Malahide

Malahide GAZET TE FREE

SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

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M A L A H I D E • P O R T M A R N O C K • K I N S E A LY • C L A R E H A L L

BBRIDE&GROOM: Our guide for planning your y perfect day P19

CARVING A NAME: Artist asked to return to exhibit work in Berlin Page 6

Good prospects: Dubai sets out possibilities THE RADISSON BLU hotel at

Boxing: Local clubs battle for Pride of Malahide Page 30

Dublin Airport recently played host to a fascinating business briefing, which focused on the prospects of doing business in Dubai. A wide range of businesses, economic groups and entrepreneurs were at the wellattended meeting, which had been organised by the Government of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce.

Pictured at the event are Neelie Murray, Anita Thomas and Frances Campbell.

Full Gallery on Page 8

Football: St Sylvester’s get the better of Raheny in SFC Page 31

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ...............8 ENTERTAINMENT... 16 TRAVEL ................... 17 BUSINESS ............. 18 CLASSIFIEDS .........28

House tax campaign pledges to hold firm I NATALIE BURKE

Protesters stage demo outside council office

LOCAL residents announced they would continue to protest against Fingal County Council and the Government after protesters opposing the household charge gathered outside a recent council meeting.

The residents were high-

lighting their campaign against the payment of the household charge and water charges, a payment considered “ridiculous” by Cllr Eugene Coppinger (SP).

“The additional council cuts announced recently are being linked to the non-payment of the household charge, and the campaign are saying that’s

rubbish,” said Coppinger.

“The council have had cuts since 2008 and 2009. They’ve had a 22% drop in staff numbers, and it’s ridiculous that they’re blaming the non-payment of a €100 charge on the additional cuts [to their budget],” he said.

Full Story on Page 4

2 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 20 September 2012

FINGAL ENTERPRISE WEEK: GOLF HIGH-TECH START-UP ON SHORTLIST

Four firms vying for gold I NATALIE BURKE nburke@gazettegroup.com

A LOCAL Clonshaugh company could be bringing home the gold next month, when the winner of the Fingal Enterprise Awards is announced during Fingal Enterprise Week.

Golfgraffix Ltd, the brainchild of self-confessed golf fanatic John Aherne, has been named as one of the four finalists in the competition, which is one of the most popular events of Fingal Enterprise Week.

Organised by the County Enterprise Board, the week is one of the biggest and most successful local enterprise weeks in Ireland, with 15 events taking place from Monday, October 1, to Friday, October 5.

Golfgraffix Ltd has been in operation in Clonshaugh since 2010 and specialises in the development of interactive marketing and 3D visualisation products for golf clubs, course designers and developers.

To date, the firm, which employs four staff, has secured a five-year contract worth $1.25 million with US company Caddytronic.

Golfgraffix has devel-

oped the technical and product capability for development of a substantial business.

Already, over 30,000 users have signed up for their app, and the firm has international sales in the UK, China, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, the USA, China, Vietnam and other countries across the world.

John Aherne said it was great news for the local company to be nominated as a finalist.

“As a young start-up, it is very easy to get caught up in the struggle to carve a place in the market and not see the big steps we have taken. Recognition like this is not only a great boost to the company’s exposure but is also a vindication for all the hard work that the team have put in over the last year.”

The winner of Fingal Enterprise Awards 2012 will go forward to the National Enterprise Awards in November.

Last year’s winner, Fleet Connect, went on to win the Best New Business accolade at the National Enterprise Awards.

For a full schedule of Fingal Enterprise Week and for booking details, log onto www.fingalenterpriseweek.ie.

HEALTHCARE Minister congratulates new graduates

Maryana Maksimova from Hamilton Park Care Home, Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton, Linda Murphy from All In Care Ltc, and Brian Gormley, vice-chairperson of Fingal LEADER Partnership Company. Pictures: Keogh Photography

A brighter future beckons

INISTER for Social Protection Joan Burton awarded 11 certificates at a healthcare graduation ceremony in the Bracken Court Hotel, Balbriggan recently. Over 24 jobs have been created through this initiative . The programme was developed by Fingal LEADER Partnership after establishing links with local employers. The Department of Social Protection provided over

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€44,000 in funding. Minister Burton said: “This is a wonderful example of collaboration among the agencies involved and employers working together in an effort to support unemployed people back into work. It is a great achievement for all involved. ” The course was a 12-week training programme with All In Care Ltd, Hamilton Park and Beech Tree Residential Care Homes.

Leas Cathaoirleach Peadar O’Kelly and Jade Kenny and Minister Burton

Brian Gormley

Deputy Brendan Ryan (Lab)

Helen Usiomwonta receiving a Student Anne Slattery, tutor Anne Clarke and student Jade Kenny

certificate from Minister Burton

20 September 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 3

PARKRUN Malahide tipped to host inaugural race

Public fitness initiative free and open to all I NATALIE BURKE

M A L A H I DE C a s t l e could be the very first Irish location for a weekly 5km running initiative, which currently operates in over 100 locations across Britain and Northern Ireland.

ParkRun is a fitness initiative that aims to introduce free, timed 5km runs held in public parks that are open to all ages and abilities. The races are aimed at people interested in getting fit, while also catering for more senior runners.

S i n c e 13 p e o p l e turned out for the very first ParkRun in 2004 in Britain, the initiative has grown significantly,

and recently, more than 200,000 people took part in one of their events.

Now, Malahide could play host to the inaugural Irish race, after ParkRun Malahide Castle was shortlisted as a finalist in the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund competition. With 45 other organisations vying for the prize, the public are being called on to cast their vote online this month, with their input helping to determine where the prize funds from the competition are awarded.

According to one of the organisers of ParkRun, Michael McMahon, winning the funding from Coca-Cola could get even more events run-

ning across Dublin.

“I’ve already spoken to Fingal County Council and they’re enthusiastic about it, but the problem is it takes a certain amount of funding to get started. We applied through the Coca Cola Fund, who award one winner and 10 r unners up. Any one of those awards would be enough to get us started,” explained the Malahide native.

Register

“Because there is no money charged to participants, [the ParkRun] is quite easy to run. Runners can register on a website and they print out a barcode. They bring

Park runs have proven successful already in parks across the UK and Northern Ireland, pictured are participants at the Waterworks Park in Belfast earlier this summer

that with them on the day and it’s all done through technology. Insurance is covered by the central ParkRun organisation, so once we pay the initial upfront fee, it’s free [for people] to run.”

According to Michael, the purpose of the Coca Cola Thank You Fund is to come up with an inno-

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vative way to get people active. “ParkRun has proven really successful in getting people running every week. You get an email with your times so you can start charting your progress and your improvement every week.

“Malahide Castle is very well set up for

[ParkRun] because it’s close to a large population and there’s a very good route through the castle for a 5km course.

It’s a really pleasant place to run.”

To vote for ParkRun in the Coca Cola Thank You Fund Competition, please visit www.cocacola.ie.

SCHOOLS

League for young athletes kicks off WHILE the 2012 Olympics may have come to an end, the year is only beginning for hundreds of Fingal schoolchildren interested in athletics.

This year, schools from across the area can choose to enter the Fingal Athletics League, organised by Fingal County Council’s Sports Office in partnership with Athletics Ireland.

Now in its sixth year, schools can take part in Balheary Park, Swords and Porterstown Park, Dublin 15, entering a maximum of 50 pupils, both boys and girls from third to sixth class, with race distances ranging from 250 to 550 metres.

The finals will take place in Morton Stadium, Santry, in May 2013, which will see both leagues coming together.

To register your school, call 01 890 6232.

4 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 20 September 2012

FastNews

CAMPAIGN: COUNCILLOR SLAMS ‘RIDICULOUS’ TAX

Household charge protest to ‘hold firm’

Author Sinead Moriarty and Charley Fay (5) launch the Bord Gais Energy Bookshop of the Year.

What’s your favourite bookshop? Vote for it

I NATALIE BURKE

THE search for Ireland’s favourite bookshop is on and Bord Gais Energy is calling on all Dublin North booklovers to cast their votes before Sunday, October 14.

The search for the Bord Gais Energy Bookshop of the Year, which was first introduced last year, highlights the importance of bookshops in Ireland and, this year, over 70 bookshops from Dublin are competing for the title. Local bookstores in the running include Manor Books and Village Books in Malahide, The Open Book Library in Kinsealy and The Wise Owl in Clarehall Shopping Centre.

Speaking about the award, Emma Walsh, sponsorship co-ordinator for books and reading with Bord Gais Energy, said: “This competition is about recognising and highlighting the importance of bookshops in our local communities. Bord Gais Energy is delighted to support this exciting initiative which gives book lovers the chance to vote for their favourite bookstores throughout the country.”

To cast your vote, visit www.bordgaisenergybookclub.ie.

Why advertise with the Gazette?

Pretty in pink: Store talk on baby nutrition is food for thought YVETTE Howard and her nine-month-old daughter Grace are

Let our advertisers tell you why:

“

As a community bank, we

pictured enjoying themselves at a EuroSpar Malahide Mother and Baby event recently. A professional SMA nutritionist gave a free talk, with one-to-one consultations and a wide range of special offers a on baby products. The nutritionist also hosted an interactive session on baby dietary needs. Parents were given the opportunity to ask questions and interact with other mothers exchanging thoughts, tips and ideas. Store owner Fergus Giblin said: “Mothers and families are an important part of our customer base ... we were delighted to see such a turnout on the day for what also became a great social occasion.”

LOCAL residents announced they would continue to protest against Fingal County Council (FCC) and the Government after protesters opposing the household charge gathered outside a recent council meeting.

A group of local homeowners protested outside the council chamber at County Hall, Swords last week, as FCC held its monthly meeting.

The residents were highlighting their campaign against the payment of the household and water charges, a payment considered “ridiculous” by Cllr Eugene Coppinger (SP).

“The additional council cuts announced recently are being linked to the non-payment of the household charge, and the campaign are saying that’s rubbish,” said Coppinger.

“The council have had cuts since 2008 and 2009.

They’ve had a 22% drop in staff numbers, and it’s ridiculous that they’re blaming the non-payment of a €100 charge on the additional cuts.”

Speaking about the protest, Coppinger said: “It was just a small protest organised by the local campaign against the charges. It was just to make a bit of noise outside as there were three motions on the meeting agenda about council cuts. The noise is always noticed, so they will always make an impact.

“I think from the ‘softly softly’ approach taken by the other councillors, there is a realisation that the campaign is winning and that people aren’t going to be able to pay the property tax.”

With the Government planning to introduce a property tax next year on residential homes, and the introduction of water meters as a pilot scheme in Fingal, the Campaign Against Household and Water Taxes is due to hold a public meeting at the Carnegie Court Hotel, Swords, on Thursday, September 20, at 8pm.

Both Cllr Coppinger and Clare Daly TD (United Left Alliance) are calling on people to “stand firm and make a stand” by attending the public meeting.

have a strong focus on local profiling and brand visibility.

Our partnership with the Dublin Gazette Newspapers delivers

Pupils get a chance to be next Katie Taylor I NATALIE BURKE

on this requirement. Our sponsorship of the Business Page, as well as the editorial

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B E C A U S E L O C A L M AT T E R S

CHILDREN in Balbriggan and Baldoyle will have the chance to get involved in Fingal County Council’s Schools Boxing Programme, after invitations were sent to primary schools across the two areas.

The programme, which is co-ordinated by Fingal’s Sports Office and is supported by the Irish Sports Council, is linked

to Bracken and Baldoyle Boxing Clubs. It aims to introduce boys and girls from third to sixth class to the sport through noncontact, skills-based fun activities.

Fully-qualified IABA coaches from both clubs will complete the sixweek introduction to the boxing programme in local schools, which will be followed by a presentation night in the clubs.

This will give both stu-

dents and their parents a chance to see what goes on inside a boxing club and to meet all the coaches.

This is the third year of the programme, but the first time schools in Baldoyle have been able to avail of the opportunity. Over 450 students from Bracken Educate Together, St George’s NS, St Mologa’s SNS and St Teresa’s NS took part in the programme in 2011,

with all schools represented at the presentation night.

Senior sports development officer at Fingal County Council Niall McGuirk said he was delighted to have boxing taking place in primary schools.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to try out the sport and, for those that are interested in taking it up, there’s a ready made school-club link.

“The programme has been a major factor in the introduction of female boxers to Bracken Boxing Club for the very first time in their history and, with Katie Taylor winning gold and the success of Irish male boxers in the London Olympics, I can only see numbers increasing,” he said.

For information, phone Niall McGuirk, FCC at 01 8906232 or email niall. mcguirk@fingalcoco.ie.

20 September 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5

COUNCIL: REGISTRATION DEADLINE LOOMING

BUSINESS

Fuel bill discount for Fingal Chamber

Septic tank fee set to rise I NATALIE BURKE nburke@gazettegroup.com

FINGAL County Council (FCC) is urging local septic tank owners to avail of the reduced €5 registration fee before the September 28 deadline.

Owners of domestic wastewater treatment systems – including septic tanks – must register with their local council on or before the February deadline, to avoid a fine of up to €5,000.

A €50 charge will apply to those registering after September 28, and registrations must be completed by February 1, 2013.

The registration and inspection of domestic wastewater systems was introduced following a European Court of Justice ruling against Ireland in 2009, and aims to protect ground and surface-water quality.

PJ Howell, director of FCC environmental and economic development said: “The 2012 Water Services (Amendment) Act aims to protect drinking water sources from contamination by introducing a registration and inspection system for domestic waste water treatment systems, generally known as septic tanks”.

“Systems that don’t work properly pose a contamination threat to ground or surface water sources, and the Environmental Protection Agency is developing a risk based inspection system for all domestic treatment systems to begin in 2013.”

Residents can register online at www.protectourwater.ie or by calling to the FCC offices in Swords, or by posting registration forms to PO Box 12204, Dublin 7.

Taste of success: Local food firm’s winning spuds are tops in national organic awards LOOKING happy with a cornucopia of fruit and vegetables are, from left, Tara McCarthy, director of the food and beverage division at Bord Bia, Tom Keogh, from Keoghs, and Shane McEntee, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Food, Horticulture and Food Safety.

Minister McEntee recently announced the winners of the National Organic Awards

2012 at a ceremony in Bord Bia. The Organic Fruit and Vegetable award was won by Keogh’s Irish Organic Potatoes of Oldtown for their brilliant packaging, for great value and for tasting like a potato should.

This is the sixth year of the National Organic Awards which take place during National Organic Week. Organised by Bord Bia, over 100 entries were received and awards were given in eight categories.

MEMBERS of the Fingal Dublin Chamber will soon be able to avail of a special discount offer on their electricity bills, thanks to a recent agreement between the chamber and Electric Ireland.

The offer allows current and new members of Fingal Dublin Chamber to avail of a 17% discount off Electric Ireland’s standard unit rates until November 2014, if they sign up before November 30, 2012.

This special discount affinity scheme with Electric Ireland offers members of the chamber an ideal opportunity to lower their energy costs at a time when many businesses are struggling to control costs. The offer is also open to new members of the chamber.

For more information, please call 18503050 70 or email business@electricireland.ie.

6 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 20 September 2012

HONOUR Irish Embassy in Berlin invites noted sculptor back

International artist and sculptor Michael Killen from Malahide is absorbed in his work. Some of his sculptures include from top right, Final, Island and Greasy Pole

Portrait of an artist I NATALIE BURKE

WITH an international reputation already tightly under his belt, noted Malahide ar tist and sculptor Michael Killen will once again feature his art on international shores when he displays his work at the Irish Embassy in Berlin next year.

Following a successful exhibition of his sculptures, watercolours and drawings at the embassy in Berlin earlier this year, the well-known local artist has been invited to leave a number of his works on display in the embassy during the first six months of next year, when Ireland will hold the presidency of the EU.

The original exhibition, which took place in May and June, consisted of a number of sculptures in bronze and timber, a selection of large canvasses and a series of drawings and watercolours.

It was mounted with the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and opened by the Ambassador of Ireland to Germany, Dan Mulhall.

“The reaction to the exhibition in May was really good and, following it, the embassy asked would I leave some of my work there for an exhibition next year,” explained Michael.

“My work isn’t on public display in the embassy at the moment,

due to a large number of delegation visits, but these works will be on view to those delegates and officials visiting and conducting business in the embassy.”

A graduate of the Dun Laoghaire College of Art and Design, Michael spent a year at the Academy of Fine Art in Florence on an Italian government scholarship before returning in the mid-1970s to work full-time in Ireland as a freelance and independent sculptor.

He is known for public commissions throughout the country and has completed a large number of commissions for private individuals, businesses, local authorities, churches, schools,

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‘Although I grew up in Malahide, I moved away but came back in 1990. I then established my workshop [in the village] and I’ve been working here ever since’ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Michael Killen

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hospitals and golf clubs, as well as having completed a large number of private commissions around the world.

Some of Michael’s public commissions have included work for local authorities such as Fingal County Council, while he has also completed commissions for companies and voluntary societies.

The diversity of his work ranges from an imposing portrait of U2 for Gibney’s pub, Mala-

hide (two members of the band are from the town) , to a life-size mother and child for the new Church of St Bernard in Glengormley, Northern Ireland.

His work has been widely exhibited and purchased in Ireland, the United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Australia and his art can be seen locally in Gibney’s Pub, The Church of the Sacred Heart, Seabury, and the Island

Golf Club in Donabate.

“Although I grew up in Malahide, I moved away but came back in 1990.

I then established my workshop in Malahide and I’ve been working here ever since. I work mainly in bronze and timber and I do some paint work as well,” he said.

“The exposure [that being exhibited in the embassy brings] is wonderful. I was delighted with the exhibition in May and June of this

year and I thought it would be the end of it, but the exhibition next year is a real boost, I must say.” “ I wo u l d l i ke t o acknowledge my appreciation to the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Irish Embassy in Berlin for making this exhibition possible. I would particularly like to thank Ambassador Dan Mulhall for opening the exhibition and First Secretar y Sarah McGrath for her ongoing support,” said Michael.

His work is currently on show at The Doorway Gallery in Dublin’s South Frederick street, and other examples can be seen on www. michaelkillen.ie.

20 September 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 7

COUNCIL: POTHOLES, DUMPING ISSUES CAN BE REPORTED WITH JUST A CLICK

INITIATIVE

Business seminar targets over 50s

Complaint site up and running I NATALIE BURKE

nburke@gazettegroup.com

BROKEN street lights, illegal dumping and dangerous potholes could be a thing of the past thanks to the recent launch of the Fix Your Street website.

The site is designed to benefit the community of Fingal, offering local residents a way of reporting a variety of issues and concerns to their local council and ensuring a fast response.

Developed by Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, it was designed to integrate reports made on the website by the community with the customer relationship management (CRM) system already used by the councils for internal tracking of

reported issues. With the new online service, members of the public can report problems with street-lighting, graffiti, road or path defects, water leaks and drainage issues, litter and illegal dumping, as well as tree and grass maintenance issues and concerns.

The online form also allows people to attach photographs, which can greatly assist council staff in identifying the specific problem or area.

Dominic Byrne, the assistant head of IT at Fingal County Council, said he is “delighted” that the site is now live.

“We have been working closely with the other local authorities to develop a seamless integrated system where problems reported on Fix Your Street are fed directly to our CRM system, and

we’re delighted that this is now live for members of the public to use.”

“We encourage everyone to please add as much information as possible when reporting an issue, as this helps our staff locate the problem and address it much quicker. “[The website] is also optimised for smartphones and tablet computers, making it ideal for people who are out and about and spot issues such as illegal dumping or road/path defects to take a photo and report it straight away, without having to wait to get to a PC or laptop.”

Issues raised on Fix Your Street will be responded to within two working days. To raise an issue or for more details, please visit www.fixyourstreet.ie.

Nautical mile: Jetting off for a San Francisco open-water swim THERE was a lot of excitement at Dublin Airport recently as a gang

of Dublin swimmers were part of a group from Ireland flying out to to take part in the Tiburon Mile Open Water Swim in San Francisco on Sunday, September 9, to raise funds for Special Olympics Eastern Region. Pictured are, back row from left, Sile Leech, Coolock; Mick Feehan, Dublin and Co Offaly; Liz Callery, director of Special Olympics Eastern Region; Brenda Mahon, Special Olympics Eastern Region; Jenny Hughes, Baldoyle; Claire Coffey, Walkinstown; Front row, from left, are Rosie O’Kennedy, Castleknock; Eimear Felle, Clonsilla; and Sinead Miller, Ballyfermot, representing Stewarts Hospital, Palmerstown.

PLANS for Ireland’s first ever National 50+ Enterprise Day were announced this week.

The event invites anyone over the age of 50 to attend the initiative, which aims to boost the number of “senior entrepreneurs” in Ireland. The event launched by Minister for Small Business John Perry and the Fingal County Enterprise Board, is due to be held on Friday, October 5, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown.

Building on the success of previous workshops, the Enterprise Board will be focusing on sourcing finance, effective management skills and business exit planning.

Running from 9am to 5pm, entrepreneurs from across Fingal are invited to attend. Bookings can be made through www. fingalceb.ie/50+.

8 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 20 September 2012

ENTERPRISE Briefing focuses on growing international hub

Siobhan Moore, Dublin Airport Authority, and David Donnelly, Bank of Ireland

Fayha Sultan, Dubai Government Department of Tourism and Commerce, and Hal Ledford, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Chamber of Commerce

Opportunity knocks for business in Dubai

HE Radisson Blu hotel at Dublin Airport recently played host to a fascinating business briefing, which focused on the prospects of doing business in Dubai.

A wide range of businesses, economic groups and entrepreneurs were at the well-attended meeting,

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which had been organised by the Government of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce. Its focus was Dubai’s continuing appeal for a wide range of international companies and investors.

Dubai’s importance as a key strategic hub for banking, trade, logistics,

Tommy Kelly and Amer Khatib, Aramex

aviation and investment, as well as more leisurely pursuits ranging from tourism to shopping, was analysed in depth, to the great interest of the attending parties. The business briefing was co-sponsored by Dublin Airport Authority, Emirates, Aramex and Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport.

United by a common interest in business prospects in Dubai were Jorn Jessen, project consultant; Michael McCabe, Michael McCabe Associates; Francis Whelan, Margaret Shannon,

Broadmeadow Healthcare; Giles Smyth, Baily Homan Smyth McVeigh Solicitors;

Peter Byrne, South Dublin

Jeff Kennedy and Emma Jane Finnegan, Grafton

Emirates

Liam Byrne, Broadmeadow Healthcare and Stephen Lam, WCA Architects

Chamber of Commerce

Employment Group

20 September 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 9

10 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 20 September 2012

LAUNCH Domino’s roll out a new range of gourmet food

Siobhan O’Connor and Leanne Moore

Chef Andrew Rudd gets some help from the Wine Friendly crew at the evening’s launch

He’s Rudd-y to serve delicious new pizzas UESTS from across the city tucked into a delicious night out in the city centre recently, as chef Adam Rudd’s new studio in Drury Street hosted a Domino’s Pizza launch.

With Adam overseeing the flavourful fun, a range of pizzas, sides and

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Tracey and Michelle Dolan

desserts were enjoyed by all, with wine from Wine Friendly proving a perfect complement to the fare.

Television personality Leanne Moore joined “Gossip Girl” Siobhan O’Connor to have a go at pizza making, but their game attempts were surpassed by the new Domino’s range.

Jennifer Maguire

Sinead O’Connor and Rebecca O’Neill

The new gourmet range has been designed to provide a “lighter” pizza with distinctive flavour, with tempting ingredients in the range including roast chicken breast, baby spinach, Greek feta cheese, Peruvian roquito peppers and more, providing something for everyone to tuck into.

Lynsey Murtagh and Gill Verrecchia

Allanna Hennessy

Charlotte and John McLoughlin

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 11

THEATRE Ballymun stages festival for eighth year

Axis premieres Beckett in Irish bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

THE world premieres of four Samuel Beckett plays which have been translated into Irish by Gabriel Rosenstock will take place in the Axis Theatre in Ballymun this October.

As part of the Borradh Buan Irish Language Festival, which runs from October 15 to 27, the Mouth on Fire Theatre Company will stage Blogh, which is the Irish translation of Beckett’s Rough for Theatre 1 and Rocabai, the Irish version of Rokaby.

The newly translated works will be performed by an ensemble under the title Ag Taibhreamh ar … nGra (Dreaming of … Love). There will

also be a performance of a selection of Beckett’s poems which have been translated.

Mother, father and son acting team Geraldine Plunkett, Peadar Lamb and Marcus Lamb will share the stage with actors Melissa Nolan and Jennifer Laverty. The Beckett poems will be read by Gabriel Rosenstock and Nick Devlin.

Festival

These productions, which have received backing from Dublin City Council and Foras na Gaeilge, are part of Borradh Buan 2012, which is Ireland’s only festival of its kind and is in its eighth year.

Announcing details of the production, Cathal Quinn, artistic director

of Mouth on Fire, said the theatre company was extremely honoured to be staging new interpretations of Beckett’s work and has even received touring requests from Britain, Japan and Canada.

“The Beckett estate is known for the scrupulous care it takes to safeguard the integrity of Beckett’s writing – and rightly so,” said Quinn. “So we were thrilled to be granted the rights to translate some of his short plays into Irish, and to stage these in Irish for the very first time.”

The world premiere of Blogh and Rocabai are on Friday, October 26, in the Axis in Ballymun, tickets cost from €8 to €12, and are available by calling 01 883 2100.

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I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

Top Wedding Tips: Our complete guide for planning your perfect day The world premieres of four Samuel Beckett plays which have been translated into Irish will take place in the Axis Theatre in Ballymun this October

BRIDE&GROOM PAGES 19-27

12 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

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Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com Westlife singer Nicky Byrne with fifth class students from St Peter and Paul’s National Boys’ School, Baldoyle, to launch the 2012 Cheerios Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

Childline Breakfast Together Week3

Byrne helps to raise funds for Childline WESTLIFE singer Nicky Byrne dropped in to see the fifth class students from St Peter and Paul’s National Boys’ School, Baldoyle, to launch the 2012 Cheerios Childline Breakfast Together Week.

Byrne, a former pupil of the school, was there in his capacity as an ambassador for the ISPCC. The children’s charity are asking as many people as possible – schools, creches, companies,

DIARY coffee shops, friends and families – to come together, hold a breakfast event and raise much-needed funds for Childline.

Childline is entirely funded by the Irish public, so their support is vital.

Funds raised will help Childline volunteers to answer more calls from vulnerable children and

young people in Ireland who have nowhere else to turn.

The Cheerios Childline Breakfast Together Week will take place from October 8 to 14. To register, log on to www. childlinebreakfast.ie, or call 1850 50 40 50.

Meeting Packie Bonner STAFF from the Beacon

Hospital in Sandyford, and former Irish goalkeeping legend Packie Bonner are heading to the National Ploughing Championships on September 26 to play an outdoor exhibition match in the Health and Wellness section of the trade show, from 12 noon to 2pm.

People who come to visit the UPMC Beacon stand will get the chance to meet the sporting hero afterwards.

Chartered physiotherapists will be on hand at the stand over the three days of the ploughing championships, advising on injury prevention and management.

Free analysis

They will also offer simple fitness tests for the more than 189,000 expected visitors to the three-day exhibition, and will offer free gait analysis for visitors.

A hotel stay worth €500 will also be won by one lucky visitor to the Beacon stand.

The Ploughing Championships will take place between Tuesday and Thursday, September 25 to 27 in New Ross, Co Wexford.

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 13

COMPETITION €10,000 worth of vouchers to be won

Search for the country’s most musical school THE Waltons Music for Schools Competition is looking for the country’s most musical school.

The competition will award a total of €10,000 worth of vouchers for

musical instruments, accessories, books, music technology or PA equipment from Waltons Music.

Awards will be divided among six winning primary and post-primary

schools, including two first prizes of €3,000 vouchers, and music groups from 12 finalist schools will have the fantastic opportunity to perform in the National Concert Hall.

Entry forms are available to download from www.waltons.ie, www. newschool.ie, www.rte. ie/lyricfm and w w w. nch.ie, and you can email your entry form, along with all addi-

tional information and materials, to musicforschools@waltonsmusic.ie Entries must arrive by 5 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013. Late entries will not be accepted.

EVENT: CHANCE TO MEET POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS

Jobs Expo returns to Croke Park I HIROMI MOONEY

Road dogs: A charity cruise across the USA RADIO PRESENTER Baz Ashwamy, actor George McMahon, former boxing champion Bernard Dunne, singer Ryan Sheridan, will hit the open road on Harley Davidson motorcycles as part of the Delta Horizon Tour across the US in aid of Irish Dogs for the Disabled in September/October 2013.

Irish Dogs for the Disabled train assistance dogs to assist physically disabled children and adults. These dogs carry out a range of practical tasks in order to allow disabled people greater independence.

Every dog is trained to help with simple everyday tasks such as opening and closing doors, picking up dropped items, emptying the washing machine, sending for help or even helping a child with severe walk-

ing difficulties to walk with greater ease and balance.

Each dog is trained to cater for the needs of the specific client to enable them to live life with greater independence. This all costs money, of course, and in order to raise funds for this very worthy charity, the charity is undertaking the motorcyle trip of a lifetime from Chicago to New Orleans next year.

Irish Guide Dogs for the Disabled is now offering volunteers the chance to literally sample history on a two week, 3,000km guided motorcycle tour that will go from Chicago, Illinois, to the magical streets of New Orleans.

For further info check out www.deltahorizontour.com

JOBS Expo 2012 will return to Croke Park next Friday and Saturday, September 28 and 29, following its successful event held earlier this year.

The employment and recruitment fair promises to offer plenty of information and opportunities both at home and abroad.

The free event will offer advice and career opportunities from various companies. One such company is the British Columbia Construction Association, whose members are looking to fill positions in the Canadian province for carpenters, welders, iron workers, plumbers, pipe layers, mechanics, crane operators and sheet metal workers.

The Jobs Expo event coordinator, Vicky Kelly, said that following the success of the last expo event, which had around 9,000 attendees, they are expecting to exceed that figure this time.

“I think it’s very important [to host an expo like this] because it’s an ideal opportunity for employ-

ers to showcase the positions that they have, and also for the public so that they feel more involved in the recruitment process as well.

“They can actually come along and present themselves in person rather than being a piece of paper with a CV being emailed in to an organisation,” she said.

“It’s a great chance to actually come and speak to employers directly and to apply face-to-face for a role that you may be suitable for.”

The exhibition will be divided into five different areas, which are Irish Job Opportunities, Working Abroad, Education Village, Career Clinic and Starting Your Own Business.

The event is run by Learning Ireland, the publisher of leading websites Nightcourses.com, Gotocollege.ie, Postgrad. ie, Corporatetraining.ie and Learning.ie.

The expo will take place from 11am to 5pm both days in The Hogan Suite in Croke Park.

For more information, visit http://www.jobsexpo.ie/.

14 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

BUSINESS: CUTTING COSTS

STYLE Advice from Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen

EPA’s initiative to help firms go green THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a one-stop shop for businesses in Dublin to help them save money while preventing waste, conserving water and reducing their energy costs.

The EPA developed the resources for businesses facing increasing energy costs and waste and water charges which are looking to reduce their overheads by adopting greener ways of doing business.

BeGreen provides access to a range of business programmes including Green-

Business and GreenHospitality.

GreenBusiness is a free business advisory service that represents an innovative approach to waste prevention and resource efficiency in Ireland. BeGreen’s expert environmental advisors will visit organisations and generate a tailored environmental efficiency action plan free of charge.

GreenHospitality has been a hugely successful BeGreen programme for the hospitality industry. For more information, visit BeGreen www.begreen.ie

Interior design guru, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, pictured in Dublin launching his exclusive online collection of furniture and furnishings for Littlewoods Ireland

‘Be subversive, be posh – ditch beige’ I LAURA WEBB

FORGET about living in a beige box – instead, be playful with colours and designs throughout the house.

That’s just a little of the advice that interior designer, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, bestknown for his appearances on TV’s Changing Rooms, brought to town on a recent visit to launch his exclusive collection for online department store, Littlewoods Ireland.

The Gazette caught up with the designer at a hotel suite that had been transformed into a shrine to his new collection.

Sitting on a couch he had designed himself, Laurence looked ever the suave gentleman, and was only too delighted to talk about his new collection.

“It’s the first time ever, that I feel I have created an entire, almost couture attitude collection – something that encompasses furniture as well as bed linen, soft furniture, bedding, lighting and things – it has been tremendously liberating,” he said.

“I have been designing for years and years. I launched wallpaper 14 years ago – a really long time – but when you design an element like a roll of wallpaper or china or table-linen, or whatever, you have got to use that one small thing to tell a big story.

“But, when you are creating an entire collection, you can be so much more emphatic, so much more punky and subversive – you don’t need to be so bloody tasteful!

“The look I wanted to

sell, because it is my look, is all about indulgence, voluptuousness and every-day luxury and theatricality, opera – but it also has to be funny.

“There has to be something about it that is witty and grown-up, and so much interior design isn’t.

So much is so appallingly straight, and unbelievably serious! Sod that – we are fabulously diverse.

“I want to make people’s lives sexier, more playful, more indulgent – to me, those are the things that make you feel as if you are worth it,” said Laurence.

Asked about the use of colour on walls, Laurence believes the bolder, the better.

“If we all woke up in a beige box, we would all be very dull people!

We want to make these

places, places that we can escape to.

“It is all about being able to be ourselves and not conform to this rigid, pre-prescribed sense of what is ‘good taste’ and what is ‘bad taste’.”

According to Laurence, his collection offers luxury furnishings at affordable prices.

“People look at it and say, ‘That’s posh’. But ‘posh’ doesn’t mean anything, posh doesn’t mean class, it doesn’t mean money, it doesn’t mean status – it is just posh – and that is what I want it to be.

“Posh for as little money is absolutely perfect, because it is totally subversive,” he said.

The Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen collection is available now on www. littlewoodsireland.ie.

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 15

LIBRARY

ENTERPRISE: CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR ANNUAL ENTREPRENEURIAL CONTEST

Camera club set to exhibit

Start-up business will win €25,000 THE Learning and Innovation Centre (LINC) last week launched its annual entrepreneurial competition, which offers the winner an impressive prize worth €25,000 for a start-up business.

This is the third year of the LINC’s Jump-Start competition at the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB) The competition is open to entrepreneurs who would like to base their business in an innovative and supportive environment.

The value of the award is €25,000, and includes €5,000 in cash for the winning company, plus the cost of the incubation space for 12 months, with varied mentoring support available to the company from industry experts, and a range of useful business start-up packages, including design, media,

technology equipment, print, call-answering and much more.

Last week saw the official launch of the competition, which took place at the Dylan Hotel.

One of Ireland’s bestknown entrepreneurs, and Dragon’s Den star, Bobby Kerr, was on hand to officially launch the competition.

Delighted He said: “I am delighted to be involved with the Jump-Start competition again.

“I see the competition as a great way for entrepreneurs to present to their peers and have the opportunity of winning an amazing prize that any start-up would love to receive, especially in the current climate.”

Shortlisted entrants will get a unique opportunity to present their

ideas to a very experienced panel, including Kerr; Judith Troy, AIB regional manager; Oisin Geoghegan, chief executive of Fingal County Enterprise Board, and George Kiely, regional director of Enterprise Ireland.

The judging panel will be chaired by Assumpta Harvey, manager of the LINC at ITB. Application forms can be downloaded from www.thelinc.ie/jumpstart, with the closing date for applications set for 4pm on Friday, October 19, with the shortlist to be announced on November 2.

All applicants must submit a fully completed application form.

The winner of the award will be announced on the evening of the final judging, on November 15.

I NATALIE BURKE

Gimme Moore: Street’s traders help to celebrate orchestra’s concerts SWAPPING her fruit and veg for cymbals, Moore Street trader Marie Cullen showed Sinead Farrell what a dab hand she is when it comes to making music.

The pair were having some fun on the famous street, as mem-

bers from the RTE National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) were visiting the street to help publicise the upcoming NSO 2012-2013 season, which is now under way at the National Concert Hall.

BALDOYLE Library will play host to the “Expressive Black and White” exhibition later this month – a photography event featuring the best work of Sutton Camera Club.

The photography exhibition will be held from Monday, September 24 until Friday, September 28, with the official launch taking place on Tuesday, September 25 at 6.30pm.

With members of the photography club hailing from Baldoyle, Swords, Howth, Clongriffin, Portmarnock and Donaghmede, the free exhibition features work from a number of different communities.

Sutton Camera Club currently meet every second Tuesday night in the Baldoyle Forum Centre.

For further information, see www.suttoncameraclub.com.

16 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT Boys and ghouls may like this film I SHANE DILLON

IT’S been a while since I was last at the cinema, so I don’t have any particular expectations of what most films for kids should be like, today.

I mean – and this is probably showing my age here – the last time I went to see a kid’s film, I think a young Jodie Foster was running around in it, looking for some place called Witch Mountain

(circa 1873)?

There was definitely an intermission in the middle of the film when the red curtains closed, I remember that much.

3D? It was all barely 2D, back then, mate!

All of this makes me sound less like a grownup, and more like a dinosaur. Could an old fogey like me truly get to grips with something that’s, y’know, for kids?

Well, ParaNorman

(deservedly a Cert PG; 92 mins; starring, oh, John Goodman is just about the biggest name there) is a stop-motion animated film about Norman; an average kid in his sleepy home town.

Average, that is, except for the fact that he sees dead people everywhere, and wearily blathers away with amiable ghosts that only he can see, including Uncle Prenderghast (Goodman).

Personally, I’d be using my invisible buddies to ace every test in school, but, alas, Norman’s a nicer kid than me – err, so to speak – as he doesn’t treat his deadly pals with any disrespect.

Norman’s pretty normal, otherwise, given his slightly annoying family; the fact that he’s getting bullied a bit at school, and the fact that his town keeps celebrating a witch that it, um, dealt with, 300 years earlier.

Now, you don’t suppose that a 300-year-dead witch and a boy who chats away to spirits from

Spot the odd one out ... Yes, that’s right – it’s Norman, who alone can see dead people everywhere. A handy gift, it turns out, given a town curse that’s about to unfold ...

the afterlife could possibly cross paths, thus fulfilling an ancient curse set upon the town, do you?

(Or, in my best ghost-ese: dooooo youuuuu?)

It’s not long before dead ol’ witchipoo is back – back, and deader than ever – ready to make up for 300 years of other people partying and celebrating her unfortunate

end, with a load of creepy minions and zombies.

(From this point onwards, the film ramps up its intensity a bit, as it gallops headlessly over heels towards that PG rating, making it worth pointing out that you better be sure your little boys and ghouls can handle the film’s grave humour.)

It’s down to Norman, his misfit friends, some clueless grown-ups and, of course, his spectral sidekicks – some of whom are dead willing to help – to save the day.

Not that it’s going to be that easy, of course ...

Actually, the film was fairly entertaining enough, with nothing too awful, so long as you’re clear that your little dar-

lings are going to see a PG film with ghosts, zombies and stuff.

(I had to grow up with endless cartoons starring sickly goodie-goodie, Casper The Friendly Ghost, so today’s kids have better luck than me with their entertainment choices.)

While stop-motion is something of a dying art, it’s beautifully done, here, crafting a lovely film to look at that, sure, is very much like a Tim Burton story in some parts, yet also has some heart and brains (or, in my zombieese, braiiiinnnnnssss).

So, for something a little spooky, and ahead of Halloween’s overkill, I’d say it’s worth an “okay” three stars out of five ...

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 17

GazetteTTRAVEL A delightful tribute to Beckett in Enniskillen I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

TRAVELLING to Fermanagh, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the very first Happy Days International Beckett Festival, celebrating the work and legacy of Irish writer and playwright, Samuel Beckett, but I was excited at the prospect of seeing some of my favourite old Beckett plays performed in stimulating new ways – and I was certainly not disappointed.

Enniskillen was the location of the inaugural festival. Upon arriving at the gorgeous Manor House Hotel in Killadeas, I was struck by the period residence’s faultless restoration to its original glory on grounds overlooking Lough Erne, dating back to the 17th century.

Dinner was delicious, and the portions generous, with wild salmon and fresh pasta served by a staff of very attentive waiters. During dinner, our party were introduced to the Happy Days festival, where its founder, Sean Doran, told us how it all began.

The seed for the idea was planted in his head to hold the festival in Enniskillen before he was even aware of the connection between the influential writer and the town.

He said: “I didn’t know he went to Portora [Royal School] here, but I wanted the festival to be here.

When I found out, it was happy days!”

Unlike other purely literary festivals, Sean wanted Happy Days to be more eclectic, and full of the spirit of Beckett’s influence, rather than just a few days of seeing his plays performed.

With that in mind, he decided to mix in elements which resonated with Beckett’s legacy.

Sean introduced sporting events, music and comedy into the programme; debates and talks by contemporary Irish and international writers, as well as Beckett pieces performed by small theatre companies and renowned actors.

Homage The great melting pot of acts and performers at the five-day festival was a collective homage to Beckett’s work and influence in all artistic forms.

The whole town of Enniskillen got into the spirit of the festival, with barber shops offering Beckett haircuts and delicatessens selling ham and clove sandwiches.

However, the undisputed highlight of the whole festival was Robert Wilson’s premiere of, Krapp’s Last Tape.

On entering the lovely Ardhowen Theatre, I knew I was in for something mighty, judging by the calibre of punter around me.

From the moment the curtain came up, American avant-garde theatremaker Robert Wilson,

TravelBriefs The parties will be even bigger than usual this year at the world-famous resort

Writer Samuel Beckett would have approved of the Muckball Cup, commissioned in his honour

Irish poet Paul Muldoon, heavily influenced by Beckett, also appeared at

Enniskillen gets into the spirit of the

the festival

festival, with many home-made signs

Part of the striking front of the truly beautiful Manor House Hotel in Killadeas

white-faced and utterly unique, mesmerised the audience.

His portrayal introduced effective and symbolic elements, bringing the play to life with a strange bolt of electricity.

The first thing Wilson did was to sit, as the sound effect of teeming rain flooded the theatre.

He sat for so long, he pushed the boundaries of audience expectation to the outer limits.

T hen, he ate two bananas in a very stylised and ritualistic way, whilst looking at the audience with a world of conflicting

Edited by Natalie Burke

emotions on his face.

The whole performance was a joy to witness, and I felt blessed to have been there.

Everything Wilson does is his own, and heavy with meaning and symbolism; he is a born artist of the highest rate, and I know I’ll never see anything like him again.

Not only was he a consummate performer on stage, but he used his primitive nature to great effect too.

Now and then, as he listened to the tapes, a great primal noise would emanate from his distended

clown-like mouth as he reacted in horror.

Yet, the sound echoed that of the stop button on the tape recorder. This marriage of the sublime and the ridiculous was astonishingly original.

People left the show wearing blank, dazed expressions, and it was patently clear that Wilson had done the real job of a theatre maker – he had put us all through something amazing.

For further information on the Manor House Hotel, Killadeas, Enniskillen, see www.manorhousecountryhotel.com.

Celebrating 20 years of Disneyland Paris THIS year, for its 20th anniversary, there is more magic in the air than ever at Disneyland Paris, which has been transformed through an amazing explosion of lights and colours.

Abbey Travel is offering family stopover packages for two adults and two children, starting from €479 per family, based on selected dates from November to March.

The package includes accommodation and breakfast in a Disney Hotel, tickets for both Disney Parks for each day, free Fastpass to reduce queuing times at the most popular attractions, and extra Magic Hours – access to Disneyland Park up to two hours before its regular opening time.

For full details of the offer, and related terms and conditions, or to make a booking, telephone Abbey Travel at 01 804 7160, or see www. abbeytravel.ie.

18 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Interview: Robert Prestage, owner, the Bathroom Boutique, Churchtown MY FINANCEE’S DEBTS ...

Q – MY FIANCEE and I are getting married in six months, but she is paying credit card debt and bank loans through MABS [the Money Advice and Budgeting Service].

So, when we get married, can they take my wages into account, and make me liable for her debts, too? Gerry – Clondalkin A - SHE must be a wonderful girl to marry her with all this debt. I suppose the phrase: “For richer, or poorer” comes to mind!

By going to MABS, it means that perhaps some of her debts require professional management and strategy.

This time of your life is certainly a time when all the cards should very definitely be on the table – no secrets, especially financial ones.

You would want to ensure there are no other skeletons in her cupboard.

The first thing I would do is for both of you to set out a monthly income and expenditure budget – you HAVE to know how much is coming in and, importantly, how much is going out.

You will also need to tell each other EXACTLY what liabilities and assets you have.

You may decide to escalate the debt repayment prior to marriage, so it doesn’t act like a millstone around your necks.

As regards your liability for her debts after marriage, the answer is no – her debts remain her debts, even if she cannot afford to repay them.

However, if her credit history is affected (judgments stay on your credit history for life), then that will affect your application for joint loans, such as a mortgage.

Even if she has a sound job with a healthy income, she will be precluded from being approved because of her past record.

Guard your good name, but talk openly NOW about it.

Anti-money laundering rules stipulate: “Know your customer”, but in your case, it is more like: “Know your wife”!

But may I wish you many happy years together.

All the best.

Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

WE HAVE 135,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

Bathroom designs to make a splash ROBERT Prestage has more than 25 years’ experience in the plumbing and construction industry, running his own company in South Africa’s Cape Town before moving to Dublin 12 years ago.

Initially coming for a holiday, professional curiosity got the better of him and, before the holiday was finished, he found himself working for a couple in Shankill, Co Dublin and, through referrals, he has never looked back.

Establishing Prestage Plumbers and Renovators soon afterwards, the business has gone from strength to strength; culminating in his latest business venture, the Bathroom Boutique.

The showroom, based in Churchtown, specialises in retail and offers full installation service and maintenance service by its sister company, Prestage Plumbers and Renovators.

The showroom is influenced by styles and concepts from Europe’s leading brands, offering a wide range of products from contemporary to traditional and everything in between.

Customers can find a wide range of baths, wet-room showers, shower enclosures, washbasins, toilets, furniture and a large selection of tiles.

Robert says that Bathroom Boutique’s ethos is based on

delivering superior quality and outstanding service, and products are sourced through Irish companies – mindful of his belief in keeping business local.

He adds that Tony and Tracey, the showroom staff, have more

than 30 years’ experience between them in the bathroom retail industry, with experience working with all the world’s leading brands and designer ranges.

They look forward to meeting and advising customers through

the various stages of designing, choosing and installation of their dream bathroom.

For testimonials of finished projects, see www.thebathroomboutique.ie, and www.prestageplumbers.ie.

Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be?

A: A farmer

thing that you once thought you could not pull off?

A: No

TV or movie pleasure?

A: Farming and fishing pro-

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: Donedeal.ie

Q: What was your first job?

A: Worked in a hardware store

Q: What part of your working day do you delegate?

A: All day

Q&A

in Cape Town

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: 250 rands per month – about €25

Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: Yes – a part-time mechanic

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS

CALL 60 10 240

Robert Prestage, owner, Bathroom Boutique, Churchtown, with some of the outlet’s wares

Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be?

A: Mail Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Rugby and horseracing

grammes

Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – Michael D or Jedward?

A: Jedward Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: Netflix app

Q: What sport can you play?

A: Golf and archery

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Family

ever since

Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: Smoking

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Steak, chips and mushroom

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Customer satisfaction

Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to?

A: moving house

Q: Have you ever achieved any-

Q: What is your guilty music/

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: 1981; I’ve been a plumber

sauce, and apple pie

Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna?

A: Neither

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Four Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: Barbados Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: It would have to be sitting in the sun in a quiet place drinking a glass of rose

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: A farmer Q: What do you plan to do when you retire?

A: Maybe I will become a farmer then

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 19

ROYAL TREATMENT P21

TOP WEDDING TIPS P24

&

HONEYMOONS P26

Bride groom W

Dublin’s complete guide to yo u r w e d d i n g

ELCOME to the Gazette’s Bride and Groom supplement, your complete guide to creating the perfect wedding day.

Inside this month’s fantastic supplement, we focus on one of the most important factors in your big day — venue, venue, venue!

With a focus on elegance and quality, we feature some of the best wedding venues in the province and beyond, while we also take the time with the help of a wedding planner to go through a checklist of all the vital things to think about when making the all-important decision about where your wedding will happen.

SEPTEMBER 2012 We also highlight another crucial venue — where you are going to have your honeymoon, and look at what is on offer in Malta at the fabulous Fortina resort.

As well as all of these great features, we are giving readers the chance to pick up a pair of tickets for the upcoming Wedding Journal Show which takes place on September 29 and 30 at the Citywest Complex. So make sure and enter, and if you don’t win, head along regardless — there’s a fabulous €25,000 wedding to be won at the event for everyone who attends.

So read on for some fantastic advice and tips on how to throw the ultimate wedding bash.

20 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete

g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l BE AUT Y IN BALLSBRIDGE l

Elegant charm at the Clyde Court THE bride-to-be isn’t the only one to change their name when it comes to wedding days.

The Clyde Court Hotel in Ballsbridge, one of the most popular and romantic weddings venues in Dublin – and which features several elegant suites to choose from, with a selection of bespoke menus – recently changed its name from the Berkeley Court Hotel.

Its unique marriage of luxury and legend lends itself to big days.

The Grosvenor Suite is a regal ballroom with high ceilings, ornate mirrors, chandeliers and its own private bar, and is the perfect choice for larger weddings.

For more intimate celebrations, the Herbert Suite, or Clyde Room, both offer stylish surroundings and bespoke packages to suit every taste and budget.

Clyde Court Hotel’s wedding packages start at just €55 per person, and they host civil ceremonies and wedding

The beautiful Grovesnor Suite ballroom

blessings, too.

For further information, contact personal wedding coordinator Leanne Regan at 01 238 2700, email weddings@ clydecourthotel.com, or find them online at www.clydecourthotel.com.

Sister hotels with first-class choice: Navan’s Newgrange and Ardboyne excel with weddings SISTER properties in Navan, the Newgrange and Ardboyne Hotels are offering prospective brides and grooms a very different but equally royal wedding experience in the heart of Meath.

Both hotels have equally high standards and reputation, with the lively Newgrange Hotel inspired by the rich, ancient history of the area, while the Ardboyne Hotel providing a relaxed and luxurious setting for weddings.

Both hotels’ long years of experience in

organising and staging weddings of all sizes means they have the ability to assist every happy couple interested in holding their special day at the venues, and using their array of suites to provide an appropriate and tailorable experience for all budgets and sizes.

For further information, contact the Newgrange Hotel at 046 907 4100 or see its website at www. newgrangehotel.ie; contact the Ardboyne Hotel at 046 902 3119, or see its website at www.ardboynehotel.com.

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 21

l HI STORI C SI GH T S FR O M A CO NT E M PO R ARY SE T T ING l

Get royal treatment at Trim Castle Hotel

EVERY woman dreams of a fairytale wedding day, in a luxurious and stylish venue.

There is an element of magic to all weddings, but having an historic castle on your doorstep is a great addition to the wonder of the day.

Trim Castle Hotel, which recently won the 2012 Best Wedding Venue in Leinster Weddings Online award, are set to open the doors to couples from around the province and beyond at their Wedding Fair, which will take place on Sunday, October 7.

The fair will showcase the hotel as a wedding venue and all it has to offer to prospective brides and grooms.

The hotel offers seasonal and mid-week

wedding packages, which include complimentary consultancy and planning with their wedding coordinators, a red carpet and champagne reception for the bridal party on arrival, and a complimentary stay for the bride and groom in one of their deluxe rooms, among other offerings.

Trim Castle Hotel is offering an all-inclusive wedding guest package on dates in 2013 and 2014 for only €55 per person.

The hotel itself overlooks Trim Castle and the adjoining rolling lawns of St Patrick’s Church, and also boasts a rooftop terrace from which guests can admire the impressive castle.

At Trim Castle Hotel, the team aspire to make your wedding day the

Trim Castle Hotel’s rooftop terrace affords beautiful views of Trim Castle and lawns

most memorable and enjoyable day of your life. To achieve this, their wedding team assures personal and professional attention in the planning and preparation of each couple’s special celebration.

A spokesperson for the hotel said: “Modern

couples simply do not go for just any venue.

Trim Castle Hotel is the perfect choice for their reception, as it possesses the old-world charisma of the historical AngloNorman castle, and the contemporary standards of magnificent food and stunning decor.

“Looking onto the castle, lit in romantic colour against the evening sky, is a breathtaking scene. This place has it all, and, if you host your wedding there, know that your guests will be talking about it for a long time to come,” said the spokesperson.

For further informa-

Wedding parties are assured of comfort and attention to detail at wonderfully-presented receptions

tion, you are very welcome to attend the Wedding Fair on October 7.

Alternatively, contact the hotel’s wedding co-

ordinators at 046 948 3000, email info@trimcastlehotel.com, or see www.trimcastlehotel. com.

22 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete

g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l YO U R C H A N C E F O R F R E E E N T RY TO A N U N M I S S A B L E C I T Y W E ST E V E N T l

Win tickets to 2012 Wedding Journal Show DUBLIN Gazette Bride and Groom is delighted to offer our readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the 2012 Wedding Journal Show, which takes place next weekend, September 29 and 30 at the Citywest Complex.

The Wedding Journal Show 2012 will feature more than 350 exhibitors and provide brides and grooms alike with a one-stop-wedding shop, together with all the inspira-

tion they need to plan their big day.

From venues and flowers to dresses and cars, the show has it all, and all under one roof.

Dream gown Celebrating all that’s Irish, there will be an Irish Bridal Designers Area to help you find that dream gown, as well as Wedding Journal’s international catwalk show, with

fully choreographed dance routines, which takes place three times daily.

The exclusive event provides a rare opportunity to see a selection of designer wedding gowns, and many superb styles for bridesmaids, mothers of the bride, and groomswear, some of which have never been seen in Ireland before.

Another huge attraction will be the opportunity for all

attendees to be entered into a prize draw to win a fabulous wedding package, worth €25,000.

The package will include a wedding reception at the Ballymagarvey Village; a dream honeymoon to St Nicolas Bay, Crete (a member of the Great Hotels of the World group); a wedding dress from Patrick Casey; room dressing from Frog Prince; wedding photographs by Laura

Faherty Photography; and wedding rings from McDowell’s Jewellers.

Competition question To win a pair of tickets, answer this simple question: Which Ireland AM star will be the host of the 98FM Style Stage at The Wedding Journal Show?

Send your answers (including your full name, address, and a contact number) by

email, with the subject line: Bride & Groom, to competition@gazettegroup.com by Tuesday, September 27.

The Wedding Journal Show 2012 will run from 12 noon to 6pm on both days, with the international catwalk show times at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm.

Tickets at the door cost €13, or are priced €10 when pre-booked online, with VIP tickets available for €20 from ww.ticketmaster.ie.

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20 September 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23

24 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 20 September 2012

BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete

g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l LOTS TO C O NSIDE R FOR YOUR AL L-IMPORTANT PART Y l

Great advice to

Top tips from CAROLINE MILLER, wedding coordinator at the Baskin Suite in Bewley’s Hotel, Dublin Airport FIRSTLY, you have to consider the date.

Before you make any selection on venue, it is very important to know the time of year that you want to get married.

The time of year can dictate cost, so do not restrict yourself to one date, but have a few in mind.

You also have to consider the actual venue, as these come in all shapes and sizes. There are castles, contemporary hotels, rural wedding

venues, marquee venues – the list goes on ...

I look after a contemporary, elegant wedding venue that is adaptable for every season.

Topics to consider When it comes to venues, you always have to ask about topics such as what are the minimum numbers, maximum and minimum capacity, accessibility, does it have civil ceremony or blessing facilities, guest accommodation, late bar,

bridal suite, car parking, where can you get photographs taken (if not at the venue, where is close by?)

Next, the type of venue that you pick will more than likely dictate the decor.

If you want to add special touches, or if the motto “less is more” is for you, your best bet is to go with a venue with neutral decor – the Baskin Suite uses ivory and gold tones.

This allows you to

match your colour theme or keep as is. Fairy light backdrops are also very popular.

For costing, meet with the wedding coordinator, get the full cost, and see if there is room to negotiate.

Package The Baskin Suite has recently launched an allinclusive package that includes everything that you will need on your day – flowers, car, entertainment, cake and all

20 September 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 25

help pick the perfect venue other venue items.

The great thing about the all-inclusive package is that it saves on time and cost.

Also ask if there are any hidden costs!

Your wedding coordinator is very important, as he or she plays a huge role in your wedding experience, as the more experienced, professional and approachable the wedding coordinator is, the better you will feel throughout the whole experience.

When it comes to food, make sure to select something that appeals to the majority of your guests.

Also check that the venue can cater for vegetarians, children and all dietary requirements.

--------------------------

‘The Baskin Suite has recently launched an all-inclusive package that includes everything that you will need on your day’

--------------------------

Don’t forget that, for beverages, if you decide to have wine during your meal – try and taste it, first!

Have a think about your choice of toast drink; you can let each guest choose their own

drink, or do a set drink, such as champagne or sparkling wine.

For entertainment, when you are selecting a band or DJ, I always recommend going and viewing them.

Make contact with them, and get a list of their upcoming gigs, before the big day.

Don’t forget to check for restrictions at the venue, such as: Is there a late bar? Are children allowed.

Lastly, consider your deposit and contract, noting that most deposits are non-refundable.

For anything that you have agreed – get it in writing!

Other than that, enjoy every minute of your wedding planning!

Caroline Miller: “When it comes to deposits and contracts, for anything that you have agreed – get it in writing!”

26 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 20 September 2012

www.gazette group.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away

BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete

g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

With a wealth of options to consider, Malta has a great range of venues and locations to add a dash of classic style and beauty to your big day. The Fortina Spa Resort, located in the heart of Sliema on the island’s northeast coast, is perfectly located to help make the most of your venue.

l WH Y NOT M AR RY IN A JE WEL OF THE MED ITERR ANE AN? l

Marvellous Malta will make your day EVERY wedding day should be glorious but, sadly, the Irish weather isn’t always what you’d hope it will be. Long-haul destinations usually offer guaranteed sunshine, but you have to factor in the jet lag and expense.

However, with Malta just a three-hour flight away from Dublin, you can find a sun-soaked spot rich in history, beauty and culture, that is often called “an openair museum”.

The breadth of choice is astonishing, but what may intrigue you more is the exceptional value for money that getting married in Malta can offer.

The island is generally far more reasonable than many other Mediterranean islands.

The combination of Malta’s climate, and its

selection of inspiring wedding venues, could offer the idyllic location for the best day of your life.

One such venue is the Fortina Spa Resort, located in the heart of Sliema on the north-east coast of Malta.

The resort overlooks Valletta, the island’s capital, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Luxury Whether you want to relax in the spa facilities at the hotel for a few days before the event, or have the ceremony first and holiday later, the Fortina provides the ideal base for a luxurious wedding and honeymoon.

Imagine exchanging vows on a gloriously sunny day, cooled by the scented breeze drift-

ing off the Mediterranean, then whisking your guests off in a yacht to enjoy a reception in the grounds of a castle, followed by dancing under the stars ...

Alternatively, why not think about getting married in a country chapel, art gallery or on the beach?

To make sure everything goes like clockwork, it helps to have local experts to organise and advise you on your wedding.

The staff at the Fortina Spa Resort are experienced wedding organisers, and can source photographers, make-up artists, hairdressers, florists and even send your invitations for you – in short, everything you need to ensure the day goes smoothly.

They can also accommodate you for a beautiful ceremony, to your exact specifications, in the grounds of the resort.

The resort is also acclaimed for its internationally-inspired cuisine, so, if you’re tying the knot on the pool deck against breathtaking views of Valletta harbour, you can take advantage of an extensive repertoire that includes French, Thai, Indian or Italian fare, or local flavours.

You can also take the expertise of the Fortina’s award-winning chefs with you, should you decide to hold your reception elsewhere on the island.

For further information, call 0800 917 3001, or email info@hotelfortina.com.

20 September 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 27

l BRI DG E H OU S E HOT E L , T U L L A M O R E l

A wedding expo for the big day of your dreams THE Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore is getting ready to host its Wedding Expo on Sunday, September 30, which will see the four-star venue showing all that it can offer in creating a truly special day for its customers, and welcome brides- and grooms-tobe.

On the day, the hotel will be set up to demonstrate all the Bridge House can do for wedding parties.

T here will be the opportunity to meet the hotel’s wedding team, and a host of wedding suppliers, including videographers, stationery suppliers, bakers, pho-

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A lovely feature at The Bridge House Hotel is its “secret garden” – an oasis of peace for the happy couple

tographers, bands and musicians, florists, hairdressers, specialist jewellers, expert health and lifestyle consultants and, of course, bridal wear and menswear – all on hand to give all the wedding tips you could need.

The Wedding Expo at the Bridge House Hotel

will also include a bridal gown display, auction and a range of incentives for anyone who books their wedding on the day.

Now, the hotel’s dedicated wedding website – http://tullamore-weddings.bridgehouse.com – lets potential brides and

grooms preview exactly what the Bridge House Hotel has to offer, as well as view special offers and learn more about the hotel’s wedding team.

Located less than 90 minutes from Dublin, Galway and Limerick, the Bridge House Hotel has more than 40 years of experience and a longstanding reputation as one of the Midland’s most popular hotels for wedding receptions and civil ceremonies.

For further information, contact the Bridge House Hotel at 057 932 5600; or see the hotel’s website, www.bridgehouse.com, or its dedicated wedding website.

Head to the Headfort Arms: You won’t want to miss its special fair THE Headfort Arms Hotel in Kells is rolling out the red carpet to couples in October when they host their Autumn Wedding Show on Sunday, October 7.

Hotel owners, the Duff family, are celebrating 40 years in business this year, and have looked after generations of weddings with a personal family touch.

Every need in organising your

nuptials will be covered on the day, with suppliers from every domain available to discuss prospective clients’ every requirement for their perfect wedding, from entertainers to hat designers, jewellers to honeymoon experts.

For further information, call 046 924 0063, or see www.headfortarms.ie online.

GAZETTE

28 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 20 September 2012

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30 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 20 September 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Rampant Syl’s defeat Louth’s St Kevin’s ST Sylvester’s were in rampant form as they overcame the challenge of Louth’s St Kevin’s 5-18 to 0-3 in the first round of the Leinster ladies intermediate football championship at Broomfield last weekend.

All-Star Sinead Aherne, pictured scoring her side’s second goal of the game, proved too hot to handle for the visitors to Malahide who last month won the Dublin title in fine style with victory over Parnell’s.

Next on the agenda is a quarter-final date with Laois side Crettyard in a game initially pencilled in to be played on September 30.

Fingal to host athletic league THE Fingal County Council’s Sports Office, in partnership with Athletics Ireland, is looking forward to welcoming over 33 schools and approximately 1,200 students to take part in the Fingal Athletics League.

Schools from all over Fingal can choose to enter one of two leagues in Porterstown Park, Dublin 15, or Balheary Park, Swords.

Schools can enter a maximum of 50 pupils, both boys and girls – who will race separately – from third to sixth class with race distances ranging from approximately 250m to 550m depending on the age group.

There will be three

race meets in the respective venue before the finals day in May 2013 in Morton Stadium, Santry, which sees both leagues coming together to race at Ireland’s premier athletics facility.

Niall Mc Guirk, senior sports development officer for FCC said: “This league is aimed at creating a fun environment for children to become physically active, to develop an interest in the sport and to hopefully get involved with their local athletics club.”

To register your school or for more information contact Niall Mc Guirk at niall.mcguirk@fingalcoco.ie or 01-890 6232 or check out the Fingal Athletics League Video on their YouTube channel (FingalSportsOffice).

BOXING: SYL’S AND LOCAL RUGBY CLUB SET TO FACE OFF

Members of St Sylevster’s and Malahide rugby club have been put through their boxing paces over the last six weeks

The Pride of Malahide I sport@gazettegroup.com

NEXT Friday sees the pride of Malahide title up for grabs as St Sylvester’s face off against Malahide rugby club at the Wright Venue with local bragging rights on offer.

The two clubs have linked up for a novel fundraiser with members from both clubs taking to the ring in a series of boxing bouts.

Fourteen brave men and women from each club have been working hard in training for the past six weeks to bolster their skills for the event which will see hurlers

and footballers do battle with hookers, loosehead props and openside flankers.

Some of the marquee names on the St Sylvester’s side include Offaly senior intercounty footballer John “Joxer” Coughlan who will hope to bring his powerful midfield stylings to the table.

Also in the blue and green striped corner will be hurlers “Mondo” Sullivan and “Jockey” Kane who are both well used to taking a few knocks Among the stylists are likely to be Sarah “Sugar Ray” Nugent and Nikki “Marvellous Mar-

Cricketing kings: Malahide U-13s win three team bowl-out MALAHIDE cricket club’s U-13 side won a

three-team bowl-out at the recent Fingal six-a-side tournament, held over two days at North County.

Three sides finished level on points after the initial group phases, leading to the bowl-out to decide the eventual winner.

At U-15 level , North County, The Hills, Malahide and Balbriggan competed with the host club coming out at the eventual winners.

vin” McGrattan.

Also in the fray for Sylvester’s is Councillor Eoghan “Rocky” O’Brien (FF) who is well used to the rough and tumble and will come out smiling anyway. Darragh “Dynamite” McGrath is a natural entertainer and he won’t disappoint.

This is of course an important fund raiser with 100% of the funds raised going directly to both clubs in order to support development projects. Tickets are available at €20 and €30 from the clubs.

This is a must-see event full of colourful

characters from both clubs who are willing to put themselves forward to raise funds in the best tradition of helping their community.

For further information, you can contact St Sylvester’s PRO Francine Shelly at fshelly@ openbook.ie. Doors for

the event are at 7.15pm.

It continues the recent series of jointfundraisers run by the club as the Nicky Cleere Trust GAA match saw the two clubs come together to play a game at the rugby club’s Estuary Road venue in midAugust.

20 September 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31

FOOTBALL: SYL’S SECOND HALF SENIOR BLITZ

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST SYLVESTER’S THE senior football team move into

The big one next week is the inter-

the last 16 with a very convincing

mediat e hur ling championship

championship victory over Raheny.

Final against Round Tower in Par-

The full forward line of Dunne,

nell Park next Saturday at 5.45pm.

Daly and McCarthy put up a very

Don’t miss it.

impressive 5-9 and the defence was dominant.

The ladies’ football team were in

Next Friday night is Fight Night in the Wright Venue. Doors open at 7.15pm.

complete control in their Leinster

It will be a really good night’s

championship win over St Kevin’s of

entertainment and an important

Louth. They notched up 5-18 in very

fundraiser for the club. Please

wet and windy conditions.

come along and support it.

The intermediate footballer team

We thank Malahide Credit Union

also had an impressive champion-

for their generous sponsorship of

ship victory over St Margaret’s by

our social initiative trip to see The

1-15 to 0-9. The juniors lost their

Plough and The Stars at the Abbey

semi-final to a top class St James’s

Theatre.

Gael’s team. They play St Vincent’s

The Lotto jackpot this week is a

in a league decider and also have

nice even €1,500. Play and win on

the Parsons Cup final to come.

www.stsylvesters.ie

ST FINIAN’S WE HAD huge disappointment this

championship fixtures. The U-14s beat

weekend with our footballers losing

Geraldine Moran’s by a score of 9-18 to

Nigel Dunne, above, scored a second half hat-trick for St Sylvester’s while Michael McCarthy, below, scored 0-6

their intermediate championship tie

7-9 and the U-15s beat St Peregrine’s

Dunne’s triple deal shuts Raheny down

to an excellent Good Counsel on Sat-

by 6-13 to 2-6. Still plenty of excite-

urday evening.

ment to come this season.

I PETER CARROLL sport@gazettegroup.com

ST Sylvester’s enjoyed a very successful weekend, with both their senior and inter footballers booking their place in the last 16 and the quarter-finals of the county championships, respectively, on the back of convincing wins against Raheny and St Margaret’s.

Gabriel Bannigan spoke last week about his side not playing their championship ties in the right vein in the lead up to the tie with Raheny, but some of those doubts were cast aside as Offaly man Nigel Dunne and Conor Daly led the side to a 5-12 to 0-5 win against the Ciaran Whelan-managed Raheny.

The AFL2 side have shown some fantastic form this season to see them move into the upper reaches of the second tier with a young side. But after getting themselves to within a goal of the Mala-

hide side at half-time in Parnell Park, 1-4 to 0-4, Bannigan’s men were too strong in the second half as Syl’s forward-line kicked into overdrive.

It was in the second instalment that Dunne converted a fantastic hattrick and Daly put away his second, taking a brace from the day.

Dunne finished his scoring for the day with 3-1, Daly with 2-2 and Dublin senior Michael McCarthy took a healthy 0-6 while Shane O’Connor and John Coughlan chipped in with the other scores.

The “championship intensity” that Bannigan felt his men had to find was definitely present on Thursday and it crept through into the intermediate’s performance against St Margaret’s, where the young side outscored their opposition, 1-15 to 0-9, while also giving the senior selectors something to think about for next year, for the already youthful AFL

1 outfit.

It was the distribution of the inters that won them the game, never letting their markers get close to them as they sprayed the ball fluidly before taking their points with fantastic precision that the Margaret’s men could not match.

The Syl’s men controlled the midfield battle throughout, while the back line crashed up in the field in waves to support the attacking movements.

Conor Meaney was the lead scorer on the day taking 0-7 from play while Conor Colclough had a busy return to football

and Mark Finnerty, Fionn Cahill, Kevin Clarke and David Bannigan all played their part in a very solid result.

Elsewhere, Naomh Mearnog put in a spirited display against Ballyboden St Enda’s, who only managed to see off the Portmarnock men by one point despite being overwhelming favourites for the tie, and one of the fancied teams coming into the championship.

Mearnogs led by five points with 20 minutes remaining in the tie but the 2009 county champions showed their experience to nick a late winner.

The lads from Good Counsel put in an

We have the mini All-Ireland leagues

outstanding second half to come from

being played each evening from Tues-

four points behind at the break.

day to Friday this week. The leagues

Our junior footballers put in an excel-

are open to boys and girls aged six to

lent performance on Sunday morning,

12. Registration forms available from

beating Kilmacud Crokes by 1-12 to

www.stfinians.com.

0-10. The result leaves the lads with

The inter-county table quiz is being

one league fixture and will see them

held on Thursday, September 20 at

ending up in mid-table with plenty to

8.30pm in Peacocks.

look forward to in the next campaign.

Please wear your county colours,

We also had great wins for our Under-

particularly if you are a Mayo or Don-

14 and Under-15 footballers in their

egal supporter.

FINGALLIANS THE annual colours night will take

A reminder that our nursery

place this Saturday in the club bar.

resumed on Saturday with record

The invite goes out to all members and

numbers.

friend with a dress code of a county/ club jersey or polo top.

There are still places available. if interested, please come along to the

Two All-Ireland football stand tickets

club next Saturday morning from

will be on auction with many more spot

10am or contact nicola.fitgerald.gpo.

prizes on the night.

dublin@gaa.ie.

Our footballers progressed to the

Our Coiste Cultúrtha intend to have

intermediate championship quarter-

a Fingallians team in this year’s Scór

final with a win on Friday evening. Our

na nÓg. This is the GAA’s cultural tal-

U-15A footballers beat Ballyboden A in

ent competition for Under-17s which

the first round of their championship.

will be held in November.

To celebrate Catherine Walsh’s

Further details on the competition

achievement in bringing two Olympic

are available at the Cúinne na Gaeilge

medals home, the club are presently

section of our website www.fingalli-

organising a celebration night on Sat-

ans.com. Anybody interested in help-

urday, September 29. Further details

ing or organising our team should con-

to follow.

tact Liam at 086 3814422.

The club will be hosting hurling, foot-

The golf society held their annual

ball, ladies’ football and camogie mini

captain’s day in Beaverstown last

All-Ireland’s starting on Monday, Sep-

Friday.

tember 24 with hurling. All matches

The overall winner was Eoin Cullen,

will be on the main pitch and the cost

golfer of the year went to Paul O’Neill

per child is €5. Please contact Nicola/

and visitor went to Rory Robinson.

Simon or see promotional posters in

Well done captain Shay and president

the club for more information.

Jonathan Jennings.

ALL OF YOUR MALAHIDE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 30-31

PRIDE OF MALAHIDE: Local clubs face off in boxing battle at the Wright Venue P30

SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

GAA MATTERS: All the best local Gaelic Games coverage P31

GazetteSPORT

St Sylvester’s will be hoping to add to the success of their ladies footballers last month with four more titles still in the offing

Good times keep rolling for Syl’s Wins at senior, inter and ladies football championship level as well as an inter hurling final on Saturday sets Malahide abuzz malahidesport@gazettegroup.com

THE good times keep on rolling for St Sylvester’s as their senior, inter and ladies footballers progressed in their respective county championships while the hurlers have showdown with Round Tower on Saturday afternoon.

It keeps alive the prospect of yet more silverware to go with the ladies’ incredible Dublin intermediate football success of last month.

They marched into the quarter-finals with a breathtaking 5-18 to 0-3 win over St Kevin’s of Louth last weekend to set up a date with Laois side Crettyard in the Leinster quarter-final.

Dublin senior Niamh McEvoy was in immaculate form while Sinead Aherne up front showed her killer instinct as the Broomfield club racked up a huge in.

In similar fashion, the men’s senior team stormed to a 5-12 to 0-5 victory over a Raheny side that were fancied to cause Gabriel Bannigan’s side plenty of problems.

But after a tight first half, ending 1-4 to 0-4,

Syl’s powered home with Nigel Dunne scoring a hat-trick of goals while Michael McCarthy was also in prolific form.

They did, however, get handed a really tough draw in the last 16 phase of the county’s premier competition as they were paired against St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh in Tuesday evening’s draw.

The club is home to back-to-back players of the year Bernard and Alan Brogan as well as former Dublin star Jason Sherlock, Meath midfielder Anthony Moyles, the prolific Cavan sharp-shooter Gareth “Nesty” Smith and Ross McConnell.

Perennial challengers, Plunkett’s were undone in last year’s final by Navan Road neighbours St Brigid’s but, of late, have always been included in the list of any potential winners of the title.

They have the form edge over Syl’s, too, in this competition, Smith’s injury time point did the damage in the second round of the competition back in 2010 in a single-point game.

Similarly, in 2009’s fourth round, there was little to separate the sides but Plunkett’s won out by three points.

The Malahide club, though, can by buoyed by their destruction of Raheny and the general good vibes emanating around the village.

An eight-point win for the club’s intermediate side has pushed them into the last eight of the championship and a date with a youthful Cuala side.

Again, it is a tough date, meeting a side led

by Dublin senior Mick Fitzsimons with Sunday Game presenter Des Cahill among the selectors. Currently in AFL2 and county finalists in 2010, they offer a very serious test of Syl’s credentials.

But the first piece of silverware can be obtained on Saturday evening when the intermediate hurlers – already assured of a first ever berth in senior hurling – play Round Tower in the county final in Parnell Park, with Tommy Naughton’s side throwing in at 5.45pm against the Clondakin club.