Swords Gazette

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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

INSIDE: Students getting set to volunteer in Uganda P4

April 14, 2011

IN THE MONEY: Fingal CC laughing all the way to the bank: See Page 2

All’s well with us: Attending the opening of a new centre Football: Local duo eye Dublin national league success Page 32

CHLOE Tobin and Mary Mont-

gomery were clearly enjoying themselves at the recent official opening of Embody College and Wellness Centre in Swords.

The centre offers training in complementary/sport therapy and beauty training and with their tutors, who have over 20 years of experience, they are sure to be a huge success in the local area.

Full Gallery on Page 8

Fingallians: Celebrating a successful 2010 season Page 31

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ................8, 10 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS .................... 21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Metro North is put on the back boiler Minister places transport project up for review

Q MIMI MURRAY

ANGER and disappointment has been expressed at a decision by the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, not to approve the enabling works for Metro North.

Fianna Fail Senator Darragh O’Brien has expressed

his anger at the Minister’s decision to include the project in a review of transport projects already planned, delaying critical infrastructure investment and job creation.

“Minister Varadkar has simply made the wrong call here. Dublin needs Metro

North and it should be built.

To facilitate construction certain utilities, pipes and telecommunications running under O’Connell Street need to be moved,” said Senator O’Brien. Those utilities will not now be moved.

Full Story on Page 3

2 SWORDS GAZETTE 14 April 2011

BUSINESS: MEETING

EVENT School bank wins at AIB Regional Finals

New Minister addresses forum FINGAL Dublin Chamber CEO, Tony Lambert, met with newly-appointed Minister for Small Business, John Perry TD, at a recent meeting of Chambers of Commerce chief executives from throughout the country.

“This was an excellent opportunity to meet with a new Minister and to inform him of the issues faced by small businesses in today’s difficult trading environ-

ment,” Lambert said.

The Minister addressed the CEOs’ forum, giving the commitment of the new Government to suppor t small businesses.

“I will ensure that SMEs have a voice in this administration and that pro-business policies are followed.

“I look forward to a regular and positive engagement with all Chambers of Commerce,” said Minister Perry.

Sarah Fay, Miss Hayes and Caoimhe Dillon

Vlada Novicka, Kevin Clancy and Maliha Jyodi

GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW! Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

Mi l D id Scott S tt AIB, AIB Miss Wh Whelan, David Teacher Ms Brooks with teller Anna Kazadoteva. Picture: Peter Doyle

and Miss Hayes

Pupils put credit back in banking Q MIMI MURRAY

swords@gazettegroup.com

BANKERS may be suffering from negative publicity at the moment, but students from Fingal Community College are showing the positive side with their weekly school bank.

T he school bank, An Taisce, recently came first in the AIB Build a Bank north Dublin Regional Finals competition and the team were rewarded with an iPod each for their hard work and efforts, and also won a digital camcorder for the school.

Competition Bank manager, Maliha Jyoti, explained how the school became involved.

“AIB came up to us and gave us a brief about the competition. We applied for the places and went for interview and got the positions we wanted and it all started from there,” she said.

Deputy manager, Kevin Clancy said: “We promoted the bank around the school and, on Wednesdays, myself and Maliha open accounts and Caoimhe Dillon, Sarah Fay, Vlada Novicka and Anna Kazadoteva do all the teller stuff, like lodging cheques and things like that.

“Teachers from the school use it. At the start we had loads of people coming in.

People are still coming in but, because students have

their first cards, I think they like to go to the bank. It is more teachers who don’t want to queue. They can lodge, set up phone and internet banking, set up saver accounts. They do good students’ interest as well. I think it a really smart way to get people to join AIB. “We won overall in north County Dublin and got the highest points in Dublin.

“We are now going to the national finals on May 4 in the RDS and that is against 11 other schools in Ireland.

We also had to submit a business plan and, out of 25 points, we got 25.”

Principal Sharon McGrath said she was very proud

of what the students have achieved.

“We wish them every success but, win lose or draw, we are delighted with them.

“Obviously we hope they bring home the bacon, though. I use it [the bank] all the time, for my own personal banking and for school banking.

“The students love to get involved and they do see it is a service that is essential in the community and the people who work there are merely doing a job and shouldn’t be tarnished with any of the bad press at the moment.

“They are hugely committed as are the teachers involved who give up their lunch time.”

14 April 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 3

Major opening: Shopping centre MODEL Nadia Forde was at the official opening recently of Millfield, Balbriggan, the first major shopping centre to open in Ireland in almost two years. The centre is anchored by a Tesco Extra store, which spans two floors and features some unique departments such as in-store Opticians and Tesco Photoshop alongside clothing, electrical, toys, stationary and fresh food. Other retailers include Carphone Warehouse, Gamestop, Eason, Ladbrokes, Holland & Barrett and a food court with BB’s Coffee & Muffins, O’Briens Sandwich Bar and Graham O’Sullivan.

A drive-thru McDonalds will open outside of the main part of the centre during the summer.

TRANSPORT: MINISTER CRITICISED FOR PUTTING PROJECT FOR REVIEW

Anger at no go for Metro North enabling works Q MIMI MURRAY

swords@gazettegroup.com

ANGER and disappointment has been expressed at a decision by the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar not to approve the enabling works for Metro North.

Anger Fianna Fail Senator Darragh O’Brien has expressed his anger at the Minister’s decision to include the project in a review of transport projects already planned, delaying critical infrastructure investment and job creation.

“Minister Varadkar has simply made the wrong call here. Dublin needs Metro North and it should be built.

To facilitate construction certain utilities, pipes and telecommunications running under O’Connell Street need to be moved.

“The Minister has said he will not allow these works to

The construction of Metro North will create up to 6,000 jobs

go ahead because he fears the companies bidding to build Metro might pull out.

“He’s missing the point entirely, as a lack of commitment and certainty from the new Government to this project could bring that exact scenario about.

“The enabling works for Metro North were due to begin this month and would have created 250 jobs this year.

“Many businesses in north Dublin have expressed their doubts to me about the commitment of Fine Gael and Labour to this important piece of infrastructure.

Now the two parties have thrown the project into serious doubt.

“Far from commiting to it, Metro is ‘under review’.

Fianna Fail believes that Metro North is vital and will provide a significant

economic boost once in operation.

“The case for supporting Metro North is sound. It will create up to 6,000 jobs during the construction phase and will be a catalyst for significant inward investment along a new ‘Metro North Economic Corridor’ stretching from Ballymun to north of Swords, including Dublin airport.

“An independent report

has already concluded that this economic corridor could generate 37,000 new jobs.

“It is also important to note that this project has the support of the RPA, which commenced commercial and technical negotiations with PPP bidders in 2010 and a commitment of €500m in debt funding from the European Investment Bank.

“Fingal is the fastest growing county in Ireland and its population is set to double over the next two decades to almost half a million people.

“Building Metro North makes sense and Minister Varadkar should be providing certainty around this project and not fuelling doubt and uncertainty,” said Senator O’Brien.

The Department of Transport had not responded to Senator O’Brien’s statement at the time of going to press.

FastNews Golf Classic in aid of Zambia A GOLF Classic will be held in aid of Zambia in Swords Open Golf Course on Friday, May 27.

Former Sporting Fingal player, Conan Byrne is hosting the fundraiser in aid of his Zambian Mission and a team of four costs €200 and to sponsor a hole will cost €100.

The price includes 18 holes of golf at Swords Open, a goody bag on arrival, food at the 9th hole, finger food in a local bar afterwards and spot prizes throughout the day.

All proceeds will go to the Conan Byrne Zambian Mission.

Anyone who would like to support or take part in this event, can contact Conan at conan_byrne@ yahoo.co.uk or telephone 086603 1389.

Irish conversation group at Fingallians FINGALLIANS’ GAA club, Swords, will hold an Irish conversation group in the clubhouse each Wednesday at 9pm.

All levels of Irish welcome. The organisers say there will be no pressure to speak and will be fun for all.

Beidh grupa comhra ar siul ag CLG, Fine Ghallainn gach Ceadaoin i dteach na gclub ag 9pm.

Beidh feilte roimh cach agus is cuma linn cen leibheal ata agat.

Ni bheidh aon bru ort, beidh an craic againn agus an rud is fearr: ta se saor in aisce. Tuilleadh eolais o Liam ag 086 3814422.

Looking for Dignam, Duignan and Dignan Hi all, I am doing a Dignam, Duignan and Dignan project on the whole country of Ireland.

Does anyone have relations with the Dignam name from Duleek Gate, Drogheda, County Louth.

Thomas Dignam was a cattle dealer.

I am also doing a dignam website so, if you know as much history of your family, please email me dignam2010@yahoo.com Please contact by phone at 087-7437766.

Kind Regards, Tom Dignam.

4 SWORDS GAZETTE 14 April 2011

RIDGEWOOD: LANDSCAPE CONTRACT

VISIT

Fingal Community College students fundraise for trip

Pupils to volunteer Butler welcomes in Uganda project move to maintain pitches

PROPERTY group MKN has recently engaged landscaping contractors to maintain pitches at Ridgewood, Fianna Fail councillor Darragh Butler said this week.

Work They will carry out the work during the bedding down phase that allows the pitches to grow and mature before they are used for sporting activities.

“They expect Fingal County Council to take the pitches in charge in the autumn after the spring and summer growing season. However, I am following up with Fingal County Council to see if there is any chance that the full-size GAA pitch will become available for St Finian’s any earlier that this.

“I am also eager to ensure that the four mini pitches are also made available as soon as possible for St Finian’s GAA and River Valley Rangers FC,” Cllr Butler said.

Q MIMI MURRAY

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swords@gazettegroup.com

‘There is still poverty, but there is malnutrition rather than starvation.

Everything grows and there is really fertile soil, but you might only be eating potatoes or tomatoes day in day out. You won’t starve but the life expectancy is 50’

TEN lucky third-year students from Fingal Community College will get to experience life in Uganda, whilst also helping pupils to read and write as part of a Uganda Volunteer Project next year.

Science and Math’s teacher, Clare Scanlon, volunteered with A to Z children’s charity last year and came back with the idea of bringing a group of students this year.

“We built a house and worked in the community. We are the first school to go with A to Z, so they are sorting that out for us,” she said.

Clare described Uganda to the Gazette and explained why it will be an excellent place for student’s to volunteer in.

“It is really green and not like how you expect. It is one of the more wealthy African countries.

“There is still poverty, but there is malnutrition rather than starvation. Everything grows and there is really fertile soil, but you might only be eating potatoes or tomatoes day in day out.

You won’t starve but the life

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expectancy is 50.

“Malaria and HIV are big killers, as are other secondary illnesses. They have safe enough drinking water so the good thing about bringing students over is that they are not going to be exposed to anyone dying. It is not a famine-stricken country.

“The Ugandans are really positive people, smiling and friendly. The soil is dusty red but the kids keep uniforms spotless, and when they play games they mind that they don’t get dirt on them,” Clare says.

Principal Sharon McGrath says it is a great opportunity for students.

“There will be four teachers and they are doing all of the fundraising, and all third-years are fundraising for the final ten. The students will be in fifth year by

the time they go. They don’t know who will be picked yet so there are many students hoping to get the opportunity, but they will have to be interviewed and selected.

“They will be involved in building part of a school but also will be involved in working with the teachers as classroom assistants.

“They will go in February, 2012, and around €25,000 is needed, so there are a lot of projects going on to raise that money.

“We had a stay-awake with a local scout club where students stayed awake for 24 hours over a Friday night; they had a nonuniform day and they have gone to local businesses and got prizes to raffle,” she said.

Tickets are available for the current draw, with the top prize of an Apple iPad at the moment.

Science and Math’s teacher, Clare Scanlon

14 April 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 5

Aiming to help: Raising funds REDBARN Airsoft and Main Irish Airsoft have come together for a charity fundraising day in aid of Daniel Maher who has been battling cancer for some time now. Daniel’s family discovered a doctor in Germany who could offer treatment, so to help Daniel and his family in this emotional and financial time, the groups came together for this fantastic fundraisng event with a whole host of great prizes to be won. The event raised a fantastic €3,450.

COUNCIL: STUDY SHOWS NEED FOR TREATMENT FACILITY COMPETITION: FINALISTS

Location sought for waste water plant Q MIMI MURRAY

swords@gazettegroup.com

THE search for the best location for a waste water treatment plant (WWTP) has begun in Fingal, it was revealed at a Fingal County Council meeting this week.

Ringsend WWTP currently treats most of the greater Dublin area’s waste water, including 70% of Fingal’s.

However, it is almost at capacity.

The outcome of the Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study (GDSDS) showed that a new regional wastewater treatment plant is needed in the northern greater Dublin area.

It stated that Ringsend would also need to expand to its ultimate capacity of 2.1m, which is due for completion by 2015.

However, this will need to be augmented by 2020.

Labour Councillor Peter Coyle said the location of the WWTP was going to form the main part of the debate.

“I have spoken to experts about the placing of WWTP’s at coastal locations and it is not appropriate.

“In London, for example, they advise not to have it near the population and they have it near Heathrow.”

Scott Murphy of Swords

A Fingal County Council meeting heard that the search for a site for a waste water treatment plant has begun

Project engineer, Peter O’Reilly, said that rigorous site assessment would take place and that about six potential sites would be looked at.

He said councillors and the public would be given options but it was not a council decision as it is a strategic infrastructure development which will go to An Bord Pleanala for approval.

The issue of tertiary treatment is one that the council should take very seriously, Labour’s Ciaran Byrne said.

Engineer O’Reilly said the council could not say what

level of treatment will be put in place.

He added that tertiary treatment is very expensive and may not add to the quality of the water. He said there is a need for a single treatment plant, according to the Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA).

The overall time frame for the completion of the plant, from planning to construction, will take nine years.

Consultants have been appointed for preparation of the preliminary report and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which will take the

council up until 2013.

Site selection will take place in 2012 while the submission of the EIS to An Bord Pleanala should happen in 2013.

Jacob Tobin has been appointed as technical consultants while RPS is heading up Project Communications.

During the planning stage, it will take 24 months to complete the EIS and there will be some public consultation on sites and routes before identifying the preferred site and pipeline route.

Scott’s top skills IT was celebrations all the way at the 54th annual DIT National Skills Competition for Scott Murphy of Swords, when he was named one of the top five finalists in the Painting and Decorating category of this prestigious competition, sponsored by Crown Paints.

The awards were held in The Mansion House on April 8, following an intensive three-day event where finalists competed in 12 different skill categories, which, alongside Painting and Decorating, included aircraft maintenance, bricklaying, heavy vehicle mechanics, cookery, plumbing, restau-

rant service and sheet-metal work.

Scott was presented his award for the Painting and Decorating category by John Conroy, senior brand manager, Crown Paints.

“Crown Paints is delighted to continue supporting the National Skills Competition and the individuals who portray such an exceptional level of skill and aptitude in their chosen fields.

“We believe it is important to nurture home-grown talent and congratulate all entrants on their outstanding achievements,” Mr Conroy said.

6 SWORDS GAZETTE 14 April 2011

EVENT: KIDSZONE SWORDS

POLITICS Clare Daly’s seat is filled at meeting

Eugene Coppinger co-opted to FCC Q MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com

A large tarantula is among the many attractions at the store

A chance to see some exotic pets Q MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com

LOTS of exotic and interesting animals can be seen at Kidzone Swords this upcoming Good Friday, when they run an Easter party in conjunction with Kinsealy Pet Store.

Running from 12pm to 2pm, there will be plenty for kids to do culminating in an Easter Egg Hunt.

Eric Crowley, who runs the pet store in Kinsealy, says it will be a great day out for all the family.

“All the animals will be there. We’ll bring along snakes, meerkats, parrots, macaws, tortoises, rabbits and many more.

“We do a lot of events like this. We do an awful lot for St Joseph’s school for the blind.

We give them a lot of animals to feel and touch and anything that schools want; we bring along the animals and teach them free of charge. We do this all the time and we could be out twice a week. We do birthday parties as well,” Eric says.

The most popular animals are meerkats and chinchillas, but the kids like all of the animals. More often than not it

is the parents who are more frightened. Looking at a large tarantula, one can see why.

“My son has about 30 tarantulas in his bedroom and my wife hates them but she puts up with them for him,” Eric says.

Lots of the animals in store are the owner’s pets, including the meerkats, a toucan and parrots.

“We wouldn’t sell them.

You don’t get attached to them too much anymore but I am attached to Lucky the parrot,” he says.

Eric promises the day will be good fun and informative for kids.

“Kids can hold them and get photos. There will be a treasure hunt on the day as well, and there will be Easter eggs given to the kids when they are leaving. There’ll be spot prizes, and we are going to donate a rabbit and hutch for a colouring competition.”

Kidzone has just been refurbished and Eric says it is nice that they can help them out.

For anyone who is interested in taking part in the colouring competition, forms can be picked up in Kinsealy Pet Store or Kidzone, Swords.

THE brother of Mulhuddart Socialist councillor, Ruth Coppinger, has been co-opted to Fingal County Council in the Swords ward.

Deputy Clare Daly’s seat was filled by Eugene Coppinger at a recent county council meeting.

The Rivervalley man says he only joined the party four years ago but has always supported the Socialists and has campaigned for his sister, Ruth, for years.

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

‘It wasn’t a case of Ruth having any hand, act or part in me being co-opted, it was purely down to Clare Daly. It’s about whether you are the right person or not’ -------------------------------

Asked if he was concerned that the charge of nepotism or cronyism that might be thrown in his and his sister’s direction, he says: “I did see it on a couple of forms, nepotism in the far left. There are a lot of position changes within the party and Swords is a small branch.

“It wasn’t a case of Ruth having any hand, act or part in me being co-opted, it was purely down to Clare Daly.

It’s about whether you are the right person or not.

“Clare is a hard act to follow and I’ll try to follow in the work Clare is doing. She is still the TD and we will probably work together on a lot of things. I will be to the fore against the water charg-

Eugene Coppinger

es and things like that.

“I will be taking as hard a line and will organise meetings in the community and will leave it up to the people.

Race

“People are realising that what Joe Higgins or Clare said eight years ago was, maybe correct. It’s a race to the bottom.”

Cllr Coppinger has worked voluntarily with the Dublin Marathon for the last 20 years and coaches Clonliffe Harriers.

“I had too many hands in the fire between coaching, football and the marathon so I never really had time to get involved in politics but was always interested.

“Having said that, I canvassed for Ruth years ago when she was going up for the council elections. Other than that I would never have had dealings with Ruth.

“When Clare asked me would I put my name forward for co-option I said, ‘You are joking, aren’t you’? I thought about it and knew it would require a fair bit of commit-

ment. I knew I would have to see out this term and then put my name forward for next term, so it is an eight-year commitment. I had to think about it and drop a few things to take this on.”

W hen asked why the Socialists, he says: “Without even putting a name on the politics, when people go into hospital there is a two-tier system and there is a twotier system in schools. Once everyone gets a fair crack of the whip, and if the system is fair and equal, then it is not wrong.”

TALK TO YOUR LOCAL MARKET ADVERTISE WITH YOUR LOCAL SWORDS GAZETTE

Call your local sales person, Louise Fitzgerald now on

01 6516206 or 085 8018734

14 April 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 7

Twice as nice: Creative Day’s PreSchool wins awards at IPPA ceremony MAGARET McLoughlin, Rachel Oglesby and Thamzen Byrne, of Creative Day’s Pre-School, proudly show off their two awards they won at the IPPA awards ceremony in Kilmainham Hospital recently. The trio were delighted to win Innovation in Pre-School Practise 2011 presented by Early Childhood Ireland, and Learning Stories Award, presented by the Irish PreSchool Playgroup Association.

CITIES WEEK: MEMBERS EXPRESS CONCERN

Council delegation will travel to China Q MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com

A DELEGATION of up to five people from Fingal County Council will travel to China for the 2011 Chengdu International Sister Cities Week, it was decided at a County Council meeting this week.

A contentious vote was held among the elected members in order to decide if the delegation would go ahead, after several of the councillors expressed concern about China’s human rights record as well as the cost of the trip to the council.

A delegation from Chengdu in the Sichuan province of China was welcomed by the Mayor of Fingal, Ken Farrell to County Hall in Swords on March 21.

The delegation comprised representatives from Chengdu’s business community and local administration structure.

Chengdu, which is home

to 11 million people, is one of the most important economic, transportation and communication hubs in south west China and is at the centre of higher education and scientific research in the country.

Fingal now hopes a formal strategic partnership can take place with the city, which has several other sister cities throughout the world.

However, a serious shadow was cast over the trip by Socialist councillor, Matthew Waine, who said the delegation from Chengdu was a “who’s who of big business” and, with a serious clampdow n of pro democracy demonstrations in China, it would be remiss to attend this.

Labour councillor, Ciaran Byrne said that Cllr Waine raised some important issues and that he did not think anyone would be “casual abut the growth of democracy” but added that if Fingal decides they are not going

to do business with China, then “we wouldn’t be doing big business with half the countries in the world”.

He said he felt it would be more beneficial to develop cultural and business ties with the city.

Labour Cllr Peter Coyle questioned the cost of the trip and if it was necessary to send five delegates.

The management said the cost of accommodation and food would be covered by the Chinese but Fingal would incur the cost of flights, at a price tag of around €1,000 per flight.

Mayor of Fingal, Ken Farrell said he would not travel to China with the delegation but recommended that the five best people should be sent in order to secure employment in Fingal.

The programme for Sister Cities week centres on the three strands of education, culture and commerce.

It is expected that over 50 countries will participate/ attend the event.

8 SWORDS GAZETTE 14 April 2011

EVENT Mayor officially opens Embody and Wellness centre

Caitrina Maher and Ollie Delaney

Chloe Tobin with Mary Montgomery

Taking care of a business opening INGAL Mayor Councillor Ken Farrell (Lab) was on hand to officially open Embody College and Wellness Centre in Swords recently. The centre operates as a teaching college for all types of massage, including reflexology, aromatherapy, sports massage and infant massage. The centre is

F

Mary with Alan Farrell, and Fingal Mayor Ken Farrell

proving very popular with 40 massage students already signed up. Managing director, Mary Tobin says she hopes to have 30 people employed in the next six months to a year.

Mary says she takes on about 12 to 15 students per course so she can provide individual attention.

Kathrine Browne and Sandra Murphy

Mary Tobin poses with friends at the official opening

Mary and husband Ray

14 April 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 9

10 SWORDS GAZETTE 14 April 2011

COMMUNITY At the launch of a new Fingal awards scheme

Irish Heart Foundation’s Ciara Mealy and Dermot Desmond

Recognising those who help so much Noreen Colgan and Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Ken Farrell. Pictures: Peter Doyle

HE Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Ken Farrell, was on hand at Blanchardstown Shopping Centre recently to launch a new Fingal Managing Volunteers Award, part of the Fingal Volunteer Centre and Fingal County Council’s activities to celebrate European Year of Volunteering 2011.

Mayor Farrell was joined by several voluntary groups for the launch, providing a first-hand opportunity for locals to learn more about the invaluable works car-

T

Mayor Ken Farrell

Care Local’s Elena Arcenni and Bebhinn Hare

ried out by a wide range of volunteer groups within the community.

The award scheme is intended to acknowledge groups who, through their commitment to voluntary and community activities, have played a significant role in enhancing the quality of life of their communities across Fingal. For further information on the award scheme, and to download an application pack, please see www.fingalcoco.ie or www.volunteerfingal.ie.

Fingal Volunteer Centre’s Stuart Garland, Gynis Dunne,

Lots of people were interested

Michelle Gurdis, Louis Colley and Leah Carroll

in the scope of the event

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Elaine Johnson and Jan McLaughlin

14 April 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 14 April 2011

GazetteePets Gazett

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: DIFFERENT TYPES OF BARKING JUST A DOG’S WAY OF COMMUNICATING

Woof, why do dogs bark?

T never ceases to amaze me, the number of queries I receive concerning nuisance barking.

People often ask me: “Why does my dog bark?” The answer is straightforward and not difficult to understand – dogs bark because barking is their way of communicating.

They don’t bark to annoy you or to spite you, or just because they can – although it may appear that way if it’s driving your neighbours mad!

However, there are different types of barking, and you, as the pet parent, must familiarise yourself with them. For example:

I

The Alert

Dogs bark because barking is their way of communicating and they don’t bark to annoy you or to spite you or just because they can

This is the normal, expected barking to alert you there’s an intruder in the house. It’s perfectly natural for your dog to bark if he senses there’s a threat to his family or his territory. This is usually a loud, sharp bark and, if you hone in on this natural canine instinct with proper training, you can help your dog protect your home and your family.

Barking at other dogs

A dog down the road barks and before you know it your own pet, along with every other dog within earshot is involved in a dawn chorus.

Very annoying.

Playful, excited barking

More common in puppies who bark when playing. My own dogs bark excitedly when they know a car trip and a walk

is imminent. This type of bark normally sounds upbeat.

Nuisance barking

Then there’s the biggie – the behavioural problem or nuisance barking. This usually signals boredom, loneliness or miscommunication between owner and pet. If this type of barking is a problem, you need to recognise the triggers!

• When does it occur?

• Is the dog left alone for long periods of time?

• Is he getting enough exercise?

• Is he anxious about something he hears or sees? (neighbour has a new lawn mower and the noise is scaring him, neighbour’s child is tormenting him, etc.)

In order to address this, you will require plenty of patience and training with a specialist dog trainer for both you and your dog. This will help you understand “doggy” language, and then you can correctly express what it is you wish to communicate to your pet.

Many training techniques are based upon the dog receiving a reward for the desired action. In this case, for example, the desired action would be “stop barking”.

When your dog barks and you wish to make him stop, hold his muzzle gently or squirt him, again gently, with a child’s toy water gun filled only with clean water – this will momentarily startle him and make him stop barking.

When he stops, use the word “quiet”.

Immediately after saying “quiet” if the dog remains quiet, reward him. When he starts barking again, repeat the process. Eventually he will learn to associate “quiet” with a reward. Eventually, your dog will stop barking without the need for the water gun and only the use of the word “quiet” will be sufficient.

It sounds easy enough. I mean once you determine the cause of your dog’s excessive barking, you can try to remove any potential reasons and you can begin to control his behaviour. Also, it helps if you give your dog better things to do to prevent and distract him from nuisance barking.

Some of the things you should never do:

Never comfort, feed or pet your dog when they bark for attention or out of anxiety; this is simply rewarding his behaviour.

Never shout – this will only cause him to bark more and louder.

Never allow your dog to bark constantly outside, regardless of the reason – this is the best way to make enemies of your neighbours.

Never use a shock collar they are inhumane, painful and unkind to your dog.

Never allow your dog to become lonely or bored, and never leave him to his own devices for long periods of time.

So, it’s up to you. Develop that “barking ear”, and find out exactly what your dog is saying when he “woofs”, “howls” and “growls”.

And yes, it requires a lot of time and patience, but it’s well worth it because if you train man’s (and woman’s) best friend properly, you’re embarking on a lifetime’s investment for you and your pet.

For information log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie.

14 April 2011 GAZETTE 13

14 GAZETTE 14 April 2011

LIBRARY

Lectures for small businesses

CHARITY Lindt is unleashing their Gold Bunny Team

Hopping

Q CECILIA FOURIE

Q CECILIA FOURIE

ARE you an owner of a small business or thinking of starting one? Then head down to the Central Library in the Ilac Shopping Centre for the 2011 spring and autumn lectures.

There will be a series of six free lectures to assist new and existing small business owners and managers.

The series of lectures was announced by Dublin Libraries in association with Dublin City Enterprise Board.

The lectures are aimed at those who are contemplating self-employment. This year’s theme is Innovation for Startups.

The spring series of cecture will kick of on April 21 and the autumn series will start on September 15.

Places must be reserved.

For more information, and a complete timetable, visit www. dublincitypubliclibraries.ie or contact the Ilac Library at 01 873 3996 or email them at businesslibrary@dublincity.ie

LINDT is hopping into action again this year in aid of Temple Street. Lindt is unleashing their Gold Bunny Team for their Make Easter Sweet for Temple Street. The Gold Bunny Team will be selling small Lindt bunnies for €1 at their nationwide road shows, with every cent made going straight to Temple Street.

They will be hitting the road and heading to Blanchardstown Shopping Centre on Thursday, April 21. The trail will continue on to the Pavilion Shopping Centre on Friday, April 22, with their last stop being Dundrum Shopping Centre on Saturday, April 23.

Adding a bit of fun and games to this year, the team are selling Gold Bunny Hunt Packs for €15. The pack includes everything you need to host your very own bunny hunt. Not only will the entire €15 be donated to a good cause, but you will also be

RTE presenter Lucy Kennedy and the Golden Bunnies are helping to Make Easter Sweet for Temple Street

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

‘We are thrilled to be helping such a worthwhile cause.

The team at Temple Street do an amazing job, and the children they care for deserve the best facilities possible’ -------------------------------

Grainne Galvin, marketing manager for Lindt -------------------------------

entered into a competition to win one of two amazing family holidays to the luxurious Fota Island Resort and Fota Wildlife Park in Cork worth €1,500 each!

Thrilled

“We are thrilled to be helping such a worthwhile cause.

The team at Temple Street do an amazing job and the children they care for deserve

TURN TO OUR CLASSIFIEDS ON PAGE 26 TO FIND YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

LOCAL

TO ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

NEED A LOCAL BUILDER?

MATTERS

14 April 2011 GAZETTE 15

for their Make Easter Sweet for Temple Street

into action for kids

Lucy with Temple Street patients, five-year-old Ciara Gill from Dublin and four-year-old Anthony Iannucci from Sallynoggin

the best facilities possible.

This year we hope to raise as much money as possible for such a fantastic charity,” said Grainne Galvin, marketing manager for Lindt.

This year it is Lindt’s fourth Make Easter Sweet for Temple Street, and the Lindt committee has vowed to make this year sweeter than any other!

To celebrate the campaigns birthday they are hosting their very first Gold Bunny Hunt on Sunday, April 17 at Bewleys Hotel, in the heart of Ballsbridge.

Fun day out

This family fun day out will see Gold Bunny fans hopping from one activity to the next

with Gold Bunny Hunts, facepainting, bouncy-castle and Hamleys toy demonstrations.

If you’d like to come along just simply make a donation of €5 per person at the gate and every cent will go to Temple Street. The hunt will take place from 12–6 and no reservations are necessary.

The 2011 campaign will

focus on raising funds to build a dedicated isolation inpatient room at Temple Street.

This facility will enable children and babies with very low immune systems, or those who may be extra susceptible to infection, to be safely treated in a protective environment.

“We are delighted to be

working with the Lindt team again this year. We value their support and enthusiasm, and we would like to thank the team and those who support the Lindt Make Easter Sweet Campaign, you really are making a difference,” said Angela McNulty, special events manager, The Fundraising Office, Temple Street.

THEATRE

True story of love and loss A CAST of great actors, including Dave Duffy from Fair City, star in Spanish poet Lorca’s Blood Wedding, showing in the Project Arts Centre this April.

Set in1928 in the Spanish province of Almeria, a young bride abandons her husbandto-be on the morning of her wedding to elope with her childhood sweetheart. With the town up in arms, the young lovers are hunted down with terrifying consequences.

Directed by Ronnie McCann, this is a true story set to an original score with a cast of over 20 actors, including Derek Murphy, Liam Halley, Laura Brennan and Noella Brennan. McCann has been a successful actor and director for 20 years.

Running from April 18-30, Blood Wedding is a meaty story of love, betrayal, marriage, affairs, murder and plenty of action.

It is showing in the Project Arts Centre and tickets are €15.

Phone 01 8819613 for tickets.

16 GAZETTE 14 April 2011

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day Grape escape: Vintage win for Olive THE lucky winners of this month’s Marlay Wine Shop competition collected their prizes in the shop on the Grange Road in Rathfarnham last week.

The first prize in the competition, a case of wine worth €150, went to Sean McGovern.

Pictured here is enthusiastic Gazette reader and talented local photogrpaher, Olive Galbraith, picking up her prize, a case of wine worth €75.

Also pictured is Donal Tuomey, the owner of Marlay Wine Shop and kind sponsor of the competition. Local wine lovers should make a point of visiting Marlay Wines to see the impressive selection available.

14 April 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazetteContacts Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251

Managing Director: Liam Holland email: lholland@gazettegroup.com Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com General Manager: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

PENSIONERS

A new book for seniors HOME Instead Senior Care has just published its third annual Irish Pensioner’s Handbook, a resource for seniors, their families and caregivers.

The handbook provides practical information and advice on issues such as home care and allowances and entitlements. It also boasts a directory of older person’s organisations and other useful contacts.

Speaking about the publication of the new handbook, Ed Murphy, chief executive of Home Instead Senior Care said: “The Irish Pensioner’s Handbook is an essential resource for senior citizens in Ireland. It is a valuable and easy-to-read guide specifically designed for older people and those caring for ageing loved ones.”

To order a copy of the Irish Pensioner’s Handbook, call 1890 930 013 or download a copy on www.homeinstead.ie or stop in to any Home Instead Senior Care franchise office.

18 GAZETTE 14 April 2011

M50

MOTORING

RoadSigns Road Signs

BMW PRODUCES FASTEST PICK-UP:

BMW has produced the world’s first high-performance pick-up at its Munich-based development centre. The BMW M3 Pick-up will fire the imaginations of all motorists with its top performance matched by a keen practical bent.

The M3 pick-up packs 420bhp from the V8 engine under the bonnet.

That was enough to allow it to top 300km/hr in a race testing run.

The practical features of the BMW M3 Pick-up are impressive. It has a rear-axle load capacity of up to 450 kilos. The load bed of the BMW M3 Pickup is clad in high-grade str uctured aluminium sheeting and provides the biggest cargo capacity ever offered on a BMW M vehicle.

Ford’s new Focus is more stylish and modern with big economy improvements for the diesel models. Extras like Bluetooth add to the price, which starts at €21,325 before delivery charges.

New styling for Focus MICHAEL MORONEY took the entry-level diesel model of the new

Ford Focus into Wicklow and found the car smooth and efficient

The BMW M3 Pick-up

HE new Ford Focus takes the Focus design along an evolutionary route that’s modern and distinctive, but not too different from the past. The car’s design is sharper and more defined, giving it a more modern look on the outside.

In the day following its recent launch, I took the entry 95bhp version fitted with a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine for a drive down the Wicklow coast. It was a pleasant day and the mix of motorway driving, with the opportunity to savour the delights of the Garden County through the minor roads, provided a good test for Ford’s new entry.

Ford has boosted the power

T

SPECS: FORD FOCUS 1.6TDCI Top speed: 170km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 12.5 sec Economy: Economy 23.8 km/litre (4.2l/100km) CO2 emissions: 109g/km Road Tax Band: A (€104) Scrappage Eligible: Yes Warranty: 2 years Entry Price: €21,325

from this compact diesel engine. The output at 95bhp is now 5bhp more than the outgoing car that it replaces.

The engine torque also gets a boost and that brings with it a marginal improvement in acceleration to give a faster feeling car.

The acceleration pace of

the new Focus compares well with the competition. While the bigger engine Volkswagen Golf can outpace it from a standing start and Toyota’s smaller engine Auris diesel is marginally faster, it can still hold its own in that respectable competition.

Ford now fits a new sixspeed gearbox to this entrylevel car, up from the five speed in the previous model.

During my morning test drive, I found the sixth gear useful on the motorway areas and it helped to keep the car economical to drive.

T he overall economy emphasis for the new Focus is noticeable – this car is marginally better in km to the

litre compared with the older model. You should get an extra kilometre for every litre of diesel with this new Focus.

That puts the new Focus as among the most economical cars in its class, with a rating of 23.8 kilometres per litre (4.2l/100km on the brochure).

That’s a better performance than BMW’s 116d with EfficientDynamics, putting the new Focus at the top of the class in terms of meeting the needs for lower running costs.

Add to that a CO2 emission level of just 109g/km and you get a low €104 annual road tax cost for a car that’s modern, sure to be reliable and hold its value. The Ford Focus deal is good. At €21,325, for

the entry-level model – this is about €300 cheaper than the car that it replaces.

There’s a lot more in the deal, including little change in price. The entry-level Focus features comes with Stability Protection (ESP) with traction assist, Ford Intelligent Protection System, body colour bumpers, mirrors and spoiler for the five-door model, electric front windows, power door mirrors, remote central locking with flip key, stereo radio/CD with USB connectivity and capless refuelling.

This new Focus will sell well and hold its value well. Ford has retained the great driving feel of the Focus with even better economy.

Windsor Motors carry out stress test on prices WINDSOR Motors claims to have carried out their own stress test on new car prices and the results are now out. Their prices have passed the test and have now hit rock bottom. Prices on new cars, 2011 scrappage prices and 2010 low-mileage models have all been reduced.

Windsor is offering over €7,000

off the price of a new Qashqai Plus 2 seven-seater and over €5,000 off the price of a 2011 Nissan Tiida with scrappage.

Scheme

The scrappage scheme will finish shortly, so Windsor advises new car buyers not to miss the chance to avail

of the great scrappage discounts now available across the range.

And as scrappage is available on models within tax band A and B, it also means you will qualify for low road tax. Windsor Motors branches have car finance packages available and have very high approval rates and deal with a number of banks.

According to Windsor CEO, Gabriel Keane: “At Windsor Motors the customer is our focus and, with this stress test, we can now offer even greater savings to our customers. Our stress test proves that our prices have passed the test and I invite customers to visit our showrooms to take a look for themselves.”

14 April 2011 GAZETTE 19

M50

W

20 GAZETTE 14 April 2011

PROPERTY

ST JAMES’ WALK: APARTMENTS AND HOUSES REDUCED

Herberton residences great value for buyers Sellers should be assured their houses will sell PEOPLE who are keen to put their houses on the market but who are put off by concerns about the current environment should not be afraid to press on with their intentions, according to a new report from Lisney.

In the repor t, they state that a family house, priced correctly, will generally sell.

They report that activity in the second-hand homes market increased i n t h e l a s t we e k s o f 2010 and in the opening months of 2011 as a direct result of the sweeping changes to stamp duty rates in December’s budget, citing numerous transactions being completed and more at contract stage as a result.

“Indeed, since Christmas,” said a Lisney rep-

Sherry Fitzgerald seek new staff SHERRY FitzGerald are currently recruiting two positions in their Terenure and Dalkey branches.

They are looking for customer service/ administrative assistants to work in their busy offices.

resentative, “we have experienced an increase in the number of parties viewing proper ty and making offers.

“In some cases, we are witnessing competition amongst buyers to secure the purchase.

“This is particularly the case for realistically priced, good family homes for which there is strong demand.”

However, they also state that agreeing a sale on a property and getting contracts signed has become increasingly difficult: “Whilst we are seeing more purchasers who are in the market to purchase, lending practises by banks have not improved and, in some cases, securing credit has become even more difficult.”

The role in Terenure is for a part-time adminstrative assistant to work from 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, while the role in the Dalkey branch is a job-sharing branch administrator, five days on, five days off, working from 9am to 6pm.

For more information, contact them directly on 01 237 6316.

A NEW phase of houses and apartments has just been released for sale at Herberton at St. James’s Walk, just off South Circular Road and close to St James’s Hospital.

T he development has been meticulously planned and designed to attract discerning owner-occupiers seeking stylish, contemporary homes.

A new phase of four houses and 11 apartments has been launched onto the market at substantially reduced prices, with reductions of up to 60% per unit from peak prices.

The one bedroom apartments (485-580sq ft) are priced from €105,000 and the two-bedroom apar tments (690-800sq ft) are from €149,950. The threebedroom apartments (1,000-1,150sq ft) are from €210,000, while the threebedroom houses (1,050sq ft) are €199,950.

Herberton comprises a rich mix of uses, including residential, shopping and leisure facilities. It offers discerning homebuyers something innovative in

There are a range of properties at reduced prices on offer at Herberton

Dublin city, having all the best that a self-contained village has to offer.

Apartments have been designed and orientated to take advantage of the views across the city in many instances and generous balconies are included to maximise these superb vistas.

Many of the apartments also incorporate large glazed areas to living spaces

in order to give a sense of light and spaciousness not commonly found in similar developments.

Attention to detail has been given throughout all of the apartments where only the most modern fittings and appliances are used in the kitchen and bathroom suites. There are high standards of finish throughout with handcrafted wardrobes

and other fittings.

The joint selling agents, Hooke & MacDonald and C o l d we l l B a n ke r, h ave released for sale 15 apartments from the new show units on site.

T hey are on view by appointment with either of the joint selling agents (Coldwell Banker tel. 01-411 0012 or Hooke & MacDonald tel. 01-631 8402).

BALLYBRACK: THREE-BED LIVING FOR €258,000

Ideal choice for Park life

GU N N E R e s i d e n t i a l i s bringind to the market No 28 Davitt Park, a three-bedroom end-of-terrace home extending to 820 sq ft, presented in pristine decorative order with a bright interior.

The property boasts a large secluded wraparound garden with obvious potential to extend subject to planning permission.

The accommodation comprises entrance hall with solid oak floor, living room to the front of the house with open fireplace, and double doors to the kitchen, which features a range of floor and

wall units, tiled floor and which has double doors opening onto the large, secluded rear garden.

The bedrooms feature built-in wardrobes and television points, and the bathroom has tiled walls and floor, a Mira Elite electric shower over bath with telephone shower and a heated towel rail.

Outside the proper ty, a side access leads to the large wraparound, secluded rear garden which is mainly lawned and bordered by attractive, well-stocked flower beds.

Number 28, Davitt Park, Ballybrack

There is also a block-built, plumbed utility shed with fitted shelves that provides extra storage and a shed.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Gunne Residential on 01 280 1719.

14 April 2011 GAZETTE 21

M50

BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Sandra Dunne, general manager, energie fitness, Rathfarnham

A healthy outlook on helping clients SANDRA Dunne is the general manager of energie fitness club in Rathfarnham.

The outlet is part of Ireland’s leading fitness club group, with nine clubs in Leinster offering swimming and gym facilities and a unique “six week’s results guaranteed” programme.

The fitness chain launched in Ireland in October, 2010, bringing a wide range of health and fitness expertise gained from their experience in more than 100 clubs in Britain, Latvia, Qatar and Egypt.

Unfortunately, says Sandra, obesity is on the rise in Ireland, with recent statistics indicating that one-in-four adults are obese, and one-in-four Irish children are overweight, with obesity rates increasing by 40% in Ireland in the past 10 years.

There is no quick or easy solution.

However, she says the chain’s step-bystep six-week programme can help people to set achievable goals, and support them with in-house expertise in fitness and positive nutrition.

At energie, Sandra says staff want to empower people to transform their lives, be active, tone up, lose weight, and to try new activities, from swimming to a wide range of classes, and above all, to have fun.

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS A MUM’S HOME GIFTED OR SWAPPED Q - My widowed mother lives in a four-bed detached house valued at c.€400,000 and I live with my husband and two young daughters in a two-bed townhouse. I am an only child, and my mother has suggested we swap houses, as her home is too big for her. What are the tax and inheritance implications ? Laura - Milltown A - This depends on whether your mother wants to permanently gift you her home, or if it is just a straight swap and no legal contract is required. As regards inheritance, as a daughter, you are eligible to receive tax-free from your mother €332,084, over which you pay 25% tax – called Capital Acquisition Tax (CAT). This means, if your mum gifts you her home, either before or after she dies, you would have to pay €16,979 CAT. You would also have to pay stamp duty if the property were to be put in your name – 1% which would be another €4,000, plus legal costs. One option that could save you money would be to move into your mother’s home, letting her remain, and keeping the home in her name. When she passes on, as long as you have been living in the home with her for at least three years, and you have no other property at the time of your mum’s passing – you would have to sell the townhouse

Sandra Dunne

– your mother’s home would not be included in her estate for tax purposes. You would also have to continue living in your

She says that energie Rathfarnham teach swimming competence and water safety for both children and adults, with large swimming pools that are the perfect place to train or relax after a busy day.

She adds: “At energie fitness, we like to have fun. We foster clubs within our club

with coffee mornings, charity initiatives, members’ social evenings and, with the good weather, we’ll be bringing our club outdoors more with running and walking clubs.”

To find out more about energie fitness, whether to arrange a tour or find out about classes, see www.energiefitness.ie.

mother’s home for another six years after she passes on; otherwise, there would be a clawback. Stamp duty would still be payable at that point. Make sure you air all these issues before deciding to do anything, and take professional advice.

REDUNDANCY LUMP SUM Q – I was made redundant and have €42,000 to put on deposit. I have nothing planned at this moment, but may use the money in about six months to start my own busi-

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

A: I always thought I would be a teacher but, by the time I left secondary school, I knew I would work with sport somehow.

Q: What was your first job?

A: I did lots of caddying and babysitting as a teenager, but my first full-time job was a leisure attendant in a local swimming pool.

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: I can’t remember, but I recall being chuffed to bits!

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: I started with energie on January 4, 2011.

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: The members; they’re great, and they make the club.

Q: What part of your work-

ness. Where is the safest place for it, and best rates at the moment? Peter – Churchtown

ing day do you ‘delegate’?

A: I am lucky enough to have some great managers working with me and, if it’s their area, I generally delegate responsibility for it.

Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: Cold Play, Take That, Travis, Snow Patrol and a bit of Chicago.

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: I love watching tennis and

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Des Bishop.

golf – I was rooting for Rory (McIlroy) in the Masters.

Q: What was your last Tweet/status update?

A: That I am delighted to be

Q: What sport can you play?

A: I loved sport as a teenager and I played golf, tennis, hockey and badminton, so all of those, though I’m a bit rusty at the moment.

Q: What is your guilty music/TV or movie pleasure?

A: “Chicago” for music, “Come dine with me” for TV, and “Officer and a Gentleman” for a movie.

Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward?

A: Neither!

doing the next Niall Mellon Township Trust Build this November.

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Great food served in a lovely restaurant, in great company and accompanied by a lovely red wine.

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

A: Dame Edna; she’s hilari-

spending money frivolously?

A: Kildare Shopping Village;

A - The National Treasury Management Agency manage all the

I also love the coffee shop in Wicklow town for its fab berry scones!

are guaranteed to June of this year for any amount by the

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: At least 30, but I probably

per customer [while British and other such “deposit takers”

only wear five. I have a fetish for expensive running shoes.

ALL at least 1% better than the best bank or building society

range of State savings products, and all Irish deposit takers Eligible Liabilities Guarantee Scheme; underpinning this is the Deposit Protection Scheme, which guarantees up to €100,000 financial institutions are – generally – similarly guaranteed].

As for the best rates , all the State saving products are nearly deposit offerings. If you are prepared to wait the FULL 10 years on the National Solidarity Bond, this has the best return of all

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: Camping in Cornwall; I nearly set fire to the campsite trying to cook sausages!

– a gross 5.41% would have to be offered by a DIRT-deducting deposit taker (DIRT was recently increased to 27%, so for every €1 earned in interest, the Government takes 27c).

Outside of our State savings products, Bank of Ireland’s online 15-month fixed deposit account, at 3.58%, is the best; you still

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: New Zealand.

pay 27% DIRT on this, leaving a net 2.6134%. However, as you

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: To own and manage my

can only make six withdrawals a year to maintain this rate).

own gym.

can be facilitated on a same-day basis with both. Best of luck!

ous.

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

A: Play lots of golf and

Q: Where do you enjoy

bridge, and have some fabulous holidays.

may wish to start your own business, the best demand deposit account over €20,000 is Nationwide UK’s at 3.15% (but you Anglo Irish Bank offer 3.1% on demand – both can be accessed online, and fund transfer requests back to your bank account

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

22 GAZETTE 14 April 2011

GazetteTravel Travel FastTravel Six Nations weekend a triumph at Ice House Second year in a row as London tops poll as the city break of choice for Irish

LONDON has topped the list as the most popular overseas destination for Irish holidaymakers for the second year in a row, according to the latest Hotels.com Hotel Price Index (HPI®). The latest report shows that London was the most visited city by Irish holidaymakers in 2010, beating off stiff competition from popular cities such as New York and Barcelona.

With fares starting from as little as €28 one-way, including taxes and a free 20kg baggage allowance, bmi, British Midland International, fly up to four times daily direct from Dublin to London Heathrow so there are no excuses not to hop across the water and see what this actionpacked city has on offer for you.

The Hotels.com Hotel Price Index (HPI®) is a survey of hotel prices in major city destinations across the world.

For more information on bmi, visit www.flybmi.com or contact your local travel agent.

CORMAC CURTIS

Crystal Summer offering big discounts for the early-bird holiday bookers PLAN ahead and make sure everything is perfect for your 2011 summer holiday. Receive €50 off per person for all holidays to Austria, Germany, Italy and Slovenia when you book with Crystal Summer.

Crystal Summer offer the perfect locations to unwind and soak up some awe-inspiring scenery at picturesque lakeside locations. Whether it’s cycling through the Austrian Alps or spending long days relaxing by Lake Garda, Crystal Summer has the perfect holiday option for you.

Offer is valid for all new bookings to all resorts in Austria, Germany and Italy and selected resorts in Slovenia.

Slovenian resorts include Kranjska Gora, Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj when travelling via Salzburg.

Limited availability. Terms and conditions apply. Offer is valid for seven-night bookings with flights and accommodation for travel May or June only and is not applicable on flight or accommodation only. Offer not applicable in conjunction with any other offer.

Call Crystal Summer on 014331080, call into Crystal’s shop on Duke Street, just off Grafton Street in the centre of Dublin or contact your local travel agent.

THE STAR rating is quickly becoming a less-than-reliable gauge for deciding on a hotel.

Let’s face it, there was a time when people said: “Let’s take a break in Donegal, where can we stay?”

These days, people are far more likely to ask: “What good hotels have you heard of lately, I’d love to get away!”

The destination has become less important than the accommodation - as busy, working couples and families try to find the perfect mix of dining, comfort, ambience, activities and, perhaps most importantly, value for money.

Unfortunately, different hotels, with wildly dissimilar levels of service, can share the same star rating.

This is why people really like to know more about where they are planning to stay.

Out west, those looking for luxurious accommodation, sensational food, and a terrific spa, need look no further than the Ice House, a hotel to which star ratings really are meaningless.

After becoming one of the fastest ever entrants in to Ireland’s Blue Book, the bible of quality hotels and restaurants in Ireland, the Ice House has become a firm favourite for those taking a break from it all.

Perched on the edge of the River Moy estuary at The Quay in Ballina, Co Mayo, the Ice House is a simple and beautiful mix of crisp, clean, modern architectural devices

melded effortlessly with the original, iconic building that has stood on the site since the mid-1800s.

The hotel takes its name from its original function as a source of ice. The ice was used to preserve not only the vast amounts of fish that were caught in and exported from the area; it also provided ice for two local breweries.

Contemporary styling and historic significance aside, it is the ease and genuinely welcoming nature of the management team of Dara Cruise and Claire O’Sullivan, ably assisted by their staff, that lifts this hotel to its deserved place in not only the Blue Book, but also in the hearts of its guests.

to enjoy a spa treatment, as my wife did, leaving plenty of time for a stroll along the river before dinner.

I must admit, the bathrooms here are luxurious enough for yours truly to skip the whole spa routine – a long soak in the really deep bath in the beautifully appointed, modern bathroom for a good half an hour or so sees me right as rain.

Having said that, after a facial and a head, neck and shoulder massage at the expert hands of a therapist at the Chill Spa, my better half came back truly transformed, with stress nothing more than a distant memory.

After a little time relax-

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

‘You will want to enjoy a meal in the stunning Pier Restaurant, but not immediately following two hours of screaming at the Irish rugby team’ ------------------------------------------------------------------

I have been lucky enough to visit the Ice House on two occasions, most recently during the Six Nations’ rugby championship.

It’s important to plan a trip to the Ice House properly.

You will want to enjoy a meal in their stunning Pier Restaurant, but not immediately following two hours of screaming at the Irish rugby team on the big screen in one of the many charming pubs in Ballina.

So, if you can, get there the day before, and arrive early

ing with a little music in the incredibly comfortable Nugget suite and a quick stroll, and we were ready for dinner in the Pier Restaurant.

And what an experience the food here is.

I decided some Dunmore East crab, served with Granny Smith apple, coriander and organic leaf salad, vanilla mayonnaise and avocado cream was too good to pass up.

My good lady wife was of the opinion that a bowl of creamed celeriac and parmesan soup with sautéed lamb’s

The stunning view from the Chill

kidney, apple and balsamic was the way forward.

We were both right. Stunning starters with a very reasonably priced, and delicious, sauvignon blanc, and we were two for two.

Our mains were flawless, mine being a dish of seared rabbit loin served with fricassee of autumn mushrooms, ballotine of rabbit leg and black pudding with pommery mustard and tarragon.

A triumph of local produce that I could have taken home and married if the law only allowed it.

The other side of the beautifully laid table was in a fishy mood, and opted for panseared fillets of sea bass with curry spices, parsnip puree, shallots and red wine jus.

A divine creation that I hope to return for at some point, for a full helping.

After our meal, we set ourselves up by the bar to watch a little of the Wales v England match, and sampled some of the unusual vodkas on offer –

14 April 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 23

TravelBriefs

Irish Tour Operator Sunway accepts honour from Lanzarote Tourism Board

Spa at the Ice House, where guests can enjoy every kind of treatment imaginable for a thoroughly de-stressing experience

SPECIAL EASTER OFFERS This Easter, why not indulge yourself at the Ice House Hotel?

Enjoy Dinner for two in the Award Winning 2 AA Rosette Pier Restaurant from their Spring A La Carte Menu.

Slow down with three nights luxurious accommodation and de-stress with unlimited time in their thermal suite.

Relax over a glass of bubbles and chocolatedipped strawberries on arrival, a lazy breakfast in bed and soak up the view.

And not forgetting the Easter-themed amenities for all guests over the Easter period.

Packages available from April 22 until April 25 This offer is for two adults sharing a deluxe room and costs €320 per adult for three nights. ask the bartender when you’re there, you won’t be disappointed.

We retired to our suite for the night and enjoyed a sleep that I won’t soon forget.

Despite the fact that the rooms at the Ice House boast floor-to-ceiling, panoramic windows, the black-out curtains ensure a room as dark as

pitch until you decide it’s time to get up – bliss.

A short drive to Enniscrone Beach is a must. On certain weekends the local equestrian club sets up jumps and bring the horses to the beach at low tide.

It is a stunning setting where you can get close to the action as the local riders pitch them-

selves against each other.

After this, we enjoyed a quick bowl of the sensational seafood chowder at the Ice House before spending a day sampling the hospitality of the many charming pubs in Ballina.

For a really good local Chinese restaurant – might I recommend Love Lee’s, just ask

anyone in the town and they’ll tell you how to get there.

We put our feet up and enjoyed some of the impressive digital entertainment back in our room to finish off the night, before one more good night’s sleep, as thoughts started to drift back towards home, children, work… and planning a return trip to Ballina!

THE good friendship between the Sunway travel company and Lanzarote was celebrated recently when the Lanzarote Tourism Board and the Fariones Hotel Group paid special tribute to the tour operator for its loyalty to the island, and especially to the Puerto del Carmen area.

Sunway’s founder, Jim Furlong, and his daughter, Tanya Airey, the firm’s managing director, were present for the occasion.

Sunway was founded as a travel agency in 1966 and became a tour operator in 1992. Mr.Furlong emphasised the welcome the people of Lanzarote had given to the Irish, a welcome which has been repaid by the Irish Travel Agents Association’s selection of Lanzarote for nine consecutive years as the favourite sun destination for Irish holidaymakers.

He said he much preferred the Lanzarote of today to that of 15 or 16 years ago, citing the improvements to places like Puerto del Carmen, whose main avenue and streets have been renovated, though he remarked that some of the business premises needed a facelift to fit in with the new surroundings. He added that Lanzarote sells itself to the Irish, because it is so well-known.

The manager of the tourism council said the Irish market was very important for Lanzarote. He was hopeful of an improvement in the Irish economy following the intervention of the EU and the IMF, and said that Lanzarote would continue its joint marketing agreements with airlines and tour operators. Managing director, Tanya, said the company planned to continue its winter and summer packages this year

All ashore as 100,000 passengers on 84 cruise ships set to visit Dublin this year A TOTAL of 84 cruise ships will call to Dublin this year, bringing almost 100,000 passengers and 40,000 crew to the city.

The first cruise call to Dublin took place on, Saturday, April 9, when Boudicca, a Fred Olsen Cruise Liner, sailed in to Dublin Port.

Representatives from Dublin Tourism, the Regional Tourism Authority for Dublin, will board each cruise ship calling to Dublin this season, providing expert tourism information and advice to passengers. A dedicated cruise map, created in conjunction with Dublin Tourism partners will be distributed to cruise passengers.

Paul Hayden, acting chief executive of Dublin Tourism said: “The cruise market is a very important market to all of us involved in the tourism industry in Dublin. The influx of passengers and crew has a very real impact on retailers, visitor attractions and tours in the capital.”

24 SWORDS GAZETTE 14 April 2011

Gazette ENTERTAINMENT

1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 Dance Celebration

Irish National Youth Ballet celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Company. It promises to be a true reflection on how much this young company has grown artistically.

April 15, (12:00, 20:00) and April 16 (15:00, 20:00). Prices free to €18.

SEAMUS ENNIS CULTURAL CENTRE 01 802 0898 The Wiyos American roots music sensations, The Wiyos, made a huge impact following their BBC TV debut with Seasick Steve, filmed at The Barbican’s big Folk America extravaganza.

In 2009, they went out (by personal invitation) on a 27-date run of US baseball stadiums with Bob Dylan, and last year they wowed a capacity crowd at Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow and were then invited back over the Atlantic for Shetland Folk Festival.

Saturday, April 16 at 8:30pm. Admission: €16.

THE HELIX 01 700 7000 Back to The 80s Back to the 80s is a fun-filled musical packed with classic songs of the era that make this show burst off the stage.

Wednesday to Friday, April 13 to 15 at 8pm, 3pm Matinee, Thursday 14 Tickets: €20/Conc: €15.

Look behind you ... Perhaps Amanda Seyfried (AKA Valerie, AKA Red Riding Hood) senses a middle-aged cinema reviewer on the

The Coronas Ireland has been home to some of the most influential artists ever to grace the world stage. The Coronas are no exception and they are bringing their frantic, high-energy live show to The Helix this April. Don’t miss your opportunity to catch this intimate performance as you can be sure they are destined for the top.

Wednesday, April 20 at 8.30pm. Tickets €14.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 An Inspector Calls Sandyford Little Theatre presents this famous play written by English dramatist J B Priestley, An upper-crust English family dinner is interrupted by a police inspector who brings news that a girl known to everyone present has died in suspicious circumstances.

April 12 to 16 at 8pm. Admission: €18/€15

Boolabus Youth Theatre Boolabus Youth Theatre present an evening of one-act plays, to include new writing, devised and classical pieces.

April 19 to 21 at 8pm. Admission: €10/€5

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Spreacha 2011 Draiocht’s annual week-long international arts festival for children is guaranteed to spark all our imaginations for a full eight days in April. Spreacha shows are perfect for school groups and families with events programmed in and out of school time.

April 13 to 20. See www.draiocht.ie/spreacha/

CIVIC THEATRE 01 4627477 Noctu The subject of the soon-to-air RTE series, Dance Off, Noctu is a new departure for the Irish Dance show genre. It strives to tell the story of Irish Dance from the viewpoint of the dancer.

April 18 to 23. Check www.civictheatre.ie for times and prices.

Up and Over It As seen on the Late Late Show International Irish Dance superstars Suzanne Cleary and Peter Harding present their electro-pop inspired, alternative Irish Dance show. It’s out with the old velvet-clad, tin-whistle-blowing, diddly-idleness and in with a high-octane, multimedia leap into 2011. This is Irish Dance for the post-pop generation.

April 19 to 23. Check www.civictheatre.ie for times and prices.

The Bad Arm – Confessions of a Dodgy Irish Dancer Written and performed by Máire Clerkin, The Bad Arm – Confessions of a Dodgy Irish Dancer is an uproarious, yet poignant, one-woman play.

April 18 to 23. Check www.civictheatre.ie for times and prices.

rampage in the woods, as Kate prepares to pounce on a film that’s made her see red – and without even a full moon in sight

It’s a big howler ...

Kate thinks it’s a beastly affair, but undemanding teens will probably wolf down this Twilight-ish tale KATE CROWLEY

NORMALLY, I have a huge weakness for bad films and cliched television, finding myself glued to the television if I spy the opening credits of Murder She Wrote (where younger readers may notice my old friend, Jessica Fletcher, using a great, great, great cave-dwelling ancestor of an iPad to bash out her latest meisterwerk).

Unfortunately, this same tolerance for guilty-pleasure trash-tv does not extend to moronic movies, where, as Einstein might have put it, a mere minute can seem like a very long time indeed, relatively speaking. Quite.

And, one thing’s for sure – there weren’t no Einsteins toiling over the script to Red Riding Hood. Do I still have to review this fairytale folly? (“Yes.” – Ed.) Sigh. Okay.

Somewhere, some high-fiving Hollywood execs decided that “Twilight” + an old fairy tale = sackfuls of dosh, which is, presumably, how this tosh made it to our screens.

Gigantic-eyed Valerie

Film of the Week: Red Riding Hood (12A) 99 mins Director: Catherine Hardwicke Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, Julie Christie, Lukas Haas

OUR VERDICT: SILVER bullets! Holy water! Garlic!

What, exactly, does Kate need to finish off a string of these trite monster movies? Red Riding Hood certainly leaves her seeing red ...

(Amanda Seyfried, or “Red”, as I’m calling her from now on) lives in a typical Ye Olde Village, full of wrinkled old women (aged over 30), comely lassies, hunky suitors, oddly inappropriate traditional village dances, and strange local customs that see regular, monthly animal sacrifices to appease a nearby beast.

So far, so normal, and this wouldn’t sound so out of place in dear old Donegal, where wee Kate spent many a happy summer as a lass with Granny, sans any werewolf problems.

However, interfering with Red’s plans to go and chop some wood with Peter (Shiloh Fernandez), her parents have

bethrothed her to another.

While Red and Peter work out what they’re going to do about this, a werewolf attack sees her sister slain, and the village put on high alert, as this move by the nearby werewolf is but the prelude to other, deadlier attacks.

Jumping along a little and, after a little Rentamob action, the villagers have caught and killed a wolf. Hurrah! Their ordeal is over! Of course not.

Cue the arrival of Gary Oldm- whoops, Father Solomon (Gary Oldman, in his usual scenery-chewing mode, and never so far from his understated performance as decent Jim Gordon in the recent Batman films), who declares that The Wolf! Is! One of YOU! At this point, I admit that my attention began to drift off a little, as I started trying to weigh up Oldman’s good films versus his many, many bad ones, and (“Get on with it, Crowley.” – Ed.) Sigh.

Yes, indeedy, the big, bad werewolf is one of the villagers, but whoooo? Could it be

Grandma, out in the woods (oh, Julie Christie ...)? Peter, the woodcutter? Bobby Ewing?

There’s only one way to find out – Red better traipse off out to Grandma’s, and find out who the wolf (which she has a special connection with) is...

It’s often been argued that there are only seven basic stories to tell, whether in publishing or through cinema, yet this one seems to be derivative of only one – the aforementioned Twilight series.

Sure, there are some nice shots here and there, and even some pretty cinematography to admire – albeit in a pointlessly over-stylised way, like a 1980s French pop video.

However, a hopeless script, Oldman’s mugging and Christie’s slumming, lashings and lashings of angst, an overwrought plot and – oh, great, I’m almost finished! Yay! Folks, if you’re really interested in a time-honoured fairytale, stick with your old books.

They may be a little Grimm, but the shaggiest old tale is still worthier of your consideration than this beastly film ...

14 April 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 25

TECHNOLOGY Links to entertainingly far-fetched Tweeters

Some tweet machine favourites ADAM MAGUIRE

WHEN a potentially lethal snake went missing in New York Zoo, the cobra became known across the world almost instantly. It also got its own Twitter account.

Called @BronxZoosCobra, this account is the latest in a long line of spoofs that have appeared on Twitter.com.

This is where parody versions of people, things and even places are created t o p o ke fun and raise a few smiles.

Other examples in recent times include one that claimed to be the account of one of the trapped Chilean miners but, like the missing snake’s account, it was restricted to a short lifespan.

So, here are a few of the funniest spoof accounts that have been up and running

for some time, and that show no signs of stopping any time soon ...

@DarthVader The legendary villain from the Star Wars series is also a keen Tw i t terer, it appears.

Be it commentary on news events, information about the Empire, or even a look into Vader’s softer side, this account has plenty worth reading. @FakeAPstylebook T he Associated Press Stylebook is a well-known resource for writers looking to hone their craft.

The Fake version of it, available on Twitter amongst other places, is quite the opposite.

Some of the best writing advice includes: “Remember what happens when you assume. Frankly, you save yourself a lot of work” and “Do not be afraid to use exclamation points in your writing. They can sense fear.”

@ChuckNorris_ What would the internet be without Chuck Norris jokes?

A much more boring place, that is for sure.

So it was inevitable someone would set up a Twitter account claiming to be Chuck Norris, or at least warning you about his lethal nature.

Just in case you were in any doubt about Norris’ skills, the account assures us that he can do a wheelie on a unicycle and slam a revolving door.

Impressive.

Apple iPad 2 The long-awaited update to Apple’s game-changing tablet

is a device well worth having, though only if you do not own an iPad already.

When the iPad launched last year, it changed things.

Tablets already existed, of course, but none had the instant appeal and allure that Apple was able to offer.

Since then, a number of rival devices have come to the market, and many have been good.

However, none has been great.

The iPad 2 can be considered a baby step forward for Apple – taking that great device from last year, and making a few minor adjustments to keep it competitive.

The device now sports a slimmer, lighter body, a faster processor, and a couple of cameras.

But, beyond that, it is much the same as what came before.

However, that is far from an insult, as the original iPad really was a truly superb machine.

For anyone who has used an iPhone or an iPod Touch, this device will feel very familiar. The software is much the same, albeit on a bigger screen, and the way you interact with apps is identical.

What makes the iPad 2 so great really is its software too, which is so easy to use and logical that even a small child would feel at home with it.

The device is always-on,

so there is no need to boot it up and wait, and its intuitive design makes it easy to use for so many things, from e-mailing to watching videos or playing games.

There are plenty of apps – free and premium – that you can download, meaning you can customise the device as you like, and even replace a lot of what you currently do on a PC with it.

If you already own an iPad, you are not going to miss out on a whole lot by not getting the iPad 2, unless you really want a camera.

However, if you are thinking of getting a device like this, there is still nothing better than what Apple have to offer.

The iPad 2 is available from store. apple.com/ie, from €479 upwards.

Visit teic.ie for the latest tech news, reviews and views.

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14 April 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT Gazette SPORT

RUN FOR THE SUN: Great Ireland Run another huge success in Phoenix Park: Page 29

HOCKEY: DEFEAT IN FINAL GAME IRRELEVANT AS BOOTERSTOWN SIDE TAKE CROWN

Hermes celebrate Leinster league title WOMEN’S DIVISION 1 Hermes UCD STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

2 4

HERMES lost the battle but won the war when their exploits earlier this season were enough to see them over the line and win the Leinster women’s division one hockey league last Saturday at Belfield.

The Booterstown club fell 4-2 on Saturday to UCD, leaving them wondering if Loreto could pull off an improbable nine-goal win against Railway Union in the final game of the season.

But it did not accrue as Loreto could only move out as far as 3-0 before being reeled back in, leaving them level on points with Hermes but with an inferior goal tally.

A sleepy first half was briefly enlivened by Caitriona McGilp’s goal and Gillian Pinder’s autopass score from a five-metre free.

But the second half was rip-roaring and end-to-end.

Anna O’Flanagan banged home from close range from the second phase of a penalty corner to establish a Hermes lead.

Jenny Burke and Deirdre Duke had a gilt-edge chance

to strengthen that lead but Stella Davis did well to snuff out the two strikers closing in on her goal.

Chloe Watkins, meanwhile, clipped the outside of the post with a diving, reverse sweep after stealing the ball from Emma Gray.

The students were level f o l l ow i n g a r i g h t- w i n g attack, which McGilp swept in at the near post to register a brace against her former club.

And her side hit the front from a top move. Brenda Flannery found Emily Menzies deep on the left-wing and she did well to get a cross for the waiting Jess

Hermes’ Audrey O’Flynn, Gillian Pender and Anna O’Flanagan celebrate

McMickan on the back post to tap in.

Flannery’s straight strike made it 4 -2 while Lisa Jacob’s top reverse drew an equally high-quality save from Davis. In the end, it

proved immaterial but the second half was a joy to behold in all its carefree glory.

Loreto ended the season equal on 44 points but they will rue draws against UCD

and Old Alex late in the season, especially against the students, having led 3-0 before being pegged back when the title race was firmly in the hands of the Beaufort side.

28 SWORDS GAZETTE 14 April 2011

GazetteSport Sport Rugby

FastRugby

RUGBY: FIRST TEAM BOW OUT OF SECONDS’ CUP TILT

Seconds progress in Michael Dunne Cup SWORDS’ second XV travelled to Navan on Friday night for the first round of the provincial J4 Michael Dunne Cup and progressed to the next round, defeating their Royal County opponents, 10-6.

Swords started the first half well, with some strong running from the back row of Shane Walsh, Karl McDonagh and Wojciech Sieczkowski, which in the first 10 minutes resulted in McDonagh crashing over the line in the corner, only to be held up.

The pressure was kept on and the home side finally crossed the line when Sieczkowski hit the centre and broke the defence, before number 10 Aiden Forkan added the two points.

Forkan added another three points in the 30th minute.

The second half kicked off with a few tactical substitutions on the Navan team to strengthen their faltering scrum.

This resulted in the home side being awarded two kickable penalties in a ten-minute period, which were to be the only scores of the second half.

Swords play in the quarter final against Dundalk at home this coming weekend.

Swords call on support for sides Swords are calling on their faithful supporters to come out this weekend and next week when their teams face vital matches in respective competitions.

The first XV are in a promotion play-off against Railway Union

at Malahide on April 20, and they will be looking to reverse the outcomes of two previous promotion deciders against the same opposition.

The match kicks off at 7.30pm.

The seconds are at ALSAA this Friday against Dundalk in the Dunne Cup quarter-final.

The match kicks off at 8pm.

Swords RFC’s Larry Faifua was an influential figure in bringing his side close to turning over Newbridge’s advantage

Just a ’Bridge too far PROVINCIAL TOWNS CUP Newbridge RFC Swords RFC

28 19

swordssport@gazettegroup.com

SWORDS first XV’s trip to Newbridge last weekend ended in disappointment when they were denied progress into the quarterfinals of the Provincial Towns Seconds’ Cup, a result which ended an unbeaten run of 11 matches that started back in November.

Swords started strongly and dominated for the first 15 minutes and, after a wellworked set-play, number 8 Shane Mulligan crashed over the line bringing the score to 5-0.

T he home side upped their game then and retained almost constant possession for the rest of the half, which resulted in a 30th-minute penalty they conver ted,

thanks to the excellent kicking of their number 10.

Newbridge were awarded another penalty five minutes later due to Swords holding on to the ball in the breakdown and, again, came away with the three points.

The home side finally b r o ke t h r o u g h Swo r d s ’ defence after some great attacking rugby from their backs, and touched down in the corner for a try, which went unconverted.

Still within striking distance as half-time came around, at 11-5, Swords were well within range and set about trying to reverse the trends of the first half.

Home from home However, the second half started as the first had finished, with Newbridge dominating possession and, with 44 minutes on the clock, the

home side crossed the line again, this time converting the try.

Newbridge were tenacious in their drive to keep possession and, in the 62nd minute, added a another three points from a penalty, widening the gap between the sides and bringing the score to 21-5.

Swords counter attacked with some brilliant forward pressure that resulted in back row Larry Faifua crashing through the defence to touch down to the right of the posts in the 26th minute, which was easily converted to give Swords some momentum in the tie.

With confidence back in the side, Swords crossed the Newbridge try line again in the 30th minute when centre Ben Moriarty intercepted a loose ball to run almost the length of the pitch to touch

down under the posts, which again was converted with ease.

With two points in the difference and only ten minutes to go, the atmosphere was tense, with both teams throwing everything into the fray to try to confirm their place in the cup’s next round.

However, it was not to be for Swords, with Newbridge crossing the Swords’ line with the last play of the game, tacking on the conversion for a nine-point advantage to the home side in the final reckoning.

Swords’ next game is this coming Sunday at 3pm in a promotion play-off against Railway Union, with the venue to be Malahide’s home for what is bound to be a thrilling and tenaciously battled encounter with the southside opponents.

14 April 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 29

in association with

Great runners

FastSport

Over 11,000 runners shone in the sunshine at the 2011 SPAR Great Ireland Run last weekend with local interest at a premium in all events

OVER 11,000 people took to the tarmac for the SPAR Great Ireland Run and SPAR Junior Great Ireland Run in beautiful sunshine in the Phoenix Park last weekend.

In a carnival atmosphere, 1,000 children raced in the Junior Run over 2.5 km, which was started by Eddie

Hobbs, patron of the Jack & Jill Foundation, and Sonia O’Sullivan.

Dundrum South Dublin star Cassie Murphy won the girls’ race in a time of 10.45.

The children were followed by their adult counterparts, some 10,000 runners, joggers and walkers, who included Sean Gal-

lagher from Dragons’ Den, Evanne Ni Chuilinn from RTE Sport, former Ireland and Leinster hooker Shane Byrne (whose twin daughters ran the Junior Run) Maclean Burke from Fair City, Gillian Quinn, Lisa Fitzpatrick and many, many others.

British teenager, Charlotte Purdue, again showed her vast potential for the future when she was the runaway winner of the women’s race against much more experienced opponents.

The men’s title went to former European 5,000 metres gold-medallist, Jesus Espana of Spain, who broke clear with 1,200 metres to go. Defending champion, Martin Fagan of Ireland, was third.

The race doubles as the Athletics Ireland Irish 10k

Championships, and in that respect, there was plenty of local interest, with Joe Sweeney of DSD coming second in the Irish challenge, in a time of 30:42, and Sean Hehir of Rathfarnham AC was fifth in 31:19. Meanwhile, in the women’s race, Ava Hutchinson was third in the women’s race in a time of 34:43.

The Run is the only event in Ireland recognised by the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) at Bronze Label level. As a result of the quality of this year’s event, the organisers will be submitting an application to the IAAF for Silver Label status for the 2012 SPAR Great Ireland Run, as they believe that all the required criteria may have been achieved to upgrade from bronze.

Cassie Murphy on her way to winning the Junior Girls’ race

Jannett Keane does the hard work as Chloe enjoys the park

Catriona Lindsay Russell, from Blanchardstown

Niamh Sheridan and Lorraine Morgan celebrate their 10k

Trap and Marco help to launch penalty contest AS PART of their fundraising efforts in aid of the Irish Homeless World Cup team, the national penalty shoot-out competition, sponsored by Continental Tyres, is set to take place in AUL, Clonshaugh, and Astro Park, Greenhills Road, Tallaght on Good Friday, April 22 at 10am, and there is still time for teams to enter the Dublin leg of the competition.

At the event’s recent launch, Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni and coach Marco Tardelli urged soccer fans to get behind the venture, in which the regional winners will receive €1,000 of Umbro kit, while the overall winners will receive six tickets for the Europa Cup Final and two nights accommodation in a Dublin 4 hotel.

Details and entry forms can be obtained from wwwirishstreetleague.com, or by calling Mick Pender on 087 127 3258 or Sean Kavanagh on 087 223 8108.

Francis holding local events

NAC to be venue for Fingal Sprint

ST FRANCIS football club will holding a fundraiser in the Dean Swift, Dublin 8, on Friday, May 27 in aid of one of their former players, Terry Hillard, who died recently, at an early age.

Club members are asked to please try and support this worthy cause for one of the legends of the club.

Meanwhile, the club will host their Easter Soccer Camp from April 25 to 29 in John Hyland Park.

The camp will run from 10.30am to 2pm every day for all kids aged five to 12, and it promises to be a great week of fun with qualified coaches in a safe environment.

The cost is €50 per child.

THE National Aquatic Centre will be the venue for the sixth annual Fingal Sprint triathlon on May 15, and organiser 3D Triathlon are calling on newcomers to triathlon and local youths to participate in the event.

3D Triathlon have also been invited by Triathlon Ireland to host the 2011 Inaugural National Youth Triathlon Championships, which will take the form of three races – the Fingal Sprint (age 18 and over), 2011 National Youth Championship (age 16-19) and Fingal Junior Aquathlon (ages 8-15).

If you are interested in taking part, registration details are available at www.fingalsprint.3dtri. com

30 SWORDS GAZETTE 14 April 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Conan B on a mission: Zambia golf fundraiser FORMER Sporting Fingal star Conan Byrne has announced a golf fundraiser to help the disabled children of the poverty stricken area of Mongu.

The planned golf classic will take place on Friday, May 27, at Swords Open Golf Course, with a target of €100,000 set to fund the trip as well as provide a donation to the project.

For further information, please contact Conan (086 603 1389) or John Fallon (087-2730435).

SOCCER: CELTIC MOVE INTO LAST FOUR OF CUP COMPETITION

Eagles’ quartet picked for Irish Students’ touring side NORTH Dublin Eagles’ quarter Joe Taylor, Cian Erraught, Peter Carr and Neal O’Keeffe were included in the Irish Students’ side who played in Widnes last week in the Rugby League Regionals, with Taylor named as captain.

Ireland led at half-time of their game against NorthWest England but were unable to build on that score and eventually ended up on the wrong end of a 14 - 12 deficit, thanks to a Ross Shepard double for North-West.

After both losing their first matches, Ireland were set to face Wales. Tries from Chris McNamara, Lewis Warner, Alex James and a brace from centre Patrick Evans saw Wales stroll to a 28-0 win over Ireland. Scott Amber scored four out of his five conversion attempts.

Swords Celtic’s U-10s registered their first win against Balbriggan in their previous three meetings in the Premier Cup

Swords Rovers host FAI Summer School in August SWORDS Rovers will host an FAI Summer Soccer School from July 4 to 8 while Swords Celtic will run their camp from August 15 to 19 this year.

The camps are open to boys and girls between six and 14 years of all ability levels and experience. If you are a new player - have fun and learn the key skills. If you already play then improve your overall game and maximise your technical skills.

The camp will be run by friendly and high-quality coaches with exciting games, drills and activities to designed to test and improve skills.

For more information

on these camps, go to www.summerschools.ie.

Cluskey and McGee pick up best win of year in France SWORDS tennis player James Cluskey picked off what he called “the best doubles win of the year” as he and Castleknock man James McGee reached the quarter-finals of the France F6 Futures.

They knocked out Kenny de Scheeper and Albano Olivetti – the former with a singles ranking inside the world’s top 300.

They emerged on a 7-5, 6-4 scoreline to set up a final eight tie with another home pairing, Joffrey de Scheeper and Alexandre Penaud, at the tournament in Angers.

Swords Premier pass PREMIER UNDER-10 CUP Swords Celtic Balbriggan

3 2

swordssport@gazettegroup.com

IT WAS a case of third time lucky when Swords Celtic finally got the better of Balbriggan FC to claim a spot in the Premier Cup quarter final in Balheary Reservoir last Saturday.

Having suffered defeat against the visitors in the league, and drawing with them in the Cup over the previous two weekends, Swords finally triumphed in an exciting quarter-final replay.

The O’Neill’s Cup finalists and NSDL Premier League leaders are now just one win away from reaching

the decider, and remain on course for a unprecedented treble.

Celtic got off to a decent start against the only side to beat them this season with Reality Osucha prodding an effort just wide of the post and Cian Moore directing a header slightly off target.

Swords were on top and their dominance was finally reflected on the score board when Jamie Condon’s inswinging corner was only prevented from crossing the line by the arm of a Balbriggan defender.

Karl Stanley stepped up for the hosts and finished from 12 yards to make it 1-0.

One soon became two as Stanley doubled his, and his sides tally. The midfielder

benefited from neat Osucha and Arron Duffy play before finishing impressively.

A rout looked on the cards when, right on the stroke of half-time, Jamie Condron fired home a brilliant free kick to make it 3-0 at the turn.

Celtic continued to dominate the early exchanges in the second period and could have extended their advantage with Osucha going close.

Balbriggan, who equalised in the last minute of the first quarter final, have comeback form and possess a fighting spirit, but relied on none of the latter to get back into the tie.

Indeed a gust of wind saw an attempted Swords clear-

ance fly the wrong way and bounce awkwardly into the home net.

The visitors were spurred on by the goal and registered another, this time of their own making, to set up a tense finale, but Celtic held on and progressed to the last four of the competition.

Meanwhile, Swords’ Under-17 side registered the win of the weekend beating the Under-18 Premier league leaders in the Carlton Cup. Celtic registered an amazing 6-2 reverse over Santos 15 to progress to the semifinal of the tournament.

Elsewhere, two goals within 70 seconds of kick-off was enough to keep Swords’ Under-14s on the top of their league.

14 April 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 31

in association with

FINGALLIANS: SALUTE TO THE HEROES AND HEROINES OF 2010

Fins celebrate a superb GAA season STEPHEN FINDLATER swordssport@gazettegroup.com

FINGALLIANS toasted the 2010 season in style at their adult awards night, held in the clubhouse at Lawless Memorial Park.

Derry Murphy was honoured for his sterling work over the past four years as club chairman, and he was inducted into the Fins’ Hall of Fame for his brilliant service at the helm of the club during that time.

In a year of ground-break-

ing strides for the club’s hurlers, Mick Kennedy from that code’s fraternity, picked up the Club Person of the Year title.

The junior side went all the way through the Dublin championship and on to claim the Leinster Special Junior championship earlier this year, following a lengthy wait between the semi-final and final, to pick up their biggest title since introducing hurling to the club some years ago.

From that team, John-

Matthew Sheridan was named as Hurler of the Year while from the second string – introduced to AHL9 for 2010 – Dan Davern picked up the Junior Hurler of the Year gong.

David Killeen was named footballer of the year in a consolidatory year for the Fingallians’ AFL2 side as they look to build on a platform and feed a string of young players into the first team from two successful minor generations.

Aoife O’Reilly, a recently

named sports scholar at NUI Maynnoth, picked up the Ladies Footballer of the Year as she continues to rise through the ranks having played for the past two years in the Jackies minor side and stepped into the Fins’ senior team.

Among the other award winners were Conor Corrigan (minor footballer), Niall Fagan (inter footballer), Joe McGlynn (junior footballer), Suzie Manton (junior ladies’ footballer) and Eoin Collins (U-21 footballer).

Club Noticeboard FINGAL RAVENS SCR A P Saturday: T his weekend, April 15, 16 and 17, delivery point is Northlands Farm, an opportunity to get rid of all your household or fa r m / bu si ness unwanted scrap metal and also to recycle any unwanted clothes. For more information, call Mick Foley 086-8148464.

Good win for our Div 5 team at home on Sunday morning against Ballinteer St John’s.

Ladies’ team kept to their winning ways last Wednesday away to O’Dwyers in the league; well done all.

Next up is Templeogue Synge Street away in the cup this week.

U-12 girls had a superb win over Ballyboden St Enda’s on Sunday to retain their unbeaten run in the league. Well done, girls.

Club member sh ip for 2011 is now overdue, players will not be covered by insurance and all managers have been instructed that they are not permitted to play anyone who has not paid their membership yet.

We would like to send our sympathies to Michelle McCullagh and her family on their recent loss.

We would also like to send our sympathies to the Jordan family on the death of Helen.

2011 Provincial Predictions Forms are now out, please support, only €5 per entry, please get these back to a committee member by Saturday, April 30.

Our juvenile section are holding a table quiz on Thursday, April 21 (Holy Thursday) in the lounge of Kettle’s Hotel, please support.

ST FINIAN’S Derry Murphy receives his Hall of Fame award

Come on Down: Ravens host Northern side FINGAL Ravens recently hosted Naomh Eoin Bosco from Co Down when the Northern side travelled to Dublin to take in the match between the respective counties in the National Football League in Croke Park.

The clubs enjoyed a great day out and Fingal Ravens are looking forward to making the return trip some time in the future.

Junior ladies’ footballer of the year, Suzie Manton

THE adult hurlers play local rivals Fingallians next weekend. The Intermediate footballers lost away at St Monica’s in the league at the weekend and the second team lost out to Ballyfermot de la Salle.

Gaelic4Mothers continues every Thursday night in the Community Centre at 9pm.

New members welcome.

Come along and learn the skills of the game, get fit and meet new friends.

Our Tea Party is taking place in the Community Centre next Saturday, April 16.

This is always a great social occasion with great food and a disco to follow. Join up with a few friends and host a table.

The idea behind the tea party is that food is shared at the table. Each person brings part of the meal e.g. starter, main course or dessert. Some of our teams have parents who have come from abroad. Why not cook your national dish and bring it along? Above all, it’s a social night and only costs €10. We hope that every team will host a table, particularly the parents of the underage

teams. We would like everyone in their seats by 8.30pm.

There will be a bar and dancing after the meal. Further information available from club office.

Easter is fast approaching and that means camps. The kids love them and they are great for skills improvement.

Booking your place early really helps those planning the camps so register early if possible but come on the day in any case.

The coffee shop is now open on Thursday mornings at 10.30. It’s still open on Saturday as usual. Drop in.

Lotto: Numbers drawnwere 1, 13, 14 and 23. There was no winner of the jackpot worth €3,900.

The €50 winners were John Tierney and The Five Pups(Justin Dervin’s grandchildren).

Next week, the jackpot will be €4,100.

FINGALLIANS THE senior footballers continued their good run with a league win against St Pat’s on Saturday evening.

The U-13A hurlers drew in Cuala, and the U-13B hurlers beat Na Fianna at home. The U-16 girls added another win to make it five wins and a draw so far.

Easter Camp Dates: April 18 to 21 for kids aged four to 13 years. Application forms and further details are available on www.fingallians.ie.

Fingallians GAA club will hold an Irish conversation group in the clubhouse each Wednesday at 9pm.

All levels of Irish welcome.

No pressure, bit of fun and all free.

Allianz League Final at Croke Park, Sunday, April 24. Closing Date to order tickets is Friday, April 15 from the club bar. Prices - Stand €25, Hill 16 €15, Ch ild € 5 (C usack a nd Davin Stand only) Club golf classic: In aid of the adult ladies’ and gents’ section, will be held on May 6 at Donabate Golf Club. The tee is booked from 6.30am to 4.30pm. A timesheet will be available in the club from St Patrick’s Day at 1pm. Further details to follow.

T he club are organising fundraising clothing recycling drive, up to and including Saturday, April 19. Please donate all your clean unwanted clothes, bed linen, towels, textiles i nclud i ng shoes, ba g s, belts and soft toys. Mobile phones will be accepted but please keep separate from clothes and textiles.

No household bric-a-brac.

Bags can be dropped off on Saturdays from 10am to 12 noon, and weekdays from 7 to 9pm (club bar).

The first society golf outing will be held on April 29 in Roganstown.

The latest lotto numbers are 14, 18, 27, 31 and 36.

ALL OF YOUR SWORDS SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

HONOURS SHARED: Fingallians award stars and salute 2010 achievements: Page 31

APRIL 14, 2011

INSIDE: Local stars shine in the Great Ireland Run: P29

GazetteSPORT

Fins’ duo look to Dub ties STEPHEN FINDLATER swordssport@gazettegroup.com

F I N GA L L I A N S c o u n t y stars Paul Flynn and Amy McGuinness will be targeting significant Easter treats when their respective Dublin senior football outfits line up tilts at league glory.

Their tasks are very different, though. For the ladies, getting back into the NFL division one is the task that continues on Saturday in Ardee when the Jackies take on Cavan in the semi-final of their Division Two campaign.

Flynn, meanwhile, has rounded off a league campaign which saw him as one of very few ever-presents in Pat Gilroy’s team selection.

Indeed, in a side that has chopped and changed throughout the spring, the Fins’ star has only missed the O’Byrne Cup first-round tie against Westmeath back in darkest January in the 2011

calendar year, and he has made a significant impact on the scoring stakes, too.

In the league, he notched 1-4 while maintaining his customary ferocious workrate. Against Galway last weekend – Dublin’s sole blip from a perfect regular NFL Division One season as they drew 2-9 to 0-15 – he played an instrumental role in Alan Brogan’s goal, stealing the ball from Owen Concannon’s loose hand-pass for a fine goal.

It means he has a national final to look forward to in Sky-Blue colours on Easter weekend in Croke Park, somewhat of a rarity in recent times and one which former Dublin talisman Ciaran Whelan says has a lot of significance going into the summer months.

“Dublin have closed the gap incredibly over a short period of time and, if they could turn Cork over in a national final, it would give

them great confidence going into the championship.

“They have great confidence and momentum at the moment and you don’t want it to be a setback. You look at Mayo last year - they lost the league final to Cork and never recovered.”

For the ladies, facing Cavan on Saturday in the semi-final of the Bord Gáis Energy NFL Div 2 is a far cry from the All-Ireland winning antics of 2010.

But it will be a huge tester as Cavan are the only team to have beaten the Dubs in the league this year, so Tommy Brown’s charges will be hoping to reverse the result and book their place in the final, which is pencilled in for May 8.

McGuinness has been a huge part of that run so far, scoring 1-16 in six games to date, including a 1-3 haul against Saturday’s opposition, making her a key player.

Fingallians’ Paul Flynn in action for the Dublin footballers