester’s teams. There will be goody bags and refreshments for all who take part in the event, and there will be entertainment and food at the clubhouse after the event. For a sponsorship card, contact Rob on 086 256 2837 or see www.stsylvesters.ie for more information.
Malahide take league tie with late charge JOHN Pryor’s rip-roaring 77 saw Malahide to a comfortable victory over North County last weekend in the first round of the LHW Senior Cup last Saturday at Inch. Chasing a meagre target of 131, Pryor opened his shoulders to smash the runs off 55 balls, including five sixes and ten fours to carry his bat in breath-taking style. Opening with Jim Govan, the pair put on 79 for the first wicket before
Tweddle and Turner followed in quick succession to reduce the village to 117 for three. Ian Guerin, though, stayed with Pryor, hitting a brace of boundaries to see Malahide reach their target in 18 overs to win by seven wickets. Earlier, County’s batting line-up never got going with Peter Saville and Stephen Smith nipping out three apiece, while Jonno Andrews provided some early fire to the innings. When he departed, his side were rocking at 60 for four and they scarcely gained further momentum as the game closed.
FAI FIVE-A-SIDE: PLUNKETT’S REACH NATIONAL PLAY-OFFS
St Oliver Plunkett’s girls have reached the All ireland stage of the FAI Schools competition
Plunkett’s eye All Ireland sport@gazettegroup.com
ST OLIVER Plunkett’s NS, Malahide, go in search of All-Ireland glory this week when they contest the B Section for medium schools of the FAI Schools 5-a-side National finals. They contest a group which sees teams from all four corners of the country - Limerick, Dublin, Monaghan and Sligo represented. Under the tutelage of teacher Joe Morton, the side came through their Leinster qualifier last week in excellent style. The side features eight players: Abbie Brophy, Megan Byrne, Cliona
Hamill, Amy Phelan, Amy Ewing, Caoimhe McCann, Carys Herbert and Niamh Smyth. Plunkett’s rivals include Gaelscoil Ultain, from Monaghan Town, who clocked up an intimidating four goals in each group game of their provincial rounds, amounting to a tally of 12 goals as runners-up Virginia were the only team to get one by their solid defensive system. The school defeated St. Mary’s NS, Virginia, en route to the nationals, a side who came third in the All-Ireland series last season, so Gaelscoil Ultain look an imposing opposition in a group which also
’Hide in for the ride: Malahide rugby cycle to Galway for Haiti TEAM MALAHIDE RFC were a part of
the massed group of riders who took part in the Cycle4Haiti ride from Dublin to Galway recently. Pictured at the finish line in Eyre Square are Team Malahide RFC’s Dermot Nolan, Patrick Canning and Damian Hyland with Michael Dawson, managing director of One4all and charity cycle organiser. The 225km charity cycle from Dublin to Galway raised €125,000 for the Soul of Haiti Foundation.
features Scoil Mhuire gan Smal and St. Anne’s NS in a highly entertaining grouping. The Malahide school will play their games at Leah Victoria Park, home to Tullamore Town, getting their campaign up and running against Scoil Mhuire gan Smal before facing St Anne’s and closing out the round-robin group against Gaelscoil Ultain. More than 16,000 children from all over the country participated in this, the biggest competition in the 2011 Primary Schools Soccer Calendar. Schools battle it out in county qualifiers nationwide before advancing
firstly to regional finals and then to provincial deciders. After three months of competition the final 20 schools advance from their provincial finals to the ultimate stage, the National Finals, which are divided into five groups. There are five sections to cater from, including “A” Schools and Girls “A” Schools for small-sized schools. Medium-sized schools are catered for under the “B” Schools and Girls “B” Schools sections and finally “C” Schools accommodate the large school’s section. Tom Bolger, Chairman of FAI Schools, said of the competition: “FAI
Schools must pay tribute to the phenomenal work carried out at grassroots level by the Provincial Coordinators and Regional Development Officers in ensuring that the event is even more popular than ever before.” The National Finals will see 160 participants from all corners of the country compete. Fourteen counties will be involved in this year’s National Finals. Schools from Roscommon, Tipperary, Westmeath, Monaghan, Mayo, Waterford, Wexford, Donegal, Limerick, Sligo, Dublin, Galway, Cork and Carlow will contest the title.
2 June 2011 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31
in association with
AFL 5: BALLYBODEN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CONDITIONS
CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST SYLVESTER’S AHL3: St Sylvester’s 1-10, Commer-
annual pilgrimage to Ardara, and
cials 1-10: The intermediate hurlers
they are holding a fund-raising
will feel that they let this one slip
quiz on Thursday, June 2. They are
away after taking a good early lead.
also holding a cake sale in the Paro-
Ronan Kennedy led the forward line
chial Hall on Sunday, June 5 after 10
well scoring 1-2 early on.
o’clock Mass.
AHL6: Na Fianna 2-9, St Sylvester’s
Come along and follow in the foot-
2-11: The junior hurlers had a very
steps of the inspirational clubman
impressive win over Na Fianna to
of the year, Nicky Cleere, who will
make it three wins from their last
lead the annual sponsored walk and
three matches.
fun run in Malahide Castle on Bank
The senior football team play Bal-
Holiday Monday, June 6. It will be
lymun Kickhams in Pairc Ciceam
another great fun and festive day
this week. The intermediate foot-
out.
ballers are in Broomfield against Naomh Olaf. The Under-12 s are of f on the
Check out the excellent w w w. stsylvesters.ie for news views and information.
FINGALLIANS Innisfails could not match the early attack from Wanderers, and consequently lost out in their AFL 5 match
Innisfails’ early slip hinders effort AFL 5 Innisfails 0-8 Ballyboden Wanderers 2-9 STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com
WANDERERS made the best of favourable firsthalf wind and hill advantage last Thursday night in Balgriffin to leave Innisfails right in the relegation mix in AFL5, as they pass the halfway mark in the season. With squally winds coming from the airport end of the top pitch, damage control in the face of those conditions was always going to be the order of the day. But ’Fails were sprung early, conceding 1-3 inside the opening ten minutes as David Costigan’s unattended catch and flashing finish built an imposing lead from which the hosts never recovered. At times in the second half, gaps opened for the likes of Mark McCluskey and Matthew Keenan but Bren Boyle’s defence kept clean shooting chances to
a minimum. It left the hosts frustrated, closing to four points with ten minutes to go but never getting properly in range. The towering figure of Garry O’Sullivan was key in the endgame as with Karl Boland’s kickouts into the breeze held up in midfield, the Wanderers’ midfielder picked off plenty of catches and ensuing frees to wind down the clock. And when a superb set of hand-passes created the chance for Liam Murphy to net a second goal, it was two points ground out. The southsiders got off to a dream start, Murphy’s free augmented by Costigan’s 1-1. John Healy twice stormed forward from the half-backs while Carl Ennis tacked on another. In response, Keenan responded with three identikit frees from the right corner but their bid was further hampered by a nasty injury sustained by full-back John
McEvoy. A fine team point from Costigan and a pair from Murphy helped to build the lead to 1-8 to 0-3 at the break, a decent wedge but also a vulnerable one given the difficulty facing uphill. Indeed, that point was proven when Keenan boomed over from 50 metres out, with the wind playing its part. Derek Burke’s kick-outs were dropping on the 40 to pin Wanderers back. Healy did cancel out that point but it began an 18-minute scoreless period for the Ballyboden side with just Murphy’s goal coming in the last 26
minutes of the tie. Little by little, ’Fails chipped away, Tone Taaffe and Jason Devoy’s overthe-shoulder effort building some momentum. Taaffe added a fine second while substitute David Bowe got the Balgriffin club to within four. There was still time for a late surge but it was cut short as the lively Damian Gallagher and Emmett Farrell transferred the ball with real pace. Shouts to clear the ball were calmly ignored by Murphy who coolly rolled it low to the bottom right corner across the bows of Derek Burke.
CONGRATULATIONS to Sarah Deegan
Well done to Sarah Deneher who
on a great display as Dublin went
helped Dublin to a silver medal with
through to the U-14 girls’ All-Ireland
her performance at the National
final. The Dublin junior footballers
Cross-Country relays in Athlone
advanced in Leinster with Ciaran
over the weekend.
McLoughlin part of the panel.
The Club Golf Society has their
Adult hurlers beat St Brigid’s dur-
next outing in Ashbourne GC from
ing the week 2-17 to 2-7. U-13B and
2 to 3.30pm on Friday, June 24. A
U-14B footballers and U-12 girls
timesheet for this outing will be
were also victorious.
available in the club in two weeks.
All the local primary schools are invited to participate in blitzes in
Further information available from eoin.cullen@aviva.ie
Fingallians’ GAA Club, commencing
The club would like to wish Tommy
on Thursday, June 19, and will con-
Reilly, senior, a speedy and full
tinue up till June 25.
recovery.
The Academy goes ahead as usual next Saturday, June 4, at 10am.
The latest Lotto numbers drawn were 4, 5, 8, 10 and 20.
FINGAL RAVENS ANNUAL golf classic last Saturday
Daly and Ed Prunty; also to Ann Fox
was a great success; thanks to our
for getting in sponsorship and to
main sponsor, Pat McDonagh.
Andy Kettle for doing the auction.
Thanks to everyone who played or
Also a big thanks to Jessica and
sponsored a tee box, thanks also to
Clodagh Manning for selling raffle
Swords Open and to Kettle’s Hotel
tickets all day on Saturday.
for the food afterwards. Well done to the winning team of Noel, Willie, Joey and David.
Junior B team play Ballyboughal at home this Thursday at 7.30pm in the cup.
A big thank you to all on the Golf
Well done to all the boy and girls
Committee for the work they put
from Rolestown school who made
in to make this fundraiser so suc-
their First Holy Communion on Sat-
cessful, Pat Kinsella, Maura Norton,
urday.
Alan Manning, Jackie Flynn, Anne Convery, Declan O’Brien, Audrey
Committee meeting this Thursday at 9pm in Kettles Hotel.
ST FINIAN’S THE adult ladies’ football team had a good win last week. Emma Brady made a great save from a penalty.
matches through the club. Lotto: Numbers drawn were 2, 4, 13 and 14. There was no winner of the
Memberships are overdue. Remem-
jackpot worth €5,000. The €50 win-
ber you must be a fully paid up mem-
ners were Alan Delaney and PNLN.
ber to obtain tickets for Dublin
Next week, the jackpot will be €5,100.
ALL OF YOUR MALAHIDE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
’FAILS FALTER: Balgriffin side find Wanderers too hot to handle in AFL5 P31
JUNE 2, 2011
STARRY EYED: May Sports Awards winners revealed P29
GazetteSPORT
Sanita Puspure and team mate Lisa Dilleen celebrate their excellent performances at the World Cup rowing event in Munich last weekend
Puspure puts in world class row Kinsealy resident shows her potential to reach 2012 Olympics but must still wait over passport concerns STEPHEN FINDLATER malahidesport@gazettegroup.com
SANITA Puspure once again showed her potential as a possible Olympian as, working in tandem with 19 year-old Lisa Dilleen, she pulled off a remarkable result at rowing’s World Cup regatta in Munich last weekend. The pair are the newest duo, banding together just three weeks ago to pick up fifth place in the double sculls, a result which would see the pair on the verge of Olympic qualification should it be replicated later his summer. Ireland will bid to earn one of the eight qualifying spaces from a regatta in Bled in 13 weeks time and, with just Canada, New Zealand and Australia absent of the contenders in Munich, Kinsealy resident Puspure and Dilleen set a fine early season marker. For the latter, it was a first ever senior regatta, emerging from the U-23 circuit she raced in 2010 whilst completing her Leaving Certifi-
cate. And while their pairing is a new one, it is one which High Performance Director Martin McElroy was not surprised gelled instantly. ”They’re two very complementary characters. They train hard but are good fun to work with. The timing has worked out quite well because they have put in the hard work over the winter so, while they haven’t been together a huge amount of time, that wasn’t really an issue. “If they can spend a bit more time together, that will bring it out even more. Fifth place in their first World Cup regatta, it’s pretty impressive.”
Eligible A spanner in the works, though, could be Puspure’s eligibility. She previously represented Latvia at youth level but has been resident in Ireland for the past five years, recently submitting an Irish passport application.
Currently, she can compete at World Cup level but is not allowed enter Olympic events until this issue is sorted and so now faces a race against time for the administration process to take its course. Dilleen and Puspure produced a fine race in their semi-final, dicing with Romania down the course to secure second in the closing stages. In Sunday’s final, Romania reversed that position in the closing stages to take fourth while favourites Britain, the United States and Belarus took the medals. But Puspure was nonetheless delighted with their performance. “We were focusing more on having a good row every time and just pushing the boundaries; checking how far we could go. That brought us to the A Final, which is great. “Today, we were just a bit tired from the weekend, but I think we did great overall, considering we have had just a few weeks in the boat. I think it is a great achievement.”