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VILLAGE LIFE: One-hour free parking sought to help local traders See Page 4

Senior football team reach AFL1 decider

Civilian helps to arrest gunmen

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 NATALIE BURKE

Football:

Dublin boss Jim Gavin speaks to the Gazette Page 29

Sylvester’s:

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES......................6 DUBLIN LIFE...................11 OUT&ABOUT ..................17 CLASSIFIEDS ................26 SPORT ...........................27

AN UNNAMED local civilian has become a hero this week after assisting gardai in the pursuit of two men armed with a gun, following a robbery at Portmarnock Credit Union.

The financial institution was the target of an armed robbery on Friday, November 16, after which the men hijacked a car and fled the scene.

A passer-by drove a member of An

2012

Garda Siochana after the two men, leading to their arrest and the recovery of the stolen money and the firearm.

According to a Garda spokesperson, the incident was very serious.

“The whole thing was very traumatic for the staff and the other people involved.”

Both men have been remanded in custody until their next court hearing.

Full Story on Page 2

Remembering Aoife: Toddlers’ charity walk for absent friend AT THE Grow Montessori’s char-

ity walk in rememberance of five-year-old Aoife Hendrick are Pierce and Helen Walsh. Aoife passed away a few months ago when she lost her brave fight for life from complications due

to leukemia. The tots wore pink T-shirts which carried images of Aoife, and they took to the streets of Malahide with their parents and released some pink balloons during their walk.

See Gallery on Page 6

2 MALAHIDE Gazette 22 November 2012

dublin GAZETTe newspapers i n f o r m at i o n

chase Robbers’ escape foiled by civilian

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Malahide Garda Station. Picture: RateMyArea.com

Passerby helps garda arrest armed raiders AN UNNAMED local civilian has become a hero this week after assisting gardai in the pursuit of two men, armed with a gun, following a robbery at Portmarnock Credit Union.

The financial institution was the target of an armed robbery on Friday, November 16, after which the two men hijacked a car and fled the scene.

A passerby drove a member of An Garda Siochana in pursuit of the two men, leading to their arrest and the recovery of the stolen money and the firearm.

At approximately 6pm on Friday evening, two males entered the Credit Union armed with a gun and threatened staff before leaving with an undisclosed amount of cash. There was one customer on the premises at

 natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

the time of the robbery.

On leaving, the men were confronted by a garda on mountain bike patrol in the area.

According to a Garda spokesperson, two shots were fired at the garda before the men hijacked a car, pulled a woman from it and made their escape.

The garda then stopped a passing vehicle and the civilian driver drove the garda in pursuit of the hijacked car.

The gardai recovered a motor car along with a quantity of cash and a handgun in Belmayne

a short time later. A man was arrested at the scene.

A second man was later arrested in connection with the robbery.

Arrested Derek Murphy, who is aged in his 40s, was charged with having a firearm earlier this week, while Sean Donnelly of Belcamp Crescent, Coolock, was charged with robber y. Both men appeared in court earlier this week and, at the time of going to print, were remanded in custody until their next hearing at Cloverhill District Court.

According to a Garda spokesperson, the incident was very serious.

“The whole thing was very traumatic for the staff, customer and the other people involved.

That’s why it was impor-

tant for us that we managed to make a quick arrest and the investigation so far has led to two people being charged and kept in custody in relation to the incident.”

Enquiries are ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact Malahide Garda Station on 01 666 4600, or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

“We’ve got a huge positive response from people but if anyone else saw anything around that time that we would ask them to contact us in Malahide,” the spokesperson concluded.

The work of the gardai was highly commended by local Labour councillor Peter Coyle who said he was “very pleased” with the success of the Gardai following the

robbery last week.

In a note sent to gardai, Cllr Coyle said: “I, in conjunction with local residents, wish to extend congratulations to the gardai in the success of its operations in the Portmarnock and Coolock district at the weekend. The value of having community gardai out on the ground was very much highlighted in this case. My congratulations and best wishes particularly goes to the community garda involved in giving chase after the armed raid”.

“The success in this case gives a lot of comfort to local communities to know that gardai are out and about all the time. The value of community gardai being around, particularly on mountain bikes, is vindicated by the success in this case,” he said.

22 November 2012 MALAHIDE Gazette 3

careers

winners: malahide, skerries, lusk, sutton excel in supervalu event

Hospital opens to students

Four local areas tidy up at awards DUBLIN North came out on top at the recent SuperValu TidyTowns awards ceremony, when four local areas were awarded for their hard work.

Skerries was awarded the overall winning title for the region, while Malahide followed closely behind in the gold medal category.

Other successful local towns in the competition included Lusk, which was “highly commended” and Sutton, which picked up the Best Bring Bank award.

This year’s SuperValu TidyTowns awards for the Dublin region were presented at a prizegiving ceremony in the Discover Ireland Centre

in Dublin last week.

The winners were presented with their awards

by Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan TD and Des O’Mahony, marketing manager for SuperValu.

Awards Speaking at the awards ceremony Minister Hogan said: “I’m delighted to have this opportunity today to acknowledge the efforts of TidyTowns groups across this region, and to pay tribute to the very many enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who get involved in this competition year on year regardless of the weather conditions.

“The unselfish effort

and the generosity displayed by these volunteers really does make a difference to our communities.

“The results of their hard work is evident across the region in towns and villages that are more attractive, better cared for, better places to live and more appealing places to visit.

“I’d like to congratulate Skerries, the overall winner for the Dublin region, as well as all of today’s other prize-winners,” he continued.

T his year ’s competition saw a record number of 855 communities entering, an increase from 821 entries last year.

Gobble gobble: Dustin protests at roast turkey flavoured crisps pictured at Stephens Green are Tom Keogh and Dustin the

Turkey as Keogh’s Farm launched Festive Roast Turkey and Secret Stuffing Hand Cooked Potato Crisps, just in time for the Christmas season. Dustin “highjacked” the launch in protest to protect his feathered friends. Keogh’s Roast Turkey and Secret Stuffing crisps are now available nationwide in large sharing bags for €2.49, a small impulse bag or through their Facebook page www.facebook.com/keoghsfarm. For more information go to www.keoghs.ie.

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B e c au s e L o c a l M at t e r s

BEAUMONT Hospital recently opened its doors to 50 local transition year students, as part of its annual Career Inspiring Transition Year Programme. The programme is designed and coordinated by members of the hospital’s nursing, health and social care professionals to inspire students to consider a career in the health sector. Throughout the week, students from schools across Dublin North were given careerinspiring talks and insight into the multi-disciplinary teams working in a modern-day teaching hospital.

They benefited from talks with industry professionals and “hands-on” experiences from all disciplines within the hospital.

4 MALAHIDE Gazette 22 November 2012

FastNews

Council Move to help struggling traders

Malahide Musical Society tune up for Winter Show

€200k set to create 20 jobs

THE Malahide Musical Society will host their Winter Show in Portmarnock Sports and Leisure Centre on Sunday, December 2 at 7.30pm.

Following on from the success of their award winning production of Sweeney Todd in February, the society will be back on stage to perform a show which will feature a variety of well known songs, Christmas tunes and more.

The Dublin City Council Choir will also be there as special guests.

Tickets cost €10, or €8 per person for large group bookings. For more information, contact the Malahide Musical Society at 086 603 5320 or malahidemusicalsociety@gmail.com.

The Wright situation this Christmas time CHRISTMAS at the Wright Venue will be launched a little differently this year, when one of the world’s biggest reality TV stars lands in Swords.

The world famous Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino, who stars in US Reality TV show, Jersey Shore, will be launching Christmas at the award-winning venue, alongside his brother, Marc on

 Natalie burke

Friday, November 23 and doors will open at 11.30pm.

Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for €10.

Local camera club wins IPF contest MALAHIDE Camera Club has won the Irish Photographic Federation’s National Shield interclub competition for 2012.

They also won the Monochrome section of this year’s competition.

funding: small business

Councillors are urging Fingal County Council to introduce one-hour free parking in Malahide

Free parking sought to boost Malahide  natalie burke

LOCAL Malahide councillors have called on Fingal County Council to introduce one-hour free parking in Malahide village, in an effort to help local businesses.

Pay and Display was first introduced in Malahide in 2002 to address pressures relating to parking facilities and to discourage all-day commuters parking in the town centre areas.

Following on from the recent redevelopment of Malahide Castle, a number of local councillors and local traders are appealing to FCC to reduce the hours of parking to help encourage more people to shop in the local village. The request was raised at a recent area committee meeting by Cllr Eoghan O’Brien, who proposed

that one-hour free parking should be put in place in Malahide village to help local traders at “this very difficult time for businesses”.

“After meeting with the local chamber of commerce a couple of evenings ago to discuss issues that are troubling them, this is a suggestion that came forward. While the Pay and Display works for the turnover of cars, what the traders are finding is that their business is suffering.

“There are a lot of businesses in Malahide that are struggling to keep their heads above water and I think it is up to us, as a council, to do what we can to help those businesses,” he said.

“If we could even see a trial basis in the lead-up to the Christmas period, to see what impact it would have, if it would

improve footfall into shops, cafes and restaurants around the village and, if it works, we can look at putting it on a more permanent basis,” he continued.

Local Cllr Anthony --------------------------

‘What the traders are finding is that their business is suffering’

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

Cllr Eoghan O’Brien

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

Lavin (FG) agreed with the motion, saying it is up to the council to help the local traders.

“It is a reality that we are in a recession. It is a reality that these businesses were struggling before any of the development happened. It is a reality that Christmas is

coming and that it is the time that most of [the businesses] are expecting to generate enough sales to carry them forward.

“I think all residents and local businesses welcome the development of Malahide Castle and want it to be a success as there are opportunities there for traders to get more business into Malahide. We’ve got to do something for the traders and I’d appeal to Malahide to consider a trial period to see if it helps to level the playing field,” he said.

In a report, a spokesperon for FCC said: “The Pay and Display Scheme in Malahide is operating effectively providing for a turnover of parking spaces at a reasonable price.

There are no proposals to alter the scheme or increase or decrease the charge.”

ADDITIONAL funding for the local Fingal Enterprise Board will fund the creation of up to 20 new jobs in Dublin Fingal, according to Fine Gael TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell.

The provision of an additional €200,000 for Fingal County Enterprise was recently announced by Minister for Small Business, John Perry. The provision will directly fund job creation in Dublin Fingal, as well as funding job creation projects in the remaining months of 2012.

Encouragement This provision is part of a national €3.78 million fund that has just been announced for County and City Enterprise Boards (CEB) to support and encourage companies to start up or expand their services, and thereby create and sustain jobs around the country.

“This announcement follows an exercise in which each CEB was asked to examine the funding it currently has available and to determine whether this was sufficient to cover the project proposals coming to them over the rest of the year,” said Deputy Farrell.

“It is well established that a huge proportion of jobs in this country are held in small, local enterprises. These companies are the lifeblood that is playing a key role in helping to restore our local economy to a healthier footing,” he concluded.

22 November 2012 MALAHIDE Gazette 5

environment The Burrow ‘being swept into sea’, Minister Coveney is told

Urgent action needed on coastal erosion - Ryan  natalie burke

LABOUR TD Brendan Ryan is calling on the Government to take immediate action as the problem of coastal erosion threatens homes in Portrane.

The TD for Dublin North called on the Minister for Agriculture and Marine Simon Coveney last week

to act immediately to stop “homes and businesses in The Burrow, Portrane, being swept into the sea”.

In a recent topical-issue Dail debate, Deputy Ryan expressed to Minister of State, Jan O’Sullivan, who was taking the debate in place of Minister for Environment Phil Hogan, the need for urgent action to

stop the dramatic reclaiming of the land from the sea which, according to Deputy Ryan, is occurring at a “frightening pace”.

“The issue of coastal erosion in The Burrow, Portrane, in nor th Countr y Dublin, is not something new.

“The sea has threatened and eroded the area for dec-

RTE presenter Claire Byrne with members of the Coast Guards, Howth Unit

documentary: howth coast guards

RTE zones in on local rescuers  natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

THE Howth Coast Guard team featured in the debut episode of a brand new RTE documentary this week. The team was featured in Ireland’s Search And Rescue, which aired its first episode on Sunday, November 18.

The new series will be aired on RTE One on Sunday at 6.30pm and will give viewers an insight into the incidents the Coast Guard, along with their colleagues in the RNLI, respond to on a regular basis in the water, on beaches, seafronts and

cliffs around Ireland.

The first episode, which is currently available to be viewed on RTE Player, featured a car crash on the coast road in Portmarnock, with the Health Service Executive (HSE), Dublin Fire Brigade, An Garda Siochana and the Coast Guard tasked to attend the scene.

Shows to follow will feature more cliff and beach rescues that the local Coast Guard attended and will be presented

by Claire Byrne.

The Coast Guard is called to over 2,000 incidents a year, with Howth Coast Guard accounting

for 50 to 70 calls a year.

These vary from missing person searches to assisting people who get injured on beaches and cliff paths.

The unit covers the coastal area north of the River Liffey, from East Wall and Clontarf to Malahide, taking in Dollymount, Howth, Portmarnock and the coastal areas in between.

The next episode of the programme will be broadcast on Sunday, November 25.

In the event of a coastal emergency, dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.

ades. But it is the increased pace and severity of this erosion in recent times which makes this a critical and most topical of issues at this time,” he said.

“Two weeks ago, 6m to 7m of sand dunes were washed away in one night including washing away a boardwalk constructed in part as an anti-erosion measure. This

one night of high tides and winds destroyed this boardwalk highlighting the need for long-term, heavy coastal erosion defences.

“With homes and businesses within 20m of these dunes, it is easy to see why the residents of The Burrow are so concerned. They are under real threat”, he continued.

The local TD stated that the concerned residents feel they are living on “borrowed time” and are living in constant fear of high tides and high wind forecasts.

Minister ullivan said she would take the very real concerns of Deputy Ryan and the residents of Portrane back to the Minister for Environment.

6 MALAHIDE Gazette 22 November 2012

gazetteGALLERIES

Pierce and Helen Walsh

The charity walk in memory of Aoife Hendrick took place recently. Pictures: Una Williams

Charity walk: In memory of a beloved young friend

Remembering Aoife

T

OTS from Malahide’s Grow Montessori took to the streets of Malahide with their parents and the Montessori’s owner Lisa Verrechia for a special charity walk in remembrance of one their friends who passed away recently, Aoife Hendrick.

Five-year-old Aoife passed away

just a few months ago when she lost her brave fight for life from complications due to leukemia.

The children wore pink T-shirts carrying images of Aoife, and they released some pink balloons during their walk.

The money raised from the walk will go towards the Friends Of Aoife Hendrick Foundation, a

charity set up by Aoife’s parents Adrian and Aine Hendrick.

The foundation aims to raise much-needed funds for the oncology unit at Our Lady’s Hospital for sick children, Crumlin, and the Irish Cancer Society.

For more information, see www. facebook.com/groups/friendsofaoifehendrick.

Shona, Cian and Niell Fitzsimons

Elaine Curran, Lisa Verrecchia and Kate Mielech

The group thoroughly enjoyed the walk

Zoe Muir and Gavin Plunkett

R1

22 November 2012 MALAHIDE Gazette 7

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Conor and Caitriona Plunkett

Darragh Fitzsimons, Pierce Walsh, Sam Collins and Niamh Fitzsimons

Sonya Bissett and Sylvia Harford

8 MALAHIDE Gazette 22 November 2012

three cheers Gibney’s to host 15th annual Christmas Wine Fair

Five local schools set to benefit from pub event  Natalie burke

GIBNEY’s of Malahide will be hosting their annual preChristmas Wine Fair next week at the Grand Hotel in Malahide.

Now in its 15th year, the

annual event will be taking place on Thursday, November 29, in an effort to raise funds for five local schools.

The fair will feature up to 25 of Gibney’s top wine suppliers, with people from across north Dublin invited

to taste and sample their wares.

At €10 a ticket – or four tickets for €30 – the proceeds raised at the fair will be donated to five local schools in the area.

The schools participat-

ing include Malahide Community School, Pope John Paul National School, St Andrew’s National School, Scoil an Duinninigh and Drumnigh Montessori Primary School.

According to Siobhan

Gibney, the event is hugely popular in the local community.

“It’s a great night from the point of view of enjoyment or catching up with a few buddies before Christmas. Wines are for sale on

the night with a discount of 20%,” she said.

The Wine Fair will take place from 6 until 10pm and tickets are available through the participating schools or directly from Gibney’s offlicence.

Santa to switch on the Malahide Christmas lights CHRISTMAS is officially arriving in Malah i d e t h i s we e ke n d , with Santa Claus set to switch on the Christmas lights and launch the festive season.

Santa will be making an appearance at the Malahide Christmas Fair, which takes place this Saturday, November 24. The fair will be held on Church Road from 2pm until 6pm.

Local schools will be

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

The fair will be held on Church Road from 2pm

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

providing enter tainment throughout the day.

Santa will switch on the Christmas lights on New Street at 6.15pm for the first time this year, in an event organised by the Malahide

Chamber of Commerce.

A Christmas Market will also opens on the day at St Andrew’s Parish Centre from 10am until 2.30pm, and will feature a range of festive gifts, face painting and a raffle, while Santa will be setting up a grotto at the nearby Clarehall Shopping Centre where there will also be free entertainment, arts and crafts from 1pm.

Cllr Peter Coyle (Lab) was pleased the road project was back on the agenda

council: hole in the wall plan welcome

Link road project is back on agenda  natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

THE potential development of a new link road has been welcomed

by Cllr Peter Coyle (Lab), who said he was “pleased” to see the project was back on the council’s agenda.

The road is set to link the Drumnigh Road/ Moyne Road junction to the realigned Hole in the Wall Road.

According to Cllr Coyle, the project comes following the postponement of a number of other infrastructural projects.

“A number of formerly proposed road infrastructural changes between Portmarnock and Dublin City have been shelved because of the recession and implementation problems. Among these is the Malahide realignment road scheme, which would provide a bypass at Balgriffin.”

One project “ver y much back on the agenda” however, is the Hole in the Wall link road, a route regularly used by traffic between Malahide and Portmarnock.

According to Cllr Coyle, the plans for the

road include building a new bridge over the Moyne River.

“Negotiations are taking place between Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council to complete the link. The detailed design is being worked out. It is hoped that this project could go out for tender later in 2013,” Cllr Coyle said.

The local councillor believes the provision of this new link road could address the current difficulties for traffic at two junctions on the Moyne Road, which include the Drumnigh Road junction and the

existing Hole in the Wall junction.

“Given the volume of traffic in this North City Fringe area, the new link road will be very welcome,” he concluded.

Fingal County Council confirmed that the link road is currently on the County Development Plan as an objective for the council to consider. According to a spokesperson for the council, the design of the scheme is currently being considered, and a source of funding has not yet been determined.

22 November 2012 MALAHIDE Gazette 9

courts: €1m estate involved

FastNews

Christmas treat from Biotherapy taster Kinsealy Comhaltas sessions at library THE Kinsealy branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, a group which aims to preserve and promote Irish traditional music, will be hosting a Christmas Dinner and Ceili on Sunday, November 25.

The event will be held in the Carnegie Court Hotel in Swords, and music will be provided by Pat Walsh and Tony Dunne. Admission to the special event costs €25 and concessions are available for students. For further details, contact Joe on 086 688 5374.

The Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin

Judge guilty of deceiving friend  natalie burke

A DI S TRICT Co u r t judge from Malahide has been found guilty of attempting to deceive an elderly friend out of half of his estate while he was a client of her solicitor’s firm.

Heather Perrin, 60, of Lambay Court, Malahide, was found guilty by a jury earlier this week following a seven-day trial which heard that she deceived Thomas Davies into leaving half of his €1m estate to her two children.

Perrin ran a solicitor’s practice in north Dublin before being appointed a District Court judge in February 2009, a month after she carried out the offence.

The jury returned a guilty verdict after three

hours and 43 minutes of deliberation. Perrin was remanded on continuing bail until November 28 for sentencing.

Perrin looked shocked when the verdict was read out. She wiped away tears and was comforted by her husband and supporters after the jury left.

Perrin had pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to deceptively inducing Mr Davis to bequeath half of his estate to Sybil and Adam Perrin at her office on Fairview Strand on January 22, 2009. She faces a maximum jail term of five years.

She is the first judge in the history of the State to be convicted of a serious crime. She is currently on long-term sick

leave and can only be removed from the bench by the Oireachtas.

According to the prosecuting counsel Dominic McGinn SC, Perrin fought the case using “lies, half-truths and deceptions”.

W hen the offence first came to light, she claimed it was a mistake by her secretary, but later claimed she had drafted the will in line with Mr Davis’s instructions.

Her defence team suggested that Mr Davis, who is in his eighties, suffered memory problems and had forgotten leaving half his estate to the Perrin children. The prosecution produced medical evidence that Mr Davis had a good mental capacity and no memory problems.

Seasonal jobs at Boots  natalie burke

BOOTS Ireland will be creating 400 temporary full- and part-time positions in its Irish stores during the Christmas period, including its branch at The Pavilions Shopping Centre, Swords.

Carmel O’Brien, HR director of Boots Ireland, said: “Customer service is critically important at Boots and this is even more important when our stores are at their busiest the during the Christmas season.

“These additional 400 temporary positions will help us to deliver on our ambition to be the leading pharmacyled health and beauty retailer through the delivery of an excellent product range coupled with superior customer service.”

Boots will be extending its opening hours over the Christmas period, with many stores open until 6pm on Christmas Eve. For more information and to receive an application form, visit www.boots. jobs/ireland.

MALAHIDE Library will be hosting 20-minute Bio-Energy Therapy Taster sessions on Tuesday, November 27 from 6.30pm.

This therapy is a non-invasive form of healing and works alongside mainstream medicine as a complementary therapy. The therapy is believed to be successful in the treatment of back pain, migraine, asthma, digestive problems, behavioural problems and insomnia, among other ailments.

To book a place, call 01 870 4430.

10 MALAHIDE Gazette 22 November 2012

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Royston Newbridge Club recently attended the IABA 2012 Awards Night at the Green Isle Hotel in Dublin. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

Out of the ring, into the spotlight

T

HE Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) recently held their Annual Awards Night at the Green Isle Hotel in Dublin.

Sports pundit Jimmy Magee was Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

The awards honoured the Irish London 2012 Olympic team, and Olympic, World and European champion Katie Taylor scooped the

Boxer of the Year Award.

Belfast light flyweight Paddy Barnes received the Outstanding Achievement Award and Joe Ward took home the Best Elite Boxer Award.

The night was thoroughly enjoyed by all, as the boxers all look forward to another successful year ahead.

Fergal and Olympic medallist Michael Carruth with their wives Aoife and Paula

Oliver McCarthy and Olympic medallist John Joe Nevin

Claire Grace

Danielle McCarthy, Amy Brien and Jamie Rose Ennis

CĂŠire Smith

Michelle Lynch

22 November 2012 Gazette 11

Schools P15

dublinlife

Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week, as well as the latest from our schools

asdfsdaf Business P27 P16

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diary P12

ikea: fundraising drive launched by star

Soft toy campaign set to help children’s education UNICEF Ireland ambassador and Irish rugby star Donncha O’Callaghan has officially launched the Ikea Soft Toy fundraising campaign at the Ikea store in Ballymun.

For every Ikea soft toy, children’s book or kid’s meal purchased from now until December 23, Ikea will donate €1 to education programmes worldwide supported by UNICEF Ireland.

This year’s campaign aims to provide quality education to children living in poverty in developing countries.

Since the campaign started in 2003, donations from the annual Ikea Soft Toy Campaign have totalled €47.5m, helping eight million children in more than 40 countries enjoy their right to a quality education.

New to the Ikea soft toy family this year are forest friends including a hedgehog, a bear and an owl hand puppet that encourage curiosity and caring about nature and the environment. They appear on different Vandring textiles, designed

by Ann-Cathrine Sigrid Stahlberg.

Peter Power, executive director of UNICEF Ireland, said the initia-

tive raised vital funds for needy children.

“Last month world leaders rallied together in a final push to meet the global commitment to ensure access to primary education for all children.

“IKEA, the co-workers and customers who have supported the soft toys campaign are helping to make this important goal a reality.”

UNICEF Ireland Ambassador and rugby star Donncha O’Callaghan officially launched the soft toy fundraising campaign with Aoife Quigley (3) from Raheny

Gazette

12 Gazette 22 November 2012

dublinlife

Ethan Manby from Dun Laoghaire, Rossa McSwiney from Sandymount and Lily Dunne Fleming from Dalkey brushed up on their artistic skills for the launch of the 2012 Sightsavers Junior Painter Awards

diary

Sightsavers urge young artists to unleash talents T WO-time Academy Award nominee, and co-founder of Brown Bag Films, Darragh O’Connell, is calling on students to embrace their artistic side and enter the 2012 Sightsavers Junior Painter Awards.

The annual painting competition invites primary school students from Dublin to unleash their talents.

The Sightsavers Junior Painter awards also gives youngsters the opportunity to engage with the value of their sight, and to learn about those children who live without it in the developing world.

The winning student will win a host of prizes from the Art & Hobby

store. In addition, for the first time, the winning student’s school will also win a cash prize.

The closing date for entry is Friday, November 30. Parents and children can get involved by speaking to their school teacher, or by visiting www.sightsavers.ie/juniorpainter, or seeing the Facebook page at www. facebook.com/SightsaversIreland.

xmas jumpers sought for a world record IT MAY be the cheesiest world record attempt ever – but Geansai Nollaig 2012 might also be the most fun.

Dublinatchristmas.

ie is calling on people to gather on O’Connell Street at 4pm on November 25 to try to set a new world record for the highest number of Christmas jumpers in one place. Last year’s attempt secured a record number of 583 wonderful Christmas geansais, and, this year, organisers hope to smash that record.

This year’s record attempt will be in aid of Foroige, the youth organisation in Ireland, which works with approximately 64,000 young people aged 10 to 18 every year through volunteer-led clubs and staff-led youth projects, dealing with issues such

as poverty, achievement at school, school leaving, youth crime, substance abuse and family difficulties.

If you’ve got a (possibly not-so) rare Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer jumper, pull it on, head for O’Connell Street and join in the festive fun.

transform lives with an oxfam gift OXFAM Ireland has launched its Christmas Gifts campaign, which helps to transform lives.

Oxfam Unwrapped 2012 promises that every gift that is bought will go to help those in need.

The campaign supports a range of Oxfam’s work – from emergency responses to advocacy projects. Every year they work out what people need the most, and it is then featured in the gift catalogue.

Gifts include a clutch of chicks or a pair of baby ducks (€27), drought-resistant seeds (€7), piglets (€35), a goat (€38) and a donkey (€47).

Since Oxfam launched the range 10 years ago, Irish people have given more than 140,000 lifechanging gifts and, at the same time, helped to improve the lives of more than 500,000 people in need in countries such as Tanzania and Malawi.

Unwrapped gifts can be purchased online, or in your local Oxfam shop.

For further information, see www.oxfamireland. org/unwrapped.

22 November 2012 Gazette 13

Gazette

feature travel

Get on board for a cruise

Gareth Carberry, head chef at Hilton Dublin, won gold at this year’s Hilton Worldwide European Culinary Challenge

Cooking up a storm  Laura Webb

At the tender age of 16, a young man walked into a part-time job at a hotel unaware that cooking would end up being his dream job, and which would see him cook award-winning dishes and travel the world with his skills.

Some 17 years later, Malahide resident Gareth Carberry has won gold at this year’s H i l t o n Wo r l d w i d e European Culinary Challenge, showcasing his culinary skills, while helping boost Dublin’s international reputation for fine food.

Currently working as head chef at Hilton Dublin in Charlemont Place, he was there just six months before he

won gold at the contest in Britain last month.

After being away from Ireland for five years, Gareth thought it was time to come home.

“I was in Dubai for three years and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia for two years. The Middle East was great, Dubai was amazing and Riyadh taught me a lot, but I felt five years was long enough to be away so I decided I would come home.

“I knew the recession had hit here, just like in the Middle East. Some people told me don’t come home, there is nothing at home, but again my family are here so their life is here.

When you live in the Middle East the life is great, but I don’t know if it is a life to raise chil-

dren in so I made a decision to come home,” he told the Gazette.

Luckily for Gareth, it didn’t take him long to land on his feet. He arrived back in Dublin on a Friday, went on to a job-seekers website and found an advert for an executive sous, had an interview the following Wednesday and secured the job by the Saturday.

“I was only a week back. It just proved it was time for me to come home,” he said.

On his recent win at the Hilton Worldwide European Culinary Challenge, he said it is a “great start” to his new role.

“I am absolutely thrilled. The competition was in partnership

with Nestle, who have brought out a new product called Chef Lamb Flakes. The Hilton was asked to put it out to chefs with some guidelines like using lamb shoulder and what way we can use the lamb flakes.

“I entered and I was very lucky to get into the final and we went to England to the Nestle headquarters and I won gold – which was wonderful,” he said.

The winning dish was a braised lamb shoulder fillet with a stuffed savoy cabbage, romanesco puree and some heirloom baby vegetables.

“I hope to have it on the menu at Hilton Dublin’s restaurant, Uisce. The romanesco is

a very seasonal product so I have to try and get something that is more sustainable all year round, but also complements the lamb, so I am just working on that.

“I have just changed the Uisce menu concept so basically it is to focus on Irish produce and use them in innovative ways.

“It has broke away from the normal starter, main and dessert so instead it will be in sections like – nibbles, seafood, meats, poultry – so it gives you the choice to have two or three courses, four courses, because we made portions that little bit smaller to give people a chance to eat more on the menu.”

According to Gareth it is very important to

him to use local Irish produce.

“We have wonderful produce in this country and we should be using more of them,” he said.

Gareth also worked in Bang Cafe and Shanahans on the Green before his move to Dubai where he worked at Grand Hyatt and later joined Rosewoods Hotel and Resort in Riyadh.

He now overlooks all food aspects of the Hilton Dublin Hotel in the city centre, overlooking the Grand Canal.

Here he looks after four outlets from the Irish-themed restaurant Uisce, Still Bar, room service and banquet which can old up to 280 people.

With the really cold weather reputed to be just around the corner, the prospect of chilling out on a cruise is a fairly appealing one.

To help you to “sale” into 2013 and brighter waters, Thomas Cook Cr uise are offering cruise packages for under €1,000, including flights until November 26.

Until that date, there is a special sale on cruises to a variety of destinations in 2013, including a five-night Western Mediterranean fly/ cruise from €979 per person in April 2 013 , w i t h $ 5 0 onboard spend.

A l t e r n a t i ve l y, there is an eightnight Norway Fly/ Cruise from €1,479 per person in May 2013, or a sevennight Dubai f ly/ cruise from €1,262 in February 2013.

Both include $100 onboard spend per room, as does the offer of a seven-night France and Spain fly/cruise onboard from €1,309 per person in May 2013.

All offers include an upgrade from an oceanview room to a balcony stateroom.

For more information, call the Thomas Cook Cruise team in Dublin on 01 514 0336, visit your local travel agent or log on to www.thomascookcruise.ie.

Gazette

14 Gazette 22 November 2012

dublinlife

The juniors from Plunket College who played at DCU Sports Ground put on a spirited display of sportsmanship in a tag rugby competition

sport: school’s juniors battle it out in a rugby contest

Trying to tag a victory  curtis Delaney Plunket College, Whitehall

ON FRIDAY, November 9, a select few of our juniors in Plunket College went to DCU Sports Ground to participate in a tag rugby competition.

The team set off in the early morning, accompanied by two of their teachers, Mr Lynch and Mr McHugh.

Despite heavy rain, the team got on with the task at hand. There were teams from schools all around the city, with both male and female

players.

Plunket were drawn in a group of four teams, and managed to come out on top. We had outstanding performances from some of our key players.

The whole team performed at their peak; however, Daniel Lynch managed to stand out from the crowd – the leader of the pack.

At full-time, the teams were invited into the club for some food, and the banter between the lads continued over a nutritious lunch.

The organisers made

Facing into some spirited competition

an announcement, giving prizes to the school that made the best effort. Unfortunately, we didn’t win this prize; however, our players

were invited to have pictures taken with the Heineken Cup. It was a well-organised event, with extra incentives thrown in for

the participants. Each student left the games with a gift pack but, more importantly, with a renewed love of the game.

open night: warm welcome for prospective students

School opens up for questions  jason nesbitt

Riversdale Community College

LAST month, Riversdale Community College hosted an open evening to give prospective students and their parents an opportunity to experience the school’s facilities.

On the night, 150 parents took a tour of the school to ensure that it was the right one for their children.

Upon arrival, parents were greeted by members of the Student Council, and were given a welcome pack.

After enjoying a per-

formance from the school’s band and choir in the assembly hall, parents were directed to the school’s library, where they met the school principal, Tony Barry, and had an opportunity to ask any questions.

Parents and incoming students enjoyed the

various exhibitions of students’ work, which included live science experiments in the labs, as well as art, metalwork and woodwork projects undertaken by the students.

Other exhibitors on the night included NUI Maynooth, Bank of Ireland,

Blanchardstown Youth Service, Junior Achievement Awards and Gaisce, the President’s Award.

Prospective students have until the end of next January to enrol.

Further information is available on the school website, at www.riversdalecc.com.

22 November 2012 Gazette 15

class acts: plenty of events

schoolLife

Pink Day success in a happening place  Behshta Bakhshi

Blakestown Community School

STUDENTS at Blakestown had a busy week in the run-up to mid-term.

Every year, the school runs various events to reward the students, and provides an opportunity to express their talents.

Throughout October, we had three big events take place.

Firstly, the sixth-year L CA B r o s n a n cl a s s organised Blakestown’s Got Talent, as part of an assignment they were working on with Ms Kinsella.

The audience of firstand second-year students were treated to fantastic performances from a wide variety of acts, including rappers, singers and dancers.

Secondly, Blakestown were delighted to have [the initiative] Show Racism The Red Card, and FAI representatives in attendance, to film their new education pack.

As All-Ireland winners from 2011, Blakestown

SCHOOl

Matters p ro m ote your e v ents

CONTACT US WITH YOUR NEWS

6010240

Of course, staff, too, including principal Eileen O’Connor joined in the school’s events in the run-up to mid-term, such as the Show Racism the Red Card initiative

was selected to feature in the new DVD being filmed by the production team, Maxfilms.

During the filming, a group of second-year students were treated to some coaching in the gym with class teacher Ms Byrne and FAI coaches Paul Keogh, Michael Ryan and Des Tomlinson.

The final scenes were filmed in the boardroom, where the school’s commitee of students and Ms Quinn discussed scenarios and examples of racism and how it impacts children’s lives.

Thirdly, the final event that took place was Pink Day, which was organised by Ms McCullagh and Fiona Dunne to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer.

This was the second year running that the school had got involved; l a s t y e a r, i t r a i s e d €1,238.

The event was a huge success, where students were allowed to have a non-uniform day and wear something pink to raise funds.

Students and teachers were very creative in their pink choices, with fluttering pink eyelashes to superhero pink masks being worn to mark the event.

Ever ybody seemed to get a great buzz out of wearing the bright colour, and it certainly brightened up the last day of term in style.

Gazette

schools Get involved with our new schools pages

These Blakestown students joined in the fun of Pink Day at the school, which was held to fundraise for breast cancer, and which saw students dressing or accessorising in pink to help support the great cause

We are reaching out to all the schools in our catchment areas to become a closer part of our community than ever before.

Schools are the beating hearts of communities, one of the last places around which a community can gather. We are calling on budding writers and photographers from all of our schools to help fill the pages and, in order to encourage the next generation of journalists and snappers to get involved, we are partnering with Harvey Norman to present the Dublin Gazette Newspapers Cub Reporter and Cub Photographer of the Year awards.

For further details, contact me at rheigh@gazettegroup.com, or telephone 01 601 0240.

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 22 November 2012

DUBLINLIFE

Q&A

IAN DOWNES, FRANGOS WORLD CUISINE

Serving up a great way to keep Dundrum happy IAN Downes is a catering industry expert, with more than 20 years’ experience.

Having started at the age of 15 as a waiter, Ian has worked his way up and is now the general manager of Frangos World Cuisine in Dundrum Town Centre.

Frangos is Ireland’s largest family restaurant, serving thousands of cus-

tomers every week.

Occupying most of the third level in Dundrum Town Centre, Frangos is renowned for providing fresh food, produced on-site, and is great value for money, says Ian. He has also taken the position of general manager at The Jack Nicklaus Room in Killeen Castle Golf Club, Dunsany, Co Meath

How long have you been in business?

I believe that the recession has made us stronger as a business.

We have an amazing team of staff who, along with management, have understood that our success depends on turning each new customer into a regular customer, and we have many great customers who are supporting us through this recession.

I have been involved in catering for over 20 years. I was 15 when I got my first job as a waiter, working with my mam and aunty in the Hotel Kilkenny. I have been with Frangos World Cuisine for almost six years, and have been general manager for the past three years.

What makes your business successful?

We are based in the award-winning Dundrum Town Centre, which is one of Europe’s top shopping and restaurant destinations. This gives us a great platform to work from. We have established a reputation as a great place for families and shoppers to eat, and we pride ourselves on excellent customer service.

What do you offer your clients that differs from your competitors?

We cook our food freshly every day, using fresh local produce. We are Ireland’s largest family restaurant and provide a wide range of options, including a deli, pizzeria, steak bar, carvery, wok bar and bakery. A lot of our dishes are cooked to order, right in front of our customers, and I believe this is unique for a restaurant as big as ours. We look for the best dishes from around the world, and offer a menu that will appeal to all tastes and budgets.

How has the recession impacted your business?

What law or regulation would you change overnight to help your business?

I’ll leave the laws to the lawmakers.

What is the best business advice you ever received?

Hire the right person and let them do their job.

What is your ambition for the business?

I would love to see a Frangos in every town in Ireland, but for now I’m happy to develop the brand and continue providing an excellent place for people to come and eat with family and friends. Eating out is a social occasion, and I love seeing families dining together and talking. Sometimes, we have three generations of a family sitting together and eating – that really makes my day.

What is your favourite thing about doing business in your local area?

I love working in Dundrum. The customers and staff in the centre are great. It is like working in a village, where everyone kind of knows everyone else.

BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Pensions made simple THERE are currently more than 420,000 Irish citizens over the age of 65 and, by the year 2050, there will be 1.8 million citizens over this age – 767,300 by 2026, meaning that 16 years from now, more than 16% of the population will be in retirement.

In 2010, for every person who retired, there were six workers. In 2051, for every retired person, there will only be two.

If you are happy to live on the current State pension of €230.30 each week, or whatever it will be when you retire, then do nothing. But, you cannot discount the notion that, by the time you retire, there may not be enough money in the kitty to pay your weekly pension.

Even if you are only on the lower rate of tax (20%), it still makes sense to invest in a pension. For example: 1. For every €100 invested, it is only costing you €80 – meaning that the fund would have to drop by 20% before you actually start losing money. On the higher rate of tax, it makes even more sense and, though there are signs of the relief being reduced over the coming years, even at the 20% rate it makes sense.

2. All growth in the fund is tax-free.

3. When you retire, 25% of this fund can be taken by way of a-tax free lump sum, up to a maximum of €200,000. You can still take the full 25% of the fund, but if that is more than €200,000, you will have to pay taxes on the excess.

All companies are now obliged to both nominate

an insurance company for pension contributions, and have a facility to make deductions for such contributions directly from your salary. There is a €15,000 potential fine if they haven’t.

Current Government thinking may see employers being forced into making a minimum 4% contribution to employee pensions, and employees forced into 2% contributions for an initial minimum period.

This is a far cry from the permitted age thresholds: 1) Up to 29 years of age – 15% of net relevant earnings; 2) 30 – 39 years – 20% of net relevant earnings; 3) 40 – 49 years – 25% of net relevant earnings; 4) 50 years-plus – 30% of net relevant earnings; 5) 55 years-plus – 35% of net relevant earnings; 6) Over 60-years – 40% of net relevant earnings.

You have the nuts and bolts of pension parameters – in Part 2, next week, I shall tell you what you should consider when choosing a pension plan.  Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

PORTLAOISE: NATIONAL BID TO UTILISE SKILLS, IDEAS

Business workshop seeks over-50s entrepreneurs

DUBLIN City Enterprise Board and Senior Enterprise are looking to introduce people aged over 50 to the world of entrepreneurship, and help bring their business ideas to fruition at a national twoday residential workshop to be held on November 26 and 27 in Portlaoise.

With more than 4,000 people aged over 50 starting new businesses in Ireland last year, the organisers hope that that number can be doubled with these types of event.

The aim of the workshop is to give budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop a business plan to help them establish their new business.

It is suitable for those who have an idea for a business venture and who would like assistance in taking it from concept to commercial reality.

Greg Swif t, chief executive, Dublin City Enterprise Board, said: “Entrepreneurs make a substantial impact on the Irish economy in terms of job creation, innovation and productivity.

“Our brief is to encourage entrepreneurship at a local level, and we believe that there is untapped entrepreneurial potential in the over-50s population.”

Senior Enterprise is recognised in Europe for its innovative approach to nurturing a greater engagement of those aged

Launching the two-day workshop were Hugh Reilly, chief executive, Meath County Enterprise Board; John Brophy, entrepreneur and owner of Carrig Solutions; John Byrne, director, Senior Enterprise and Aine Cuddihy, entrepreneur and owner of The Minicake Company

50-plus with business.

Its director, John Byrne, said: “Many individuals now have an opportunity to realise an idea or business concept they believe in.”

The cost is €75 for the two-day workshop, which includes all training mate-

rial, food and accommodation (single occupancy) in the hotel.

To apply, contact your local County Enterprise Board; to find the board nearest to you, see http:// www.enterpriseboards. ie/find_your_enterprise_ board.aspx.

22 November 2012 Gazette 17

R1

asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P25

MOTORS P24

OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week



Gazette

style P18

Pets can you give alaska a home?

Greg Proops returns to Dublin for the second Smartest Man In The World podcast of the year on November 29 at Whelan’s. Picture: Sreang Hok/Oregon Daily Emerald

interview: whose line star returns to Dublin for special online show

Laughing in the Proople reign  rob heigh

It’s not very often that we get to talk to a certified genius, but this week, we got to talk to The Smartest Man In The World.

That man is Greg Proops, stand-up comedian and improviser extraordinaire, who will be back in Dublin next week to take to the stage at Whelan’s to present his podcast, The Smartest Man...

This is the second time this year Greg has been in town to host the show, which is a blend of his unique and hilarious musings on politics, culture, literature, baseball, and everything in between.

What started as a backroom enterprise has grown into a hugely popular live experience, with the crowd invited to join in and query Greg on literally any subject as part of the show.

When Out & About caught up with

Greg, he was making plans for his return to Ireland, and started by asking him what was bringing him back from Hollywood so soon.

“I love Dublin - the vibe, the kebabs and the craic,” said Greg. “The audience is so smart and with it. I can read poetry and no one thinks it is unusual. A town filled with bookstores, music stores, great cheese and seafood? Bring it on.

“And I love performing in Ireland, the crowds are so sincere.”

Greg is probably best known for his appearances on the improvisational comedy show, Whose Line Is It Anyway? on Channel 4 in the 80s and 90s. What people here probably don’t know is that his career on the show continued in the US for a further eight seasons when ABC picked up the format for American audiences.

He has also appeared on stand-up

stages across the world, and occasionally in film – although you may not have recognised him in the Star Wars prequel, The Phantom Menace, when he played one half of pod-race announcer, Fode.

With such a range of creative careers, we naturally asked him which his favourite was.

“Whose Line has been vital to my life.

It allowed me to work with all the great people I still work with, like the Comedy Store Players and Ryan Stiles in the USA. Stand-up is my armour. Acting is fun when I can get a gig, but I am bloody awful at showbiz.

“Podcasting has been a profound turn for me. I can be myself and rant and rave and sing and drink and it goes directly to the audience without any corporate filter. People love that it is from the heart.

I love that people have been so positive about it. No TV network, no meetings,

no advertisers, no nonsense. Just our own nonsense.”

Proops is one of a vanguard of comedians – including Marc Maron, Jay Mohr, and Aisha Tyler – who have created an outlet for their talents via the podcast medium. How did Greg get the podcast bug?

“The producers, Matt and Ryan, asked me. I knew I couldn’t do the interview format as it was being done so well by so many [Maron, Mohr and Tyler’s shows all take the form of extended interviews].

So, the big moment came when we did the first one live. All the podcasts are now in front of a live crowd, and all are improvised to notes. The show organically evolved into the diatribe that it is now - I love riffing [on] the podcast and seeing how far I can go.”

Continued on Page 23

DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust, Ireland’s largest dog welfare charity, to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs.

Our Dog of the Week is Alaska, a two-year-old husky. This beautiful lady was born with a congenital deformity in her leg. She was still trying to put weight on it which was really uncomfortable for her, so it had to be amputated. She received loads and loads of TLC in Dogs Trust, is like a new dog and loving life on three legs.

She is extremely sweet and affectionate and would need to go to a forever home with big kids (12+) and no other doggies. If you think you can give this gorgeous girl all the cuddles and love she so deserves, contact Dogs Trust at 01 879 1000.

Further information about their work can be found on their website at www. dogstrust.ie.

All dogs that are adopted from Dogs Trust are vet-checked, vaccinated, neutered and micro-chipped before being re-homed.

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 22 November 2012

OUT&ABOUT

STYLE

BEAUTY news Have a good hair day and be happier inside and out!

Marks & Spencer €135

Pennies €19

 LAURA WEBB

IT seems that waking up to a bad hair day can affect how we view ourselves and how others see us, with recent research by Pantene showing the state of our hair can alter our mood.

Commonly people do judge each other within seconds of meeting so having great hair can make a great first impression.

Pantene Pro-V Smooth and Sleek has launched the world’s first hair care regime entirely formulated for different hair structures to create healthy-looking locks for every hair-type, so every day is a Good Hair Day. In a recent study, women judged others based on their hair condition. Dr Bernhard Fink from the University of Goettingen revealed: “Women with smooth hair were judged to be more attractive and healthier and were considered to be calmer, more in control, and less stressed than those with frizzy hair.”

The research also revealed that hair doesn’t just affect our perception of others, but also our own mood. Women with smooth hair felt more attractive, healthier and younger than women with frizzy hair. Dr Fink explains: “Women thought they would feel calmer, more balanced, more determined, and stronger on a ‘good hair’ day, whereas they associated feelings like stress, loss of control, nervousness and irritability with a ‘bad hair’ day.”

Pa r t y G l a mH!I C S G R E AT G R A P

astic par ty e ball with fant th of le el b e u are th r €65 Make sure yo from Awear fo ne o is th e lik dress

Debenhams €85 Awear €65

Next €114

To help achieve a ‘good hair day’ Pantene Pro-V Smooth and Sleek has three simple steps to adhere to: Step 1: Pantene Pro-V Smooth and Sleek Shampoo: helps your hair behave as healthy hair should by increasing each strand’s barrier function, like a moisturiser does to the skin, calming frizz into silky smooth hair.

Fran & Jane €249

Step 2: Pantene Pro-V Smooth and Sleek Conditioner: contains a mix of ingredients similar to your hair’s natural lipid surface layer, to provide extra moisturisation and smoothness.

Dunnes €60

Next €87

Step 3: Pantene Pro-V Smooth and Sleek 2min Masques: are super concentrated to lock out humidity to help prevent frizz, moisturising hair to leave it silky smooth. Use a masque once a week for a deep smoothing care.

So take care of your hair and be a happier, more relaxed!

22 November 2012 Gazette 19

 CHRISTMAS GUIDE

party locations

Season’s greetings from Dublin Gazette Newspapers! Let us make your Yule cool with our guide to festive event venues and party planning across the city

You’ll be spoiled for choice at The Courtyard Hotel where parties can enjoy entertainment and a delicious dinner, from just €48 per person.

Entertainment in the RiverBank includes local bands The Harley’s and Hush, and returning once again this year will be renowned magician, Rodrigo Furtado.

With festive buffet menus from just €38, and options to upgrade to sit-down meals, those who are planning parties will be spoiled for choice.

Included in each pack-

age is also the Court Yard House Band followed by a live DJ. The RiverBank Restaurant at the hotel offers a great value three-course festive Early Bird menu for just €22.50, from Monday to Thursday, as well as a new “Wine & Dine” package for €59, treating couples to a fourcourse meal, to include a bottle of wine. This package is available until 7pm on Friday and Saturday.

For casual diners, the hotel is pleased to

announce the Sunday lunch menu will continue as usual throughout the Christmas period, while a new family-style dining option has also been added.

Arthur’s Live, the newly-refurbished venue, is also taking bookings for finger food and canapes for more informal occasions. For a full list of the live entertainment lineup, see www.courtyard.ie For more information, call 01 629 5100, or e-mail sales@courtyard.ie.



f

party attire

partytime ENJOY the magic and sparkle of Christmas at the Court Yard Hotel, Leixlip, where it will be brimming with party fun and Christmas cheer.

With something for everyone, the Court Yard Hotel is the perfect place to celebrate with family, friends and corporate parties, and caters for parties of all sizes, from two to 100 people.

The RiverBank Restaurant, Grill and Wine Bar has re-introduced their Christmas Party Nights,



The facilities at the Court Yard Hotel are second to none



party planning

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Gazette

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Gazette

20 Gazette 22 November 2012

OUT&ABOUT

Get on track for a Christmas hamper As one of Dublin’s most popular public transport systems, Luas will be making sure commuters get home safe this Christmas.

And to celebrate the festive season, Luas will be offering its customers a chance to win a Christmas dinner every day until December 9.

The ready-to-cook Christmas dinner hamper is ideal for a family of six to eight people, taking the hard work out of the Christmas preparations and giving you more time to meet up with friends, get your shopping done and really get into the festive spirit. This competition proved highly successful last year with a very significant uptake.

A total of 28 lucky winners will receive a hamper, which will be delivered on December 22 complete with full instructions on how to cook the perfect Christmas dinner for you and your guests.

The hamper includes Burren Smokehouse Salmon, a 16lb free range turkey, a fillet of pale ham, vegetables as well as all the Christmas trimmings.

Amongst the other goodies are a Christmas pudding and a selection of artisan Tipperary Cheese. In order to enter, grab your Luas ticket, leapcard or travel pass and click on the Luas Facebook page at www. facebook.com/luas and follow the instructions.

Get everything right With the festive season looming closely on the horizon, talk of the company Christmas party has no doubt begun and, for those presented with the role of organising it, the task can be a daunting prospect.

With many hotels and venues offering special Christmas party packages, often the hassle is taken out of your hands, but we have a range of recommendations available to help you organise a memorable celebration for you and your colleagues.

Choosing the location for your Christmas party can be crucial

Set the Date With Christmas being a busy period, diaries get pencilled in fast.

Send potential dates around the office and make sure you find a preferred date as early as possible. Not every date chosen

will suit everybody so remember, majority rules. Choose a date and finalise numbers to help you begin your planning.

Set the Budget The size of your company’s Christmas party will ultimately depend on the size of the budget you are allocated.

Discuss with the powers that be the budget you are allowed to spend and decide how best to dispense that budget between your venue and the food and drink it will provide.

The Christmas party is ultimately a way of saying “thank you” to the company staff, so it will need to be organised with their best interests in mind.

Type of Christmas Party Choosing the type of Christmas party your company will

22 November 2012 Gazette 21

 CHRISTMAS GUIDE

for your party night have will depend on both your budget and the amount of people attending.

Decide whether you will be hosting a day event, an evening event or both.

Do you have a budget that will accommodate husbands, wives and partners or will it be a celebration for employees only?

While more always means merrier, if a budget doesn’t allow for extras, ensure you don’t compromise the quality of your party.

Location, Location, Location With Christmas parties often taking place at the end of a work day, choosing the location can be a crucial element to the success of the party.

See what is available in your

area, choose a local pub, restaurant or venue, or look for something a little different, such as team building classes or group activities.

Some venues will also host a pre-packaged Christmas party, where a coordinator will provide a function room, entertainment and a menu, taking

the most difficult part of the planning out of your hands.

The earlier you book the venue, the better, as good venues can get snapped up quickly.

Post-Party The Christmas Party will no doubt be a success, but finding

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Gazette

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out what your guests enjoyed about the event and what they didn’t can help you put on an even better show next year.

During the post-Christmas party recuperations, send out an email requesting feedback from the party goers and any recommendations they may have for next year’s festivities.

Right Royal rumpus Unique cabaret night at Marine

Some venues host pre-packaged Christmas parties with decorated function rooms

the royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire is holding a Christmas Cabaret in early December to get the festive season under way early.

On the bill are old favourites like Sonny Knowles, Paddy Cole, Noel V Ginnity, George Hunter and Galaxy. The cabaret will take place on Tuesday, December 4 in the Royal Marine Hotel. For more details on the event, contact the hotel on 01 230 0030 or log on to www.royalmarine.ie.

Gazette

22 Gazette 22 November 2012

OUT&ABOUT 

d

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 CHRISTMAS GUIDE

 f

Funk up your Christmas

The Fair Isle Jumper and cardigan range

With the vogue for pop-up shops adding extra fun to Christmas party events in inventive ways, Funky Christmas Jumpers have brought those two ideas together and have opened a Funky Christmas Jumpers pop-up boutique at 60 South William Street in Dublin’s city centre.

The Irish-owned company, providers of fun, high quality Christmas jumpers, are extending their collection this year, with a range of 13 adult jumpers, three jumper designs for children and even Funky Christmas socks, so that festive enthusiasts can stand out and make

a statement this Christmas and light up and add extra cheer to their Christmas events.

Funky Christmas Jumpers has become the go-to fun Christmas jumper destination for Irish and international celebrities in recent years, and their designs have been spotted on everyone from Jedward to rugby legends Brian O’Driscoll and Cian Healy, as well as former Miss World, Rosanna Davison, TV presenting duo Ant and Dec and T V presenter and DJ Vernon Kay. For the last two years, Ryan Tubridy has also worn Funky Christmas Jumpers when presenting the Late Late Toy Show, with his jumper s e l e c t i o n p r ov i d i n g much intrigue in the

days and weeks leading up to the perennially popular show.

Funkychristmasjumpers.com was

McSharry.

The business has gone from strength to strength and the enthusiasm and networking

Ryan Tubridy has worn this Rudolph The Ryandeer jumper on the Late Late Toy Show

started five years ago and is now run by duo Fabio Molle and Donal

ability of these Dubliners will ensure the continued success of Funky Christmas Jumpers in

the future.

“We are so excited to be opening our funky pop-up boutique in such a fantastic location.

“The website is thriving with orders coming in from all over the world, so we are really looking forward to welcoming customers to our Funky Christmas Jumpers boutique to see and try on the full collection,” said McSharry and Molle.

You can find out more about Funky Christmas Jumpers on Facebook (Facebook. com/FunkyChristmasJumpers), on Twitter at @XmasJumpers, and online at FunkyChristmasJumpers.com.

The company have also created an iPhone app which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store.

Festive Arch Christmas fare at popular venue CHRISTMAS is coming soon to the Arch

Bistro and the Glenside Pub in Churchtown, and they are pulling out all the stops to help organise Chrismas parties down to a tee. As well as the lunch and dinners on offer, The Arch will reserve a special area in the pub for your party to enjoy the live music, and special taxi rates can be organised. Menus are available at www.thearchbistro.com, or call 01 296 6340.

Gazette

22 November 2012 malahide gazette 23

OUT&ABOUT

Interview

CINEMA

Greg Proops from p17

The Sapphires get to grips with the big stage

cinema: Ireland’s own chris o’dowd makes waves down under

A sparkling gem  paul hosford

phosford@gazettegroup.com

IT must be pretty good to be Chris O’Dowd right about now.

He starred in one of last year’s most popular comedies (Bridesmaids), had a hit on Sky TV (Moone Boy) and recently married an impossibly good looking woman (Dawn Porter).

For his next trick, O’Dowd will elevate an Australian period comedy to the point of genuinely endearing.

Of course, O’Dowd isn’t the only good thing about The Sapphires, but he is definitely the best thing.

Based on the 2004 play of the same name, The Sapphires tells the

semi-true story of an Aboriginal all-girl group who travel to Vietnam in 1968.

Vietnam in 1968 is of course, a war zone and the girls are committed to perform for the US troops.

No mention is made of the Australian military, which allows the girls to be used as a parallel with the Civil Rights movement back in the States.

Of course, the 60’s was a time of civil rights movements across the world and by 1968, the Aboriginal people in Australia had endured over a decade of near slavery and displacement.

Normally, films that tackle the civil rights era either dip their toes in the subject or have white people as the heroes (Mississippi Burning, The Help etc.)

In T he Sapphires, O’Dowd’s Dave Love-

Film of the Week: The Sapphires h h h h (12A) 103mins Director: Wayne Blair Starring: Chris O’Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens, Miranda Tapsell

OUR VERDICT: A VERY sweet, uplifting and warm comedy that has the bravery to take on a weightier subject, The Sapphires is a film that, much like its protagonists, refuses to be defined by any perceived boundaries. The star of the show is undoubtedly O’Dowd, who makes every scene he’s in sparkle, but huge credit must go to Deborah Mailman, who anchors the story beautifully.

lace is clueless to the plight of Australia’s indigenous people as well as being just plain clueless.

W h e n h i s d o p e y, soul-obsessed manager meets three singing sisters, all of their worlds are changed, as they head to Vietnam.

The introduction of the girl’s cousin Kay, whose r unning conflict with eldest sister Gail sets the context for much of the racial discussion, is a clever touch.

The girls roles are clearly defined, which

helps the film settle into a comfortable rhythm.

Gail, played by Deborah Mailman, is the rock of the family and her narky running battle with Dave gives the film some of its best interactions.

M i r a n d a Ta p s e l l ’s Cy nthia is man and fame hungry, Shari Sebbens Kay is the goodlooking one and Jessica Mauboy’s Julie is the lead singer.

The youngest of the girls, Julie has a child back home and is desperate to become famous to provide a

better life for her son.

All told, the characters conform to handy archety pes, but are played with a depth and warmth that really papers over that, which is a recurring theme throughout the film.

O’Dowd’s trademark charm is utilised time and again to rescue the film from some particularly clunky dialogue and the musical interludes are leaned on to get the film to its 103 minute running time.

That is not to say, however that the film is reliable just on those two things.

The acting throughout is strong and Mailman puts in a stellar performance and the bravery and likeability is enough to cover the film’s flaws.

With O’Dowd on top form playing almost against type, this is a film that for the most part sparkles.

Greg has podcasted from all around the world, away from the show’s home in West Hollywood, from places as far afield as a cruise ship in the Caribbean, the Edinburgh Festival and our very own Whelan’s. Given the very political and cultural nature of the show, and the fact that it always seems that he is ridiculously well versed in local matters, how much research does he do before a show?

“I read the papers and go out drinking! I’ve discovered that people overseas are even more involved in the subjects they find important - music, art, politics, literature. I learn so much from the people I play with, everywhere I go.”

The blend of intelligent analysis of current and cultural affairs and comedy is reminiscent of stand-up legends Bill Hicks and George Carlin. How much of an influence were comics like these on Greg’s career?

“Huge. Carlin is my favorite comedian and I listen to Hicks for inspiration. They were warrior poets in the classic mode.”

Finally, what lessons has Greg learned from podcasting? “The future is a pretty open field. Jump right in, is what I’ve learned.”

Greg Proops performs upstairs at Whelan’s on November 29, tickets are €14 and are available at www. wavtickets.ie. You can find Greg’s podcast at www. gregproops.com or on iTunes.

Gazette

24 malahide gazette 22 November 2012

OUT&ABOUT

MOTORS

New showroom is Audi’s biggest in Ireland If they haven’t been there already, Audi fans in Dublin should make their way to the newly-opened state-of-the-art showroom at Audi North Dublin.

Just off Exit 5 M50 in North Park, North Road, Dublin 11, the dealership is now the largest Audi showroom, sales and service centre in Ireland. The €10m investment will see the creation of up to 30 jobs over the next two years and forms part of an overall strategic plan which sees Audi Ireland invest

€80m over the next 18 months, creating in the region of 260 jobs. Group chief executive at Audi North Dublin, Gavin Hydes, commented: “The opening of our new Audi North Dublin terminal is a significant statement of intent. The new showroom will superbly showcase the exciting 2013 Audi model range and provide an unparalleled customer experience together with premium parts and aftersales services.”

The CX-5 offers class-leading space in the boot, with space for four full-sized suitcases

An exceptionally complete Mazda

 cormac curtis

There’s a joke among motoring journalists that if a company launches a car in an exotic location with dancing girls, it’s not because they’re proud of the new arrival, it’s because they’re hoping to distract you.

Earlier this year Mazda released their new compact SUV, the CX-5, in Vienna, and as beautiful as Vienna is, the city couldn’t compete with the stunning new offering.

It’s always nice to be one of the first to test drive a new car, but it’s always more reassuring to get behind the wheel on your own turf, as I did with the CX-5 last month.

Starting with the allimportant looks, we are talking about something that is unmistakably Mazda, but with an allnew excitement and edge to it.

We’re told that the inspiration for the front end of the car is the cheetah, and, even if you never see the resemblance, the look does evoke a slight sense of menace.

You can follow the

chrome line that surrounds the grille right through into the headlights, an absolutely gorgeous design touch in my books.

The headlight clusters themselves sit at a very nice angle that follows the contours of the body, while at the same time bulging out to sit proud of the bodywork.

The power comes from a choice of engines, and those available in the Irish market are a 2-litre petrol with 165bhp, a 2.2litre diesel with 150bhp and a 2.3-litre diesel with 170bhp.

It may not be something you will need to use all that often, but the sat nav system in the car is of the TomTom variety – one of my personal favourites.

The interior of the car offers some very useful cargo space, with a threeway split for the seats, all folding down with ease to cater for a variety of load options.

With the seats up, the CX-5 actually offers classleading space in the boot, with space for four fullsized suitcases, beating both the VW Tiguan (2-3 cases) and the Ford Kuga

(3 cases).

For those moments of musical indulgence, there is a terrific Bose sound system with nine high-performance speakers and background noise compensation technology.

On the safety front, Mazda’s smart City Brake support feature is also included – offering automatic emergency braking at a 6-metre distance when travelling between 4 and 30 km/h.

Other safety features are a rear vehicle monitoring system, that lights up an LED in your rearview mirror when another vehicle is passing, as well as a lane departure warning system, where the steering wheel vibrates if you stray too far from the centre of your lane.

There are some visibility issues as the body work around the C pillar is somewhat intrusive, and the more powerful of the diesel engines might be considered a touch on the noisy side.

But, with prices starting at €25,195 for the petrol version, this is a car that will appeal to an awful lot of people.

22 November 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 25

CORK: CONTEMPORARY COMFORTS AT A 200-YEAR-OLD HOTEL

Enjoy an Imperial, relaxing getaway  NATALIE BURKE nburke@gazettegroup.com

WHILE Cork is famed for its traditional villages and historical landmarks, and celebrated for its scenic countryside, its city has never been one to be deprived of recognition.

Playing host to Queen Elizabeth in recent years, and ranked as one of Lonely Planet’s top-10 cities, Cork city has a host of acclamations to be proud of.

Situated on the picturesque River Lee, the city has a clear dedication to the arts, entertaining numerous festivals throughout the year.

It celebrates the Cork Jazz festival in October and is set to see A Cork Christmas arrive this December.

The city is also a clear mecca for foodies, which seemed fitting when we arrived at our hotel destination, the Cork Imperial hotel.

The four-star accommodation is located on the doorstep to the city’s finest fish and meat markets, a stone’s throw from the popular English Market, and just a brief stroll to some of the city’s best dining destinations.

The aptly-named relaxation suite at the Cork Imperial Hotel presents a wonderfully calming environment

Taking my mum on a girly break to the fourstar Cork Imperial saw us arrive at one of the city’s most central havens.

The hotel prides itself on possessing a “contemporary luxury” – a detail immediately evident upon arrival.

The high ceilings, lowhanging chandeliers and meandering hallways were a gentle reminder of the building’s 1812 origins.

After settling into our third-f loor bedroom, and admiring the folded bath robe and chocolates presented on each bed, we made our way to the hotel’s main dining room,

the Pembroke Grill.

As one of the city’s top restaurants, the chefs at the Pembroke Grill make the most of their surroundings, using fresh local produce to complement the varied menu.

Dinner brought with it a warm goat’s cheese and fennel tartlet, West Cork smoked salmon and an indulgent dessert of Malteser cheesecake with fruit coulis, before we enjoyed some after-dinner drinks in the cosy alcoves of South’s Bar – a haven, it seemed, for both guests and Cork locals alike.

Since a girly break away wouldn’t be complete without some self-indul-

gence, we treated ourselves to some down-time the following morning, at the aptly-named Escape Spa, located on the lower floor of the hotel.

The boutique-style spa embraces the use of the popular Aveda brand in their treatments, as well as a vitality suite, an aroma salt grotto, an Evian hydrotherapy pool, a relaxation suite and friendly staff members.

My treatment was a personalised elemental nature facial – a 60-minute facial that used a customised masque, personallychosen aroma oils and some extremely relaxing facial techniques.

With Michael Collins and Charles Dickens named proudly as former guests of the historic hotel, you can see why the Cork Imperial still manages to attract such a huge influx of guests.

The lobby is busy with visitors coming and going, but the restaurant and bar have a steady stream of peaceful company, with the city streets failing to impact on the tranquil interiors of what must be one of Cork City’s most cherished retreats.

For further details on the packages available at the Cork Imperial, see www.flynnhotels.com, or telephone 021 427 4040.

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planning Notice Fingal County Council Applicant: Patrick Rafferty Location: 2A Boroimhe Oaks, Swords, Co Dublin Planning Permission is being sought for demolition of single storey projection to side of dwelling house to contain utility room & play room. Erection of additional two storey dwelling house with single storey rear projection, to be built adjoining side of main dwelling house, to be know as 2B Boroimhe Oaks, Swords, Co Dublin. Existing and proposed additional dwelling house to share existing front forecourt and entrance off public roadway for entrance and car parking. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of The Planning Authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee twenty euro (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application.

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jim gavin interview P29

asdfsdaf P27 soccer P28

dublinsport Let the Gazette keep you up to date with all the best local sporting action from around the city as we cover all the stories that matter to you and your community

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gaelic games P31

FastSport METS unable to end DCU Run:

Setanta hurling club members Liam O’Brien, Breandain O’Geargain, Martin O’Shea and Theresa O’Brien at the launch of There is an ‘F’ in Hurling

publication: ‘nitty gritty’ history of fledgling wild geese released

Lenihan launches There Is An ‘F’ in Hurling in Croke Park CHARTING the highs and lows of the fledgling Wild Geese hurling section, Aidan Lenihan says his new book – There Is An ‘F’ in Hurling – is one of the only GAA books to cover the “nitty-gritty of the grass roots of the vast majority of players” of the games.

Lenihan was central to introducing the small ball to the Oldtown club in 2008, a football stronghold which dates back all the way to 1888.

He and a few other like-minded individuals brought together football players from St Margaret’s, Fingal Ravens, Garristown, Starlights, Clann Mhuire, Bal-

lyboughal, Man O War and Colmcilles.

And the past four seasons have seen the team from north-west Fingal, playing primarily in the junior E championship, enjoy the highs of winning AHL9 but also endure their share of tough times to keep the show on the road.

All is documented in the book which was launched last week at GAA headquarters, an event which Lenihan was delighted with 250 people turned out with Liam O’Neill launching the book “There’s not too many junior hurling teams who get into Croke Park on merit,” he told GazetteSport.

The event acted as a reunion of sorts for the 86 players who have donned the Geese jersey in the past four years but Lenihan added that the economic situation of the country has impacted on the side.

“The reality is most of the time, we are still struggling. We’ve played about 160 matches and have never given a walkover but there’s been many games where we’ve just had the games required.

“We won the league in 2009. Ed Sweetman, one of the guys involved from the start, said this could be a poisoned chalice. It was wonderful to win it

but it did potentially make it harder as a lot of lads decided that it wasn’t going to get any better than that and stopped.

Such struggles make for a unique book in the sport’s literature “Other than club histories, there is a serious lack of literature about junior clubs. It charts Ireland, too. When we started, Ireland was sitting on top of the world and now a lot of our lads are struggling for work and to make ends meet.”

Proceeds from the book go to the club’s juvenile hurling section and it is available in Eason’s and on kennys.ie.

METEORS fell to DCU Mercy 66-58 in the women’s SuperLeague as the north Dublin club maintained their perfect start to the season despite 15 points from Beth Meany and 15 from Rebecca Nagle.

Despite the win, head coach Mark Ingle found plenty for his squad to improve upon as they prepare for an away match-up with Singleton SuperValu Brunell next weekend.

“We had a big height advantage but never used it fully. We were a bit undisciplined in that aspect because whenever we did get the ball inside we really hurt them. That said, it was a good win, it was in their home gym and they hit some incredible shots to keep it close.”

c o n ta c t s Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@gazettegroup.com

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@gazettegroup.com Phone: 01 651 6205

Gazette

28 MALAHIDE gazette 22 November 2012

SPORT

FastSport O’Brien makes fourth round of PTC: FERGAL O’Brien proved an indirect beneficiary of Ronnie O’Sullivan’s sabbatical from the world snooker tour as the Lucan man received a walkover last week in the Player’s Tour Championship round four event in Gloucester.

The pair were due to meet in the third round of the competition but O’Sullivan’s decision to withdraw from the tour left the way open for O’Brien to advance.

He subsequently played out a cracking tie with Gerard Greene but ultimately fell 4-3 in round four.

It followed O’Brien’s recent run to the last 32 of the International Championship in which he overcame a qualifier against Mark King and then progressed through the wildcard round, beating Chen Feilong 6-3 before becoming undone by the red-hot form of Judd Trump.

soccer: lucan student nets injury-time penalty to snatch title

Leinster win back Interpros  sport@gazettegroup.com

LEINSTER snatched the FAI schoolgirl’s U-15 interprovincial title last week from Connacht in dramatic fashion in Athlone Town with St Finian’s CC’s Jamie Finn, St Joseph’s College, Lucan’s Eleanor Ryan Boyle and Niamh Farrelly, Lucan CC’s Danie Murray and Balbriggan CC’s Erica Byrne all playing their part.

Connacht had the slight advantage heading into the final game as the two sides were level on points with the western province just edging it on goal difference meaning Connacht needed just a draw to annex the title for the first time in their history.

And they looked on course for this until injury time when Leinster were awarded a penalty which Ryan Boyle confidently converted to see her team bask in the glory.

It improved the province’s record to seven wins in 14 years, their last victory coming in 2009 when they put a stop to Munster’s four in a row ambitions.

Connacht deserved something more from the game as they came close on a number of occasions. The team impressed throughout.

Their intensity and hunger for the game was evident through the 60 minutes of football with the standard of play from all four provinces

immense over the six game test Earlier in the competition, Leinster had beaten Ulster 2010 2-0 in their tournament opener as two well-worked second half goals proved the difference with Farrelly impressing.

They followed up with a 2-1 win over Munster in which Ryan Boyle went close early on as Jenny Nagle cleared the ball off the line in dramatic fashion to keep the stalemate.

Lauren O’Callaghan hit the crossbar moments later as Howard’s squad advanced.

But Leinster were not to be denied too much longer as Ryan Boyle smashed the ball to the roof of the net for a splendid goal.

St Finian’s CC’s Jamie Finn captained the Leinster side at the interpros

Munster went on to equalise following the restart but the blues responded, Murray going close with goalkeeper Christine Coffey but the net minder pulled off an exceptional save to deny the young Lucan student.

With only 15 minutes remaining the Leinster dynamo and captain Jamie Finn struck a fabulous ball from over 20 yards out to leave the keeper stranded. A wonderful finish for a promising star leaving

Leinster with the upper hand.

It sent the tournament to the wire with that penalty conversion from last year’s schools internationals Ryan Boyle insuring the riches to Leinster this year with a high end finale to the game.

Following the tournament, newly appointed schools international manager Richelle O’Neill will be charged with putting together a provisional squad ahead of the Bob Docherty Cup

which will take place on April 1 to 4, 2013 in Northern Ireland.

O’Neill will be accompanied by Lorraine Counihan (Colaiste Mhuire, Buttevant) who has been drafted in as assistant manager this season. Jason Carey (St. Mac Dara’s Community College, Templeogue) has been appointed coach for the upcoming campaign.

Carey was part of the management set up for the last two years alongside O’Neill.

Balbriggan’s Nulty receives top LCU honour  sport@gazettegroup.com

Cian Nulty, left, receives advice from Max Sorenson

BALBRIGGAN’S Cian Nulty was selected by Ireland international fast bowler Max Sorensen as this year’s winner of Leinster cricket’s Find A Fast Bowler competition.

Sorenson, who recently returned from the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, selected Nulty after attending several under-age provincial sessions paying particular attention to the most promising quick bowlers.

Speaking about the award,

he said: “Cian is a worthy winner of the Leinster Cricket Union’s ‘Find a Fast Bowler’ talent identification pro gramme for this season.

“He possesses a fine bowling action and generates good pace for a 12-year-old. We worked on a few small technical areas including his grip and release position that should see him improve even further in the coming year.

“What particularly impressed me was the late swing he gets and his ability to bowl a very useful yorker. I

look forward to following his progress at Balbriggan over the coming years”.

Nulty started playing with the Fingal club at the age of six and comes from a strong cricketing family with his grandfather playing the game for nearly 60 years.

He has gone on to play for North Leinster U-11s for the past three years and also represented Leinster on tour in Wales against Eryi District.

His best bowling came against YMCA with a spell of 5-12 from four overs while he

also likes to play hurling and Gaelic football with O’Dwyer’s and rugby with Balbriggan.

Nulty cites hard-hitting Kevin O’Brien as his favourite current Irish player while Australian one-day master Shane Watson is among his idols from around the world, both shot-making all-rounders.

He follows in the footsteps of the likes of North County’s Andrew Sheridan, Clontarf’s David Delany, Phoenix’s Rory Anders and Pembroke’s Josh Little as recipients of this award.

22 November 2012 MALAHIDE gazette 29

Gazette

Gavin outlines secret ingredients to success New manager believes the ethos he witnessed over a lengthy association with An Garda can be a key tenet in his role with the Dublin senior footballers in 2013 THE watchwords of “respect, self-sacrifice, commitment, perseverance and hard work” abounded from Jim Gavin, the newly installed Dublin senior football manager, ethics he witnessed during his time with the Garda GAA club will be pivotal to his new role.

He was speaking at the launch of the most ambitious fundraiser the Westmanstown Gaels and Garda GAA clubs have run in tandem. They are endeavouring to sell upwards of 800 tickets to their Who Wants To Be A Thousandaire? event that will take place on Saturday, December 8, aiming to pack out the Acorn Suite at Westmanstown.

 stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

Gavin, a former manager and coach with Garda’s intermediate side for three years, was on hand at the launch and espoused the virtues of the club that has been a second home after his native Round Tower, a place which helped him cut his teeth with adult players.

It remains his sole club management job in tandem with a glittering career with the Dublin U-21s, winning the All-

Ireland in 2003 as well as 2010 and 2012 off the back of which he became the standout candidate for the county’s top job.

Fond memories of his links to the Westmanstown outfit remain: “I worked in the Garda air support unit a number of years back so I would have known quite a number of the guards, especially playing against them with the Defence Forces.

“Jim Murphy asked me would I coach and manage their team and it was a privilege to do it. We did well with intermediate sides and I learned an awful lot working with those guys,” he told GazetteSport.

“For me, the attraction

Jim Gavin speaking in Westmanstown last week. Picture: confettismiles.ie

was the values and the culture of the club, something that Westmanstown Gaels are now associated with. It’s something I’ve always believed in, something I’ve preached to the players at U-21 level – selfsacrifice, commitment, respect, perseverance and

a lot of talent outside it.

Over the next couple of months, we’ll be patrolling the county looking for players and hopefully in the New Year, in the O’Byrne Cup, National League and championship, we’ll get consistent performances and then

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‘Self-sacrifice, commitment, respect, perseverance and hard work. These are things I’ve always believed in’ - Jim Gavin

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hard work.”

Since then, he has been a key observer of the development of the club, attending the opening of their all-weather facility in 2008 and noting the maiden girl’s Feile football success in 2011.

And he believes that if the club’s young charges can focus on the basics, placing an emphasis on becoming “balanced” players, there is little in the way of forging their way into more honours in the future.

The ethos is one he is very keen to imbue in the county’s senior footballers when collective training gets under way in the second week of December, “Taking on the Dublin task is an onerous one but one I look forward to and I relish.

“There is lots of talent in the current squad and

the results will follow.

“Most of the time is spent scouting at the moment. We’ve been out at the senior and intermediate club championships and also the U-21s and minors. We’ve a network of scouts profiling players, trying to identify talent and it is out there in abundance and then we try and distil the numbers down.”

To this end, he has also sought advice from predecessor Pat Gilroy, who led the sky-blues to the 2011 All-Ireland: “Pat was there for four years so I’ve spoken to him on his views about the players.

“But it is a clean slate and any new management team that comes in has fresh ideas. There’s been a hell of a lot of good work done over the past few years and, for me, it’s building on that.”

FastSport

Irish cycling show set for Citywest in March THE second Irish cycling show will take place on March 9 and 10, 2013 at the Citywest Exhibition venue, Dublin.

The inaugural show in May 2012 attracted 4,000 visitors in a very successful two days with over 90 companies exhibiting at the event.

New for 2013 will be free car parking, lower entrance prices and Sprocket Rocket for kids with a host of new exhibitors showcasing their cycling products.

Animal Bike Tour will be the star Stunt Show attraction for 2013 while freestyle BMX rider Keelan Philips will again demonstrate his skills.

The cycle test track will be featuring again for 2013. Other special guests will be announced over the coming months.

Speaking about the event, Hugh Bonner of organisers Mara Media said: “We are so happy to be involved in running the cycling exhibition again in Dublin at a time when cycling of all sorts is booming and we look forward to working with the cycling industry and public as we build on the success of the first show.”

Lucan and DSD enjoy fine runs THREE Lucan Harriers athletes took part in the BHAA/Bank of Ireland 5.5km race on Dollymount Beach last week.

Representing the women was Bernie Stapleton, who was home in an excellent time of 28.47.

For the men we had Gerry Martin coming in first in 26.31 followed by Jim Dwyer in 32.11 For the juveniles, Ciaran Cooney ran in the U-13 Dublin crosscountry 2.5km in

Marlay Park finishing in a brilliant fifth position and also qualified to run on the Dublin team as a result.

At U-19 level, Dundrum South Dublin claimed the team event with Killian Mooney finishing first with Rick Nally third and Andrew Cullen in fifth place.

On the girls’ side, Siofra Cleirigh-Buttner led home DSD in the U-19 competition with club members finishing in each of the first four positions as well as sixth place on their home turf to claim the team title in style.

Gazette

30 malahide gazette 22 November 2012

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: former league of ireland star nets cracker

Thompson gets taste of Formula Nippon at Fuji DONABATE native Gary Thompson, Japanese Formula 3 race winner, earlier this week participated in the 2012 Formula Nippon rookie test at Fuji Speedway after being giving an exceptional opportunity to test with SGC by KCMG for the second year in succession.

Thompson, who has been ever impressive for the Hong Kong based team since his debut in the Japanese Formula 3 Championship back in 2011, got six hours behind the wheel of the team’s Formula Nippon challenger as he evaluates a full time switch to the series in 2013.

Delighted to have been given the opportunity to test over the two-day period, Thompson was focused on making the most of his time in the car.

“I’m delighted that SGC by KCMG have given me the opportunity to jump into Formula Nippon machinery again,” said Thompson.

“It was a very good experience, I have been training very hard in preparation for the test as it was very demanding last year. My aim was to build on last year’s performance in the car and keep improving, as it is a car that I want to be racing in 2013.”

Shillington gets top honour MALAHIDE cricket club’s Clare Shillington completed a memorable season by being named the RSA International Women’s Player of the Year ahead of Kim Garth and Cecelia Joyce at the inaugural RSA Cricket Ireland Awards.

Shillington became the first Irish woman to reach the 100 caps milestone, and her century against the Nether-

lands was the first by an Irish player for 14 years. She was among the big winners at the event in the Round Room in the Mansion House.

She was joined on the awards rostrum

by Paul Stirling who was named as Ireland’s RSA International Men’s Player of the Year.

The 22-year-old Middlesex allrounder beat off the challenge of fellow Ireland stars George Dockrell and Ed Joyce to lift the top prize in front of 300 players, officials and guests at the event.

Malahide United’s Glen Crowe produced a stunning winning goal to move his club into the top half of the LSL Sunday Senior division

Crowe crowns victory lsl sunday senior Malahide United Tolka Rovers  peter carrolL

2 1

sport@gazettegroup.com

LEAGUE of Ireland legend Glen Crowe rifled the winning goal for Malahide United last Thursday to bolster their efforts to get back into the Sunday Senior championship race.

All the goals came in the first half with United having chances to extend their lead throughout the second half but none stuck to keep the tie in the balance until the end.

United opened the scoring on the 20-minute mark when midfielder Noel McGinty broke up the field and, with an amazing solo effort, saw off three Rovers’ defenders before finishing neatly past the keeper, who wasn’t quick enough in the one-on-one situation.

Malahide had further chances to put distance between the two sides but Rovers were next to convert, after a move up the left was finished after the Tolka striker guided in a well-weighted pass from the by-line.

family connection Ward father and son on hand to launch leagues former Portmarnock AFC player Stephen Ward and his father Garda Superintendent Sean Ward were in attendance at the FAI/An Garda Siochana and Dublin Local Authorities late night League launch, the latter working on the leagues.

Stephen said of the initiative: “I am delighted to see the partnership coming together to provide a service in unsociable hours for teens locally. I know all about the Late Night Leagues and think it’s a great idea.”

Five minutes later, the Rovers’ keeper, in a fluffed attempt to clear the ball into opposition territory, lobbed it 25 yards from his net only for it to bounce up invitingly for Crowe, who smashed home what would prove to be a decisive goal.

Although chances fell to Mark Higgins and Crowe in the second half, the score finished at 2-1, marking Malahide’s second win in a row, a good run in an ever competitive league.

“I’m very happy with the win,” said United

manager Vinnie Perth.

“But it’s tough that we’re getting a bit of momentum just before Christmas, when there is always a break in the season. “ We ’r e w h e r e we want to be. A run of wins could see us back into the race for the title and guarantee our place in the league next year.

But, there’s no doubt that we’ve left some points behind along the way.

“Our aim is to play the best football in the league and I think we are doing that, and I’m not the only one who

thinks we do. But obviously playing in such a way does leave us open at the back.

“The goals conceded column is something that we definitely want to change, but it’s a tough thing to do when we’re constantly encouraging our fullbacks to get forward and help the attackers.

“There is no exceptional team in this league. Each team is capable of beating the next and that’s why stringing three or four wins together could totally change the season for any side.”

22 November 2012 MALAHIDE gazette 31

Gazette

First silverware for Sylvester’s U-16s Club Noticeboard  sport@gazettegroup.com

ST SYLVESTER’S Under16 hurlers ended eight years of waiting for silverware as they got the better of Crumlin 3-11 to 4-4 in the division three playoff in Bridgefield last week.

They led from start to finish, by nine points at one stage, but two quick goals midway through

the second half brought Crumlin back into it and kept the Malahide club on their toes to the death.

Syl’s started well with Andrew Cunningham getting the ball rolling with a fine point, something which Ciaran O’Carroll’s great goal augmented.

Colm Boran profited from Cunningham’s great flickon for a second goal while

a free from Shane Nangle led to an eight-point lead.

A further five points extended the lead by halftime, 2-8 to 1-2 and a very strong position. The second half proved a tighter affair as a well-worked Crumlin goal soon after the turnaround left five between the sides.

O’Carroll’s second goal – en route to a tally of

2-6 – settled some nerves but the visitors launched a series of bombs into the Syl’s goal area which yielded another two goals and put just two points between the teams.

But a couple of insurance scores during a seven-minute spell of extra time from Boran and O’Carroll finally swung the day.

football: final date beckons for malahide men

ST SYLVESTER’S U-16 HURLING, division three playoff:

performance against county cham-

St Sylvester’s 3-11 Crumlin 4-4. The

pions Ballymun Kickhams. Micheal

U-16 hurlers provided the game of

McCarthy scored an excellent goal

the weekend with a very committed

and Russy Cleere converted a pen-

performance to take their first tro-

alty.

phy in their last match.

Bernard Boran and Mel McIntyre put them through 53 training ses-

The intermediate football team lost by three points to Na Fianna in their league play- off.

sions this year alone and they have

We failed to convert some good

soldiered together for eight years

possession late in the second half

with this team. In the very best

especially when there was just a one

of tradition and generosity, they

point gap.

brought in Ronan Kennedy and Dave

Minor hurling championship: St Syl-

McBride this year. This great suc-

vester’s 1-9 Erin’s Isle 0-8. The minor

cess was richly deserved. Molann an

hurlers defeated Erin’s Isle in a very

obair an fear.

close encounter to make it three

Division one league semi-final: Ballymun Kickhams 1-9, St Sylvester’s 2-9.

The senior football team qualified for the league final with a fantastic

wins from three and a home draw in the next round.

Jack Hazley scored a late goal to ease the nerves after Colm Byrne pointed from a free.

NAOMH MEARNOG THE U-21 football championship is

Faugh’s Celtic. Thank you to all the

scheduled for the weekend. See fix-

mentors for their hard work.

tures and support the lads.

The sale of Christmas cards contin-

Well done to the boys from St Mar-

ues this week. This is a major fundrais-

nock’s school who won the junior foot-

er in conjunction with the Arch Club.

ball league and good luck to the boys

Would all adult players please contact

and girls from St Helen’s who play in

their respective managers as they are

the finals next Monday in Croke Park.

required to take at least two packs of

The club is preparing a team for jun-

cards. Some teams have really got

ior scor. Participants must be Under-

involved heavily in this project and are

Syl’s shatter Mun’s double aspirations

17. Contact Tim or Neasa. We are host-

making it work.

AFL1 top four semi

ball team who have qualified for the

St Sylvester’s Aidan Relihan moves to get in a block in during their AFL1 playoff win over Ballymun Kickhams

Ballymun Kickhams St Sylvester’s  sport@gazettegroup.com

1-9 2-9

ST Sylvester’s produced a superb display to beat recently crowned county champions Ballymun Kickhams by a goal in a pulsating AFL1 semi-final in Pairc Ciceam last Sunday.

Ballymun have been in irrepressible form, winning the Dublin championship and then hammering Mullingar Shamrocks in the Leinster quarterfinal.

But they hit a brick wall against Syl’s as the Mala-

hide club continued their hoodoo over Kickhams.

Syl’s being the only side to have troubled them in 2012, defeating them twice, drawing in a cup final and only losing once by a single point during the regular league season.

With a full side and fresh from the Mullingar win, Ballymun got off to a flyer with Dean Rock converting a first minute penalty and led 1-3 to 0-1 after 10 minutes Gabriel Bannigan’s side, though, belatedly found their rhythm and closed the gap to one in the 16th minute when Miceal McCarthy flicked

a delightful Mark Brennan pass over Sean Currie.

A trio of well-taken points from centre forward Kevin Leahy, a pointed free from Rock and a further point from Jason Whelan were countered by points from McCarthy, Darren Clarke and Eoin Fanning and Syl’s were to snatch the half-time lead.

Clarke created it, dispossessing Enda Dolan and while his shot was saved, he was fouled in the follow-up for a penalty which Gavin McArdle converted, 2-5 to 1-7 at the break.

The second half was a dogged battle on a cutting up pitch. Syl’s defended with guts and passion, limiting the Mun to just two points.

Brian Sexton did a superb job at full back on Rock with able support from Aidan Lawlor and Kian Cleere.

Padraig Bracken gave a powerhouse display in midfield while, up front Clarke and McCarthy did the damage with good support from Aidan Relihan. Mark Brennan and Eoin Fanning worked their socks off as Syl’s deservedly held on for a famous win.

ing the semi-final.

On Saturday night we have a reunion of our very successful 1991 minor football team. The event takes place in the bar at 9pm and all are welcome.

However to be fully successful, the project needs the cooperation of all teams. Come on folks.

Our annual Mass takes place on December 15.

Next Saturday morning, we have a

Our white collar boxing tournament

sale of fantastic jewellery at whole-

takes place on December 8. Only a few

sale prices in the club. Great value to

tickets remain and are available from

be had. Come along.

Eamon at the bar. For a promo of this

Well done to our Under-13 girls footleague final.

Our Under-16 camogie girls completed their season with a game against

event, please visit youtube.

Our fun quiz takes place on Sunday evening at 6pm. Between now and Christmas, first prize each Sunday will be a turkey voucher. Come along.

FINGALLIANS AGM reminder: Thursday, November

25. It will be played in Cloghran at

22 at 9pm in the main hall.

11am.

The club will host an All-Star night

Two of our members, Eoghan Brady

next Friday at 8.30pm. In addition

and Sean Hickey, won Dublin senior

to Paul Flynn and Peter Daly being

colleges hurling medals represent-

honoured, we will also have Amy

ing Scoil Chaitriona during the week

McGuinness, Kieran Duff, Harry

at corner back and corner forward.

Keegan and Dermot Vaughan with

Well done lads. We will keep every-

their trophies. All members and

one up to date with their Leinster

friends of the club are welcome.

progress in the weeks ahead.

Our minor footballers are through

Our website has been updated

to the championship quarter-final

over the last few weeks with an

and will play the favourites White-

archive of pictures. Please check it

hall Colmcille on Sunday, November

out at www.fingallians.com.

GazetteSPORT all of your MALAHIDE sports coverage from page 27-31

counting on crowe: League of Ireland legend adds another cracker to his collection for United P30

NOVEMBER 22, 2012

Exclusive jim gavin interview: New Dublin senior football boss speaks to GazetteSport P29

Syl’s through to AFL1 title decider  peter carroll

sport@gazettegroup.com

ST Sylvester’s manager Gabriel Bannigan believes his side have gained a huge confidence boost by seeing off Leinster challengers Ballymun Kickhams last weekend.

He insists that if his side play with the same intensity against Na Fianna in the league final this Sunday in Balgriffin, they are well capable of taking their second title in three years.

“I’m delighted with the win,” said Bannigan. “We’re the only side to really beat a full strength Ballymun this year. They were coming off a big win against Mull-

ingar and they were only missing Ted Furman, so they had 14 out of 15 of their starters, so it was a huge win for the lads.

“We were five points down after 10 minutes, and to come back and win by three points against such a quality side is unbelievable. They’ve been on a tear in the championship and it was our first time since exiting the tournament, so I couldn’t have asked for a better response.

“It certainly wasn’t easy to motivate the team after the missing out on the Holy Grail. We gave them 10 days off and seemed to refocus them and put them back in the zone, and of course it helped that

they were playing Ballymun on their home turf.

“The performance proved that they wanted something for their hard work this season, and I really think that game proved they’re capable of winning a second league title in three years,” said the enthusiastic coach.

With Na Fianna now firmly in the Malahide team’s crosshairs, Bannigan is drawing confidence from what he calls “one of our best performances of the year” when Syl’s saw off the Glasnevin team 2-17 to 0-11 in late July.

“It was our best performance of the year and a really top game of football, it certainly wasn’t as

one-sided as the score suggests, but I was very happy with how we played that day.

“Na Fianna are a young up and coming side and I’m sure they would love to go one better than their challenge on the league last year that saw them finish as losing finalists.

“I think it will be a fantastic game of football, both teams are sporting groups with a lot of talent and that’s what you want to see in a league final.

“The important thing for us is to make sure we have the same intensity as we did against Ballymun. That’s the real challenge as far as I’m concerned.”

St Sylvester’s have the chance to repeat their 2010 AFL Division One victory