Malahide GAZET TE FREE
SEPTEMBER 27, 2012 Find us on
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
INSIDE: Getting into rhythm for a new musical in Malahide P2
Soccer: Malahide United push on in LSL Sunday Senior Page 30
Hurling: Sylvester’s inter hurlers claim championship Page 31
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 BUSINESS .....................18 MOTORS ...................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ......... 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
PRIZE PLACE: Cleaning up at Fingal Cleaner Communities Awards Page 4
Mental health hospital work set for 2014 I NATALIE BURKE
WORK on the new mental health units due to be placed at Portrane is set to commence in two years’ time, according to Dublin North TD, Brendan Ryan. The announcement comes after Deputy Ryan tabled a Parliamentary Question to the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly, requesting a progress report on the proposal to move the Central Mental Hospital to its new location at Portrane.
“It is planned to build the new CMH, the Intellectual Disability and the Child and Adolescent Forensic Mental Health Units at Portrane, Co Dublin. The design team has recently been appointed and commenced work on the project. “Subject to the statutory approvals, it is expected that construction will commence in 2014 and take two years to complete,” said Deputy Ryan. Full Story on Page 3
Fun on the run: Racing to help promote the value of older people THE THIRD AGE 5K Malahide Fun Run
was a great day out for a great cause recently, at Malahide Castle. The head of news at 98FM, Teena Gates, was among the crowds who took part in the popular run. Family and friends all turned out to walk, run or jog along
the lovely scenic route. Third Age is a community organisation that promotes the value of older people and provides advocates, tutors, listeners, befrienders, nutritionists and more to older people in need Full Gallery on Pages 8-9
2 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 27 September 2012
GARDENS: FOUR AWARDS FOR LOCAL PROJECT
SHOW It’s the Malahide Musical and Dramatic Society
I NATALIE BURKE nburke@gazettegroup.com
Claire Fitzgerald, Gerry Lathan and Fiona O’Sullivan
A lotta praise for allotment scheme JUST six months after the launch of the Malahide Allotments project, the scheme, which raises funds for people with epilepsy, struck gold at the recent RDS Allotment Awards where it won four national horticultural awards, including an award for “allotment providers and management”, and three individual awards for allotment holders. The Malahide Allotments project is operated by the Epilepsy Care Foundation, providing allotment opportunities for people with epilepsy and associated disorders, and provides rehabilitation and training in horticulture and gardening. The project was opened in March 2012 providing 75 allotment sites to people with epilepsy and renting 225 sites to local community members. Winning the recent awards was a great achievement for the project, according to one of the charity’s founding members, Brian Geraghty, who said the team was delighted to bring home the awards. “We’re still elated. It’s a great thing to get, considering we are only open since March
and we were up against other allotments from all over the countr y. We think it’s marvelous and, obviously, the people that are here are appreciating what we are doing,” he said. “T he awards were based on how we managed the allotments, the services we provide and the security on the site. The other factor in it was that not only do we provide a service to the community but also the disabled.” After just six months in business, Brian says the future is looking bright for the project. “We are full and people are looking for more [allotment space] – we have a waiting list for next year. We’ve just p u t i n a cl u b h o u s e and coffee shop which was donated to us, and we’ve had more sponsors come on board to help with the funding. “We’ve approximately three acres left that we can turn into allotments, and it’s our intention to do that next year. “We also plan on selling Christmas trees for the charity and have lots of other developments in the pipeline for the site. We’re very appreciative to the sponsors that helped us to get this far,” he concluded. For more information, visit www.malahideallotments.ie.
Getting into rhythm for a new musical F OLLOWING their awardwinning production of Sweeney Todd last year, Malahide Musical and Dramatic Society (MMDS) is pleased to announce that the 2013 show will be called Crazy For You. Featuring the wonderful music of George Gershwin and familiar
songs such as I’ve Got Rhythm and Shall we Dance, the society is welcoming back Lynda O’Neill as director, Graham Walsh as musical director, and Sonya Dunne Johnson as choreographer. New members are welcome, and for more information, see Page 4 of this week’s Malahide Gazette.
Nicola Cronin, Lorraine Brennan and Emma Dowling
Lynda O’Neill, Graham Walsh and Sonya Dunne
Bobby McWilliams and Sean Mahon
Claire Fitzgerald, Gerry Lathan and Fiona O’Sullivan
Collie O’Halloran, Tony Harnette, Orla Walsh and Martin Brennan
27 September 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 3
R1
FUNDS Portrane building to replace 1850 facility
Mental health hospital works to begin in 2014 I NATALIE BURKE
WORK on the new mental health units due to be placed at Portrane will commence in two years time, according to Dublin North TD, Brendan Ryan (Lab). The announcement comes af ter Deputy Ryan placed a parliamentary question to the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly, requesting a progress report on the proposal to move the Central Mental Hospital (CMH)to its new location at Portrane. Funding was last year committed to the project in the Government’s capital spending plans
for the next five years. The brand new building on a green-field site close to where St Ita’s Hospital currently sits, will replace a building dating from 1850 where the Central Mental Hospital is currently housed in Dundrum. Deputy Ryan said: “I was informed by the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Kathleen Lynch, that the Infrastructural and Capital Programme 2012 - 2016 includes capital funding for the reconfiguration of the National Forensic Mental Health Services. “This will include the replacement of the Cen-
tral Mental Hospital, the development of a 10-bed intellectual disability forensic mental health unit, a 10-bed child and adolescent forensic mental health unit, as well as four regional intensive care rehabilitation units (ICRUs). “It is planned to build the new CMH, the intellectual disability and the child and adolescent forensic mental health units at Portrane, Co. Dublin. “The design team has recently been appointed and commenced work on the project. “Subject to the statutor y approvals, it is expected that construc-
St Ita’s Hospital in Portrane, Co Dublin, and inset, Brendan Ryan TD
tion will commence in 2014 and take two years to complete,” he said. T h e r e h ave b e e n repeated calls over the past number of years from national and international experts for the replacement of the Dundrum facility in order to provide more care and
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treatment in a modern, up-to-date setting. The project is expected to commence construction in 2014 with the project expected to be fully completed and the new facility operational by 2016. The project is part of an investment of almost
€2bn in capital projects in the health sector committed to between 2012 and 2016. The design of the new Central Mental Hospital for its new location in Portrane is due to be circulated for public consultation by the end of this year.
COUNCIL
Advert to deter dumping CINEMA-GOERS will see a new Fingal County Council advert which aims to raise awareness about illegal waste collections. Broadcast this week in all cinemas across Fingal, funding for the advert came from the Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme 2012. The aim is to make people aware that if you give your waste to “a man with a van” who subsequently dumps it, you could be prosecuted. Under the Litter Pollution Acts, the on-the-spot fine for littering is €150. If you are brought to the District Court and found guilty, the maximum fine can be up to €3,000 and you could be given a criminal conviction. If residents are aware of anyone collecting waste illegally, they are asked to contact 1800 20 10 93 or email info@fingalcoco.ie.
4 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 27 September 2012
THEATRE Open night for new members ‘a great success’
Crazy for You set to take the stage in Malahide
I NATALIE BURKE
LOCAL people who fancy a taste of the limelight have the chance to feature in a Malahide musical next year. The Malahide Musical and Dramatic Society are following their successful staging of Sweeney Todd last year with a production of Crazy For You, set to take to the stage in February 2013. Public Relations Officer
for the Society, Marissa Magner, said, “We held our annual open night for new members last week, and it was a great success. We were thrilled to see so many old faces returning and new members coming to join. “New members – particularly men – are more than welcome to come and join; we’re always actively seeking members.” Crazy For You is a musical
comedy featuring the music of George and Ira Gershwin and will feature familiar songs such as I’ve Got Rhythm, Someone To Watch Over Me and Shall We Dance. The musical won the 1992 Tony Award for Best New Musical and, according to Marissa, the society is already looking forward to preparations for next year’s show. “We are very excited about this one. It is a lively, colourful
show full of wonderful songs and dance routines. We are delighted to welcome back Lynda O’Neill as director, Graham Walsh as our musical director and Sonya Dunne Johnson as choreographer.” The society is set to host a number of fundraisers in the run up to their annual production, with plans for their Christmas show already in place. “On Sunday, December 2,
we are holding our Christmas Concert in the Grand Hotel and there will be a variety of show tunes, Christmas songs and variety acts,” said Marissa. Excited
“We’re also very excited about our upcoming play, Translations by Brian Friel, which will take place in April 2013. This play is currently on the Leaving Certificate
syllabus, so we would like to extend a warm invitation to any schools interested in coming to see it.” Rehearsals are on Monday evenings at 8pm at Scoil Iosa, Malahide, and on Wednesday evenings at 8pm at St Sylvester’s Parish Hall, Malahide. For anyone interested in joining, email malahidemusicalsociety@gmail.com. See Gallery on Page 2
Bin It teaches students about littering EDUCATING and influencing the behaviour of young people regarding littering will be high on the syllabus this week, when an innovative awareness programme g e t s u n d e r w ay i n schools across Fingal. Organised by the Gum Litter Taskforce, the “Bin It!” campaign began earlier this week and will make its way across Fingal and other areas of the country, visiting more than 50 postprimary schools across 23 local authority areas. Bin It! is a key element of the renewed Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) environmental awareness programme and supports the poster, radio and online advertising that has been rolled out across the country since May. Workshop
The free one-hour a c t o r- l e d wo r k s h o p explores social responsibility with regard to littering and is tailored towards first year students. It is supported by a website, www.gumlittertaskforce.ie, which contains lesson plans, teacher’s notes, posters and activity cards to help integrate the issues into the curriculum. Commenting on the campaign, chairperson of the Gum Litter Taskforce, Paul Kelly, championed the responsible disposal of chewing gum litter.
Winner of Best Presented Front Garden for Malahide and Howth, Breda Howard, Island View, Malahide with Mayor Fingal, Cllr Cian O’Callaghan (Lab) and PJ Howell, Director of Services, Environment, Business & Enterprise
CEREMONY: MALAHIDE AND SURROUNDING AREAS CELEBRATE ACHIEVEMENTS
Clean-up efforts are applauded at Fingal Cleaner Communities Awards I NATALIE BURKE
MALAHIDE and its surrounding areas are celebrating their achievements this week after a number of estates, communities and individual residents picked up prizes at the recent Fingal Cleaner Communities Awards. T h e 37 t h a n n u a l awards ceremony was held in County Hall last week to applaud the efforts of those taking part in the community based anti-litter competition. The Cleaner Communities Awards event is primarily aimed at enhancing the appearance of residential and
business areas around the county and is open to residents, businesses and community groups. In attendance on the night was Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Cian O’Callaghan, director of services, PJ Howell, and John Daly, senior engineer for Fingal County Council. Mayor O’Callaghan commented that the Cleaner Communities awards foster great local spirit. “Householders who may not know each other have turned out to take part in clean-ups in their local areas having been encouraged or coerced by their local tidy towns communities.
We owe a great deal of gratitude to those people who encourage the rest of us to take pride in our surroundings,” he said. “This is a continuing testament to the concern and pride Fingal residents and businesses have for the environment in which we work and live.” A number of local residents and companies were praised for their work, with Breda Howard of Island View, Malahide, picking up the award for the Best Presented Front Garden in the Malahide/Howth area. Inbhir Ide Esate and the Moorings, Malahide,
were the two local housing estates to pick up the Best Presented Large and Small Estate, while Seabury Tidy Districts Group, Malahide, were awarded Best Example of Special Community Effort. The Baldoyle Community Garden Project were delighted to pick up their award for Best Example of Community Environmental Initiative and, according to the Project Coordinator for the Baldoyle Family Resource Centre, Julie Thorne, the group were deserving winners of the title. “It was fantastic recognition for the group. It’s so new – it was only
set up in March 2011 – and for it to get this recognition after that amount of time is fantastic,” said Thorne. “It’s through the dedication of the volunteers involved, the staff at the family resource centre and all the partnerships we’ve worked with – Fingal County Council, the VEC, Dublin Bus, Pobal, L’arche, An Taisce and the Family Support Agency. “All those key partnerships have helped the project grow and for the seven volunteers involved, who have been there week in, week out, it’s a fantastic achievement for them.” The garden project
has been ongoing since its establishment last year and, according to Julie, the group’s huge involvement in the community led to their success. “The reason we put this group and this project for ward was because they were so much involved with the community. The project volunteer group were doing the Green Fingers community green house and vegetable garden, a project with the local boys school funded under the Fingal Integration Fund and some charity work with the Sunflower Project for the children of Chernobyl.
27 September 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5
6 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 27 September 2012
GOVERNMENT Decision is welcomed by local families who are looking to adopt
Adoption agreement with Vietnam ‘great news’ I NATALIE BURKE
LOCAL Fianna Fail Councillor Darragh Butler has welcomed the Government’s announcement that Ireland has signed an administrative agreement with Vietnam on inter-country adoption, describing it as
“great news for a number of Fingal families”. According to Cllr Butler, the announcement will be welcome news for couples seeking to adopt children who have been unable to look to Vietnam in the adoption process before, and the news is an important
development for intercountry adoption which will be broadly welcomed by those seeking to adopt children from Vietnam in both Fingal and across the country. “This issue came up quite a lot when I was out canvassing with Michael Kennedy [former TD for
Dublin North] before the last general election, and we are delighted that this issue is now resolved and that Ireland has now signed an administrative agreement on intercountry adoption with Vietnam,” he said. Adoptions from Vietnam were previously
suspended under the last Government in the interests of the welfare of children, pending the ratification of the Hague Convention on inter-country adoption by Vietnam. According to Cllr Butler, then-Minister Barry Andrews undertook a significant amount of
work with officials in Vietnam and Minister Fitzgerald has continued that engagement, bringing the matter to a successful outcome. “The adoptions were suspended for good reason and, hopefully, it is all in order now,” Cllr Butler continued. “It was
an issue that came up continually at the doors across Fingal and it is a matter that will definitely be welcomed by local families. There are hundreds of families who want to adopt and, hopefully, now that the framework is in there, it will help them,” he said.
Mortgage rate hikes prompt FF outrage LOCAL Fianna Fail Senator Darragh O’Brien has expressed his outrage at the recent increase in interest rates on mortgages at Bank of Ireland calling it a “relentless attack on Dublin homeowners from the Government and the banks”. According to Senator O’Brien, homeowners in Fingal and across Dublin will be affected by Bank of Ireland’s 0.5% increase in its variable interest rate mortgages. “For an average home in Dublin, taken out with mortgages of around €300,000, this amounts to a monthly increase in mortgage repayments of €100 a month. This is a disgrace and
totally counter-productive. This is only going to push more and more people into mortgage arrears,” he said. Senator O’Brien said the banks are punishing homeowners because they have “crippled themselves” by the costs being incurred on their tracker mortgages. “Homeowners are desperate for some relief from the financial pressure. Homeowners have had enough and need to know what the government is going to do. They may be on variable rates but because of negative equity they can’t switch banks to get a better interest rate – if one was even on offer.”
Entertainers at St Sylvester’s GAA Club recently during an outing for senior citizens which was funded by Malahide Credit Union
SUPPORT: CREDIT UNION AND GAA CLUB JOIN FORCES
Drive to get older men socially active I NATALIE BURKE
M A L A H I DE C r e d i t Union took part in a community initiative recently, when it helped fund the transport of St Sylvester’s GAA Club’s social outing as part of the GAA Social Initiative scheme. The project, which was originally established and implemented by former President Mary McAleese, aims to encourage senior members of the community to become more active in the locality. Following a successful visit to Croke Park in March 2012, the local GA A club arranged another recent venture and brought guests by
coach to see one of Dublin’s most famous plays, The Plough And The Stars, at the Abbey Theatre recently. The play, which is set against the backdrop of the 1916 Rising, was followed by refreshments served at St Sylvester’s GAA club for their guests, along with an evening of entertainment. According to Malahide Credit Union manager, Vivienne Keavey, it was a successful day for everyone involved. “Malahide Credit Union is delighted to support this wonderful initiative originally established through the efforts of former President Mary McAleese
and her husband, Martin, who noticed in particular an absence of older men at various community events and occasions. “As a community organisation, we believe it is vital to ensure that these initiatives are bolstered and promoted in order to provide muchneeded outlets and services to those who may not otherwise have access to them. By all accounts, it was a fantastic day for all concerned.” Brendan Bannigan of St Sylvester’s said the club were delighted to have the support of the local credit union. “St Sylvester’s GAA Club is delighted to r e c e i ve [ t h e c r e d i t
union’s] support for our latest venture. This spirit of cross-community support is at the heart of the GAA Social Initiative, and it makes these outings more affordable and attracts greater involvement,” said Bannigan. The initiative was set up to encourage more members of the elderly community – and in particular men – to become more involved in local social events. In March, St Sylvester’s embarked on its first venture with a visit to Croke Park, where almost 60 people from the area enjoyed a tour of the stadium, lunch in the corporate area and a visit to the GAA museum.
27 September 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 7
TOP ADVICE Special Fingal Enterprise Week course
Business bootcamp for entrepreneurs I NATALIE BURKE
POTENTIAL business owners across Fingal are being invited to take part in a special bootcamp next week as part of Fingal Enterprise Week. The local enterprise board will be hosting a full day event on Wednesday, October 3, taking potential business owners through the major steps involved in starting a business in Ireland. The Business Start-Up Bootcamp is a one-day mentoring course for aspiring Fingal entrepreneurs who are looking for advice and guidance on how to set up their own business.
Throughout the day, expert trainers and advisors will be on hand to talk through issues and challenges around sourcing finance, social media, marketing, selling and market research. Innovative business concepts from around the world will also be discussed to help generate business ideas. For anyone starting a new business for the first time, the steps involved can sometimes seem a little daunting, according to Oisin Geoghegan, Chief Executive of the Fingal County Enterprise Board. “The one-day bootcamp and mentoring
clinics are designed to guide and advise aspiring entrepreneurs through those important steps, helping them to plan and develop their idea into a new business,” said Geoghegan. A specialist on how to cope with stressful situations, Michael Comyn from the Fearless Organisation, will also be advising participants on how to take the fear factor out of starting a new business. Supported by Bank of Ireland, the Business Bootcamp is being held at the Hilton Hotel Dublin Airport at Northern Cross, and runs from 9am to 5pm.
Free
The Fingal County Enterprise Board is also hosting a free Business Start Up Evening Clinic on October 3, providing a one-to-one business mentoring service for new businesses. On the same evening, the Fingal Women in Business Network is opening up its event to women who have recently set up a business, or who might be considering the move. The network’s Speed Networking Event, organised by Eve Bulman, is being held at the Roganstown Hotel and Country Club in Swords, from 6pm to 9pm.
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B E C AU S E L O C A L M AT T E R S
Michael Comyn from the Fearless Organisation will be advising on how to take the ‘fear factor’ out of starting a new business
The subsidised fees for the Business Start-Up Bootcamp at the Hilton Hotel are €25, which includes all conference materials and lunch. The mentoring clinics and the Speed Networking Event with the Fingal Women in Business event on Octo-
ber 3 are both completely free of charge. Fingal Enterprise Week, which runs from October 1 to 5, is organised by the Fingal County Enterprise Board and supported by Fingal County Council, Bank of Ireland and Newstalk.
PADDY’S DAY
Be a part of the big parade FOR anyone who has ever dreamt of marching in one of the biggest St Patrick’s Day parades in the world, The Gathering Ireland 2013 could provide the perfect opportunity. For the first time ever, the St Patrick’s Festival is inviting up to 8,000 people from around the world to march in the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin on March 17, 2013. As a participant in The People’s Parade, successful applicants will march in procession through the streets of Dublin and soak up the vibrant atmosphere and have the chance to wave to the audience along the 2.5km route. For more information, visit www.thegatheringireland.com.
8 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 27 September 2012
SPORTS A 5km Malahide event in aid of Third Age, an
Aoife Ryan, “Captain” Shane O’Grady and Suzy Griffin
Verginia, Brian and Ciara Nitz
Teena Gates, head of news at 98FM, enjoying the day. Pictures: Una Williams
Vanessa, Chloe and Warren Flynn
Michael D’arcy and Colm Paul
A fun run for senior service Third Age 5K Malahide Fun Run was a great day out for a great cause on Saturday, September 24th, at Malahide Castle. The head of news at 98FM, Teena Gates, was among the crowds who took part in the popular run. Family, and friends all turned out to walk, run or jog along the lovely scenic route. Third Age is a community organisation that promotes the value of older people. With over 1,000 volunteers throughout Ireland, the
A
Ed O’Donnell and Ruth Dunne
organisation provides advocates, tutors, listeners, befrienders, nutritionists and more to older people in need. Every euro raised in sponsorship contributed to their national programme, Senior Helpline. This is a confidential listening service for older people provided by trained volunteers. The help line received over 10,000 calls last year, many from older people leading lives of secret and desperate loneliness. What better cause to raise money for!
And they’re off ... participants in the fun run pace themselves for the 5km race
27 September 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 9
organisation for older people, was a runaway success
Irene Gorman, winner of the ladies race, with Mary Nally
Owen Brady, winner of the men’s Amy Harrington, Carla Meade and Emma Simmons enjoying the day out
Carol-Ann Egan and Peter Leonard
race, looking pleased with himself
10 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 27 September 2012
NIGHTLIFE Toasting Oktoberfest 2012 at the Mansion House
Blaithnaid McKenna and James English
Bob Caldwell and Steve McCormack at the Paulaner Oktoberfest. Pictures: Anthony Woods
An early Oktober gets a big welcome TEINS were charged and glasses raised recently when the Paulaner Oktoberfest was launched at the Mansion House in the city centre. Fans were invited to sample real Oktoberfest culture with Paulaner, one of only six beers permitted to
S
exhibit at Munich’s legendary Oktoberfest, before the festival’s celebration of all things German over four days last week. Oktoberfest fans were able to soak up the traditional Bavarian banter with pretzels and bratwurst aplenty, served by barmaids dressed in tradi-
Robert Aiken and Paula Marron
Fabiana Olivier and Colin O’Brien
tional Bavarian dirndls, with music provided by the Bavarian Strollers, a premier German oompah band, entertaining festival-goers. Attendees thrilled to the fun-filled evenings of traditional Bavarian culture with German food and stalls adding to the atmosphere.
Simon Barrow and Yann Dupeux and Jean Cedric
Audrey Mills
Mike Sheridan and Alan Metcalfe
27 September 2012 GAZETTE 11
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ANIMAL MAGIC Sea lions and big cats put on a late, late show
Seeing the sea lions is always a delight, as the zoo’s beautiful animals are a joy to watch
A roaring time at Dublin Zoo I HIROMI MOONEY
DUBLIN Zoo is a hugely popular destination for people of all ages, but have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes once the doors close for the night? The Gazette was recently given the chance to go on a private afterhours tour of Dublin Zoo, and we were privileged to see how the animals are looked after when the zoo is empty of its many visitors. On arrival, we met one of the three team leaders of Dublin Zoo, Ciaran McMahon. Ciaran has worked in Dublin Zoo since 1994, and has worked in various departments within the zoo. “My job is so diverse, every day is different,” said Ciaran. In answer to our most obvious question, he said that out of all of the animals he looks after, his favourite are the elephants and the big cats. So, naturally, our first stop was to visit the Asian lions. There are only 400 of these creatures left in the wild, in Gir National Park in North West India. They are sadly an endangered species, as they face competition for space with humans, which is also resulting in scarcity of their prey. These lions are familyoriented animals, and we met two sister lionesses, Sita and Suri. Named after Hindi goddesses, the pair were born in Mulhouse Zoo in eastern France. There will be a six-yearold male lion, Kumar, joining them soon from Rotterdam Zoo, and the zoo hopes to hear the pad
These meerkat pups are cuddly new stars at the zoo
of tiny cub paws by next year. The keepers demonstrated how they feed the lions, dangling some horse meat from a tree, explaining that they often change where they leave the lions’ food so that they can continue to use their natural predatory senses. The keepers said that they sometimes hide the food so that the lions can put their sense of smell to the test, and put a lot of effort into recreating the lions’ natural habitat.
Weight Next, we were taken to see the Californian sea lions. We were greeted with a big “hello” wave from Flo, the three-yearold female. The keepers explained that mature females weigh around 85kg, while the males can weigh as much as 300kg so as to impress potential mates. They also explained that the five animals are trained for safety reasons instead of stage performance – although they can do both. They demonstrated with Flo how they can safely check the sea lions for any obvious
injuries or unusual lumps or bumps with some of their commands, and even check their teeth with their “open mouth” command. They will roll over, lie on their side and can even close the door of their cage behind them, and are rewarded with mackerel as a reward for each thing they were commanded to do. The Gazette was still buzzing in “zoo mode” when we received news of the two new meerkat pups. The pups were born in July, but visitors are now only getting their first glimpse of the young additions to the family of four adult meerkats in the zoo. Commenting on the births, team leader Eddie O’Brien said that they are “delighted with the arrival of the pups.” “It has been some time since meerkats were born at the zoo so these are a welcome additions,” he said. “Both pups are doing very well. They are still feeding from their mother and recently they have also started eating solids.”
27 September 2012 GAZETTE 13
INNOVATION: SIX IDEAS IN SIX MINUTES
CHARITY: CALL TO KNIT HATS TO HELP FUNDRAISE
Wool you give your time up? I LAURA WEBB lwebb@gazettegroup.com
CALLING all knitters: Innocent Smoothies need your creative talent to help knit little woolly hats for their smoothies, with money from every bottle going towards supporting older people during the cold winter months. The Innocent Big Knit 2012 will see 25c from every be-hatted bottle sold going straight to Age Action, to help older people stay well and warm this winter. Knitters, or those who crochet, across the nation are asked to send their little knitted hats between now and the deadline. They will then be put onto innocent Smoothie bottles by hand, and sent off to stores. These special bottles are available to buy in shops across Ireland from next January and, for every such bottle sold, 25c will be donated to Age Action. Since the initiative started in 2008, knitting groups, schools and lots
of knitting enthuasists from all over Ireland have generously knitted for the Big Knit, raising more than €60,000. For the initiative, people of all ages are asked to get involved, from novice knitters to champion clickers, and are being asked to spread the word within the local community. Anyone who doesn’t fancy knitting can donate wool and needles to Age Action to help them reach their target. The money raised will help fund Age Action’s work, such as their winter warmth public information campaign to enable older people remain well and warm in their own homes. It will also go towards their home visitation and DIY teams, who assist thousands of older people each year. You can send your little hats to: The Innocent Big Knit 2012, Fruit Towers, 120/121 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2, or drop them into your local Age Action shop by Friday, November 30.
Inspired talks at the Sugar Club
Hat’s a stunning look: TG4 programme to examine haberdashery in modern Ireland REBECCA Frayne was resplendent in this
strikingly designed hat as she helped to promote an upcoming TG4 programme, Hatai, on – what else – hats, and Irish women’s enduring love for haberdashery in the 21st century. Created in association with Red Shoe Productions and RTE, the programme
will see internationally acclaimed Irish hatmaker Philip Treacy examine the role of hats in our changing society, whether adding a dash of mystery to the wearer, or helping to celebrate their beauty. See Hatai on TG4 at 9.30pm on Sunday, September 30, or repeated on Monday, October 1 at 8pm.
DUBLINTALKS.IE has organised a series of free talks aimed at inspiring local people. Presentations will be made by and about Irish people with big and interesting ideas they want to share. Each of the speakers will have just six minutes to tell the audience what their big idea is without the use of PowerPoint, notes or podiums – challenging even for the most experienced public speakers. The six speakers on the night will be Prof of computer science at UCD, Barry Smyth; award winning immunologist at TCD, Prof Luke O’Neill; Senator John Crown (Ind); Equinome’s Emmeline Hill; Prof of Dept of Medicine at UCC, Fergus Shanahan and Clare Wardle, of Storyful. The event, which takes place on October 15 in The Sugar Club at 6pm, is part of Innovation Dublin 2012 and is supported by Dublin City of Science. Admission is free but booking is essential. For more information, see dublintalks.ie.
14 GAZETTE 27 September 2012
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Philip Stewart, Patrick Burke, CEO of YWI, John Gilmore, president of YWI, Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald and Mary Ann Connors pictured at the Youth Work Ireland Consensus Conference at Farmleigh House last week. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan
Youth on the march HUNDREDS of youngsters, volunteers and youth workers attended the Youth Work Ireland Consensus Conference last Saturday. Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, was in attendance to meet guests at the event at Farmleigh Estate in the
Phoenix Park. The Youth Work Ireland Consensus Conference was established to hear from a number of different players in the lives of young Irish people today. The Minister met with a range of youth and children’s projects, as well as Irish Paralympic
DIARY gold medallist Daragh McDonald and “The Voice of Ireland” Pat Byrne. The conference heralds a major milestone in the development of a new Youth Policy Frame-
work by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. Youth Work Ireland works with over 80,000 young people, nearly 1,000 staff and over 7,000 volunteers annually through 450 clubs and projects in all parts of the country with spin off benefits for local communities and economies.
Get on your bike for Console CYCLISTS from all across Dublin are being asked to get on their bike along with a host of celebrities in aid of suicide prevention charity, Console. The second Console Grand Canal Cycle takes place on Sunday,
October 7, from 10am. Pat Kenny, Eamonn Coghlan and Derr y C l a r ke a r e a m o n g those taking part in the 20-mile round trip from the Bord Gais Energy Theatre to the 12th Lock at Lucan, and back again. Console founder and chief executive, Paul Kelly, said: “Console’s central themes are community and communication, and the Console Cycle is the perfect example of this.” Sponsorship cards are available, and a registration fee of €20 will apply on the day to anyone who chose not to avail of a sponsorship card. Anyone intending to take part is asked to register at www.console.ie, with more information available by calling 01 610 2638.
27 September 2012 GAZETTE 15
ARTS Play will support Down Syndrome Ireland
Kidnapped trio’s tale set to help charity I NATALIE BURKE
www.
WHEN Dublin actors Carl Finnegan and Noel Mur phy decided to embark on a new adventure, they set out to combine their love for acting, playwrights and comedy to produce Dublin’s newest theatre company, Pack a Punch Theatre. Founded just four months ago, Pack a Punch Theatre is set to launch its inaugural production this October, when it takes to the stage at the Sean O’Casey Theatre in East Wall, from October 16 to October 20. The theatre company has chosen, Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me,
a play by Frank McGuinness, as its first production. The play will be performed in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland, a cause close to the heart of Carl Finnegan, who hails from Dalkey. He said: “My aunt has Down Syndrome, and we felt we wanted to make our work as personal as possible. We have had a lot of support from family and friends, and the community as well, to help us get going so we wanted to give back to them as well. “Setting up our own theatre company was something we wanted to do for ourselves; we really wanted to do challenging
theatre. “Our structure is slightly comedic; we do have a sense of humour, but we also wanted to do drama,” said Carl, who previously ran the Theatre Society at the Institute of Art, Design and Technology in Dun Laoghaire. The play will feature some of Dublin’s brightest new talent and the production promises challenging drama with comedic moments. It focuses on the trials and tribulations of an Irishman, an Englishman and an American who are kidnapped and held hostage by unseen Arabs in the Lebanon. As the three men strive
Carl Finnegan, co-founder of the Pack A Punch theatre company
for survival, they also aim to overcome their personal and cultural differences, whilst at the same time maintaining their sanity. Carl, who set up the company in May with Swords native, Noel Murphy, added: “I was interested in the idea of extreme cabin fever and how I would feel if I was locked away for a month. “Aside from that, I love
Frank McGuinness’work. I like his language and dialogue and I thought it was in keeping with the idea of doing something challenging and interesting.” Carl hopes the company will continue to grow over the coming months. “We see the company growing, building a base of people, extending our commitment to our chosen charity and also
working on our next show as well,” he said. To find out more information about Pack a Punch Theatre and its inaugural production, see their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ PackAPunchTheatre, or contact the Sean O’Casey Theatre by visiting www. seanocaseycommunitycentre.ie or by calling 01 850 9000. Tickets are priced at €12.
FAB FORUM
Inspiring Dublin Talks DublinTalks.ie has organised a series of free talks aimed at inspiring local people. Presentations will be made by and about Irish people with big and interesting ideas they want to share, with subjects ranging from genetics and cancer research to marine biology and economics. Each of the speakers will have just six minutes to tell the audience what their big idea is without the use of PowerPoint, notes or podiums. The six speakers on the night will be Barry Smyth, Luke O’Neill, John Crown, Emmeline Hill, Fergus Shanahan and Clare Wardle. The event, which takes place on October 15 in The Sugar Club at 6pm, is part of Innovation Dublin 2012. Admission is free but booking is essential. For more information, see dublintalks.ie.
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16 GAZETTE 27 September 2012
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee WORKING in a station that plays rock music 24/7 has its benefits. Most of all, the fact that I live in an alternate rock universe where the bands play their own instruments and lyrics actually means something. One of the cons is when my ears are assaulted by a Justin Bieber “song” playing in a shop and I hear my mother’s words coming out of my own mouth: “Do people actually call that music?” Which leads me to wonder if lyrics are going downhill, or am I just spoiled after being immersed in music by Rock and Roll Hall of Famers for too long? Allow me to carry out the following, extremely non-scientific experiment: Exhibit A: One of the biggest chart hits so far this year is from LMFAO, Sexy and I Know It: “When I’m at the mall, security just can’t fight ‘em off, When I’m at the beach, I’m in a speedo trying to tan my cheeks, This is how I roll, come on ladies it’s time to go.” Exhibit B: one of Radio Nova’s artists Bob Dylan is the bookies’ second favourite to win this year’s Nobel Prize for literature. However, it’s believed the singer is unlikely to pick up the accolade with the shortening odds being attributed to fans’ support. If you listen to some of his lyrics, though, it’s not hard to see why Dylan could be called a poet. His song, Blowin’ in the Wind, includes the words: “Yes, how many years can a mountain exist Before it’s washed to the sea? Yes, how many years can some people exist Before they’re allowed to be free? Yes, how many times can a man turn his head, Pretending he just doesn’t see?” I rest my case. I know there are different horses for different courses, but this filly is sticking with the rock.
Bob Dylan: Possibly better than LMFAO
Troubadors: Last gathering of 2012 Songwriter Club THE FINAL session of The Songwriter Club for 2012 will take place on Saturday, October 6 from 2pm to 5pm at the Teachers Club, located at 36 Parnell Square West. For the final session, guest speakers including Noel Taylor of Rockit Music Management and Claire Egan from IMRO will talk to the group. Pictured is singer and songwriter Laura Conway performing at the last session. For more information, see The Songwriter Club on Facebook.
REVIEW: A COMPLEMENTARY COLLABORATION MADE IN HEAVEN
Saints and Heads in perfect synchronicity I ROB HEIGH
SUPERGROUPS and collaborations between your favourite artists seldom end well, unless there is a certain shared wavelength or equal sense of where the project should potentially go... For every Queen and David Bowie, there’s a Lou Reed and Metallica (shudders)... So, when it was announced that Talking Heads frontman David Byrne was set to release an album with St Vincent’s frontwoman Annie Clark, there was a certain shiver borne of equal parts trepidation and thrill... Fortunately, this is a collaboration that is more Under Pressure than Dancing In The Street, and a metric tonne more fun than it has really any right to be. Bringing the unique perspectives and musical styles that created More Songs About Buildings And Food and Strange Mercy, and adding a 26-piece brass band, Byrne and Clark are clearly bouncing beachball-sized ideas around and making something uniquely fresh and different.
David Byrne and Annie Clark make up the supergroup responsible for Love This Giant
From a series of meetings in New York, the duo collaborated at distance, sending the drum loops and melodies back and forth and moulding at first a set of four tracks, which evolved into eight before emerging as the fully-fledged record that was released last week. Love The Giant is the fruit of their collaboration, and features 12 songs that feature the quirks and familiar hooks that mark out St Vincent — Clark’s sweet and sharp croon — and David Byrne — his deadpan drawl and shim-
mering acoustic guitar. Layered and blended with these ingredients are an array of brass instrumentation and drum patterns, creating something simultaneously familiar and unique for this project. Songs like Who and Optimist are perfect encapsulations of the bounce and fun at play — Byrne and Clark are like two sides of the same coin that spins inside the songs, sometimes in unison, sometimes apart, but always in pursuit of an oddly funky and complementary whole.
There’s an organic feel to the music and lyrics that brings to mind what Talking Heads were driving for on their last record, Naked, where jungles and shopping malls came together in the lyrics and funk roamed the earth. Some examples of the kinds of bliss that Byrne and Clark are bringing to the travelling version of Love This Giant can be seen on YouTube, especially the footage captured in Minneapolis recently that shows brassy versions of Heads classic Burning Down The House as well
as St Vincent’s Cruel, the great lead track from their 2011 release, Strange Mercy. I also need to point anyone with any kind of interest in music to David Byrne’s new book, How Music Works - it’s a fascinating look into the mechanics of how music is shaped by its time and place, and he explains accessibly and clearly how the advent of recording technology in the 20th century forever changed our relationship to playing, performing, and listening to music.
27 September 2012 GAZETTE 17
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY Brush up on your nails to see problems varnish Edited by Laura Webb
T TENDING a wedding, college ball or debs? Then don’t forget to beautify your nails and get manicured with colours of the season that will complete that evening look. Gazette Beauty is all about hands this week, and the one thing that really accentuates them is nails. A nailcare regime is a must, and Swiss nailcare specialists Mavala say they have the right product for nails, whether it’s a colour or a treatment. Have nails that just won’t grow? Then try nail product Mavaderma. This is a nutritive protein-enriched massage oil which, when used daily on the nail, activates blood flow to the roots to help stimulate and speed up the growth of nails. Fragile tips are something we have all experienced, and loathe when we have just painted them. To avoid this, try Mavala Scientifique – a weekly treatment that hardens nails immediately and bonds the
A
three layers together. It helps prevent soft, flaking or split nails. There is nothing worse than having rough and r a g g e d c u t i cl e s , s o Mavala offer a perfect partnership to stop this problem. Mavala Cuticle Remover is a weekly treatment applied directly onto the cuticles and, in seconds, dead skin is softened and easily removed. This is a daily treatment which softens the skin around the nail, so it can be easily rolled back. Nibbling nails can be a problem for children and adults alike. Treat this problem with Mavala Stop – a safe product with the appearance of clear enamel, but a strong, bitter taste that acts as a strong deterrent to nail biting. To treat cuticles damaged by biting, use Mavala Cuticle Oil which, when used daily, softens the skin around the nail, enabling it to be rolled back gently. Once nails are treated, they are ready for finishing touches. In keeping
Swiss nailcare specialists have a wide range of nail care products to restore nails to their best
with Mavala products, nails can be painted with a great range of Mavala mini nail enamels. When painting nails,
we want beautiful results that last, as well as providing protection from yellowing, Mavala 002 is a clear base coat that
Perfect pins: Carla walks off with a well-deserved top title A DUBLIN beauty has been crowned Miss Karora Perfect Pins 2012, giving her the welldeserved title of Ireland’s best legs. Carla Jackson was chosen from hundreds of leggy beauties to win the Karora Miss Perfect Pins 2012 at the competition. The finals, held in Bucks Townhouse, in Dublin 2, saw 14 ladies strut
their stuff with their lovely legs, facing a panel of VIP judges that included international model and leggy beauty, Alison Canavan; celebrity agent, Tara Sinnott, and Courtney O’Hara, of Assets Model Agency.
Campaign Carla, who trained as a ballet dancer, will front the next campaign for Irish tanning
brand Karora, which offer women a stylish, skincaring choice in self-tanning with a range of botanical bronzing products that deliver custom colour with intense skin treatments. The Skerries native was deemed by the judges to have the perfect poise, legs and personality to walk away with the Miss Perfect Pins title.
Perfect pins:
Carla Jackson
forms a flexible barrier between nails and nail polish, as well as improving the adherence of polish, so every manicure lasts longer. To top off a pretty nail shade, use Mavala Colourfix, clear top coat reinforced with acryl which dries to a hard flexible glaze, and provides nail colour with extra protective armour against chipping and peeling. Mavala is nail care with a heritage spanning more than 50 years. It was created in 1958 by Madelaine Van Landeghem and, with the introduction of Scientifique Nail Hardener, remains a best-selling product for the company. Mavala products are available from pharma-
Of course, Mavala have lovely varnish shades
cies nationwide. The RRP for products range from €8.04 for Mavaderma (10ml) to €14.35 for a Mavala duo – Hard Ragged Cuticles.
Protect hands from sun’s rays ACCORDING to a new, national Vaseline survey, only 28% of us worry about skin damage to our hands. The survey was carried out earlier this year using an online survey tool, and sampled 200 women aged between 21 and 49. Vaseline discovered that only 28% of women worry about sun damage to their hands, with 72% of those surveyed admitting they never consider their hands to be at risk from the sun. Lauren Brooking, brand manager for Vaseline Ireland, said: “We often forget that it is, in fact, our hands that are the most exposed to the sun’s harmful rays.
Moisturise “Our customers need a hand cream that will moisturise as well as protect and so, our new Vaseline Healthy Hands and UV Protection, with SPF 15, does just that,” she said. Vaseline Healthy Hands and UV Protection hand cream, with SPF 15 and pure Aloe Vera extract, leaves your hands feeling soft while also providing daily protection from harmful UV rays. When Irish women were asked which men they most want to get their hands on, it was not surprising that singer/songwriter Bressie (aka Niall Breslin) came out on top, followed by Shame star Michael Fassbender. Vaseline Healthy Hands and UV Protection cream is available at supermarkets nationwide, with a RRP for 75ml set at €4.39. For all things Vaseline-related, go to www.facebook.com/ Vaseline.
18 GAZETTE 27 September 2012
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Nicola Crilly, Jamie At Home
DO I USE OR SAVE A LUMP SUM? Q – MY MORTGAGE has a balance of €62,000, and we are on a tracker rate of 0.8% over the ECB (total: 1.55%). I will soon have a lump sum of €20,000, which I want to pay off the mortgage. Is it better to make one lump sum, or increase the monthly payment to the equivalent of €20,000 over the next two years? AnneMarie – Baldoyle A - YOU have everything going for you – a small mortgage, coupled with a tracker interest rate AND a lump sum, too! To answer the specific question, you WOULD be better off paying the lump sum now rather than spreading it over the next two years as, by doing it now, the capital – or what you owe – is immediately reduced and, therefore, attracts less interest, because there is less to repay! But it does not make sense to pay off now unless you are strapped, income-wise, as you can first of all earn more on deposit interest than you will pay on your mortgage interest. Your Rainy Day Fund (RDF) also needs to be reviewed – you should have between three and six months’ NET annual income in an RDF for those emergencies, sudden loss of income or that investment opportunity that may come along. Even if you were to hold off the repayment of the capital until at least interest rates start to rise, as inevitably they must (but maybe not for the next two years), cash is king, and income is your number one asset.
IS INCOME PROTECTION USEFUL? Q – WITH no sick pay entitlements in my employment, I was recommended to take out income protection. Is this a good idea, or are they just trying to sell me a product? Patrick – Greystones A - WHEN you are not paying a fee for financial advice, there certainly has to be an element of vested interest at play – how else can a meeting be meaningful if income is dependent on the outcome? Notwithstanding this, prudence may dictate that income protection in your case is a necessary route. Should you not be able to work, employers may pay your full salary for the first six months, and then half of it for the next six. But, after one year, most employers stop the payments. What then? If you have a family to feed, a mortgage or other financial commitments to repay, and day-to-day living costs, you will still need an income. Income protection, or permanent health insurance, covers 75% of your annual salary, less your social welfare entitlement, on a monthly basis until you can resume work. This cover extends to any type of incapacitation, once you CANNOT work. The good news is that you receive tax relief at your marginal rate on the premiums paid. This is the only type of insurance outside of unassignable life cover within pensions that does allow the relief. Certainly, compared to Serious or Critical Illness Cover, where 95% of all claims centre on about five main illnesses – plus there is NO tax relief on the premiums – income protection can make sense in the right circumstances. Contact John with your money questions at
Feeling right at home with Jamie’s business BUSINESS opportunities come in all shapes and sizes and from all different directions, but few put you in the network of international celebrities. Nicola Crilly, who was a stay-at-home mother of three, became involved last September in Jamie At Home, a party planning business from Jamie Oliver that sells his dining and homeware range. She said: “After going to a few of these parties as a customer and absolutely loving the products, I decided I would give it a go at becoming a consultant. “This new business venture has given me a new-found confidence that I never had before. “I am now looking forward to the months ahead. With the festive season not far away, with this comes plenty of parties, and the chance to meet lots of new people along the way.” Nicola has found that her role comes with a few perks as well. “In July this year, I was invited across to Jamie Oliver’s home for Pimms and pizza, along with 45 other consultants from Britain and Ireland. “It was an unbelievable experience, as I have been such a huge fan for so long. He was so down to earth, and very welcoming to all of us. “I am also able to combine my work with fundraising for chosen charities, which is an added bonus,” she said. If you would be interested in finding out more about Jamie At Home, or in becoming a sales consultant, email Nicola at Nicolajah@gmail. com, or phone 086 827 2654.
Q&A Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: A pilot Q: What was your first job? A: Weekend work in Roches Stores, Blackrock
Q: And your first pay cheque? A: £40 for weekend work Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed? A: I worked as a secretary in an
Q: What part of your working day do you delegate? A: None Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be? A: Paperwork and crumbs Q: Is there anything about yourself that you would like to set the record straight on? A: No
TV or movie pleasure? A: Coldplay, Grey’s Anatomy, and home improvement programmes
Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward? A: Neither Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: Photos of family, which are
Q: What sport do you follow? A: I really enjoyed the Olympics – I have always loved gymnastics and track events
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: Jamie At Home, and Jamie
Q: When did you start your present job? A: September 2011
Q: What sport can you play? A: Badminton
Oliver, of course
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: The total flexibility around my family, and the bit of “me” time I get
Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor
Jamie Oliver’s home for Pimms
www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the
and pizza
architect’s office – I was on my own a lot and hated it; I’m very much a “people-person”, and I like to interact
Q: Have you achieved anything that you once thought you could not pull off? A: Being invited over to visit
jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at
Nicola Crilly with celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver
Q: What habits would you like to lose? A: Worrying about the mess of my house – the boys are growing up so fast
Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to? A: My brother’s wedding next month
Q: What is your guilty music/
very important to me
Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update? A: Promoting our summer
dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Enda Kenny Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? A: I love New York, so it has to be there
Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: Not that many – well, about 15
Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: Thankfully – I have nothing bad to recall
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: Australia – it’s the one place I would love to see
sale – www.jamieathome.me/ nicolacrilly
Q: What would be your dream job? A: Something that requires a
Q: Describe your dream meal? A: All different types of shell-
bit of travelling
fish, new baby potatoes and fresh salad, all washed down with a glass of Pinot Griogio
Q: Who would you rather have
Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: I’d love to visit Australia with my husband – hopefully,
27 September 2012 GAZETTE 19
GazetteHOMES HOMES GARDENS: B&Q IRELAND TIPS, PRODUCTS TO CARE FOR YOUR PLANTS UNTIL SPRING
There’s plenty to do this winter AS THE days begin to shorten and a bit of a nip creeps into the air, there’s no escaping the fact that the summer’s over and the garden is starting its long slow slide into autumn and winter. There’s always a bit of a sad feeling about this time of year for any keen gardener – but children can feel it worse than most; after all, when you’re not so very old yourself, the six-month wait for spring seems like an eternity. The good news is, the coming of colder weather doesn’t have to spell the end of fun times in the garden – there’s more than enough to do to make time fly by, and B&Q Ireland have some great tips to have an autumn ball among the leaves …
Preparing for winter Towards the middle of autumn, there are plenty of jobs to do to prepare the garden for winter and, again, it’s something that children can help with. Now’s the time to prune, as necessary; clean the tools and store them until spring and generally have a good tidy up – which means lots of leaves to rake up, prunings to collect and spent plants to add to the compost heap for willing little hands! Bird tables and hibernation houses Autumn is also a good time to think about wildlife. If you’re planning on feeding the birds through the winter, or giving hedgehogs or toads
a place to hibernate, it’s important to get organised before the worst of the weather, so they can find the facilities you’ve arranged for them and get used to the idea.
Planting bulbs Planting bulbs is one of the traditional autumn jobs and it’s something that the whole family can have lots of fun doing together. Planning for next year Autumn/winter is a great opportunity to think back over the past year and remember what worked and what didn’t, and then decide what you’d like to do in the months to come. Are you planning a new
Bird box €8.62
Watering can €7.70
Rake €6.15
Bird table €30.80
garden feature? Will you pick some different varieties of plants, or go with something that’s proven itself successful? These are the sorts of questions that any avid
young gardener will want to talk about – and, of course, nothing will make a child feel more part of the whole thing than being able to say: “I did that.”
Spring’s daffodils are a long way off, but these simple yet attractive blooms are something that children can help to prepare for now
20 GAZETTE 27 September 2012
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS New Fluence RoadSigns Road Signs – An electric car that has the right look Audi Ireland family day at Imaginosity
PICTURED at the recent Audi Ireland family day at Imaginosity, Dublin Children’s Museum. is celebrity chef and Audi brand ambassador Rachel Allen. On the day, the mum and TV chef was joined by little helpers Georgia Doyle, eight, and Sophie Doyle, six, as well as Audi’s Andrew Doyle at the Audi Family Day in Imaginosity.
CORMAC CURTIS
NEW FORD ECOSPORT TO GO ON SALE SOON: FORD have announced that the much-anticipated, all-new EcoSport, a compact, rugged and fuel efficient sports utility will go on sale in Europe within the next 18 months as Ford expands its line-up in the growing European SUV market. EcoSport is based on Ford’s global B-segment platform and combines small car practicality with the flexibility, spaciousness, agility and style of a SUV. “Ford EcoSport will deliver great value, quality and fuel economy,” said Nick Collins, B-car vehicle line director, Ford of Europe. “It will also present customers with a fantastic small car choice that will also include the B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle as well as the new Fiesta.” EcoSport is the first Ford global
model to be developed entirely in South America. Introduced in 2003, Ford created the segment in Brazil and has since sold more than 700,000 units in the region. New EcoSport will meet the increasing demand for small SUVs in Europe, which Ford expects to double over the next five years. “The new EcoSport has undergone millions of miles of testing, on the most rigorous terrains, in the most demanding climates across the globe,” Collins said. EcoSport will offer a comprehensive package of driver assistance technologies including antilock brake system, Electronic Stability Program, and Hill Launch Assist. The all-new Ford EcoSport will go on sale across Europe within the next 18 months, while Ford’s SUV range is soon to be supplemented by an all-new Kuga.
EVER since I had a power point installed at the front of my house to charge electric vehicles, doorstep conversations inevitably end up being about plug-in cars. This is not surprising, as the whole world of electric vehicles (EVs) is one that is largely unexplored by the vast majority of the general public. One universally appealing aspect of batterypowered cars is the cost of fuelling. Even with the increase in domestic electricity charges that is set to descend upon us later this year, a full top-up will still only cost €3 to €4. Putting the low-cost appeal to one side, and even the sticker price and the monthly lease of the battery (I’ll get to that later), the big question that people have is, are electric vehicles desirable as cars? And the answer is a definite, yes. Kind of. I say “kind of” because there are a few ways of looking at this. Firstly, there are a number of different types of electric vehicles available to the public, so, like any petrol or diesel car, you must consider which will suit your needs best. A few months back I reviewed the Renault
SPECS: RENAULT FLUENCE ZE 0 – 100km/hr: 13.4 sec Engine: Elec 2.4 Maximum Power 70hp DIN (kw ISO) Maximum Torque – 226 Nm ISO (mkg DIN) Price: €26,610 (model driven)
Kangoo ZE – and I loved it. It costs peanuts to run, it has bags of space for people and stuff, the driving cockpit is roomy in the extreme and you have an amazing view of the road. But it’s a van… and not everyone likes driving vans as much as I do. So, as an alternative, Renault also offers the rather pleasant Fluence ZE with an electric motor. And what an attractive alternative this is. Modern
The Fluence ZE boasts a modern exterior with a comfortable and stylish interior; the only giveaway that it’s electric is the ZE logo on the back – unless of course you’re driving a press car, in which case it has all sorts of graphics emblazoned along the side to let everyone know you’re sitting on a bank of batteries! To be honest, I liked the fact that people knew I was driving an elec-
tric car – it meant they approached me to discuss it, and it gave me an opportunity to find out what people thought. And I was surprised with the reaction. Now, either the recession is receding (?) or I only met fairly well-todo folks while testing the Fluence. You would think that the over-riding attraction of an electric car is the low cost of fuel – but it would appear that the look of the motor is even more critical. I realise this is just anecdotal evidence, but every person I spoke with was amazed that a regular, full-sized saloon could be powered by an electric motor and offer all the looks and luxury of its petrol or diesel stable-mates. Without exception – those I spoke to were more likely to buy an electric car if it looked the part, a concern that trumped even the car’s driving range on a fully charged battery. Apparently, the perception of EVs is that they are all either small commercial vehicles or golf buggies. So, it turns out in this particular straw poll, image came in ahead of low running costs. When I raised the issue of carry space, which is a
little limited In the Fluence ZE because of the room in the boot taken up by the batteries, those I spoke to would be happy enough with the trade off, as they saw it as a city-driving, family car, not something to go holidaying in. Fair enough, says I, because with a range of roughly 120kms on a full charge, a driving holiday in the Fluence ZE would need to be very carefully planned. Funnily enough, the subject of performance hardly even came up. As it happens, this was one of the big surprises with the Fluence. Power
Once you get used to the silent running of the engine, it becomes very clear that this car has plenty under the hood, or wherever the power plant is kept! I would liken the driving performance to a modern saloon with a 1.6-litre diesel engine. It has plenty of torque at the ready, and it cruises at a very comfortable 120km/h on the motorway. It is hard to say, however, if the cabin noise is any louder than a petrol or diesel model. Because there is no sound from the engine whatsoever, you can find yourself
The Renault Fluence ZE
noticing the cabin noise that little bit more. Speaking of noise, I would say that it is important for electric cars to come with a second, quieter horn. I was genuinely surprised how often I found myself slowly driving behind people walking on the road or in car parks, etc, because they couldn’t hear me coming. Something to gently alert them to my presence would have been nice. So, in short, the idea of a handsome, modern saloon charging up each night in the driveway seemed a very attractive proposition to a great deal of people. Compromised boot space and limited range are traded off with good looks and comfort. The last hurdle for people to get their heads around is the lease on the car’s battery – this really
27 September 2012 GAZETTE 21
Edited by Cormac Curtis
RoadSigns Road Signs Cathal Ryan, fleet sales manager, Toyota Ireland and Jonathan Moore, marketing manager, Motability Ireland. Picture: Tommy McDermott
Toyota Ireland supplies Motability Ireland with new Verso-S vehicle TOYOTA Ireland has supplied Motability Ireland with a new Verso-S demonstration vehicle as part of its ongoing commitment to the mobility market. The vehicle will be equipped with swivel seat, wheelchair boot hoist, state-of-the-art hand controls, steering aids and left foot accelerator. It will be available for demonstration through Motability Ireland and the Toyota dealer network. Commenting on the collaboration, Cathal Ryan, fleet sales manager, Toyota Ireland, said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to work with Motability Ireland. Like Toyota, Motability Ireland manufacture vehicles with a renowned reputation for quality and reliability backed up by industry leading customer service. They are at the forefront of the mobility industry. At Toyota, we realise the importance of the mobility market to our brand’s success in Ireland, and we intend to build upon this relationship in the future” Jonathan Moore, marketing manager, Motability Ireland said: “We look forward to working with Toyota. Their products represent the very best in design and reliability and this reflects Motability Ireland`s core values. The Verso-S is a fantastic new vehicle, with a higher seating position, good accessibility and fully automatic transmission. I’m confident it will be successful in the mobility market.”
boasts a modern exterior, plenty of torque and has a range of approximately 120kms on a full charge
is where people will suck air between their teeth in the showroom. In order to keep these cars future-proof, Renault, along with most other car companies, have opted for a lease arrangement with the battery so the owner can
get a more improved unit as they become available, hopefully providing the cars with better range as the battery technology develops. The idea is a good one, but at roughly €80 per month, it will be a bitter enough pill for many to
swallow. Personally, I’m a huge fan of electric motoring. For the very same reasons, I heard back from members of the general public, and I overlook the downsides in just the same way. If I’m completely
honest, the fact that the Government gets only a fraction of the money they would if I were driving a regular car, makes the Fluence even more attractive. I also get a kick out of the idea that the car’s range may improve with
age as the batteries get better. The Fluence ZE is available from €26,610, considering how little the running costs are, I reckon this is a good deal. This car impressed me, and if the range was better, I’d be all over it.
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22 GAZETTE 27 September 2012
GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Old-world charms in the city of the Tribes Set sail for a great car-cation with Stena Line and the National Trust PEOPLE looking for an action-packed autumn car-cation should look no further than Stena Line, as Ireland’s leading ferry company has teamed up with Britain’s National Trust to offer families and groups 20% off accommodation and activities at the Stackpole Outdoor Learning Centre, Pembrokeshire, during September and October. Travel from Rosslare to Fishguard and enjoy the action at the centre, which is based at the heart of the 2000-acre National Trust Stackpole Estate. Visitors have the opportunity to kayak, explore more than 30km of woodland paths and lakes, or to take part in Atlantic surf scrambling and coasteering. Travel from €89 single for a car and driver, with additional adults from €30 (single) and children from €17 (single), as well as 20% off accommodation and activities at the Stackpole Outdoor Centre. For further information or to make a booking, see www.stenaline.ie or call 01 204 7777.
Brush up on your art skills with a three-day painting retreat by the lovely waters of Lough Corrib FOR any budding artist looking for an opportunity to relax at an exclusive and luxurious painting retreat, Lisloughrey Lodge is offering a three-day retreat filled with art, exploration, dining and meeting new people. Overlooking beautiful Lough Corrib, Lisloughrey Lodge is a four-star boutique hotel located on the Mayo/Galway border, and is the perfect suggestion for artists looking to develop their practice. On Tuesday, October 9, guests will check in for a three-night stay at one of the lodge’s deluxe courtyard rooms, before enjoying a welcome lunch in the Quay Bar and an introduction to locally-based artist, teacher and gallery owner, John Dinan, who will offer tuition each day. The first ever luxury artists’ retreat takes place from October 9 to October 12. Costing €495, the package includes three nights B&B, a welcome lunch, a final group dinner and three days’ tuition. Early booking is advisable. For further information, contact Lisloughrey Lodge at 094 954 5400.
NATALIE BURKE
IT CAN be hard to tick all the boxes when it comes to taking a weekend away in Ireland. One thing is for sure; the weather can be unpredictable, wherever you go. But, when it comes to the other boxes – fourstar accommodation full of old-fashioned Irish charm, a city full of culture on the doorstep, being just minutes away from beaches, shops and lively bars, and facing just a short drive to some of the scenery this country is most famously praised for, it seems that Galway City exceeds expectations. Having only had the pleasure of being to Galway City once before – on an occasion not done in too much style – it came as no surprise that, when the opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance to stay at the renowned Hotel Meyrick. The oldest hotel in Galway city, it lived up the expectation I had set for its combination of oldworld glamour, sophistication and contemporary style. Once known as “the Railway Hotel”, the Hotel Meyrick is one hotel that has its history intertwined with that of the city it resides in. Located quite literally in the very heart of Galway City, the
hotel stands elegantly overlooking Eyre Square, just a stone’s throw away from the city’s highlights and public transport systems – Galway Railway Station is located right on Eyre Square. First opened in 1852, the Hotel Meyrick earned its current name only a few years ago, when it was named after Eyre Square’s former title, Meyrick Place. Arriving by car at Hotel Meyrick, its central location makes it a busy des-
the scene. We checked into a junior suite; a fifth-floor room overlooking the 400-year-old square, its windows offering possibly the best view of Galway city. The king-size bed, spacious bathroom and modern flatscreen TV take nothing away from the old-world charm of the luxurious suite. In the warmer months, you might miss the full blast of air-conditioning (the fact that the building
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‘The hotel’s exterior is impressive in itself, the building taking precedence on its corner of Eyre Square but, if that doesn’t take you aback, the Meyrick’s impressive lobby will’
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tination, traffic-wise but, if you’re lucky enough to find a spot to pull in first time round, the hotel’s friendly valets quickly take it off your hands. The hotel’s exterior is impressive in itself, the five-floored building taking precedence on its corner of Eyre Square but, if that doesn’t take you aback, the Meyrick’s impressive lobby will. Grand, spacious and inviting, the lobby boasts high ceilings, a number of old fashioned couches and warm lighting to set
is listed means there are restrictions – an element that is intriguing in itself) but, even after throwing the wide windows open to let fresh air through, the sounds of the Galway streets remind you of the bustling liveliness of a modern city that rarely sleeps. The menus at the Oyster Grill Restaurant reflect its fortunate proximity to the west coast, the variety complemented by Beara Island mussels, Atlantic crab claws and seasonal oysters.
The popular restaurant offers an a-la-carte option, a table d’hote menu, as well as Sunday lunch, with its doors open to both guests and locals seven days a week. After choosing the chicken liver and herb pate, followed by a sirloin steak with Guinness and mushroom jus – which comes highly recommended – we chose to finish our evening with a nightcap at the laidback Oyster Bar. Breakfast is served in the same restaurant and is a generous spread of fresh fruit, cereals and mini-pastries, as well as a buffet-style option for a full Irish breakfast. Following breakfast, I couldn’t help but be tempted by the rumours I heard about the Square Spa and Health Club, located on the fifth floor of the Meyrick. Good rumours, of course, that encouraged me to bypass the state-ofthe-art gym and indulge instead in a morning of relaxation. What the spa lacks in size, it makes up for in privacy and quality. The spa overlooks the cityscape of Galway and, while I had to avoid climbing into the romantic Canadian hot tub overlooking the city (which was already occupied by two people enjoying a
As you would expect from
glass of bubbly), I opted instead for a signature Dermalogica facial. Outside the little world created by the Meyrick lies cobbled streets, colourful shops and a busy café bar culture spreading right across the city. Already located at the heart of where it all happens, why not take a stroll on the beach at Salthill, stop off for a well-earned pint of Guinness at one of the city’s many old Irish pubs, or take a drive to see the unspoilt beauty of the famous Connemara coast? The Relax & Unwind package offers two nights’ bed and full Irish breakfast, with one evening dinner at the Oyster Grill Restaurant, and a choice of a relaxing Indian Head Massage or a Mini Facial from €184 per room. For further packages and information, see www.hotelmeyrick.ie.
27 September 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23
Edited by Natalie Burke
TravelBriefs Let Wings Abroad fly you away to the sun at a Turkish holiday resort IF THE lack of sun this summer has left you feeling down, perhaps an autumn sunshine break could be just what you need? Get away from the Irish weather this October with Wings Abroad, the Turkish holiday specialists, from just €369 per person. The four-star Golden Day Wings Hotel in Kusadasi, a firm favourite with Irish holiday makers, are offering a seven-night stay from just €369, and a 14-night stay from just €429. Enjoy friendly service, reliable weather and the exhilarating views of the Kusadasi coastline from your balcony at the four-star hotel, set in a unique location within easy walking distance of the marina and Kusadasi town centre. Prices are based on two persons sharing a twin room on a B&B basis, and are for selected dates in October. For further information or to make a booking, see www.wingsabroad.ie, or call 01 871 9444. Prices are subject to availability, and terms and conditions apply.
such an impressive exterior, the Meyrick also has impressive bedrooms and facilities, making it a perfect, welcoming base for visitors
First opened in 1852, the Hotel Meyrick has a perfect location on Eyre Square, with a range of suites offering the best of old-world charms, while its spa and health club offers contemporary pampering for guests to really spoil themselves
24 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 27 September 2012
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 The 39 Steps
THE dangerous world of spying in the 1930s is brought to life in a great performance of the classic comic play, still best-known to many audiences for the Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name. In 1935, Richard Hannay is thrown into the mysterious world of spying, in a bid to keep his country safe – but nothing is what it seems, as his life is turned upside down by danger – and comedy! With many lighthearted touches, this is a show that’s sure to entertain. Step lively to catch the show at 8pm on Friday, September 28 or Saturday, September 29, with tickets priced at €15.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Karl Spain and Bernard O’Shea ALTERNATIVELY this weekend, in a break from espionage antics, why not spy on two of Ireland’s funniest men? TV funnyman Karl Spain has abandoned his well-known search for a woman to return to his stand-up roots. Bernard O’Shea is a freewheeling comic, familiar to many as the roving reporter on The Republic of Telly, not to mention his prestigious representation of Ireland in the Montreal Just For Laughs festival. Already individually impressive, the two comics have an evening not to be missed this weekend. Catch the show at 8.15pm on Friday, September 28 or Saturday, September 29, with tickets priced at €12/€14. As an autonomous and totalitarian lawmaker, Judge Dredd (Karl Urban) doesn’t need to do much more than grunt “I am derrr lawww!” at
CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477
bad guys – and then shoot them – in the latest film that attempts to bring the iconic comic character to life
Misery THE popular tale of a fan’s obsessive love, Misery is set to chill with an upcoming production at the Civic Theatre. Joe Meagher and Denise Camp will thrill audiences with their roles, ready to show how novelist Paul Sheldon’s rescuer from a car crash, Annie Wilkes is anything but his saviour. Recuperating in her house, cut off from the world, and facing her increasingly erratic attention, Sheldon faces devising the greatest plot of his life – how to escape ... Misery will be staged nightly at 8pm from Tuesday, October 9 to Saturday, October 13, with tickets priced at €16/€20.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 The Music Makers THIS fascinating celebration of the interaction between instruments and musicians will delight any music fan. Live music by outstanding traditional musicians will be accompanied by film showing the workings of instrument makers’ workshops, presenting an insightful evening of delightful music. Catch the performance at 8.15pm on Friday, September 28, with tickets priced at €14/€16.
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Not totally Dredd-ful It’s hard to do very much with a character that just likes being sour and shooting things, but this film’s on target ... I KATE CROWLEY
DARLINGS! I’m back! Well, “back”, as in “back doing a couple of fill-in reviews for a temporary week or two, as I slunk off Gazette Group from The Gazett ago”-back. some time ago”-b So, it’s my great gre pleasall of my ure to say hi to a old fans – yes, yes, I missed you both, too – and an to say rest of you hi to all the res to and, more importantly, impor give you a review of a film for your consideration. consider While in the Whil we’re ’ mood of being all happy and welcoming, and news editors not paying very careful attention to temporary film reviewers’ expenses claims, may I say that it’s been simply dreadful for me, wondering how on earth readers would cope without my on-the-nose reviews? But nothing, perhaps, as Dredd-ful as this week’s review, Dredd 3D. (See what I did there?) Taking the long-run-
FILM OF THE WEEK: Dredd 3D #### (18) 96 mins Director: Pete Travis Starring: Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey, Jason Cope, Domhnall Gleeson, thousands of thugs, Mega City One
OUR VERDICT:
WITH some decent names behind the camera, from scripting to cinematography, the director hasn’t made a Travis-ty of bringing Dredd back to the big screen. True, the ultimate law enforcer still doesn’t need to do much more than scowl underneath a big helmet – and then shoot stuff – but, as far as big, dumb action B-movies go, this decent enough film lays down the law in some style.
ning comic book character (Judge Dredd) and his setting, we’ve got a noisy action film that tries to do him justice. (All right, all right – whoever started shouting from the back about Sly Stallone’s misguided version ages ago can sit down again.) As a set-up, in the near future, most of the world is a nuclear wasteland, with the remains of humanity packed into vast, teeming and totalitarian megacities – with none more sardine-packed than Mega City One (formerly known as separate places called New York, Chica-
go, Washington, etc). Unfortunately, even by chaotic Mega City One standards, life’s more hellish than usual, thanks to the effects of a drug, Slo-Mo, on the people and gangs. Oh, you know, crime and drugs aren’t ever going to lead to a happy story, right? With Slow-Mo causing warfare across the city, it’s time to send in The Law – with none more lawful than Judge Dredd, not just one of the city’s tough-nut cops but, also, a one-man judge, jury and executioner. Literally. Given Dredd’s habit of dispensing instant capital
punishment for virtually every misdemeanour (TV licence inspectors may take note), he’s the right man to send into one part of the city to tackle the Slo-Mo problem there. Dredd (a grunt-tastic Karl Urban playing Dredd appropriately, as half-scowl, half-helmet) and his rookie sidekick, slightly-psychic Judge Anderson (Olivia Thirlby) find themselves in a typical, 1km-tall tower block, home to thousands of residents ... Except that, wouldn’t you know it, it’s not just a base for Slo-Mo, it’s THE base for Slo-Mo. Of all the tower blocks in all Mega City One, Dredd walks into that one. (I’d ask that man to start buying your Lotto tickets, if I were you.) Crimelord Ma-Ma (Lena Headey) immediately orders a block lockdown, with a bounty on Dredd and Andersons’ heads, leaving two judges
to face off against lots and lots of trigger-happy minions … To say any more would put me back in “…and then the Titanic hit an iceberg” territory. Suffice it to say that, yes, it’s got all of the gunfire and gunplay that you’d expect from such a film, but it’s elevated – slightly – from the usual standards of such films by the interesting crew behind the camera, leading to some arresting sights, and some admittedly stylish cinematography. Given the subject matter, it’s certainly a Dreddful film, but, thankfully, not quite a dreadful one. There are certainly worse films to spend your money one. Hmmm. That indirectly reminds me of a joke about an old cinema nemesis of mine. “What’s the only thing worse than a new Clive Owen film? Two new Clive Owen films!” That’s all, folks!
27 September 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces Second Life dev looks at Patterns REMEMBER Second Life? Anyone? Surely you all remember the seemingly endless hype from about seven years ago about Linden Labs’ vast, online world where anyone could be anything, and where banks and high-street retailers would build “clicksand-morter” virtual outlets for people to do all their online shopping at? (I remember Second Life very well – as being the world’s biggest ghost town; a virtual, sprawling version of I Am Legend, but with extra Nike stores and a few brave, if dejected, souls wandering around.) Now, Linden Labs have released information and a trailer for Patterns; its next world title, which follows the current vogue for user-created worldbuilding and reshaping titles. (Think: “Minecraft with triangles”, and you’re pretty much there.) Let’s hope that Linden Labs gets a second wind for its next potentially major venture ...
Saying Halo to a special preview Taking place in a cel-shaded version of some of Tokyo’s most iconic districts, Jet Set Radio doesn’t have quite the visual “wow” factor today that it did upon its release on the Dreamcast in 2000, but, thankfully, its fun gameplay is just as capable of drawing you in
Can easily draw you in I SHANE DILLON
I’M SO old, I can remember when Sega was primarily known for its consoles, rather than being “just” a developer. This being so, many an aging gamer will join me in wiping away tears of nostalgia over Sega’s missed Dreamcast console – the cube-shaped bundle of joy that passed away before its time, given its underwhelming support by developers and publishers. One of the DC’s most notable and lauded titles was Jet Set Radio; a fun and funky cel-shaded title that (local councillors and Tidy Towns groups
may wish to look away now) saw players racing around a busy cityscape, tagging areas with their graffiti to mark their turf over rival gangs’, while avoiding the police who’d eventually show up. Having travelled the world and seen such things everywhere, I’ve seen how there’s an enormous difference between graffiti (the blight of a thousand estates around Dublin, and the world) and street art (mocking society, making political jokes, and so on) – but, here, it’s pretty much just graffiti played for laughs, as an attempt to inject some fun and colour back into an increasingly dull
cityscape. As another in the cool trend of digital remakes, Jet Set Radio HD sees the old title picked up, dusted off, and available for digital download for both XBox 360 and PlayStation 3 (prices var y) , giving modern gamers the chance to play a stylish gaming classic. Players choose from a number of characters, with many more available throughout the game, to skate around a number of colourful
Tokyo districts, with each character having their own strengths and weaknesses. In each open area, the player has to tag their mark over rival gangs’, collecting spray cans and avoiding the interests of the police, while trying to add to their score by grinding and performing tricks on the many conveniently-placed railings, steps, bars and other such grind-friendly surfaces. A n d t h a t ’s pretty much it – there’s noth-
ing about avenging family wrongs, saving the world or murky cover-ups, here – just fun gameplay, racing around, spraying tags, completing challenges and collecting characters. Of course, I hate seeing graffiti in real life – meaningless scrawls are ugly to see, in any city of the world – but, here, there’s a lot of fun in adding some slapdash colour to Tokyo, with the slightly anarchic gameplay just as engaging as ever. Here’s hoping that the remake of Dreamcast classics continues (Skies of Arcadia next, please).
Beat, Jet Set Radio’s iconic lead character
Minister Shatter wings it with a tongue-in-cheek response to Apple’s map mistake THE Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, revealed an amusing way with words last week as he, too, joined in the fuss over Apple’s new Maps app, bundled as part of the latest update to its gadgets’ operating system, IOS 6. This saw Apple ditch its previous use of Google Maps for its own version instead, which is a
fair enough move ... Unfortunately, however, the internet immediately saw a flood of complaints from irate people, from individuals to companies, all complaining about Apple’s version of Maps, versus Google’s. Missing cities, incomplete entries, incorrectly branded places – the list of user complaints
goes on. Having looked through this new Maps a bit, myself, I can see why. Frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised to see “Here Be Dragons” and pictures of mermaids on some of the particularly blank areas that I looked at, such is its relative paucity of content compared to the more detailed Google version. As for Minister Shatter,
while he’s unlikely to be starring at the Laughter Lounge any time soon, he had a tongue-in-cheek response to the revalation that Airfield House, in Dundrum, has now been branded as, well, an air field (complete with airport symbol), courtesy of Apple. He said: “In the context of Airfield there are a variety of possible alter-
native images that could be utilised, such as a cow, a goat, a sheep, a flower or indeed any other type of plant, as Airfield operates a nursery. “An aircraft is an entirely inappropriate flight of imagination.” While he was probably winging it a bit with his comments, there’s no doubt that it’s an interesting stumble by Apple.
LASTLY, look out for a special report on Halo 4 in the near future, as I’m off to Madrid (yes, that Madrid) to take a closer, hands-on preview look at what’s sure to be a smash-hit crowdpleaser later this year. So, stay tuned for that upcoming Halo 4 report – and, possibly, a special giveaway, too ...
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GazetteSPORT
LIFFEY DESCENT: Czech team in town for annual canoe marathon: Page 28
COMMUNITY GAMES: DUBLIN COMMITTEE SEEKS NEW MEMBERS FOR 2013 SEASON
McManus hails role of Community Games volunteers sport@gazettegroup.com
ALL good things must come to an end, and that is what will happen to Dublin Community Games in 2013 as a number of long-standing members retire at this year’s annual general meeting. Some of the existing committee are stepping down after many years of dedicated involvement with the role of secretary and games director opening up.
As such, Dublin Community Games are seeking new volunteers to join the county committee to help run the extensive programme of competitions. Speaking about the 2012 Games programme, Brian MacManus, chairperson, said: “2012 has been a successful, yet challenging year for us, as we struggled to stage our full programme of events. “It is always sad to see volunteers, colleagues
and, more importantly friends retire, but none of us is around forever, and we need new volunteers now more than ever before. “With the retirement of many of our longstanding volunteers, we will not be able to stage the full, new 2013 programme without the help of new volunteers.” Catering for young people aged six to 16 years-old in a pro gramme with a strong emphasis firmly placed
Marley Grange participants enjoy the 2012 Community Games relays at Santry Stadium
on fun, participation and creating community spirit, Dublin Community Games provides over 55 sporting and cultural activities. T hese range from athletics to art, choir to chess, soccer to swimming, judo to gymnastics, and volleyball to variety,
with debating, duathlon, hybrid rugby and spike ball all being added to the programme next year. All these activities are run in local communities around Dublin, and provide opportunities for young people to develop in a healthy and safe environment while expe-
riencing a wide range of activities. There is also a youth programme on offer where you can help at local and county events, mentor teams, develop new skills while encouraging youth participation in the community. The annual meeting
takes place on Tuesday, October 2 at 7.30pm in Carmichael House, Dublin 7. All are welcome. For more information on how to get involved, contact Dublin Secretary, Maureen Quinlan on 01 872 8203 or check out www.dublincommunitygames.ie
28 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 27 September 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
Ireland Warriors win Euro Cup in fine style THE IRELAND Warriors Aussie Rules team won their second Euro Cup in Edinburgh last weekend with a stunning come-frombehind one-point win over Denmark Vikings in Edinburgh last Saturday. It was described as the “best game of Aussie Rules I’ve seen played in Europe” by tournament organiser AFL Europe general manager Ben MacCormack as the Irish side, featuring a number of players from the South Dublin Swans, came from 11 points behind in the final minute. They blast home two quick goals just seconds from the final siren and win 5.0 (30) to 4.5 (29) with Ireland’s Muiris Bartley kicking the vital goal. The competition saw 16 teams compete at Peffermill over a series of 24-minute games played in a nine-a-side format. Speaking about the ever-growing size of the competition, McCormack added: “It just shows just how much the game is developing in Europe across both genders.” A bagpipe player, dressed in a kilt, provided background noise during the exhibition women’s match, in which the Irish Banshees – which features players from Lucan and Malahide – crushed the European Crusaders 13.14 (92) to 8.8 (56). Aimee-Louise Hazley took a break from her club Gaelic football season with St Sylvester’s – who are into the Leinster intermediate championship quarter-final – to take part in the contest. Not much separated the teams at the last change before the Irish experience got them across the line in the last term.
CANOEING: 800 TO TAKE IN ANNUAL LIFFEY DESCENT MARATHON
World bronze medallist Antonin Hales has been added to the field for the annual Liffey Descent as the event gains world recognition
Descent hits heights PETER CARROLL sport@gazettegroup.com
IN ITS first year since its inclusion in the World River Marathon Series, the Liffey Descent is back on Sunday September 29, with over 800 canoeists ready to attack the white water rapids of the renowned river Liffey route. The usual crew making up the Irish contingent will be ready to fly the flag – Thomastown Paddlers of Kilkenny, Wild Water Kayak Club of Chapelizod, Salmon Leap Canoe Club of Leixlip and Celbridge Paddlers – but this year they will be joined by the Czech National team who have been attracted to the event after it received its world marathon recognition The Czechs, who are due to compete in the
C1 class, will be afforded the opportunity of gaining ranking points if they are successful around the course, as will those taking part in the K1 class, something that Irish competitor Keith McGuirk believes can only bring more international interest to the tournament. “It’s huge to have the Czech team coming over,” said the C1 athlete. “I think a lot of other teams might take an interest in the marathon because of its new classification. “If the Czech team have a good experience, they’ll be spreading the word about the event and hopefully that will lead to more and more international teams coming over in the future. “The fact that Antonin Hales is competing is very big as far as the marathon is concerned. He’s a huge name in world
white water rafting and he was part of the team that won bronze at the world championships,” said McGuirk. The Liffey Descent is one of the biggest events of its kind in the world and is not for the faint-hearted. The 28km course combines long flat water sections, swift currents, 10 weirs and numerous rapids, a heavily wooded section and a long portage around Leixlip dam. Competitors need to be of level three kayak standard and the reasons for such a big turnout, from the casual athletes to the championship level, is the fact that the ESB guarantee the white water element of the event. The ESB will release 30 tonnes of water from the Poulaphouca Reservoir to coincide with the race.
This brings the river up to flood level and transforms small rapids and gentle weirs into foaming white water, which gives the marathon its unique drawing point, making it one of the most unique and challenging courses of its kind, according to McGuirk. “The fact that the race is guaranteed white water because of the role of the ESB it makes it a very interesting course for a lot of reasons. “It’s a long course at 18 miles, and the fact that the competitors are working
against white water while still trying to conserve energy to endure the full length of the marathon makes it a fantastic challenge and a great test for all levels of competitor,” said McGuirk The event began back in 1959 as an inter club event for the national scene, but has gone on to grow every year. McGuirk believes that Olympic competitors like Eoin Rheinisch and Hannah Craig have injected a lot of interest in the event on the back of their showings at the Olympic Games.
27 September 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29
DublinGazetteNewspapers 2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - SEPTEMBER NOMINEES
FastSport
# STARof the MONTH
ERIC LOWNDES
CATHERINE WALSH
DAVID BYRNE
AT THE fourth attempt, the St Peregrine’s man finally tastes All-Ireland minor final success and could help Dublin to a famous double
SWORDS woman Catherine Walsh claimed medals on both the track and the road to mark an epic Paralmypic Games
NAOMH Olaf’s full-back was the beating heart of the Dublin minor All-Ireland success, leading the side with some superb showings
# TEAMof the MONTH
ST SYLVESTER’S
CASTLE GOLF CLUB
NAOMH OLAF
JUST two years since attaining inter status for the first time, Syl’s hurlers powered their way to the senior ranks in jig-time
CASTLE GC ended a long 99-year wait but finally won back amateur golf’s biggest team prize, the Irish Senior Cup
FIELDING 17 players who discovered ladies football through the Gaelic for Mothers programme, they rose to win a JFC title
Camogie make-a-wish: National association links up with charity MAKE-A-WISH Ireland are set to partner with the Camogie Association for the next three years. The Camogie Association will help promote, support and fundraise for the charity which is celebrating 20 years in Ireland this year. The partnership was announced at the AllIreland camogie championship final last week in Croke Park. Susan O’Dwyer, Make-A-Wish Ireland said: “We look forward to working with the association and developing exciting fundraising events and activities which will help us to continue to grant wishes for children living with life-threatening medical conditions.” For more information log onto www. makeawish.ie and www.camogie.ie.
South Dublin clubs in running for awards LOCAL hockey clubs came away with a series of nominations on the shortlist for the Irish Hockey Association annual awards last Thursday following an extensive public vote that saw over 5,000 people offer their views. Beaufort club Loreto are up for two major gongs as they were included in the lists for Club of the Year and Youth Club of the Year following a sterling 2011/12 season. In the former category, Loreto earned their stripes by reaching the final of the Irish Hockey League while also making it through to the finals weekend of the Irish Senior Cup, the two top competitions for women’s hockey in Ireland. On top of that, they picked up a number of Leinster league titles with their junior teams while they started to build their first clubhouse, too. They are up against south Dublin rivals Railway Union and Blackrock side Avoca. The latter club is another to have set in motion plans to improve their facilities in Newpark with a new Portakabin built and in operation for the new season. Their men’s first team returned to division one for the first time in seven seasons as their development plan came into full effect. Elsewhere, Monkstown’s David Cole is up for the U-18 player of the year having made his debut for the Irish senior national team during his Leaving Certificate year, lining out in green against world number five side Spain earlier in 2012. He also captained his school side St Andrew’s to the Leinster senior cup. There were plenty of nominations for Alexandra College following their run to the AllIreland girl’s Kate Russell Cup glory. They are up for the hockey school of the year while their coach Miles Warren is in the final four for the U-18 coach of the year having also been at the helm for the Irish U-16 boys as they finished fifth in the European championships in the summer. Loreto and Rathdown head coach Graham Shaw is one of four in the running for the coach of the year title while Olympic umpire Carol Metchette is one of the favourites for the top whistle-blower gong.
30 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 27 September 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
Sylvester’s into AFL1 semi for fifth year ST SYLVESTER’S dug deep to reach the AFL1 playoffs for the fifth successive year as they dug deep last Saturday to record a hard earned onepoint win over Ballyboden St Enda’s before a large attendance in Broomfield. The 2-10 to 3-6 win qualifies Syl’s flagship team for the semi-finals as current senior manager Gabriel Bannigan makes it a fourth run to the latter stages, following on the work of predecessors John Sexton and David Ryan, keeping their fantastic level of consistency. Having won the Div 1 title in 2010 for the first time, Syl’s are looking forward to again contesting the AFL1 semi final later in 2012. Ballymun Kickhams await in that semi, the same opposition they meet on Saturday next as the pair do battle in the Vincent de Paul cup final at 5.15pm, again in Broomfield. After that, Syl’s move on to Parnell Park on October 6 to take on St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh in the fourth round of the senior football championship. The Ballyboden win was a case of mission accomplished as Syl’s should have won by more but poor option-taking up front and some defensive lapses meant it was a battle to the end. Those battling qualities are one of a number of positives management will take from the match as young Eoghan Boyne, Gavin McArdle, John Coughlan and Eoin Fanning all got starts. Darren Clarke and Aidan Relihan both got valuable game time under their belts while Ross Hazley had a superb game in midfield on Dubs star Michael Darragh Macauley and young Alan Foy again had immediate impact from the bench. Fanning marked his return with a well-taken goal to get Syls going, Miceal McCarthy scored 0-3, Nigel Dunne and Conor Daly added points. Boden replied with a goal right on half-time to leave Syl’s 1-5 to 1-3 in front at half-time. McCarthy set up Mark Brennan for an excellent goal on the restart but Syl’s could only add one point in the next 15 minutes - a peach from Brennan, while Boden struck for 2-2. It left Syl’s two points adrift but they dominated the last quarter with another gem from Brennan, one from Brian Sexton, and superbly struck frees from Alan Foy and Clarke saw them over the line.
SOCCER: PERTH’S MALAHIDE PICK UP PAIR OF LSL WINS
Alan Corcoran, centre, netted twice in as many games in the last week as Malahide United picked up a pair of LSL victories
Training key for United I sport@gazettegroup.com
MALAHIDE United’s Sunday Seniors seemed to have found their feet in their new league after last year’s promotion, but manager Vinnie Perth still believes that the side can be a lot better after they work on some things on the training ground. “This is definitely a better squad than we had last year,” said the League of Ireland veteran. “We just haven’t been able to turn them into a better team than we had last year, we’ve been inconsistent but we have
the potential to turn it around. “It’s been a busy few weeks where we’ve been playing two games a week so we haven’t able to spend a lot of time on the training ground, but next week we’re back to one game a week, so we hope to improve.” Last week, Malahide put in a performance that Perth claimed was their “most complete” of the season to date as they saw off Bangor Celtic 4-1 away from home. Mark Higgins opened up the scoring early on in the first half before Alan Corcoran put in a second at the
Pride of Malahide: Syl’s and rugby club box off at Wrights MALAHIDE RFC took on village neigh-
bours St Sylvester’s GAA at the Wright Venue last Saturday evening with local pride on the line in an innovative fundraiser. Thirty club members boxed off in three round contests in front of a packed house in order to lay claim to bragging rights around the village. All were given six weeks full training before taking on the challenge with all funds raised going to support the respective clubs.
beginning of the following 45. Dominant
Celtic got what turned out to be a consolation just after Corcoran’s goal via a penalty, but the Malahide men rallied again and goals from Mark Cashen and Gareth Logan rounded off a dominant display. Last Thursday, Malahide added to that victory when they faced off against Arklow Town, this time at Gannon Park. Perth was disappointed with conceding two goals on the day, but the four goals they scored
bode well for future ties, with Glen Crowe, Alan Corcoran and Barr y Slattery bagging a brace making the difference on the day. Despite being new to the league, Perth believes his side can and will do better after their opening seven fixtures. Adamant that he has not set a real target for the team as far as the league is concerned, he does have a general idea of where he would like to finish and he believes a few drills on the training ground could make all the difference to his side as they advance through their campaign.
“It’s very hard to give a team a target for a league when they are playing their first season amongst new competition, but, to be honest, I won’t be happy if we finish outside of the top six. “We need to use our time on the training ground over the next few weeks, just go over some basic things from top to bottom. We’ve got a lot of new faces in the team who might not be used to some of things that we do on the pitch. “We have about eight new lads and once we’re all used to the way we operate, the results will come,” said Perth.
27 September 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31
HURLING: MALAHIDE CLUB CLAIM IHC TITLE
CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST SYLVESTER’S DUBLIN intermediate hurling cham-
They play the Vincent De Paul Cup
pions 2012: it was a four point vic-
final next week and championship
tory at the end of a pulsating match
a gainst St Oliver Plunkett’s on
that released a dam burst of relief
October 7.
and absolute joy.
The junior 9 football team won,
Tommy wove his magic and the
scoring 3-11 to 0-8 for Realt Dearg
players did the business on a great
in the league. The junior 7 team play
day, especially for the experienced
the Parson Cup final against Robert
stalwarts.
Emmett’s next Sunday, September
Stephen Cunningham performed
30.
brilliantly for the Dublin minor
The ladies minor football team
football team in their victory over
put up a very impressive score in
Meath in the All-Ireland Final. Con-
defeating Raheny and getting to the
gratulations to Stephen and Conor
championship final.
Ryan who are now proud owners of All-Ireland winning medals.
Well done to all our brave boxers who came away with the spoils in
The senior football team defeat-
the white collar boxing fundraiser
ed Ballyboden by a single point to
and raised much needed funds for
qualify for the league playoffs.
the club. It was a very busy week.
ST FINIAN’S OUR adult hurling team had a great St Sylvester’s celebrate their intermediate hurling championship success in Parnell Park last Saturday
Super Syl’s stunt Tower’s fightback IHC FINAL St Sylvester’s 2-10 Round Tower 1-11 I STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com
ST SYLVESTER’S rode a second half Round Tower storm to claim their first ever Dublin intermediate hurling championship in Parnell Park last Saturday, leaving the Clondalkin club frustrated at the final hurdle for the second time in four years. Substitute Gareth McGrath’s scrappy goal six minutes from time ultimately proved the difference, ending an incredible fightback that saw Syl’s almost scupper an eightpoint half-time lead. That was built on Martin Ormonde’s unerring accuracy from the placed ball as he clipped over six frees from six attempts from his personal tally of eight points. Daire O’Flaherty’s fortuitous goal in the 19th minute, his lengthy free deceiving Brian McLaughlin to slip into the net, further bol-
stered that advantage as Tower’s failed to gain any sort of momentum. The Malahide side’s defence was feverish with Ian McCafferty putting in a string of strong blocks while the ageless Hilary Murray-Hession – 20 years since making his adult debut – picked off a string of dropping balls with effortless composure. Alex Darbey did clip over a stunning point in response, plucking from the air with a giant leap before clearing the bar from all of 65 yards, but it was not enough to galvanise the Hoops before the break as they trailed 1-7 to 0-2. Russell Cleere was cleaning up plenty of possession around midfield along with Andrew Richardson and it necessitated a string of changes from Tower’s to gain a foothold. They did this by moving Dublin minor Gary Quinlivan into the halfforwards while the tow-
ering Fergal McDonagh became a huge presence around the break. Eric Finn and Eoghan Young found their range with a couple of frees to start the comeback before Eoin Ryan’s brilliant individual goal reeled the gap in to just four points. He barrelled through three defenders before, using just his outstretched right hand, clipping into the goal. It was a contentious effort in that the referee appeared to blow for a penalty as the ball crossed but the effort stood. Tower’s duly added four successive points in just three minutes to tie the game up at 1-9 each
with a full 14 minutes to go as Jack Whelan was getting free run of the centre channel by virtue of McDonagh’s catches and he put his side in front soon after. The momentum looked all one way but Syl’s summoned a long ball into the square and it was not dealt with after three swishes, allowing McGrath the chance to wriggle free and sweep in the vital major. Ormonde added two insurance points and while Tower’s nabbed another point they were unable to respond, handing Sylvester’s their first intermediate crown in just their second year at this level.
team mentors and players.
win on Saturday night over Fingal-
Congratulations go to the Dublin
lians, putting in a really strong sec-
minors and Donegal seniors after
ond half performance to win the local
winning their All-Ireland champion-
derby by four points.
ships.
The result keeps the lads in the hunt
The club extends deepest sym-
for top spot in the league. The last
pathies to Niamh and Aoife Higgins
league match takes place next Sat-
and all their family on the loss of
urday at 5.15pm in Ridgewood, please
their mother Sindy. May she rest in
come out to support the team.
peace.
Our Under-15 footballers had a
We also extend sympathies to the
great championship quarter-final
O’Neill family for their recent loss.
win, by the narrowest of margins, on
Particular credit must be given to
Sunday morning.
Brian O’Neill who played an out-
We had a great turnout for the mini
standing match for the adult hurl-
All-Ireland league during the week
ers on Saturday evening, having had
with Tipperary taking the title on
his grandfather’s funeral earlier the
Friday night. Many thanks to all the
same day.
FINGALLIANS DUBLIN 0-14 MEATH 1-5: The famine
through to their championship semi-
is over. Well done to the young Dubs
final (details to follow on both semi
in claiming the Tom Markham Cup as
dates).
All-Ireland minor football champions
The All Ireland 7’s competition for
in Croke Park on Sunday for the first
senior ladies will now take place in
time since 1984 and also to the Donegal
Portmarnock on October 7. In prepa-
footballers on their senior success.
ration, the ladies will play a friendly
There will be a celebration party to
this Tuesday against St Sylvester’s.
honour Catherine Walsh’s two-medal
Congratulations to the U-12 girls who
haul at the Paralympic Games last
represented the Dubs on Saturday in a
month. The club will open its doors to
Leinster Blitz in Carlow: Laura Demp-
everyone in Fingal next Saturday night
sey, Hannah Cronin, Labhaoise Brady
from 8pm (September 29). The club will
and Niamh McKittrick. They were man-
mark the occasion with a presentation
aged by the club’s Fintan Keeling.
at 8.30pm sharp. Catherine will have
Poker is back next Friday (the last
the medals for all to see with plenty
Friday of every month) in the club bar
of photo opportunities. On Saturday
from 8.30pm. Texas hold’em at a cost
morning, she will make an appearance
of €10 per player.
at the nursery at 11.30am.
White Collar Boxing Fundraiser-
The quarter-final of the intermedi-
Fingallians v Naomh Barrog - Wright
ate football championship will be held
Venue, Saturday, November 3. The
on Wednesday, October 3 in Newcastle
Battle of Fingal sees Fingallians’ box-
at 7.30pm - Fingallians v Good Council.
ers against Naomh Barrog over three
After a big win against Naomh Bar-
rounds in what promises to be an
rog, our U-15A footballers are now
amazing night’s entertainment. Tick-
safely into the championship semi-
ets priced at €20 and €30 (premium)
final. Our U-12 girls likewise are also
are available from all the boxers.
ALL OF YOUR MALAHIDE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
TRAINING DAY: Malahide United LSL boss lauds benefits of team sessions P30
SEPTEMBER 27, 2012
LIFFEY DESCENT: Famous race earns world recognition P28
GazetteSPORT
St Sylvester’s Stephen Cunningham celebrates with the Tom Markham Cup last Sunday in Croke Park; Conor Ryan and Cunningham, right
Local trio claim All-Ireland title Another amazing week for St Sylvester’s as Conor Ryan and Stephen Cunningham claim All-Ireland titles and their hurlers also triumphed malahidesport@gazettegroup.com
THE masterful midfield duo of St Sylvester’s Stephen Cunningham and Naomh Mearnog’s Shane Carthy, along with Syl’s Conor Ryan, became All Ireland champions last Sunday, claiming Dublin’s first minor football championship since 1984. In a dramatic showdown at Croke Park on Sunday, the minors faced their fiercest intercounty rivals, Meath, who they had already beaten in the final of the Leinster championship, by a whopping twelve point deficit. However, the All-Ireland final proved to be a tighter affair, with a penalty giving Meath an edge before Dublin tagged on more points to break the spirit of the Royals, who couldn’t match the Boys in Blue in the scoring charts, eventually winning the final 0-14 to 1-5. Carthy was in immense form on the day and his free kick technique was admired by the masses as he put two over to help his side to Tom Markham glory. He put another one over from
open play and his tally of 0-13 from the championship has been a big help in the side’s journey. Stephen Cunningham operated in a more defensive position than his Sylvester’s partner, but he was just as important breaking down opposition play and distributing diligently to the forward lines throughout the championship campaign. It added to what is becoming an amazing 2012 for St Sylvester’s as their hurlers claimed senior status for the first time, adding the Dublin championship title to their list of plaudits with a 2-10 to 1-11 win over Round Tower, Clondalkin in Parnell Park last Saturday. At the helm was former Dublin boss Tommy Naughton and he told GazetteSport it was no more than the club deserved as they carried the momentum through from their Leinster junior title win of two years ago. He said of the win: “The lads deserved it considering the effort they put in. They’ve really been fantastic. They kept going and showed unbelievable courage and will to win.
“The club can certainly support a senior team with all the underage players coming through and the support they have here. It’s fantastic. “I’m not surprised they have moved up so quickly. It would be different if they didn’t have the hurlers but they are up there because they have them and they’ll stay up there [in senior] because of that and the young lads coming up.” The title was won ahead of a Tower’s side managed by one of Naughton’s former Dublin players – Emmett Carroll – in his first year of management. He paid tribute to what he has achieved: “Emmett’s done a fantastic job and it’s now up to both clubs to make what they can of it. The whole thing now is to get out of division three of the league but that’s another day’s work. We’re up playing senior now and that’s where we want to be.” It is another piece of silverware for the club following the ladies’ IFC success while the senior footballers are still in the mix for AFL1 and senior championship glory.